Looking to earn some extra income through a side hustle but not sure where to begin? Don't fret, we've got you covered! According to the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2021 report, released by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in May 2022, approximately 16% of adults engaged in a side gig in the previous month to boost their earnings. Of those, 64% spent less than 20 hours on their side hustles during that period.
To help you get started, make money online has compiled a list of 13 legitimate ways to make money from the comfort of your own home, online, or out and about. We provide specific details for each potential side job, such as what is required to start, age requirements, and the expected timeframe for payment. While many individuals may be looking for fast cash, don't underestimate the "slow" gigs, as they may offer greater long-term financial rewards.
How to make money online?
In the gig economy, earning money online is the desirable objective that many people aim for. Whether your goal is to become a social media influencer earning six figures, or you simply want to earn some extra income through online side jobs, we have identified some feasible options for you.
1. Pick up freelance work online
You can earn money online by using platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com. These websites provide numerous opportunities for freelancers to work on diverse projects, including writing, programming, designing, marketing, data entry, and virtual assistance. If you are fluent in a second language, websites like Gengo or Blend Express can be excellent options, or you can create your own website to attract clients. It is essential to keep track of the standard rates for your type of work to ensure that you are charging a reasonable amount. To get started on Upwork, learn the necessary steps.
2. Pick up tasks on Amazon's Mechanical Turk
In spite of the prevalence of automation, certain jobs still necessitate a human touch. To fill these positions, businesses frequently utilize services like Amazon's Mechanical Turk. As a "worker" on this platform, you'll be assigned tasks that may be tedious, such as image tagging, video transcription, and receipt classification, and could take anywhere from several minutes to several hours to complete. The payment for each task is set by temporary employers or "requesters," who review the finished product before compensating you. Unfortunately, there is a possibility of scams, so it's crucial to conduct thorough research. You can avoid unsavory dealers by joining a community like the MTurk Crowd forum or the MTurk and Turker Nation subreddits. These communities, along with other "workers," can answer your queries and provide a realistic understanding of how much money you can anticipate earning. For more information on how Mechanical Turk can help you earn quick money online, continue reading.3. Test websites and app
There's an alternative method of earning money from home, and that involves utilizing platforms such as UserTesting.com. The site compensates you for sharing your thoughts on the functionality of various websites and applications, whether they performed well or poorly. To be approved, you'll need to complete a brief assessment, and your compensation will vary depending on the test you take. The exact amount that UserTesting.com pays is not publicly disclosed.
4. Take surveys for money
Earning money from home through online surveys is possible, but it's important to keep your expectations realistic. Survey websites generally don't provide significant payouts, and some of them are better suited for earning gift cards rather than cash. Popular survey platforms include Swagbucks and Survey Junkie. To determine which one is the most appropriate for your needs, you can read our analysis of survey sites.
5. Sell your wares on Etsy
Do you possess skills in woodworking, jewelry-making, embroidery, or pottery? If so, you can market your products on Etsy, the favored website for craftsmen selling a variety of home goods, artwork, and trinkets. According to Statista data, Etsy had approximately 96 million active buyers and generated over $13.5 billion in merchandise sales in 2021. To discover more about how you can earn money on Etsy, please read further.
6. Get advertising revenue from your blog or YouTube channel
Monetize your cat videos by transforming them into cash-generating content. If your YouTube videos or blog posts attract a large following, you might be able to generate revenue through advertising. Creators on YouTube must reach 1,000 subscribers before they can apply for the YouTube Partners Program. Once approved, YouTube Partners gain access to Google AdSense, a service that allows businesses to advertise around your content and pay for it. Although the service is free, there are specific criteria you must satisfy. To learn more about how you can make money on YouTube and Google AdSense, please read on.
7. Become an Instagram influencer
Businesses are utilizing Instagram influencers - individuals who have sizeable, committed followings on the social media platform - to promote their products. You can join in on the action by pursuing opportunities through a marketing platform such as Open Influence or Aspire, or by contacting the brands you wish to collaborate with directly. To learn more about how you can earn money on Instagram (and TikTok), please continue reading.
8. Monetize your Twitch channel
If you have a consistent following on Twitch, the favored platform for gamers, gaming can serve as a potential source of income from the comfort of your own home. As a broadcaster, you can receive donations from your viewers and even earn a portion of subscription and ad revenue if you attain Affiliate or Partner status. Discover additional information on how to generate income on Twitch.
9. Make money from your blog as an affiliate
As a blogger who receives a decent amount of traffic, you can earn money by joining an affiliate network. As an affiliate, you will receive payment when someone clicks through from your website to a partner site and makes a purchase. Certain bloggers earn substantial sums of money through this approach. If you'd like to learn more about affiliate marketing, as well as other methods for bloggers to make money, please read further.
10. Sell your photography
You can transform your photographs into a source of income by utilizing websites such as Fine Art America. This platform enables you to upload your pictures and sell them as prints, phone cases, T-shirts, and other merchandise. Other online marketplaces that cater to photographers include SmugMug, 500px, and PhotoShelter. While some websites may require a subscription, they often offer various features such as cloud storage, password-protected galleries, and personalized websites.
11. Sell unused gift cards
You can earn additional income by selling unused or partially utilized gift cards on websites like CardCash or GiftCash. According to these platforms, they may offer up to 92% of the card's value. In addition, CardCash allows you to exchange your card for one that you'll use. For further details on what to do with unwanted gift cards.
12. List your spare bedroom on Airbnb
Another means of earning additional income is by renting out your residence or spare bedroom on vacation rental websites. However, you must be ready to allocate funds towards cleaning and maintaining the property, replacing household items, and paying for service fees. Before commencing, carefully scrutinize your rental agreement to avoid any issues.
13. Become a dog walker or dog sitter
If you have a passion for canines, you can earn money by becoming a dog walker. Apps such as Wag and Rover provide on-demand dog walking services, enabling you to accept walks at your convenience. If you have the space (and your landlord's approval, if you are a tenant), you could also offer overnight dog boarding. However, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up for these services.