Method - 03 of Making Money Online : Online Counsellor

3. Online Counselor
Many people prefer to go online looking for counseling rather than meeting a counselor in person.
The counseling session can occur via e-mail, video conferencing, online chat or even internet phone.
They feel they can be a little more anonymous that way, and there's also the convenience of not
needing to drive anywhere which is a bonus.
If you have the skills and ability to counsel people effectively, this could be an ideal online job for you.
You don't need to have any special degree, although it would obviously give you a competitive
advantage.
People who make good counselors are usually those who are interested in psychology, self-awareness
as well as self improvement, and also have a strong desire to help others with their problems. A good
listening ear also helps.
If you're interested in becoming an online counselor, you should first check the laws in your state or
Country to determine the requirements for becoming a counselor.
In order to become an online counselor, here are some steps you can take:
● Create a website that lists your current qualifications and how you are able to help people. If you
do not have a degree or other qualifications to prescribe things to people, let them know. Many people
actually just want to pay you to listen to them so they have a safe place where they can vent their
frustrations. Just be sure not to overstep what you're legally allowed to say and do.
● Once you have a website, you can start advertising it on social networks, amongst friends, in local
newspapers and with pay-per-click marketing such as Google Adwords and Bing Ads.
Something even as simple as placing an ad in the Yellow Pages or local newspapers can be an effective
way to generate new business.
● Once you start taking new clients, you will start to build up your customer base and see repeat
appointments. When first starting out, you should start collecting testimonials from the people you
help and then put those testimonials on your website to build your credibility.
● There are numerous websites and colleges which offer online counseling courses that you can use
to enhance your skills and credibility. Here are a couple of the most popular ones:
- Blackford Centre for Counseling: They give you the tools and techniques you need to help
people as a counselor. The course is full of activities, suggestions, tips and ideas that you can instantly
use with your clients. They also explain how to set up your own counseling practice.
- The Institute of Counseling: According to their website, the course you choose will extend your
natural talents and make you a more effective counselor or career. Your interpersonal skills - like those
of listening, understanding and empathizing - will be explored and developed so that the help and
support you ultimately give will be effective.
- Online Counseling College: The Online Counseling College offers opportunities for professional
development and personal growth. All of their courses are available to first time students as well as
to experienced practitioners.
How much can I make out of being an online counselor?
Depending on your skill level and reputation, you can make anywhere from $15-$200 an hour and
upwards.
Just like real-world counseling, the salaries of online counselors can vary quite a lot depending on your
location and qualifications. If you're starting out in the field, you shouldn’t expect to be making as
much as someone who has 5-10 years of experience, who might make upwards of $100,000 annually.
If you are working independently as an online counselor, you have the power to set the prices for your
services, which means you will have at least a little more control over your income than someone
working for an organization.