How to make money online

Online money is a popular option for those seeking to supplement their regular income or become a six-figure social media influencer. NerdWallet has compiled 25 real ways to make money at home, online, or out and about. These side jobs include a variety of tasks, such as starting a business, age requirements, and payment speed. 

Make Money online from home

While most people want to make money fast, slow gigs may pay more in the long run. With the sting of inflation, there are many viable options to consider when looking to make extra income.

1. Select Freelance work

Freelancer.com is a popular platform for freelancers to earn money online, offering a wide range of freelance jobs including writing, programming, design, marketing, data entry, and virtual assistant services. With the fastest growth in listings on the site in the second quarter of 2023, creative writing jobs saw a 58% increase. Companies are seeking writers who can edit AI content and have a basic understanding of search engine optimization. Learning or improving SEO skills could be a lucrative side hustle for freelancers. Some freelancers are charging $100 an hour or more for their services, showcasing the growing demand for freelance writing services on the platform.

2. Learn AI tools

The North American economy is expected to see a $3.7 trillion impact by 2030 due to the AI market, making it an ideal time to learn how to make money using AI tools. Side hustles include integrating AI tools as a freelancer, improving advertising, marketing, and business management, and teaching others to use AI tools. The setup time depends on demand, and the age threshold for Freelancer.com is 16+, while Upwork has an age threshold of 18. Pay depends on the client, product volume, and platform chosen.

3. Earn money by surveys

Online surveys can be a way to earn money from home, but it's not guaranteed to yield significant rewards. Many sites are more useful for gift cards than cash. The process takes time, but setup is quick. The age threshold is 13 to 18+, and the payment speed varies by site.

4. Start Blogging

Bloggers with decent traffic can earn money by joining affiliate networks. Affiliates earn when someone clicks through from their website to a partner site and buys something there. Full-time affiliate marketers can make significant income. Building an audience takes time, but with blog templates, site setup is easy. Starting a blog is easy, but creating regular content may be challenging. The age threshold is any, and the average payout is a month or two.

5. Publish e-book

Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing allows writers to sell their books on the Kindle store for free, with up to 70% of each sale in royalties. Write your book, upload it, and set the price. The process is quick and easy, and the age threshold is 18+. You can expect to receive monthly payments after meeting the $100 threshold, after you've written your book. The process requires a clear description, uploading your manuscript, and setting the price.

6. Start youtube channel

YouTube and Google AdSense offer opportunities to turn cat videos into cash through advertising. YouTube sets 1,000 subscribers as the benchmark for applying for the YouTube Partner Program, which grants access to monetizing features and a share of ad revenue. Partners can also use Google's AdSense to place relevant ads on their blogs or websites. The setup process can take several weeks, but the success depends on the quality of the videos. The age threshold is 18+, and the first payout may take a while, followed by monthly payments.

7. Sell photographs

Photographers can turn their images into cash through sites like Fine Art America, SmugMug, 500px, and PhotoShelter. These platforms offer features like cloud storage, password-protected galleries, and a customized website. To start, upload your images and create a library of photos. The setup process is quick and easy, with an age threshold of any. The speed at which you get paid depends on your sales platform.