10 Legitimate Ways to Earn Extra Income: Freelancing, Online Businesses, and More
Earning extra income can be a great way to supplement your regular income, pay off debt, or save for big purchases. However, not all opportunities are created equal. In this article, we'll explore 10 legitimate ways to earn extra income, from freelancing to online businesses, and provide information on startup costs and profit potential.
Freelancing
Freelancing is a great way to monetize your skills and experience. Whether you're a writer, designer, developer, or consultant, there are countless platforms and opportunities available. Here are a few popular options:
- Upwork: Upwork is one of the largest freelancing platforms, with a wide range of job postings and a pool of over 12 million freelancers.
- Fiverr: Fiverr is a platform that allows you to offer your skills and services starting at $5 per gig.
- Freelancer: Freelancer is another popular platform that allows you to compete for freelance work in a variety of categories.
Startup costs: $0 - $100
Profit potential: $10 - $100 per hour
Online Tutoring
If you have teaching or tutoring experience, you can monetize your skills by offering online tutoring services. Here are a few popular options:
- TutorMe: TutorMe is an online tutoring platform that connects students with tutors in a variety of subjects.
- Chegg: Chegg is another popular online tutoring platform that offers one-on-one sessions with tutors.
- Varsity Tutors: Varsity Tutors is a platform that connects students with tutors in a variety of subjects, including math, science, and English.
Startup costs: $0 - $100
Profit potential: $20 - $50 per hour
Surveys and Online Research
Companies are constantly looking for feedback from consumers, and you can earn money by participating in online surveys and research studies. Here are a few popular options:
- Swagbucks: Swagbucks is a rewards platform that pays users for taking surveys, watching videos, and shopping online.
- Survey Junkie: Survey Junkie is a platform that pays users for taking surveys and providing feedback on products and services.
- Vindale Research: Vindale Research is a platform that pays users for taking surveys and participating in online research studies.
Startup costs: $0
Profit potential: $5 - $10 per hour
Selling Products Online
Selling products online can be a lucrative way to earn extra income, whether you're selling handmade goods, reselling items, or dropshipping products. Here are a few popular options:
- Etsy: Etsy is a platform that allows artisans and makers to sell handmade goods and vintage items.
- eBay: eBay is a platform that allows users to buy and sell a wide range of products, from electronics to collectibles.
- Shopify: Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows users to create their own online stores and sell products.
Startup costs: $100 - $1,000
Profit potential: $100 - $1,000 per month
Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where you sell products without holding any inventory. Here are a few popular options:
- Shopify: Shopify offers a range of dropshipping tools and integrations to help you start a dropshipping business.
- Dropified: Dropified is a platform that allows users to automate their dropshipping businesses and connect with suppliers.
- SaleHoo: SaleHoo is a wholesale directory that connects users with verified suppliers and allows them to start a dropshipping business.
Startup costs: $100 - $1,000
Profit potential: $100 - $1,000 per month
Creating and Selling an Online Course
Creating and selling an online course can be a lucrative way to earn extra income, whether you're teaching a skill or sharing your expertise. Here are a few popular options:
- Udemy: Udemy is a platform that allows users to create and sell online courses on a wide range of topics.
- Teachable: Teachable is a platform that allows users to create and sell online courses, with features like course templates and payment processing.
- Kajabi: Kajabi is a platform that allows users to create and sell online courses, with features like course templates and payment processing.
Startup costs: $100 - $1,000
Profit potential: $1,000 - $10,000 per month
Starting a Blog
Starting a blog can be a great way to earn extra income, whether you're monetizing your content with ads or affiliate marketing. Here are a few popular options:
- WordPress: WordPress is a popular blogging platform that offers a range of themes and plugins to help you create a professional-looking blog.
- Blogger: Blogger is a free blogging platform that allows users to create and customize their own blogs.
Startup costs: $0 - $100
Profit potential: $100 - $10,000 per month
Selling Stock Photos
Selling stock photos can be a great way to earn extra income, whether you're a photographer or just have a good eye for composition. Here are a few popular options:
- Shutterstock: Shutterstock is a platform that allows users to sell their stock photos and earn money from royalties.
- iStock: iStock is a platform that allows users to sell their stock photos and earn money from royalties.
- Adobe Stock: Adobe Stock is a platform that allows users to sell their stock photos and earn money from royalties.
Startup costs: $0 - $100
Profit potential: $100 - $1,000 per month
Selling Handmade Products
Selling handmade products can be a great way to earn extra income, whether you're a crafty person or just have a talent for making things. Here are a few popular options:
- Etsy: Etsy is a platform that allows artisans and makers to sell handmade goods and vintage items.
- Redbubble: Redbubble is a platform that allows users to sell their handmade goods, from clothing to home decor.
- Society6: Society6 is a platform that allows users to sell their handmade goods, from clothing to home decor.
Startup costs: $100 - $1,000
Profit potential: $100 - $1,000 per month
Selling Affiliate Products
Selling affiliate products can be a great way to earn extra income, whether you're promoting physical products or digital products. Here are a few popular options:
- Amazon Associates: Amazon Associates is a program that allows users to earn commissions by promoting Amazon products.
- ShareASale: ShareASale is a platform that allows users to earn commissions by promoting a wide range of products.
- ClickBank: ClickBank is a platform that allows users to earn commissions by promoting digital products.
Startup costs: $0 - $100
Profit potential: $100 - $10,000 per month