40 Plus Legitimate Ways to Make Money Online in 2024

 40 Plus Legitimate Ways to Make Money Online in 2024

By masohail

june 20, 2024

Over the last twenty years we have seen a complete transformation in the way people earn a living. If you want to start making money online, here are dozens of great ideas to get you started.

 40 Plus Legitimate Ways to Make Money Online in 2024

 Embarking on the journey of making money online can be as exciting as it is lucrative.

With the digital world at your fingertips, there are countless opportunities to turn your skills, hobbies or even an unused internet connection into a steady source of income.

Whether you're a stay-at-home parent, student, or just looking to supplement your income, this guide is your starting point. Get ready to explore over 40 legitimate and varied ways to make money online, all from the comfort of your own home.

How to make money online

Most digital side hustles have a realistic income cap and expected time commitment. Choose the ones that best suit your lifestyle needs.

1. Participate in market research

Online surveys won't bring you any big income, but you can earn a few bucks every now and then. Many survey sites pay with gift cards, but some, like Branded Surveys, allow you to pay out your earnings via PayPal or direct deposit. By consistently completing surveys and earning points, you will become a member of the Branded Elite and be eligible for additional bonus points and rewards.

We've lined up dozens of paid survey sites, many of which are scams that claim to represent legitimate entities, so be careful about handing over personal information to a brand you haven't heard much about.

2. Sell old phones or technology

I used to keep all my old laptops and cell phones even when I upgraded to a newer model. That changed when I discovered Decluttr and similar sites where you can sell your old electronics.

I recently received $24 for trading in an old Samsung Galaxy S7 that I previously purchased from the company. Decluttr gives you an instant quote and offers a best price guarantee. If you find a better deal on another site, send us your quote and they'll match it, no questions asked.

3. Complete affiliate offers

It's no secret that companies often pay big bucks to acquire new customers. They usually pay this to a third party who then advertises on behalf of the target company. Now you can capture a portion of that commission because these third parties will actually give you a portion of their affiliate income as a reward. 

One such site where you can get paid is Freecash.com. The site offers more than 4,000 ways for users to earn commissions by completing various tasks. Testing apps, playing games, signing up for free (or paid) offers, or taking quizzes are just some of the many ways you can earn money online using their site.

According to their website:

1. 17m 16s was the average time for a user to make their first selection.

2. $24.72 was the average amount users earned yesterday.

3. $54,906,593 is the total amount they have paid out so far. 

In addition, they have a daily bonus leaderboard, a daily leaderboard where they give away $500 to top earners, a robust friend referral system, and a $1 signup bonus and  

4. Get cashback and rewards online

Cashback apps and browser extensions help you save money on everything from groceries to books. You won't make a fortune, but if you shop online well, the savings can really add up.

For example, with the free DollarSprout Rewards browser extension, I can automatically earn $10-$20 back every month. I get cash back at my favorite stores like Overstock, Walgreens, and Walmart, and also scours the web for promo codes and coupons for extra savings at checkout.

Once you install the browser extension, DollarSprout Rewards will let you know if an offer is available for any of over 15,000 different merchant websites. With one simple click you activate the cash back offer and there is no "catch" to use it. If your earnings balance exceeds $5 at any time during a given month, you will automatically receive a PayPal cash payout the following month.

5. Sell your unused internet connection

It sounds weird, but hear me out: companies like Honeygain will literally buy your chunks of unused data and internet resources to provide their content delivery services to the Fortune 500 partner companies they work with. Your computer becomes part of a larger "hive" of computers and internet connections that help power the network. 

By installing the app on two devices and sharing around 5GB per day, Honeygain estimates that the average user will earn $45 per month in passive income.

If you have an unlimited data cellular plan, cable, fiber, or DSL, chances are you'll have some extra bandwidth to donate. Even better, new users also get a free $3 gift when they sign up online. 

6. Start a blog

Making money by starting a blog is more realistic than you might think. Bloggers earn money by advertising for companies they are affiliated with. When users click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, the site owner earns a commission. There are other ways to make money blogging, such as displaying ads, selling your own products, or writing sponsored content.

Blogging platforms like Bluehost provide an easy and affordable way to start your own digital business from home for less than the cost of a cup of coffee every month. (It's the same way we made DollarSprout a seven-figure brand.) 

7. Invest in real estate

In the past, the only way to gain exposure to the real estate market was to invest thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in outright purchases.

Then REITs came along and the burden was eased, allowing wealthier Americans to invest for just a few thousand dollars in today's economic environment. 

But with the advancement of technology and a little innovation, for just $10, the average Joe can now start investing in real estate. That's because companies like Fundrise allow everyday investors to buy fractional shares in large real estate projects. 

8. Monetization of Your Location Data

Have you ever received one of those push notifications from Starbucks asking you to get a drink when you're a stone's throw away from a physical location? Get apps on your phone and ask permission if they can use your location data? 

Chances are you have more than a dozen apps on your phone that are currently tracking every step you've ever taken. Now it's time to monetize it. 

With Tapestri, users can earn up to $25 per month simply by turning on location sharing.

Tapestri then works with massive brands to help them gain insight into consumer behavior and buying patterns. Location data is completely anonymous, and as we mentioned, you already share it with a number of other apps – at least with Tapestry, you get paid for it. 

Pro tip: Tapestri has a super neat referral program that pays monthly passive cash for every person you refer to the app (who similarly agrees to share their location). For every month a referral keeps the app installed on their phone, you get $1.

9. Become a proofreader

Proofreaders help writers, bloggers, and even court reporters ensure their content is grammatically correct and error-free. A proofreader's job is to be another set of eyes after the writer and editor have finished their work. They scan the content and look for errors that may have been overlooked before. With a modest client list, a freelance proofreader can reasonably expect to earn several hundred to even several thousand dollars per month working in their spare time.

DollarSprout reader and avid side hustler Tori Gellino makes an average of $1,200 a month as a virtual proofreader. She recently shared her top tips for finding a stable of 5-10 reliable clients and the training she received before bringing them on board. 

10. Start a dropshipping business

Dropshipping has become an extremely popular way to make money online over the past decade. Dropshippers source products from manufacturers and then sell them through their online store. When a customer places an order, the goods are shipped from the manufacturer directly to the customer's home. You never have to store inventory or manage orders again. Shopify, one of the most popular eCommerce platforms online, offers a free 45-minute workshop on how to get started and launch a dropshipping business.

11. Management of Facebook Ads for companies

One of the ways Facebook makes money is by allowing companies to advertise their products and services in users' news feeds. Most small business owners don't realize the value of running Facebook ads to their business. By learning how to communicate the value of ads in reaching new clientele and building brand awareness, you can earn $1,000 to $2,000 per month for each client you book.

Start by reaching out to small business owners in your area or taking an online course 

12. Work as a virtual assistant

A virtual assistant is an all-encompassing title for someone who offers online services to businesses and small businesses. Services can range from graphic design to blog management to email marketing.

A good friend of mine started working as a virtual assistant as soon as she had her first child. She makes $35 an hour and offers copywriting and email management to local companies. Freelancing will increase your hourly rate, but comes with the downside of having to find your own work. Another option is to work with well-known virtual assistant companies that have a steady stream of clients, but at a lower hourly rate. 

13. Transcription of audio files - Transcription

The most common transcription jobs fall into three categories: legal, medical, and general. Companies in the medical or legal field may require you to have certain knowledge or experience in the relevant field. As a transcriber, you will listen to audio files and transcribe them into written content. Salary varies depending on the field and your level of experience. 

When you transcribe something, you convert speech into written text. If you consider yourself a fast typist with meticulous attention to detail as well as excellent grammar and punctuation skills, transcription might be a good fit. You can transcribe the speech of doctors, lawyers and other professionals. Transcription jobs are usually paid per hour of audio or one hour of audio transcription. 

14. Complete microtasks and online surveys

Microtasks are one of the easiest ways to make money online. But micro jobs come with micro salaries. With Swagbucks, you can earn a few dollars a month by watching videos, playing games, and using the Swagbucks search engine. Other microjob sites pay users to review content, verify data, or test apps and websites.

Many brands and companies appreciate honest and unbiased feedback from others in order to make the most informed business decisions. If you're looking for an easy work from home opportunity that you can do while your kids nap or watch TV, like online surveys from the web like swagbuck, servioo, surveyjunkim, surveylama and prime opinion.

15. Invest in fine art

When people think of investing, they think of the usual: stocks, bonds, real estate, etc. But you can also invest in physical objects like fine art. Until now, it has not been possible for most ordinary people to buy famous and original works of art from artists such as Picasso, Monet or Rembrandt.

Masterworks is a company that allows you to buy "shares" in a painting, just like you would buy shares of stock. It's a good way to make money online if you know your craft and don't need money right away.

16. Teach English as a Second Language

I have been a VIPKid teacher myself and I can honestly say that this is a legit way to make money online. VIPKid hires native English speakers to teach English to children, most of whom are based in China. Your salary depends on your level of teaching experience and how well you do in the sample interview. When I worked for the company, I had no experience and was regularly making $1,500-$2,000 a month teaching part-time. 

17. Host a digital course

Digital courses are one of the best ways to make money online today. Outschool is a teacher recruitment platform specifically designed to help online course creators monetize their knowledge. His courses range from architecture to yoga to learning about Pokemon characters. According to the site, the average teacher makes $40 an hour, and you don't need any teaching experience to use Outschool. 

18. Buy and sell domain names

Ever since I started my own website in 2016, I've been buying domain names whenever I thought they might be worth something. I recently sold one of these on GoDaddy for $1,200 for a domain I originally bought for $12. If you have a penchant for coming up with unique website or business names, domain flipping can be a potentially lucrative way to make money online. Here's a great tutorial from GoDaddy that shares tips on flipping a cheap domain for thousands. Others are wix and hostinger.

19. Become a private tutor

With the variety of online teaching sites available, you can earn money teaching anything you know online. Some sites dictate the amount you can charge, while others allow you to set your own rate. You can start booking clients by creating profiles on sites like Wyzant or Tutor.com. Depending on your area and whether you prefer to teach in person or online, you can also advertise on Craigslist or at local schools.

20. Get paid to test websites

Website testers give their opinions on website design and user experience. This allows companies to make changes to their website to provide a better user experience (and hopefully increase sales). With sites like UserTesting, you can earn $10 for every 15-20 minutes you complete. Tests include screen recording with feedback and answering follow-up questions. 

21. Write for websites and business owners

Writing is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to make money online. You don't need perfect grammar skills or a padded portfolio to become a freelance writer. You can use personal blog posts, newsletters, or stories you've written in the past as examples of your work. Join the ProBlogger and Freelance Writing job boards and start pitching your services to clients. 

22. Pick up freelance work

Over the past three years, I've made thousands in additional income as a freelance writer, web developer, and most recently a project manager. The fastest way to sell your services online is to offer what you already know. If your day job involves social media management, or if you learned how to edit podcasts from working on your personal podcast, these are legitimate services you can offer clients. Sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com offer a network of professionals looking for freelancers with your skills.

23. Flip Facebook Marketplace finds

I love following furniture flipping Instagram accounts like Whitney Hansen's Unsophisticated DIY. The main thing I learned from these accounts: not all flips require significant work. If you find enough good deals, you can buy a piece, then turn around and sell it for a profit within a week. In addition to furniture, keep an eye out for other flipping items you can sell, such as clothing with tags, antiques, and vintage collectibles such as baseball cards or gaming systems. Professional flippers like Rob and Melissa of Flea Market Flipper - who make over $100,000 a year in yard sale sales 

24. Sell what you make on Etsy

One of the most popular money-making sites in the world, Etsy is known for its range of handmade and vintage items. Alternatively, users have found success selling everything from handmade knitwear and upcycled jewelry to inexpensive prints and home organization binders. Whatever your talent, there's a chance you can sell your crafts digitally and earn extra income.

25. Create YouTube content

YouTubers primarily make money through ads, which average $0.01 to $0.03 per view, or $3 to $5 per 1,000 video views. If you create consistent, engaging content and build a following, you can make money on YouTube with Google AdSense. Creating a creator account is free, but you must meet YouTube's minimum requirements before you can monetize your videos.

26. Create an application

You don't need to be a software engineer or developer to create an app. If you have a great idea, find someone on Freelancer, Upwork or Fiverr with technical skills to help you bring it to life. You can also use a platform like Build Fire or Appy Pie to create an app without the need for coding skills. Once your app is live, you can earn money by displaying in-app ads, offering a premium version, or selling the app to a larger company.

27. Sell your personal photos

If you enjoy taking pictures or have pictures on your camera that you don't use, you can make money by selling them online. All you need to get started is your smartphone camera. Some apps will pay you for your selfies, while other sites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock will pay you for photos they can sell to business owners. Learn more about getting paid for your images.

28. Self-publishing of an electronic book

Self-publishing has become popular among new authors. If you already have a blog or personal website, you can use it to sell your book. The most common method seems to be self-publishing through Amazon with Kindle Direct Publishing. Once you've written and formatted your book, you can upload it directly to your Amazon KDP account. Learn more about how to publish and sell an eBook. 

29. Become a voice artist

Voice-over artists provide their voices for professional audio work such as games, commercials and cartoons. If you have a voice for radio, this can be an easy way to make money online. You can find voice-over work on freelance sites like Fiverr or on niche sites like Voices.com.

30. Sell digital products

If you don't have time or just don't want to work with clients, selling digital products offers another way to make money online with your know-how. There are many types of digital products you can create and sell, such as planners, templates, or notebooks. You can drive people to your digital products through Pinterest, social media, or by creating content such as blog posts that rank in search engine results.

31. Apply for a job as a data entry specialist - bookkeeping.

Data entry involves entering printed information into a spreadsheet or scanning documents into an online program. It requires no specialized training and pays upwards of $13 an hour depending on your experience level, making data entry an easy way to make money online or from home in your spare time. Sites like FlexJobs and Microworkers offer data entry for all skill levels.

32. Design and sell t-shirts

If you're creative or can come up with catchy sayings, you can make money online by designing and selling your own t-shirts. Sites like Teespring, Bonfire, and Printify allow you to design and sell custom shirts without having to pay anything upfront or hold inventory. Similar to dropshipping, you create your own interpretation that includes your personal designs. When a customer places an order, the site creates the product and ships it on your behalf. You'll still need to promote your business to make money online with this idea, so it's helpful to have an online following, whether it's on Instagram, YouTube, or another social media platform.

33. Offer of consulting services

Consulting has an inherently corporate connotation. However, anyone with deep knowledge in a certain area could make money as a virtual consultant. Unlike freelancers, the work of a consultant is less hands-on. Rather than doing the work yourself, you provide clients with expertise that enables them to take informed action. For example, if you are a search engine optimization expert, you can consult with clients to create an SEO strategy and then teach their staff how to implement the changes.

34. Rent of rooms

For example, if you have a spare bedroom or basement that you rarely use, you can rent it out on a platform like Airbnb or Vrbo. Create a listing that shows the features and amenities of your space and wait for potential guests to contact you. If you keep your keys in a lockbox or somewhere else that guests can easily get to and hire a cleaning company, this can be a great passive income opportunity.

Real ways to make money from home offline

Not all work from home jobs require an internet connection. The following guides and resources can help you learn more about these real ways to make money from home for free.

35. Accounting for local businesses

As an accountant, you will be responsible for things like entering business transactions, reconciling bank records, invoicing customers and maintaining financial reports. You don't need a degree in finance or accounting to make money from home as an accountant. However, you will need to know how to use Quickbooks or other popular accounting software, and you will need a basic understanding of accounting principles. Any accounting courses or certifications you complete may justify an increase in your rates. If you have an unused space in your home, renting it out is one of the best ways to make money from home. There are many ways to rent your space. Websites like Neighbor.com and StoreAtMyHouse are built for storing items, while ShareMySpace and PeerSpace are geared toward events like meetings, photo shoots, and parties.

36. Work as a mystery shopper

Companies like Secret Shopper, BestMark and IntelliShop pay workers to provide feedback on the company's products or services. For example, you may be asked to visit a local electronics store, ask someone in the phone department specific questions, and fill out a survey about your experience. You can fill out applications with mystery shopping companies and start booking gigs online or in your area.

37. Let companies advertise on your phone

Advertisements provide a way for companies to reach new clientele. More brand exposure usually means more revenue, which means you can make money from home by letting companies use your stuff as a billboard. Sites like Wrapify and Carvertise pay to put ads on your car, while Slidejoy and similar apps pay to rent ad space on your phone's lock screen. 

38. Graphic design

Many businesses and nonprofits outsource graphic design services for their business cards, websites, postcards, and other assets. If you are creative and proficient in software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, you may want to start a graphic design or side business. Just make sure you have a variety of work samples that showcase your skills and grab the attention of potential customers. You can charge a flat rate per project or an hourly rate for your work.

Plan for extra cash

Ways to make money from home in 2024

Whether you want to replace your income from your nine-to-five job or just want some extra cash, you don't have to leave your home to do it. Fortunately, there is no shortage of legitimate remote work opportunities. With a little hard work, patience, and creativity, you can succeed at working at home or at a gig. 

Why make money from home?

It's no surprise that the number of people working from home has tripled between 2019 and 2022. Making money from home comes with a number of benefits, including:

• More flexibility: A remote job can give you more flexibility in your schedule. Depending on what it is, you may be able to work when you want, where you want. This is a huge plus, especially if you have other responsibilities on your plate.

• Greater comfort: When you work remotely, you don't have to get dressed. You can wear whatever you want, including pajamas, in the space that is most comfortable for you.

• Cost savings: By working from home, you can avoid commuting costs like gas and parking. In addition, you can save on eating out because you will be able to prepare lunch and other meals at home.

How to make money from home

Ideally, you'd find a work-from-home opportunity that aligns with your passions, interests, and skills. The good news is that there are plenty of options out there, so you're sure to find the perfect job or gig. To help you in your search, here is a list of viable ways to make money from home.

39. Online tutoring

Use your expertise in a specific subject, such as math or English, or a standardized test such as the ACT, SAT, MCAT, or LSAT, to tutor children and/or adults online. You can use an online tutoring website to connect with potential clients. Another option is to advertise your services in schools or on social networks. Depending on the subject or test you choose and the way you offer tutoring, you may need a bachelor's degree or meet other criteria.

40. Freelance writing

Freelance writing should be on your radar if you enjoy writing but don't want a full-time job. You can create technical, creative or marketing-oriented content in the form of websites, blog posts, brochures, advertisements and more. Your clients can be startups, small businesses, Fortune 500 companies, or publications. You can specialize in a specific type of writing, such as SEO writing or technical writing, or offer a wider range of writing services.

41. Social media management

These days, most businesses depend on social media to build their brands and promote their offerings. If you are social media savvy and have a handle on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and other social media platforms, you can get paid to manage social media accounts for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Your job will be to create and publish content while interacting with your followers or fans.

42. Dropshipping

With a dropshipping business, you can sell products without having to keep inventory on hand. After a customer buys from your online store at the retail price, you pass their order to the supplier and pay them the wholesale price. The supplier takes care of the shipping and you get to keep the profit. Some of the most profitable dropshipping products you might want to sell include hand sanitizer, diapers, pet clothing, bedding, curtains, printing paper, and ink cartridges.

43. Online courses

If you have special skills or consider yourself an expert in a particular subject, you may want to create and sell an online course. All you need is a website or an eLearning platform like Udemy or Skillshare to advertise it. Ideally, your course would be a combination of text, videos, presentations, quizzes, and other types of content. To focus on your course topic, ask yourself what you know, what you like, and what people need.

44. Online sale of photos

There are a number of websites that can pay you for photos or professional quality photos, such as Getty Images, Alamy and iStockPhoto. These photos can include common locations, landmarks, locations or events and provide businesses with visual elements for their marketing materials. You will need to register as a contributor and upload your images. Selling your photos online can be a nice way to make some extra money.

45. Sale of home crafts and art

By selling home crafts, art, and other products, you can unleash your creativity, pursue your passion, and make some money at the same time. You can use online marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy to promote your listings. Just keep in mind that you will have to compensate the site for a percentage of your profits or pay fees. Once you've built your brand and gained a loyal customer base, you can always move on to your own website.

conclusion

Decades ago, work-from-home options were rare. Today, they are more popular than ever. If you are motivated and have excellent time management and communication skills, you can make a great living or side hustle without leaving your home.