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The thought of living paycheck to paycheck keeps you up at night.
Now you’re searching the web for how to make money online with the hopes of stumbling upon money-making gigs that can help you reach your financial goals faster.
The problem is that making money online isn’t as easy as it sounds. If it was, wouldn’t everyone be financially set?
Although the internet has opened the door for hundreds of business opportunities, it can leave many paralyzed. Do you complete surveys or start a dropshipping business?
And when you find a money-making opportunity, how do you start?
After spending years searching for this answer, I’ve learned a thing or two. Below you will find quality ways to make money online. Whether you’re looking to earn money online part-time or go all-in, there’s a strategy for you.
Let’s dive in.
1. Freelance
If you have a talent, freelancing is a great way to monetize it.
Popular options for freelancers include freelance writing, web design, or bookkeeping. If you’re stuck in a rut and can’t figure out what skills you can market yourself with, check out places like Fiverr and see what other people are offering.
Here’s a screenshot of a gig I found within a minute after typing “logo” on Fiverr. If you have a knack for good design or are handy with Canva, this may be a potential gig for you.
One thing to keep in mind: Don’t overthink this. In the past, I’d spend countless hours brainstorming the best ways to make money online. You aren’t trying to solve our energy crisis.
Seriously though, the best way to start making money is to start. However, if you’re still having a hard time, it’s time to move on to another strategy to make money online.
2. Flip Items
This is #2 on the list for a reason. You can get started after reading this post.
OK, maybe you’ll have to wait till the weekend to find a few garage sales, but it’s still faster than most strategies mentioned in this article.
Flipping isn’t straightforward at first, so it’s best to stick to items you’re familiar with or curious about. For example, if you collect magazines, it’ll be easier for you to find items you can flip at garage sales.
Although you have to physically show up at garage sales or thrift stores, you can flip your items online on sites like eBay.
Still confused about how to start?
Look around your house for unused electronics, apparel, or books, and list these for sale online.
3. Blog
In the early 2000s, blogging was the “cool” thing.
Although blogging is now a saturated market, you can still make money if you have the patience. Most people, including my past self, think blogging is an easy way to build passive income.
“Passive income” seems to be a phrase many online “gurus” love to throw around. While I’m not bashing passive income, blogging is anything but passive—at least during the early stages.
The few bloggers you may have heard of building a six-figure blog in a few months aren’t the norm.
It’s not all bad news. If you treat blogging like a business, you’re already ahead of most bloggers who want to make a quick buck.
Start by choosing a niche or topic that interests you. Then, aim to create content consistently, and eventually, your traffic will go up.
Once you have enough traffic, you can make money through affiliate marketing or advertising or from your subscribers.
4. YouTube
If you’re great on camera or curious to try making videos, YouTube is a great option.
Similar to blogging, consistency is key. Shooting quality videos doesn’t need to cost you an arm and a leg.
If you own a smartphone, this can be enough for your first hundred or so videos. Although video is something I have yet to experiment with, I will most likely try this in the near future.
The best part? You don’t need to purchase a course to learn how to succeed on YouTube.
5. TikTok
TikTok is the same as YouTube, right?
Wrong.
Although TikTok falls in the video category like YouTube, I decided to include this as a separate category for several reasons.
For one, it’s easier to start. Additionally, on TikTok, you create short-form video content.
This doesn’t mean your videos will be lower quality. Nowadays, many TikTok creators create all types of engaging videos—either ones they’ve cropped from their YouTube channel or ones created with TikTok in mind.
As of 2023, TikTok is where there’s undervalued attention, according to Gary Vaynerchuk. What this means for you as a content creator is that your odds of creating a viral video are currently higher.
With TikTok, you can whip out your phone and, with some decent lighting, start creating content. Do this consistently multiple times per day, and you’ll eventually be on your way to growing your followers and income.
6. Podcast
Maybe you’re not ready to go on video, but you enjoy talking or interviewing others.
If so, podcasting is a great option for you to make money online. Don’t let the tech or equipment stop you from starting today.
Like most of these side hustles, you can start podcasting with your smartphone. Apps like Anchor make it easy to start recording today.
“But what if I don’t like the sound of my voice?”
I get it. Anything new will be painful at first, but eventually, you’ll get the hang of things.
I didn’t enjoy listening to myself during my first few podcast episodes, but eventually, you’ll get better.
First, decide if you’ll record solo, bring on guests, or do a mix of both for your podcast.
If you need ideas on where to find guests, try reaching out to people on Linkedin. The worst thing they can say is no.
I’ve found that out of every 10 people you reach out to, one will say yes. It’s a numbers game.
7. Sell on Etsy
Are you crafty or curious about selling things online?
Etsy allows you to sell digital or physical items online. From calendar graphics to homemade candles, the opportunities are endless.
Honestly, Etsy is a great way to start selling online in your spare time without having to spend money or build a website. As an entrepreneur, you want to test your idea as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
Etsy charges you a fee to operate your store, but it’s still significantly cheaper than starting your own website. The best part is you’ll have access to an existing audience.
You’ll have to learn a bit about SEO and creating engaging images for your products, but in due time, you’ll be on your way to making your site profitable.
8. Virtual Assistant
If you enjoy doing a variety of tasks, being a virtual assistant is a great role to take.
Often, you’ll work with entrepreneurs who need help with various tasks. You can leverage this as an opportunity to learn skills you can one day use for your online business if this is the route you plan to take.
Places like Upwork and Fiverr are some of the best places to start. To stand out, you may want to create a basic website.
Open different social accounts and create content to attract potential clients. Hopefully, you’re starting to see why blogging, podcasting, and video are important skills.
9. Influencer
Celebrities aren’t the only influencers nowadays.
Like all the money-making strategies covered so far, becoming an influencer doesn’t happen overnight.
Similar to blogging, podcasting, and YouTube, it takes consistency. Think of it this way: Do you trust your coworkers on the first day of a new job?
Odds are that even the most friendly person will take some time to warm up to. It’s human instinct.
Record videos, write blog content, or record podcast episodes consistently. Track your progress and improve along the way.
You don’t necessarily have to be the biggest influencer in your space to make a decent living. Focus on creating quality content and building a strong fan base. Before you know it, people will come to admire you for the content you create.
10. Build Websites
Some people are naturally “techy” or enjoy building websites.
If this is you, this is the best time to be alive because almost everyone who’s online needs a website.
Your best bet will be targeting business owners who are more established and have a higher budget. Use sites like Linkedin to find your ideal client and reach out to them on this platform or via email.
If you’re not the best writer, use ChatGPT to generate a well-thought-out message, and use this as a template when you reach out.
Upwork and Fiverr also work great for some, so it’s a matter of experimenting with what works for you. However, like most side hustles mentioned here, creating content will be vital to stand out from your competition.
After doing the basics, such as building a portfolio of websites that showcase your skills, create a YouTube channel or podcast showing off your expertise. Do this consistently, and eventually, people will reach out to you for help.
11. Twitch
Similar to YouTube, you’ll need to create content consistently to build a loyal audience.
Get familiar with Twitch, determine what type of content you’ll create, and get to work.
How much money can you make?
If you’re just starting, not much, but successful streamers can make anywhere from $100–$5000 per month.
12. Publish an E-book
If you have a way with words, publishing an e-book may be a great option for you to make money online.
You no longer have to wait for a publisher to distribute your books. Sites like Amazon allow you to publish your book for an existing audience.
Writing your e-book will take a lot of effort, but this is only half the battle. Once you’ve published your e-book, you’ll want to market it effectively.
How?
You guessed it: creating content on your favorite platform. As a writer, this most likely means you’ll have your own blog.
Let your existing audience know about your recent book launch, do interviews on different podcasts, and watch those sales rise.
13. Sell Photos
Maybe you’re photogenic or enjoy taking pictures any chance you get.
If so, selling photos can be a great gig for you to make money online. The first step is to take dozens of photos and build your photo catalog.
Once you have a portfolio you’re proud of, you can sell it on Shutterstock or Flickr.
Additionally, you can offer services to businesses that need product shots. For clients to find you, you’ll need a website that showcases your portfolio.
It is also wise to create content consistently for your website and be active on social media to increase the odds of landing new clients.
How to Make Money Fast Offline
Making money online is great!
You have schedule flexibility and can make money from home. Still, for those who want some offline options, I’ve got your back.
Like the previous list, the list below contains quality ways to make money fast offline.
14. Walk With Rover
If you have a pet or enjoy interacting with animals, Rover is a no-brainer.
This can feel like you’re making money without working. Rover is an app that allows pet owners to find reliable pet walkers/sitters.
This was a godsend some time ago when I needed a pet sitter. Professional facilities can be pricey, and some don’t have the option for overnight stays.
After signing up with Rover, you can create a profile and add photos and your specialties. Provide excellent service, and eventually, you’ll be booked in advance—and get paid to hang out with cute animals!
15. Airbnb
Renting out your spare room or rental property is as passive as passive income gets.
You’ll still have to put in the effort to take great pictures of your place, ensure you clean after each stay, and market yourself.
However, if you provide great service for long enough, customers will start pouring in.
16. Babysitting
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Babysitting is one of the original ways to make money pre-internet and remains popular today. If you’re great with kids, spreading the word to your family and friends is a great way to start getting business.
17. Rent Your Car
Have an extra car lying around or one you don’t mind sharing? Why not rent your car out?
Sites like Turo make it easy for you to rent your car out for extra cash. Be sure to clean your car and respond promptly to get consistent business.
18. TaskRabbit
If you’re naturally good at running errands or fixing things around the house, TaskRabbit may be a great way to earn extra income.
People list their tasks on the TaskRabbit portal, and you can choose one that aligns with your skills and interests.
Note that you’ll have to go through an identity and background check. However, this will make you appear trustworthy to potential clients.
FAQs
Can you really make money on Shopify?
Yes! You can sell your own products or another company’s products.
Before starting, it’s important to set a budget and goals and define what you will be selling. Shopify requires a monthly investment starting at $39 per month.
Aside from building your Shopify store, you’ll need to market your products to make sales. If you want consistent sales, your best bet is to create a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel for your brand.
With a lot of competition, you’ll need to make sure your business stands out to gain customers’ trust.
Ways to get paid online
The best way to make money online is to create content.
Why?
By consistently creating content under your name or brand, you’ll have the opportunity to build an audience and an online reputation.
You can make a quick buck by completing surveys or selling items on Etsy, but there’s little chance this will happen consistently.
As more businesses become aware of the usefulness of having an online presence, creators and businesses will be in demand—especially those that understand how to create quality content that strategically helps other businesses achieve their goals.
How can I make quick cash?
Your best bet for making quick cash involves flipping items or freelancing.
Neither of these strategies requires an expensive website or has a barrier to entry. However, this means you’ll have high competition.
How can I earn side income?
Blogging, podcasting, and creating video content on Youtube and TikTok remain the top ways to build a consistent income.
They are also the least lucrative at first. However, if you’re consistent enough and build an audience, you’ll unlock opportunities to generate high income.
