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Traditional 9-to-5 jobs are the most common and, sometimes, most secure way to generate income. However, they’re certainly not the only way in the modern era. Whether you have a phone, a tablet, or a desktop or laptop computer with an internet connection, you have a device that can help you make money online when you have the extra time.
That said, what are your options? What are some legitimate ways you can earn money online?
Whether you need to make money online fast, like only in a few hours, or want to earn money on a long-term, consistent basis, we have you covered. Let’s look at different ways you can make money online.
How to Make Money Online With Your Phone or Tablet
Your phone and tablet are almost everywhere you go. So, why shouldn’t you look for ways to use your phone to make more money? Let’s look at how others have figured out how to make money online with their mobile devices.
Take surveys
Survey sites offer a simple way to make money without all the barriers to entry that other opportunities present. To start on survey platforms, you must sign up, answer a few questions about yourself, and wait for the opportunities to roll in to help you make some extra cash.
It’s best to sign up for multiple market research companies like Survey Junkie and American Consumer Opinion Panel so that you always have online surveys you can take.
One word of caution with this idea: if you want to make money quickly, this is not for you. Surveys are best for those looking to make a small amount of money in their spare time. On average, you can earn $25-$50 a month if you dedicate yourself to completing surveys.
Test websites
Do you like new experiences and offering your opinion in return for compensation? If so, testing websites might align with your interests. Companies like UserLytics and UserTesting will pay you to take website tests where you provide feedback to help companies understand if their web layout makes sense.
Sometimes, you will need a webcam or microphone; some ask for your live verbal feedback while testing.
As with online surveys, testing websites won’t make you rich. The payout is higher, usually around $10-$20 per test, allowing you to earn $100-$200 a month.
Sell your old and unwanted items
Most people have unused household items around their house. Fortunately, you can pull out your phone to clear some space and make a quick buck in the process.
From hyperfocused apps like Bookscouter, which helps you sell books, to broad online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, you can sell almost anything online with high-quality photos, a desirable description, and a fair price.
Your earnings depend on demand and the value of the items you sell, making estimating your earnings difficult.
Play games
Are you the type to play games on your phone? If so, you can make money doing exactly this. From platforms like Swagbucks that will pay you to hit milestones to apps like Solitaire Cash that pay you to participate in cash tournaments, there are plenty of ways to make money gaming rather than spending the same amount of time not generating any income.
Your earnings vary depending on your chosen platform and how frequently you play. For some games, luck also comes into play. On average, if you are playing free games, making $10 a month is possible. If you play games where you wager your own money, you could make $50-$100 a month but also risk losing money.
Sell stock photos – Make Money Online
Phone cameras have come a long way since their inception, allowing anyone to capture stunning images on their phones. If you enjoy taking photos, you can use dedicated apps like Foap or upload pictures to platforms like Shutterstock to find buyers willing to license your photos.
It’s not guaranteed income, but it can be an activity you do alongside some of the other recommendations on this list.
Open new bank accounts
Some people take their banking promos seriously and make a couple thousand dollars annually by opening bank accounts. The amount you make will vary, but the concept is that you put the requested amount in the bank account, take your reward, and then move the money back.
Some will even do this with credit card rewards. It can be tricky, so read the terms and conditions to make sure you do everything necessary to qualify. But, given how easy bank accounts are to open, it’s not a bad way to earn extra money.
Invest your money online
If you’re not investing, you’re losing money. It’s important to save enough to have access to cash should an emergency arise. But once you hit that threshold, you should actively grow your money by investing it in the stock market.
Smartphone apps make it relatively easy, with some top options being Acorns and Stash. These are popular because you can start investing with as little as $5. Acorns even lets you round up your purchases and invest the spare change.
Unlock your phone, sell your data, and more
Many mobile device apps don’t fit into one specific category, so knowing what to look for is important. For example, some apps like Achievement will track health data and give you surveys to help you earn points that you can then cash out for.
Other smartphone apps will pay you to unlock your phone, while others will pay you to share your data. Look around the Apple or Google Play Store to see what you might find when you search for money-making apps.
How to Make Money Online With Your Computer
Mobile phones can limit what types of online platforms you can access, what programs you can download, and how to leverage both to make money online.
These limitations are why many will also turn to their laptops or desktops to expand their online money-making opportunities. If you have a computer and want to earn an income online fast or even develop passive income, here are a few ideas to help you get started.
Start an online business
If you have an idea and there’s a market for it, you can build a website or online store and begin selling those exact products or services. Whether you’re trying to do something revolutionary like make money selling memes or switch up a traditional business formula in a way that other online businesses are missing out on, it might be worth pursuing for you.
The benefit of turning a business idea into a real thing is that while it takes a lot of persistence, it opens the door to an opportunity to make serious money.
Become a freelancer or consultant
Do you have a career, or have you had a career in the past that required professional skills like coding, marketing, or something similar? Are you interested in finding potential clients and working on your own schedule?
Many leverage these professional skills and experience to make money online by becoming a freelancer or a consultant. From freelance writing and content creation to managing social media accounts or being a freelance graphic designer, you’re sure to find some services you can offer that people are willing to pay for.
Profitable online business ideas abound, so feel free to dig into the space to find your niche regardless of whether you want to do work or get into online coaching.
Become a dropshipping business
Developing an online store is appealing, but most people trying to make extra money online from home want to avoid dealing with inventory or scheduling package pickups 24/7.
This is where a dropshipping business comes in. This business model helps you earn money online by sending orders to a manufacturer that fulfills your orders. You only have to worry about setting up your storefront and marketing it. While finding the right niche takes work, it can still be lucrative if you make the right moves.
Tutor people online
As long as there are students in the world, people will need to teach them. If you have a degree and deep expertise in certain subjects, you can easily find an online platform to enlist your help as an online tutor.
These online tutoring platforms typically have stringent requirements and an established tutor base, so be prepared to sell yourself to be accepted. You could always go independent or do something a little easier, like teaching English to students abroad, if you have difficulty with platforms like Chegg.
Rent out things people are willing to pay for
Selling your things is one of many ways you can make money. If you have high-quality goods you don’t want to part with for a reduced price, you could always rent them out. The most common recommendation is renting out physical space, such as an extra room, garage, or a whole property.
However, you could also rent your car, high-end clothing, musical instruments, and more. If someone needs it, you can rent it out!
Start a print-on-demand shop
Print-on-demand shops allow you to take designs you create and apply them to products people can order. Think of it as dropshipping, except more effortless, as POD platforms like Zazzle and Redbubble help you build your store without designing and maintaining your own website.
The only downside is that you receive a small portion of the profits, which might not be too big of an issue if you sell a large number of your designs.
Become a transcriptionist
Transcription work has been a prominent side hustle for over a decade. As a transcriptionist, you listen to audio and provide platforms with transcripts that help people understand what the audio says.
Various levels of experience are required to get on different platforms; most only pay by audio hour. Alternatively, you could freelance and apply for transcription jobs on sites like Upwork, where you can find work with fewer requirements.
Provide broad support as a virtual assistant
Virtual assistants are very much in demand for busy people and entrepreneurs who don’t have time to tackle administrative tasks on their own. A virtual assistant will work with individuals and organizations and earn an online income doing things like data entry tasks, booking travel accommodations, and even answering phone calls and text messages.
Some platforms can help you, but most virtual assistants will begin by looking for online jobs and freelancing opportunities. You can even find groups on Facebook where those in need post jobs looking for virtual assistants.
Develop and sell digital products
We’ve already talked about some great online money-making ideas, like starting your e-commerce store and dropshipping, but you could always sell digital products if dealing with physical goods is too much for you. Many people make money online selling strictly digital products like online courses, e-books, printable worksheets, and similar items.
This is a somewhat active money-making idea but can help you generate passive income. You only put in the initial work and then continue to see sales. You can also sell these goods on your website or platforms like Teachable.
Start a blog or vlog
If you have a lot to say and want to make money online, start your own blog or YouTube channel. Once set up, it’s just a matter of monetizing your blog or vlog through advertising revenue, signing up for an affiliate marketing program, developing your online marketplace, and getting sponsorships. The monetization options are limitless once you get your blog or vlog going.
Consider customer service
The right customer service job will allow you to get paid to text or talk over the phone without leaving your desk. It’s simple and can be quite lucrative if you find the right opportunities and get the hours when you wouldn’t otherwise be doing anything else.
Remember that these opportunities might be less abundant due to their desirable nature, especially when working with certain companies.
Social media management
One great way to start making money is to offer social media marketing to local businesses. You manage their social media accounts to build awareness and increase sales. With more and more people on various social media platforms, this is the best way for businesses to reach potential customers. If you have the skills to create a following online, this could be an excellent way to make some income.
Hybrid Online Business Ideas With Some In-Person Interactions
While some people are looking for strictly online money-making opportunities, others don’t mind if there’s a little in-person interaction in the mix. You can do all of the ideas we’ve covered so far from the comfort of your home. The following will require you to be online, but you might have to travel out of the house occasionally.
Become a mystery shopper
You have to go shopping regularly, and you could make some extra money doing something you already need to do. Mystery shopper companies pay individuals to go into stores, take pictures, assess the quality of customer service, and see how much things cost or how easy they are to find.
It doesn’t necessarily offer consistent income, but it can be a way to earn extra cash that you can use on future shopping trips.
Take on a wide range of gigs
Gig work is the best type for those who want to hop online and make some money when it works for them. If you’re handy, you can sign up for TaskRabbit and take on tasks like moving or fixing cabinets for those who need support with things they can’t do.
If you like babysitting or dog sitting, use platforms like Care.com or Rover. Gig work offers an endless number of tasks you can take on that you can easily find online.
Flip gently used or fixable items
Flipping items isn’t for the faint of heart, but it is a way to make money online if you have an eye for it and can constantly find inventory. For example, vintage or collectible items are in demand now and can sell for a good profit if you find them cheap at yard or estate sales.
Others get more creative and find old appliances that they fix and flip. No matter what you’re interested in flipping, see if there’s a market for it and how you can begin finding these items for cheap.
Join rideshare and food delivery apps
Rideshare and food delivery apps are great ways to make money when they best suit you if you have a vehicle. Uber and Lyft are two of the most well-known rideshare apps and are great if you live in an urban area where people constantly need transportation.
Likewise, signing up for Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Instacart can help you make money online carting around food and groceries instead of people.
