1. Be a Short Task Provider
If the web had been around when I was younger, I would have spent so much time testing different side gigs and short-task websites.
With short tasks, you can take surveys, test websites, transcribe audio files, answer questions, and complete administrative tasks; the possibilities are endless!
While you’re not going to get rich completing micro-tasks, it’s an excellent way to start making money on your own terms. It also gives you experience, and it’s totally free to get started!
Here are some of my favorite online side jobs to check out:
Appen
When you sign up with Appen, you can work on long-term and short-term projects, microtasks, and data and survey collection. Each task has a payout amount associated with it, and you can choose which tasks to work on. You’ll often need to take a test to prove your proficiency for the projects, but once you do, you have access to higher-paying gigs. With Appen, you’re working as an independent contractor, making you a small business owner. There are no startup fees to start with Appen; all you need is a computer and an internet connection.
Fiverr
Fiverr is an online platform where you can sell one-off freelance services like designing a logo, writing an advertisement, editing a photo or video, image creating, voice-overs, and so much more. With Fiverr, You can price your gigs anywhere between $5.00-$10,000. With Fiverr, there are no startup costs. Just create your profile and list and price your services. Once you make a sale, Fiverr takes a 20% cut, and you keep the other 80%. When Fiverr first started, all gigs were priced at $5, hence the name. But today, it’s evolved into a major freelance marketplace where many freelancers earn six figures a year!
If you’re interested in Fiverr, check out this book, The Fiverr Master Class: The Fiverr Secrets Of Six Power Sellers.
Respondent
Respondent recruits individuals worldwide to participate in focus group studies, one-on-one interviews, website testing gigs, and unmoderated surveys. According to their website, the average study takes 30-90 minutes, and the payout is around $60-$140 per study. When writing this post, there was one remote diary study that paid $450 for 150 minutes. Payments are issued via PayPal.
Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie recruits individuals for attitudinal research studies such as paid surveys, product testing, focus groups, and behavioral research studies, which include opting to share your online browsing activity and behaviors. You can redeem the points you earn for gift cards from major retailers and cash via PayPal. Survey Junkie accepts users from the US, Canada, and Australia.
Swagbucks
Swagbucks is an online platform where you can earn points called SB, which can be redeemed for gift cards from Amazon, Target, Starbucks, PayPal, and Walmart. You can easily earn SB points by watching videos, playing games, answering questions, shopping online, and even surfing the web using their toolbar. Refer your friends, and you’ll earn even more SB points. Swagbucks also gives you a $10 bonus for signing up!
User Interviews
User Interviews recruits individuals from around the globe to participate in surveys, focus groups, and website testing gigs. Most studies take between 30-120 minutes and pay between $40-$200 per study.
While digital side gigs may not seem like a lot of money initially, every little bit adds up! One entrepreneur I know, Lori Cheek, has been able to use side gigs to fund her dating app business.
The key to being successful with this online business idea is you’ll need to sign up with multiple sites so that you always have a steady stream of opportunities. You should also create a separate email account for these because you will receive a lot of emails once you sign up. Last, remember to track your income and expenses, as you need to figure out which ones are the best use of your time.
2. Start a Blog for Free
I’m a huge advocate for starting your own monetized blog. However, it does become a bit tricky when you’re trying to do it for free. First, you have two options for getting started – you can either use the free WordPress option or Blogger, a commercial-free platform from Google. Both have similar features regarding functionality and design, and both can be monetized, but only through their respective ad networks.
This means that you’re able to monetize your blog, but only by using WordAds or Blogger’s Adsense ads. WordPress and Blogger allow affiliate marketing on their free platforms as long as you comply with their terms. You can also sell products like courses, printables, and services.
Using a free platform may limit your earning potential, but it gives you the initial foundation for writing blog posts and building an audience. Once you have some money rolling in, you can purchase your own domain and hosting and transfer your blog over to the paid version of WordPress, where you will be able to monetize your blog any way you want.
Another reason to purchase your own domain name and hosting is you don’t own the free version of your site; either company could shut down your site anytime for any reason.
You will need some tools to get started, but here is a list of my favorite free blogging tools for beginners:
- Canva – Free online graphic design tool
- Grammarly – Free editing tool
- Brevo – Free email marketing service
- The Work at Home Woman – Free 28-page blogging e-book
- Yoast – Free SEO plugin to help optimize your blog posts
If you’re unsure what to write about or how to choose your blogging niche, check out this post for ideas.
3. Provide Child Care Services
As a teen, babysitting was my bread and butter. I’d babysit for my dad’s co-workers, neighborhood kids, my siblings, and children from the church we attended. It was an easy way to make extra money, and obviously, I didn’t spend any money on advertising my services. While most of my clients were from word-of-mouth referrals, I was also able to offer my services on the local bulletin board at our church.
You, too, can make good money by offering your services as a nanny, babysitter, or elderly caretaker. Gather up positive referrals from friends and family members, and then spread the word that you’re open for business. Places like Facebook, Craigslist, Nextdoor, and local bulletin boards are great places to post flyers and promote your business!
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