Almost 60% of American workers live paycheck to paycheck.
That means they’re one emergency expense or illness away from serious financial trouble. But in the digital era, more and more people are turning to the internet to make extra money. With the right skills and a little time, you could earn extra money outside your day job.
Try these unique online side jobs to earn more cash.
1. Freelance Copywriting
Everyone and their brother these days are trying to make money through blogging. That means there are a plethora of blogs out there fighting for views.
Instead of joining the battle and creating a new blog, offer your copywriting services to existing blogs. Many sites are willing to pay top dollar for original, well-written content.
If you’re new to online writing, start by creating a few writing samples and pitching your services to several generic blogs. Try to diversify your freelance income by having multiple clients.
Once you’ve become more experienced, you can settle into a niche and market yourself as an expert. As an expert, you can charge more for your services!
2. Transcription Services
If writing original content isn’t up your alley, consider putting your typing skills to use with transcription.
Transcription involves listening to a recorded segment of audio and typing out everything that is said. While that sounds easy enough, once you add in heavy accents or hard to hear audio, the task can get tricky.
The faster you can type, the more money there is to make. You should also have a good sense of grammar and a quiet place to work. Buying advanced equipment, like a transcription pedal, can increase your speed if you’re serious about this side gig.
3. Graphic Design
Looking to make money from home using your creative side? There’s a large market out there for graphic designers.
As a graphic designer, you’ll use computer programs to make attractive graphics for online use. This could include anything from designing a unique company logo to putting together a responsive website layout. You can advertise your services both online and to local businesses.
Since graphic design involves a good understanding of design programs, consider investing in an online class to improve your skills. After a while, you could even create your own class to teach beginners your own tips and tricks.
4. Sports Betting
Do you love watching sports and keeping up with athlete statistics? If so, you’re missing out on a good revenue stream if you aren’t already betting on your favorite sports.
Online sports betting involves betting a certain amount of money on the prediction that a certain team will win. The amount of money you win is based on how many people bet against your prediction. The worse the odds, the better the payout.
If you’re a die-hard Patriots fan or worship the turf that Tom Brady plays on, consider betting on a sport other than football. Your personal biases can get in the way of your decision-making, resulting in a huge loss if your team plays badly.
New to the online sports betting world? These tips can help you earn some serious cash.
5. Virtual Assistant
Have a knack for organization and details? Many people are in need of a virtual assistant to help handle some of their online tasks.
Being a virtual assistant can include everything from answering emails to entering data into a spreadsheet. The tasks are often clerical-related and seen as time-consuming for your client. If you’ve got extra time on your hand, they’re willing to pay for it.
The drawback of being a virtual assistant is that you may be required to work during certain hours. Because of this, it’s important to find out exactly what your client needs before accepting a job.
6. Customer Service Rep
Are your people skills out of this world? Do you enjoy solving problems for people and helping find solutions? One of the more common side jobs from home is that of a customer service representative.
There are two main categories of a customer service representative: phone and online.
As a phone customer service rep, you’ll answer phone calls made to the company you work for. But as an online representative, you’ll either be answering emails or an online chat option.
Either way, you’ll collect basic customer information and discover their reason for reaching out. Most times, you’ll have a set transcript to follow depending on what the customer needs. Other times, you’ll use your knowledge of the product or services to come up with a solution to their problem.
7. Tutoring
Finishing this list of how to make extra money is online tutoring.
If you’re new to online tutoring, you can easily land a job as an English teacher to people in other countries. You’ll work for a company that will set up clients, both children and adults, who want to learn the English language. Then, using a webcam, you’ll teach your students how to hold conversations and improve their vocabulary.
If you’re talented in another subject, such as algebra or chemistry, you can also tutor students who are struggling in school. Offer your services online and help a local college student graduate with honors!
The Right Side Jobs to Earn Extra Cash
Consider these online side jobs to help you earn the extra cash you need.
The best part about all these jobs is that they can be done in your limited free time from wherever you have internet access. Focus on one job to become an expert in the field or juggle a few to create multiple income streams. Either way, your wallet will thank you.
Need more help with improving your financial future? Head over to the Money Saving or Finance sections of this site for all the best advice.