Earn money online Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Making money on the side has never been easier in today’s fast-paced digital world. With the creation of various apps designed to help you earn extra cash, anyone can boost their income from the comfort of their home. Whether you’re looking to freelance, sell goods, or offer services, there’s an app for that.
This article will explore the best apps for making money on the side, providing detailed descriptions and examples to help you get started on your side hustle journey.
1. Freelance Work: Fiverr
Fiverr is a popular platform for freelancers offering services across various categories, from graphic design and writing to marketing and programming. The app allows you to create a profile, list your services (gigs), and connect with potential clients.
Personal note – make sure that your gigs stand out as unique and give lots of value to potential customers. Build up your portfolio and great reviews in order to grow.
How It Works:
- Sign Up: Create an account and set up your profile.
- Create Gigs: List the services you offer, set your prices, and provide descriptions and samples of your work.
- Receive Orders: Clients browse your gigs and place orders. You can communicate with them through the app to clarify project details.
- Complete Work: Deliver the completed work through the app and get paid.
An example is Sarah, a graphic designer, who uses Fiverr to offer logo design services. She sets her prices starting at $50 per logo and receives several orders each week. Within a few months, she has built a steady stream of clients, earning a significant side income.
2. Selling Goods: Etsy
Etsy is a marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique goods. It’s ideal for crafters, artists, and vintage collectors looking to sell their products to a global audience.
Don’t worry about the platform being saturated – make your items unique and you will attract buyers.
How It Works:
- Sign Up: Create an Etsy account and open your shop.
- List Products: Add detailed listings for each product, including photos, descriptions, and prices.
- Promote: Use social media and Etsy’s advertising tools to promote your shop.
- Sell and Ship: When an order is placed, ship the product to the buyer and receive payment through Etsy.
Emily, for example, a jewellery maker, sells her handmade earrings on Etsy. She started her shop with just a few items and gradually expanded her inventory. Now, she regularly receives orders from all over the world, making a consistent income on the side.
3. Gig Economy: TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit connects people who need help with tasks to those willing to complete them. Tasks range from furniture assembly and moving help, to home repairs and cleaning services.
How It Works:
- Sign Up: Create an account and complete a background check.
- List Your Skills: Specify the tasks you can perform and set your hourly rates.
- Find Tasks: Browse available tasks in your area and apply for those that match your skills.
- Complete Tasks: Once hired, complete the task and get paid through the app.
John, a handyman, uses TaskRabbit to find jobs in his local area. He offers services such as furniture assembly and minor home repairs. TaskRabbit provides him with a steady stream of side gigs, allowing him to earn extra income on his own schedule.
4. Renting Out: Airbnb
Airbnb allows you to rent out your spare room, apartment, or entire home to travelers. It’s a fantastic way to earn money if you have extra space that you’re not using.
How It Works:
- Sign Up: Create an Airbnb account and list your property.
- Create Listings: Provide detailed descriptions, photos, and pricing for your rental.
- Accept Bookings: Review guest inquiries and accept bookings.
- Host Guests: Prepare your space for guests and provide a great stay. Earn money after each guest’s stay.
Lisa, for example, who has a spare room in her apartment, lists it on Airbnb. She hosts guests from around the world, providing them with a comfortable stay and earning extra income to cover her rent and other expenses.
5. Driving and Delivery: Uber and Uber Eats
Uber and Uber Eats are two popular apps for earning money through driving and delivery services. Uber allows you to offer ridesharing services, while Uber Eats lets you deliver food.
How It Works:
- Sign Up: Create an account and complete the necessary background checks.
- Start Driving: For Uber, accept ride requests and transport passengers. For Uber Eats, accept delivery requests and deliver food to customers.
- Get Paid: Earn money for each ride or delivery, with the flexibility to work whenever you want.
Mike, for example, who owns a car, signs up for both Uber and Uber Eats. He drives passengers during peak hours and delivers food during off-peak times. This flexibility allows him to maximize his earnings and manage his schedule effectively.
6. Investing: Robinhood
Robinhood is a commission-free investing app that allows you to buy and sell stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. It’s a great way to make money on the side through investments.
How It Works:
- Sign Up: Create an account and link your bank account.
- Start Investing: Browse available stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. Buy and sell with no commission fees.
- Monitor and Earn: Track your investments and potential earnings through the app.
Anna, for example, is a novice investor, who uses Robinhood to start building her investment portfolio. She begins with small amounts, gradually increasing her investments as she becomes more confident. Over time, her portfolio grows, providing her with a source of passive income.
7. Tutoring: VIPKid
VIPKid is an online platform that connects English teachers with students in China. It’s a great way to earn money if you have teaching experience and a passion for education.
How It Works:
- Sign Up: Create an account and complete the application process, including an interview and demo lesson.
- Teach: Schedule classes and teach English to students online.
- Get Paid: Earn money for each class taught, with payments made monthly.
For example, Tom, a certified teacher, joins VIPKid to teach English to Chinese students. He sets his schedule around his full-time job and earns extra income by teaching in the evenings and weekends.
Which Side-Hustle App Do You Choose?
With so many apps available today, making money on the side has never been more accessible. Whether you’re freelancing on Fiverr, selling crafts on Etsy, completing tasks on TaskRabbit, renting out your space on Airbnb, driving for Uber, investing with Robinhood, or teaching with VIPKid, there’s an app that can help you boost your income.
These platforms offer flexibility, convenience, and the opportunity to turn your skills and resources into cash. Start exploring these apps today and find the best fit for your side hustle journey.
