These days, it’s not uncommon to feel as though you’re getting squeezed in your wallet. Making a little extra money can go a long way toward helping you boost your finances and get your budget back on track.
If you’re looking for extra cash, here are some ideas for how to make money online.
Ways to make money online
With an internet connection and a computer or mobile device, you can start making money online. Depending on the gig, you might be able to make a substantial amount, especially if what you do is in demand.
Take online surveys
There are a number of online survey websites that will pay you anywhere between 50 cents and more than $5 per survey, depending on length and complexity. Some survey websites allow you to build a cash balance and then send you the money, while others award you points, which you can then redeem for gift cards.
In addition to online surveys, it’s also possible to sign up for online focus groups. These generally pay better than online surveys, but they might be harder to get approved for. Some online survey websites include:
- Swagbucks
- Survey Junkie
- Inspired Opinions
- Inbox Dollars
- Branded Surveys
Start a blog
If you have something to say, you can start a blog and monetize it. For those who get a lot of website traffic or who have an engaged audience, it’s possible to earn money through ad or affiliate revenue, as well as from sponsored posts.
- Ad revenue comes when people pay for you to put ads on your site. These can be ads paid for upfront, or they can be ads inserted automatically on your website. For example, Google will pay you when people click on ads on your site. There are also ad servers like Media Vine that you can also use.
- Sponsored posts allow you to make money by allowing others to provide you with sponsored content or who are willing to sponsor something you write on your blog. Best practice is to mark these posts as sponsored content so your readers are aware you’re getting paid.
When starting a blog, it’s important to remember that traffic is what is likely to drive revenue, so it’s a good idea to have a marketing plan to bring in readers.
Start an online store
If you have products to sell, you can start an online store and make money that way. You can sell products that you make yourself, or you can resell items that you buy.
There are different sites you can use to set up an online store if you want help managing the catalog and payment, including:
- SquareSpace (Use promo code NJ10 for 10% off)
- Etsy
- Amazon
- Shopify
- WiX eCommerce
Start a YouTube channel
One way to make money as a content creator is by making videos on a YouTube channel. It can be difficult to grow a subscriber base, and you need to meet certain thresholds to be able to monetize your channel on YouTube. However, if you can get the required watch hours and subscribers, you could start earning from ad revenue.
Another way to make money is to get sponsors for your videos. You can get paid by others to mention their products or receive free items by reviewing them on YouTube. When you do this, you do need to make sure your content is marked as sponsored.
Become a transcriptionist
Many people need transcriptions of recordings, including both video and audio recordings. Content creators often like to have transcriptions for SEO purposes. Additionally, some professionals, like journalists, healthcare providers, lawyers and others need recordings transcribed. There are some certifications you can get to work with specific professionals.
Some of the websites that can help you find gigs as a transcriptionist include:
- TranscribeMe!
- Rev
- Scribie
- eScribers
It’s also possible to post your services on a website like Fiverr to get transcription gigs.
Test websites and apps
Some companies need testers to make sure their websites and apps work efficiently and are easy to use. It’s also possible to become a game tester. However, depending on the types of issues being looked for, you might need additional training.
In some cases, you might try using the website or app and then fill out a questionnaire or make a report. In other cases, you might need a headset and webcam, and you might need to be online with someone else as you test.
You can get started with website and app testing by visiting the following sites:
- UserTesting
- UTest
- UserPeek
- TryMyUI
- Validity
- TestBirds
Become a virtual assistant
If you’re organized and can potentially keep others on track, you might be able to work as a virtual assistant (VA). A virtual assistant does various tasks on behalf of others. Depending on the needs of the employer, it might include managing appointments, answering emails, doing research or making travel arrangements.
It’s possible to find work as a VA by looking on job boards or by signing up for a website like Fiverr or Upwork. Depending on your qualifications and vetting, you might also be able to find work through websites like Wishup, which will also provide training.
Invest
Investing is a slower way to start making money online, but it can potentially provide long-term benefits. Some people choose to invest in dividend-paying stocks or funds. As you buy more shares, your payouts will grow. Additionally, there’s the potential for capital appreciation. You can use apps and websites like Schwab, Acorns, Betterment or Fidelity to get started.
It’s important to note that most investing is considered a long-term way to make money, and you likely won’t see fast results. Additionally, investing comes with a risk of loss, so you might not make money.
Sell the stuff you have
Chances are, you have some clutter taking up room in your home. Go through your basement and attic and identify items you no longer use. Your closets and cabinets might also include plenty of unused items. You can sell those items online using websites like eBay, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
You can also look into websites and apps for specialized items. For example, Poshmark and thredUP take gently used clothes and accessories. You can use Decluttr to get rid of electronics and old DVDs.
Make money with affiliate marketing
Affiliate revenue is when you get a cut of sales made through a special link or code on your website. With these relationships, you get a portion of what people spend. You can sign up for affiliate programs through websites like Amazon, Commission Junction and Impact.
You can use these links on your website or blog or post them on social media. Best practice is to identify when you expect to get a cut of a sale through an affiliate link.
Tutor someone
If you have strong knowledge of certain areas, you could potentially make money by tutoring others. You can help them learn different skills or help them learn how to pass tests. There are also openings for people to help others learn languages, including providing practice for those who want to learn English.
Some websites that offer access to online or remote tutoring jobs include:
- Tutor.com
- Preply
- Amplify Education
- ArborBridge
- Pearson
- Palfish
- Cambly
Set up an online course
With specialized knowledge, you might be able to create an online course that you can sell to others. There are a number of websites like Kajabi, Thinkific and SamCart that can help you put together courses and manage payment. However, these often require a fee to use. It’s also possible to use a website like Gumroad, which will take a percentage of sales but won’t charge upfront costs.
Upload music to Spotify
For those who are musically inclined, it’s possible to upload your music to Spotify and receive recurring revenue when others listen to it. You can encourage friends and family to add your music to playlists and share the information on social media.
Become a life coach
Do you have insight that others could use to live a better life? If so, becoming a life coach might make sense for you. You can guide others through exercises to help them create their own path to fulfill. Additionally, it’s possible to coach in other ways, such as becoming a travel coach or financial coach.
Before coaching, though, it might make sense to look into learning some basics. There are some reputable places that can provide you with coaching certification courses. Certification isn’t necessary unless you expect to coach using a particular program.
If you aren’t associated with a specific program, you might need to market your services online through a website or on social media.
Become a freelance proofreader or editor
For those who like to read and have a good eye for detail, becoming a freelance proofreader can provide you with a way to earn money online. You’ll check for basic mistakes and suggest potential changes. Additionally, in some cases, you might provide development advice for stories and characters.
You can put your services on a site like Upwork or Fiverr. Other websites like FlexJobs and Scribendi can also help you connect with those who need some proofreading or editing done.
Become a writer
Writers can also make money online. Freelance writers provide content to others for publication on a website. Writers might also be able to ghostwrite books and other materials for others.
Copywriters specialize in writing sales copy for websites and emails or other marketing materials for companies. Different types of writing, from whitepapers to blogging, can provide a way for writers to make money online.
Websites where you can look for writing jobs include:
- Media Bistro
- JournalismJobs.com
- Problogger Job Board
- Contently
- Constant Content
- WriterAccess
- SolidGigs
- Fiverr
- Upwork
Depending on the job board, you might have to pay a small fee for access. Another resource is LinkedIn, which lists freelance writing and remote writing jobs.
Try drop-shipping
Drop-shipping is a process by which you sell items in your online store, but others fulfill the orders. One example of a drop-shipping website with a catalog to choose from is Spocket. SaleHoo and DropshipMe are other examples.
You can also include print-on-demand in drop-shipping, where you provide the designs for products like t-shirts and mugs, and when others visit the storefront, a third party handles the fulfillment. For example, you can use Printify, Cafe Press and Red Bubble to create on-demand products that you don’t need to fulfill physically.
Turn your interests into a podcast that pays
If you have a turn for audio, a podcast can be one way to make money. Talk about something interesting to you and build a following. Once you do that, you might be able to find sponsors for your podcast, allowing you to monetize it.
You can also monetize your podcast through a membership site, like Memberful, or you can encourage people to join your Patreon and subscribe to special behind-the-scenes extras to help support your podcast.
Depending on your podcast, you might also be able to get it into a network, like one offered on Spotify, where you can get a portion of ad revenue when you let them insert ads into your podcast episodes.
Create how-to videos
Creating tutorials can be a way to earn money as well. You can post them on YouTube or on a site like ShareSkill to earn money. In fact, if you’re a member of ShareSkill, you can use it to post video courses and how-tos and earn a portion of revenue.
Sell your photos
There are websites that will help you sell your photos for use by publishers. You can provide royalty-fee images that people pay for each time they download. Some places where you can list your photos include:
- Shutterstock
- iStock Photo
- Stocksy
- SmugMug Pro
- Alamy
- 500px
- Foap
You can also use sites like Printify and Fotomoto to help you sell your photos for use in different areas, plus printing them on merchandise.
Become a Twitch streamer
If you game a lot or enjoy live streaming, getting on Twitch can provide you with a source of income. You need to be relatively consistent to build a following and encourage people to watch you. However, when people subscribe to your channel and take other actions, it’s possible for you to earn a bit of money.
Sell your wares on Etsy
Another option if you’re crafty, is to sell on Etsy. In Etsy, you have a platform where people search for unique and handmade goods, and they handle the payment and can help with marketing. Etsy will take a percentage of the sale, but it might be worth it for the visibility and access to customers they provide. Just make sure you stay on top of things so you grow your reputation for quality and efficiency with your fan base!
List your spare bedroom on Airbnb
If you have a spare room, you can list it on Airbnb. You can have people stay for as little as a night or as long as a month (or more) and receive payment. Airbnb handles payment and booking items. All you have to do is prepare to host.
Side jobs you can do with online or app access
Even if you aren’t online all the time, you can still use the internet to find side gigs that will make you money. Here are a few side jobs you can do with online or app access.
- Drive for Uber and Lyft: If you meet the requirements, you can sign up to give others rides around town. You need a good driving record and your car must meet certain specs, but it can be a way to make money through an app.
- Make deliveries: Various apps hire gig workers to make deliveries. This includes apps like Uber Eats, Shipt and DoorDash Driver. Additionally, you can sign up with Amazon to deliver packages.
- Find work as a housesitter: Websites like MindMyHouse and TrustedHousesitters can connect you with people who want someone to watch their homes while they’re away. This can be a way to travel less expensively, live rent-free and potentially make money on the side.
- Sign up for TaskRabbit: Connect with people who need small tasks done. These can be online tasks, like research, or it can be real-life tasks like picking up the dry cleaning. You help others outsource their tasks while making money.
- Rent out your car: If you aren’t using your car, you can use an app like Turo to rent it out. Others will pay to use your car as a rental while they’re in town, and you can benefit from not letting your car just sit there.
- Get a petsitting gig: Animal lovers can make money by taking care of others’ pets. An app like Rover connects you with those who need pet sitters and dog walkers.
Watch out for making money scams
If you decide to learn how to make money online, it’s important to watch out for scams. While there are plenty of legitimate ways to earn money using the internet, you don’t want to end up getting taken advantage of. Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- You have to pay huge upfront fees to get a “job.”
- It’s difficult to find online reviews for the program.
- High-pressure tactics to get you to join immediately.
- Insistence that this is a one-time offer.
- Promises of easy work for a lot of money.
When starting to make money online, you generally need to put in a lot of time and effort to get things going. Additionally, remember that you will need to pay taxes. You won’t be getting a W-2, so you’ll need to pay self-employment tax. A preparer like H&R Block might be able to help you figure out which expenses are tax-deductible and how you can save some money on your taxes.
Source: How To Make Money Online: 29 Ways To Make Money From Home
