AI can be used directly through the provision of AI services; … [+]
It's never been easier to make money outside of your day job than in 2024. The opportunities and AI-powered tools available to freelancers and others who want to make money online are endless, even with inflation and rising costs of living.
There's literally something for every professional, no matter their skill set. You can use your laptop for flexible work that can be done on the go or in between your regular work hours, all from the comfort of your laptop. Also, if you work remotely for your day job, more Time you can devote to making money online.
However, it's important to remember that there is no such thing as “get rich quick.” Any scheme or website that promises you that you can make money quickly as an absolute guarantee is most likely a scam. To make a lot of money, you need to make sure to utilize your research and expertise, just like any other job.
When looking for ways to make money online, beware of scammers. Unless, of course, you're using a legitimate freelancing site like Upwork, for example, you should never allow anyone to share sensitive or personal financial information. If it sounds too good to be true, trust your instincts. Probably so.
With that caveat in mind, below is a list of the 10 best side hustle opportunities that allow you to make money from home, according to our research and analysis of sites like Upwork and Shopify.
1. Start affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is a great way to generate a passive income stream, and it works best when you have a solid content marketing strategy in place. Start by creating or recording video content about things you're passionate about and build a strong audience and following.
The ideal number of followers and repeat content viewers you need depends on the platform you're using and the requirements of the brand you're working as an affiliate with. You can incorporate affiliate links throughout your website and social media accounts.
However, you need to make sure that the product you're promoting actually resonates with your audience. Otherwise, you'll be spamming and offering low value, people will easily read through it, wasting their time, and your credibility will decrease.
2. Launch a dropshipping store
Dropshipping is a great way to make money in your free time while working from home, mainly due to the convenience of selling products without having to store inventory. For example, you can set up a store on a platform like Shopify. In that case, you will be responsible for developing a business model that allows you to attract customers, increase engagement, and, of course, make sales.
Suppliers ship products directly to customers, eliminating the need to purchase storage space or pile up items in your garage. This model is also highly flexible, allowing you to quickly adapt to market changes while minimizing losses.
Establishing a partnership with a brand allows you to earn money through affiliate marketing and represent the brand … [+]
3. Make money as a social media influencer
The global influencer marketing market has more than tripled in size since 2019, reaching an estimated record $24 billion in 2024. This can be attributed to the increased use of online and social media during and after the pandemic.
With more than half of the world's population having a social media account, it makes perfect sense for avid marketers to collaborate and establish partnerships with social media influencers as part of their brand or product awareness campaigns. That's true. This is where you come in.
First of all, you need a strong passion, interest, and your personality. Create your own personal brand on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. As your follower count increases, your social media presence and social capital become more valuable to brands looking to partner with you. Eventually, you'll be able to join influencer platforms that brands are looking to partner with, like Aspire.io and Open Influence.
4. Become an online instructor
The online tutoring market is predicted to reach $21.8 billion by 2030, indicating that the demand for online tutoring is increasing. As an online tutor, you can also use video conferencing tools to teach high-demand subjects and join freelance teaching platforms to create your profile and promote your services.
5. AI content editing and proofreading
Not so long ago, writing, editing, and proofreading content was touted as a great way to make money online. But thanks to AI, things have changed dramatically, with AI tools like Jasper AI and ChatGPT making it easy to generate content in seconds. That means anyone who relies on this as a side hustle is at risk. Replaced. However, these tools also have limitations and, when used alone, can contain factual inaccuracies, grammatical errors, and appear unnatural and robotic.
An AI content proofreader or editor can fact-check AI-generated content for business clients, soften the tone to reflect the brand's voice and avoid errors.
Below are five other ideas you can consider to make money online.
- Write and self-publish an e-book
- Start a Podcast and Get Sponsorships/Sell Advertising Space
- become a virtual assistant
- Sell crafts and handmade items on Etsy
- Providing consulting services
Selling handmade items and crafts on Etsy can make you a lot of money
After all, increasing your income online doesn't have to be difficult. Find an underserved section of the market and make your mark. With the internet and a laptop, you can develop new skills, share them with the world, and make more money in the process.
