Getting the most out of digital platforms: how to make money online

Even if you love your day job, we’ll bet you wouldn’t say “no” to a bit of passive income or easy extra funds. Thanks to the internet, more ways to make money online from home exist than ever before. That means turning your hobby or passion into a money-making opportunity could be just a few clicks away. And if you’re looking for a new day job, the internet also presents plenty of options.

Here, we’ll show you how to make money with online jobs and give you ideas for lucrative side hustles or – who knows! – a whole new career path. Ready to learn how to make the internet work for you? Let’s get started.

9 ways to make extra money online from home

If you think making money online isn’t for you, think again. These days, the internet makes it easier than ever to market yourself and earn a profit from your talents, skills, hobbies, or passions. All it takes is a bit of creativity and dedication. We’d bet there’s an option in the list below you could try. If you’re not sold on the idea of working online, don’t worry. We’ve included a few old-school options that have been around since long before the internet – but given them a 21st-century spin.

1. Freelancing

If you’re a creative person or a tech wiz, chances are you’re a great fit for freelance work. Check out job sites or look at the internal posts from companies you like to see if they’re taking on any freelancers. Whether you’re a content producer or graphic designer, you don’t need to go to an office to put your skill set to work. These days, many freelance gigs that were once performed in person can now be done from the comfort of your couch. Freelancing allows you the freedom to control your time and – best of all – gives you the chance to dedicate more of it to side projects you love.

2. The site and app testing

There are a number of third-party sites like Respondent or UserTesting that pay people to test a website or an app. If you’re interested in tech or simply don’t mind clicking around a page for an hour or so, you could earn money online for doing so.

3. Online surveys

Do you love answering those questionnaires your favorite brands send out or filling out those "how'd we do?" surveys after finishing a meal at your favorite restaurant? If so, why not monetize your talent for giving your opinion? Survey sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie pay you in cash or gift cards to answer simple questions. You might not make enough to pay the rent, but taking a survey is the kind of low-impact side gig you can do anytime you have a free few minutes.

4. Advertising revenue from your blog

If you already write a blog but you’re not monetizing it, what are you waiting for? Sign up for Google AdSense, the Amazon Associate affiliate program, or a similar service and host ads on your blog. Bloggers get a kickback for clicks or sales that happen thanks to traffic driven from their sites. Boost traffic by including a Linktree URL in the bio of your social media accounts to direct your followers to your site and beyond: your YouTube channel, podcast, TikTok account, or anywhere else you have a presence on the web.

5. Selling your stuff

Whether you make ceramic coffee mugs, print custom T-shirts, or create fine art, think of the internet as your online store. Team up with Etsy to sell your handicrafts, a gallery site like Saatchi Art if you make paintings or drawings, or Shutterstock if you’re a photographer. Alternatively, you could set up your own Shopify e-commerce site and sell your products there. Look at that: You just started an online business!

6. Sell unused gift cards

Ever wind up with gift cards you don’t think you’ll use? Sell them! Someone else would be happy to have some cash to that store you haven’t stepped foot in since you were a teenager. Your best bet for selling unused gift cards is at a site like a Raise and CardCash, which can help facilitate the transaction.

7. Become a dog walker or sitter

If you love animals, why not spend your spare time hanging out with dogs for pay? Lots of pet parents need helpers to take their pups to the park or keep an eye on them when no one is home. Sound like a fun money-making idea? Offer your services on social media platforms or Craigslist, or use the age-old tactic of putting up fliers.

8. Sell your electronics

Whether on Facebook Marketplace or one of the many internet sites like Gazelle that buy used electronics, try selling off those cellphones and tablets you no longer use (even if they don’t work). You’ll be recycling materials and giving your tech a second life with another user – and making some dough without doing any hard work.

9. Become a private tutor

If you still have some energy after your workday, carve out time in the evening to help students excel. Tutor people in your community on math, language, or creative pursuits like music or art, and earn good money while helping someone else reach their dreams of graduating or passing a tough class. Prefer working remotely? Try giving an online course or tutorial. Or sign up for an online tutoring platform like Udemy that connects you with your future students.

The pros and cons of working from home

Working from home – especially full-time – isn’t for everyone. Some people simply like to get out of the house, and others have too many distractions at home. Let’s run through some pros and cons so you can decide if and to what extent this way of working is for you.

Pros

• A wealth of opportunities: The internet is home to tons of passive and active income-making activities. With a little creativity, those just discovering how to make money online for beginners and experts can earn well.
• Flexible hours: Making a career of online work often allows you to set your own hours. You can work when you want, save on childcare, and spend more time on your hobbies.
• No commutes: If you have a long, costly journey to work, working from home can save you time, expenses, and stress.

Cons

• Isolation: Working from home can get lonely. If you find yourself having more and more conversations with the cat, maybe it’s time to drop your remote hours to part-time and look for an opportunity to get out of the house.
• Scams: Not all opportunities online are good opportunities. Vet your freelance clients and stick to reputable sites when generating advertising income or selling your goods. Be wary of anyone who tells you their opportunity is the best money-making online gig.
• Discipline: When the refrigerator is just a few feet away, and the remote control is practically on your lap, distractions might get the best of you. That doesn’t mean you can’t work from home, but be sure to set a plan for limiting screen time to help you stay focused.