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On the JJ Barnes Blog, as internet searches for “how to make money fast” explode, I check out different side hustles to help make you money.
Have you ever typed “how to make money fast” into a search engine and been bombarded with unrealistic promises? We’ve all been there! Let’s face it, the way of the world right now means a lot of us are in a financially perilous situation, and finding ways to top up our income is very appealing. As households nationwide seek extra income streams, searches for ‘how to make money online’ have shot up by 819%.
Analysis of Google search data by coupon site Bravo Voucher showed that searches for ‘how to make money fast’ exploded by 868% in the United Kingdom after news Britain’s economy entered a recession in the final quarter of last year, as confirmed by the Office for National Statistics.
Similarly, ‘side hustle,’ a popular term for an additional job, and ‘passive income’ queries jumped by 856% and 790%, respectively. Some homeowners are selling up, with the data also revealing that searches for ‘sell my house’ soared by 287%, a triple increase in a week.
The number of Britons looking to make extra cash on top of a full-time job is rising due to the cost of living, inflation, and economic recession. Pay isn’t keeping up with prices, so households find creative ways to make ends meet. The situation may sound dire, but passion projects can become lucrative ways to increase savings and, in some cases, lead to fulfilling careers that replace existing jobs.
-Marco Farnararo CEO and Co-Founder of Bravo Voucher
Side Hustles To Help You Make Money
In this blog post, I’ll ditch the “get rich quick” mentality and delve into realistic and rewarding side hustles that can actually help you make money. Whether you’re a student juggling classes, a professional seeking extra income, or simply someone looking for more financial flexibility, there’s a side hustle out there waiting to be discovered.
I’ll explore a variety of options, from leveraging your existing skills to uncovering hidden talents you never knew you had. So, buckle up and get ready to discover side hustles that don’t require a magic wand, just a little creativity and dedication!
Declutter and Cash In
Do a deep clean of your closets, shelves, and storage units. Clothes, furniture, electronics, books – anything in good condition can be sold online through platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local consignment shops.
The beauty of eBay is its vastness. While some items consistently perform well, there’s always a market for unique finds. Here are some general categories that tend to be popular:
- Collectibles: Think vintage toys, sports memorabilia, rare coins, or antique furniture. If it’s unique and collectible, there’s likely a buyer on eBay waiting to snatch it up.
- Clothing and Accessories: From designer brands to everyday wear, gently used clothing can find a second life on eBay. Consider seasonal trends and target specific demographics for increased appeal.
- Electronics: Pre-owned smartphones, laptops, cameras, and even video game consoles can be attractive options for budget-conscious buyers on eBay. Ensure they are in good working condition and accurately describe any cosmetic flaws.
- Home Goods and Décor: Looking to refresh your living space? Sell your gently used furniture, artwork, or decorative items on eBay. This is a great way to declutter and potentially find these items new homes where they’ll be cherished.
Cash for Crafts
Are you crafty? Turn your hobbies into profits! Sell your handmade jewelry, knitted scarves, or painted artwork online, such as Etsy, or at local craft fairs.
While trends fluctuate, Etsy consistently sees success in these categories:
- Handmade Crafts: From knitted goods and polymer clay creations to hand-painted mugs and personalized stationery, the possibilities are endless! Showcase your unique talents and cater to specific audiences.
- Vintage Finds: Upcycled furniture, restored clothing, or curated collections of vintage treasures can find a new lease on life with appreciative Etsy shoppers. Breathe new life into pre-loved items!
- Digital Products: If you have graphic design skills, offer downloadable printables, digital invitations, or custom website templates. This allows you to create passive income, where the product sells repeatedly without needing to be remade each time.
- Party Supplies: Personalized cake toppers, handmade party favors, or printable decorations can cater to the ever-growing party planning market.
Freelance Frenzy
Offer your skills online! Websites like Fiverr and Upwork connect freelancers with clients who need help with writing, editing, graphic design, social media management, virtual assistance, and more. The beauty? Set your own rates and choose projects that fit your schedule.
Fiverr caters to a wide range of needs, but here are some consistently popular service categories:
- Creative Services: Graphic design, logo creation, social media graphics, video editing, and photo editing are all in high demand. I make money myself on Fiverr through book cover animations for authors.
- Writing and Editing: Content writing, blog post creation, proofreading and editing services, and even scriptwriting can be lucrative offerings.
- Digital Marketing: Social media management, SEO optimization, email marketing campaigns, and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising services are valuable resources for businesses on Fiverr.
- Virtual Assistance: From data entry and administrative tasks to scheduling appointments and managing calendars, virtual assistants offer valuable support to busy professionals.
Blogging
Blogging allows you to share your knowledge, entertain your audience, and even build a career from the comfort of your home. This is one of my favourite jobs, and I’m growing a readership that I’m so proud to write for. But how exactly does one make money from blogging? Let’s delve into the secrets and explore the various ways blogs can become a source of income:
- Advertising Revenue: Display ads placed strategically on your blog can generate income when readers click on them. The more traffic your blog attracts, the higher your earning potential.
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote other companies’ products or services through affiliate links on your blog. You earn a commission every time a reader clicks on your link and makes a purchase. Carefully choose products relevant to your niche and that resonate with your audience for optimal results.
- Selling Digital Products: E-books, online courses, printables, or even stock photos – if you have valuable knowledge or creative skills, package them into digital products and sell them directly through your blog. This allows you to create passive income streams that generate revenue even when you’re not actively creating content.
- Sponsored Content: Partner with brands or businesses to create sponsored content that promotes their products or services. Ensure the sponsored content aligns with your blog’s niche and offers value to your readers. Transparency and maintaining reader trust are crucial.
- Freelancing Opportunities: The credibility you build through blogging can open doors to freelance writing gigs. Companies may approach you to write content for their websites, social media platforms, or marketing materials.
Odd Jobs Online
Websites like TaskRabbit connect you with people who need help with odd jobs like furniture assembly, errands, or yard work. It’s a great way to earn cash while using your physical skills.
- Handyman Services: Furniture assembly, TV mounting, minor plumbing repairs – if you’re comfortable with DIY tasks, you can offer your services on TaskRabbit and help people tackle those household projects they’ve been putting off.
- Cleaning and Home Improvement: Deep cleaning, carpet cleaning, post-construction cleanup – many people appreciate a helping hand when it comes to maintaining their homes. Offer your cleaning or home improvement skills and make a difference in people’s lives, while earning money in the process.
- Errands and Delivery: Grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, waiting in line – sometimes the little things take up precious time. Assist busy individuals by running errands or making deliveries, freeing up their schedules and earning yourself some cash.
- Moving Help: Packing, unpacking, loading and unloading furniture – moving can be a stressful experience. Lend a helping hand during this chaotic time and ease the burden for others, while getting paid for your physical prowess.
Deliver on Demand
Sign up for delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub. Choose your own hours, work as much or as little as you want, and earn money by delivering food to hungry customers.
- Know Your Area: Familiarize yourself with the busy areas in your city and the restaurants that are popular on the delivery platforms. This allows you to strategically position yourself to receive more delivery requests.
- Peak Hour Power: Weekends, evenings, and lunchtimes tend to be the busiest times for food deliveries. Prioritize working during these peak hours to maximize your earning potential.
- Be Efficient, Be Courteous: Time is money, so strive to deliver orders quickly and efficiently. However, prioritize safe driving and customer satisfaction. A friendly smile and courteous demeanor go a long way in earning positive reviews and potentially higher tips.
- Choose the Right Deliveries: Some platforms allow you to see details about each delivery request, including distance and estimated payout. Prioritize deliveries with shorter distances and higher potential earnings to optimize your time on the road.
Influencer Marketing
Do you have a loyal following on social media and a knack for creating engaging content? Then the world of influencer marketing might be waiting for you! Influencer marketing connects brands with social media personalities who can promote their products or services to a targeted audience. Whether you have thousands of followers or millions, there’s a space for you in this ever-growing industry, and with the right approach, you can turn your online influence into real income.
- Sponsored Posts: Partner with brands to create content that showcases their products or services. This could be an Instagram post, a YouTube video, or even a series of stories. The compensation can vary based on your follower count, engagement metrics, and the complexity of the campaign.
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products through affiliate links and earn a commission every time someone makes a purchase through your link. This allows you to recommend products you genuinely love, while earning money without having to create sponsored content every time.
- Brand Ambassador Deals: Become a long-term partner for a brand, representing them across multiple campaigns and social media platforms. This typically involves creating sponsored content at regular intervals and potentially attending events or participating in promotional activities.
Share Your Knowledge
Do you have a knack for explaining complex subjects? Offer online or in-person tutoring to students struggling with math, science, language arts, or other subjects.
- VIPKid: Primarily focused on teaching English to Chinese children.
- Skooli: Connects tutors with K-12 students in the United States.
- TutorMe: Offers tutoring opportunities for a wide range of subjects and grade levels.
- Chegg Tutors: Provides online homework help and tutoring services to college students.
- Wyzant: A long-standing online tutoring platform with a large pool of tutors and students.
Ridesharing Revenue
If you have a car and some spare time, become a rideshare driver with Uber or Lyft. You can set your own hours and earn money by giving people rides around town.
- Become a Pro: Consider enrolling in Uber Pro, a program that offers loyalty rewards for frequent drivers. These rewards can include discounts on gas, phone plans, and even car maintenance, all of which can contribute to your overall profitability.
- Embrace Efficiency: Utilize the Uber app’s features to your advantage. Accept rides that are along your way to avoid unnecessary backtracking. Learn efficient routes to navigate traffic and minimize travel time between rides.
- Provide Stellar Service: A little kindness goes a long way. Be courteous, friendly, and helpful to your passengers. Positive ratings and reviews can lead to more frequent requests and potentially higher tips.
- Maintain Your Ride: A clean, well-maintained car reflects positively on you and creates a more pleasant experience for passengers. Regular car washes, vacuuming, and air freshener use can go a long way.
- Stay Hydrated and Energized: Pack snacks and water to stay fueled throughout your driving shifts. Being alert and comfortable will allow you to perform at your best and provide exceptional service to your passengers.
Dog Walking and Pet Sitting
Love animals? Offer dog walking, pet sitting, or house sitting services. This is a great way to make money while getting some exercise and spending time with furry friends.
- Insurance is Key: Protect yourself and your furry clients with pet liability insurance. This will provide peace of mind and give pet owners confidence in your services.
- Network and Market Yourself: Spread the word about your dog walking business! Create flyers, post on local social media groups, and reach out to veterinary clinics or pet stores to advertise your services.
- Build a Strong Reputation: Provide excellent customer service and leave a positive impression on both dogs and their owners. Positive word-of-mouth recommendations are powerful marketing tools.
- Offer Package Deals: Consider offering discounted rates for multiple walks per week or package deals that include pet sitting or other services. This can incentivize clients and generate recurring income.
- Specialize (if desired): Do you have experience with specific needs like training large breeds or caring for senior dogs? Highlight your expertise to attract a specific clientele and potentially command higher rates.
Side Hustles
Remember: While these side hustles offer the potential for quick cash, keep in mind factors like time commitment, upfront costs (like buying supplies), and taxes. Always prioritize quality over quantity when offering your services.
Bonus Tip: Be mindful of scams! There are many get-rich-quick schemes out there. Do your research before investing any money or time into a side hustle.
With a little effort and the right side hustle, you can be well on your way to achieving your financial goals. So, get out there, explore your options, and start making that money!
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