How to make money online?

Discover how to earn money online through surveys, selling, freelancing, and influencing on social media by leveraging your skills and hobbies.

Por: talita melz em September 30, 2024 Última atualização em: November 13, 2024

With the digital world at your fingertips, there are countless opportunities to turn your skills, hobbies, or even unused internet bandwidth into a steady stream of income. In times of rising living costs, every extra dollar can make a significant difference.

Whether you’re looking to replace your income or just earn some extra cash, the internet offers hundreds of ways to achieve this goal. As long as you have a broadband connection, many alternatives are available without the need for a second job.

Ways to earn money online

With this in mind, we’ve gathered easy ways to earn some extra income online. Here are some important examples to get you started.

Earn extra money with market research and testing

Participation in market surveys

Sign up for market research websites like Opinion World, Swagbucks, among others, to receive payments in cash or vouchers. Participating in market surveys is an easy and effective way to earn some extra income, and it can often be done from home. While some surveys require specific criteria, there are plenty of opportunities to qualify, and you can make a few dollars per hour.

Focus groups, product, app, and website testing

Another way to earn extra money is by participating in product, app, and website tests through platforms like UserTesting. These websites pay you to provide feedback on the user experience, allowing you to contribute conveniently and interestingly, also from the comfort of your own home.

Selling products, services or belongings

Platforms like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay are ideal for selling unused items around the house, taking advantage of the growing demand for second-hand goods. You can turn old items into cash by offering everything from clothes and books you’ve already read to bikes, ski gear, kitchen utensils, and furniture.

Surprisingly, what may seem like junk to you could be someone else’s treasure. With inflation rising globally, the demand for second-hand products is increasing, making these platforms even more attractive.

Set up an online store

Creating an eCommerce store

Using platforms like Shopify allows you to create an eCommerce store and sell products, both physical and digital. Selling digital products, such as e-books and online courses, is also a great option.

While setting up an online store requires a bit more legwork than other methods on this list, the potential reward is higher. This type of site makes it easy to create an eCommerce website to sell products.

Rent out a room, car, or parking space

Some platforms allow you to rent out rooms, cars or even parking spaces, generating a steady income, especially in high-demand locations.

Most of us are familiar with these platforms as customers, but they also represent a great source of potential income if you have a property or vehicle available for rent.

Rental demand is extremely high in Australia, so if you have a spare room, it’s worth renting it out.

Property rental markets

Online property rental markets like Airbnb and Stayz have become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing owners to rent out spaces to people looking for a place to stay, from individual rooms to entire properties.
Whether you’re renting out a room in your house or your grandma’s apartment out the back, you’re helping solve a problem and could provide much-needed shelter for someone in need. However, it’s important to consider several factors when renting a property or room, including the terms of your home insurance policy, so be sure to do your homework first.

Parking space rental

If you live near a train station, football stadium, or city centre, you could generate a regular income stream by renting out your off-street parking space. You can rent your space by the hour, day, week, or even monthly.

It’s possible to list your parking space on websites like ParkHound and Spacer. Fee structures vary but usually include a booking commission, and some sites may charge a listing fee.

When renting out your parking space, you should contact the booking driver, provide instructions when necessary, and ensure access is kept clear. Additionally, check that proper liability coverage is included in your home insurance.

Become an online tutor

You can offer online lessons through websites like LearnMate, Superprof, or The Tutoring Company. If you’re good at maths, English, science, or languages, this could be an excellent way to earn extra money. By registering on platforms like LearnMate, you can tutor students in a variety of subjects, from maths or English to computer science or a foreign language.

This activity is best suited for university students who enjoy teaching and are happy to help students approaching school entrance exams, senior studies, or those struggling in specific areas. The pandemic has made students accustomed to remote learning, removing the expectation that you need to travel to teach your students in person.

The better your high school and university grades in maths, English, and science, the more appealing you will be to potential students. You can find clients using sites, as well as through word-of-mouth recommendations. This is a great way to share your knowledge and help others while generating extra income.

Sell stock photos

If you have a good eye for photography, you can explore stock photography. Websites like iStock, Getty Images, and Alamy allow you to sell photos and earn royalties. Photos of landscapes, food, people, or buildings can be used for various purposes, generating passive income.

You can start by taking photos of your local neighbourhood, the food you cook, and interesting buildings you come across, or even by setting up some scenes at home.

Image usage authorisation

Remember that if your photos include other people or properties, you’ll need to get a signed model release form. This form, easily found online, is a written permission that allows the photographer to use images taken of a person or property for commercial purposes.

Some websites won’t accept uploads unless you have a model release.

Stock photos are used for a wide range of purposes, meaning the possibilities are endless. While it takes some initial time and effort to build a profitable library of images, once you have it, you can enjoy a passive income stream.

Stock photography has become a big business online, and platforms like Alamy are set up to help you sell your photos by posting them on their online store and sharing a percentage of all sales with you.

Work as a freelancer

Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, and Peopleperhour connect freelancers with companies looking for a variety of services. Writing, graphic design, accounting, marketing, and consulting are always in demand. Additionally, Airtasker connects people who need help with tasks, which can range from physical services to online work such as writing, design, and website development.

Writing opportunities

If you have writing experience, you can land freelance writing jobs with various publications and websites. Check out popular job sites like Seek or the job section of LinkedIn for such roles. Keep in mind that these positions aren’t always advertised, so it might be more effective to contact the company directly to ask about freelance online work opportunities.

Online platform jobs

The rise of remote work has resulted in a wide range of freelance jobs available online. A good place to start is on websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Peopleperhour. If you’re a highly skilled professional, you can apply to Expert360, which connects consultants with business owners for dedicated projects. Opportunities include writing, accounting, business plan preparation, sales, marketing, and administrative services.

Application and bidding process

The first step is to sign up and enter details about your skills and experience, after which you can “bid” on freelance jobs posted by clients. It’s a good idea to check out the rates offered for projects to get a sense of the appropriate price for bidding. In some cases, you may be asked to provide evidence of your work or go through an interview.

Payment and feedback

The freelance website handles payment, though it may take a commission or charge a fee for its services. Additionally, you can build your profile by asking clients to leave feedback on completed work. Platforms like Fiverr offer the opportunity to make money with specialised skills, including services like voice-overs, document translation, short video creation, or promotional materials.

Offer services as a virtual assistant

Many online companies hire virtual assistants to perform a range of tasks, from graphic design to simpler activities like responding to emails. This work can be done from home and offers flexible hours, making it a great option for those looking to earn extra money in their spare time.

Complete tasks on Airtasker

Airtasker allows people to post jobs or tasks for others in the community to complete. In addition to physical tasks like cleaning or helping with moves, there’s a wide variety of tasks that can be done online. You’ll find opportunities like writing resumes, translating documents, graphic design work, creating websites, and more.

Sell your creative services or products

Etsy is perfect for those with skills in arts and crafts, allowing you to sell products easily and profitably. This platform is a craft-focused alternative, differentiating itself from eBay by exclusively focusing on handmade items. If you have a talent for creating, Etsy offers a popular space to showcase and sell your creations.

However, unlike other platforms, Etsy requires a bit more work to set up. You’ll need to create a shop, add detailed product descriptions, and ensure that each item’s photos are high-quality. This initial effort is crucial to attract customers and make your work stand out in a competitive market.

Affiliate marketing

If you have a blog or website, affiliate marketing can be an excellent way to generate revenue by promoting products and services. By becoming an affiliate marketer, you’ll receive a personalised link provided by the affiliate program, which can be placed across your different channels.

Each time a sale is made through that link, you’ll earn a small commission from the profit generated. This strategy not only monetises your website but also allows you to recommend products you believe are valuable to your visitors, creating a more integrated and personalised shopping experience.

Share your words

If you have a good knowledge in areas of interest and are an expert on a topic that attracts a large audience, consider writing an e-book and self-publishing it on Amazon. This can be particularly lucrative if you have expertise in subjects like the stock market, investments, or cooking, where you can share your recipes and tips.

Turn writing into income

With a bit of effort, it’s possible to turn your passion for writing into a source of passive income. Many bloggers need help creating content for their websites and are willing to pay freelancers to cover specific topics. You can pitch ideas to bloggers you admire or use freelance platforms like Upwork to offer your services.

In addition to writing and editing, you can advertise nearly any service through these platforms, from graphic design to transcribing interviews, leveraging your skills to boost your monthly income. This approach not only diversifies your job opportunities but also allows you to explore different areas in which you have knowledge or interest.

Create a YouTube channel or podcast

Share your skills or interests on YouTube or through podcasts. After building a loyal audience, you can earn through ads and sponsorships.

Start a YouTube channel

If you have a specific skill set, or if you have a hobby or passion that may interest others, consider creating a YouTube channel. For example, if fishing is your passion, you could post videos with tips and tricks for catching the best fish. Over time, as you build your audience, there’s the opportunity to monetise your channel through advertisements.

Start your own podcast

Podcasts also offer an excellent platform to build an audience and generate revenue online. With a growing number of podcasts focused on specific niches, you can find a dedicated audience. While it can be challenging to make money quickly, building a solid listener base over time can attract advertisers and create a source of income.

Stock market and passive income with cashback

Trading stocks can be a profitable business if you’re willing to take risks. During market downturns, it can be a good time to invest, as some stocks have the potential to appreciate. Platforms like IG and SelfWealth allow you to trade stocks online conveniently. For a less risky alternative, consider exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which offer access to a range of stocks in a single transaction. However, it’s essential to be aware that, despite the profit opportunities, the risks are significant.

Additionally, trading cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum can also be a source of income, but it comes with considerable risks due to market volatility.

Passive income is income that doesn’t require ongoing time or effort. Investing in the stock market can generate this form of income, but it requires a long-term strategy to achieve consistent gains. However, investments can also result in losses.

Using cashback websites

Cashback websites, such as Cash Rewards and TopCashback, allow you to earn a percentage back on your online purchases, potentially adding up to several hundred dollars annually. To use these services, simply sign up on a cashback site and look for your desired retailer. After clicking the link that tracks your visit, you can complete your purchase as usual.

Many of these sites do not charge a sign-up fee, but some offer higher cashback levels for a small annual fee. Customers can earn up to 10% back in various categories, such as fashion, technology, and travel. However, cashback is not guaranteed and may be denied or lower than expected.

Create content and influence people

It’s not just celebrities who profit from Instagram; micro-influencers—everyday individuals with an engaged follower base—can also earn money by creating and sharing content. The key to success is cultivating an audience that actively reacts to your posts with likes, shares, and comments.

Collaborations with brands

Most influencers begin their journey by collaborating with brands, promoting products that they often receive for free. As your audience grows, you may evolve to receive financial compensation for sponsored posts. To ensure transparency, remember to follow advertising guidelines by using hashtags like #ad to indicate that the post is sponsored.

Strategic approach to partnerships

If you have a good number of followers, consider monetising your influence by promoting products from brands. Many companies are willing to pay you to post about their products. Start by reaching out to smaller brands that align with your content. For example, if you frequently share photos of yourself skiing, partnering with a ski equipment brand could be an ideal opportunity for both parties.