Marketable Online Skills: Useful Knowledge to Help You Make Money Online

Just like when you start looking for a traditional job, trying your hand at online jobs will require marketable skills of some kind. Some opportunities only require the minimal skills of typing and other minimal computer knowledge. However, the more marketable skills you have, the more opportunities will be available to you. But it can be intimidating to figure out which skills are most in demand. Here is a quick list of the five skills you should learn that will instantly increase your marketability online.

1) Microsoft Office Suite: Learning the ins and outs of Microsoft Office can make you instantly more marketable. Whether you want a regular desk job or a job online, knowing your way around "the Office" will make you more productive in general and more valuable to your employers. If you can afford it, you might want to consider being certified in your Microsoft Office skills, but it is not typically necessary.

2) HTML: Not many people are highly motivated to learn programming languages, but that is why html is so valuable. Not only is it extremely useful, but people are willing to pay you to do the work that they are too lazy to do themselves. With a little bit of practice and consistent use, you will be marking up a storm with very little effort. (Click here for my favorite FREE resource for learning html.)

3) MySQL: Currently the world's most popular (free) open source database, MySQL is an essential skill for webmasters. However, lazy webmasters will pay others to do the work for them! This is where you come in. Learn it and you could be getting paid quite a bit for this skill!

4) Search Engine Optimization: SEO is necessary for delivering quality, consistent traffic to sites. Even if all you want to do is write articles, knowledge of SEO will increase your earning potential above the average writer. Just like the internet addage says, Content is King, and SEO is the reason why!

5) Social Networking: While this may not seem like an obvious marketable skill, it is invaluable in today's growing Web 2.0 environment. Understanding how to network without infringing on privacy rights or crossing the spam line is a vital part of marketing in todays world. It will take you far in online industry and maximize your profits.

Whether you want to support yourself by working from home online or you just want to add an online stream of income to supplement your day job, these skills will help you in achieving your goal.