Real Ways To Make Money Online In An Afternoon

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In this Article: The absolute best ways to make money online.

For some, making money online has turned into a full-time job, and drastically changed their financial life for the better.

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, a strong work-ethic, and the willingness to learn, then you came to the right place.

In this guide, you will find out exactly how to make money online but let me be clear. If you are looking for a get rich scheme, then this article is not for you.

But, if you are ready to commit yourself to working a few extra hours each week and are ready to learn, then this article is the perfect starting point.

Believe me, this guide is a resource you can rely on to find the most current information about how to launch, scale, and grow a profitable online venture to make money entirely online.

Backed by hours of extensive research, we found 25+ legitimate ways to make money online. By the end of this ultimate guide, you will know exactly where to start.

As you can imagine, most online resources are outdated and do not provide concrete guidance on how to make money online.

Here is the deal, anyone can make money online. In fact, I am an advocate and firm believer that everyone needs to launch a profitable side hustle.

Without further ado, here our top ways to make money online.

Best Ways to Make Money Online

Buckle up, I am about to show you how you can make life-changing money online.

1. Start A Profitable Blog

Alright, enough beating around the bush. One of the best and most stable ways to make money online is with a blog.

Here is the deal, blogging is not for the faint heart. It requires a significant amount of upfront time to write in-depth blog posts (like this one), and to design an easy-to-use website.

But, with the right tactics and knowledge, you can start a blog that generates life-changing income.

If you are tired of working your standard 9 AM – 5 PM job, then pay attention. I am about to help you start and launch a profitable blog.

No, I am not talking about a blog that makes $100 a month from garbage ads. I am talking about a blog, that can and will make you some serious money in a matter of months from high paying affiliate programs.

How Do I start Blogging?

Blogging has never been easier to start. Here is how to get started blogging today.

1. Choose A Strategic Niche

You want to choose a niche based on earning potential and professional knowledge. Do not select a niche that you are passionate about and here is why.

Niches like parenting, video games, movies, and sports are very hard to monetize. After all, we are here to make money online, not waste it.

From my experience, the most profitable niches are business, finance, education, and product reviews. Why? These niches are popular, large, and wildly profitable thanks to advertising, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.

2. Launch Your Blog

Visit Bluehost.com to choose a web hosting plan and to register your domain. Now, Bluehost is the most popular hosting plan, which is why we recommend it.

From standout customer service to ease, and everything in between, Bluehost is the best hosting plan for all beginner bloggers.

3. Select A Domain Name

Once you are signed up on Bluehost, choose a domain name that is available, catchy, and short!

4. Enter Your Personal Information

After you create and register your domain name, it is now time to enter your account information. You will need to enter your email address and billing information.

5. Click ‘Submit’:

Congrats! You are now the proud owner of a new blog. Let’s get to work.

6. Write 2 – 3 Detailed Blog Posts

To showcase your writing, you need to write two to three kick ass blog posts, that help readers make decisions and learn something new.

Now that you have your blog up and running, it is time to drive traffic to your website.

The first thing you need to do is share your articles on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, & Linkedin. As a blogger, social media is a quick and cheap way to reach a new audience, and to start building up a loyal following.

Remember, starting a blog requires a long-term mindset. Next, compile a list of 10 – 20 blogs that are in your niche. Reach out to the owners of these blogs and ask to write an article or two on their blog.

In the blogging world, this is known as ‘guest posting,’ which is key to growing your blog. The more back links you have pointing to your website the better.

This sends signals to Google that you are a subject matter expert and an authority in your selected niche.

Click Here to sign up with Bluehost and to launch your first ever profitable online business.

Want to Learn More? Make sure to read our Guide on How to Start a Blog.

2. Take Online Paid Surveys

To maximize your earning potential, I recommend you download and sign-up for every single survey site. Why? Each survey site has various benefits, which we will outline below.

Survey Junkie

Over the last few years, Survey Junkie has attracted a legion of fans. With Survey Junkie you will get paid to take surveys online and to provide your opinion on select products. Here is how it works:

After you sign up, you will then need to build out your online profile which is easy and straightforward. Once Survey Junkie reviews your information, they will pair you with surveys that are geared towards your interests.

At this point, you can take as many surveys as you want! Your earning potential is not capped, which is why we love making money online by taking surveys.

After you complete a survey, you will earn virtual points. These virtual points can be redeemed for e-Giftcards or PayPal.

Want to Learn More? Read our Survey Junkie Review.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is another website that pays you to take surveys. As they tout, Swagbucks has already paid their members more than $400 million for taking surveys.

On top of paying you for taking surveys, Swagbucks also gives out over 7,000 gift cards daily. You very well could be the next winner. Oh…they are also offering a $10 sign-up bonus. Check out our Swagbucks Reviewfor more information.

3. Get Paid to Watch Videos and Play Games Online

Sounds to good to be true, right? Well this is a 100% legit way to earn money online. Here is our favorite platform to watch videos and play games online (to make money).

InboxDollars

Inbox Dollars is another platform loved by those who are looking to make a few bucks here or there. On this platform, you will get paid to watch TV, take surveys, play games, and to read emails.

Above all, you will get exclusive access to free coupons and will earn cash-back rewards if you shop online. Inbox Dollars is a necessity if you want to make money online.

Now that we all got some quick wins and can make money online at any time, it is time to create a meaningful online business.

The remainder of this article will hit on ideas that are not outdated and are proven to make thousands of dollars each month if you put in the time and effort.

Related:InboxDollars Review

4. Invest with a Robo-Advisor

Do you have some spare cash laying around? What about some extra money in your savings account? If so, then you are leaving money on the table.

The stock market returns an average of 7.0% a year, which is phenomenal for those who are invested.

Fortunately, learning how to invest has never been easier. Not to mention, investing is the easiest way to make money and requires absolutely zero work on your end.

With Acorns, you can start investing in a matter of minutes and with as little as $5. After you sign up, Acorns will ask you a few personal questions, such as your risk tolerance and financial goals.

From the answers you provide, they will create a detailed investment strategy that is automated. This means, that Acorns will do the stock picking and investing for you!

Acorns is best for those who are nervous to start investing and would like some guidance.

The best part is that this app comes with robust educational resources, so you can learn the ins-and-outs of investing.

5. Open a High-Yield Savings Account

Most people are content with their mediocre savings account that yields less than 0.10%. A quick way to make money online is by opening a high yield savings account.

An online savings account pays nearly 20x more than an average savings account. In fact, the best high yield saving accounts yield anywhere from 1.70% – 2.10%.

Our favorite high yield saving account is through CIT Bank. This award winning high yield saving account will allow you to earn passive income monthly.

As you can see, opening an online high yield saving account is a great way to make money.

This is a low-risk and easy money move to make. What is better? Once you open your account you are done. There is no more work on your end, just sit back and watch your savings grow year after year.

6. Tap into Real Estate Crowdfunding

For years, real estate has been a sure shot way to earn passive income, increase you net-worth, and become financially free.

However, most people are afraid of this strategy and often believe you need a substantial amount of money to get started.

Fortunately, there is a new way to invest in real estate. Real Estate crowdfunding allows you to invest in certain properties with others. You no longer need to own an entire property.

Platforms like Fundrise or Realty Mogul carefully select properties on your behalf. You can invest in single family homes, apartments, or pre-built construction projects.

This is a great way to diversify your income stream, make money online, and requires little to no work on your end.

Best Platforms for Real Estate Crowdfunding:

Fundrise

Launched in 2012, Fundrise has redefined the real estate industry. Their platform allows anyone to invest in profitable real estate deals. They are deeply committed to democratizing and demystifying the entire real estate investing.

This digital platform allows you to carefully craft an investment strategy that meets and exceeds your financial goals.

Why We Like Fundrise:

  • Levels the playing field for retail investors – like you and me.
  • Touts a 8.76% – 12.25% Average Annualized Returns
  • Usher in a low-fee approach that helps you save money and maximize your return on investment.
  • Diversify for your Investment Portfolio & add an additional stream of income

Account Details:

  • $500 Minimum to Start Investing
  • Three Core Plans: Supplemental Income, Balanced Investing, & Long-Term Growth
  • Annual Fees: They charge a 0.85% Annual Asset Management Fee & a 0.15% Annual Investment Advisory Fee. In all, you will pay 1.0% or less per year.

Realty Mogul

Like Fundrise, Realty Mogul allows you to invest in hand-picked real estate deals that they carefully review and visit in person.

Why We Like Realty Mogul:

  • Rigorous Vetting and Radical Transparency
  • Healthy Selection of Investment Opportunities
  • Easy-to-use digital platform allowing you to carefully monitor your current real estate investments

Account Details:

  • $1,000 Minimum Deposit to Start Investing
  • Investment Options: REITS, Individual Properties, & 1031 Exchanges
  • Account Fees: Annual fees vary between which opportunity you invest in. However, the fees may range between 0.30% – 0.50% per year.

7. Monitor Your Finances

As simple as this sounds, thousands of individuals fail to monitor their finances. This includes monitoring your investments, expenses, and truly understanding your spending habits.

Luckily, there are a myriad of online tools and applications to make this straightforward and simple.

In fact, there are two that I use daily: Personal Capital & Mint. These two budgeting apps allowed me to save more than $100 last month.

Personal Capital

Recognized by both Forbes and the New York Times, Personal Capital is a digital platform that allows you to track your daily spending habits, create a detailed financial budget, invest, and even plan for retirement.

With over $10 billion assets under management, 21,000 family clients, and over 2 million individual users, Personal Capital has made a name for themselves

in wealth management.

This platform is best for users who want to better prepare for retirement, need help creating a budget, and are ready to view their entire financial well-being.

Related: Check out our full review of Personal Capital.

Mint

Owned by Intuit, Mint is deeply committed to helping you better manage your money. Their digital application and tools allow you to track your finances daily, develop a budget, and provide a free credit score.

They are motivated more than ever to help you limit your spending.

To this day, it still amazes me how much Mint has helped me save. Better yet, their platform allows you to link up your bank accounts, so you get a clear picture of your overall net worth.

Want to Explore More? Read Personal Capital vs Mint.

8. Create an Online Course

Are you a subject matter expert? Do you have a deep desire to inspire and educate others? If so, then creating an online course is the perfect fit for you.

Though creating an online course requires a significant time commitment, the potential to earn hundreds of thousands is there. In fact, there are some individuals who make millions from selling, producing, and successfully marketing their online courses.

According to Global Industry Analysts, Inc, the online education industry is on a path to exceed $241 billion by 2022. Fortunately – for you – this is an opportune time to launch and scale an online course.

Best Platforms to Sell an Online Course to Make Money

As a relatively new platform, Thinkific is carving out a name for themselves amongst online course creators. This platform touts 40,000+ course creators, 30+ million online courses taken, and has paid out over $200 million to its instructors.

Why we like thinkific:

  • Complete customization of your course site
  • Robust technological infrastructure to support your students
  • Easy-to-use platform keeping you engaged and focused

Creating a course certainly requires upfront effort, but the earning potential is there. Furthermore, creating an online course requires you to engage with your audience and actively market yourself.

However, countless individuals everyday take a leap of faith and create an online course that drastically changes their financial situation for the better.

9. Deliver Food with DoorDash

One of the best ways to make money online is with DoorDash.

As a DoorDash Delivery Driver, you will fulfill orders and deliver foods to customers in your nearby area. As a driver, you get to choose when you want to work and for how long.

The flexibility with this opportunity is second to none, and you can make some money. As you can imagine, the more you work the more you will make.

So, if you are serious about making money, then apply to become a DoorDash Delivery Driver right now. Driving for DoorDash is an easy way to make an extra $1,000 a month.

Dive Deeper: Read our DoorDash Delivery Driver Guide.

10. Rent Your Car

Have a spare car in the driveway? If yes, then this next opportunity is relatively passive and a great way to make some extra cash each month.

Getaround is a leading digital platform that allow you to rent your car out. Some of you may be worried about loaning your car out to strangers – rightfully so – but both platforms provide robust insurance plans which fully protect you in case any mishaps take place.

Available in over 300+ cities, Getaround is a leading online marketplace allowing you to put your car up for rent.

Their platform makes it so easy for you. Getaround pays their loaners generously, allowing you to keep 60% of all profits. All paychecks are delivered the 15th of every month.

To protect your car, they provide a comprehensive $1 million dollar insurance policy.

11. Rent Out a Spare Room on Airbnb

The average Airbnb owner earns more than $6,000 per year, the potential to earn great side income is there.

With a little bit of work, you can transform your home into a dream getaway location for travelers and potentially earn thousands of dollars online.

As an Airbnb host, you control everything. You set the nightly price, interact with guests, and control all business operations pertaining to your location.

Airbnb has a dedicated team ready to assist you and they will insure your property up to $1 million dollars, so you can focus on what matters – customer experience.

12. Become a High Paid Freelance (Remote) Worker

Are you a skilled computer programmer? What about writer? Better yet, are you willing to do some busy work with a small business or large corporation? If so, then start your journey as a Freelance Worker.

According to Statista, there were roughly 57 million freelance workers in the United States at the end of 2019.

As the internet continues to dominate the 21st century, companies are tapping into the freelance market to fill gaps within their organization.

Ways To Make Money Online

Believe it or not, there are literally thousands of Freelance workers who make more than $100,000 a year.

Best part, as a Freelance Worker you set the price, choose the hours you work, and develop a professional network of connections.

Flexjobs is an online, freelance marketplace that allows you to connect with future clients. To get started, create a profile, set a fair price for your writing services, and reach out to future clients. Who knows, this may become a full-time online job.

13. Earn Money as a Virtual Assistant (VA)

As a virtual assistant you will directly support small business owners or companies with a myriad of support activities.

Some virtual assistants help these owners/companies with bookkeeping, email support, general organization, formatting posts, managing social media accounts, or event conducting preliminary competitor research.

Like most jobs online, as a virtual assistant you decide what services you would like to provide and the price.

Not to mention, this is a great steppingstone into a new profession, and you will undeniably meet ambitious individuals.

The networking alone is what excites me to serve as a virtual assistant. Again, Flexjobs or Fiverr are great online platforms to land jobs as a Virtual Assistant.

14. Make Money Online by Drop Shipping Products

Starting a drop shipping business is one of the purest forms of entrepreneurship. This will require in-depth research, speed, and dedication. However, the potential to profit is through the roof.

But first, what is drop shipping?

Drop shipping is creating an online marketplace that connects manufacturers and wholesalers with consumers. You are essentially the middleman brokering a transaction.

As the owner of an online drop shipping business, you do not manage inventory, nor do you process shipments. All you do – is drive customers to your online marketplace and fulfill orders.

Believe it or not, there are literally thousands of business savvy individuals out there making millions with drop shipping.

With Shopify, it is easier than ever to create an online drop shipping business. They provide the infrastructure, guidance, and customer service to support your drop shipping business.

If your online store is powered by Shopify, you are able to customize your website, choose different products each week, and launch sweeping marketing campaigns to drive converting customers to your drop shipping store.

To support your entrepreneur spirit, Shopify even offers free online workshops.

There workshops will equip you with the skills needed to successfully launch an online drop shipping business.

15. Become a Professional Proofreader

Are you an avid reader? Individuals and companies around the world are constantly hiring freelance editors to proofread their written content. The best online editors have turned this freelance side hustle into a full-time income.

I mean for real, who would not enjoy getting paid to proofread articles, essay’s, or blog posts. Flexjobsis the best online platform to market your proofreading skills and land clients.

By now, you can tell we love Flexjobs. It truly is the best place to find online work.

16. Publish an E-Book Online

Maybe blogging is not for you, but you are still a subject matter expert and love to write.

Then I strongly recommend you create an E-Book. Self-publishing an E-Book is incredibly easy due to Amazon.

Simply start writing and rely on Sellfy or Amazon to start selling your brand new E-Book.

Not to mention, publishing an E-Book can easily make you thousands of dollars if you have the write audience and know a little bit of marketing.

17. Start an Email Newsletter

Recently, individuals and companies have been producing niche newsletters and are making more than enough money online. Let us look at an example.

MorningBrew, founded by Alex Lieberman and Austin Rief, this business newsletter was created while they were business students at the University of Michigan.

Headquartered in New York City, they are poised to surpass $3 million + in annual revenue.

Granite they have amassed more than 1 million subscribers, but this started out as a part-time side hustle to help their colleagues in business school.

Whither you are a subject matter expert or passionate about a specific topic, creating a niche newsletter has never been easier. To get started, create a self-hosted WordPress website.

Real Ways To Make Money Online In An Afternoon Work

Hosting is what allows you to connect with the rest of the world online. For $2.95/month Bluehost is the cheapest and most reliable way to host your website.

Once you are done setting up your self-hosted WordPress website, you will need to create and grow an email list. First, you need to partner with an established email support service.

We recommend Convertkit, because it is a simple platform that allows you to easily capture and retain email address, and help you market/build out your email list.

18. Test Out Websites

As more companies, individuals, and small business increase their digital footprint, they need to ensure their website provides a valuable user experience. Who do they rely on? You.

That is right, there are numerous ways to make money online by testing websites and providing valuable insight into how the company can improve the user experience.

The three best websites that will pay you generously are Usertesting, Userlytics, and Userfeel. All three platforms are leading in the industry and will pay you anywhere from $10 to $50 per hour.

19. Become a Web Designer

Are you proficient in Javascript, CSS, HTML, and Python? If so, then designing websites is a sure shot way to make thousands of dollars, if not more.

Web designers are the individuals who add personality to an individual website. Their ability to intertwine design and user experience are what allow a website to grow and make money online.

However, even if you are not proficient in one of the coding languages we listed above, there are plenty of affordable online courses that are eager to teach you these valuable and life changing skills.

Again, if you have a deep desire to learn the technical aspects of web design, then a $50 – $100 investment in a reputable online course is well worth it.

Flexjobs is no doubt the best marketplace to land high-paying clients and to showcase your expertise.

Like most online occupations, as a web designer you decide who you want to work with, price, and hours. As a side hustle, designing websites is one of the best opportunities.

20. Develop Apps

If you have a strong coding background, then I am sure you know how much money app developers make.

Believe it or not, some of today’s largest companies started out as a simple mobile application and have since morphed into large enterprises shaping our daily lives.

As a professional app developer, there are endless opportunities for you to make money online. Make sure to market your skills on Flexjobs or Upwork.

Remember, you do not need to be a coding wizard or technical expert (though it will give you an advantage) to start working as an app developer.

Like we have discussed earlier, there are plenty of online resources that are capable and eager to help you develop these profitable technical skills.

We strongly encourage you to learn how to develop mobile applications on Codeacademy. They have multiple courses that walk you through the basics and even dive deep into the nitty gritty details of app development.

Trust me, their instructors are subject matter experts and are perfectly capable of teaching you.

Real Ways To Make Money Online In An Afternoon Work

Related:Best Apps to Make Money

21. Sell Used Clothes, Shoes, & Accessories Online

Poshmark is a leading marketplace to sell used clothes, shoes, and other accessories.

I am sure you have some clothes that no longer fit, or some worn out shoes which can easily be sold online.

22. Sell Used Items Online

Yes, Ebay is still around. In fact, it is arguably the best marketplace to sell old electronics and other gadgets you may still have but no longer need. We live in an era dominated by consumerism.

Like you – I also have old products I no longer need and constantly turn to eBay to liquidate these goods.

Real Ways To Make Money Online In An Afternoon Tea

23. Peer-to-Peer Lending

Since the early 2000’s, Peer-to-Peer lending has become a solid alternative to traditional investments (stocks, bonds, ETFs, ect.).

But first, what is peer-to-peer lending?

Peer-to-peer lending is the act of an investor – you – providing a loan to another individual. It is important to note, that this is a brand-new way to invest.

As usual, there are some skeptics, but for the most part, both experienced individual investors and institutions are joining and profiting from this new style of investing.

What is even more fascinating is that the average return on investment can range from 2.0% – 12.0%.

Again, this form of investing is not nearly as speculative as buying an individual stock. This style is geared for individuals who want to receive a steady rate of return.

What Are the Best Platforms for Peer-to-Peer Lending?

While there are a handful of platforms to choose from, we narrowed down the selection to the two best: LendingClub & Prosper.

Both loan marketplaces provide you with an easy-to-use platform which offers plenty of investment opportunities.

LendingClub

With over $50 Billion + in loans borrowed from individuals and 3+ million customers, LendingClub is a leading peer-to-peer lending platform.

Easily sign up and start providing loans to various individuals around the country. LendingClub touts a 4.0% – 7.0% historical average return for investors.

Propser

Rivaling LendingClub, Prosper touts $16 Billion borrowed and a 5.10% historical average for return on investment. Prosper is a phenomenal opportunity to start providing loans to individuals online. Their platform makes it incredibly easy for you to sign-up, deposit your funds, and immediately start shopping around to find a potential borrower.

Online

24. Sell Crafts, Goods, & Art on Etsy

Founded in 2005, Etsy is an e-commerce website that allows you to sell handmade or vintage items.

Etsy is specifically geared towards small business or individual artist who want to sell their hand crafted and detailed oriented work.

From furniture to paintings, necklaces, and more, Etsy is the best online marketplace to sell your handmade craft.

25. Sell Photos Online (No Skills Required)

Are you a gifted photographer or have an interest in photography? Fortunately, there are so many opportunities for you to sell your photos online.

Our favorite websites to sell photos online are Shutterstock, iStock Photos, and Alamy.

Here is the deal. All you have to do is upload your photos, and start collecting money.

These platforms will pay you a royalty fee each time your photo is downloaded or licensed.

26. Find Odd Jobs on TaskRabbit

Do you like to get your hands dirty? Enjoy being outside or helping someone in-person?

We have the perfect online job opportunity for you. Founded in 2008, TaskRabbit is an online marketplace that pairs labor (you) with demand (people willing to hire you).

From walking your neighbor’s dog to helping someone take trash to the local dump, TaskRabbit is a great place for you to find odd jobs. Better yet, this marketplace continues to grow year over year, leaving you with ample opportunities to make some extra money.

27. Start a YouTube Channel

As the most visited site in the world, YouTube is a great opportunity for those who are creative and not afraid to be in front of a camera.

As a YouTube content creator, you will make money by placing advertisements throughout your videos, sponsorship’s, and affiliate marketing.

The largest YouTube accounts make millions of dollars. And for the most part, these content creators all have full-time jobs.

Related:How to Make Money on YouTube

Wrapping Up: How to Make Money Online

As you can see, there are plenty of ways for you to make money online. It does not matter if you are a full-time parent, a young adult stuck working a 9AM – 5PM, or a college student, you can make money online.

If you want to make extra income, then the 25+ ways we identified are a great starting point.

Make this year the year you take ownership of your finances. Whether you are learning how to invest or finding a profitable side hustle, this is your year.

Remember, all it takes is for you to have the courage, work ethic, and passion.

Together, these three things will transform your life into something meaningful where you can help others, start your own business, or simply live the life you deserve.

Since 2000, InboxDollars has paid over $80 Million in cash rewards to its’ members for doing everyday online activities like reading emails, taking online surveys, playing games, and watching videos and watching TV. Our community allows members to influence future products and services by completing these everyday tasks from our market research partners. We also have ongoing promos and contests for our members to win money online, and we share top ways for our members to get beauty samples, free printable coupons, and free stuff online. With so many easy ways to earn extra cash fast and have fun while doing it, it’s no wonder our members love our platform!

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Earn inbox dollars right from your inbox on InboxDollars. Make money online for discovering new products and sharing your opinions.