17 Ways To Make Extra Money Online

Boring title, boring topic. Originally written in 2016, I'm updating this page with the same old suggestions. AI'd? Obviously. Not worth reading, because already millions of bloggers (possibly literally millions) have already said the same things. 

And you already know that earning money online is hard so it's good to keep your expectations real. Having said that, the best thing to do is to just start - give it a shot. Sure, it might not be smooth sailing right from the get-go, but that's okay. If you never try, you'll never know what could have been. It's like this – every step you take, even the tiny ones, gets you closer to where you want to be.

So try different things, learn as you go, and who knows? You might just find something that clicks. And even if it takes a while, every big journey starts with a small step.

Register with Freelancer.com

Register with Freelancer.com and advertise yourself to start with. Good start as thousands of online jobs are available by category, then by sub-category.

• Jobs are listed under each category with a description telling you (1) how long the job is expected to take and (2) how much the expected pay.
• You place your offer by bidding as to how much you would expect to receive.
• The job is yours only if you're chosen by the advertiser.

You will see other bidders (freelancers who are offering to do the job) so you can see how competitive the specific job is, the scale of the job (how long it will take you to complete), and roughly how much the pay is.

Also Read: Freelancer.com Review

17 Ways To Make Extra Money Online

1. Websites, IT & Software

In the world of tech, skills like PHP, HTML, JavaScript, and WordPress are pretty handy for making money online. Let's break it down:

• PHP, HTML, JavaScript: These are the building blocks of web development. PHP is used for server-side scripting, HTML for webpage structure, and JavaScript for interactive elements.
  • Pros: High demand for these skills, and lots of resources available to learn.
  • Cons: Can be a steep learning curve if you're new to coding.
  • My Opinion: It's challenging but rewarding. Once you get the hang of it, you can create amazing websites and maybe even start your own freelance business.
• WordPress: It's a popular platform for building websites. You can use it for everything from simple blogs to complex e-commerce sites.
  • Pros: User-friendly, with lots of templates and plugins.
  • Cons: You might need to learn some coding to customize sites.
  • My Opinion: It's easier than full-scale web development, especially if you use pre-made themes. But standing out might require some unique tweaks.

2. Mobile Phones & Computing

If you're into mobile tech, areas like app development for Android, iPhone, iPad, and Kotlin can be lucrative.

• Mobile App Development: Creating apps for iOS and Android.
  • Pros: Huge market, potential for passive income if your app hits it big.
  • Cons: Requires learning specific programming languages like Swift (for iOS) or Kotlin (for Android).
  • My Opinion: It's tough but has huge potential. You need patience and a good app idea.
• Kotlin: It's a newer language used for Android development.
  • Pros: More intuitive than Java (the old standard for Android).
  • Cons: Still need to understand basic app development concepts.
  • My Opinion: If you're going for Android apps, Kotlin's the way to go. It's less intimidating than Java.

3. Writing & Content

Love words? Content writing, article writing, and copywriting are great avenues.

• Content Writing & Article Writing: These involve creating engaging content for websites, blogs, and more.
  • Pros: Flexible and can be done on your own schedule.
  • Cons: Can be competitive; you need to stand out with your writing style.
  • My Opinion: It's accessible if you're good with words. You need to be creative and adapt to different topics.
• Copywriting & Research Writing: More specialized; copywriting is about persuasive writing for marketing, while research writing involves a lot of fact-checking and deep dives into topics.
  • Pros: Higher pay for specialized skills.
  • Cons: Requires more expertise and sometimes credentials.
  • My Opinion: It's more niche, so there's less competition, but you need to know your stuff.

4. Design, Media & Architecture

If you've got an eye for design, fields like graphic design, website design, Photoshop, logo design, and Illustrator are great options.

• Graphic Design & Website Design: This is all about creating visuals for websites, brands, and more.
  • Pros: High demand, especially for businesses looking to boost their online presence.
  • Cons: You need a good sense of design and proficiency in design tools.
  • My Opinion: It's a competitive field, but if you're creative and have a unique style, you can really stand out.
• Photoshop & Illustrator: Essential tools for any designer.
  • Pros: Versatile, can be used for a wide range of projects.
  • Cons: Takes time to learn and master these programs.
  • My Opinion: If you invest the time to learn these tools, you'll open up a ton of opportunities in the design world.

5. Data Entry & Admin

For those who are more into organizational tasks, data entry, Excel, data processing, web search, and bookkeeping are solid choices.

• Data Entry & Excel: Involves inputting data into systems and using Excel for data organization and analysis.
  • Pros: Plenty of jobs available, doesn't require specialized skills.
  • Cons: Can be monotonous and requires attention to detail.
  • My Opinion: It's not the most exciting work, but it's a steady way to earn money, especially if you're good with numbers and organization.
• Data Processing & Bookkeeping: More specialized, involving processing data for insights and managing financial records.
  • Pros: Higher pay due to specialized nature.
  • Cons: Requires more knowledge in finance or data analysis.
  • My Opinion: It's great if you have the skills. There's a constant need for these services, especially among small businesses.

6. Artificial Intelligence

The field of AI is booming, with opportunities in large language models (LLMs), bot development, artificial neural networks, ChatGPT AI integration, and AI chatbots.

• Large Language Models & Bot Development: This is about creating and refining AI models and bots.
  • Pros: Cutting-edge field, high demand.
  • Cons: Requires knowledge in AI and programming.
  • My Opinion: It's challenging but incredibly fascinating. If you're into tech and coding, this could be really rewarding.
• AI Chatbot Development & Integration: Creating chatbots using AI platforms like ChatGPT.
  • Pros: Growing demand in customer service and online interaction.
  • Cons: Needs both coding skills and an understanding of how chatbots can improve user experience.
  • My Opinion: It's a great blend of tech and creativity. Plus, you get to see the direct impact of your work in improving customer interactions.

7. Engineering & Science

For the technically minded, fields like AutoCAD, CAD/CAM, electrical engineering, electronics, and machine learning can be quite lucrative.

• AutoCAD & CAD/CAM: These tools are used for design and manufacturing processes.
  • Pros: In-demand in industries like construction, manufacturing, and engineering.
  • Cons: Requires technical knowledge and proficiency in the software.
  • My Opinion: If you've got the skills, there's plenty of work out there. It's technical, but for the right person, it's really satisfying.
• Electrical Engineering & Electronics: Involves designing and developing electrical systems and devices.
  • Pros: High demand in various sectors, from consumer electronics to industrial projects.
  • Cons: Needs a solid understanding of electrical concepts and practical application.
  • My Opinion: It's challenging but can be quite rewarding, especially if you're into creating and innovating new technologies.
• Machine Learning (ML): A branch of AI focusing on data analysis and automated learning.
  • Pros: Rapidly growing field with applications in numerous industries.
  • Cons: Requires strong programming skills and knowledge of algorithms.
  • My Opinion: It's a field with huge growth potential. If you're into data and AI, it's an exciting area to be in.

8. Product Sourcing & Manufacturing

This area covers product design, sourcing, manufacturing, supplier sourcing, and process automation.

• Product Design & Sourcing: Involves designing products and finding the right manufacturers.
  • Pros: Creative and practical, critical in bringing new products to market.
  • Cons: Requires a mix of creative design and understanding of manufacturing processes.
  • My Opinion: It's great for those who are both creative and practical. You get to see your ideas come to life.
• Manufacturing & Supplier Sourcing: About the production of goods and finding suppliers.
  • Pros: Central to the product lifecycle, with a focus on quality and efficiency.
  • Cons: Needs knowledge of manufacturing processes and supplier management.
  • My Opinion: It's all about details and relationships. Great if you're good at negotiating and managing.
• Process Automation: Implementing technology to automate manufacturing processes.
  • Pros: Increases efficiency and reduces costs.
  • Cons: Requires understanding of both technology and manufacturing processes.
  • My Opinion: It's a bit technical, but if you're into optimizing and improving systems, it's really rewarding.

9. Sales & Marketing

For those with a flair for promotion, areas like internet marketing, social media marketing, and Facebook marketing offer good opportunities.

• Internet & Social Media Marketing: Involves promoting products or services online.
  • Pros: Wide reach, can be very effective for businesses.
  • Cons: Requires understanding of digital platforms and marketing strategies.
  • My Opinion: It's dynamic and constantly evolving. If you're creative and good with trends, it's a great field.
• Facebook Marketing & Sales: Specialized form of online marketing using Facebook.
  • Pros: Access to a large audience, targeted advertising options.
  • Cons: Needs up-to-date knowledge of Facebook's advertising platform.
  • My Opinion: With the right strategy, it can be very effective. It's all about understanding your audience and crafting the right message.

10. Freight, Shipping & Transportation

In the world of logistics, options like dropshipping, car driving, logistics, and packing & shipping can be lucrative.

• Dropshipping: It's a retail method where you sell products without stocking them.
  • Pros: Low startup costs and you don't need to manage inventory.
  • Cons: Less control over stock and shipping times.
  • My Opinion: Great for those who want to start an online business without huge investment. But, it requires smart marketing and customer service.
• Car Driving & Logistics: Includes delivery driving and managing logistics operations.
  • Pros: Steady demand, especially with the rise of online shopping.
  • Cons: Can be time-consuming and requires good organizational skills.
  • My Opinion: If you're good at planning and don't mind being on the move, it's a solid choice.
• Packing & Shipping: Handling the packaging and shipment of goods.
  • Pros: Consistent work, especially with e-commerce growth.
  • Cons: Physically demanding and requires attention to detail.
  • My Opinion: It's straightforward work, perfect if you prefer something hands-on.

11. Telecommunications

Telecommunications offers opportunities in pre-inspection visits, site surveys, Discord management, and network security analysis.

• Pre-inspection & Site Surveys: Involves checking telecommunication sites or networks before installation.
  • Pros: Essential for ensuring optimal network performance.
  • Cons: Requires technical knowledge and travel to sites.
  • My Opinion: It's a niche area, but if you're into tech and don't mind some travel, it's quite interesting.
• Discord Management: Managing communities on Discord.
  • Pros: Growing demand as online communities expand.
  • Cons: Needs good communication skills and community management.
  • My Opinion: Fun if you enjoy interacting with people online and building communities.
• Wireless Network Security Analysis: Ensuring the security of wireless networks.
  • Pros: High demand due to the importance of network security.
  • Cons: Requires in-depth knowledge of network security.
  • My Opinion: It's technical but super important. If you're into IT security, this is your field.

12. Education

The field of online education, including English teaching, tutoring in languages like French and Spanish, and programming help, is thriving.

• Language Teaching & Tutoring: Teaching languages online, like English, French, or Spanish.
  • Pros: High demand, flexible hours.
  • Cons: Requires language proficiency and teaching skills.
  • My Opinion: It's rewarding and great for language enthusiasts. Plus, you get to meet people from all over the world.
• Programming Help: Assisting students or individuals with programming.
  • Pros: Good pay, especially for popular programming languages.
  • Cons: Requires a strong understanding of programming concepts.
  • My Opinion: If you're good at coding and explaining concepts, it's a fantastic way to share your knowledge and help others learn.

13. Business, Accounting, Human Resources & Legal

For those with a knack for numbers and planning, areas like business analysis, accounting, finance, business plans, and project management are promising.

• Business Analysis & Accounting: Involves analyzing business performance and managing financial records.
  • Pros: High demand, especially for freelance consultants and remote accountants.
  • Cons: Requires knowledge of business and financial principles.
  • My Opinion: If you're detail-oriented and good with numbers, this can be a steady source of income. Plus, you get to help businesses grow.
• Finance & Business Plans: Providing financial advice and crafting business plans for startups and established businesses.
  • Pros: Valuable for businesses looking to expand or improve.
  • Cons: Needs a deep understanding of financial markets and business strategy.
  • My Opinion: It's quite challenging but really fulfilling if you're into strategizing and helping businesses succeed.
• Project Management: Managing projects from start to finish.
  • Pros: Essential in virtually every industry.
  • Cons: Requires strong organizational and leadership skills.
  • My Opinion: It's all about keeping things on track. If you're a natural organizer and leader, this is right up your alley.

14. Translation & Languages

If you're multilingual, translating in languages like English (US), English (UK), Spanish, and German can be a great way to earn.

• Translation Services: Translating documents, websites, and more.
  • Pros: Constant demand, especially for popular language pairs.
  • Cons: Requires fluency in both source and target languages.
  • My Opinion: If you're fluent in more than one language, it's a great way to use your skills. Plus, you often get to work on interesting projects.
• English Grammar: Specializing in editing and proofreading to ensure correct grammar.
  • Pros: Always needed, especially for non-native English speakers.
  • Cons: Requires a strong command of the English language.
  • My Opinion: It's quite detail-oriented, but if you have a knack for grammar, it's a straightforward way to earn.

15. Trades & Services

Looking into more hands-on fields, there are options like general labor, drafting, painting, cooking & recipes, and computer support.

• General Labor & Drafting: Physical or technical services such as drafting architectural plans.
  • Pros: Steady demand in construction and design fields.
  • Cons: Requires specific skills or physical labor.
  • My Opinion: If you have the skills or don't mind physical work, these jobs can be quite rewarding and often pay well.
• Painting & Cooking: Offering services like house painting or sharing cooking recipes.
  • Pros: Can be done independently, flexible.
  • Cons: Painting requires skill and labor; cooking needs culinary expertise.
  • My Opinion: Great if you're creative or handy. There's something satisfying about seeing your work come to life, whether it's on a wall or a plate.
• Computer Support: Assisting with tech problems and computer maintenance.
  • Pros: High demand as technology becomes more integral to our lives.
  • Cons: Requires technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
  • My Opinion: If you're tech-savvy, it's a great way to help others while making some extra money.

16. Health & Medicine

"Alright, just a little pinch, that's all. I've saved thousands of lives. Today's the day I get my own reward. Smooth operator coming through! ...See? Told you it wouldn't hurt. In 6 months, I'm gonna have the biggest lips anybody's ever seen."

In the health and medicine field, opportunities like diet consulting, fitness coaching, food safety, counseling psychology, and epidemiology can be fulfilling and profitable.

• Diet & Fitness: Offering advice and plans for healthy living.
  • Pros: Growing interest in personal health and wellness.
  • Cons: Requires knowledge in nutrition or fitness training.
  • My Opinion: It's perfect if you're passionate about health and wellness. You get to help people and share what you love.
• Food Safety: Ensuring that food meets safety standards.
  • Pros: Important in restaurants, food production, and even educational content.
  • Cons: Needs understanding of food safety regulations.
  • My Opinion: It's a bit niche, but if you're into details and public health, it's quite rewarding.
• Counseling Psychology & Epidemiology: Providing mental health support or working in public health research.
  • Pros: High demand, especially in current times.
  • Cons: Requires specific qualifications and experience.
  • My Opinion: These fields are not only about earning but also about making a real difference in people's lives. If you have the qualifications, it's incredibly fulfilling.

17. Jobs for Anyone

For more general opportunities, consider roles like virtual assistant, local jobs, odd jobs, travel-ready positions, and inspections.

• Virtual Assistant: Providing administrative support remotely. It is recommended that you have at least 5 years of office experience as an administration role, so if you already have, it will be a plus.
  • Pros: Flexible and can cover a range of tasks, from email management to scheduling.
  • Cons: Your boss can be unreasonable and too demanding sometimes.
  • My Opinion: Great for those who are organized and like helping others stay on track. Plus, you can work from anywhere.
• Local Jobs & Odd Jobs: Engaging in various tasks within your local area.
  • Pros: Diverse opportunities, from gardening to helping with events.
  • Cons: Might require physical work or specific skills.
  • My Opinion: If you don't mind a bit of variety and hands-on work, it's a great way to earn extra cash and connect with your community.
• Travel Ready & Inspections: Jobs that require traveling or inspecting properties and services.
  • Pros: Opportunity to travel and explore new places.
  • Cons: Can involve a lot of time away from home.
  • My Opinion: Ideal for those who love traveling. It's a unique way to earn money while on the move.

Legitimate Ways to Make Money Online - Scammers Alert

Now, there are so many job offers and "get rich quick" offers that just sound too good to be true. Typically they promise you a big payout but requires an advance payment from you. You need to assess (a) what the advance payment really is for, such as for initial training, and (b) whether the payment is reasonable and fair for the purpose.

It's always advisable to do a quick research when you first come across with an online job opportunity. Google the name of the scheme and see what others say. All the external links that I have placed on this page are to legitimate resources.