The idea of making money from home is appealing to many of us, but our reasons may vary. Some may find it convenient, while others desire a complete lifestyle change. There are also those who want additional sources of income to reach their financial goals, such as saving for a home or paying off credit card debt.

Unfortunately, the prospect of working from home may seem out of reach, especially for those who have never done it before. Starting to earn virtual money can be daunting.

Thankfully, there are numerous ways to work from home that suit different personality types and skill sets. In this article, we’ll guide you through the most popular methods of making money online, from long-term strategies to one-off actions, so you can work from home and earn while you’re on the go.

1. Sell your clothes online

Attention declutterers and chronic organizers! Did you know that your last season’s clothing collection can be a lucrative avenue in disguise? If you own quality, gently used clothes, you can earn a side income by selling them on platforms such as Poshmark, Etsy, or even Facebook Marketplace.

While big brands are likely to fetch the highest prices, you can still find buyers for mainstream brands like H&M and Old Navy. If you have a keen eye for fashion, you may even find some success in buying designer labels at low prices from thrift stores and reselling them for a profit.

2. Trade in your old electronics

Are you aware that 96% of Americans own a cell phone? With numbers that high, it’s no surprise that the average person has at least one old cell phone lying around the house. Even if your device is no longer functional, you can still earn money by selling it online to organizations like GoRecell in Canada or BuyBackWorld in the United States.

3. Give an online course

We may already be in the golden age of online learning, even before the pandemic sent many of us into a life that revolved around Zoom calls and online platforms. It seems that regardless of your interests, whether it be gardening, marketing, or physics, there’s an online course available for you. However, have you considered the possibility of getting paid to teach a course? If you possess knowledge or expertise in a particular skill, you may be able to earn a significant amount of money by teaching it through platforms such as Udemy or Skillshare.

4. Become an accountant

Are you comfortable with numbers? If the thought of a spreadsheet filled with figures doesn’t make you cringe, you might be well-suited for accounting. It’s a common misconception that becoming an accountant, such as a Chartered Professional Accountant, requires a degree or specialized training. In reality, you can learn to be an accountant by taking an online course (if you’re in Ontario, Centennial College offers an excellent program). Once you’ve received some basic training, you can assist bookkeeping clients from the comfort of your home.

5. Find work as a customer service representative

If you have prior experience in customer service jobs, whether in a restaurant, retail store, or elsewhere, you may be able to secure employment as an online customer service representative. Numerous companies hire individuals with customer service experience to assist their customers via instant messaging, email, or phone. These jobs often offer flexible hours and can be performed from the comfort of your home. Some firms, such as Shopify, will even aid you in setting up your work-from-home space by assisting you in purchasing specific office equipment.

6. Consider babysitting or nannying

Childcare has traditionally been seen as a job for teenagers, but it is also a viable option for adults to earn money. Not only can it be enjoyable, but it can also be an easy job to find, especially if you utilize a platform designed to connect parents and caregivers. In many instances, it may even be possible to monitor children from your own home.

The days of streetlight signs and newspaper ads are long gone. It’s now simpler than ever to locate consistent babysitting jobs and advertise yourself as a dependable caregiver, thanks to websites like Care.com and UrbanSitter.

7. Become a personal trainer

It may seem unconventional to consider becoming a personal trainer as a means of making money online. However, nowadays, there is an increasing demand for online advice and guidance on fitness and health. If you are enthusiastic about fitness and enjoy motivating people to reach their wellness objectives, then pursuing a career as an online personal trainer could be a great option for you.

To begin, you should have a good level of fitness, excellent communication skills, and a solid understanding of social media. Obtaining a personal training certification and being trained in standard CPR and first aid would also be beneficial

8. Become a transcriptionist

As a transcriptionist, your primary responsibility is to convert spoken words into written documentation. This can include transcribing audio or video recordings for a range of purposes, such as television shows, corporate meetings, or legal proceedings.

Transcription work is typically divided into three categories: legal, medical, and general. In some states and provinces, legal transcriptionists may be required to undergo specialized training, but for the most part, these skills can be learned on the job.

If you are interested in getting started in transcription, Rev is a company that connects freelancers with small transcription projects and can be an excellent starting point for beginners.

9. Sell unused gift cards

If you are like many people, you may have received gift cards as a gift that you have no intention of using. Fortunately, there are ways to get your money back on these unused gift cards. Although selling gift cards may not be a viable full-time job, it can be a quick and easy way to earn some extra cash. Sites like ClipKard or Card Pool are good places to start if you want to sell your unwanted gift cards.

Apart from gift cards, you can also earn additional income from your credit cards by choosing options that allow you to earn cash back. This can be a great way to earn money on purchases you would be making anyway. Consider researching credit card options that offer cashback rewards and choosing one that aligns with your spending habits to maximize your earnings.

10. Choose freelance work online

If you have skills in writing, graphic design, photography, or translation, you may have an in-demand skill that is well-suited to freelance work. Freelancers work with companies or organizations on a project basis, often working independently. Freelancing is a popular way for individuals to earn money online as a side hustle.

To take your side hustle to the next level, you can start a blog. If you build up a large readership, bloggers can earn income through advertising revenue, such as Google Adsense (similar models are available for YouTube channels). However, to be successful with your blog, you need to have a niche you enjoy writing about, have the time to make regular updates, and have at least a basic understanding of SEO.

While many people do freelance work as a side job, it is possible to make freelancing your full-time career by starting your own home-based business. While it may require effort and dedication, the potential earnings can be significant. The most successful freelancers can earn up to $100,000 per year, or almost $9,000 per month!

11. Test websites and apps

Do you find it frustrating when a website is down or when you have trouble finding relevant information on a landing page? Did you know that you can actually get paid to report these issues? Website testing is a cost-effective way to earn money, and it’s becoming increasingly popular.

The great thing about website testing is that you don’t have to be an expert to provide valuable feedback on how websites or apps work. In fact, sometimes the most valuable feedback comes from regular users who will interact with the product in their day-to-day lives in the same way as potential customers. As a website tester, you will be paid to evaluate websites or apps, identify any issues or bugs, and provide feedback on the user experience.

There are various platforms available where you can sign up to become a website tester, such as UserTesting and TryMyUI. These platforms will provide you with instructions on what to do, and you can complete the testing at your own convenience. Website testing can be an excellent side hustle for anyone who enjoys surfing the internet and providing feedback to improve user experience.

12. Become a virtual assistant.

Becoming a virtual assistant is becoming one of the most popular ways to make money from home. Virtual assistants can perform a wide variety of tasks for clients, including administrative tasks, appointment scheduling, social media management, and more.

One of the main benefits of being a virtual assistant is the flexibility it provides. Virtual assistants can work from anywhere and at any time, making it a great option for people who want to work from home or travel while working. Additionally, virtual assistants often work with clients from all over the world, allowing them to connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

To become a virtual assistant, you will need to have strong organizational and communication skills, as well as basic computer skills. You can find virtual assistant jobs on various freelancing platforms, such as Upwork and Fiverr. Alternatively, you can also reach out to businesses or individuals directly to offer your services.

The demand for virtual assistants is expected to continue to grow, making it an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to earn money from home. With the right skills and dedication, you can build a successful career as a virtual assistant and enjoy the flexibility and freedom that it provides.

13. Earn money as a professional organizer

Were you aware that having a passion for organizing could potentially lead to a profitable career? One way to pursue a career as a professional organizer is by starting your own business, but this requires a significant amount of effort to get it up and running. While some organizers may need to meet their clients in person, it’s also possible to provide remote guidance without leaving your home. If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a small business owner, you can explore online resources such as Entrepreneurs Media Inc, the Google Small Business YouTube channel, and the Ownr blog, among other great options.

14. Sell services on Fiverr

Fiverr is an online platform that links businesses with freelancers, providing an accessible and user-friendly gateway to a variety of work-from-home jobs if you’re looking to earn money remotely. While some expertise may be beneficial, you don’t necessarily need to be an expert to offer your services on Fiverr. Fiverr offers a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to editing, social media management, online tutoring, and data entry, making it an excellent platform with a plethora of options to choose from.

15. Offer graphic design services

If you’re passionate about the visual arts and interested in exploring digital media, a career in graphic design could be an ideal choice for you. Graphic designers create promotional or informative materials for businesses, utilizing either traditional or computerized methods. They can work in various fields, such as creative agencies, corporations, non-profit organizations, communication services, higher education institutions, and may even be self-employed. While having a relevant degree or diploma is common, many graphic designers are also self-taught.

Working as a graphic designer from home is not uncommon, but it requires more specialized equipment than a freelance writer, for instance. This equipment may include a drafting table and requires a significant amount of office space to accommodate.

16. Try Affiliate Marketing

If you’re contemplating starting a blog, exploring affiliate marketing could be a worthwhile option. Affiliate marketing, also known as affiliate sales, is a method where a blogger or website owner earns a commission from sales made through affiliate links. This approach is an excellent opportunity for e-commerce sites to generate passive income while working on the other side.

17. Get paid for your opinion with online surveys 

You may have heard about acquaintances or family members who earn money by taking online surveys. While it may sound dubious, this approach is entirely legitimate, with one caveat.

The caveat is that not all survey websites are equal. To guarantee that you receive your payment promptly and without issue, it’s crucial to choose a reputable and well-regarded survey site. If you’re based in Canada and looking to start your research, the following top-paying survey sites are an excellent place to begin.

18. Test websites for an hourly rate

If you’re not quite ready to explore more complex methods of earning a side income, testing websites is a simple way to earn money.

This approach is entirely legitimate, as website usability is one of the most critical factors in ensuring a successful online presence. It can be beneficial for website owners to pay testers to identify any potential issues that they may have overlooked. However, it’s crucial to do your research before selecting a website to test, as with other options on this list. Here is a helpful list of places where you can get paid to test websites.

19. Sell your craft on Etsy or eBay 

Creative individuals often face challenges in finding ways to earn a living. Often, it’s not about the quality of their work, but rather how to showcase their work to potential customers willing to invest in it. This is where Etsy comes in.

Etsy has established itself as one of the leading marketplaces for crafts, handmade products, and vintage items that are hard to find elsewhere. It operates more as a community of designers and small business owners passionate about offering one-of-a-kind pieces that can’t be found in typical stores or on larger e-commerce sites.

20. Start a YouTube channel

Starting a successful YouTube channel requires boldness, technical skills, and consistency. While some YouTubers earn significant income, success on the platform requires a compelling reason for viewers to watch your videos. Therefore, before investing in expensive equipment, it’s important to consider why someone would watch your content. With a highly saturated market, even niche topics likely have thousands of videos available. To stand out, you need a unique differentiator that sets your content apart.

Pro tip: watch out for scams

Despite the increasing number of legitimate opportunities to earn income online, there are still potential pitfalls to be aware of. It is recommended to conduct due diligence before venturing into the online world. For residents of Canada, it would be beneficial to consult the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s guide to common scams, and the US equivalent is available here. This will help safeguard yourself and your property.

While the prospect of working from home may seem overwhelming, the benefits can be significant – not only in terms of financial gain. Many individuals who work from home appreciate the flexibility of creating their own schedules and spending more time with loved ones. Working from home is not just a means of generating income but can also transform your lifestyle.