Want to work from home and live the dream? Of course you do! Or, are you aiming to earn some extra online cash on the side through your next brilliant idea? Sure!
We live in what’s been dubbed the Gig Economy — everybody’s got some kind of side hustle to make ends meet, and with big dreams of striking it HUGE. With instant access to powerful resources the web affords the entrepreneurial-minded with endless opportunities to earn money.
There are now more than ever ways to be gainfully employed either full- or part-time through the web. If you’re motivated to earn some cash, it’s really only a matter of matching up your skills with which job suits you best. The web is your oyster! Make it count!
If you’ve got a knack for the written word'¦
1. Social media manager
Help business owners set up their social network profiles and use free tools like MySocialSuite to automate their posting schedules.
2. Blogger
Write blog posts for time-starved business owners or marketers. Google Docs (also free) is probably your best bet for sharing and editing work.
3. eBook writer
eBooks are awesome promotional and lead generation tools. If you can whip up some of these for clients, be ready to earn some mad cash!
4. Resume & cover letter writer/consultant
Many people really struggle with this, so make it your job to help them get jobs.
5. Proofreader
Make sure those t’s are crossed! Plenty of folks struggle with grammar and punctuation to keep you busy.
Resources: Freelance Writing Gigs, Upwork, MediaBistro
If you’re the visual/techie creative type'¦
6. Graphic designer
For the artistically gifted who also dig tech, there’s tons of available online work.
7. Web designer
Not many have an eye for creating sleek websites that grab attention and encourage customers to make a purchase. If you’ve got those skills, get started now!
8. Logo designer
Most marketers or business owners don’t have the time nor the inclination to create a clever logo for their brand. Rescue them with your artistic prowess.
9. Memes, online ads, infographics, social media images
Sell yourself as a well-rounded digital artist and you’ll finds all sorts of work! Use free image creators like Canva or Pixlr to dazzle your clients.
If you’ve got a sense for fashion'¦
10. Clothing designer
Have a great catchphrase that belongs on a t-shirt/cap/mug you swear everyone will buy? Design it yourself!
11. Fashion blogger/Instagrammer
Share your #OutfitoftheDay. Build a big enough following and you’ll attract sponsors.
Resources: CafePress, HostGator Blog Hosting
If you’re crafty and dig fine arts'¦
12. Online shop owner
Create awesome homemade stuff and sell it! Jewelry, clothing, paintings, plus all of the crafts.
Resources: Etsy, HostGator Business Hosting
If you’ve got some extra offline time'¦
13. Household helper
Do laundry, help people pack and move, drive '˜em around, go grocery shopping, pick up dry cleaning, and more.
14. Virtual assistant
Be a professional Jack or Jill of all trades and help individuals or companies manage administrative tasks.
15. Online nerd consultant
Are you a brilliant business guru? Advise companies and set them up for success.
Resources: TaskRabbit, Lyft, Uber, Zirtual, PeoplePerHour, Fiverr, HourlyNerd
If you know how to ABC (always be closing)…
16. Affiliate marketer
Partner up with some quality affiliate programs (pssst…HostGator has one) and get a percentage of what you sell. This can work great if you’re already using the products you’re selling. Then you can readily speak to how great they are.
Resources: WordPress plugins, Affiliorama, Smart Affiliate Marketing Strategies
If you’re a natural born teacher'¦
17. Online tutor or SAT prep master
Help individual students in various subjects, or help many at once by preparing them for nerve-wracking standardized tests.
Resources: Tutor.com, Get Educated
So, please think fondly of us when one of these online gigs makes you rich and famous, or at least rich.
Have you claimed your piece of the gig economy? Share your experience and what you do in the comments!
Henry Green is a freelance writer based in Austin, Texas who helps small businesses and entrepreneurs improve their online presence through marketing, social media, and website optimization.
Totally agreed. Blogging for example gives you opportunity for multiple streams of income, like affiliate marketing and eCommerce too.