25 Ways to Make Money Online, Offline and at Home

Want to make money, but you’re not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

And you’re not alone. Nearly half (48%) of Australians already have or are planning to start a side hustle, according to a recent study by ING Bank[1].

NerdWallet rounded up 25 real ways to make money at home, online or out and about. For each potential side job, we list details like what it takes to get started, age requirements and how fast you can get paid. While most people want to make money fast, don’t discount the “slow” gigs, as they may pay more in the long run.

How to make money online

Making money online is the sweet spot people look for in the gig economy. Whether you aspire to be a six-figure social media influencer or are just looking to supplement your regular income with some online side jobs, we’ve found some viable options.

1. Pick up freelance work online

Make money online through freelancing websites such as Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer. These sites offer opportunities to do a variety of freelance jobs, such as writing, programming, design, marketing, data entry and being a virtual assistant. Fluent in a second language? Check online job boards and specialised sites such as OzLance, or drum up business through a site of your own. No matter what freelancing you do, keep track of the going rate for the kind of work you provide so you know if you’re charging too much or too little.

Total time: It can take a while to get your first gig.
Setup: 24 hours.
How easy to start: Easy, if you have the expertise.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by site.

2. Test websites and apps

Another way to make money from home is on sites like UserTesting.com. You get paid for your thoughts on how well — or not so well — certain websites and apps worked. You’ll have to complete a short test to be accepted and then you’ll be paid depending on the test type, but UserTesting.com does not disclose an exact amount.

Total time: Approval time can vary.
Setup: Less than an hour.
How easy to start: Easy, if you have the tech gear and complete a sample test.
Age threshold: 18+.
How fast you’ll get paid: Seven days.

3. Pick up tasks on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk

Even in the age of automation, some jobs still require a human touch. Companies often outsource those jobs via services like Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. As a “worker,” the tasks you’ll be assigned can be tedious — tagging images, transcribing videos, classifying receipts — and can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Temporary employers or “requesters” set the price for each task and get to approve the finished product before paying you. That can leave room for scams, so do your research. Join a community like the MTurk Crowd forum, or the MTurk and Turker Nation subreddits, which can steer you away from shifty dealers. These communities and fellow “workers” can answer questions and give a realistic idea of how much money you can expect to make.

Total time: Several days to find out if you’re approved.
Setup: Depends on the task you choose.
How easy to start: Easy if you have certain skills.
Age threshold: 18+.
How fast you’ll get paid: You get paid following work approval, which can take up to 30 days.

4. Take surveys for money

You can make money from home by taking online surveys, but don’t expect to be rolling in the dough. Survey sites don’t typically offer a big payoff, and many sites are more useful for earning gift cards than cash. Survey sites could be an option for how to make money online for beginners because you can register with a site and start taking surveys in a matter of minutes. Some of the more popular survey sites include Swagbucks and Survey Junkie.

Total time: It will take a while.
Setup: Just minutes.
How easy to start: Very. Just register and begin.
Age threshold: 13 to 18+.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by site.

5. Make money from your blog as an affiliate

If you’re a blogger who gets decent traffic, you could make money by joining an affiliate network like Commission Junction, ShareASale, FlexOffers, Rakuten Advertising or Amazon Associates. Affiliates (that’s you) get paid when someone clicks through from the website to the partner site and buys something there. Some bloggers make a lot of money this way.

Total time: It can take quite a while to build an audience.
Setup: With blog templates, building a site is easy.
How easy to start: Starting is not that difficult. Creating regular content may be another matter.
Age threshold: Any.
How fast you’ll get paid: A month or two, on average.

6. Sell your handmade items on Etsy

Have a penchant for woodworking, jewellery-making, embroidery or pottery? Sell your goods on Etsy, the go-to site for artisans selling home goods, art and knickknacks. Etsy boasted about 96 million active buyers and grossed over $13.5 billion in merchandise sales in 2021, according to data from Statista.

Total time: It might take quite a while for customers to find you.
Setup: Can be quite involved.
How easy to start: Leaning toward “hard” on the difficulty meter.
Age threshold: 13+.
How fast you’ll get paid: From the next day to seven days after a sale.

7. Get advertising revenue from your blog or YouTube channel

Turn your cat videos into cash videos. If your YouTube videos or blog posts draw a big audience, you may be able to make money from advertising. YouTube sets 1,000 subscribers as the benchmark creators must make before applying for the YouTube Partners Program. YouTube Partners then get access to Google AdSense, a service that businesses pay through to advertise around your content. The service is free, but there are requirements you must meet.

Total time: It can take several weeks to get up and running.
Setup: Not that hard.
How easy to start: Depends on how good you are at producing interesting videos.
Age threshold: 18+.
How fast you’ll get paid: Could take a long while to earn the first payout; then monthly.

8. Become an Instagram influencer

Companies are using Instagram influencers — people with large, dedicated followings on the platform — to rep their products. You can get in on the action by applying for opportunities via a marketing platform like Open Influence or Aspire, or by contacting the brands you want to work with.

Total time: You’ll need to stick with it.
Setup: Quick and easy.
How easy to start: Not that easy. It’s a very competitive platform.
Age threshold: 13+.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies on partnerships.

9. Monetise your Twitch channel

Gaming could be a way to make money from home if you have a steady following on Twitch, the go-to site for gamers. Broadcasters can receive donations from viewers and even get a share of subscription and ad revenue if they reach Affiliate or Partner status.

Total time: This can be a long game.
Setup: Quick and easy.
How easy to start: Easy to start; takes a while to build a following.
Age threshold: 13+.
How fast you’ll get paid: Monthly.

10. Sell your digital art and photography

Turn your digital art and photographs into cash via sites like Society6 and Fine Art America, which lets you upload your images to sell as prints, T-shirts, phone cases and more. Other marketplaces for photographers include SmugMug, 500px and PhotoShelter. Some sites require a subscription but may provide features ranging from cloud storage to password-protected galleries and a customised website. You’ll need to have all the necessary rights to the images you sell.

Total time: Buyers need to find you — and like your work.
Setup: Just a few hours.
How easy to start: If you have a library of photos, you’re on the way.
Age threshold: Any.
How fast you’ll get paid: Depends on your sales platform.

🤓 Nerdy Tip

Consider income protection insurance, sometimes called IP cover, which pays part of your lost income if you can’t work because of a disability caused by an accident or illness. Think of it like a financial safety net when you’re too sick or injured to work.

How to make money from home

Some side hustles don’t even require you to leave the house. Or if they do, it might just be a short walk around the block with a furry friend. Working from home requires a little creativity and self-motivation.

Here are some excellent ideas for side gigs from home:

11. Become a dog walker or dog sitter

Love dogs? Make money by becoming a dog walker. Apps like Pawshake offer on-demand dog walking, so you can pick up walks when your schedule allows. If you have space (and your landlord’s permission, if you rent), you could offer overnight dog boarding. Read the fine print if you sign up for these services

Total time: Building a client base may take some time.
Setup: Takes about a week or so.
How easy to start: Love pets? You’re good to go.
Age threshold: 18+.
How fast you’ll get paid: Two days to a week.

12. Sell unused gift cards

Make extra money by selling unused or partially used gift cards on a site like Voucha or GiftCardExchange.com.au. You’ll generally enter the details for your gift card and get a cash quote in return. If you accept the quote, you’ll be paid into your bank account or PayPal.

Total time: Depends on the popularity of the gift card.
Setup: Easy.
How easy to start: The more gift cards you have to sell, the better.
Age threshold: Old enough to have a credit card.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by sale method.

13. List your spare bedroom on Airbnb

Renting out your home or spare bedroom on holiday rental sites is another way to make extra money. Be prepared to spend some money to clean and keep up the property, replace home goods and pay toward service fees. And scrutinise your rental agreement before you get started to double-check you’re allowed to have paying guests.

Total time: Demand drives success, and that depends on your location.
Setup: A listing can be created and live in hours.
How easy to start: If you have a place to rent, it’s a simple process.
Age threshold: 18+.
How fast you’ll get paid: About one day.

Watch out for moneymaking scams

The internet is full of opportunities to make money online or from home, but many are questionable, if not outright scams. Be wary of any “opportunity” that asks for an upfront fee, wants you to pay for certification, or requests your tax file number or any financial information, such as your credit card number.

Still unsure if an opportunity is legit? Look for community forums, like those on Reddit, for unfiltered reviews and complaints. You could also contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, or ACCC, with any concerns you have.

How to make money offline

There are online and at-home ways to make extra money — and then there’s a third alternative: offline. This version of the gig economy may require a little more legwork, but the upside can be substantial. Here are offline ways to make money:

14. Sell your gently used clothes

Selling clothes you no longer wear is a quick way to make some money. Start with local consignment shops to make money quickly or use sites like Poshmark and Yordtrobe to find buyers. If you go the online route, be sure to take clear, well-lit photos of your pieces and research similar items to set competitive prices. Items will go through various inspections before being accepted.

Total time: Varies by sales channel.
Setup: Easy and fast. You can simply go to a consignment shop or fill a box with clothes and send it in.
How easy to start: Easy. Cleaning out your wardrobe may be the hardest part.
Age threshold: Any.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by sales channel.

15. Trade in old phones, electronics for cash

Have an old phone, iPad or gaming system lying around? Sell it on a site like Boomerang Buy Back, Mazuma Mobile or Mobile Monster. Check out Amazon’s trade-in program, which pays participants in Amazon gift cards — and eBay, too.

Total time: Lots of options, so your time spent will vary.
Setup: A breeze.
How easy to start: Easy. Have phone, sell phone.
Age threshold: Any.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by where you sell.

16. Get a babysitting gig

Everyone from university students to recent retirees can make money by watching other people’s children. Word-of-mouth referrals from friends and family are still a great way to get started, but you can also create a profile for free on Sittr or KiddoApp.com.au to expand your reach. Note any specialised skills, such as CPR certifications, to make yourself more marketable.

Total time: Online setup takes minutes; neighbourhood referrals may take a while.
Setup: Just minutes.
How easy to start: Getting the word out is the main thing.
Age threshold: Very young if you’re using referrals. 18+ online.
How fast you’ll get paid: When the parents come home.

17. Rent out your car

City-dwellers often don’t use their cars for days or weeks at a time. That idle time can translate to extra money with services like Car Next Door, Drive My Car or Drive Mate, which let you rent out your car by the hour or day. Typically, you take home the majority of those earnings, while the company will earn a commission based on the type of plan you choose.

Total time: Demand for your car will depend on the local market.
Setup: It takes about a half hour to set up an account.
How easy to start: With an appropriate vehicle, it’s easy.
Age threshold: A valid driver’s licence and 18+
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by site.

If you actually enjoy putting together Ikea furniture or standing in long lines, you may be cut out for doing tasks for others. Websites like AirTasker can connect you with people who need help with a variety of things, such as moving, cleaning, delivery and handyman services. The site also offers several virtual and online tasks, such as helping with a research project or data entry.

Total time: Local demand for your skills will determine the time you spend.
Setup: A couple of hours, then some time for approval.
How easy to start: Easy, though you’ll need to do some research.
Age threshold: 18+.
How fast you’ll get paid: A few days after a job.

19. Become a private tutor

Turn your maths, science, foreign language or HSC-prep expertise into a lucrative side gig by becoming a private tutor. You can tutor people online or in person. What you charge can depend on your experience, expertise and what’s in demand. To get started, create a profile on sites like Tutornova or The Tutoring Company. You can also advertise your services at local schools, universities and community centres.

Total time: Varies by subject matter. Some companies might require a minimum availability per week.
Setup: Can be a bit involved.
How easy to start: Students will have to find you, and that might take a while.
Age threshold: Any.
How fast you’ll get paid: Usually pretty fast; often right away.

20. Drive for a rideshare service

Join Uber, GoCatch or Ola (or all three) and make money by driving passengers around. Just don’t forget to factor in petrol and maintenance costs. You need an eligible car in good condition and must agree to a background check and a review of your driving history.

Total time: Depends on your market demand.
Setup: A few weeks.
How easy to start: Not difficult, but you’ll need the right type of vehicle.
Age threshold: 21+, and licensed to drive in your state
How fast you’ll get paid: Very fast. Either instantly or within days.

Whether you’re a business owner looking to employ staff or a jobseeker evaluating potential job opportunities, it’s essential to understand wages and other entitlements of different types of employment in Australia so you can make the right choices.

21. Make deliveries for Amazon, Uber Eats

Take advantage of the growing delivery trend and sign up for a service like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Menulog or Amazon Flex. You get paid per delivery, in most cases, and can even earn tips. A car isn’t always required — some services let you use a bike or scooter to make deliveries. However, a background check almost always is part of the deal.

Total time: Depends on your market demand.
Setup: About a week.
How easy to start: Easy, if you have dependable transportation.
Age threshold: 18+.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by vendor.

22. Find work as a housesitter

If you’re willing to watch someone’s home — and maybe feed the pets, water the plants and take out the rubbish — become a housesitter. Tap your personal network for referrals or try out AussieHouseSitters.com.au, which connects homeowners with housesitters.

Total time: Depends on your market demand.
Setup: Minutes — or more if you try to drum up business by referrals.
How easy to start: That can depend on the need in your area.
Age threshold: Varies by site.
How fast you’ll get paid: At the end of a gig.

Businesses often want to know how they’re performing from a customer’s perspective. Sign up to be their eyes and ears. You can apply online via sites like Mystery Customer or Field Agent. Just beware of scams and do thorough research before signing on.

Total time: Varies by site.
Setup: Applying takes little time, but approval can take a while.
How easy to start: Relatively easy if you have required transportation and tech.
Age threshold: May vary by site, but typically 18+.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by company.

24. Find seasonal work

Need a gig for a few months? Try something seasonal, like being a lifeguard or working at a retail store during the holidays. Employers typically staff up a month or two before their busy season, so plan ahead to get on their payroll. Check storefront windows and sites like SEEK or Indeed for seasonal opportunities.

Total time: Varies by job.
Setup: Job searches and interviews can take weeks.
How easy to start: Not difficult, particularly if you have skills that fit your market.
Age threshold: Minimum age depends on the job.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by company.

25. Put your drone to work

The market for drones is expanding. Companies hire out work like aerial inspection, photography and land mapping. So if you’re already a drone enthusiast, why not make extra money with your aircraft? You first need to apply for a remotely piloted aircraft, or RPA, licence with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Then, you can apply for gigs as a drone pilot.

Total time: Depends on demand.
Setup: You’ll need to make time to pass a test. And then find clients.
How easy to start: If you already have a drone, you’re likely qualified.
Age threshold: 16+.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by company.

If you’re in the United States, read this article on the NerdWallet US site.

Side jobs such as testing websites, taking surveys and selling your used stuff online take minimal time to set up and have few requirements. You can also earn passive income through affiliate marketing or renting out your car.

Some of the fastest ways to make money from home include selling used clothes and electronics, babysitting and renting out a room on a holiday rental website.

It’s tough to find jobs that pay on the spot. You can check local or online job listings for paying gigs like moving couches or painting a fence for someone in your area. If you need money immediately, consider other ways to get fast cash.

About the Author

Katia Iervasi

Katia Iervasi is a lead writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet US. Originally from Sydney, Australia, she earned a B.A. in communication from Griffith University before moving to New York City. Her writing and analysis has been featured in The Washington Post, Forbes, Yahoo, Entrepreneur, Best Company and FT Advisor.

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