The #1 problem in my opinion with clubs and bars is that they are often so loud you can't hear yourself think, let alone talk and get to know someone.
And success with "the girls" or "the ladies" is not about throwing out a line and being lucky enough to get a bite and taking home your shiny new catch. It's about actually establishing a connection, attraction, and for heaven's sakes TRUST with a human being that you just met, who has every reason to be apprehensive about the intentions of men in bars.
The only guys who do well in your typical bar or club, have got to be the ones who are just so damn good looking or can dance really well, that they don't even have to talk to be attractive. I'll assume that's not you, OP. But it's ok because it's not MOST PEOPLE either.
I strongly suggest:
1. Go to places that feature an activity you are interested in and good at. This allows you to relax and be confident and comfortable. Even sci fi conventions are full of hot women these days. No excuses. No money? Then how are you going to bars? Also, do you drink much? That's not attractive.
2. Always wear something that someone could comment on or compliment you on. Some little item of interest. If you look completely unremarkable, how does a woman start a conversation with you, if they want to? And how do you start one with a woman? Look for something to comment or compliment on! I've even said, "That shade of blue is great on you. Really lovely with your skin tone." Of course you have to be able to say such things while sounding natural and not like an awkward nervous desperate wreck.
3. Do you know what creepy is? Some men think it means when an unattractive man approaches a woman. That's not true. It's when a woman gives signs and signals that she isn't interested, but the man doesn't take those signs and he persists. It's astonishing to me how hard some people have it when reading those signs. Can you honestly tell me that you've never been in a situation where you'd rather not talk to someone, but they just kept talking? How did you feel? What kind of "leave me alone" vibe did you throw off?
I can only assume, that the men who don't read those nonverbals, are simply being either oblivious and self centered, or else they have no idea how to interact with humans because they live on the internet, or maybe they're just so busy staring at boobs that they can't imagine how to treat a woman like PEOPLE.
I don't personally recommend online dating necessarily. Yeah, I know...it works...for some, and it's kind of how it's done these days. Sure. Fine. And I did it for a little bit, too. But in my opinion, getting into a community and getting to know people and starting a relationship from a position of some acquaintance, trust, and common ground...it's really nice.
OP, you never told us. Were you hoping to just get laid, or to find a relationship? Either is valid....so long as you're being honest about it. If you're just trying to get laid though, online might be better. Some women are, in fact, just wanting the same.