35 Flexible Ways to Make Extra Money Online and Offline

I’m always looking for new ways to make extra money. If you’d like to earn some extra cash on the side, keep reading for some easy and quick ways to do so.

With most of these opportunities, you’re not going to get rich, but you can treat yourself to a weekly coffee from Starbucks, pay off some debt, or save up for a dream vacation! 

And, of course, if you’re motivated to convert your side hustle into a full-time business, it is possible! I’m living proof.

Read on for flexible ways to make extra money online and offline!

1. Answer Questions Online

If people always come to you for advice on a particular topic, you may be the perfect candidate to get paid to answer questions online!

Platforms like JustAnswer hire experts in a variety of fields to answer questions via their platform. According to their website, experts can earn $2,000-$7,000 per month just by answering questions online. Of course, you’ll need to prove your expertise and credentials, but once you do, you can make money online any time of the day or night!

2. Become a Search Engine Evaluator

If you love doing internet research, this next side gig may be perfect for you! Search engine evaluators evaluate search engine results according to Google and Bing’s strict guidelines to ensure that they are relevant and of high quality. The great thing about these positions is they don’t require any special equipment other than a computer and internet connection.

But don’t be fooled; just because these roles sound like a cakewalk, the test you must pass to be accepted is quite challenging and requires a fair amount of memorization. If you’re interested in learning more, check out Appen and Telus International, they both hire search engine evaluators.

3. Complete Short Tasks Online

If you only have small chunks of time available to you, completing short tasks may be a great way to supplement your bottom line. Some typical shorts tasks are internet research, data entry, image categorization, transcription, writing short-form content, and on and on. With these gigs, you’re usually working as an independent contractor, and the pay can sometimes be on the lower end, but there are easy and extremely flexible. For companies that hire micro-workers, check out Fiverr, Amazon Mechanical Turk, and Gig Walk.

4. Participate in Paid Focus Groups

If you enjoy voicing your opinion, participating in focus groups can be an excellent way to earn extra money! To qualify for participation, you’ll need to answer an initial set of questions to see if you’re the brand’s target audience. Once accepted into the study, you’ll answer a series of questions online, by phone, or in person. The great thing about focus groups is they pay well, often $50-$150 for an hour of your time! Sound appealing, check out Respondent, User Interviews, and L & E Research.

5. Play Video Games Online

I’m not a gamer, but if you are, you can make a little extra pocket cash by playing video games online. Apps like Mistplay allow you to earn rewards for playing games, and of course, the longer you play, the more units you’ll earn. According to their website, you can redeem units for Visa, Google Play, and Amazon gift cards, and they’ve paid out more than $11 million to users.

6. Sell T-Shirts Online

Are you always coming up with catchy slogans? Do you have superb design skills? If so, you can make extra money online, designing and selling t-shirts, mugs, and other merchandise. Platforms like Teespring, Spreadshirt, and Teemill allow you to create and sell t-shirts on their platforms for free! According to this article from Money.com, the average seller on Teespring pockets $9,000 a year from the platform; not bad!

7. Use Smartphone Apps

If you’re not using smartphone apps in your day-to-day life, you’re missing out on free money! A few of my faves are Ibotta, Shopkick, and Receipt Hog. With these apps, you can earn rewards by scanning your receipts, scanning barcodes, and shopping online and in person. Once you’ve accumulated enough points, you can trade them in for cash via PayPal, Amazon gift cards, and more! If you’re interested in earning extra money with smartphone apps, check out this massive list of apps that pay out cash via PalPal.

8. Surf the Web

If you had told me years ago that you can get paid to surf the web, I would have said you’re crazy! But with advances in technology and with online competition at an all-time high, companies will pay you a small amount for using their web search engines. Again, you’re not going to get rich or make a full-time income from doing this, but you can earn extra money to help pay off debt or save up for a new pair of shoes.

Three companies that will pay you to surf the web are Swagbucks, Microsoft Rewards, and Qmee. I’ve only used Swagbucks, and with their opportunity, you log in to their platform and use their search bar for your search queries. Or you can change your default web browser to Swagbucks, thus earning SB (points) for all of your search activity. Once you have enough SB, you can trade it in for gift cards or cash via PayPal.

9. Take Online Surveys

If you enjoy answering survey questions, you can easily make extra money online. But before you jump into this money-making method, be smart with how you use your time. Browse the available surveys, and choose the ones that offer the best payout for your time invested. If you have a survey that is 100 questions and only pays $0.10, that is not worth your time! Some of my favorite survey sites include Branded Surveys, InboxDollars, Survey Junkie, and Mindswarms.

10. Test Websites and Apps

Are you tech-savvy and enjoy testing stuff out? Then perhaps testing websites and apps is your calling. With these side gigs, app developers and website owners want to know that their digital properties are easy to navigate and achieve their intended goals. To find this information out, they hire people to run through a series of test steps and questions to determine areas they can improve.

Most tests take between 5-25 minutes and pay $10 per test. However, sometimes you can earn more! I recently participated in a website testing gig that took 45 minutes and paid $25. If this side earner sounds appealing, check out Ferpection, UserTesting, and test IO.

11. Transcribe Some Audio Files

You can make extra money online by transcribing audio files if you’re a fast and accurate typist with excellent listening skills. To do this, you’ll need to have a transcription kit (foot pedal, headset, and software) to stop and rewind the audio files while you’re transcribing. Most companies pay per audio minute or hour, but some pay per project. To get started with transcribing, check out Rev, Scribie, or TranscribeMe — they all hire beginners.

12. Tutor Students Online

One way to earn money online is by sharing your expertise with students who need additional help. The areas you can tutor in are endless — math, biology, English as a second language, business, foreign language, homework help, and so on! Most of these positions require you to be an active college student or a graduate with a bachelor’s degree. If helping others achieve their academic goals sounds like fun, check out Course Hero, Kaplan, or Studypool.

13. Watch Videos Online

Another way to earn money online is by watching videos. Before you get too excited here, many of these gigs consist of watching commercials, promotional trailers, and other types of promotional content. If that doesn’t turn you off, check out Viggle and Slidejoy. You’re not going to make a ton of money with this side hustle, but if you’re waiting around and have some extra time, why not get paid for watching some videos?!

Another way to make extra money watching videos is to caption videos. Closed captioning jobs require fast and accurate typing, as well as excellent listening skills. If this sounds like a fun way to make extra money, check out Rev or CrowdSurf.

14. Write Online Content

If you have a way with words, there are many ways to make extra money with your writing skills! From writing short-form content like PPC ads and social media updates to website copy, blog articles, forum contributions, and so much more!

The great thing about freelance writing gigs is you don’t need any special equipment, and as long as you meet your deadlines, the gig is flexible. Plus, you don’t need experience or a degree to get started! Of course, the more you write, the better you get, so if you’re a beginner, be sure to practice writing every day. For places to get started, check out Copify, nDash, Postloop, Problogger, and Upwork.

15. Become a Mystery Shopper

Do you like going undercover? If so, telephone mystery shopping may be the perfect way to earn extra money. With this side gig, you’ll make calls to businesses, asking them a series of questions. After the phone call is over, you’ll rate and write up a shopping report. According to Forbes, most mystery shopping gigs pay between $5-$20 per shop. If you’d like to learn more about mystery shopping, check out Intelicheck, Perception Strategies, and ARC.

16. Design Some Graphics

When my daughter was in 6th grade, she took a digital graphics class, where she learned how to use the design software, Photoshop. I don’t even know how to use Photoshop! If you can create digital graphics, you can earn good money online by designing logos, social media images, infographics, and more! To see if this is the right side earner for you, check out DesignCrowd, Dribbble, and 99designs for freelance opportunities.

17. Become a Mock Juror

Do you love watching TV shows like Law and Order? Then look into earning some extra money as a mock juror. In these roles, you help lawyers prepare for their trial by giving feedback on their arguments. By no means are you going to get rich doing this, but it is an interesting way to make extra money in your free time. Here are a few companies that offer these online gigs, eJury and Nelson Recruiting.

18. Start Selling on eBay

If you enjoy going to flea markets and garage sales, perhaps cleaning up items and selling them on eBay is your calling. You can start by decluttering your own home and garage and listing each item on eBay. Once you’ve decluttered your home, hit flea markets, garage sales, and thrift stores, and flip unwanted items for extra cash. It’s free to list most things on eBay, and they only take a fee once an item sells. One couple that has found massive success selling stuff on eBay is Melissa and Rob Stephenson, who are earning $130K annually, flipping flea market finds. If this sounds like a fun way to make extra money, be sure to check out Rob and Melissa’s course, Flipper University.

19. Sell Photos Online

You can make good money selling your photos online if you’re a talented photographer. Stock photo sites are always looking for new images to sell to people. To get started, check out this list of sites where you can submit your photos. Each has different terms about payments and exclusivity, so be sure to read them carefully when submitting your application. The great thing about selling your photography online is it’s a great source of passive income! Sign up with multiple sites to make the most of this side gig!

20. Start a YouTube Channel

Are you an extrovert who enjoys teaching others new skills? If so, consider starting a YouTube channel around your passion. There are lots of influencers creating YouTube videos and making money through advertising, affiliate marketing, and sponsorships!

The best thing about this side hustle is you don’t need any fancy equipment to start; just a smartphone with a video camera, your ideas, and some time. YouTube does require content creators to have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time in 12 months before you can use Google Adsense to monetize. While you’re growing your channel, you can still earn money through affiliate links and sponsorships.

21. Dog Walking with Rover

If you love animals, sign up on the Rover app to make extra money taking care of pets! With Rover, you can walk dogs, offer pet sitting services, make stop-ins, scoop poop, and even board pets at your home. The average user earns $1,000 a month using the app, but there is potential to earn much more! If this sounds like a fun way to make extra money, check out our full Rover review here.

22. Deliver Stuff

You’ll need a reliable vehicle for this next side gig, but if you enjoy getting out and about, consider becoming an on-demand delivery driver. With apps like Uber Eats, Instacart, and DoorDash, you can make good money delivering groceries and food from local restaurants. You’ll need to pass a background check, but once this is complete and your application is approved, you can make money on your own schedule. With these gigs, you’ll earn a fee for each delivery plus tips. Many drivers are able to earn an average of $25 per hour! For more on how this works, check out our full DoorDash review.

23. Online Scoring Jobs

If you have a bachelor’s degree and enjoy reading student essays, you can make extra money scoring test papers online. These gigs are usually seasonal, so sign up with multiple sites to increase your chances of getting assignments. Check out Write Score, ETS, and Pearson for these flexible side gigs.

24. Become a Blogger

I’m obviously a huge fan of blogging! But let me tell you why you should consider starting your own blog! Blogging offers you these benefits:

• Learn new skills without having to get a degree
• Work in a niche that you’re passionate about
• It opens you up to new opportunities
• There’s no cap on how much you can earn
• You truly have control over your schedule
• You’re creating an asset that you can sell
• It’s affordable to start

I started this blog back in 2009, with the initial goal of making $500-$700 a month, which I achieved within the first year. Today, blogging is my full-time business! If you’d like to make money blogging, either part-time or full-time, check out my free 10-day step-by-step guide.

25. Work as an Online Sitter

When the pandemic turned the world upside down, parents were scrambling to balance work at home while caring for and schooling their kids at home. This is where VeeBee enters the scene. Busy parents can book a virtual sitter to entertain and watch their kiddos virtually while getting some stuff done around the house. Virtual sitters with VeeBee, make their own hours and set their own prices. According to this post, sitters charge anywhere from $10-$100 per hour, with the average being around $20.70 per hour. I couldn’t find what fee VeeBee charges, but something to check out if you enjoy working with kids.

26. Sell Your Lesson Plans

If you’re a teacher that has created lesson plans, worksheets, and learning handouts, you can sell these to other teachers on Teachers Pay Teachers. Non-teachers can also use the platform to sell printables, digital downloads, and fonts! It’s free to get started, and Teachers Pay Teachers take a cut once you make a sale. According to this article, “the top seller has made over $2 million, 164 teachers have earned over $50,000, and thousands more bring in a few hundred dollars a month, which can make a big difference when you’re living on a teacher’s salary.”

27. Become a Social Media Manager

If you’re an avid social media user that knows how to create engaging content, you can work part-time managing and creating social media content. With social media accounts like TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and more, there is a massive demand for talented social media enthusiasts. Check out sites like SocialBee, ModSquad, and $99 Social for freelance gigs.

28. Rent Your Extra Space for Cash

If you have an extra bedroom or a guest house on your property, you can rent it for extra cash! With sites like Airbnb and Vrbo, it’s never been easier to get started. But did you know that you can rent a whole laundry list of items, including campers, cars, RVs, boats, bikes, sports equipment, your swimming pool, your driveway, and more! Check out this list for the crazy things you can rent for extra money!

29. Sell Unwanted Stuff

I’ve tried selling old stuff online, at garage sales, and consignment stores, but using platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace is the best way to make money selling your stuff. In most cases, these sites are free to use, and selling directly to an individual is how you can earn the most money for your goodies. Plus, you don’t have to worry about packing your items up and shipping costs. Agree to meet in a public place, and you have the cash immediately! I’ve been able to sell furniture, a mattress, toys, clothes, baby gear, a violin, electronics, and more!

30. Start an Etsy Shop

When you think of Etsy, you probably think of arts and crafts, but you can sell so much more on the site like printables, templates, greeting cards, craft supplies, and vintage items! If you’re interested in creating printables or crafts and selling them for extra cash, Etsy is a great place to get started. Not only is the platform super easy to use, it only costs $0.20 to list your first item. They do take a small transaction fee for payment processing, but all sites like this do. If starting a shop on Etsy sounds fun, check out how Melanie earns a full-time income from selling her greeting cards using the platform.

31. Become an Instagram Content Creator

If you enjoy taking photos, videos, writing captions, and sharing them online, become an Instagram content creator. You’ll need to build your following and choose a niche, but according to this article, IG micro-influencers with just 1,000 engaged followers can start making money! To get started with this side gig, all you need is a smartphone and your time for creating engaging and entertaining content. With Instagram, you can make money through affiliate marketing and paid sponsorships.

32. Start Making Content on TikTok

Another fun way to make extra money is by creating short videos on TikTok. And don’t worry, TikTok isn’t just for dancing! There are all sorts of creators making videos on topics like food, mental health, humor, finance, careers, beauty, and so much more! TikTok has many different ways for content creators to make money like joining their creator fund, receiving LIVE gifts, sponsorships, and more! No special tools are needed to get started, just your smartphone, the TikTok app, which includes easy-to-use editing tools, and time to create videos.

33. Do Odd Jobs

If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, there are many odd jobs that you can do to make extra money! Sites like Task Rabbit and Handy have made it easy to connect with people who need help with their to-do lists. Using these apps, you can make money helping pet owners, shopping, putting furniture together, emptying moving boxes, house cleaning, and so much more! How much you make will depend on the tasks you perform and where you live, but according to this article, you can make this a full-time job; some top earners on Task Rabbit are making $150,000!

34. Work on a Bilingual Side Gig

If you can speak more than one language fluently, you can make good money by taking on a bilingual side gig! In fact, it’s estimated that bilingual workers earn 5%-20% more per hour compared to monolingual workers. From bilingual customer service calls to translating documents, tutoring foreign language students, and even becoming an interpreter! Some places to search for bilingual side gigs include Welocalize, Language Bear, and DayTranslations.

35. Join Direct Sales Business Opportunity

If you’re an extrovert that enjoys interacting with people, joining a direct sales business opportunity, maybe a great option for you! I have one friend who is into health and wellness that joined doTERRA to sell essential oils and another who sells clothing for cabi. I’m a fan and purchaser of both brands, and my friends are earning money selling items that they’re passionate about. 

You’ll need to come up with funds for the initial startup fee, but it’s easy to make it back and much more if you’re passionate about you’re selling. Usually, direct sales consultants earn 25%-35% commission on items that they sell and additional commissions for building a team. If you’re interested in joining a direct sales company, check out this massive list of companies!

Last Words About Making Extra Money Online and Offline

If you want to make extra money, there are many ways to do so! Pick a few that match your skills and expertise and fit them in when you have some spare time. If you find you enjoy making money online, you may even be able to turn your side hustle into a full-time gig. If you need some inspiration, check out Danny Margulies’ story and how he turned his copywriting side gig into a six-figure business!

Just remember, with these side earners, you’re working as an independent contractor, not an employee, so you’ll need to set money aside for taxes. Talking to an accountant can help you determine whether you’re running a business, or making money off a hobby. You can also find information on the IRS website about how to claim the extra money your earn.

Last, but not least, watch out for scams! Technology has made it easier than ever for scammers to hide behind fake accounts and profiles. Be sure to check out reviews on the Better Business Bureau website, in the app stores, and on Glassdoor.com.

Originally published September 14, 2012. Content updated February 2022.