39 Ways to Make Extra Money
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Struggling to boost your income and live a stress-free life? Maybe you’ve got bills to pay, debts to eliminate, or trips you’ve been planning but haven’t taken yet. Whatever your reason is, you only need to learn how to make extra money!
It’s no secret that having a side hustle has become a trend. But it can be quite challenging to find a legit and profitable side job or business.
For that reason, I came up with a list of ways to make extra money quickly, at home, and on the side. These money-making ideas and strategies are useful for achieving your financial goals. And they’ve all been tested and proven to work.
If you’re ready, it’s now time to explore!
Easy Ways to Make Extra Money
1. Take paid surveys
Taking surveys is one of the quickest and easiest ways to make extra money. All you need to do is respond to questions on various topics.
You earn points after completing surveys. You can then redeem the points for cash or gift cards when you reach the minimum payout.
While many people associate online surveys with scams, there are many websites that can actually pay you. You get rewarded because brands partner with survey companies to gather the opinions of their users.
One of the best survey websites to check out is Survey Junkie. You simply have to complete your profile to start getting survey opportunities from the site. Activities such as verifying your email address get you more points.
Other survey sites include Swagbucks and MyPoints. Joining two or more sites is a great way to maximize your earnings from surveys. You could also set aside some time for them or take advantage of any chances you get.
2. Complete daily tasks online
Aside from taking surveys, there are several other simple tasks you can do to make a few more bucks. Most survey sites have additional tasks to boost your rewards.
For instance, you earn points for watching various types of videos on InboxDollars. Other tasks include reading emails, playing games, and taking part in contests.
You could also use Swagbucks as a search engine and earn more points for your searches. The good thing is that it doesn’t affect the search results. And it works with different web browsers.
3. Get cash back on your purchases
Some apps reward you for shopping online or at the stores. You only need your phone to get it done.
One cashback app to start using when shopping is Ibotta. You get cash back on groceries, apparel, and other daily purchases. Here’s how it works:
- Get the app: Download it from App Store or Google Play and then set up your new account.
- Pick offers: Use your shopping list to find the items you need on Ibotta. Some tasks you may be required to do to earn the cash back include participating in polls, watching short videos, and posting online.
- Do the shopping: Buy the items from the online or physical store partnering with Ibotta. You may also be required to shop from a particular store.
- Earn your cashback: Go to the app and redeem your reward after you’ve shopped. You just have to select the store you bought an item from and add your receipt’s photo. You get paid once the company verifies your purchase.
Some other apps to use are Tada, Rakuten, and Checkout51. The process is similar: shopping, scanning, and earning!
4. Test websites and apps
Would you like to be paid for checking the usability of websites and apps? If so, becoming a tester is another way that you can make extra money fast.
As a tester, you use the test website or app like any other person and then provide feedback about your experience. Your opinion helps the developers to make their products even better.
The tests usually involve written responses and a video capturing your screen and voice while testing the website or app. So, besides your phone and computer, you may need a microphone.
UserTesting is one of the best sites to get such testing jobs. Once you register and complete the practice test, you become eligible for the paid tests. Most tests are only around 20 minutes.
Another site you can use is TryMyUI. After creating an account, doing a real test, and having it reviewed and accepted, you earn money through PayPal.
How to Make Extra Money at Home or Online
5. Start a blog
If you have knowledge and interest in a particular topic, blogging might suit you. You only have to ensure that the topics you want to write about have a significant number of readers and can easily be monetized.
Here are the quick steps to start a blog:
- Choose a domain name plus web hosting: A domain name enables users to find your blog. You can get a free one if you use one of Bluehost’s hosting packages.
- Set up WordPress: WordPress.org is the recommended platform for bloggers. You can install WordPress in quick and easy steps using a web hosting service like Bluehost.
- Write high-quality content and promote it: Your focus should be on solving the problem that your ideal reader is struggling with. Including keywords makes it easier for people to find your posts through search engines. Also, share your posts on social pages like Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Once you start getting traffic, you can monetize your blog content. A few monetization strategies for bloggers are promoting products and services, running ads, and writing sponsored content.
For more details on this, check out my guide on creating a profitable blog.
6. Become a freelance writer
Freelancing writing is another great option if you can write about various topics but don’t want to start a blog. Many business owners online rely on freelance writers to create written content for them.
Fiverr is an example of a freelance site to get writing jobs. Some other strategies to get clients are joining Facebook groups, using Twitter, and cold pitching.
It’s good to specialize in one or a few topics when freelancing online as a writer. This approach enables you to advance your skills and increase your value. It becomes easy to land jobs of your specialty and more clients will be willing to pay your rates.
You can also be a general writer and apply for many different writing jobs online. But you’re less likely to get hired for the top high-paying gigs on specific subjects.
For every gig, be sure to do your best. That’s how you can get more tasks and recommendations.
7. Become a contributing author for a website
This is yet another way to earn money writing. While some contributing authors only do it get exposure online, you can get paid to contribute posts.
Many companies, news sites, and blogs are always looking for new contributors. If you have a story or can write a well-researched article about a topic, it’s good to apply for such roles.
You can simply go to a specific site and check whether they have a “Become a contributor” or “Write for us” page. Or, search those terms on Google with your ideal topic or niche included.
If there’s a site you’d like to write for but doesn’t mention whether they accept writers, contact them for inquiry.
8. Work as a social media manager
Business owners are busy people. That’s why they’ll pay you to manage their social pages. In fact, becoming a social media manager is one of the top ways to make money from Pinterest.
This kind of work is can be a great fit if you usually spend a lot of time on social media. It involves activities such as posting high-quality content, interacting with fans, and building relationships with other businesses.
While it’s possible to do such tasks without a degree, you need some skills to attract more clients. Besides communication skills, you’re required to have a social media strategy that works. So, it’s a good idea to take some training and get certifications in the subject.
While starting out, go for smaller businesses and individuals. This way, you’ll gain the experience that bigger brands need.
9. Create a YouTube channel
Like making videos for fun? You might as well upload them to YouTube and make extra money online.
As you already know, YouTube is a video search engine with content on about every topic. If you’re confident that you can create YouTube videos that lots of people will find interesting, go for it.
While showing your face is the best way to engage with viewers, you don’t have to do that. There are lots of successful faceless YouTube channels. This also means that you won’t need expensive equipment like a camera.
The YouTube Partner program requires you to have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours within the past 12 months. While waiting to qualify, you can monetize your videos by promoting products and collaborating with brands.
10. Become a proofreader online
If you’re good at spotting errors in writing, you should become an online proofreader. These writings range from short articles to books with thousands of words.
Many clients can hire you without an English or related degree. However, you may need to take a proofreading test to prove your expertise. Some skills that come in handy are reading comprehension, writing, and multitasking.
You can find proofreading jobs on various freelance and proofreading websites. All you need to do is apply for them and submit good work when you’re hired.
In case you need proofreading training, check out this workshop on Proofread Anywhere for free.
11. Do transcription jobs
Transcription involves listening to audio or videos and typing what you hear. Some online tools can convert such files into text nowadays. However, many clients still rely on real humans for accuracy.
This work suits you if you can understand a variety of accents. Having good grammar skills also goes a long way.
Similar to writing, specializing in a subject as a transcriber can be great for increasing your value. The two common ones are law and medicine. Becoming a general transcriber is a chance to work a variety of transcribing gigs.
Again, freelance sites are good for finding transcription jobs. Also, you could join a transcription site like Scribie, take a test, and start earning.
If you’re totally new and need some training, check out Transcribe Anywhere’s transcription mini-course.
12. Tutor students online
Whether you’re a college student, teacher, professor, or expert in a field, you can generate extra income online as a tutor.
The basic requirements are fluency in English, good listening skills, and the ability to use video communication software. Depending on the subject, you may be required to have qualifications such as a high school diploma, tutoring training, or a degree.
If you’re an experienced teacher or professional, you can join a tutoring site like Tutor.com. College sophomores enrolled at an accredited university are also allowed to apply. TutorMe and StudyPool are some other sites to get paid tutoring.
Another option is to start your own online tutoring business. You just need to choose a suitable technology and a proper strategy for acquiring students.
13. Teach English
This is just like tutoring, except that you’re simply teaching English. You would be surprised how many people want to learn English online.
Of course, you need to be fluent in English to qualify for such work. Access to reliable technology is also necessary.
VIPKid is one site to join as an English teacher and interact with non-native English-speaking kids. It’s a chance to teach on your own schedule and earn extra money from home.
14. Start an online course
Maybe you have a skill or strategy you want to share with others and profit from it. Starting an online course is the best way to go.
Many people will pay to learn something that solves their problems. It could be related to money, health, or other popular topics. If you do some research and identify your ideal learner, getting them to purchase from you becomes easier.
Creating and selling an online course shouldn’t be challenging. If you use Teachable, you won’t need any tech skills to get started. The online course platform is trusted by thousands of creators and learners as well.
15. Sell photos and footage
Have some good photos and footage but still wondering how to make extra money? Well, selling them would be a great choice.
As you may know, visual content is important in marketing. And so, many brands need images and videos for social media and their websites. You might as well be one of the people they can buy from.
Stock photography websites like Shutterstock and Dreamstime allow photographers to sell photos and footage on their platforms. You’re free to share work taken by either camera or phone.
You earn money when people download your work. The best way to maximize your earnings is by uploading lots of high-quality images and videos.
16. Get a virtual assistant role
A virtual assistant offers various admin services to clients remotely. These services include scheduling meetings, managing emails, and other tasks from the clients.
You need good communication, writing, and computer skills to become a VA. While not necessary, having a specific degree can be an advantage.
Some strategies to find VA jobs include pitching your services and networking with others. Your potential clients could be bloggers, online coaches, or consultants.
Building a presence online is a great way to have clients find you. This means setting up social pages and creating a website about your VA services. You could also register on online service marketplaces to access such gigs.
17. Become a social media influencer
Becoming an influencer is a popular way to monetize on Instagram. As an influencer, you get paid to post sponsored content. It simply means collaborating with brands to promote them or their products in your posts.
Brands can quickly notice you if you have a significant following. That’s why it helps to focus on growing your follower count.
In case you want to get into the profitable side of it right away, consider reaching out to businesses in your niche. Sites like IndaHash are also great for finding such opportunities.
Or, you could do affiliate marketing instead. In this case, you earn commissions for promoting affiliate products. ShareASale and Amazon Associates are some of the best affiliate networks to join.
It’s best if whatever you want to promote aligns with your audiences’ interests. Giving them a reason to use the product also goes a long way.
18. Sell crafts online
If you’re skilled in handcrafting, it’s time to create an online store and start selling. It’s a less costly and effective alternative to setting up a physical shop.
Etsy is one of the best sites to sell crafts online. You can find customers for handmade items like clothing, jewelry, and art.
You’re free to also create your own website to sell your products. This way, you have more control over what to sell, your earnings, and more.
19. Sell custom products
Are you good at creating digital artwork? Uploading your designs on products and selling them might interest you.
Print-on-demand enables you to work with suppliers in creating custom products for sale. The products include t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases. You don’t even have to buy a ton of plain products or make the prints yourself.
Sites such as Teespring only require you to add your designs to various products. When someone orders an item, the printing companies print the design on it. You keep the profit after the product and service costs have been deducted.
If you don’t have graphic design skills, a tool like Placeit comes in handy for creating designs. You can also hire a graphic designer or buy ready-made designs.
20. Sell used items
Instead of letting old and unwanted items take up space in your storage, you could sell them. It’s a good way to declutter while earning extra cash.
Sites such as Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist are great for selling old books, electronic devices, and more.
You just need to ensure that the product is still in good condition or usable. If you’re selling used books, for instance, they need to have all pages and not be torn.
Also, you may not be allowed to sell things like used clothes, baby products, and personal care items on sites like Amazon. Be sure to check the accepted categories of the platform you want to use before moving on.
21. Offer your skills
Skills starting from web design to slogan making are marketable online. You can offer such services on freelancing websites as a freelancer.
While being an expert means more pay, you don’t even have to be one to get hired. A degree isn’t also necessary. All you need to do is convince clients that you can do a job well.
It takes some effort to land your first freelance gig. But you can always take the jobs that don’t pay much or even go without payment. Add them as examples of your work to get higher-paying clients.
You’ll most likely get positive reviews and recommendations for every good job you do.
22. Find online translation jobs
This is a great option for you if you’re skilled in more than one language. Many translation jobs usually involve English and another language. It could be French, German, Swahili, or any other.
It’s true that there are many tools online to easily translate documents. But human translation is still in demand as some difficult texts require that.
Most gigs are available on freelance marketplaces and job boards. If you can prove your expertise in both of the languages involved, it becomes easier to be hired.
23. Serve as an online chat agent
More companies are now offering flexible positions that anyone qualified can apply for. Such jobs include working as an online chat agent.
It involves customer services like answering questions, helping with purchases, returns and refunds, and other kinds of support.
You’re eligible to take online chat agent jobs if you’re good at serving customers and typing. Some gigs require qualifications in specific fields.
How to Make Extra Money on the Side
24. Pet sit
If you love being around pets, it could be your new profitable hobby. Whether you like dogs, cats, or both, it’s time to get paid for sitting, walking, and playing with them.
Some pet owners aren’t always home to take care of their pets. Maybe they have busy schedules or they’re going on a long trip. If such happens, they need someone to look after their dog or cat.
As a sitter, you can either have the pets in your home or go to the owner’s place. Whatever option suits you, be sure to follow any laws or requirements in your area.
If you join Rover as a sitter, you get a chance to meet pet owners near you who need your services. All you need to do is set up an account, choose your desired types of pets and work days, and get paid for each completed service.
25. Become a babysitter
Babysitting is for you if you like having kids around and need to make more money. But you should only take such a role if you’re well prepared.
This means that you have to be confident that kids will be safe with you. Consider all your qualities to know now how ready you are to become a babysitter.
It’s essential to take some training and get certified. Also, be sure to check all the laws and regulations in your area to ensure you’re qualified.
Besides looking for babysitting positions where you live, a site like Care.com can help you get hired.
26. Drive passengers
Wondering how to make extra money on the side using your car? Driving people to their destinations is one idea that pays off.
Uber and Lyft are two companies that you can join as a driver. You get connected with local individuals who need rides.
The basic requirements are a driver’s license and a background check. Once approved, you’re eligible to accept ride requests, pick passengers, and get paid.
27. Deliver customer orders
If you have a car or bicycle, delivering with DoorDash would be a great way to boost your income. A Dasher’s work is to pick up ordered food and deliver it to customers nearby.
The good thing is that you do deliveries as a part-time gig. You get to pick your hours and won’t have to work all day.
Postmates is another company to join as a delivery person. Besides food, you earn money for drinks and retail deliveries. On top of your earnings, there are customer tips to enjoy.
28. Shop for groceries and get paid
You may wonder how shopping for groceries can earn you more cash. The idea is that you pick the items on behalf of someone else and deliver it to them.
That’s how being an Instacart shopper works. The platform simply connects you with people in your location who need groceries.
You’re only required to provide your driver’s license and pass their background check to start doing shopping and deliveries. When you receive customer tips, you keep the whole amount.
29. Do Amazon delivery
In case you want to make money from Amazon, this is one of the best ways. You simply need to deliver customer orders and get paid.
An increasing number of people are now using sites like Amazon to shop online. Their need for quick deliveries is why Amazon requires more delivery people.
You only need to create an Amazon Flex driver account to get started. You’ll then be able to find delivery opportunities within your location. You’re required to pick up the package from Amazon delivery stations or local stores and deliver them.
If you’re in a city that’s not included on Amazon Flex, you can still sign up and be notified of future opportunities.
30. Help people move
Maybe you have a sizeable car you don’t know how else to use. It’s time to get paid for helping people to move.
Your pickup truck or cargo van is what you need to start a delivery business on platforms like Dolly. As a Dolly helper, you lift, load, and transport items using your truck or van.
The other option is to become Dolly Hands. This role requires you to assist with labor when helping people move. And you can apply for it even without a truck.
31. Rent out your car
You don’t have to leave your car in the garage when not using it. It’s possible to make some extra bucks if you rent it out.
Many people go to car-sharing platforms to rent cars. So, one good idea is to list your car on Turo.
Turo allows you to share a car you own with others and get paid. You could even buy one or two cars and build a car-renting business on the site.
Upon registration, you’re free to accept trips, adjust your prices, and communicate with your guests. You don’t have to worry about insurance because it’s included.
32. Advertise on your car
This is another easy way to make extra money on the side with your car. All you need to do is have your car wrapped with an advertisement. And then drive!
Wrapify is one online platform to find such opportunities. You sign up as a driver, complete your profile, and start accessing the available offers.
If you find an offer you like, you’re required to submit pictures of your car and choose an install location. Once the advertisement is set up, you’re good to go.
33. Take physical jobs
If you like lifting, carrying, and fixing things, taking physical jobs might be suitable for you. Most of them don’t require any special qualifications.
Try sites like Craigslist and TaskRabbit to find simple jobs like moving things and home repairs. Be sure to get any details about the tools and equipment involved in each job.
Doing a great job is the best strategy to get more work and recommendations.
34. Rent out your place or space
Some people need an affordable home or room to stay in while traveling. Others need it for partying and other events.
Renting out your place for such purposes is a quick way to earn extra cash. It’s possible to do it through companies like Airbnb.
Other things to rent out are random spaces like an office, storage, farm, etc. If your prices favor both sides, you can profit a lot from your unused spaces.
35. Rent out items
It’s possible to rent out whatever you have that someone needs. It can be a bicycle, sports equipment, or household items.
Doing so has some risks. But it’s also a chance to earn extra income fast.
It’s best to ensure your items are protected. Take enough security deposit and sign a contract if possible.
Also, all your items must be safe to handle. Be sure to take photos of your items for protection before renting them out.
36. Pick up trash
This may not be everyone’s favorite kind of work. If you like keeping the environment clean, you might as well earn extra cash quickly while doing it. In fact, it’s a simple business that can be quite lucrative.
You won’t need any specific skills to qualify for picking up trash. All you need are the right tools for the job.
It’s also easy to get such jobs because many property owners don’t do the cleaning themselves. Some places to pick up trash are parking areas, warehouses, and offices.
37. Become a tour guide
Have lots of interesting places to show around your town? Becoming a tour guide is something you may like.
You need good communication skills and personality. Tourists need a good storyteller in their company during trips. It also helps to have customer service skills because you’ll be dealing with all kinds of people.
If you’re still studying, serving as a campus tour guide is one of the best college jobs to do. In this case, you give tours around your college to visitors. Check the campus job board to see whether your institution has such jobs.
38. Get paid to cuddle
If you’ve ever wondered whether being there for someone pays, this is it. While working as a professional cuddler is an unpopular earning idea, it’s an effective way to make extra money.
While most people doing such work are females, men are eligible too. But getting hired can be quite challenging for them. The reason is that many clients are usually males.
An important requirement to become a professional cuddler is good hygiene. So, you need to clean yourself well before each session.
The easiest way to find these gigs is through cuddling companies like Cuddlist.
39. Start a quick business
Sometimes, your answer for how to earn extra cash doesn’t have to come from far. You could just look around where you live and find a quick business to start. And who knows, it could grow into something bigger.
For instance, you can sell ice cream if you live in a warm area. Or, you could sell socks and gloves if it’s a cold area!
The idea is to know what problems people have and offer solutions. That’s how the big brands started.
Pick Your Way to Make Extra Money
So, you have 39 ideas on how to make extra money. Pick one, two, or all to try and you’ll have more money to make your dreams happen.
Putting effort into it is the fastest way to see results. Always keep that in mind!