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Best ways to earn extra income online even with a full-time job.
Ever since I resigned from my job in 2023, I have been exploring various online income streams that I can start to build to create the life I want to live.
It’s been quite a journey, and I have learned a lot along the way. Today, I want to share with you the six best ways to earn extra income online that I have tried and tested.
For each method, I will explain what it is, its benefits, how easy it is to start, any upfront costs needed, potential earnings, ease of management, and my honest thoughts on whether it is worth it.
This post is all about the best ways to earn extra income online.
1. Survey Apps
Survey apps are the most straightforward way to earn a bit of extra cash. Platforms like Attapoll and Pureprofile allow you to complete surveys in exchange for money or gift cards.
Benefits:
- Easy to start
- Flexible, work whenever you have time
Ease of Starting:
Very easy. Just sign up, fill out your profile, and start receiving surveys.
Upfront Costs:
None.
Potential Earnings:
You can earn a few dollars daily, depending on the number of surveys available and your demographics.
Ease of Management:
There is no need to manage it since you are just answering questions honestly and getting paid for your opinions.
Examples of Survey Apps I have Tried:
My Honest Thoughts:
Survey apps are great for making a bit of pocket money, but don’t expect to get rich from them. They are worth it if you have some spare time and enjoy giving your opinions.
User Testing is by far one of my favourite platforms to give out opinions. For every “testing”, I will be paid at least USD10 and the earnings can go up to more than USD50 for live calls. Imagine spending just 15 mins talking out loud and being paid USD10 for your chattering, how amazing is that?
If your goal is to cover meals and transportation fees, this method will not take up much of your time. You can do them when you are in the toilet or traveling to work.
2. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral link.
Benefits:
- Passive income potential
- Can be scaled up significantly if done right
Ease of Starting:
Moderate. You will need to sign up for affiliate programs and have a platform to promote the products, such as a blog or social media.
Upfront Costs:
Minimal, unless you invest in a website or advertising.
Potential Earnings:
Varies widely. Some people earn a few dollars a month, while others can make up to 4 digits per month.
Ease of Management:
Requires regular promotion and content creation, but can become passive over time.
My Honest Thoughts:
Affiliate marketing has great potential if you are willing to put in the effort to build your audience and promote products consistently. Some “lazy” affiliate marketers also utilises Pinterest as a platform to promote their referral links since pins in Pinterest will not “Expire”. Hence, the reach will add up over time.
It is definitely worth it if you enjoy marketing and content creation.
3. User-Generated Content (UGC)
UGC involves creating content like photos, videos, and reviews for brands. Brands use this content that you have made in their marketing campaigns.
Benefits:
- Creative and fun
- Can be done from anywhere
Ease of Starting:
Easy to moderate. You will need to have some basic content creation skills and an online portfolio to showcase your work so that brands can work with you.
Upfront Costs:
Minimal. A good camera or smartphone and some editing software (eg Capcut).
Potential Earnings:
Varies. Some projects pay per piece, while others offer ongoing contracts.
Ease of Management:
Flexible and manageable, especially if you enjoy creating content.
My Honest Thoughts:
UGC is a fantastic way to earn extra income if you are creative and enjoy working with brands. It’s worth it if you can consistently produce high-quality content. I do see some people who do UGC full-time and can earn up to 4 and 5 digits per month.
However, I would say that the initial stage is hard especially when it comes to getting clients. But once you build your portfolio and cross the hurdle of getting your first client, the momentum will keep going.
4. Digital Products
Next, creating and selling digital products and online courses is another popular choice. The idea is that you can create a product 1 time and sell it “forever” so there will never be a problem of “out of stock”.
There is also an ongoing trend of Master Reselling Rights (MRR)/ Product Label Rights (PLR) products which states that you can buy a digital product that is already made by someone else, sell it at 100% of the price, and take all the profit on your own. While some prefer to rebrand it, some also sell the same product without making any changes.
Benefits:
- Potential for passive income
- Scalable
Ease of Starting:
Moderate to hard. You will need to create the product and set up a platform to sell it. Even if you don’t make the product yourself, you will need time to market and promote it.
Upfront Costs:
Low to moderate, depending on the tools and resources you need. If you are making products yourself, then costs will be low. Whereas, if you are buying products from others, then upfront costs will be high.
Potential Earnings:
Varies. Some products can bring in a steady stream of income, while others might be one-time earners.
Ease of Management:
Once set up, they can be relatively easy to manage, with occasional updates or customer support. However, you will need to spend a significant amount of time to market it.
Examples of Platforms to sell Digital Products and Courses on:
My Honest Thoughts:
Selling digital products is definitely one of my favourite income streams because it is super scalable. You can earn up to more than 5 figures per month.
They are worth the effort if you have valuable knowledge or skills to share, or if you can spend time doing marketing every week. In my opinion, digital products/ courses have the potential to help you earn your first million if you were to do it right (consistent hard work!).
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5. Dropshipping & Print on Demand (POD) Products
Another way to earn extra income is through dropshipping and POD. They are popular ways to sell products without holding inventory. You create an online store, and when a customer orders, the supplier ships the product directly to them.
Benefits:
- No inventory needed
- Wide range of products
Ease of Starting:
Moderate. You will need to set up an online store on platforms like Etsy or Shopify.
Upfront Costs:
Moderate. Costs for setting up a store and marketing.
Potential Earnings:
Varies. Some stores make a few sales a month, while others generate significant revenue.
Ease of Management:
Can be time-consuming initially but manageable once set up.
My Honest Thoughts:
Dropshipping and POD are worth it if you are interested in e-commerce and willing to put in the effort to market your store. They can be highly profitable if done correctly.
6. Blogging
Blogging involves creating content around a niche topic and monetising it through ads, affiliate marketing, or sponsored posts.
Benefits:
- Creative outlet
- Multiple income streams
Ease of Starting:
Moderate to hard. Requires setting up a website and consistently creating content every week.
Upfront Costs:
Low to moderate. Need to spend on the domain, and hosting.
Potential Earnings:
Varies widely. Some bloggers make a little side income, while others earn a full-time living (up to 7 figures).
Ease of Management:
Requires ongoing content creation and promotion but can be managed flexibly.
My Honest Thoughts:
Blogging was the second income stream that I created myself and I have never looked back ever since. Blogging is worth it if you enjoy writing and have a passion for a specific topic.
It can be a slow start, but with persistence, it can become a rewarding source of income. If you are someone who needs instant gratification, then blogging is NOT for you.
Blogging is a long game and it grows exponentially. You may not see any movements at the start but that is completely normal. Most bloggers only start to see results after 1 to 2 years in the game. If you want to start blogging, you need to know that it will take time.
Resources for you: The Beginner’s Guide to Blogging | Beginner’s Blogging Bundle
These six methods have all worked for me in varying degrees, and I hope they inspire you to explore new ways to earn extra income online. Remember, each method requires different skills and commitment levels, so choose the ones that align best with your interests and lifestyle.
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This post highlights 6 best ways to earn extra income online.
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