20 Ideas to Make Money from Home

You can make extra money from home with many different types of part-time or full-time work-from-home and business options that can be done virtually. Fortunately, the internet has made it easy for people to work remotely and take full advantage of plenty of profitable online business opportunities. These legitimate ways to make money online abound — from selling goods and services to earning money as an influencer.

Although making money online can be incredibly convenient and flexible, it’s important to choose the best work-from-home arrangement that suits your skillset, experience and lifestyle. Here are some ideas and tips to help you choose and expand virtual income streams that work for you.

Table of contents

• Start a blog
• Start online tutoring
• Try with print on demand
• Start with affiliate marketing
• Offer freelancer services
• Take surveys
• Create a YouTube channel
• Write and publish an e-book
• Offer child care
• Become a personal shopper
• Begin a dropshipping business
• Become a copywriter
• Provide virtual assistant services
• Engage in retail arbitrage
• Sell your own creations
• Dive into online education
• Provide professional voiceover work
• Become a social media influencer
• Get a remote job position
• Rent out your extras
• Before you start making money from home
• How to make money from home FAQs

1. Start a blog

Blogging involves creating content, typically for niche topics or special interests, that can be monetized in a variety of ways. Blogs have several strategies to monetize their content and make money online: on-site ads through platforms such as Google AdSense, sponsored content, affiliate marketing and product or service sales.

Bloggers can also use their website for exposure which could result in bookings for paid speaking opportunities, book publishing deals and, in some cases, guest appearances in media such as podcasts and TV shows.

Starting a blog on WordPress or Squarespace can be a grind in the beginning, but it definitely pays off when your content succeeds, providing plenty of passive income in the process.

How to get started

• Decide what you’ll blog about. Many bloggers write about a particular topic, such as personal finance, fashion, politics or travel. While a niche is often recommended, other bloggers find success in writing from their specific points of view about various subjects.

• Set up your blog. WordPress and Squarespace are two commonly used online platforms for blogging. Consider a domain name, then register it through the blogging platform or another service like GoDaddy.

• Create content. Creating multiple posts before going public with your blog is recommended. After, post quality content regularly to keep readers engaged.

• Grow and maintain your audience. There are many ways to attract more traffic to your blog, such as email subscriptions, advertising on social media, search engine optimization (SEO) techniques and interviews or guest features from people with a significant following.

• Monetize your blog. Convert your website traffic into income through tactics such as affiliate marketing posts, sponsored content and Google AdSense.

2. Start online tutoring

Tutoring students online has become one of the most popular ways to make money from home. You can earn extra income by helping others understand the academic subjects you’re passionate about.

Sites like Tutor.com and Varsity Tutors have made finding students across the country easier than ever. You may need to write your resume to get started.

How to get started

• Choose a subject to teach. Consider your specialty, academic background and any degrees or certifications you may have.

• Apply with an online tutoring platform. Some examples are Tutor.com, Varsity Tutors, INC Education and Special Education Resource. Read each platform’s academic qualification requirements before applying — they vary by platform.

• Create your profile. Most online tutoring platforms will send students or group teaching opportunities based on your profile details.

3. Design and sell products with print-on-demand

Thanks to print-on-demand (POD), it’s never been easier for entrepreneurs to create and sell customized products from home. You can use online POD services such as Printful, SPOD and Printify to make personalized T-shirts, mugs and other gear without buying in bulk or handling any merchandise yourself. That means you won’t have to pass a credit check from TransUnion or meet FCRA requirements to get a loan.

How to get started

• Choose an on-demand printing service. Pricing varies across platforms, as does product selection (e.g. t-shirts, housewares, phone accessories). Many platforms offer an e-commerce shop and international shipping fulfillment.

• Determine your target audience. Considering who you’re designing for will help you in your creative process.

• Create designs. You can use smartphone apps or graphic design software to create graphics and artwork for a variety of products.

• Sell your products. Follow your POD platform’s instructions to upload your designs. Many platforms offer help with marketing. You can also market via social media.

4. Start with affiliate marketing

If you’ve ever researched how to start a business online, affiliate marketing has likely come up. This popular way to make money online involves attracting traffic to a website and linking to products from different companies.

For example, you might start a website reviewing popular cryptocurrency platforms. You could then get affiliate links from the platforms you review and include them in your guides. When someone clicks on your link and signs up with the platform, you receive a percentage of the profit.

How to get started

• Build a following. Craft content with the affiliate marketing niche you wish to target in mind. You can do this with a social media account, YouTube channel, Substack newsletter or a blog.

• Research companies in your niche that offer affiliate marketing deals. Note that there are several types of affiliate marketing structures, including pay-per-click (PPC), pay-per-sale (PPS) and pay-per-lead (PPL).

• Work the affiliate marketing deals into your content. Encourage your audience to engage with your referral links.

5. Offer freelancer services

You can also become a freelancer through platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Anyone can create an account on these sites and begin providing services to clients. There are opportunities in writing, SEO marketing, programming and many other industries. You can find freelancer guides online for the type of work that interests you.

How to get started

• Create an account on a popular freelance site. Upwork and Fiverr are two examples of marketplaces for freelance opportunities. You choose the projects and, in some cases, can set your prices. Note that many freelance platforms typically take a percentage of your earnings.

• Begin applying for jobs that are posted on the site. You may need to accept a lower rate at first to get positive feedback on your account. Moving up in pay rate may take some time.

• Deliver quality work. Receive good reviews and you’re likely to gain more clients.

6. Take online surveys

Sites like Survey Junkie and OneOpinion will pay you cash if you complete surveys for their brand partners. There’s no barrier to entry for this job, so it’s an ideal way to make money fast. However, the pay is very low. Taking surveys is a kind of user testing that will help you earn some extra income on the side, but it won't replace the income from a full-time job.

How to get started

• Choose the websites you'd like to use. Sign up for as many survey platforms as you want. Be sure to read how payment works, as some platforms only offer non-cash incentives such as gift cards.

• Answer questions about yourself. Some companies want specific types of people for their surveys. When you create an account, you’ll likely need to respond to questions about your age, interests, employment and other personal details.

• Complete surveys. Online survey platforms typically offer a handful of surveys daily, and you can choose which surveys you complete. Pay rates can vary not only by platform, but also per survey.

7. Create a YouTube channel

YouTube allows virtually anyone to earn money online — if they can attract an audience, that is. You could make money by creating videos about topics you enjoy, such as makeup products, TikTok trends, celebrities suing each other or financial or legal advice.

However, building a YouTube channel that gets enough views to support you as a primary income source takes time. You may make money slowly with this option, but with enough traffic, you will make more money.

How to get started

• Choose a topic or niche. Like with blogging, you can specialize in one topic or create content about various topics from your unique perspective.

• Create content and get subscribers. Spend some time learning how to film good videos and edit them in a way that engages your viewers. Post frequently and encourage viewers to subscribe to your YouTube channel, as some monetization options require a minimum number of subscribers and viewership hours to qualify.

• Monetize your channel. Join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) to access earning opportunities, such as ads, affiliate programs, paid sponsorships and channel memberships.

8. Write and publish an e-book

It’s never been easier to self-publish a book online. You can write about whatever topic interests you, whether fiction or nonfiction, and make it available on-demand across a variety of online platforms. However, you must market the e-book effectively to earn any income.

How to get started

• Choose a topic for your book. Go for subjects and themes with wide appeal, or target a specific audience by choosing a niche topic. Research the e-book market to learn about its most popular genres.

• Write and edit the e-book. You can use a simple word processor such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word. Find an editor to review the book to ensure it's well written and error-free. You’ll also need to design or hire someone to create a cover.

• Self-publish your e-book. First-timers can look to step-by-step guides from sites for e-book writers, such as Self-Publishing School. You can also go directly to a popular platform, such as Kindle Direct Publishing on Amazon, to publish your book.

• Market your book. Email marketing campaigns, social media posts and ads can help you find readers. You can also send copies of your e-book to critics in hopes of getting a review published.

9. Offer child care

If you’re looking for ways to make money off your home that don’t include renting it out to others, offering child care could be for you. To succeed, you must market your service to local parents. Referrals will be necessary. It can also be helpful to keep an eye on job posting sites to find new opportunities quickly.

How to get started

• Prepare your home for children. Make changes to your home relevant to the ages of the children you will care for. This could include creating an indoor play area with toys and books and child-proofing (e.g. stairs, outlets, sharp corners on furniture).

• Begin marketing your services. You can advertise your childcare service through local groups and websites online as well as by posting flyers in relevant neighborhood spots (e.g. the public library, grocery stores, kid-centric shops). Also, ask all your local friends and relatives with children to help spread the word.

• Encourage happy customers to leave feedback. To attract more families to your service, consider asking customers to post reviews online (e.g. Facebook groups, service listing sites) and tell their friends.

10. Become a personal shopper

If you've always loved shopping, you can earn an income from home by becoming a personal shopper. Virtual personal shopping jobs involve helping online shoppers locate and pay for products. For example, someone may ask you where they can find a certain type of sofa within their budget. It would be your job to find it for them.

You can find virtual personal shopping jobs on freelance job boards such as Upwork and Fiverr. Some opportunities are available on Indeed and LinkedIn, but this is more of a niche opportunity than some of the other options on our list. It could be tougher to find a job, but it's worth looking if this is what you want to do.

As you search for personal shopping jobs, you can supplement your income with app-based earning opportunities such as DoorDash, Uber and dog-walking through Rover.

How to get started

• Look for personal shopping jobs. Popular job platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr and Indeed are excellent sources.

• Apply for jobs. Send your resume and a customized cover letter that brings your application to life.

• Nail your interviews. When talking to a potential employer, highlight relevant skills and show you’re responsible and easy to work with.

• Do quality work. With positive feedback, you’ll likely find it easier to get more jobs in the future.

11. Begin a dropshipping business

Dropshipping is another option for entrepreneurs looking to make extra income. Little to no capital is required to start selling, as dropshippers don’t maintain inventory. Instead, they fulfill orders through third parties, such as wholesalers or manufacturers.

When a customer purchases one of your items from your online shop, you then purchase that item through a third party. That third party then sends out the item to the buyer.

Some of the most popular dropshipping suppliers include:

• AliExpress
• Megagoods
• Doba
• Alibaba
• Zendrop
• DSers via Shopify

How to get started

• Decide what products to sell. For example, you may want a specific style for your shop, or you might try selling a variety of goods within a category, such as housewares, toys or electronics.

• Choose a dropshipping service. You can use more than one supplier. However, it’s important to ensure every supplier is reputable. Shipping costs and processing times will vary across dropshipping suppliers.

• Create an online shop. You need an online storefront to sell your products to consumers on Amazon, eBay or a standalone domain. Make sure it looks professional, and consider being transparent with customers about shipping times and the origins of your items.

• Market your online shop. Social media ads, search engine optimization (SEO) strategies and influencer marketing are a few ways you can help drive traffic to your online shop.

12. Become a copywriter

Gone are the days when writers were considered “starving artists.” Nowadays, content is king and the demand for copywriting is increasing at an increasing rate. When it comes to writing, riches are in the niches, as the topics you cover could affect how much you earn either as a salaried or freelance writer (or even a transcriptionist). Popular topics to cover include finance, business, lifestyle, parenting, health, fitness and career development.

You can get started as a writer by creating a compelling LinkedIn profile that also displays writing samples. Content directors often search for writers on places like UpWork and Fiverr, too. Expand your service offering by providing proofreading and editing services. The best part? You can do all your work from the comfort of your home and on your own schedule (so long as you meet your deadlines).

How to get started

• Create a strong LinkedIn profile. Display writing samples on your profile. If you haven’t been contracted for professional work yet, you can write samples of copy for hypothetical scenarios.

• Sign up for accounts on popular freelancing sites. Upwork and Fiverr are two excellent resources. Consider also joining copywriting groups on Facebook or Reddit.

• Create quality work. As a copywriter, your reputation — and success — relies on the quality of work you produce. You can also ask clients to share testimonials and reviews on the sites you use.

13. Provide virtual assistant services

The demand for assistance with any task that can be accomplished virtually is skyrocketing. Virtual assistants help with general tasks like setting appointments and answering emails, but some virtual assistants can provide specialized assistant services for:

• Podcasting
• Outbound marketing calls
• Video editing and production
• Bookkeeping
• Data entry
• Cold calling
• Social media scheduling
• Property management for Airbnb, Vrbo or other short-term rentals
• Paid ads creation and management

How to get started

• Create a resume. Highlight skills relevant to the virtual assistant work you’re looking for. Organization, social media expertise and property management experience are just the skills you might list.

• Apply for virtual assistant jobs online. Look for work on platforms such as Indeed, Monster and Upwork. Be sure to include a message to the hiring representative about why you’re the right person for the job.

14. Engage in retail arbitrage

Retail arbitrage entails buying a product at a lower price in order to sell it at a higher price, for a profit. This means you need to have a good eye for deals while knowing their resale value on the open market.

You can search for deals at discount stores, consignment shops and wholesale outfits. If you’re reselling higher-priced items, consider a small business loan to help you buy your inventory. No matter the wares, buy low, then mark it up and sell high. Here are some marketplaces where you can resell your goods:

• Amazon Marketplace
• eBay
• Mercari
• OfferUp
• Poshmark
• Decluttr
• Facebook Marketplace
• Craigslist

If you don’t like the idea of scavenging for deals, there are other types of retail arbitrage that don’t require you to touch any inventory at all, like dropshipping. With dropshipping, you still buy low and sell high, but you’ll ship directly to the seller.

One example of this is real estate wholesaling. It involves negotiating prices down on distressed properties in order to resell them to an investor at a higher price — without ever seeing or owning the property itself.

How to get started

• Identify sources for deals. Aim for local items to avoid shipping costs. Consider Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and store closeout sales.

• Purchase products that appear to be underpriced. If you're unsure, research the cost of similar items on sites like eBay.

• Resell products. Platforms such as eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are ideal places to sell your products. Note that you may need to clean or repair products before reselling.

15. Sell your own creations

From stock photography and videos to arts and crafts, shoppers have a huge demand for unique things that only someone with your know-how and style can produce. You can sell your creations in your own online store or via e-commerce marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, Shopify, IndieMade and others. You can also sell your crafts on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc. — even if it’s just as a side gig.

Not sure what to sell? Here are some ideas:

• Custom favors for weddings, bridal showers, birthday parties, etc.
• Anything you can make with a Cricut
• Canva templates
• Printables

How to get started

• Start creating. Choose something you’re passionate about.

• Set up an online shop. You may need a platform that also offers printing services, or you might set up a simple online storefront on Etsy or IndieMade. You can also set up your shop on your own website, though this requires more work.

• Market your shop. Attract shoppers by advertising your store on social media or following marketing suggestions provided by the platform you’re using.

16. Dive into online education

With learning platforms such as Udemy taking off in the past few years (as of this writing, it has 59 million users), learning online has proved its staying power.

Online education as a business idea involves teaching children or adults specific subjects like music instruction or English as a second language. This may also include providing online tutoring services or creating online courses.

You can provide these services as an independent business owner with your own website and a good internet connection or sync with an educational service like an online school or tutoring agency to earn money in online education.

How to get started

• Determine what you’ll teach. Consider the subjects you’re most knowledgeable about. Qualifications required of course instructors will vary by platform.

• Create the course. Start with an outline of the full course, then create activities, assignments and other coursework. Creating a course could also include recording yourself teaching video lessons for students to view on-demand.

• Make your course public. Sign up for an online platform, such as Udemy or Coursera. Many platforms require you to submit your course for approval first. You can also use your own social media or website to publish and market your course.

17. Provide professional voiceover services

Professional voice overs are found in all types of content from e-learning and audiobooks to podcast and YouTube intros, commercials and more. This side hustle is especially exciting because you can start small and hit it big as a union talent performing for national TV commercials, radio spots, feature-length films, animated works and video games. Even if you don’t make it into the “big leagues,” plenty of work on the amateur circuit can still pay quite well.

To get going with this side hustle, you’ll need the right equipment and a platform to promote your services. Many people use sites like Voice and Voice123 to showcase their work. Although it’s not required, many successful voice talents hire a coach to keep them at the top of their performance and business game.

How to get started

• Learn how to do great voiceover work. Look for tutorials online to help you develop different voices to appeal to a broad set of clients. Also, consider training with a professional.

• Set up your home studio. You’ll need a top-notch mic, plus a home studio space for recording.

• Market your talent. Platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork and Voices are ideal places to find clients. Create a demo reel to showcase your abilities.

18. Become a social media influencer

Before you roll your eyes at the suggestion, consider this: Some productive, helpful influencers are working to make the world a better place. For example, some influencers help people with personal finance, gardening, natural childbirth, discount travel, navigating difficult relationships, rescuing animals, learning new money-making skills and more.

The great thing about being an influencer is that you can craft the position to suit your lifestyle and work-life balance preferences. You don't have to have eight different social media accounts or be in front of a camera all the time and promote products and services you aren’t 100% crazy about. To get started, pick the desired medium — podcasting, video, social media, email lists, etc. and begin creating content for whichever audience you’d like to influence.

How to get started

• Create a brand. Choose a niche, specific tone or angle that will make you stand out from other influencers. Think about who your target audience will be and how your posts will make them loyal followers.

• Choose your social media platform. You can use more than one platform. Instagram and TikTok are among the most popular for influencers.

• Share posts. Be consistent in portraying the brand you first decided on. Make sure to share a variety of posts, use hashtags and participate in social media trends to help attract followers.

• Find sponsors and affiliate deals. Look for opportunities that are relevant to your brand. Many companies, such as Amazon and Rakuten, have affiliate programs advertised on their websites. For other opportunities, you may have to contact the companies directly.

19. Get a remote job position

Many employers are keeping the status quo established during the pandemic and maintaining fully remote positions. The good news is that you no longer have to look for a needle in a haystack. A simple query on a job search engine like ZipRecruiter typically provides hundreds of positions offering partially or fully remote options.

Before you get started, take a moment to spruce up your resumes, create a custom cover letter and canvas your existing network for ideas and openings. If it makes sense, take some time to brush up on your skills or go for a certification that could make you a competitive candidate.

If you can land a great job working from home, you stand to get a steady paycheck, plus benefits to boot. If done the right way, this route could be a great option for making money from home.

How to get started

• Choose a type of job that is commonly completed remotely. If your skillset doesn’t match the job you want, take courses online to better your chances of getting hired.

• Create a standout resume. A great resume showcases your experience and skills while offering some personality. Post your resume to job sites like Indeed, Monster.com, ZipRecruiter and LinkedIn.

• Search for jobs. Apply to multiple jobs that seem like a good fit. When given a chance to send a cover letter, be sure to send one tailored to the opportunity in question.

20. Rent out your extras

Extra room? Extra car? Extra swimming pool? Extra jet? These are all things you can rent out to others for extra cash.

Although these ventures require you to own or have access to something to rent out, you don’t necessarily have to be present to make this business model work. Many of these models work with a co-hosting arrangement which helps manage your assets and operations. No matter your level of involvement, the income still hits your account the same.

Here’s a list of sites and apps where you can rent out your extras:

• Airbnb
• Vrbo
• Getaround
• Turo
• Peerspace
• Swimply
• GetMyBoat
• JetASAP

How to get started

• Choose what you'll be renting out. Before you rent, you may need to prepare the space or item, such as deep cleaning or removing personal items.

• Pick a rental platform. Look for a relevant site or app, but also make sure to compare fees among the sites that rent similar items.

• Advertise your rental. Take quality photos and create a compelling post for your chosen platform.

• Begin accepting reservations. Be sure to turn on notifications or email alerts to avoid missing a rental opportunity.

Before you start making money from home

While many people think about survey sites such as Swagbucks (a company where users fill out online surveys and are paid in gift cards), working from home can be a full-time job that can include transcription services, pet sitting, freelance writing or graphic design, and others we haven’t even mentioned here.

You should know that making money online can be an incredibly convenient, lucrative endeavor, but it’s not without challenges or risks. You're often essentially starting a business — so don’t expect to make a lot of money immediately.

Also, because the barrier to entry is so low, there’s a lot of competition. This means it will take even more hard work to stand out and differentiate yourself from the crowd.

This shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, but should inform your choices as you get further along in your home-based money-making journey. When appropriate, treat your income stream like a business. Consider forming an LLC or similar business entity, getting a business checking account, tracking your income along with related expenses and filing your business returns each tax year.

Making money from home may sound like a lucrative yet laid back undertaking, but you should take it seriously (even if you’re working in your jammies every day). If you do, you might find that you enjoy it and could end up making some serious coin in the process.