How to make money from home

Icon of two hands with rings and jewelry holding cash and credit cards

Making money from the comfort of your own home is becoming increasingly popular these days. With more and more people turning to technology for their projects, it's no surprise that there are a variety of ways to make money online as well.

Whether you're looking for a full-time job or just a side hustle as an additional income stream, there are plenty of options available when it comes to various ways to make money from home. From freelancing gigs and online surveys to selling products on eBay, there are many opportunities out there that can help you bring in some extra cash each month. In this guide, we'll take a look at some of the best ways to make money fast from the comfort of your home.

Ready to learn how to make money from home? Check out these 16 great business ideas.

Summary/Overview

Levels
1

1. Take surveys

Online surveys can be a great way to earn money from home. Survey sites offer opportunities for people to earn cash or rewards by taking surveys. Here are some popular options:

Generally, these sites pay users a certain amount of money per survey they complete. For example, Survey Junkie offers users $1-$3 for each survey completed. Depending on how many surveys you take, this can add up to a nice sum of money each month.

Survey companies typically search for participants matching specific demographic characteristics, like being 25 years old and residing in a certain city, to collect opinions on different subjects. If your profile doesn't align with their requirements, you may not be selected to participate.

Online surveys can be a convenient way to make money from home, but they are often very time-consuming, and the payout is usually minimal. Surveys can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour or more to complete, and you will often only receive a few dollars in return.

Many survey websites also have a minimum threshold for cash-outs. This means you must accumulate a certain amount of money before you can request to receive it.

2. Join a focus group

Focus groups are a great way to make extra money by sharing your opinions. Focus groups pay you to provide input on various topics, like products, services, and marketing campaigns. Participants typically receive payment upon completion of the focus group session.

Focus groups usually consist of a small and diverse group of people who are asked to discuss a particular topic or product. During the focus group, participants may be asked to offer their opinions on a variety of topics and then answer questions about those topics. Focus groups can be conducted in person or online through video conferencing platforms.

Online services such as these connect you with focus groups:

Generally, focus groups pay participants more money than surveys, but they generally require more commitment and take more time to complete. Compensation is usually between $30-$150 per session, though some may offer as much as $450. Payment varies based on the company, the topic, and the amount of time required for completion. Participants sometimes attend several sessions in order to receive payment. Sometimes, it’s difficult to find focus groups looking for participants, as participants are often recruited through word-of-mouth or similar methods. Many companies also provide incentives like gift cards or other rewards in addition to cash payments.

3. Become a freelancer

Freelancing opens the door to a wide range of service offerings, allowing you to work with clients on a contractual basis. By charging an hourly rate or setting project-based fees, freelancers can build a versatile and rewarding career path.

Choosing a niche that aligns with your passions or skills is vital in freelancing. For instance:

Use digital platforms to kick-start and advance your freelance career. Consider starting with these top job boards:

4. Provide transcription services

Transcription services offer a lucrative opportunity for those proficient in converting audio to text. Typically, transcriptionist roles offer compensation ranging from $15 to $22 per hour, making it flexible, well-paid work.

Several platforms specialize in connecting freelancers with transcription opportunities and are set up to match openings with various skill levels and interest areas. These platforms not only provide access to a steady stream of transcription jobs but also offer tools and resources to improve your transcription skills.

Notable platforms for transcription services include:

Engaging in transcription work can also be a stepping stone to broader freelance opportunities. The skills honed when you learn to transcribe, like fast typing, listening accuracy, and language proficiency, are highly transferable and valued across many sectors. This opens doors to more advanced roles in editing, writing, and even consulting.

5. Sell photos and videos online

With the rise of digital platforms, photographers and videographers can easily reach a global audience, turning their creative outputs into a lucrative business. Platforms like Adobe Stock and Shutterstock provide a flexible way to earn money by capitalizing on skills and creativity. By uploading content to these platforms, you can earn royalties each time your work is downloaded or purchased.

These platforms are known for their user-friendly interfaces and supportive communities. They also provide detailed guidelines on the types of content that are likely to sell, helping photographers and videographers to tailor their work accordingly. This guidance is invaluable for both new and experienced creators aiming to maximize their earnings.

To successfully sell photos and videos online:

6. Offer tutoring services

With the rise of e-learning, there is a growing demand for personalized instruction in subjects ranging from academic disciplines to creative arts. Educators, professionals, and experts connect with students across the globe, offering one-on-one learning experiences, step-by-step instruction, and online courses to enhance student understanding and performance. Many tutoring platforms offer proofreading services for these as well.

Marketing your tutoring services is key to attracting students and making a lot of money. This can involve:

Platforms offer a structured way for tutors to connect with students, handle payments, structure online courses, and schedule sessions. The following platforms provide the technological infrastructure needed for effective online tutoring and ensure that tutors have access to a broad audience of students seeking help:

7. Become a babysitter, petsitter, or dog walker

Becoming a babysitter, petsitter, or dog walker is a rewarding way to earn money, especially if you enjoy spending time with children or animals. These roles offer the flexibility to work around your own schedule, making them ideal for students, retirees, or anyone looking for a side gig.

To start, build trust with potential clients by having robust qualifications, like CPR certification for babysitting or experience in handling dogs of various sizes and temperaments for dog walking.

To connect with potential customers, create a profile on one of the following platforms:

These websites allow you to set your rates, list your services, and manage bookings. Joining these platforms alleviates many marketing burdens, allowing you to focus on providing top-notch care.

For those interested in turning child or pet care into a more steady income stream, consider the following strategies:

8. Become an entrepreneur

Starting a small business from home opens up a world of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into profitable ventures. This approach significantly reduces the overhead costs typically associated with traditional business setups.

When setting up your online business, consider:

Solid marketing for any home-based business begins with a strong logo and a professional website. A memorable logo serves as the face of your brand, establishes a strong identity, and builds trust with potential customers. Similarly, a well-designed website acts as your digital storefront, providing a platform to showcase your products or services, share your story, and engage with customers.

Finally, efficient financial management is crucial. Keep accurate records, monitor expenses, and plan for taxes to help maintain your business's financial health.

Ridesharing through platforms is a popular way to make money from home. You earn money based on the number of rides you give or the distance you travel. The amount of money you make will depend on the company, your area, and other factors like surge pricing or bonuses.

Some popular ridesharing platforms include:

One of the biggest perks of rideshare driving is that you can set your own schedule. However, there are a few downsides as well. Rideshare driving can be unpredictable, and your income may vary significantly from one day to the next. Plus, rideshare companies typically take a percentage of your earnings as their fee.

Before signing up to become a driver for a rideshare company, research to make sure you are aware of all the requirements. Most companies will require you to have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance and to pass a background check. You may also need to purchase or rent a vehicle that meets their requirements in order to start driving.

Delivering food or other products for local retailers — or platforms like GrubHub and DoorDash — can be a great way to make money fast. It's simple to become a member of a courier service and take advantage of the growing demand for delivery in many cities. As an independent contractor, you can set your own hours and decide the types of orders you’re willing to accept. Plus, some delivery companies will provide you with a vehicle or reimburse you for mileage if you use your own car.

Advertising on your car is a terrific way to make money from home. Known as "car wrapping," this involves having an advertisement printed onto your car's exterior, usually in the form of a vinyl wrap. This can be done either professionally or as a DIY project. Car wraps are commonly used by businesses to promote their products and services, and they typically pay a fee to those who agree to have their car wrapped.

Car wrapping is an excellent way to make money because it allows you to earn passive income without having to do any extra work. Once the wrap is on your car, you simply go about your everyday life and let the advertisement draw potential customers. Best of all, car wraps are typically temporary and can be removed whenever you choose.

10. Sell something you made, found, or bought

Selling products can be a great way to generate income. Whether full-time or as a side gig, this is an opportunity to make money while doing something you love. With the rise of e-commerce platforms, you can create your own online store and start selling products to customers around the world.

There are a few things to consider before you start. First, you need to decide what type of product to sell. This could be anything from jewelry or artwork to digital downloads or physical goods. Once you determine your product line, then figure out how you’ll market it. This could involve advertising on social media, running email campaigns, or even launching a crowdfunding campaign.

Once your product is ready to be sold, decide where and how to list it. For physical items, a few popular options are:

If you’re selling digital products or services, platforms like Fiverr or Upwork can be great places to list your offerings. There are also a number of sites dedicated to selling specific types of products like art prints or handmade jewelry, like Society6 and Big Cartel — but be wary of scams.

The reselling or second-hand economy is a popular way to make money from home. In this business model, individuals buy used or second-hand items and then resell them for a profit. This type of venture has been popular in recent years as people look to save money and reduce their environmental footprint. Plus, you can do it part-time and with minimal investment.

Start by researching popular products. This ensures you can find items that people are willing to buy and maximizes your chances of success. It’s also important to develop an efficient process for stocking, pricing, and listing items for sale. Use websites like Etsy and Facebook Marketplace for listings, alleviating the need to accept credit cards since you use their payment services, or you can create your own website to sell your items.

When it comes to selling, marketing is especially critical. Social media advertising is a popular way to reach potential customers. It’s relatively inexpensive compared to other traditional marketing methods, helping maximize returns on your investments. Create targeted campaigns to reach your ideal shopper with the right message.

11. Rent a room or outbuilding

Renting out a room or outbuilding on your property can be a great way to make money from home. Whether you’re looking for short-term visitors or long-term tenants, you can earn passive income while still being in control of your space.

There are many online platforms that help you list your property and reach potential tenants or guests, such as:

When it comes to renting out a room or an outbuilding, there are several things to consider. First, make sure that your property is in good condition and meets safety regulations. Also, check with local authorities or HOAs for rules and regulations they might have.

Next, think about marketing and setting a price. Research pricing for similar nearby rentals to set a competitive price that will attract tenants. Then, create a listing with photos and descriptions highlighting the unique features of your rental space.

You can also set up your own website to promote your rental space. This allows you to showcase the space and amenities, plus it gives potential customers an easy way to contact you or directly book services.

When creating your own website, don’t forget factors like search engine optimization (SEO) and mobile compatibility; it’s crucial that your site can reach the widest possible audience. Provide clear descriptions of available rooms and rates. With some effort and creativity, building your own website is an effective promotion avenue for your rental business.

Again, advertising via social media is an effective way to reach a larger audience with minimal effort. These platforms allow you to make ads targeting specific demographics like age range, location, or interests. They also provide analytics, like the number of views and engagement generated, so you see what works and what doesn’t. Plus, social media sites are constantly updating their features so you can take advantage of new ways to advertise, like in-feed video ads or stories.

12. Offer print-on-demand

Print-on-demand is an easy way to make money online. This involves partnering with a manufacturer, creating your own designs, and having them printed on items like clothing, mugs, hats, or other merchandise. The manufacturer handles the printing, shipping, and fulfillment process for each order.

When starting a print-on-demand business, the first step is usually finding a manufacturer. Many different companies offer this service, so research and compare prices before making your decision. Make sure they have experience in creating the type of products you want to offer, as well as a per-order system that will prevent products from getting overstocked.

The next step is to create designs and decide what you want to offer. You can either use free stock artwork or commission someone to create custom designs for you. And don’t forget other details like pricing and packaging.

Using free online tools from Adobe can be a great way to make custom designs, quotes, and more that you can print onto t-shirts, mugs, and many other items. With Adobe's online assets, like Adobe Express, you can upload your own images or customize existing templates for fabulous results. Plus, these tools provide a range of customization options, like fonts, colors, and filters. When printing finished products, there is an endless array of what you can create with Adobe's free online tools, from t-shirts to mugs to phone cases.

Once you've taken care of the administrative side of things, sell on a platform like Etsy or Zazzle.

13. Become a dropshipper

Dropshipping is a business model allowing entrepreneurs to start an online store without managing inventory or handling product fulfillment. Instead, the dropshipper works with a third-party supplier who stores and ships the products directly to customers on behalf of the dropshipper — Amazon or Shopify, for instance. This eliminates the need for large up-front investments in inventory and frees up time for the entrepreneur to focus on marketing their store and finding customers.

Some popular dropshipping platforms include:

Dropshipping is becoming increasingly popular thanks to it being relatively easy and having few risks compared to other forms of e-commerce businesses. Additionally, it requires minimal investment since these platforms handle general marketing, accepting credit card payments, and other essentials on your behalf.

One of the most important aspects of this type of venture is finding a reliable supplier who offers inexpensive or free shipping. This helps reduce costs and keep pricing low. Many customers are more likely to purchase from an online store if it offers free shipping and competitive prices.

Another key is researching products to find something in high demand but without heavy competition. This can be challenging as many popular items are likely to have dozens, or even hundreds, of sellers offering similar products. However, with a bit of research and effort, it’s possible to uncover potential gems with high consumer demand and low competition.

Also, consider evergreen items. These products are not affected by seasonal trends and often have long-term appeal, helping you remain profitable year-round. Popular options include jewelry, artwork, digital downloads, books, and apparel. Offer a wide selection of products with different price points so customers can find something that fits their needs and budget.

14. Start a blog

Creatives searching for how to make money online should consider blogging. It’s an outlet for ideas, opinions, and expertise. Blogging can also be profitable if you monetize it with advertisements or affiliate links. Additionally, blogging helps establish you as an expert in your field and creates a space for open dialogue about topics that matter to you.

Choosing a topic that you’re passionate about is key to success. This will help motivate and inspire you as a blogger. Feeling dedicated to the material also helps you emotionally connect with readers.

Naming and designing your blog is the first step. Not only does it help establish your unique brand identity, but it also plays a major role in helping customers find your content online. A clever name also helps engage the audience. When it comes to design, consider factors like font selection, graphics, layout, and color for a user experience that’s visually appealing and easy to navigate. Always spend time proofreading your website and content before it goes live.

Next, choose a hosting service for your blog. First, determine the size of your website and how much bandwidth you’ll require. This helps you pick a plan that offers enough server space and is sufficiently scalable to support your blog as it grows. Also, examine factors like customer support, website backups, and security.

Your next step is to develop a social media marketing campaign. To start, create pages on various platforms with your blog's information to enhance visibility, including links to your website. Your social media pages should feature unique graphics and backgrounds to catch users’ attention. Promote new blog entries with posts and videos previewing what they're about.

These platforms provide analytics with valuable insights into your target customers regarding their demographics and interests. This information can be used to create targeted ads and custom content tailored to your customers’ needs.

While it can be tempting to simply start promoting on all available channels, remember that each platform requires a unique strategy tailored to its audience and ad formats. However, consider crossposts to broaden your reach. Also, explore establishing relationships with influencers that can help spread the word about your business and reach new customers.

Finally, developing a schedule for posts is critical to blog success. This helps to ensure content reaches customers routinely and maintains their engagement. This also develops relationships with followers, builds your credibility, and establishes trust.

15. Start a podcast

Starting a podcast requires very little in the way of equipment, making it an attractive option for those looking to make money online. All that is needed is a computer or laptop, microphone, recording software, and headphones.

When choosing a podcast topic, pick something that you are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about. This helps ensure the show is engaging and informative. Narrow topics tend to attract more dedicated listeners.

Once you’ve chosen a topic, the next step is to brainstorm potential show titles. A clever title helps establish a unique brand identity, plays a major role in helping customers find your content online, and can be the first step toward developing an engaged audience. The right title also establishes the overall tone and content of the show before it even starts.

Do some research to select the right hosting service. One of the most important aspects is bandwidth — you need enough to support your show and keep it running smoothly. Additionally, choose a host that offers reliable customer service and technical support in case any issues arise.

Consider these popular podcasting hosting services, and be sure to explore their tutorials:

Next, choose a schedule for episode releases. Establishing a regular release schedule ensures that your listeners remain engaged and know when new content is available. Consistency also helps build familiarity, which can be key in developing an engaged audience.

Once your podcast is launched, start promoting it. Like with other home-based business options, social media is key. X (Twitter), Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, or even a YouTube channel are some of the most effective options for spreading the word about your show. Choose what makes sense for your field of expertise. A virtual assistant offering business organizational tips, for instance, might choose LinkedIn as a primary platform.

Create unique graphics, posts, and videos featuring links to your podcast to attract new listeners. Additionally, consider joining podcasting forums and communities to network and increase visibility.

Having a dedicated website for your podcast helps establish a strong online presence and serves as the central hub for your content. It also provides listeners with easy access to your past episodes. Create a noteworthy cover (try this template tool from Adobe Express) and include eye-catching visuals that make your website particularly memorable.

Podcasters wanting additional income streams should consider setting up a merch store. Podcasts then serve as a marketing tool for products and services or drive customers to existing stores. Use the platform to discuss products, share product reviews, and give discounts or promotional codes. Plus, a store selling merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, or other similar items is an additional way to generate income.

Setting up a store or channel partnership usually requires a significant, well-established following for success. Many official partnerships require sponsorships and endorsement deals between companies. This typically requires a solid reputation and a significant number of followers.

Tracking metrics helps you better understand your target audience and make informed decisions about making appealing content. Lean into metrics like website traffic, number of subscribers, downloads per episode, and listener feedback to shape valuable insights into customer preferences and inform future content.

16. Become a social media influencer

Success as a social media influencer requires compelling content that resonates with your followers. You also need the ability to successfully promote and sell products, services, ideas, opinions, and expertise.

Start by choosing the right platform for your content. Different social media outlets have different user demographics and features that can be leveraged to create effective campaigns. Research each platform to determine which best fits your needs. Some platforms may be more conducive to certain types of content than others, so also consider your style and message.

Social media influence doesn't require a large investment in equipment. In fact, many of the most popular influencers get by with minimal resources. All you need is access to a computer or mobile device, an internet connection, and basic audio/video recording and editing software. Plus, many popular social media platforms provide free analytics tools to measure performance and engagement.

Successful social media influencers generally have a large, well-established following. This is because companies typically look for influencers with high levels of engagement to promote their products or services through platforms like:

To make money through your social media accounts, develop strategies and targeted campaigns for each platform. Also, consider the different types of ad formats available on each platform and how they can help you reach more people.

Social media influencers don’t necessarily have online stores, though they can help you make extra money. Companies often offer sponsorships and endorsement deals with influencers in order to gain a larger reach. As with a podcast, influencers can use their platform to discuss products they sell, share referrals and reviews of items they've purchased or used, and give away discounts or promo codes.

With affiliate marketing, you can add a link to your site or channel and receive a commission every time someone makes a purchase using your link. These partnerships benefit both parties, helping the company reach new audiences and increase brand awareness as well as allowing the influencer to tap into new revenue streams.

Anyone can start making money from home. Consider your passions, expertise, and personal style. Whether you offer proofreading services, become a virtual assistant, or open an online dropshipping store, with the right tools and services, and the tips outlined above, you’re sure to see success. Now that you know how to make money from home, what’s stopping you?

This post was updated on February 23, 2024

Try Adobe Express today

https://www.adobe.com/express/learn/blog/how-to-make-a-living-blogging

https://www.adobe.com/express/learn/blog/side-hustles

https://www.adobe.com/express/learn/blog/how-to-make-money-on-instagram