Easy Ways to Make Money Online: 7 Simple Hacks

Written by Jenna Taylor | Nov 3, 2023 3:54:00 PM

If you're anything like us, you're always on the lookout for quick and easy ways to make a few bucks, right? Well, you've landed in the right cyber-spot because today, we're dishing out some seriously cool side hustle secrets.

If you're tired of slogging through endless articles promising riches that seem to require a Ph.D. in rocket science, fear not! We've got your back. We know you want straightforward, no-nonsense ideas to help you make money online without spending a lifetime learning the ropes.

So, grab your favorite snack, kick back, and get ready to discover seven hacks that'll have you making moolah online faster than you can say "show me the money!". Let's dive in and uncover the secrets to leveling up your side hustle game in the digital world.

1. Online surveys

Let's talk about the OG of easy online money-making: surveys! Yep, you read that right. You can actually make some cold, hard cash by sharing your opinions on the internet.

The deal with online surveys is pretty straightforward. Companies, big and small, want to know what you think about their products, services, or the color of their logo. They're willing to pay you for your two cents because your opinions help them make better decisions. It's a win-win!

To get started, just find a reputable survey platform – such as Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars – which connect you with companies looking for survey participants. Just be cautious and steer clear of any sketchy-looking websites.

Once you've found your survey home, sign up and create your profile. Be honest about your demographic info because that's how they match you with surveys. If you're a 25-year-old dog lover who's into yoga and gaming, they'll send you surveys that fit your vibe.

Now, the fun part begins! Check your dashboard regularly for available surveys. Some are short and sweet, while others are a bit longer. Pick the ones that float your boat, and start answering those questions.

As you complete surveys, you'll rack up rewards. These can come in the form of points, gift cards, or, in some cases, real cash. Keep an eye on your balance, and when you've earned enough, cash out or redeem your rewards.

How much you can make? Typically, individual survey payouts range from a few cents to a few dollars. Some surveys may offer higher rewards for more in-depth or specialized topics. While taking a single survey won't make you rich, consistent participation can add up over time.

Most survey platforms allow you to accumulate your earnings until you reach a certain threshold, at which point you can cash out or redeem your rewards, which might be in the form of gift cards or real cash.

What are the benefits?

Flexibility: Online surveys can be completed at your convenience, making them a flexible way to earn extra income. You can participate in surveys during your free time, whether it's during a lunch break, while commuting, or in the evening.
Low Barrier to Entry: You don't need any special skills or qualifications to participate in online surveys. Anyone with internet access and an opinion can get started.
Diverse Topics: Surveys cover a wide range of topics, from consumer products and services to politics and entertainment. This variety allows you to choose surveys that align with your interests and expertise.
Extra Cash: While individual survey payouts may be small, they can add up over time. You can use the money earned from surveys to cover bills, treat yourself, or build a rainy-day fund.
Gift Cards and Rewards: Many survey platforms offer gift cards or rewards as compensation for completing surveys. These rewards can be used for shopping, dining out, or other purchases, providing value beyond just cash.
No Commute: You can complete surveys from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need for commuting or traveling to a physical location to earn money.
Side Hustle: Online surveys can serve as a convenient and low-effort side hustle. While they may not replace a full-time job, they can complement your income or provide financial support during lean times.
Simple and Low-Risk: Participating in surveys is a straightforward and low-risk way to make money online. You don't need to invest money or make any substantial commitments.

2. Sell your own things

Let's dive into one of the oldest tricks in the book for making some quick cash: selling your stuff online.

You know those jeans that haven't seen the light of day in two years or that old smartphone gathering dust in your drawer? Well, they're not just clutter anymore; they're potential dollar signs waiting for you to cash in.

Getting started with this online money-making venture is simpler than pie. First, pick an online platform to list your items. You've got a plethora of options: eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and even specialized sites for specific items (Depop and Vinted are great for selling clothes and accessories).

Once you've chosen your battleground, snap some decent photos of your items, write up a catchy description, set a fair price, and boom—you're in business!

How much can you make? When it comes to selling your own stuff online, the money you can make is all over the map. It depends on what you're selling and how much people are willing to cough up for it.

Some items might give you a sweet payday. You know, like that limited-edition comic book or those trendy sneakers you never wore. They could fetch a pretty penny if you find the right buyer.

But let's keep it real: you won't retire to a private island after selling your second hand DVDs. Most of the time, you're looking at a modest sum, maybe enough for a nice dinner out or a mini shopping spree.

The trick is to be smart about it. Research similar listings, set a fair price, and stay patient. Selling your stuff online isn't a get-rich-quick scheme, but it's a great way to declutter your space and add some extra cash to your wallet.

What are the benefits?

Extra Income: While you may not become a millionaire, the money you make from selling your stuff can be a great supplement to your income. It can help cover bills, fund a vacation, or boost your savings.
Quick Cash: It's one of the fastest ways to make money online. You can turn your unused or unwanted items into cash in a relatively short amount of time.
Flexibility: You're in control. You decide what to sell, how to price it, and when to list it. This flexibility allows you to work around your schedule.
No Upfront Costs: Unlike starting a business or investing in stocks, selling your own stuff online typically doesn't require any upfront investment. You're essentially turning things you already own into cash.
Sustainability: By selling your items, you're giving them a second life and reducing waste. It's an environmentally friendly way to dispose of things you no longer need.
Potential for High Returns: Certain items, like collectibles, vintage goods, or electronics, can fetch a good price online. If you have valuable items, you could make a significant profit.

3. Matched betting

One of the best kept secrets when it comes to easy ways to make money online, matched betting is a completely legal and risk-free way of generating guaranteed returns.

Here's the lowdown: matched betting is a strategy that takes advantage of free bets and promotions offered by bookmakers. You place two bets for every match: one for a particular outcome and one against it. By doing this, you cancel out the risk, leaving you with a guaranteed profit, no matter what the result.

You can use platforms like ProfitDuel which take you through the matched betting process and make everything simple and straightforward, but let's break down how it works.

Say you've got a free $50 bet from a bookie. You'd place a $50 bet on Team A to win and then you'd place a bet of $50 against Team A winning. This way, you've covered all bases. No matter who wins, you pocket some cash. It's like magic!

How much can you make? $100+ with the 14-day ProfDuel free trial and up to $6,000+ from signup offers with ProfitDuel premium!

What are the benefits?

Low Risk: Matched betting is a low-risk strategy because it involves placing bets on all possible outcomes of an event. This means you're guaranteed to make a profit regardless of the outcome, as long as you follow the method correctly.
Profitable: When done correctly, matched betting can be highly profitable. It allows you to take advantage of bookmaker promotions, free bets, and bonuses to generate consistent income over time.
Accessible: Anyone can learn and start matched betting with minimal prior knowledge. There are numerous online resources, tutorials, and tools available to help beginners get started.
Flexible: You can do matched betting at your own pace and on your schedule. It can be a part-time or full-time endeavor, making it adaptable to your lifestyle and financial goals.
No Special Skills Needed: You don't need to be a sports expert or have a deep understanding of gambling to succeed in matched betting. The process relies on mathematical calculations rather than intuition.
Minimal Capital Required: You can start with a relatively small amount of capital and gradually build it up as you gain experience and confidence.
Consistent Income: Matched betting offers a predictable and steady income stream. With practice, you can consistently make money each month.

4. Affiliate marketing

Here's the deal: Affiliate marketing is all about promoting other people's or companies' products or services and earning a commission for every sale or action generated through your recommendation. You become a marketing guru without actually owning any of the stuff you're promoting.

First things first, you need to find companies or products you genuinely like and believe in. Most businesses, big and small, run affiliate programs – from Amazon, to Walmart, and even ProfitDuel! Sign up for these programs, and they'll provide you with unique tracking links.

Now comes the fun part. Share those tracking links on your blog, website, social media, or wherever you have an online presence. Write reviews, create engaging content, or make killer videos showcasing the products or services.

When people click on your affiliate links and make a purchase or complete a specific action (like signing up for a newsletter), you earn a sweet commission. Cha-ching!

How much can you make? Many affiliate marketers start with modest earnings and gradually build up their income as they gain experience and grow their audience.

Some affiliate marketers make a few hundred dollars per month, while others earn thousands or even millions. The earning potential is there, but it's important to set realistic expectations and be prepared to put in the work required to achieve your income goals.

What are the benefits?

Passive Income Potential: Once you've set up affiliate links and created quality content, they can generate passive income over time, requiring less ongoing effort.
Low Risk: Affiliate marketing typically involves little to no upfront costs for affiliates. You don't need to create products or invest in inventory, reducing financial risk.
No Product Creation: You don't have to worry about developing, manufacturing, or maintaining products or services. You promote existing offerings.
Flexible Work Environment: Affiliates have the flexibility to work from anywhere with an internet connection, making it suitable for remote work and digital nomads.
Variety of Niches: Affiliate marketing covers a wide range of niches and industries, allowing affiliates to choose products or services aligned with their interests or expertise.
Low Overhead: You don't need to worry about warehousing, shipping, or customer service, as the product or service provider handles these aspects.
Performance-Based Earnings: Affiliates earn commissions based on their performance. The more sales or actions they generate, the more they earn.
Global Reach: The internet allows affiliates to reach a global audience, expanding their potential customer base.
Diverse Income Streams: Affiliates can promote multiple products or services from various affiliate programs, diversifying their income sources.

5. Virtual assistance

Ever thought about making some easy money online while helping others get things done? Virtual assistance might be your jam. It's like being the superhero behind the scenes, and you can do it all from the comfort of your own home (or anywhere you'd like, really).

Virtual assistance is all about providing remote support to businesses or individuals. Think of it as being the right-hand person, but you're miles away.

You can offer a wide range of services, from administrative tasks like scheduling and email management to specialized skills like graphic design, social media management, or bookkeeping.

Start by identifying your strengths and skills. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? These will be your virtual superpowers. Then, create an online presence. Build a website, set up social media profiles, and showcase your services. This is your digital storefront.

Use social media, online job platforms, and networking to find clients. You can also reach out directly to businesses you'd like to work with.

How much can you make? If you're just starting out as a virtual assistant with limited experience, you might earn in the range of $15 to $25 per hour. These entry-level rates can vary by location and the specific tasks you're performing.

As you gain experience and specialize in specific tasks or industries (e.g., social media management, bookkeeping, content writing), you can command higher rates. Experienced virtual assistants often earn $25 to $50 or more per hour, depending on the complexity of the work.

What are the benefits?

Flexibility: Virtual assistants enjoy a high degree of flexibility in terms of work hours and location. You can work from home, a coffee shop, or virtually anywhere with an internet connection, allowing for a better work-life balance.
Income Potential: As you gain experience and expand your skills, you can increase your hourly rates or take on higher-paying projects, potentially earning a competitive income.
Work-Life Balance: Virtual assistants can often better control their work hours, allowing for a healthier work-life balance. This flexibility is especially valuable for parents, caregivers, or those with other personal commitments.
Independent Business: As a virtual assistant, you can operate as an independent contractor or run your own virtual assistance business, giving you control over your career path and growth.
Specialization: You can choose to specialize in specific skills or industries, allowing you to focus on areas that align with your interests and expertise.
Variety of Tasks: Virtual assistants often perform a wide range of tasks, from administrative duties to creative work, offering variety in daily tasks.
Continuous Learning: Working with different clients and industries can lead to continuous learning and skill development, helping you stay up-to-date in various areas.
Low Overhead: Operating as a virtual assistant typically requires minimal overhead costs. You may need a computer, internet connection, and essential software, but there's no need for physical office space.
No Commute: You can say goodbye to the daily commute, saving time and money on transportation.
Reduced Stress: The ability to work in a comfortable and familiar environment can lead to reduced stress compared to traditional office settings.

6. Online tutoring

Online tutoring is a straightforward way of sharing your knowledge and expertise with students who need help in a particular subject or topic – and making money for doing so.

The beauty of it? You can do it all through the magic of the internet. You'll connect with your students via video calls, chat, or interactive platforms, making learning accessible and convenient.

Start by deciding what subjects or topics you're an expert in or passionate about. It could be math, science, language, music – you name it. Create an online presence for your tutoring services. You can use platforms like Wyzant, Chegg, or even set up your own website if you're feeling tech-savvy.

How much can you make? The income potential for online tutoring can vary widely based on several factors, including your qualifications, expertise, the subjects you teach, your location, and the demand for your services.

The demand for specific subjects or test preparation can influence rates. Subjects with high demand and limited qualified tutors may allow for higher pricing.

What are the benefits?

Extra Income: Online tutoring can serve as a valuable source of additional income, making it an excellent option for students, professionals, and retirees looking to supplement their earnings.
Flexibility: Online tutoring offers unparalleled flexibility in terms of working hours and location. You can set your own schedule and work from anywhere with an internet connection.
Wide Range of Subjects: Tutors can specialize in a variety of subjects, from academic topics like math and science to creative fields like music or art. This diversity allows you to teach what you're passionate about.
Global Reach: You can connect with students from around the world, expanding your potential client base and providing diverse teaching experiences.
Work-Life Balance: The flexibility of online tutoring allows for better work-life balance, making it suitable for individuals with personal commitments or those seeking a more flexible lifestyle.
Continuous Demand: The need for education and academic support continues year-round, providing steady work opportunities.

7. Blogging

Imagine turning your passion or expertise into a money-making machine—all from the comfort of your pajamas.

Blogging is like having your own little corner of the internet where you share your thoughts, knowledge, or experiences with the world. You pick a niche you're passionate about—anything from travel to tech gadgets, food to fashion—and start writing.

The magic happens when you attract readers and, eventually, start making money through various avenues like ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing.

Create your blog using platforms like WordPress, Blogger, or Squarespace. You don't need to be a tech wizard; these platforms make it pretty user-friendly. Then, start writing! Share your knowledge, experiences, or tips with your readers. Consistency is key, so aim for regular posting.

Once you've got some traffic, explore ways to make money. You can run ads, work with brands on sponsored content, or promote products through affiliate marketing.

How much can you make? The way you monetize your blog matters. Common monetization methods include display advertising (e.g., Google AdSense), sponsored content, affiliate marketing, selling digital products or services, and offering online courses or consulting. Diversifying your income streams can boost your overall earnings.

What are the benefits?

Monetization: Successful blogs can generate income through various monetization methods, such as advertising, sponsored content, affiliate marketing, product sales, and more.
Passive Income: Some bloggers earn passive income through their blogs, allowing them to generate revenue while focusing on other pursuits.
Building an Online Presence: Blogging is an effective way to build an online presence, enhance personal or brand visibility, and create a digital footprint.
Community Building: Blogs often attract like-minded individuals who share common interests, creating a sense of community and fostering engagement through comments and discussions.
Networking: Blogging can lead to networking opportunities with other bloggers, industry experts, and potential collaborators or partners.

Recapping 7 easy ways to make money online

We've covered some seriously cool ways to make those online bucks with our 7 simple hacks. Whether you're the survey superstar, the virtual assistant vanguard, or the affiliate marketing ace, there's a side hustle out there with your name on it.

Want to find yours (as well as the latest money-making stories, tips and trends)? Sign up to our weekly newsletter, The Hustle Report, and next-level your hustle game.

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