The world is digital, as if you didn’t know. The future is gig work, you might’ve heard. Now, I don’t fully buy into that. I think the move from full time work for one company to all gig work will be slower than some anticipate. On the flip side, while I love my full time job, I’m also a big believer in side work.
Here are 12 of the best online business opportunities for those of you willing to put in a little extra work.
1. Write for paid sites
What is it?
It’s exactly what it sounds like…you write for a website that pays you for your writing. Medium is an obvious example, but there are tons of other sites that will pay you to write for them. Actually many sites now will pay you for good content. Think of a site you enjoy reading and see if they accept new work.
2. Self-publish books
What is it?
Self-publishing refers to an author who completes the entire publishing process on their own or with their own resources, including printing, editing, proofreading, formatting, cover design, and book marketing. This is accomplished without the assistance of a typical publishing house or publisher. Pro tip- write about what you know, don’t prattle on about things that aren’t in your wheelhouse.
3. Create handmade goods
What is it?
Setting up your own website/virtual storefront is one option if you wish to sell handmade items online. Using social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to sell. Selling on a third-party e-commerce portal such as jumia, konga. I have a friend who is an incredible creator of art pieces, both her choice designs and requested custom work. She has built herself a strong online business by utilizing Instagram and Etsy, and her talent, obviously.
4. Create an app
What is it?
Native apps are usually created by a developer using the platform’s own programming language. These apps are downloaded to the smartphone from the relevant app store and saved in the device’s memory, making them available for usage at the touch of a button. You can now create apps for free (Appy Pie App Builder is a popular choice). Of course the market is saturated, but what market isn’t? Be mindful that most apps don’t make any money at all. So make sure you have a good idea, good design, etc.
5. Sell other people’s products
What is it?
Reselling isn’t anything new, but it’s still lucrative. You can find things at yard sales, flea markets and thrift stores then clean them up and resell them. You can purchase popular products from China for cheap and resell them for a hefty profit. Affiliate marketing is another technique to make money by selling other people’s items. Affiliate marketers promote products from a variety of companies in exchange for a commission (a percentage of the total sales price). This can be accomplished through your website, social media, or paid advertisements.
6. Create an online course
What is it?
An online class is a class that takes place over the internet. They’re usually run through a learning management system, which allows students to monitor their course syllabus and academic progress, as well as connect with their classmates and instructor. I’m actually thinking about doing this with a course in personal finance for people in their 20s. Do you write a lot about the same topic over and over, from different angles? Then you could combine everything into one valuable course that people pay for.
4. Create an app
What is it?
Native apps are usually created by a developer using the platform’s own programming language. These apps are downloaded to the smartphone from the relevant app store and saved in the device’s memory, making them available for usage at the touch of a button. You can now create apps for free (Appy Pie App Builder is a popular choice). Of course the market is saturated, but what market isn’t? Be mindful that most apps don’t make any money at all. So make sure you have a good idea, good design, etc.
5. Sell other people’s products
What is it?
Reselling isn’t anything new, but it’s still lucrative. You can find things at yard sales, flea markets and thrift stores then clean them up and resell them. You can purchase popular products from China for cheap and resell them for a hefty profit. Affiliate marketing is another technique to make money by selling other people’s items. Affiliate marketers promote products from a variety of companies in exchange for a commission (a percentage of the total sales price). This can be accomplished through your website, social media, or paid advertisements.
6. Create an online course
What is it?
An online class is a class that takes place over the internet. They’re usually run through a learning management system, which allows students to monitor their course syllabus and academic progress, as well as connect with their classmates and instructor. I’m actually thinking about doing this with a course in personal finance for people in their 20s. Do you write a lot about the same topic over and over, from different angles? Then you could combine everything into one valuable course that people pay for.
10. Do copy for other people’s social media
What is it?
Copywriters for social media create the messages that businesses utilize in their posts. They spend their days collaborating with company reps, clients, and account executives to put marketing concepts into hashtags, phrases, and longer posts for various social media platforms. An example I’ve seen is a husband/wife duo that charge a flat price (300/month let’s say) for a set amount of social media posts (1 blog post, 4 Facebook posts, 8 Twitter posts, etc.). Nothing earth shattering here, but a very solid idea if you’re good at writing and social media marketing (free certification available from HubSpot!)
11. Start a coaching program
What is it?
Coaching is a type of development in which an experienced individual, known as a coach, provides training and advice to a student or client in order to help them achieve a specific personal or professional objective. A coachee is a term used to describe a student.
12. Build your own freelance site
What is it?
Freelancers are self-employed people who work for themselves. They are also known as independent contractors. Other organizations use freelancers on a part-time or short-term basis, but they do not receive the same pay or have the same level of commitment to any one company as full-time employees. Building your own site, publishing your own content, and attracting high quality clients will take a lot more time and effort on your part. But it’s much more profitable and sustainable than working on a platform someone else owns.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). I personally hand-test everything that I promote, and I only link to services and products that I know are of high-quality and good use for marketers.