My senior year in college was the first time that I discovered you could make money online.
As I was browsing Pinterest, I saw an article about a woman who had earned a full-time online income while traveling around the globe. That was my dream, just like any young, free-spirited person in their 20s. That was my dream, so naturally I wondered “How can you make money online to travel wherever and whenever you want?”
I did some research to find out if anyone else was living the “laptop life” and could work from anywhere that had an internet connection or cell reception. It turns out that thousands, if no millions, of people make their money online every single day.
After realizing there were legitimate ways to make money online I decided to give it another shot. Since then I have made thousands of dollars a year working remotely from my laptop. It’s not as hard as you might think.
There are legitimate ways to make money online
You will find that some methods of making money online are more lucrative than others. Make sure you choose the one that suits your needs. These are some resources and ideas to help you get started on your journey to making money online.
1. Participate in market research
While online surveys will not bring in a lot of money, you could make a few bucks here and there. While many survey sites offer gift cards, some such as Branded surveys allow you to withdraw your earnings through PayPal or direct deposit. You’ll be able to earn points and receive bonus points by taking frequent surveys.
We have ranked many paid surveys. Many of these scams claim to be legitimate entities. Be careful about giving personal information to brands you don’t know much about.
Other top-rated survey sites
2. Your unused internet connection can be sold
Although it sounds strange, I’m not denying that it is possible. Companies such as will buy your bits and pieces of internet data so that they can power their Content Delivery services to the Fortune 500 partners they work with. Your computer is part of a larger network of internet connections and computers that power it.
Honeygain estimates that an average user will make $45 per month by installing the app on 2 devices and sharing 5 GB each day.
You’ll likely have extra bandwidth if you have unlimited data on your mobile, cable, fiber or DSL plan. New users get an additional $5 gift for signing up online. To learn more, visit the website.
3. Online, you can earn cashback and other rewards
You can save money on everything, from groceries to books, by using cashback apps or browser extensions. You won’t make a lot of money, but you can save money on the things you already own. Comparrot is my personal favorite because it works with favorite stores such as Overstock, Vitacost and eBay.
Signing up for Comparrot is easy even if you don’t have it. Comparrot will notify you while you shop if there are any deals for the retailer once you have created an account. Reward points can be used to redeem gift cards for Walmart, Redbox and Sephora.
4. Start a blog
It’s possible to make money by starting a blog. This is much easier than you might think. Affiliate bloggers make money advertising for companies that they are associated with. The website owner receives a commission if users click on an affiliate link and make purchases. You can also make money by blogging other ways, such as displaying advertisements, selling your products or writing sponsored content.
Blogging platforms like Hostinggator make it easy and affordable to start your digital business at home. It costs less than a cup of coffee per month. It’s exactly the same method we used to build a seven figure brand.
5. Monetize your location data
Have you ever received a push notification from Starbucks asking you if you would like a drink if your physical location is within walking distance? You may have seen apps asking permission to use your location data.
You probably have more than a dozen apps tracking every step that you take. It’s now time to make it a business.
Users can earn up to $25 per Month with Tapestri by simply turning on location sharing.
Tapestri partners with major brands to gain insights into customer behavior and shopping habits. Tapestri will pay you for your location data.
Tip: Tapestri offers a great referral program. It pays passive cash monthly for every person who refers the app to it (provided they consent to location sharing). You’ll get $1 for each month that a referral keeps Tapestri installed on their smartphone.
6. Be a proofreader
Proofreaders assist bloggers and court reporters to ensure their content is error-free and grammatically correct. After the editor and author have completed their work, the proofreader is there to add another set of eyes. They look through content to find any mistakes that might have been missed. A freelance proofreader who has a small client list can expect to make several hundred to several thousand dollars per year working for their own clients.
Tori Gellino is a DollarSprout reader who also enjoys side hustles. She earns an average $1,200 per monthly while working as a virtual proofreader. Recently she shared her top tips for finding reliable clients. She also shared the training she received before bringing them aboard.
Are you ready to start? Caitlin Pyle offers a free webinar — proofread Anywhere — to anyone who is interested in starting a freelance business of proofreading.
7. Businesses can manage Facebook ads
Facebook allows companies to advertise their products and services on users’ newsfeeds. This is one of the many ways Facebook makes money. Many small business owners are unaware of the benefits of Facebook ads for their businesses. For every client you book, you can earn between $1,000 and $2,000 per month by communicating the benefits of advertising in reaching new clients and building brand awareness.
Reach out to local small business owners or take an online course that teaches you how to manage Facebook ads and book clients.
8. As a virtual assistant, you can work
An virtual assistance is a title that covers all aspects of someone who provides online services to small and large businesses. You can offer services such as graphic design, blog management, and email marketing.
My friend and I started working as virtual assistants after having our first child. Her hourly rate is $35 and she offers copywriting services as well as email management to local businesses. Although freelance work will bring you more money per hour, it also means that you have to find your own work. You can also work with well-respected virtual assistance companies which have a steady stream clients but at a lower hourly wage.
9. Transcribe audio files
Three types of transcription jobs are most popular: general, legal, and medical. Some companies require you to have knowledge and experience in your chosen field. You will be a transcriptionist and listen to audio files, then transcribe it into written content. The industry you work in and the level of your experience will determine how much you earn. If you are interested in transcription, Here’s a free course which provides more information about the job and how to start.
10. Bank hop
Although “Bank Hopping” is a smart way to make money online, it can be costly. It’s simple. Banks offer large deposit bonuses when you open an account, usually with a minimum deposit. The money is held within the institution for a specified period of time, typically around 90 days.
DiscoverBank offers $150 or $200 bonuses to new online savings accounts that are opened within 30 days. While you will need to enter code OB222 at the time of opening an account, it’s not a huge ask for a large chunk of money .
11. Invest in fine art
People think of investing when they think about stocks, bonds, and real estate. You can also invest in tangible items like fine art. It was impossible for ordinary people to purchase famous, original art by artists such as Picasso, Monet, and Rembrandt until now.
Masterworks allows you to purchase “shares” of a painting just like stock shares. If you are a skilled artist and have the funds to buy shares in a painting, it’s a great way to make some extra money online.
12. Teach English as a second Language
VIPKid is a legitimate way to make money online. I have been a VIPKid instructor myself. VIPKid employs native English speakers to teach English children, many of whom are located in China. Pay is determined by your teaching experience and the performance in the demo interview. My experience was minimal and I earned $1,500-$2,000 per month while teaching part-time.
13. Host a digital course
Online courses are a great way to make money. Outschool is an online platform for teacher recruitment that is specifically designed to help online course creators make money. The classes include yoga, architecture, and learning about Pokemon characters. The site states that the average teacher makes $40 an hour and it doesn’t require any teaching experience to teach Outschool.
14. You can sell your unused gift cards
You can sell gift cards that you don’t need by using one of the many exchanges. You’ll get a suggested selling point when you submit your gift card to Raising. This can be changed to make the price fair. You can list your gift card free of charge on Raise. However, once it has sold, Raise will retain 15% and you’ll get the remaining 85%. If you sell a gift card worth $50 and it is listed at $45, Raise will retain $6.75. You’ll get $38.25.
15. Domain names for sale and purchase
Since I created my website in 2016, domain names have been a part of my life. One of the domains I purchased originally for $12 was sold on GoDaddy recently for $1,200. Domain flipping can be a profitable way to make money online if you are good at creating unique names for websites and businesses. This How-To Guide by GoDaddy shares great tips and tricks for flipping inexpensive domains for thousands.
16. Become a private tutor
You can make money teaching any subject you know online with the many tutoring websites. While some sites limit the amount that you can charge, others let you set your own rate. By creating profiles on sites such as Wyzant and Tutor.com, you can begin booking clients. You can also post your ads on Craigslist, at local schools, or depending on the subject you are interested in teaching.
17. Test websites and get paid
Website testers offer their opinion on the design and user experience of a website. Companies can use this information to improve the user experience and increase sales. UserTesting allows you to earn $10 per 15- or 20-minute test that you take. You will need to record your screen and provide feedback. Follow-up questions may also be required. You can also check out other places where you can be paid to test websites.
18. Write for website owners and business owners
Writing is one of most popular and accessible ways to make online money. You don’t have to be a master of grammar or have a portfolio. As examples of your work, you can use blog posts, newsletters or stories that you have written previously. To start pitching your services, join the ProBlogger or Freelance Writing job boards.
19. Find freelance work
Over the past three years, I have earned thousands of dollars as a freelancer writer, web developer and, most recently project manager. You can quickly market your services online by offering what you already know. You can offer legitimate services to clients if your job is to manage social media or edit podcasts by creating your own podcast. Fiverr, Upwork and Freelancer.com provide a platform for professionals seeking freelancers who match your skillset.
20. Flip Facebook Marketplace
I enjoy following furniture flipping accounts on Instagram like Whitney Hansen’s Unsophisticated diy. These accounts have taught me one thing: not all flips are easy. If you find good deals, you can buy a piece and then flip it within a week for a profit. Other than furniture, you might also be able to sell antiques and clothing with tags. Rob and Melissa, Flea market Flipper who make more than $100,000 a year by flipping yard sales hauls, have created a flipping class which teaches people how they can extract the highest value from high-margin products.
21. Complete micro tasks
One of the easiest online ways to make money is through micro tasks. Micro jobs can offer micro pay. A few dollars per month can be earned by Swagbucks watching videos and playing games. You can also search the Swagbucks engine to find more. You can also review content, verify data, or test apps and websites on job sites.
22. Etsy allows you to sell what you create
Etsy is well-known for its handmade and vintage items. However, users have had success selling everything from knitwear and upcycled jewellery to budget printables or home organization binders. There are many ways to make extra income, no matter what your talents.
23. Make YouTube videos
YouTubers make money mainly through ads. These average $0.01 to $0.03 per video view or $3 to $5 for every 1000 views. You can make a living on YouTube if you create engaging, consistent content and have a large following. You can create a free creator account. However, you have to meet YouTube’s minimum requirements in order to monetize your videos.
24. Selling gently used clothing
Selling things you don’t use is another way to make money online. You may be able to make more if your clothes are expensive and in high demand. If your items aren’t as in high demand, or you don’t want to deal the hassle of selling them yourself you can order a Clean Out Kit at thredUP. You can pack the bag and take your earnings when they go. Plato’s Closet and Buffalo are local alternatives. However, I have found that you will not make as much selling clothes online.
25. As a matchmaker
Tawkify matches online lovers based on common values, interests, or other preferences. You will work with clients one-on-one to match them with the right matches. To apply, you don’t have to be an expert in the field. Tawkify’s website states that some of the qualities it seeks in matchmakers are empathy, intuition, high EQ, and high EQ.
26. Asana can be used to teach business owners how it works
Both small and large companies have difficulty organizing projects and managing teams. Asana project management software can help. As an Asana consultant you will help business owners organize their teams, streamline and improve projects, and train them in Asana best practices. After your first year of working with businesses, you may apply to be an Asana Certified Pro. Asana’s Certified Pros page will feature you to help clients in your region find you. Certification includes in-depth training.
27. Dropshipping is a great way to start a business
Dropshipping has become a very popular way to make online money over the past decade. Dropshippers source product from manufacturers and then sell it through an online store. The item is shipped directly from the manufacturer to the customer when a customer orders. You don’t have to keep inventory or manage orders. Shopify is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms online and offers a 45-minute workshop about how to launch and start a dropshipping company.
28. Make an app
To create an app, you don’t have to be a developer or software engineer. You can find someone who has the technical skills to help you realize your great idea on Fiverr, Upwork or Freelancer. Appy Pie or Build Fire are also great platforms to help you create your app. After your app has been published, you can earn money by placing advertisements in the app, selling a premium version or selling it to a larger company.
29. Trade in old phones and unused technology
I used to keep my old cell phones and laptops, even though I had upgraded to a better model. This changed when I discovered Buyback Boss and other sites that allow you to sell your electronics.
I just received $60 to trade in my old iPhone 7 which had been in my closet for over two years. Buyback Boss offers an instant quote and a guarantee of the highest price. Send us your quote if you find a better deal elsewhere. We’ll match it without any questions.
Related to 7 Top Places to Sell Used Electronics
30. Create a paid membership group
I am a member of several paid communities, some related to life coaching and personal growth and others that deal with online business. A membership site can be a great way for you to share your knowledge and build a community. It also allows you to generate recurring income. Most memberships include some type of core content such as a course. Some of the ones I am a member of release weekly or monthly content. They also offer coaching calls, where members can give their time to coach others in front of the community. This detailed guide explains how to create a premium membership site.
31. Your personal photos can be sold
You can make money selling images you don’t use or if you love taking photos. To get started, you only need a smartphone camera. You can earn money for taking selfies on certain apps, while others, such as Shutterstock or Adobe Stock, will pay for stock photography that they can sell to business owners. Find out more about and how to get paid for your photos .
32. Offer virtual interior design consults
Galey Alix is one of my favorite Instagram accounts. Galey Alix documents her interior design projects, which she started while working full-time in finance. The success of her business shows that you don’t need to have a degree or any experience in order to start a business and offer services in a new field.
Begin by sharing your work with family and friends. You can also document your work on social media and online, and gather testimonials. Once you have gained some experience, and you feel comfortable with your process you can create service packages that you can sell to potential clients.
33. Self-publish an eBook
New authors are increasingly interested in self-publishing. You can sell your book through a blog or website you already own. Self-publishing via Amazon through Kindle Direct Publishing seems to be the most popular method. After you have completed your book and formatted it, you can upload it to your Amazon KDP account. Find out more about and how to publish an eBook.
34. Become a voice-over artist
Voice-over artists are professionals who provide voice talent for audio work, such as commercials, games, and cartoons. This could be a great way to make money online if you are a radio voice. Voice-over work can be found on niche websites like Voices.com or Fiverr.
35. Sell digital products
Selling digital products is another way to make some extra money online if you don’t have time or don’t like working with clients. You can sell many digital products, including planners, templates, and workbooks. People can find your digital products via Pinterest, social media or by creating content that ranks in search engine results.
36. Your homegrown produce can be sold
My friend recently fulfilled a long-held dream of owning chickens. His calculations show that his 20 chickens would produce 15 eggs per day. I asked him what he would do with the extra chickens. He said that he hadn’t considered it. He said, “I guess I’ll sale them.” This unexpected side business became his new hobby. You can sell excess produce to your friends or to sites like Facebook Marketplace if you are passionate about gardening or growing your own vegetables.
37. You can work in a call centre
Call center agents are one of the most sought-after online job for those who work in customer services. U-Haul and American Express offer remote jobs in this area. This position can be either full-time, or part-time, depending on the company. Training is usually provided so that you don’t need any previous experience.
38. You can apply to be a data entry specialist
Data entry is the process of entering hard-copy information into a spreadsheet, or scanning documents into an internet program. Data entry doesn’t require any specialized training and can pay upwards to $13 an hour depending on the level of your experience. This makes it a great way to make extra money online or at home. FlexJobs, Microworkers and other sites offer data entry jobs for all levels of skill.
39. Sell and design T-shirts
You can make a living online selling and designing T-shirts if you are creative or have catchy slogans. Teespring, Bonfire and Printify let you design custom shirts and sell them online without having to hold inventory or pay anything up front. You can create your own storefront with your designs, similar to dropshipping. The site creates and ships the product for you when a customer orders. To make this idea a success online, you will still need to market your storefront. It’s important to have an online following on Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms.
40. Consulting services available
Consulting is a term that has an inherent corporate connotation. Anyone with a deep understanding of a subject could make a living as a virtual consultant. Consultants are less hands-on than freelancers. Instead of doing the work yourself you can provide the expertise to clients that will allow them to make informed decisions. For example, if you are an expert in search engine optimization you might consult clients to develop a strategy and then show them how to implement it.
41. Coaching in your field of expertise
While consultants can provide a plan of execution to clients, coaches assist clients in creating their own plan. My initial idea for my financial coaching business was to tell people how to manage their money, and then they would follow through. My clients were looking for help in overcoming their money fears and being accountable for their goals and plans. Coaching can be done in all areas, from Instagram marketing to personal finance and business. Zoom and Acuity allow you to book meetings and book clients online.
Related: How to Become A Personal Trainer
42. Start an online business
Pay attention to the problems that you are facing or what others are complaining about. Is it possible to make the solution an online business? Is there an online way to offer your service in person? A massage therapist might host classes online that teach couples how to massage each other. An online workshop could be hosted by a baker about their most popular recipes. You can find thousands of online businesses other than the ones here.
How to make money online from home: Here are some real ways to make it happen.
Not all work from home jobs require an internet connection. These guides and resources will help you to learn more about the real ways that you can make money at home.
43. Register for food delivery
Although this isn’t technically a way of making money online, it is a great way to make extra income while working from home. Delivering food and packages is a great way to make extra money. Instacart shoppers usually earn between $10-20 an hour. You can start earning immediately after approval as long as you have regular access to a vehicle. In addition to receiving tons of fuel points and comped memberships at Costco, BJs and other wholesale stores, shoppers also receive comped memberships!
Compare the top-rated delivery services
44. Pet sitting at your home
As a way to earn money from my home, I have recently begun pet sitting with the Rover app. You can set your own rates and schedule as well as choose which services you provide. Because I work remotely, I decided to offer in-house dog daycare. My rate was $33 per day. My first client was Moose. After two days with him, I made $52.80. Rover takes 20%. Given that my dog was the one doing most of the entertaining Moose, I was happy and got the reward. You can also offer Rover dog walking, boarding and in-house visits as well as house sitting. Find out more about how it feels to dog sit with Rover.
45. Let your space be rented
Renting out space in your home is a great way to make some extra money. You have many options to rent your space. StoreAtMyHouse and Neighbor.com are designed to store items. ShareMySpace, PeerSpace, and PeerSpace are for events such as photoshoots and meetings.
46. Offer at-home daycare
If you enjoy working with children and have the time to care for multiple children at once, then at-home daycare is a great way to make some extra money. Parents prefer private daycares over public. This side hustle is for parents who have worked with children or have a network of parents who trust and respect you.
47. As a mystery shopper, you can earn a living.
IntelliShop, BestMark and Secret Shopper pay employees to give feedback about their products and services. You might be asked to go to an electronics store and ask questions about the phone department. Then you would have to complete a survey about what your experience was. To book gigs online, you can fill out applications with mystery-shopping companies.
48. Your favorite recipes can be sold
You can make money from your talents by having friends and family rave about your cooking. Nikki Girard was able to do this. From a humble attempt to perfect her Haitian patties recipe, it became a side-business that earns $2,000 per month. Your personal network and social media can be used to market your creations. Cottage Food laws in some states limit how much you are allowed to sell without the need for a license. Make sure you research this information before making any decisions.
49. Fix broken gadgets for neighbors
A few weeks back, my lawnmower stopped working and I didn’t know where to go. My next-door neighbor offered to fix it. He has a side job fixing lawnmowers for locals. This could be a great way to make some extra money at home if you have similar skills or knowledge of handyman work. Ask your neighbors if they might be interested in your services, and then mention it to your friends and family. Apps like TaskRabbit or Amazon Home Services are also powerful tools for marketing.
50. Advertise companies on your mobile phone
Advertisements offer companies the opportunity to reach new clients. You can make more money at home by allowing companies use your personal belongings as billboards. Wrapify and Carvertise charge to place ads on your vehicle, while Slidejoy or similar apps rent space on your lock screen. Find out more about and how to get paid for advertising for companies and brands.
51. Bookkeeping services for local businesses
You will be responsible for reconciling bank records, invoicing customers and entering company transactions. To make it as a bookkeeper, you don’t have to hold a degree in accounting or finance. You will need to be familiar with Quickbooks and other popular accounting software. Additionally, you will need to have a basic understanding about accounting principles. You may be charged more for any certifications or classes you have completed.
52. Fitness classes to teach
Yoga and fitness classes can be taught in your garage, spare bedroom or living room. If you have a teaching certificate, this is a great way to make money at home. ACE Fitness offers group certification training starting at $350 if you don’t have one. Although certification is not a requirement, it can help you market your classes more effectively and make your clients feel more confident about your services.
53. With your employer, negotiate a remote work arrangement
Consider bringing up the possibility of remote work if you are passionate about your job but need flexibility. You may be able to only work remotely part-time depending on your job. This could leave you with some time at the office and some time at home. Be prepared to explain your reasons and address any concerns your boss might have before you start the conversation. Your chances of reaching a mutually beneficial arrangement will be higher if you have prepared solutions.
You can make a plan for your extra money ahead of time
It’s great to make extra money online and from home. If your motivation is to make extra money online or from home, it’s a great idea. However, if you don’t have a plan in place for your money before it arrives, you will end up in the exact same spot. Creating a spending plan or a monthly budget can be helpful.
Note down all consistent income streams, such as full-time salary, child care, and so on. Any income that is stable from month to month. Include your side hustle income as an item. You should write in less than what you think you can earn so you don’t go over budget if your income is lower. Once you know your income, determine how much you want to save, invest and put towards debt. Then, figure out what to spend until every dollar has been accounted for.
You can manage what you measure. Tracking where your money goes online will make sure you get the most out of your time.
I have been following your journey for quite some time now. It has been amazing to watch your blog grow and your life story is truly incredible. To go from millionaire, to broke, to millionaire again shows true perseverance. You’re a true inspiration to many.
Thanks again for sharing awesome ways for us beginners to make money online!
That means a lot to me. Thank you for the kind words
Great ideas to make money online. Getting started alone making money online isn’t really that easy. This article breakdown really makes it straightforward with solid ideas
Thank you so much!
There are a lot of money making ideas online. Most of them are bs and a waste of time. This article however, has some great points.
I personally have made a lot of money driving Uber. I recommend it for anyone that doesn’t mind driving or sharing their car with strangers lol
Uber can be a great way to get your foot in the door to work for yourself. Congrats!
These money-making ideas have been on my mind! It seems that I get the runaround and have to do the same things over and over again. I have been considering advertising chauffeur services, where I clean up after people and take them to appointments. I have a list to help people make their lives easier and where I can make some extra cash. We appreciate all of your help. I will just need to look at the information and decide what is best for me.
That is a great idea.
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.