How to Make Money Online: 12 Ways to Boost Your Bank

Tired of checking your bank account and finding it as empty as your fridge at 2 a.m. after a late-night Netflix binge? Well, you're not alone. We've all been there, desperately trying to stretch that last dollar.

But don't worry, because in this blog, we're diving headfirst into the exciting world of making money online. Say goodbye to empty pockets and hello to a wallet that's bursting at the seams!

Whether you're a broke college student, a stay-at-home parent, or just someone looking to boost their income, we've got you covered.

We've rounded up 12 legit and creative ways to pad your bank account, all from the comfort of your own home (or wherever your Wi-Fi signal can reach).

So, put your spare change aside for a rainy day, because by the time you're done reading, you'll have a toolkit of online moneymaking methods that will turn your financial frown upside down.
 

12 ways to make money online

1. Matched betting
2. Online tutoring
3. E-commerce and dropshipping
4. Freelancing
5. Online surveys
6. Affiliate marketing
7. Social media management
8. App and website testing
9. Social media influencing
10. Podcasting
11. Sell your unwanted items
12. Blogging
    
    

1. Matched betting

Let's start with an online money-making method you might not have heard of before, but that could be a total game-changer: matched betting. 

Don't let "betting" put you off – we're talking a legit and risk-free way of making guaranteed profits. Sound too good to be true? Well, it's not!

Here are the basics of how it works: after choosing an event to "bet" on, you'll place a bet at one Sportsbook on a particular team to win. Then, to make the bet risk-free, you'll place an opposite bet with a different Sportsbook on that particular team to lose. 

You use free bets and promotions offered by the Sportsbooks to do this, and because you're covering all possible outcomes of the event, you'll never lose any cash and will always make a profit. 

P.S. if this is sounding complicated or time-consuming, don't panic – using a platform such as ProfitDuel makes the process a lot quicker and easier to follow. 

What's so good about matched betting?

• Risk-Free Profit: Matched betting allows you to make a guaranteed profit by covering all possible outcomes of a bet, eliminating the risk of losing money.
• Recurring Income: Ongoing promotions and new bookmaker offers mean there are consistent opportunities to make money.
• Accessible to Beginners: It's beginner-friendly, and you don't need extensive knowledge of sports or betting to get started.
• Flexible Schedule: Matched betting can be done at your convenience, making it suitable for those with busy lifestyles or part-time availability.
• Low Starting Capital: You can start with a relatively small amount of capital and gradually build your bankroll.
• Minimal Time Commitment: Once you're familiar with the process, it can take as little as 15-30 minutes a day to maintain your matched betting activities.
• Use of Free Bets: Matched betting leverages bookmaker free bets and promotions, allowing you to make money without risking your own funds.
  
  
  

2. Online tutoring

If you have specialised knowledge about something – whether you're a math whizz or a pro at the guitar – you could become an online tutor and share your know-how with those wanting to learn. It's a sure-fire way of making money online. 

Using platforms like Tutor.com or Chegg Tutors, you can connect with students from all over the world who want to learn the skill you've mastered.

What's so good about online tutoring?

• Monetize Expertise: Earn money by sharing your knowledge, expertise, and passion for a subject or skill you excel in.
• Income Stability: Online tutoring can provide a steady income stream, with the potential to increase earnings as you gain experience and build a client base.
• Flexible Schedule: Online tutoring allows you to set your own hours, making it ideal for part-time or full-time work and accommodating various time zones.
• Location Independence: You can tutor from anywhere with an internet connection, eliminating the need for a physical classroom or commute.
• Wider Reach: Reach a global audience of students, expanding your potential client base beyond local or regional limits.
• Diverse Subjects: Tutor in a wide range of subjects, from academic subjects like math and science to specialized skills like music, coding, or test preparation.
• Low Overhead: Minimal startup costs as you don't need a physical location, materials, or equipment beyond a computer and internet connection.
  
  
  

3. E-commerce and dropshipping

Ever dreamed of having your own online store but find the prospect of sorting through inventory and handling the shipping process daunting? Dropshipping is the answer.

Set-up your online store on the likes of Etsy or Shopify, curate the products you'd like to sell – this could be anything from socks to high-tech gadgets, whatever floats your boat – and then partner with a supplier who stocks and ships the items when a purchase is made. It's as simple as that! 

And the real beauty of it? You only pay for the product once you've collected the cash from the customer. No need to drop a ton of your own money upfront on a warehouse full of stuff that might or might not sell. Plus, you can offer a wide range of products without being buried in inventory.

What's so good about e-commerce and dropshipping?

• Global Reach: E-commerce allows you to reach customers worldwide, expanding your potential market beyond geographical limitations.
• Flexible Hours: You can manage your e-commerce business at your own pace, offering flexibility in terms of working hours and work-life balance.
• Low Initial Investment: Dropshipping requires minimal upfront investment because you don't need to purchase and store inventory.
• No Inventory Management: You don't have to deal with inventory logistics, including storage, packaging, and shipping.
• Reduced Risk: With dropshipping, you only purchase products after you've made a sale, reducing the risk of unsold inventory.
• Wide Product Variety: Easily offer a diverse product range from multiple suppliers without the hassle of managing different inventories.

4. Freelancing

There are over a whopping 73.3 million freelancers in the US – and it's not hard to see why such a huge amount of people decide the freelancing life is for them. 

From freelance writing and social media management, to web design and coding (and everything inbetween), whatever is it you're good at, you can put those skills to use and make some significant cash online. 

Websites like Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer can introduce you to a load of exciting projects to work on. And the best part is that you can do your freelance work online, meaning it can be done whenever and from wherever your heart desires!

What's so good about freelancing?

• Income Potential: Freelancers can potentially earn more than traditional employees, especially as they gain experience and build a strong client base.
• Flexibility: You have control over your work hours, allowing for a better work-life balance and the ability to set your own schedule.
• Autonomy: As a freelancer, you are your own boss, making decisions about the projects you take on, your rates, and how you work.
• Variety of Projects: Freelancers often work on a diverse range of projects, which can keep work interesting and help you expand your skill set.
• Location Independence: You can work from anywhere with an internet connection, giving you the freedom to travel or live in different places.
• No Commute: You save time and money by not having to commute to a physical workplace.
• Work-Life Balance: You have more control over your work hours, making it easier to balance work with personal life and family commitments.
• Low Startup Costs: Freelancing typically requires minimal startup costs, as you may already have the tools and skills necessary to begin.
  
  

5. Online surveys

A super quick and easy way to make some money online, online surveys are great if you want to spend just a few minutes doing something that requires little-to-no brain power and will earn you a little pocket change. 

Companies want to know what you think of their products and services so they can improve them. This means they're willing to pay you a few bucks to answer some questions and offer up your thoughts and opinions. 

All you have to do is sign up to websites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie, fill out your profile with truthful information and wait for survey invitations to land in your inbox. 

Don't go thinking this online money-making method will make you rich overnight (or at all) though. Payment depends on a few factors like the length of the survey, but it ranges from just a few cents per survey to a few dollars. 

What's so good about online surveys?

• Potential Rewards: Many online surveys offer rewards, including cash, gift cards, or other incentives, as a thank-you for your participation.
• Convenience: You can take online surveys from the comfort of your home, at any time that suits your schedule.
• Flexibility: Online surveys allow you to participate in your spare time, making it easy to fit into your daily routine.
• Accessibility: Most online surveys can be accessed through a computer or mobile device with an internet connection.
• No Special Skills Required: Anyone can participate in online surveys; there are no specific qualifications or expertise needed.
  
  

6. Affiliate marketing

Looking for something that could lead to generating a regular, passive income? Affiliate marketing is a great shout. 

Particularly for those who already have an audience – whether that's on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or a blog – affiliate marketing can be a great, potentially lucrative way of making money online. 

To become an affiliate, you need to sign-up to affiliate programs offered by brands – most have one, such as Amazon, Walmart, and even ProfitDuel – or platforms such as ShareASale, ClickBank, and CJ.

You then start promoting the products or services wherever you have an audience, and when someone makes a purchase through your special affiliate link, you receive a commission (for example, as a ProfitDuel affiliate, you earn 50% commission for every referral that becomes a Premium member).

What's so good about affiliate marketing?

• Passive Income: Once set up, affiliate marketing can generate passive income, allowing you to earn money while you sleep or focus on other endeavors.
• Low Startup Costs: Affiliate marketing often requires minimal upfront investment, making it accessible to individuals with limited resources.
• No Product Creation: You don't need to create or own products; instead, you promote products or services created by others.
• Wide Product Selection: As an affiliate, you can choose from a vast range of products or services to promote, catering to various niche markets.
• Global Reach: Affiliate marketing allows you to reach a global audience, expanding your earning potential beyond geographical boundaries.
• Flexibility: You have the flexibility to choose the products you want to promote and when and where you want to promote them.
• No Customer Support: Affiliates are not responsible for customer support, including product inquiries, returns, or troubleshooting.
• Performance-Based: Your earnings are directly tied to your performance. Successful affiliates can earn substantial commissions.
• Diverse Revenue Streams: You can participate in multiple affiliate programs, diversifying your income streams.

7. Social media management

Did you know that over 90% of businesses in the US use social media for marketing? It's true, and it means if you're a total Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) or TikTok guru, you could put your skills to good use and earn some extra cash. 

Maybe you're a college student looking to fit a fun side hustle in between classes, or a full-time marketer looking to use your skills to do some freelancing after your 9-to-5.

With the rise of social media and its importance for brand and businesses, there's bound to be some looking to outsource some of their social media management activities – you can use websites like Fiverr to easily find and snap up opportunities.

What's so good about social media management?

• Income Potential: As you gain experience and build a strong client base, your income potential can increase significantly.
• Low Startup Costs: You can start with minimal investment, often needing only a computer and internet connection to begin.
• High Demand: Businesses and individuals are increasingly seeking social media expertise, creating a strong demand for social media managers.
• Flexible Work Schedule: You can set your own work hours and take on clients based on your availability and preferences.
• Location Independence: Freelance social media management allows you to work from anywhere with an internet connection, including from the comfort of your own home.
• Varied Clientele: You can work with diverse clients across different industries, gaining experience in various niches.
  
  

8. App and website testing

Spend a load of time surfing the internet and flicking between apps on your phone? You could be getting paid for it!

Companies and developers want to create bug-free, user-friendly digital experiences, and they're willing to pay people like you to help them achieve that.

You don't have to be a tech guru, you just need a computer or smartphone and a keen eye for detail. Sign up to a testing platform – such as UserTesting and Userbrain – where you'll be given access to a range of websites or apps to evalutate. 

From there, your job is to explore them as a regular user would, clicking buttons, navigating menus, and trying out different features. While you do this, keep an eye out for bugs, glitches, or confusing elements that might make the user experience less than perfect. That's it! 

What's so good about app and website testing?

• Extra Income: Testing opportunities can provide a supplementary income stream, helping you earn money online.
• Flexible Work: App and website testing allows you to work on your own schedule, making it suitable for part-time or full-time income.
• Work from Home: You can perform testing tasks from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need for commuting.
• Low Entry Barrier: Becoming a tester typically requires minimal setup or investment; you only need a device and internet access.
• No Special Skills Required: You don't need technical expertise; anyone can become a tester with basic computer or smartphone skills.
• Varied Projects: Testing platforms offer a wide range of apps and websites to test, providing diversity in tasks and industries.
  
  

9. Social media influencing

You've probably noticed that social media influencing has taken the digital world by storm, offering an exciting and unique way of making money online while living your best life. 

In its simplest form, being a social media influencer means building a dedicated following on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or even blogs. These followers look up to influencers for inspiration, advice, or simply because they resonate with their personality.

Once you've got your tribe of followers, you can leverage your influence to collaborate with brands and companies for sponsored posts, product placements, or affiliate marketing.

What's so good about social media influencing?

• Income Potential: Successful influencers can earn substantial income through brand collaborations, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.
• Flexible Work: Social media influencing offers a flexible schedule, allowing you to work on your terms and at your convenience.
• Passion-Driven: You can monetize your hobbies, interests, and passions, turning what you love into a lucrative career.
• Creative Expression: Influencing allows you to express your creativity, share your unique perspective, and connect with like-minded individuals.
• Global Reach: Social media platforms provide access to a vast global audience, expanding your potential market.
• Low Entry Barrier: Getting started as an influencer often requires minimal initial investment, mainly involving content creation and engagement.
• Diverse Monetization Opportunities: Influencers can generate income through sponsored content, product endorsements, affiliate partnerships, merchandise sales, and more.
  
  

10. Podcasting

In the US alone, around 41% of people listen to podcasts each month. That's a huge audience waiting for you to tap into, and if you do, you could be looking at a lucrative and fun online money-making venture. 

To start a podcast, all you need is a topic idea (this could be discussions around a speciality you have, or even just two friends chatting about everything), a microphone, and some recording and editing software. 

As you build a library of episodes, you can start to grow your audience through social media promotion, guest appearances on other podcasts, or even collaborations with influencers in your niche.

Now, here's where the money-making magic happens. Podcasters have several monetization options. One of the most common is advertising. As your audience grows, you can partner with advertisers who pay to have their products or services featured in your episodes.

Another avenue is listener support, where dedicated fans can contribute to your podcast through platforms like Patreon. You can also explore affiliate marketing, merchandise sales, or premium content subscriptions.

What's so good about podcasting?

• Income Potential: Podcasting offers multiple monetization avenues, including advertising, listener support, affiliate marketing, and merchandise sales.
• Flexibility: You can record episodes at your convenience, giving you control over your work schedule.
• Passion-Driven: You can create a podcast about topics you're passionate about, allowing you to combine your interests with income generation.
• Global Reach: Podcasts have a broad international audience, providing the potential to reach listeners worldwide.
• Low Entry Barrier: Getting started in podcasting requires minimal investment in equipment and software, making it accessible to many.
• Content Ownership: You retain ownership of your podcast content, enabling you to repurpose or license it for additional revenue streams.
• Creative Expression: Podcasting allows you to express your creativity, storytelling abilities, and expertise on various subjects.
  
  

11. Sell your unwanted items

Selling your unwanted items online has become a popular and practical way to declutter your space while making some extra money. It's a win-win situation where you clear out your home and pad your wallet at the same time.

Take a look around your home. Most of us have items lying around that we no longer use or need. These can range from old electronics, clothing, furniture, collectibles, to even unused gift items.

Instead of letting them gather dust, consider selling them online. You can use popular platforms like eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or dedicated apps like Depop and Vinted to list your items for sale.

What's so good about selling your unwanted items online?

• Decluttering: Clear out your home and create a more organized and spacious living environment.
• Extra Income: Turn unused items into cash, providing an additional source of income.
• Environmental Impact: Reduce waste by recycling or reusing items rather than discarding them.
• Minimal Effort: Online platforms make it easy to list items for sale, requiring minimal effort to reach potential buyers.
• Convenience: Sell items from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need for garage sales or physical storefronts.
• Global Audience: Online selling platforms allow you to reach a broad and diverse audience of potential buyers.
• Flexibility: Set your own prices, negotiate with buyers, and determine the terms of the sale.
• No Special Skills Required: Anyone can sell items online, regardless of technical expertise.
  
  

12. Blogging

Have a knack for writing and something interesting to say? Start a blog!

Your blog could be about practically anything. You might use it to share fashion and make-up tips, review products, write about your travels and recommendations, or even to just muse about life.

To get started, use a super easy blog building platform like WordPress or Blogger to set-up your blog. Then, creating high-quality and engaging content is key. Your blog posts can take various forms, such as articles, how-tos, reviews, listicles, or personal stories, depending on your niche and style.

Now, let's talk about how you can make money as a blogger. One of the most common methods is through advertising, where you display ads on your blog, and you earn money when readers click on or view those ads.

Another popular avenue is affiliate marketing, where you promote products or services related to your niche and earn a commission for every sale generated through your affiliate links. 

What's so good about blogging?

• Passive Income: Once established, a blog can generate passive income through various monetization methods.
• Creative Outlet: Blogging allows you to express your creativity, writing skills, and unique perspective on topics you're passionate about.
• Global Reach: Blogs have the potential to reach a global audience, expanding your content's reach far beyond geographical boundaries.
• Low Entry Barrier: Starting a blog is relatively low-cost, requiring minimal investment in hosting and domain registration.
• Flexible Schedule: Blogging offers a flexible work schedule, allowing you to create content at your own pace.
• Niche Specialization: You can blog about niche topics, becoming an authority in your chosen field and attracting a dedicated readership.
• Multiple Monetization Options: Bloggers can generate income through advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsored content, product sales, and more.
• Ownership and Control: You have full ownership and control over your blog's content, brand, and design.
  
  

Recapping how to make money online

So there you have it – making money online doesn't have to be rocket science. In fact, it's more like a buffet of options, and you can pick and choose what suits your taste buds (or in this case, your skills and interests).

We've covered a dozen ways to boost your bank account from the comfort of your pajamas, and whether you're diving into the world of matched betting, affiliate marketing, or more, it's easier than ever.