Whether you want to earn money from home or while out and about, snagging some extra dough is more accessible than ever. In today’s digital age, earning extra cash from the comfort of your home has never been easier.
Whether you’re looking to explore your passions or gain financial independence, online gigs and side hustles offer many opportunities. From leveraging freelancer websites to utilizing the best money making apps, let’s dive into some of the most popular side hustles, how to get started, and the potential earnings for each.
Build a Freelancer Website for Your Side Business
Creating a freelancer website is your digital storefront where you showcase your portfolio, highlight your skills, and connect with potential clients. It’s an essential step for anyone diving into the freelance world, be it as a:
- Freelance designer, such as a web designer or graphic designer.
- Freelance web developer, including front-end, back-end, and full-stack developers.
- Freelance content creators, like bloggers, podcasters, and photographers.
Here’s how you can kickstart your journey in these gigs, what you need to know about your earning potential, and the skills required.
Getting Started on Your Freelance Website
- Choose Your Niche: Decide whether you want to specialize in design (like graphic or web design) or focus on the details of building websites. Your niche will guide the content and design of your website. To be a freelance graphic designer, for instance, you need to have an understanding and experience with the technical aspects of doing the job.
- Build Your Portfolio: Your portfolio should highlight your best work. Include detailed case studies to show your projects’ process and outcome. This gives potential clients insight into your work and what you can achieve.
- Select a Platform: Use website builders like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix, which offer templates designed explicitly for portfolios and freelance services. These platforms make it easy to create a professional-looking site without needing advanced coding skills.
How Much You Could Make
Freelance web designers typically earn between $20 to $100 per hour, depending on their experience and the project’s complexity. Specializing in high-demand areas, like UX/UI design, can command higher rates.
Freelance web developers often have rates ranging from $50 to over $150 per hour. This wide range is due to various factors, including technical complexity, platform expertise, and project duration.
Freelance content creators’ incomes vary widely based on several factors, including their niche, audience size, engagement rate, monetization strategies, and the time they invest in their craft. Some make little to no money, while others can make six figures.
Use the Best Money Making Apps
The digital marketplace offers a plethora of ways to earn money online through apps catering to diverse interests and skills, each designed to help you earn extra income in unique ways:
- Survey Apps invite users to share their opinions on various products or services, rewarding them with cash or gift cards for their insights.
- Cash-Back and Reward Apps such as Rakuten and Ibotta give users a percentage of their purchase back when they shop online or in-store through the app.
- Gig Economy Apps like Uber, Lyft, and TaskRabbit connect users with freelance jobs ranging from pet sitting to handyperson services.
- Investment Apps, including Robinhood and Acorns, simplify the investment process, allowing users to grow their wealth through the stock market or other investments with small amounts of capital.
- Sell-Your-Stuff Apps such as eBay, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace offer platforms for users to sell unwanted items for cash.
- Creative Content Apps like YouTube or TikTok enable users to earn money by creating and sharing videos through advertising revenue, sponsorships, and fan donations.
Each type of app provides a unique opportunity to monetize different activities, skills, or assets you may have, making it easier than ever to find a side hustle that fits your lifestyle and interests.
Getting Started With Money-Making Apps
- Identify Which Apps Align with Your Strengths: Whether it’s dog sitting, completing surveys, selling items, or tackling brief tasks.
- Maintain Regularity and Dedicate Time: Make it a habit to use these apps often and spend some time daily. This way, you can slowly make more money from home.
- Keep A Meticulous Record: Write down how much you make and see which tasks give you the most money. This helps you figure out the best way to earn more, all while staying home.
How Much You Could Make
The earning potential from using popular money-making apps can vary widely depending on the type of app, the effort you put in, and how you leverage the opportunities they offer. Here’s a general idea of what you might expect:
- Survey Apps: Users can typically earn a few cents to a few dollars per survey, potentially making $20-$50 a month if they’re active across multiple platforms and qualify for several surveys.
- Cash-Back and Reward Apps: Earnings depend on your shopping habits. Regular users can save $100-$300 annually by getting a small percentage back on their purchases.
- Gig Economy Apps: The potential here is significantly higher but requires more time and effort. Gig workers can earn anywhere from minimum wage to over $25 per hour, depending on the job, location, and demand. Full-time gig workers might earn a living wage, but this varies widely.
- Selling and Freelance Apps: Earnings vary based on what you’re selling or the freelance services you’re offering. Sellers can make anywhere from a few dollars to several thousand per month, while freelancers can earn anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands per month, based on their skill level, demand, and commitment.
- Investment Apps: The earning potential depends on the amount of capital invested and the market’s performance. It’s possible to see significant returns over time, but there’s also a risk of losing money.
- Creative Content Apps: For content creators who build a significant following, there’s potential to earn from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars per month through ads, sponsorships, and donations.
It’s important to note that while money-making apps can provide supplemental income, the amounts vary. For higher earnings, especially with gig economy or freelance apps, what you make can resemble a full-time income. Success often depends on the time invested, the strategic use of multiple apps, and sometimes, the initial financial input.
