In today’s digital world, making money online is easier than ever. The prospect of financial freedom, flexibility, and the ability to pursue passions outside of the typical 9-to-5 grind has therefore never been more accessible. But not all of us can invest a lot of time or money upfront before seeing the return, like starting a YouTube channel or creating an online course. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 19 online side hustles that don’t need much of either.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a student with a packed schedule, or simply someone looking to earn some extra cash on the side, these side gigs offer the potential to achieve your financial goals while maintaining the flexibility you desire. Let’s explore the world of online side hustles that allow you to make money from home – or just about anywhere!
1. Freelancing
Freelancing offers a flexible way to showcase your existing skills, possibly already utilised in your job. Writing, designing, programming, and marketing are just a few examples. Potential earnings range widely: writers might earn $0.03-$0.10 per word, graphic designers can charge $20-$100 per design, programmers might earn $50-$150 per hour, and digital marketers could command $50-$150 per project. The key is to build a strong portfolio, bid on projects that align with your strengths, and deliver quality work. As you gain experience and good reviews, earnings can significantly increase, offering both financial growth and the freedom to work on your terms.
Where to start: Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr
2. Micro-tasking
Unlike traditional freelancing with bigger projects, micro-tasking is all about small online tasks. You could do things like validating data, moderating content, or taking surveys. The pay per task might not be huge (maybe just a few cents to a few dollars), but it can add up over time. Paying attention to details, being accurate, and following guidelines are key skills. Micro-tasking can be a good option for those seeking quick and simple gigs without the commitment of longer projects. It’s a convenient way to earn extra income online during spare moments.
Where to start: Amazon Mechanical Turk, Clickworker, or Swagbucks
3. Online consultation
Online consultation lets you share your know-how in fields like business, marketing, health, or finance. There are online platforms that allow you to earn by answering field-specific questions. Most questions pay experts between $8 to $14 on platforms like JustAnswer but earnings can vary widely based on your expertise. For instance, in Law or Medicine, you might make $2,000 to $7,000 a month, while other areas could be around $1,000. Other than specialist expertise, you’ll need communication skills, problem-solving ability, and a knack for offering insights. To start, find your expertise, join platforms, set rates, establish an online presence, and engage clients. This avenue helps you turn your expertise into income, connect globally, and assist others in tackling challenges within their fields.
Where to start: Clarity.fm or JustAnswer
4. Virtual assistant
As a virtual assistant, you step into a role that involves offering remote support to businesses and individuals. Your job might include admin tasks such as managing emails, coordinating schedules, handling data entry, or managing social media. Potential earnings typically range between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on the tasks you undertake. Success in this role requires effective time management, strong communication skills, and a good grasp of technology. What makes this gig attractive is the flexibility to make money online from home. With experience, you have the potential to secure higher-paying assignments and explore a broader range of opportunities.
Where to start: Upwork, PeoplePerHour, or Indeed
5. Remote data entry
In a data entry side hustle you assist businesses by organising and inputting information into databases, spreadsheets, or systems. This might involve tasks like entering customer details, inventory records, or survey responses. Typically, earnings fall between $10 and $20 per hour, influenced by your accuracy and speed. To succeed, you’ll need accurate typing skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. This side hustle offers straightforward tasks and steady pay, making it an appealing option for those seeking uncomplicated yet reliable income.
Where to start: Upwork, Freelancer, or Remote.co
6. Remote customer support
Remote customer support is another way to make money online from home. Customer support agents typically assist businesses by addressing customer inquiries, resolving concerns, and guiding them through positive experiences. This involves tasks like responding to emails, live chats, and social media interactions. Earnings typically range between $12 and $20 per hour, influenced by the complexity of the support role. To excel, strong communication skills, patience, empathy, and problem-solving abilities are key. Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) tools can already be a plus. Customer support is something that most companies need but you might find flexible roles from e-commerce companies and tech startups specifically.
7. Virtual event planning
In virtual event planning, where you’ll dive into creating and managing online workshops, conferences, and webinars for businesses. Your role will involve handling logistics, coordinating speakers, managing registrations, and ensuring the flow of virtual experiences. Earnings can vary from around $20 to $50 per hour, depending on the complexity of the event. To excel, you’ll need organization skills, keen attention to detail, effective communication, and familiarity with virtual event platforms.
Where to start: Upwork, Freelancer
8. Social media management
Do you enjoy using social media? Why not explore the social media manager side hustle? You can assist businesses and individuals in establishing their online presence through tasks like content creation, post scheduling, engaging with followers, and tracking performance. Earnings typically range from $15 to $30 per hour, depending on your level of involvement. You don’t necessarily need to be an influencer or a social media expert, but having creativity, effective communication, familiarity with different social media platforms, content planning skills, and basic analytics knowledge can be beneficial. This opportunity allows you to leverage your digital skills for a rewarding income stream.
Where to start: Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr
9. Voice acting
Voice acting might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it can certainly turn into a rewarding side hustle for those blessed with versatile voices and accents. From voicemail greetings to commercials and audiobooks, your vocal talents can shine in various avenues. If you’re a natural storyteller with a unique vocal charm, this gig offers both creative fulfilment and earning potential. Earnings range from $100 to $500 per project, depending on the type of work. To succeed, you’ll need clear diction, a versatile voice, expressive delivery, and the ability to take direction. Equip yourself with a quality microphone, create a quiet recording space, and master basic audio editing software for professional recordings.
Where to start: Voices.com, Fiverr, and Upwork
10. Online tutoring
Ever thought about turning your expertise into a side hustle to make money from home? Online tutoring might be your answer. As an online tutor, you’ll have the opportunity to guide students in subjects ranging from academics to languages, music, or arts. Your role entails explaining concepts, answering questions, and providing valuable guidance through virtual sessions. Earnings can be quite rewarding, ranging from $15 to $50 per hour on average, depending on your proficiency and demand. In addition to specialist knowledge of the topic you teach, patience, effective communication, and the skill of simplifying complex topics are crucial skills for success in this role. By delving into online tutoring, you’re not just helping others learn and grow, but you’re also building a fulfilling side hustle right from the comfort of your own home.
11. Stock photography/video
If you’re skilled at taking photos or creating videos, here’s a terrific way to turn your talent into income: selling your visual creations online. In this side gig, you’ll capture high-quality visuals that resonate with various themes, concepts, and industries. These photos or footage are then listed on stock media platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Getty Images. You can earn anywhere from $0.25 to $75 per download, depending on the platform and the type of license, and with potential to earn passive income over time.
Having an eye for composition, understanding market trends, and producing images/videos that stand out are important skills. Quality equipment, like a DSLR camera or a good smartphone with a high-resolution camera, enhances your results.
Where to start: Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Getty Image
12. TikTok content creator
Are you eager to be a content creator, but turned off by the substantial time investment needed to start earning on platforms like YouTube and Instagram? If so, TikTok might be your answer. While achieving success on TikTok still takes time and effort, its swift potential for virality and quicker follower growth sets it apart, providing a faster path to earnings compared to many other social media platforms.
As a TikTok influencer, your potential earnings largely come from ad share revenue and potential brand partnerships, with earnings varying greatly based on followers and views. Moreover, in many countries, you can join the Creator Fund, which offers ad share revenue once you hit 10,000 followers.
Similar to other social media influencers, an engaging niche, authenticity, consistent posting, and active audience engagement are key. Navigating trends, using strategic hashtags, and honing video editing skills also contribute to your success. Embrace your unique style, connect with a global audience, and turn your passion for content creation into a rewarding side hustle.
13. Print on demand (niche products)
Print on demand (POD) is a TikTok-famous side hustle that allows you to make money from home. You can design unique products catered to specific niches, ranging from custom T-shirts and mugs to distinct phone cases and home decor. Instead of grappling with generic items and fierce competition, focus on a distinct niche and create custom products that resonate with its audience. Consider niches like sustainability advocates, pet lovers, or fitness enthusiasts for that personal touch.
Starting is simple: choose a reputable POD platform like Printful or Spring. When a customer places an order with your design, the platform handles production and shipping, freeing you to focus on design and promotion. Your potential earnings hinge on your designs’ appeal, marketing strategies, and the type of products you offer. Some creators earn a modest income, while others see substantial returns through effective marketing.
While a grasp of graphic design proves beneficial, it’s not mandatory, with tools like Canva or VistaCreate available to support you. Research niche trends, craft eye-catching designs, and market them to your chosen audience. As your designs resonate and your audience grows, your POD side hustle can even become a full-time business.
14. Selling private label products
Do you have a creative streak, whether as a writer, illustrator, or someone keen on self-publishing innovation? Selling private label products could be your ideal online side hustle. From novels and nonfiction to planners, cookbooks, and more, you can create a diverse range of printable books known as Print on demand (POD) books.
Use free or low-cost online tools to craft your books, then upload the digital files onto POD book sales platforms. Once a customer buys your title, the platform prints and ships the physical books, and you receive a royalty. And the good news is that there are no upfront print fees; printing and shipping costs are deducted only upon a book’s sale.
Potential earnings vary, but successful POD book creators can earn royalties ranging from a few dollars to several hundred dollars per book, making it a promising way to explore your creative passions while generating extra income. Although it needs some setup time initially, this side hustle can eventually generate passive income.
Various platforms like Canva, Reedsy, and the BookBolt Studio offer cost-effective options for crafting POD book files. Major POD bookseller platforms including Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Lulu, and IngramSpark provide platforms for listing your titles.
15. Proofreading
Proofreading can be a rewarding side hustle to make money from home for individuals with strong language proficiency, keen attention to detail, and a critical eye. This task involves carefully reviewing written content to correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors. Businesses, bloggers, authors, and students actively seek proofreading services to refine and perfect their content. The potential earnings can vary, typically ranging between $15 to $50 per hour, depending on the intricacy of the material. If you have these skills, consider delving into this opportunity to make some extra cash.
Where to start: Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr
16. Website flipping
Website flipping operates similarly to property flipping, but in the digital realm. It’s about buying, improving, and then selling websites for profit. This involves spotting websites with untapped potential and making enhancements like design tweaks, content upgrades, SEO optimisations, and savvy marketing. After the makeover, these revamped websites can be sold at a higher price.
Earnings depend on your investment and the value you add during the makeover. You can sell your revamped websites on specialised platforms or popular marketplaces. Skills in web development, content refinement, marketing strategies, and a knack for identifying growth potential are essential. If website flipping seems too demanding or you’re not equipped with the required digital skills, you might want to explore domain flipping as an alternative.
Where to start: Flippa and Empire Flippers
17. Remote transcription services
In the age of thriving YouTube videos and podcasts, transcription services are in high demand. As a transcriber, your task involves transforming spoken words into written content. Whether it’s interviews, podcasts, or YouTube videos, your role is to capture the essence of spoken dialogue. Your essential tools include sharp listening skills, keen attention to detail, and a quick typing talent. Earnings often average between $15 to $25 per hour, providing a viable side hustle for offering a viable side hustle to make money from home.
Where to start: Rev, TranscribeMe, and GoTranscript
18. Website and app testing
If you’re short on time but keen to explore a flexible side hustle to make money from home, consider becoming a website and app tester. Your task involves evaluating user-friendliness, functionality, and performance of websites and apps. No specialized skills are needed – just sharp attention to detail and clear communication. You can earn around $10 to $20 per test. To get started, simply sign up on testing platforms and you’ll receive testing opportunities directly to your inbox. This offers a straightforward and adaptable way to earn some extra cash.
Where to start: UserTesting, UserFeel, or Trymata
19. CV review
CV review is a side hustle suitable for individuals with a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of what makes a compelling resume. As a CV reviewer, you’ll provide valuable feedback on formatting, content, design, and overall presentation to help job seekers stand out. This side hustle offers potential earnings ranging from $10 to $50 per CV, depending on the level of review offered. It’s a great option for those who want to leverage their expertise in career development while earning extra income.
Where to start: Upwork, Fiverr, or PeoplePerHour
Conclusion
The possibilities for carving out a lucrative side hustle to make money from home are virtually limitless. The online side hustles explored in this article offer not only financial potential but also the flexibility to work on your own terms. Whether you’re a creative soul, a problem solver, a wordsmith, or a digital enthusiast, there’s a side hustle perfectly tailored to your skills and interests. From freelancing and virtual assistance to website flipping and tutoring, each option presents an opportunity to harness your passions and generate additional income.
Online freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and others offer a structured way to connect with clients for most of these side hustles. However, don’t overlook the power of networking and building your professional presence on platforms like LinkedIn. Traditional job sites can also reveal flexible and remote opportunities that align with your expertise. As you embark on your chosen side hustle journey, remember that dedication and a commitment to delivering quality work can transform your venture into a reliable income stream.
Related: How to manage your side hustle finances effectively
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