Are you looking for a quick, easy way to earn a little extra cash, without ever having to leave the house? Chances are you have skills that are being sought after right now, that you aren’t even aware of. Some of these opportunities might require a few professional skills, but most come from a common sense approach and technical know-how.
The best part is that many of these side hustles can be worked into your busy schedule, even if you already have a part time or full time job.
You won’t necessarily be able to quit your day job next week, but you will certainly add a little more to your spending coffers.
And that my friends, is what a lot of us are aiming to do, especially considering the holiday season is upon us. I don’t have to tell you, Christmas becomes more expensive by the year!
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The Weeding Out
If you’ve ever done any kind of search on potential side jobs, you already know the internet is jam packed with ideas. You can find opportunities for practically anything you can think of, from surveys and mystery shopping, to freelance technical support.
Of course, some of those opportunities are worthy of your time, and some are scammy sites whose introduction you shouldn’t even read past.
When I put together this list, my aim was to offer legitimate suggestions that can be implemented immediately and span across a range of backgrounds.
As a Jack of all trades myself, I certainly understand the need for flexibility and options. I also understand the desire to receive a quick payout for my efforts 😉
Digital & Administrative
1. Online surveys
Of course, we’ve all heard of the numerous companies that pay for surveys of all kinds. While you are not going to replace your day job salary by completing surveys, you can definitely earn a little extra cash for nominal bits of your time.
Listed below are the top survey companies online that are completely legit and trustworthy. They all vary slightly with regards to their requirements, types of feedback they are looking for, and compensation paid out. However, they all operate in pretty much the same way.
Once you have signed up with a survey company’s website, you will be asked to complete your profile with the company, answering as much about yourself as possible. From there, the survey company will use your profile information to match you with surveys, tasks, studies, trials, etc. that you are most suited for.
Most surveys give an estimated completion time of 5-20 minutes, with compensation in points or coins. Those points can then be redeemed for various gift cards or cash through Paypal or bank transfer.
Branded Surveys
Survey Junkie
Inbox Dollars
Swagbucks
Free Cash
Most of the surveys offered by the above companies, range in interests from food, health, shopping, travel, music, politics, and so much more. The surveys offered to you are based upon your general interests as per your profile, and you can pick which ones you would like to participate in.
Inbox Dollars, Swagbucks, and Free Cash also offer opportunities for taking polls, testing games and apps, watching videos, participating in free trials or even testing products, depending on the company.
A Few of these companies offer sign up bonuses ($5-$10). A few offer special promotions and tiers for earning additional payouts, depending on specific demographics or other criteria.
So, while you’re sitting on your couch in the evening or scrolling on your phone during your lunch break, signing up with one of these survey sites can certainly get you paid for your down time.
2. Transcription Services
Do you have fast, accurate typing skills, with strong attention to detail? Are you able to meet reasonable deadlines? If so, offering transcription services in your spare time, may be the perfect way for you to earn extra cash.
Online platforms such as Rev, TranscribeMe, GoTranscript, and Upwork are excellent venues for offering your services. These platforms typically require you to create an account and pass a transcription test to demonstrate your skills. Assuming your skills are sufficient, you can usually start accepting transcription jobs immediately.
As long as your transcription tasks are done accurately, submitted within the specified deadline, and approved, you can generally expect prompt payment through PayPal or direct bank transfer.
Fiverr.com is another venue for offering transcription services, and companies I have dealt with on numerous occasions.
All you would have to do is create an account, complete your profile details, and list a gig available for hire.
3. Data Entry
One of the easiest and fastest ways to earn extra cash is to offer data entry services. If you have basic computer skills and good attention to detail, freelance platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr may be something to investigate.
These platforms provide a wide range of data entry projects posted by clients looking for assistance with various data entry related tasks.
To get started, you would typically need to create a profile highlighting your data entry skills and experience. From there, you can browse available projects, submit proposals, and communicate with clients to secure individual jobs.
Getting paid for data entry services on such freelance platforms, is also often prompt.
4. Filing/Assisting With Documents, Registrations, & Applications
Are you that person in your home? You know the one I’m talking about…the one everyone goes to for filling out school paperwork, doctor’s office forms, legal documents, registrations, or applications. If so, you are probably quite seasoned at this sort of task.
Do you know how many people out there who freeze up, get overwhelmed, or simply don’t have that attention to detail to accomplish such tasks easily?
As an easy side job, you can offer your support as a virtual assistant who specializes in completing those tasks that are daunting to others.
You can market your services on freelance platforms like Upwork, Behance, People Per Hour or Fiverr. You can even advertise your services on social media, in order to reach small business owners, entrepreneurs, or individuals who may need help with organizing and filing paperwork.
Whether it is a profile you are creating or a social media post, you can simply outline your experience with document organization, registration processes, and application submissions.
Payment for these services can be charged and arranged per your agreement with your client(s).
5. Editing/Proofreading
I am one of those people who can be so into an article or book, but still notice a missing comma or misspelled word. (Admittedly, I’m not always 100% with my own work..lol).
If you are someone who is able to easily catch a grammatical error or see a better way to phrase a sentence, editing and/or proofreading may be a great side job for you. It’s also one of the easiest and fastest ways to earn a little extra cash.
With just a little time to create a profile, you can easily offer your editing and proofreading services on freelance platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, Guru, or Fiverr. There are plenty of potential clients on these platforms that are seeking such assistance with written content.
This could be articles, blog posts, resumes, academic papers, or other publications.
Once your profile has been created, you can get started with posting ads for your services. Be sure to highlight your attention to detail, grammar proficiency, and any editing/proofreading experience you may have.
You can also browse and apply for help wanted jobs already listed that match your expertise.
Accepting jobs/projects through freelance platforms often entails easy payment done securely through the platform’s payment system, ensuring timely and reliable compensation for your work.
Creative/Artistic
1. Sell Your Voice As A Voiceover
Have you ever thought about your voice? I mean, really? I hate the way I sound on my voicemail, so I let the auto generated message take over my box, truth be told.
But there are some people who just naturally have a very nice phone voice, and are super comfortable using it. Are you one of them? If so, this may be the perfect side job for you to earn a little extra cash.
It’s not just corporations looking for this sort of talent. Believe it or not, there are a lot of creators out there making courses, videos, and other content that requires a nice voice they don’t feel they have, themselves. They are looking for someone who can narrate certain pieces of content they don’t have the confidence for. You might well be that person they seek!
There are online platforms specifically designed for voiceover work, such as Voices.com, Voice123, Fiverr, or Upwork. These platforms connect voiceover artists with clients looking for professional voice talent for a variety of projects, including commercials, audiobooks, e-learning courses, animations, and more.
To get started, you can record samples of your voice showcasing different styles, tones, and accents to demonstrate your versatility as a voiceover artist. Create a profile that highlights your experience, vocal range, and any specialized skills or accents you can perform.
Payment for voiceover work on these platforms is typically done securely through their payment systems, ensuring that you receive compensation for your services in a timely manner.
2. Sell Your Lifestyle Photography
If you are someone who tends to take photos on your phone a lot, and has a knack for getting some good shots, your everyday photos may be worth more than you think.
Creators and larger companies alike, are constantly searching for nice photos of anything you can possibly imagine. That perfect shot they seek, may be on your camera roll without you even knowing.
If you submit some of your nicer photos to websites like Shutterstock, 500px, Getty Images, Istock, or Adobe Stock, you may be able to earn a little cash for something that is just sitting on your phone doing nothing.
Maybe you have a shot of a nice sunset. Maybe you got a few really beautiful photos of some mountains on a vacation or autumn colored leaves in your backyard. Or maybe you took a really mouth watering photo of your dinner at that fancy restaurant on your anniversary.
If you have a good shot of pretty much anything, there is likely someone out there looking for it.
I wouldn’t use personal photos of family or friends, exactly. However, general lifestyle photos can be a fun side job.
Each platform has its own submission guidelines, licensing terms, and payment structures, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the requirements and policies of the websites you choose to work with.
3. Image Editing
Editing images is yet another great way to earn extra cash, if you are talented with photoshop, Canva, or other photo editing program.
Utilize online freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Guru, or Freelancer to reach an audience and connect with clients seeking image editing services. There are plenty of them out there.
Create detailed gig listings that clearly outline the types of editing you offer, pricing options, and turnaround times. Be responsive to inquiries and provide excellent customer service to build trust and credibility with clients.
Before you know it, you may well be on your way to a lucrative side job for a hobby you already enjoy!
4. Graphic Design
I am a firm believer that everyone is an artist in their own way. If you naturally have a good eye when it comes to logos, social media graphics, or print designs, use it to your advantage!
Maybe your day job involves web design or other artistic computer related skill. Why not offer your talents to entrepreneurs or companies searching for them?
Those clients can easily be found on freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Fiverr, Dribble, and Toptal.
To successfully sell your graphic design services start by putting together a portfolio showcasing your creativity and skills with any projects you have completed previously.
You can also use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to share your work, and get in front of potential clients.
5. Coaching (Life, Business, Career, Accountability)
Nowadays, there are coaches for practically anything you can think of. And no, you don’t need a special license for a lot of them. You need only the ability to teach someone something you already know how to do well.
Some of the most common coaching offers are for life coaching, career coaching, wellness coaching, or business coaching. There are even coaches out there teaching about travel, beauty, and style!
If you are willing to hop on the phone or zoom call to help someone learn how to do develop their skills in one of these areas, coaching is a very popular service folks look for.
Accountability coaching is another area people look for guidance, in. A lot of people say they want to do something and just lack the motivation or organization it takes to accomplish those goals.
Sometimes, they need positive encouragement from an outside source, to move forward. Accountability coaches are where these folks turn to.
To offer coaching, you may want to check out platforms such as Coach.me, Guru, Upwork or Teachable to create and sell online courses or coaching programs to reach a wider audience and generate passive income.
Fiverr also has an extensive coaching section for offering such services. Coaching techniques vary from person to person. Take a look at how others approach coaching services and build your own service structure based on your own commitment level, preferences, etc.
Definitely a good way to earn extra cash!
6. Tutoring
Tutoring is another service that is consistently in demand. Is there an area in which you are a bit of expert, in? Something you are experienced at, that you can teach someone else? If so, tutoring might be a great way for you to earn extra money on the side.
This can be anything in the educational area like math, science, languages, test preparation, or music. Are you good at playing chess or poker? There are tutors out there for that! Or maybe you are experienced in business management or certain digital products. You can offer tutoring for that as well!
Everyone has a skill of some sort, and there is always someone looking to learn that skill. So, if tutoring is something that interests you, take a peek at websites like Wyzant, Upwork, or Tutor.com.
Fiverr.com is again, a site I recommend for tutoring options. It’s super easy to use and you can start offering your services immediately upon creating your gig.
Tips for Success
There are of course, a few things to always keep in mind when offering freelance services of any kind.
- Do your research on what your competitors are charging for similar services. Then, set competitive rates based on your skills and experience.
- Always provide the best customer service possible to your clients, and be reliable. This will help you to build a strong reputation and a larger client base.
- Manage your time effectively to balance freelance work with your other day to day obligations. This will help you to avoid overwhelm and burnout.
Final Thoughts
Earning extra cash on the side, isn’t as hard as you might think. There are plenty of low key services you can provide that don’t require a professional skill set or degree.
On the other hand, if you do have skills and experience in a particular area (even if it’s only a hobby), there is someone out there who wants to learn that skill. You just have to be creative about finding your ideal client, and then set your service options up in a way you can manage.
What do you think? Is there a skill you can offer to teach others? Are you good at listening and offering suggestions, as a coach or consultant would?
Let us know in the comment section which of these ideas have sparked your creativity or if you have something else in mind that is completely different. Perhaps you will spark the creativity of another reader!
