15 Practical Ways to Make Money Online, Offline, and from Home
The effects of inflation have many people exploring new ways to bring in some extra income. Whether you're looking to make quick cash or start a side hustle that pays off long-term, here are 25 real options for making money from home, online, or on the go. For each suggestion, you'll find tips on how to get started, requirements, and how fast you can start seeing cash flow.
Making Money Online
1. Freelancing on Platforms Like Upwork or Fiverr
If you have a marketable skill like writing, graphic design, programming, or virtual assistance, freelancing platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr can be great ways to monetize your expertise. Many people are making impressive incomes by offering specialized services. Keep in mind that it may take time to land your first gig, but once you do, the earning potential can be significant.
- Time commitment: Depends on the project
- Setup: 24-48 hours
- Payout speed: Varies by platform and client
2. Website and App Testing
Sites like UserTesting.com pay users to give feedback on how websites and apps function. You’ll be asked to navigate websites and provide your honest opinions on the user experience.
- Time commitment: A few minutes per test
- Setup: Less than an hour
- Payout speed: Typically within two weeks
3. Leverage AI Tools for Freelance Work
AI is changing how businesses operate, and those familiar with generative AI tools can find side hustles helping companies implement and use them. Whether you're editing AI-generated content or integrating AI into marketing strategies, this is a high-demand skill.
- Time commitment: Depends on the project
- Setup: 24-48 hours
- Payout speed: Varies by client
4. Participate in Online Surveys
Although taking surveys won't make you rich, it's an easy way to earn a bit of extra cash or gift cards in your free time. Platforms like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie make this process easy, though earnings are usually low.
- Time commitment: Few minutes to an hour per survey
- Setup: Quick
- Payout speed: Varies by platform
5. Start a Blog and Use Affiliate Marketing
If you enjoy writing and sharing your insights, blogging can be a profitable side hustle, especially through affiliate marketing. By joining an affiliate network, you get paid when someone clicks through your blog and makes a purchase on a partner site.
- Time commitment: Can take months to build traffic
- Setup: Easy with blogging platforms
- Payout speed: Typically 1-2 months
Making Money from Home
6. Sell Crafts on Etsy
If you’re into DIY crafts like jewelry, woodworking, or painting, Etsy is a great platform to sell your creations. With millions of active buyers, it's a popular platform for handmade goods.
- Time commitment: Building a customer base may take time
- Setup: Involved, especially creating listings
- Payout speed: 1-7 days post-sale
7. Self-Publish an eBook
If you’ve got a way with words, self-publishing can be a lucrative side hustle. Platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing make it easy to upload and sell your book to readers worldwide. Writing a book takes time, but once it's up, it can generate passive income.
- Time commitment: Writing is the longest part
- Setup: Easy once you’re done writing
- Payout speed: Monthly
8. Monetize a YouTube Channel
Got a knack for creating engaging videos? YouTube is a great way to earn income, especially through the YouTube Partner Program. With enough subscribers and views, you can generate revenue through ads, memberships, and sponsorships.
- Time commitment: Takes time to grow an audience
- Setup: Quick, but creating content is the challenge
- Payout speed: Monthly, once eligible
9. Become an Instagram Influencer
Companies are always on the lookout for influencers who can promote their products. If you’ve got a sizable following on Instagram, you can partner with brands for sponsored content.
- Time commitment: Building a following takes effort
- Setup: Simple
- Payout speed: Varies with partnerships
10. Sell Photography
If you're handy with a camera, you can sell your photos online through sites like Shutterstock, Fine Art America, or even Etsy. These platforms make it easy to turn your passion for photography into a source of income.
- Time commitment: Depends on how often you shoot
- Setup: A few hours
- Payout speed: Depends on sales platform
Making Money Offline
11. Dog Walking and Pet Sitting
Love animals? Apps like Rover and Wag let you sign up for dog walking or pet sitting gigs. It's flexible, allowing you to choose jobs based on your availability.
- Time commitment: Building a client base takes time
- Setup: A few weeks for approval
- Payout speed: 2-7 days after a job
12. Sell Unused Gift Cards
If you’ve got gift cards sitting around that you won’t use, sites like CardCash or GiftCash will buy them from you for cash. It’s an easy way to turn unused cards into money.
- Time commitment: Few minutes to list cards
- Setup: Simple
- Payout speed: A few days to two weeks
13. Rent Out Your Spare Room on Airbnb
Got a spare room or property? Renting it out on Airbnb can bring in some extra income. Just be sure to check local regulations and any homeowner association rules before getting started.
- Time commitment: Demand varies by location
- Setup: A listing takes hours to create
- Payout speed: A day or more post-check-in
14. Sell Your Old Clothes
Sites like Poshmark or local consignment shops allow you to sell clothes you no longer wear. It’s a quick and easy way to declutter and make money at the same time.
- Time commitment: Depends on how much you have to sell
- Setup: Quick and easy
- Payout speed: Varies by sales platform
15. Babysitting
Babysitting is a timeless way to earn extra income, whether through word-of-mouth referrals or platforms like Care.com. Depending on your location and experience, you could make a good hourly rate.
- Time commitment: Varies
- Setup: Quick online setup
- Payout speed: Upon job completion
There are plenty of ways to make extra income, both online and offline. Whether you prefer freelance gigs, selling homemade crafts, or leveraging social media, the key is to start with what you’re passionate about and stick with it. Over time, these small efforts can add up to a rewarding side hustle.