Let’s face it: Many of us are tired of the daily commute, workplace politics, and the rigid 9-to-5 grind.
Or maybe you’re satisfied with your current job but you need a side hustle to help pay bills or save up for a special trip or purchase.
People used to laugh about working at home in your pajamas, but no one’s laughing any more. The explosion of work-from-home jobs over the past few years has made a believer out of the most hardened skeptics.
The idea of earning a decent income from home may sound impossible or only like a dream, but it’s more attainable now than ever before.
With the massive growth of the Internet’s size and accessibility over the last couple of decades, and the huge increase in people working out of their homes, it really is possible to earn an income from the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’re looking to ditch the corporate world, flee the factory, or simply supplement your savings, there are plenty of ways to make money without leaving your house.
Here are ten legitimate, creative, and practical ways to boost your income from the comfort of your own home.
Let’s explore these options and find the perfect fit for you!
As an added bonus, we’ve included some of the best training programs (both free and paid) to help you quickly start earning money online.
And stay to the very end for one more new and proven way to earn money from home!
This article includes references to products and services for which we receive compensation, though the views expressed are entirely those of the author. Please note that not every product or offer on the market is included.
1. Freelance Writing ✍️
If you have a knack for words and a passion for storytelling, freelance writing might be your calling.
Websites, blogs, and companies are always on the lookout for talented writers to create content.
By freelancing, you can write articles, blog posts, product descriptions, and more—all from home.
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are great places to start. Just create an attention-grabbing profile, showcase your writing samples, and start bidding on projects.
You will need to be very punctual as submitting your writing on a timely basis is a crucial part of this type of work.
The growing field of artificial intelligence (AI) can also make it even easier to polish your writing skills and increase your productivity.
Getting Started With Freelancing
Here are some of the steps needed to become a freelance writer:
- Build a portfolio: Start with a blog or contribute to free platforms to showcase your work.
- Choose a niche: Focus on areas you’re knowledgeable about, such as tech, health, recipes, or travel.
- Set competitive rates: Research the market to price your services appropriately.
2. Virtual Assistance 🖥️
Are you organized and good at managing tasks? If so, then consider becoming a virtual assistant.
Virtual assistants (VAs) help businesses and entrepreneurs with administrative tasks, such as email management, scheduling, and social media.
This role offers flexibility in hours and can be tailored to your skills and availability.
Steps to Become a VA
Think you might want to be a virtual assistant? Start with these steps:
- Identify your skills: Highlight areas you excel in, such as email management, data entry, social media, or customer support.
- Create a profile: Use platforms like Upwork or VA-specific sites to connect with clients.
- Network: Join online groups and communities to find job opportunities.
3. Online Tutoring 📚
If you have expertise in a particular subject, why not share your knowledge and get paid for it?
Online tutoring is in high demand, especially for subjects like math, science, and languages.
Websites like VIPKid, Chegg Tutors, and Tutor.com connect you with students eager to learn.
How to Start Tutoring
Follow these basic steps to become an online tutor:
- Choose your subject: Select areas where you have strong knowledge and can teach effectively.
- Get certified: Some platforms require certifications or teaching experience.
- Set your schedule: Decide on your availability and communicate it clearly to potential students.
4. Selling Handmade Goods 🛍️
Are you crafty or enjoy making handmade items?
Platforms like Etsy and eBay provide a marketplace for you to sell your creations, whether it’s jewelry, artwork, clothing, or home décor.
Although these aren’t handmade, there’s also a huge market for selling digital goods like eBooks, downloadable coloring pages, printable planners, and digital artwork.
Turning your hobby into a thriving business can be incredibly rewarding.
Tips for Success
Figuring out the right way to begin selling goods online sometimes has a bit of a learning curve. But these steps will guide you in the right direction:
- Quality photos: Take high-quality photos of your products to attract buyers.
- Detailed descriptions: Provide clear and detailed descriptions of your items.
- Market your shop: Use social media and other marketing strategies to drive traffic to your store.
In addition to selling handmade goods, many people have made money buying and reselling items on eBay. These sellers visit garage sales, thrift stores, or estate sales to find items, then resell those items online for a profit.
5. Dropshipping 📦
Dropshipping is a popular online e-commerce model where you sell products without holding inventory.
When a customer makes a purchase, you order the product from a third-party supplier who ships it directly to the customer.
This reduces overhead costs for you and simplifies the business process.
Steps to Start Dropshipping
Think becoming a dropshipper might be for you? Start out here:
- Choose a niche: Focus on a specific market or product category.
- Find suppliers: Use platforms like AliExpress, Oberlo, or SaleHoo to find reliable suppliers.
- Create an online store: Use Shopify or WooCommerce to set up your e-commerce site.
6. Online Surveys and App Reviews 📊
Another popular way to make money from home is doing online surveys, app reviews, and market research.
While this won’t probably won’t make you rich, participating in online surveys and app reviews is a realistic way to provide a steady stream of side income.
Companies pay for consumer opinions to improve their products and services. Websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Vindale Research are popular options.
Getting Started
Here’s how to begin with online surveys, app reviews and market research:
- Sign up: Register on multiple survey sites to increase your earning potential.
- Be honest: Provide genuine responses to ensure you get more survey opportunities.
- Stay consistent: Regular participation can lead to higher earnings.
Take a 1-minute quiz to find out what type of app review job you are best suited to.
7. Affiliate Marketing 💸
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral link.
When reading an article online, have you seen wording like “Affiliate links included below” (like in this article)? That’s because affiliate income can be a very profitable way to make money online.
Bloggers, social media influencers, and website owners often use affiliate marketing to monetize their content.
Platforms like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and ClickBank are some of the more popular affiliate programs.
How to Succeed with Affiliate Marketing
There’s good money to be made from affiliate marketing, but you have to do things right and avoid some common pitfalls.
- Choose products you believe in: Promote items you genuinely like and trust.
- Create quality content: Write reviews, create tutorials, or make videos to showcase the products.
- Track performance: Use analytics to see which links are performing well and adjust your strategy accordingly.
8. Remote Customer Service ☎️
Many companies are now offering remote customer service positions.
If you have good communication skills and enjoy helping people, this could be a great fit.
You’ll assist customers with their inquiries, solve problems, and ensure they have a positive experience with the company.
Steps to Get Hired for Remote Customer Service
Does helping customers sound like something you’re interested in? Begin here:
- Search for jobs: Look on job boards like Indeed, Remote.co, and FlexJobs.
- Polish your resume: Highlight your customer service experience and relevant skills.
- Prepare for interviews: Practice common customer service interview questions.
9. Stock Photography 📷
If you love taking photos and have decent camera equipment, why not sell your photos online?
Stock photography websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images allow photographers to upload their work and earn royalties whenever someone purchases or licenses their photos.
How to Start
Here are some tips for selling photography online:
- Build a portfolio: Capture a variety of images that cater to different themes and industries.
- Learn the market: Understand what types of photos are in demand.
- Upload regularly: Consistently add new photos to increase your chances of making sales.
Learn how to get paid to take photos and start selling your photos today.
10. Blogging and Vlogging 📝📹
Last (but definitely not least) in the sphere of online money-making opportunities is blogging and/or vlogging.
Sharing your thoughts, experiences, and expertise through a blog or vlog can be a truly lucrative venture.
Some bloggers or vloggers make tens of thousands of dollars monthly! While not everyone has these results, even a few extra hundred per month would be a big boost to many people.
While it takes time to build an audience, once you have a loyal following, you can monetize through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.
Getting Started with Blogging and Vlogging
Think you might want to give blogging or vlogging a go? Here are some pointers:
- Choose a niche: Focus on a topic you’re passionate about and knowledgeable in.
- Create quality content: Consistently produce valuable and engaging content.
- Promote your platform: Use social media, SEO, and other marketing strategies to grow your audience.
Go here now for the MoneyBuzz guide to starting a blog, with 10 simple steps for starting today!
Bonus: User-Generated Content (UGC) Creator 📱
Have you ever been on Instagram or TikTok and noticed users talking about different products or brands? Have you wondered by these people are promoting those product? They’re getting paid!
Creating user-generated content (UGC) is a fast-growing way to earn money from home.
Brands and businesses are always on the lookout for authentic content created by real users.
As a UGC creator, you produce content like reviews, testimonials, unboxing videos, and lifestyle posts featuring products or services.
These can then be used by brands in their marketing campaigns.
How to Get Started with UGC
- Understand your audience: Focus on creating content that resonates with your followers and is relevant to the brands you want to work with.
- Build your portfolio: Start by creating and sharing UGC for products you already use and love. Tag the brands and use relevant hashtags.
- Reach out to brands: Once you have a solid portfolio, pitch your services to brands directly or join platforms like TRIBE, AspireIQ, and Influence.co that connect UGC creators with brands.
- Keep it authentic: Authenticity is key in UGC. Ensure your content feels genuine and not overly commercialized.
Making money from home is not only feasible but also incredibly rewarding.
Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or start a full-fledged business, there’s a method out there that fits your skills and interests.
So, pick one (or more!) of these legitimate ways to make money from home, and start your journey towards financial freedom today. Happy earning! 🎉
