In today’s world, the traditional 9-to-5 job isn’t the only way to make money. Remote work and the gig economy have made side hustles more popular. These jobs offer flexibility, extra cash, and the chance to work on your own terms. As a professional copywriting journalist, I’ve seen how remote side hustles can change lives. I’m excited to share the best opportunities to earn from home.
Key Takeaways
- Remote side hustles are becoming increasingly popular, with nearly one in three employed professionals having at least one side job.
- The rise of remote work has opened up a wealth of flexible, lucrative side gig opportunities.
- Some of the most in-demand remote side hustles include freelance writing, virtual assistant services, web design, and self-publishing on Amazon.
- Earning potential for these side hustles can range from $15 per hour for customer service roles to over $50 per hour for specialized skills like video editing.
- Transitioning to a remote side hustle can provide financial stability, work-life balance, and the opportunity to pursue your passions.
The Rise of Remote Side Hustles
In today’s fast-changing job world, the idea of a “side hustle” is booming. A side hustle is a way to make extra money outside your main job. It lets you work on your own time and explore different jobs, like freelancing or starting your own business.
What is a Side Hustle?
A side hustle is a part-time job or business that adds to your main income. It can be freelance writing, virtual help, web design, or selling things online. The best part is, you can work when you want and make more money while learning new things.
Benefits of a Remote Side Hustle
- Increased Earning Potential: Side hustles can provide a valuable source of supplementary income, helping to boost savings, pay off debt, or fund discretionary expenses.
- Skill Development: Engaging in a side hustle can allow you to learn new skills and explore different career paths, potentially leading to new opportunities.
- Work-Life Balance: Remote side hustles offer the flexibility to work around your primary job and personal commitments, enabling a better work-life balance.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Managing a side hustle can foster an entrepreneurial mindset, teaching valuable business and problem-solving skills.
| Key Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Percentage of U.S. adults with a second stream of income | More than a third |
| Median monthly earnings from a side hustle | $250 |
| Percentage of side hustlers using their earnings to pay off debt and living expenses | 45% |
“Side hustles are increasingly common due to financial need and insecurity, with many individuals using them to pay off debt and cope with the rising costs of living.”
Freelance Writing Opportunities
Freelance writing is a great way to make extra money from home. You can use your writing skills and find just one client to start. Freelancers can earn by the hour or per project. Roles like technical, medical, or legal writing often pay more.
Use sites like ProBlogger, BloggingPro, and Freelance Writing Jobs to find freelance writing jobs online.
Switching to a high-paying niche like SaaS digital marketing can boost your earnings. The author saw their fees jump from $200 for a blog post to over $1,000. With just three clients, you could make up to $2,500 a month, charging $300 per post.
To make about $5,000 a month, write shorter pieces for more money. This can increase your earnings per word from $0.20 to $0.45-$0.50. Choosing the right clients and negotiating your rates is key to making more money.
Copywriting pays between $0.10 to $1+ per word. Bloggers can earn from $25 to $100+ per 1,000 words. This shows the wide range of pay rates in freelance writing.
| Writing Niche | Average Pay Rate |
|---|---|
| Travel Writing | $57,000 annually |
| Social Media Writing | $50,000 annually |
| Technical Writing | $68,000 annually |
| Review Writing (e.g. movie reviewing) | $56,000 annually |
Freelance writing can be very profitable, but earnings vary. They depend on your experience, niche, and how you negotiate with clients. Use your skills to find freelance writing jobs and build a side hustle that fits your life and goals.
Virtual Assistant Services
Virtual assistants have become more popular in recent years. They offer many services like software skills, bookkeeping, and graphic design. They also have soft skills like communication and time management.
How to Become a Virtual Assistant
To be a great virtual assistant, find your area of expertise and market yourself well. Having formal training can help you earn more and stand out in the field.
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Time etc, Randstad, Prialto, Virtual Coworker, Wing Assistant, Great Assistant, Virtual Employee, and VaVa Virtual help virtual assistants find clients. Beginners usually earn $20 to $25 an hour. Specialized skills can earn you $40 an hour or more.
| Virtual Assistant Specialties | Potential Hourly Rates |
|---|---|
| Software proficiency, bookkeeping, research, graphic design, CRM | $20 – $25 per hour |
| Specialized services (e.g., email campaigns, subscription management) | $100 per hour and up |
To market themselves, virtual assistants can use inbound strategies like improving their profiles and using social media. Outbound strategies like job boards and networking can also help them reach more people.
“Virtual assistants are becoming increasingly valuable as businesses seek to streamline operations and reduce overhead costs. The flexibility and specialized skills they offer make them a game-changer in the remote work landscape.”
Web Design and Development
The need for skilled web designers and developers is higher than ever. Many businesses, big and small, need new or better websites. This is a great chance for those with the right skills. To do well, focus on a specific area of web design.
Niche Down for Success
Ryan Golgosky from 180sites.com made a lot of money by making websites for pressure washing companies. By being an expert in this area, he grew his business to $100,000 a month. Being a specialist lets you charge more and build a loyal client base.
The web design and development world has changed a lot in 15-20 years. Now, web designers and developers have clear roles. Thanks to easy-to-use platforms like WordPress and Webflow, you don’t need to know a lot of code to make websites. This has opened doors for designers who focus on making websites look good and work well.
To be a good web designer, know HTML and CSS well. Also, have an eye for design and learn about photo editing tools like Canva. Knowing about SEO can also help you stand out.
Having a portfolio website is key to getting clients. Setting your prices right can be hard, but networking and learning about trends can help.
| Key Takeaways | Statistics |
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By focusing on a niche and staying up-to-date with web design and development, you can find many opportunities. This can lead to a successful side hustle that helps you reach your financial goals.
Build Your Own Website
Starting your own website can be a great way to make money from home. By building a website, you can earn through ads, affiliate links, and selling digital goods. This can lead to steady, growing income. But, it takes a lot of time and hard work to make a website successful.
If you want to start a blog or create a helpful website, check out my free 6-part video course. It helps you pick a domain name, host, design your site, and get visitors.
- Determine your niche and target audience
- Select a user-friendly content management system (CMS) like WordPress or Squarespace
- Choose a memorable domain name and secure reliable web hosting
- Design a visually appealing and mobile-responsive layout
- Create high-quality, informative content to attract and retain visitors
- Implement search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to improve visibility
- Explore monetization options, such as display ads, affiliate marketing, and digital product sales
Building a successful website takes time and hard work. But, the benefits can be huge. With the right plan and steady effort, you can make your website a profitable remote side hustle.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Shares on the website | 1,201 |
| Last updated | June 14, 2024 |
| Tried side hustles | 20 |
“Building a website can be a game-changer for your remote side hustle. The potential for passive income is truly impressive.”
YouTube Channel Creation
Starting a YouTube channel can be a great way to make money from home. By starting a YouTube channel and making engaging videos, you can reach a huge audience. A good idea for new YouTubers is to make “question and answer” videos. These videos answer common questions in a specific area.
Recently, YouTube channels without faces or voices have become more popular. One such channel has made over 110 ebooks under different names, showing their skill in making digital content. They make 1-2 top-quality videos each week on tech topics. Editing each video takes about 20 minutes, showing they work efficiently.
To keep growing and avoid repeating themselves, the channel is looking to cover more topics. They use automation for making videos and might outsource video production in the future. This plan helps them manage their work better and make a profitable business with less effort.
The channel also has a free newsletter for those interested in YouTube automation and faceless/voiceless channels. This shows they’re trying to grow their audience. This matches the current trends, as seen in the Top 60 Work From Home YouTube Channels on Feedspot Reader. These channels cover various topics, from lifestyle to remote work tips, with subscriber counts from 41.4K to 495K.
Building a successful YouTube channel takes time and hard work, but it can be rewarding. By focusing on a specific area, making interesting content, and using monetization strategies, new YouTubers can reach a big audience. This can lead to a steady income from home.
| Channel Name | Niche | Subscribers | Video Frequency | Year Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Work-From-Home Life | Lifestyle, E-commerce | 495K | 1 video per day | Oct 2011 |
| Remote Work Tips | Remote Work Advice | 41.4K | 4 videos per month | May 2020 |
| Work From Home Hub | Remote Job Leads | 150K | 2 videos per week | Aug 2018 |
Self-Publishing on Amazon
Self-publishing on Amazon is a great way to make money from your e-books. You can use Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) to sell digital books worldwide. This lets you reach readers all over the globe.
It’s easy to start and Amazon has over 300 million users. More than half of American homes have Amazon Prime, which means a huge market for your books.
Many sellers make a lot of money, even more than a regular job. Authors can sell their books in different formats like eBooks, paperbacks, and audiobooks. This helps you make more money.
Over the last five years, I’ve published over 20 ebooks. Now, I make $1,500-$2,000 a month from them. Self-publishing on Amazon has been very rewarding.
If you want to try self-publishing, use what you know about Amazon’s publishing. With hard work and the right strategies, you can make your writing a successful side hustle.
“$50M has been generated by students leveraging proven processes in the Amazon publishing industry.”
Self-publishing on Amazon is great for writers or those wanting extra income. With the right steps, you can use this platform to earn from home.
remote side hustles
Remote side hustles are now a popular way to make extra money from home. Online surveys are an easy way to earn some cash in your free time. Sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars let you earn cash or gift cards by sharing your thoughts on different topics.
If you want to make more money, consider paid research studies and remote focus groups. Companies like User Interviews pay $50-$200 per hour for your feedback on products or services. These studies can be a great way to boost your side hustle income.
Key Benefits of Remote Research Studies
- Earn $50-$200 per hour for your time and opinions
- Flexible scheduling that fits your availability
- Participate from the comfort of your own home
- Opportunity to influence the development of new products and services
| Remote Side Hustle | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Virtual Assistant | $18 |
| Bookkeeper | $20 – $175 |
| Customer Service Representative | $16 |
| Accountant | $23 |
| Technical Writer | $26 |
| Social Media Specialist | $19 |
| Video Editor | $22 – $500 |
Using paid online surveys and remote research studies can open up a new way to make money. You can share your insights and opinions from home.
Remote Real Estate Investing
Being a landlord might not seem like a work-from-home job at first. But, you can make money through remote real estate investing. Dustin Heiner, for instance, manages his rental properties from afar. He uses a team for on-site tasks.
Platforms like Arrived let you invest in rental properties with just $100. They handle property management and rental income for you. This way, you can earn passive income easily without the usual real estate work.
Explore Remote Real Estate Opportunities
- Invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs) that pay out profits as dividends regularly
- Consider real estate crowdfunding, which involves pooling money with other investors for commercial real estate projects
- Offer notary services, which can be a convenient side business in many states
- Provide property management services for rental properties, including homes, duplexes, and Airbnb listings
- Explore “fix and flip” opportunities, leveraging your agent access to fixer-uppers before they hit the general market
- Offer real estate photography services for online listings and marketing materials
These are just a few ways to make passive income in remote real estate. By using remote work and entrepreneurship, you can open up many doors in rental properties and more.
Website Testing and Evaluation
Businesses want honest feedback on their websites and apps. By joining UserTesting.com or TryMyUI, you can make money by testing websites. You’ll earn $10-$60 per hour, depending on the project’s complexity.
This job lets you use your skills to earn extra cash. You can work from home, making it a great side job. It’s a chance to help improve digital products while making money.
| Platform | Hourly Rate | Minimum Device Requirements | Tax Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| UserTesting | $10 – $60 |
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No taxes withheld, contributors responsible for tax liabilities |
Companies use UserTesting to get real user feedback. They post new surveys and tests every day. This job lets you make extra money and help improve digital products.
“UserTesting pays well, provides genuine feedback opportunities, and enables me to earn extra cash from home.”
There are also remote evaluation jobs in search engine testing. Sites like Appen, Lionbridge, and iSoftStone pay $12 to $16 per hour for this work. It’s another way to earn from home.
Sell Digital Products
Creating and selling digital products, like printables and templates, is a great way to make money. You can make these items using easy-to-use software like Canva or Microsoft Office. Then, sell them on Etsy or your own website. This way, you can earn money over and over again from each sale.
Printables and Templates
Focusing on specific digital products that people really want can boost your earnings. Some top choices include:
- Workbooks
- Printable planners and organizers
- eBooks and written guides
- Excel or Google Sheet templates
- Social media templates
- Resume and cover letter templates
The creator economy is worth over $100 billion and is set to double by 2027. People spend $54 billion on digital goods each year, and this is expected to grow by $74 billion in 2025. The online learning market is also booming, with a revenue of $325 billion by 2025.
| Platform | Monthly Traffic | Follower Growth | Monthly Views |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | 151.6 million | 28k in 5 months | 273,462 |
By using digital products, you can earn a steady passive income. With the right strategies and platforms, like Etsy, there are many chances to sell digital downloads and templates.
“I’ve made tens of thousands of dollars from digital semi-passive products since starting in 2019. It’s been a game-changer for my income.”
Voice Over Acting and Transcription
If you have a clear, professional-sounding voice, you can make money with voice over acting and transcription. You can look for voice over jobs on Fiverr or Upwork. Or, you can offer transcription services for videos, podcasts, and more. These jobs let you work when you want and use your speaking skills to earn more.
To be a great voice actor, you need skills like acting, timing, consistency, and business smarts. You’ll also need the right gear. This includes a soundproofed room, a top-quality microphone, a computer or laptop, headphones, audio editing software, an audio interface, and a pop screen.
The pay for voice over and transcription work is usually between $20 to $50 an hour. This depends on your experience and the project’s complexity. But, you’ll face competition from AI in the future. So, keep improving your skills to stay ahead.
Making a demo reel is a smart move to show off your voice skills. Your reel should be 30-80 seconds long. It should have several short clips, each showing off different parts of your voice.
Transcription is also in demand, especially in fields like law, medicine, and business. By offering transcription services, you can use your typing and listening skills to make extra money from home.
In summary, voice over work and transcription are great side hustles for making money from home. With the right skills and gear, you can start these opportunities and boost your career.
Non-Phone Customer Service Roles
In the world of remote work, not all customer service jobs need you to be on the phone. There are many chances for remote, non-phone customer service roles. These include chat support, email support, and social media management. These jobs let you help customers and clients from home, making them great for those wanting flexible side jobs.
These remote customer service jobs usually pay between $15 to $20 an hour. This is a flexible way to make extra money. You can earn $0.08 per word as a virtual medical scribe or $5-$20 per hour as a transcriptionist, showing the wide range of pay in these non-phone jobs.
Some popular online support jobs are:
- Captioning videos for Rev.com, earning $240 – $1,500 a month
- Doing surveys and small tasks on sites like MicroWorkers
- Writing detailed summaries for Super Summary
- Creating original top ten lists for Listverse
If you want to earn more or start a remote career, non-phone customer service jobs are a good choice. With the right skills and a focus on great service, you can do well in this growing remote work area.
| Job Title | Average Pay Rate | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Medical Scribe | $0.08 per word for original fiction | Strong writing skills, medical knowledge |
| Video Captioner (Rev.com) | $240 – $1,500 per month | Typing speed, attention to detail |
| Transcriptionist (Scribie) | $5 – $20 per audio hour | Excellent listening and typing skills |
| Search Engine Evaluator | $20 per hour | Internet research skills, attention to detail |
“Around 10% to 15% of work from home jobs involve non-phone customer service roles.”
Graphic Design and Editing Services
If you have a knack for design or editing, consider freelance graphic design and remote editing work as a side hustle. Graphic designers can make custom visuals, logos, and marketing stuff for clients, earning about $45 an hour. Proofreading services and captioning are also wanted, with rates from $19 to $27 per hour. These jobs let you use your skills and build a portfolio from home.
Proofreading and Captioning
Working on proofreading services and captioning offers great flexibility. You can pick projects that suit your schedule, from a few hours a week to more. You need sharp attention to detail and strong language skills. Your job is to make sure content is perfect and meets what the client wants.
To start, make an online portfolio with your design or proofreading work. Then, advertise your services on freelance sites like Upwork, Fiverr, or FlexJobs, which focuses on remote jobs. Having happy clients can bring you a steady flow of freelance graphic design and remote editing work gigs.
| Graphic Design Hourly Rate | Proofreading and Captioning Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| $45 | $19 – $27 |
“Formal qualifications such as a graphic design degree are not very important for graphic design work. Clients are typically more interested in reviewing a designer’s portfolio and samples.”
– Graphic Designer Tabatha Alcina
Conclusion
The rise of remote work has opened up many chances for people to make extra money from home. You can try freelance writing, virtual assistant work, web design, or even start a YouTube channel. These options let you earn more and learn new skills.
First, figure out what you’re good at. Then, focus on a specific area you’re passionate about. Use online platforms to find the right side hustle. This way, you can make your free time pay off or even start a full-time business.
The digital world is full of ways to make money from home. If you like the idea of working remotely, want to start your own business, or want to learn new skills, there’s a side hustle for you. Stay updated, plan well, and use online tools to make your side hustle successful.
Getting financially independent isn’t easy, but it’s possible with hard work, creativity, and a positive attitude. The benefits of a successful remote side hustle can change your life. So, take advantage of the digital age and start your journey to a better future.
FAQ
What is a side hustle?
A side hustle is a way to earn extra money outside your main job. It can be freelance, flexible, or gig-based work in many fields.
What are the benefits of a remote side hustle?
Remote side hustles let you learn new skills and test a career change. They let you follow your passion and increase your savings or pay off debt.
How can I get started with freelance writing?
Freelance writing is a great remote side hustle. You use your existing skills and need just one client to start. Use sites like ProBlogger, BloggingPro, and Freelance Writing Jobs to find work.
What does it take to become a virtual assistant?
To be a successful virtual assistant, find your niche and market your services. Build a portfolio to show your skills. Use resources like BELAY Solutions and Abbey Ashley’s free training to help you.
How can I succeed in freelance web design?
Success in freelance web design means focusing on a specific area. Being an expert in a niche lets you charge more and build a loyal client base.
What is involved in building a successful website?
Making money from a website involves ads, affiliate partnerships, and selling digital products. It takes time and effort to build a successful site.
How can I make money with a YouTube channel?
Monetize your YouTube videos with ads once you have followers. Pick a niche and make “question and answer” content to grow your audience.
What are the benefits of self-publishing on Amazon?
Self-publishing on Amazon’s KDP platform lets you earn royalties on each book sale. It’s easy to start and can reach readers worldwide, making it a good choice for authors and side hustlers.
How can I earn money through online surveys and focus groups?
Online surveys offer easy extra cash. For more money, try paid research studies and remote focus groups with companies like User Interviews.
How can I invest in real estate as a remote side hustle?
Invest in real estate by managing rental properties or cash-flowing properties through platforms like Arrived. They handle the property management and distribute rental income.
What is involved in website testing and evaluation?
Make money by testing and evaluating websites with platforms like UserTesting.com or TryMyUI. These jobs pay – an hour, depending on the project’s complexity.
How can I sell digital products as a side hustle?
Sell digital products like printables and templates for passive income. Create them with tools like Canva or Microsoft Office and sell them on Etsy or your website.
What are the opportunities in voice over acting and transcription?
Voice over acting and transcription can be profitable side hustles if you have a professional voice. Look for voice over roles on Fiverr or Upwork, or offer transcription services for various audio content.
What are some non-phone customer service opportunities?
Remote customer service jobs include chat support, email support, and social media management. These jobs let you help customers from home.
How can I find remote graphic design and editing work?
Graphic design and editing can be lucrative side hustles. Offer custom visuals, logos, and marketing materials to clients for about an hour. Editing services, like proofreading, are also in demand, paying to an hour.