20 Fab Money Making Ideas That Might Just Work
Making money can seem like a daunting task, especially if you're not sure where to start. But it doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming - there are plenty of ways that you can make some extra cash with minimal effort.
In this post, we'll explore 20 unusual and potentially lucrative ideas for making money that anyone can try out.
From investing in cryptocurrency to becoming a virtual assistant, these ideas offer something different from the usual side hustles and are worth exploring if you're looking for creative ways to increase your income.
So without further ado, let's dive into our 20 unique money-making ideas!
20 money making ideas to ponder
1. Invest in Cryptocurrency
The world of cryptocurrency is still relatively new, but can be a great way to invest your money and potentially earn some serious returns.
Just make sure you know the risks involved before investing any of your hard-earned cash!
Note: I've never done this and I'm not sure if I ever will.
Benefits:
Can you make a full time income from this? Maybe for some.
The jury is still out on this one!
2. Create guides, books and printable items
There is a huge demand for how-to guides, books, print on demand (POD) merchandise...
Amazon as an example, is basically a huge store where millions of us go to feel better by buying books, t-shirts, calendars, greeting cards, and everything else under the sun.
For example, I did some keyword research and found there was 49,000 people a month searching for 'greeting for cards.'
49,000 peeps a month!
So if you can create a downloadable guide or PDF book around 'Amazing Card Greetings' then you might have a sweet chance of landing some of those searchers!
Benefits:
My take on this one is that it's one of the best ways to make money. (I do it!)
Amazon Merch is great (if you can get in!)
You can drop ship your merchandise too!
3. Become a virtual assistant (VA)
The gig economy has made it possible to be an assistant from anywhere in the world with just a computer and a stable internet connection.
A virtual assistant (VA) can help entrepreneurs and business owners with tasks such as managing emails, scheduling appointments, posting on social media, and more.
If you can do (or manage) the stuff I don't want to do then please help! 🙂
Benefits:
Run your own online business. √
Huge demand and need for virtual assistants. √
Can potentially become a full time business. √
4. Sell your photos or videos
If you have an eye for photography, you can make money by submitting your photos and videos to stock photo websites.
They are platforms where people pay for photos and videos that they can use in their own projects.
Benefits:
May need your own website (but not always).
If you sell often then having your own online store makes sense!
Can chew through a LOT of time.
Can earn money online but it tends not to be clockwork.
Look into StockPhotos or Alamy maybe?
I do this! 🙂
5. Blog to your heart's content
Although it may take some time to build up an audience, blogging is a great way to make money online.
You can create content that you're passionate about and generate income through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and advertisement placements.
Benefits:
Be your own boss. √
Run things on your own schedule. √
You'll need an internet connection!
(Having a gazillion business ideas will help!)
Learn more from the Buildapreneur blog.
6. Start a YouTube channel
If you have a talent or knowledge that could benefit others, consider creating online content in the form of YouTube videos.
With enough viewers, you can start to make money from ad revenue as well as sponsorships and brand deals.
Benefits:
Can sell online courses or affiliate referrals. √
Very good if you are a natural at talking about a specific subject! √
Can be hard to stay consistent! (Use a content calendar for that).
Helps to be good at editing videos (or outsource it!)
7. Sell your arts and crafts
Love knitting, crocheting, or other crafts? You can sell your handmade items on sites like Etsy, eBay (maybe) and start making money from your hobby.
Benefits:
Plenty of online store out there to use like Etsy or Facebook marketplace. √
Get to sell products and build your own customer list! √
Can evolve into a print on demand business like Amazon Merch. √
8. Become a tutor
Have you ever considered teaching others? You can make money by becoming an online tutor, helping students with their studies for a fee.
Or take things further and get paid to teach English or any language!
Benefits:
Online tutoring will only increase in demand. √
Can teach languages online as well! √
Online tutoring jobs are relatively easy especially if you know the subject well.
Great way to start making money online. √
9. Rent out your stuff
If you're not using it anymore, why not rent it out? You can make money by renting out your things, such as sporting equipment, musical instruments, and other items.
A lot of the big name online stores do this (as in, rent out photo gear or electronics). Of course, you'll need to factor in usage costs, insurance, liabilities, repairs etc.
Why do they rent instead of selling?
My guess is that there's good money in renting stuff!
Benefits:
Could be a way to start making money immediately. √
Big brand names do it for a reason!
10. Create an online course
Are you a master in something specific? Creating an online course is a great way to teach others and make some extra cash at the same time.
There are various online platforms that you can use to host your courses and start earning money.
Benefits:
A great use of your time! √
Make a course once and sell it forever. √
Tap into what is in demand and what people want (market research).
Creating courses online is a win, win, win.
11. Create an app
If you're tech-savvy, you can create apps and make money from the sales or ads in your apps.
This may require some coding knowledge and a bit of research, but if done correctly, it can be a great way to build up some passive income.
Even if your app charges $1.00 a month, if 100 people use it that's $100.00 a month.
I have a ton of ideas for this but yet to ever make an app. 🙂
Benefits:
Have you ever done it?
Could become a full time job! √
Everyone is impressed when you say you design apps!
May not need an online store (but may need a team).
12. Become a mystery shopper
Mystery shopping is an easy way to make some extra money. You can get paid to shop at different stores and report back on your experience.
Is your shopping experience one of customer disservice more than customer service? Then this role might be really suitable!
Benefits:
Always thought I'd be good at this! 🙂
Have you ever done it?
Imagine if everyone shopping was actually a mystery shopper! omg
13. Start a drop shipping business
Drop shipping is an e-commerce model where you don't keep any of the products you're selling in inventory.
Instead, you partner with a dropshipping supplier to send products directly to customers.
This can be a great way to start selling online without worrying about stocking inventory, buying heaps of unnecessary stuff or managing a warehouse.
Benefits:
Best people for this are WorldWide Brands
Can take a lot of time and effort to start up.
The supplier takes care of the distribution and shipping. √
14. Rent out your space
If you have extra space in your home or apartment, why not rent it out to someone? There are plenty of services that will match you with renters who need a place to stay.
Stayz and AirBnB come to mind. Or even Cabn.life.
Benefits:
I know people who do this and make good money.
Need your own home or land!
(Or can sub rent sometimes)
15. Start a podcast
Podcasts are becoming increasingly popular, and it's not hard to see why.
If you have an interesting story or knowledge to share, consider starting your own podcast. You can make money through sponsorships and ad revenue.
I'm guessing podcasts are good at making money online as there are so many pods out there!
Benefits:
Good way to make money from home (if you can make it work!)
Might need a basic microphone.
Plus a head full of business ideas!
16. Become a virtual event planner
With many companies and individuals holding online events in the wake of the pandemic, there's an increasing demand for virtual event planners who can help them organise and run events.
If you have experience in this field, you can make money by helping others plan their events.
Benefits:
Great if you love planning out things in glorious detail. √
May need some online training.
No bachelor's degree needed!
Could be a fun way to make money!
17. Design logos, graphics and websites
If you have a knack for design, you can make money by creating logos, websites, and other designs for companies and individuals.
You can join freelance sites like Fiverr, Upwork or Konker to find potential clients.
Benefits:
Boy have I spent a LOT on Fiverr and Konker!
You really need to be somewhat good at graphic design.
Be your own independent contractor. √
LOTS of people make money online from this one!
Need a knack for design skills and invest in software like Affinity Designer or Photoshop etc.
A Wacom pen tablet might come in handy.
Might need an online store?
Word of mouth referrals are your best friend!
18. Become a freelance writer
Writing is one of the oldest ways to make money online.
If you're an experienced writer, consider becoming a freelance writer (or ghost writer) and taking on writing assignments for companies or individuals.
You can make money by writing blog posts, articles, reviews, comparisons, and other content.
Alternative idea: Become a master at AI writing tools like Jasper and then use your amazing AI skills to create great content for entrepreneurs and content creators!
There are lots of websites and online job boards dedicated to helping writers find gigs - so take advantage of this resource and start getting paid for your words!
Benefits:
Freelance jobs are always available!
Don't need a bachelor's degree on this one either!
You need to know basic word and sentence structure!
Sit home in your PJs and work at a time that suits you!
19. Become an online consultant or coach
Have experience in a certain field? Use your knowledge to help others as an online consultant.
You can find clients on platforms like Elance or Fiverr and charge for your services.
Consulting is a billion dollar business.
Almost everyone needs help with their business at some stage!
Could be everything from coaching self development to helping build out a client's brand identity using things like Google Maps and DropFunnels.
Benefits:
Can be very lucrative! √
You might need one of the virtual assistants we mention on this page!
Can find clients online or even offline.
Online marketing is a HUGE industry.
20. Become a social media manager
If you're a social media whiz, why not use your skills to make some extra money?
Companies are always looking for experienced social media managers who can help them manage their profiles and reach new customers.
If you know your way around social media it's a no-brainer!
Benefits:
Perfect if you're cool with spending time on Instagram, Twitter and Quora. (Apparently Quora is the 59th popular website in the world!)
Social media manager is a groovy title for your business card. √
Extra income is almost guaranteed.
Probably the easiest and most fun job in this list!
Final words
These are just the barebones of many ways to make more money.
With some creativity, grit and determination, I'm sure you can find dozens more opportunities that fit your skillset.
How can you help college students, your weird neighbour or that local business that desperately needs a website?
The world is way bigger than just online surveys!
Let me know what you think in the comments below!