If you want to become a digital nomad and travel the world, this article is going to be a great starting point. We are lucky that we live in a world where technology allows us to work from anywhere. In this article, you’ll learn how to become a digital nomad, use technology to work from anywhere, and afford to travel the world.
Digital nomads don’t live like typical 9-5 workers.
They are location-independent.
It means they have no set work schedule. They are able to travel the world, work from anywhere in the world with just an internet connection (and laptop), and enjoy more freedom in their lives.
Nowadays a lot of people dream of becoming digital nomads.
But you know what?
It seems like it’s too difficult, very expensive, and extremely complicated.
Is this true?
Well, in my opinion, yes and no.
Yes, if you don’t understand how to make money on the internet and use new technologies correctly.
No, if you know what you’re doing.
Now let me show you the path to essential knowledge and skills you need to know so you’ll be able to become a digital nomad.
I know what you are thinking now.
Digital nomad…internet business…traveling the world…
… it all sounds very exciting, but how do I start?
In this article, I’ll provide a few simple steps for you to follow and understand what your priorities should be if you want to become a digital nomad.
Let’s start from the beginning.
What Is a Digital Nomad?
A digital nomad is someone who uses telecommunications technologies to perform his or her work, and more specifically, leverage the internet to do that.
Digital nomads are people who can work from anywhere using a laptop and the internet. Sometimes they rent an apartment in a foreign country, sometimes they sleep in hotels or hostels, and sometimes they even camp in the wilderness. They don’t have an office and they can work from anywhere.
They usually travel a lot, move to another country every few months or so, and work on the go. They are not tied to one place and can travel the world a lot, work from anywhere, and live a nomadic lifestyle.
Due to the fact that this lifestyle allows you to be location independent, it is considered to be one of the most attractive lifestyles by many people.
So, what does it take to become a digital nomad?
If you want to become a digital nomad and work online while traveling the world, there are some skills you need to possess.
For example, if you want to succeed in your internet business (which is the main reason why you want to become a digital nomad), you need to be extremely good at what you are doing or provide some value for other people. You need to be really good at it, in order to provide real results for your customers.
If you want to do something that’s profitable and is useful for other people, you need to have an outstanding knowledge of your field.
The same is true if you want to become a freelancer and work independently.
You need to provide some value for other people, you need to be really good at what you are doing, and you need to bring real results.
You can’t be average in this business.
What’s next?
You need to learn how to use modern technologies.
So what are the most important ones?
There are social media platforms for building your personal brand, there are blogging platforms to create a blog and start promoting yourself, there are task management tools for managing your team of freelancers, and there are payment processing tools that you can use to receive payments.
There are many other tools out there, which can help you with every single step you take. But, these are the main ones you need to know about.
Why Has Nomadic Lifestyle Become So Popular These Days?
The nomadic lifestyle is so popular these days because of the development of information and telecommunication technologies. You can now use the internet to build a business, work from anywhere and travel the world.
It seems to be something that more and more people desire.
Digital nomadism is an extreme form of lifestyle, which became extremely popular around 2005-2007. And, it is still growing in popularity.
The main reason why they are becoming more popular is due to the fact that this lifestyle allows you to be location independent, which means that you can work from anywhere. Internet technologies enable you to do that, so a nomadic lifestyle is something more and more people desire nowadays.
We live in a world where the media and the internet provide information about what is going on in other parts of the world. You can learn about various cultures, see and hear about other countries, and see and hear about lovely destinations.
A world where the longest distance has turned into a couple of hour flight. Every destination is within reach in some way.
This has inspired people to want to go and see the locations for themselves, learn about other cultures, and meet people from different cultures. Why watch on a screen when you can go and experience it yourself?
This is why digital nomadism has become so popular.
What Type of Special Skills Do You Need to Become a Digital Nomad?
You will need a few specific skills in order to become a digital nomad or to create your online business. But what exactly?
Below are the most important skills to become a digital nomad:
- You need to be extremely good at what you do
- You need to have outstanding knowledge of your industry
- You need to know how to use most modern technologies, which are used in the digital nomad business
- You need to be able to work with people online since this is the main way you will be working as a digital nomad
- You need to know how to communicate and interact with people
- You need to understand people and marketing since this is how you will be bringing traffic to your website, promoting yourself, and selling your products or services to make money on the internet
- You need to have infinite patience, perseverance, and motivation
- You need to be able to write well
- You need to know how to sell your product or service (in order to provide real value for your customers)
- You need to have significant knowledge of technology (you need to know how to implement the tools properly)
The above-mentioned skills will enable you to provide real results for your customers and will help you in creating your online business.
Being a digital nomad is not only about traveling the world and having fun.
If you want to be a digital nomad, you need to have an outstanding knowledge of your field, you need to be extremely good at what you are doing, and you need to know how to use modern tools.
Also, if you create an online business, then you need to have a deep understanding of how the internet works, what marketing strategies really work, and how to create a product people would want to buy.
You also need to be able to work with people online and offline, you need to know how to communicate and interact with people.
What else?
These are the most important skills you need to become a digital nomad, but there are a few other skills that will come in handy.
You need to know how to use computer, you need to know what Microsoft Word is and how to use it, you need to be able to send emails and write professional emails, you need to start using social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook for your personal branding, and you need to have a basic understanding or HTML.
These skills will definitely help you out along the way.
What about education?
Education is important, of course.
But how important is it really in the digital nomad business?
In order to become a digital nomad, you don’t need to have a degree or high education. Of course, if you have a degree that is related to your business or something that interests you, then it will help out.
But, the most important thing is that you know what you are doing, that you have a good understanding of your business and industry, and that you can prove to your customers that you know what you are doing.
What about age?
Age is not important either. Of course, if you are twenty years old, then you don’t have a lot of experience. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t do it.
All these factors are not as important as you may think.
But, what is important?
The most important factor that will determine whether or not you are successful in becoming a digital nomad is your WILLINGNESS TO SUCCEED.
Most people give up just before they achieve their goals and dreams. This factor will determine whether or not you are one of them.
You should be willing to put in the necessary work, learn anything you need to learn along the way and deal with any difficulties that may come up.
How to Become a Digital Nomad?
First of all, you need to create a website and start building your online business. This is the best way to become a digital nomad. Once you have created your own online business, you can start traveling the world and working online at the same time. This is the best way someone can start living a digital nomad lifestyle.
Of course, you can still become a digital nomad without having your own website and business, but it will be much harder and more complicated.
Here’s the step-by-step process of becoming a digital nomad:
Step 1: Choose a Niche
First of all, you need to choose your niche.
What do I mean by that? A certain type of business or industry that you are interested in and would like to work with.
Why is it important?
Because, for example, if you choose the travel niche, you can travel the world and work online simply by starting your own travel blog.
Since you are interested in traveling and the travel niche, it will be much easier to create content for your blog, be motivated to work, and achieve success.
Why choose the travel niche?
First of all, this is one of the most popular niches on the internet. It’s also relatively easy to start a blog, create content, and build your brand. Since you are already interested in traveling, it will be much easier for you to work on your blog. You won’t get tired of it, bored, or simply lose interest in it.
Frankly, you can choose any niche that you feel comfortable with.
You can choose a niche that you used to work in, a niche that is related to your interests, a hobby, or a passion.
What makes a perfect niche?
- Minimal competition
- High-profit potential
- Solves a practical need
- Strong market demand
- Professionally and personally satisfying
Your niche should be on a topic that is still growing. It should be something that has been around for a while, but it should also be something that will be around even after a decade. Evergreen niches are ideal examples of this.
Step 2: Start Learning
Now that you have chosen your niche, it’s time to start learning. You should learn everything that you need to know about your industry or niche.
There are thousands of free resources on the internet.
You just have to search for them.
But, how do I learn all these things? There are so many of them.
Glad you asked!
This is where Udemy comes in.
Udemy is an online learning platform. It has thousands of free and paid courses on almost every topic you can think of.
You should definitely check it out!
It is important for you to pick your industry carefully.
Try to become an expert in that field.
If you want to create a website about blogging, then you should become a professional blogger and write about your topic. If you want to create a website or blog about cooking, then you should become an expert at cooking.
Step 3: Start Building
Now that you have learned everything about your niche, it’s time to start building your online business. Start with a blog.
Why is blogging important?
Because a blog is a great way to earn money online.
As a digital nomad, blogging is one of the most common ways to make money online. Most digital nomads start a blog to fund their travels.
Specifically, you should start a WordPress blog.
Why should you start your blog with WordPress?
It’s free and easy to use, especially for beginners. There are thousands of free templates that you can use to create your blog design. You can find a template that will perfectly complement your niche or industry.
Also, you don’t have to be a web developer or HTML expert to create a blog on WordPress. Simply follow these instructions and you will have a blog up and running in no time. Here’s a complete guide on how to set up a blog.
Of course, blogging is not the only way for you to make money online. There are hundreds of other ways that you can try.
But, having a blog gives you the ability to choose the best way for you to make money online. You can literally use thousands of different ways that other people have created just by using their blueprint.
No matter which business you choose to start online, blogging will help you directly or indirectly. That’s why having a blog is very important for you.
Apart from blogging, here are some online businesses where you can start to make money online while traveling the world.
- Affiliate marketing – selling products for a commission
- Selling ebooks
- Selling online courses
- Freelancing
- Ecommerce stores
Anyway, this is a list of online businesses that I recommend to new digital nomad entrepreneurs. In fact, any idea that generates income online can help you fund your travels. You just need to find the right blueprint.
Step 4: Grow your email list
You should start creating a mailing list as soon as possible.
A mailing list is a great way to get in touch with your customers, engage them, understand them and turn them into customers.
You can use the following email marketing tools:
- GetResponse
- Moosend
- Aweber
- Mailchimp
- Mailerlite
Once you start growing your list, you will be able to promote products more effectively and make more money online.
This is how it works…
When people visit your blog or website, they’ll have the option of joining your mailing list. You can place a call-to-action button on your post, page, sidebar, and even at the end of every blog post on your website.
When people subscribe to your list, you can send them a sequence of emails for free. For example, you can start by sending them an email about how they could travel the world and work online. Then, you can send them another email with a list of recommended travel destinations and digital nomads hotspots.
You can also send them an email about digital nomads and travel photography, digital nomads and remote meetings, etc.
Basically, you can send an email just about anything related to your niche.
In the end, you could promote a product that you created or recommend an affiliate product to earn commissions. At this point, most subscribers might be willing to buy a product that you recommend.
Step 5: Launch an info product or digital course
The next step is to start creating your own online course or digital product.
For example, if you want to become a cooking expert and create a website about cooking, you can create your own online course about it. You can teach people how to make certain dishes or how to cook in general.
You can also create an ebook and sell it on your blog. If you want to be a travel expert and write about traveling, then selling an ebook is a great way for you to start making money online. You can sell ebooks for anywhere between $10 and $100, depending on the quality of your ebook.
If you want to be a lifestyle blogger and write about eating healthy, foods, recipes, etc., then you can sell a downloadable cookbook.
The next step is to promote your product. Here is a list of places where you can promote your digital course or product.
- Email your list
- Blog/website
- Facebook groups
- Quora
- Youtube
Basically, you can promote your products and courses on any social media platform or website. The way to promote it is similar to the way you would promote any other affiliate product. You just need to find the right audience and place.
Once you start making a decent number of sales and earning profits, you will be able to travel the world really and work online.
Step 6: Build an online store
The next step is to start building an online store.
If you want to start selling physical products, then you can use Shopify or Amazon. You can also sell digital products or services.
You can start by selling ebooks, courses, apps, digital products, etc.
Basically…
If you want to start an online store with Shopify, you can do so simply by creating an account. You’ll need to add your payment method. Once you’ve done that, you can start adding products and selling your items online.
If you want to start an online store with Amazon, then you can start by creating an account and adding products that you want to sell.
You can also create an online store on your blogging site by Woocommerce. This is one of the best WordPress plugins to build an online store.
It’s free to use and to create an ecommerce store.
Woocommerce lets you create a store, add products, and sell your items online. You could start selling ebooks. You can also sell physical products by creating a standalone online store using Woocommerce.
Once you start making a decent amount of money from your online store, you can travel the world really and work from anywhere.
Step 7: Be Ready to Work Hard
Starting any new business is not easy.
It requires hard work, dedication, and consistency.
Most people fail to succeed because they give up too easily. This is the case with every other business, and internet business won’t be an exception.
Most people think it’s going to be an easy path to riches.
But that is not the case at all.
Starting a business with the mindset that it’s going to be easy will not help you. Rather, it will only disappoint you when things don’t go as planned.
Be ready to work hard in the beginning and stay consistent.
As you start making money, you can work on your business and build it to make more money. To become a digital nomad and work from anywhere, you will need to start making a decent income online. That’s the only way you can become one and travel the world really.
It takes hard work, dedication, consistency, and time to become a successful digital nomad. So, set up your mindset to work hard, stay consistent, and be ready to make plans until they actually work.
If you aren’t dedicated enough, then you won’t be able to start your own business that can allow you to travel the world really.
Step 8: Start Making Profits
You won’t be able to start making profits by just setting up a blog, writing an ebook, creating an online course, or an online store.
You’ll need to work hard and be dedicated.
You’ll need to promote your products, stay consistent, and make sure your audience is getting the best quality information or product.
Make plans and follow through with them.
The most common reason why most people fail in their online business is the lack of proper planning and research. They start something without knowing if it’s going to work or not. Don’t follow this example.
You need to plan everything from the beginning.
…
Once you have a proper plan set up, then it’s easy to follow it and remain consistent. You can start by creating an outline of all the steps you are going to have to take in order to achieve your goals.
Once you start seeing the results, I mean profits, then you can travel the world and work from anywhere in the world.
Step 9: Start traveling the world!
Now that you’ve learned everything about starting an online business, set up your mindset to be ready to work hard, and start making a decent income online, it’s time to travel the world and work from anywhere.
You now have a business that allows you to work remotely and travel the world. Now you can call yourself a digital nomad.
You can now work wherever you want.
Just take your laptop and start working from anywhere in the world! You can travel to any part of the world and stay there as long as you want.
You can work wherever you are.
Wherever there is the internet, you have a business.
Also, this means you can finally set a strict work-life schedule, and take several breaks throughout the day to visit interesting places. You can now plan your tasks and work accordingly every day, no matter where you are in the world!
And, even if you are not traveling yet, you need to keep working hard.
You can’t become a digital nomad overnight.
Even if you already have your own successful website and online business, creating a second one might take you years.
It doesn’t matter if you are making $2000/mo or $20,000/mo, you need to keep working hard and not rest.
You still have to work 12 hours a day.
Becoming a digital nomad is not the end of it all.
It is only the beginning.
You still have to work hard and make your business bigger.
So if you want to become a digital nomad and travel the world, you need to work really hard for years before you can actually live your dream.
But when you do, it’s all worth it.
Go ahead and travel the world while earning money!
Why Choose a Nomadic Lifestyle?
Many people fantasize about living a nomadic lifestyle but instead choose the traditional route and start working a 9-5 job since it is more convenient. Many people believe it is safer. Others may do it just because it is what society considers to be the appropriate thing to do.
However, if you don’t think it’s for you, you shouldn’t do it.
You should select the option that is most appropriate for you. Work hard if you want to be a singer. If you want to play professional basketball, you should practice. Make the decision and make it happen if you want to be a digital nomad.
People might think you’re insane or that it’s all in your head. But there are people who have been able to do it. It might be hard, but if you utilize the resources above and make them work for you, you can do anything you want.
It’s your life.
So don’t be afraid of doing what you want and following your dreams!
If others have made it possible, so can you.
Don’t listen to what other people say if you’re sure it’s the best decision for you. Work for it and prove them wrong.
Find others who share your goals and dreams. Enroll in courses that will support you in the process, and read books on it…
But, whatever you do, follow your dreams!
Can I Become a Digital Nomad?
Of course, you can.
When it comes to travel, there are numerous options for how to do it, how to fund it, and how long you want to spend doing it.
Some people want to do it for the rest of their lives, while others do not. Some people may only wish to take a year or two off.
This is commonly referred to as a gap year.
One alternative is to work for a few months in one location, save money, and then travel for a few months with that money. Alternatively, you may work for a few months here, then another location, and so on.
Many people are scared of doing this.
They are concerned that if they continue this for a while, they will have difficulty finding work in the future because their CV is blank.
But, you know what?
The experiences you will acquire, and the people you will meet will make every minute worth it! You never know where life is going to take you. It’s far more valuable than any lessons you might gain at home.
The good news is that more people are starting to realize it. So, you won’t have any trouble finding work. Companies are starting to see its value.
So don’t be afraid to do it just because it will leave a blank on your CV.
You don’t live for that piece of paper, right?
Final Thoughts – Now, it’s Your Turn!
Every one of us is unique, and we all have unique needs.
That’s absolutely OK.
Isn’t it boring to live in a world where everyone is the same and wants the same thing? I believe it is.
So don’t play the game.
Create your own rules and live by them!
Do what you want to do, not what others expect of you!
So, if you want to study and work, go ahead and do it. If you don’t feel it’s the right thing for you, don’t feel obligated to do it.
The most important thing is to determine what you want and set goals. Make the decision to pursue your dreams and start working towards them.
Everyone should live the life of their desires.
You should not live the life that others think is appropriate for you.
If you want to become a digital nomad, don’t get overwhelmed or discouraged if it seems difficult. You’ll get there if you’re determined.
So, just take it one step at a time and keep pushing forward!
Don’t stop because of other people and the lack of support; they won’t be there with you on your nomadic journey.
As for me, I wish you good luck!
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Leave a comment below to tell me about your goals!
