Ways to earn money at home, 54 ways to make money from home

Ways to earn money at home

how to make money online for beginners

Ways to earn money at home, 54 ways to make money from home

Whether it’s a ‘side hustle’ or the launch of a new startup venture, making money from home has never been easier. According to Informy Research, one in five UK workers (19%) say they have a second job in addition to their main source of income, potentially earning up to £4,992 a year. So, what are the best ways to make money from home and earn extra money?

The best ways to make money from home, online or offline

Modern technology has evolved so much that it’s incredibly easy to turn any space into a workplace. Job roles have evolved with the digital age, with many requiring only a computer, bank account and internet access to complete everyday tasks. 

If you’re someone who focuses better at home without the distractions of a busy, noisy office environment and feel like your commute is eating up a chunk of your salary, it could be worth thinking about how to make extra money from home.

These ideas aren’t necessarily about starting a home business, as that can be a long and complicated process. They’re quick ideas for side businesses or easy extra cash projects that can keep you financially happy without having to go anywhere near the station or run to Starbucks. They can fit around your lifestyle, which is helpful if you have a young family and need to save money on travel or can’t commit to a 9-5, or if you’re looking to improve your quality of life by spending more time at home. Who knows, they might just turn into a growing business!

The best starting point is to know where your skills lie, have a desire to learn something new, and embrace that inner entrepreneurial spirit…

How to Make Money From Home: Tech Ideas

1. Computer Repairman/Troubleshooter

While our lives are dominated by computer-based technology, most of us know a little bit about troubleshooting technical issues beyond just the restart button. If you understand the inner workings of a PC, tablet (or even a mobile phone!) and have strong communication skills, this could be a job or even a full-time income for you.

Build a local client base through word of mouth and local advertising (for example, add yourself to local directories online, attend local networking events, pop your business card in shops that stock computers/computer equipment etc). Use remote access software such as TeamViewer to enable you to troubleshoot clients’ computers from home, which will allow you to expand your client base beyond your postcode.

2. Chat support

The “Hi, can I help you today?” box that sometimes pops up on websites. The live chat service at Amazon is a great example of instant customer service as opposed to working in a call centre. Job sites such as indeed.co.uk regularly advertise these roles – brands such as SilkFred offer these roles from home. With some on-the-job training, you’ll be able to help customers online from the comfort of your couch, earning a few extra pennies.

3. Coder

If your background is in computer language programming, these highly skilled online jobs are ones that can easily turn into a home job. From building and testing websites and apps to developing software, all you need to get started is a computer and internet access. Additional equipment and software will depend on the specific job you’re offering or accepting.

4. Data Entry

If you’re an accurate, fast computer user, this could be the online business for you. Companies routinely outsource data entry into a computer system. Just take a look at job sites and you’ll see that many don’t require prior experience to apply.

5. Transcriptionist

Transcriptionists quickly and accurately convert spoken words into electronic text. This job requires a computer, word processing software, headphones, internet access, and basic computer skills, as well as speed and accuracy.

6. Translator

Translate audio recordings, documents, video clips, etc. from your home office. Most employers require proficiency in English and other languages, while others require a degree to interpret it. Either way, it’s a great way to make extra money from home.

7. Social Media Manager

If you have experience planning, writing, and managing social media content, this could easily become a freelance job that you can do from home in your spare time.

Promote your services to local businesses that don’t have the money to hire a sophisticated agency. Keeping it local means less travel for meetings, market research, and content research. You can offer your services from an audit and strategy perspective, where businesses can assess your skills and create a social media plan for the year, where you help train and guide staff for successful implementation.

Be prepared to show results at the end of your campaign and be clear from the start that your rate excludes any travel expenses, in case you want to take on an interesting project that requires some off-site meetings.

8. Online Surveys

Fully paid surveys to make money online! Companies pay for your responses to refine their products and marketing materials. Money-saving experts have put together a detailed guide to help you get off to a more profitable start, including a list of the 25 best online survey sites to help you up your game.

9. Online Influencers

Companies look for the best places online to target new customers outside of their own channels. If you have a successful blog and/or social media channel that specializes in an industry, such as personal finance or home decor, you can reach out to brands to collaborate on paid content, ads, contests, and more.

You need to sell your story and demonstrate your popularity through your blog traffic and social media following; many brands don’t consider you a micro-influencer until you have your first 1,000 followers on social media. Be transparent with your followers when you collaborate by using #ad when creating content as part of the deal.

10. Brand Ambassadors/Representatives

Some companies rely on brand ambassadors to represent them in a positive way, driving brand awareness and sales. A classic example is Avon, which says that if you’re trying to start your own business, “Our goal is to help you get there.” Activities include hosting an Avon party at your customers’ homes or online, where you showcase products and take orders. Representatives can earn up to 25% of your sales in cash every three weeks, giving you a flexible income that you can control. More details can be found on the Avon website.

11. Virtual Assistant

A management-oriented job that requires sharp organizational skills and attention to detail. Perform remote tasks for a variety of industries, from booking travel to managing calendars. Some tasks can take a day, while others can take months. Search for “virtual assistant” on job sites and you’ll get a better idea of ​​the wide range of requirements.

12. Personal Shopper

Do you have a good eye for style? Promote your services to people who need a new outfit or makeover, from one-off appointments to regular shopping trips to match the season. Visit high-end stores from the high street to street markets.

13. Private Tutor

This is a great option for those who want to put their careers on hold while caring for family or retired teachers. Advertise locally or sign up on websites like Personal Tutor. In the UK, there is no legal requirement to have a specific qualification to become a tutor but, in general, tutors must have a degree qualification in a specific academic subject. A degree is not mandatory but it helps to market your services. Online tutoring is also available for those who can’t travel!

14. Virtual Tutor

Tutoring remotely from home is easy thanks to proven software like FaceTime, Skype, and Google Hangouts.

15. Freelance Writer

If you’re smart with words and have an eye for grammar, freelance writing will allow you to start earning a healthy salary each month. Depending on your previous roles and contacts, you can charge a rate that reflects your experience and abilities and make some real money blogging. Reach out to companies and contacts – There’s nothing wrong with following brands and people you’d like to work with. There are many success stories with this job. Make sure your LinkedIn account is up-to-date and typo-free and any personal social channels and blogs reflect you in a positive light. Set up a website that showcases your best work and if you have any areas of expertise, give them a shout out. Make it easy for people to contact you.

In addition to commissions, you can get involved with websites with original content like Listverse, Be a Freelance Blogger, and WritersWeekly.

16. Copy Editor

This job is about more than just typos; it’s about actual accuracy, grammar, and overall readability. There are no specific qualifications to enter this role, but many copy editors have studied subjects including English, journalism, communications, marketing or media. You can enter national qualifications - using a search engine will point you in the right direction.

17. Virtual recruiter

Some companies are happy to pay someone to refer a good candidate before meeting them for a second stage interview. Working independently from an agency means paying for access to job boards and recruitment tools so factor this into your rate. It is advisable that you have some previous experience in this sector before freelancing as there are some skills involved.

AAT Business Finance Basics

Arts and Crafts

18. Online Craft Shop

Forget selling on Amazon; turn a crafty hobby into a business by setting up an Etsy shop - a creative marketplace that focuses on handmade and vintage items. Although it costs £0.15 to list an item, a 5% transaction fee and a 4%+ £0.20 payment processing fee, it gives you instant access to millions of buyers looking for handmade treasures in the UK and around the world. 

You don’t have to worry about setting up a website for secure transactions etc as it’s all provided by Etsy. It takes a lot of your time and stress out of setting it up, making it a quicker way to get your creations out there.

There are other craft e-commerce sites such as Folksy and Zazzle, but Etsy is best known for selling online, offering the best exposure if you’re looking to make quick money from home. Listed as one of our 10 side hustle businesses to start, it’s a great way to monetise your creative talents.

19. Musical Performer

Can you play a musical instrument to a high standard? Promote your talent locally and you could be providing the soundtrack to a wedding or formal event in no time. Just make sure you have a few smart outfits on hand...

20. Music Teacher

Are you a keen musician with good communication skills? Becoming a self-employed music teacher could be the gig for you.

You don’t need any formal qualifications, although they can help students gain them. One option to consider is the Certificate in Music Educators (CME) or you can also take a PGCE course to become a fully qualified teacher (you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in music before you can do this course). It’s important to set yourself up properly, including insurance and criminal record checks. Simply Business has put together a useful 7-step guide that ensures you’ve got these important bases covered from the start.

21. Sewing/Alteration Services

If you’re nifty with a needle, this could be a solid income for you as more and more people are appreciating the value of mending and patching up clothes, according to The Guardian.

22. Home baker

Sell your bakes to local shops for sale. Start by contacting your local council explaining your plans. They will send someone to your home to inspect your kitchen/preparation area. It must be clean, with the right cleaning equipment and food storage methods, etc.

Ask your council if you need to go on any specific food safety courses. The Food Standards Agency also provides helpful information to get started.

23. Cake making/decorating

If you’re a wizard with a whisk, making special occasion cakes and bakes could be a great side business to bring home some extra cash. Again, check the relevant food safety procedures that your venue will require.

24. Flower Arranging

With so many tips and tricks available online, it should be pretty easy to educate yourself about flower arranging. Sell your creations to local businesses, events or individuals – from centrepieces to hanging baskets, word of mouth is a great way to start a successful side business once you get the hang of it.

Home & Lifestyle

25. Babysitting

Ways to earn money at home, If you have a few extra evenings each week and know a parent who needs a break, this is an easy way to earn some extra cash.

26. Childcare

If you’re planning on running a daycare from home, the process is a little more complicated but can be more financially rewarding than looking after a child in the long run. From contacting Ofsted to applying for the relevant register – you’ll need to make sure you’ve organised everything to comply with the law to ensure you’re qualified to work with and look after young children. There’s plenty of information online, such as this feature from Childcare.co.uk.

27. Doula

If you have a baby and want to support new mothers, you could become a doula - a birth companion and postpartum companion. A short course with British doulas, alongside your experience as a mother, will help you become a 'professional mother' (N.B. This is not a medical profession). If you think you have the personal skills to support women and their families through childbirth and the immediate postpartum period, this is something worth considering.

28. Handyman/Woman

Let people know you are available for small DIY jobs, whether it's fixing a leaky tap or putting up shelves. You might be surprised what people are willing to pay for small household jobs. Private social network Nextdoor is a place to connect with neighbours and the community - check it out as it can be a great place to advertise your services and find work.

29. Sell unwanted items

This is a pretty obvious one, but sell anything you no longer need! Car boot sales, garage sales, eBay, local Facebook marketplace pages – consider parting with it if you haven’t used it in the last year.

30. Work on your valuables

Have some inherited antiques or a significant collection that might be worth something? Contact an expert to help you value your possessions so you know how much they could bring if you ever want to part with them.

31. Sell your wedding dress

A wedding dress can be a valuable sale to make some extra money if you’re willing to part with it. Many brides can’t afford the high prices at bridal shops and would be happy to buy a dress that has only been worn once.

32. Equipment Rental

Rent any equipment that people might need for a one-time job, such as tools, gardening equipment, etc. Loan websites like Fat Llama are specifically designed to connect borrowers. You can even rent out your car.

33. Rent a Room

If you have a spare room, converted garage, or basement, you can take advantage of the sharing economy by renting out your space on trusted sites like Airbnb or HomeAway. The more central you are to a city, town, or point of interest, the more likely your rates are to increase. Make sure that satisfied visitors have left glowing reviews on your online ads.

34. Rent Storage Space

Ways to earn money at home, If you have extra space in your attic, garage, shed, or spare room, you should check out websites like Storemates. Registration is free, they charge 15% of the monthly rent but they do a lot of admin. That’s 50% cheaper than commercial storage, so you should have a decent demand on your doorstep.

Depending on the size of your site, you can earn between £25 and £200 per month. Another site to check out is Storenextdoor (again, it’s free to sign up and they charge 23% of the monthly rent to cover their services).

35. Rent out your driveway

If you live somewhere where parking is limited and expensive, offer a space in your driveway for rent. This can be long-term for commuters or short-term for sports enthusiasts. JustPark, Parklet and Your Parking Space are good starting points, but make sure you get advice on things like mortgage requirements, insurance and taxes. If you have a designated parking space, renting it out could also be an option.

36. Gardening Services

Do you like being outside but not too far from home? Offer to take care of your neighbors' lawns for a weekly/monthly fee or a one-time fee. Weeding, planting, mowing - there are many companies that perform these labor-intensive tasks that many people prefer to avoid.

37. Dog / Pet Walking

Do you love dogs and the outdoors? Helping a dog get some exercise and/or taking care of it is a great way to earn some extra money, especially if you are responsible for more than one. Offering a grooming service appeals to a large segment of pet owners who have to travel for work, work long hours, and go on vacation.

Dog walking is also a reliable service for seniors who may find it difficult to exercise their companions every day, especially in cold weather. Liability insurance is essential in case something happens to your dog or the public while they are in your care.

38. Dog and cat breeders.

Most pet owners hate that! There are no set entry requirements for this line of work, but you will need to have experience with dogs and cats. A basic course in animal care from a university or training centre would be recommended, as well as some work experience with a qualified and experienced pet sitter.

39. Plant Gardener

Offer to look after indoor and outdoor plants while owners are on holiday, especially during the summer months when gardens need a good watering.

40. Yoga Teacher

If you have the space, turn your spare room into a yoga studio for private lessons or small classes. If business is good, you could set up a studio in your garden! If you’re looking for training, a good place to start is The British Wheel of Yoga, which offers the highest level of yoga teacher training qualifications currently available in the UK. It’s important to make sure you set up your home business safely, so be sure to consider things like relevant insurance and planning permission.

41. Ironing Services

Ways to earn money at home, Most people hate ironing and would be happy to pay you a few bucks to do it. Invest in a quality iron and ironing board, then advertise locally and tell your friends and family to spread the word.

How to Make Money from Home FAQ

How to make money from home in the UK?

1 in 5 people in the UK have a second job that helps them earn money from home. Many of these second jobs only require a computer, a bank account and internet access. Having a focused and manageable action plan is a good start when it comes to earning extra money.

How to make money from home fast?

Technology and online services such as social media managers or websites that offer chat support.

Complete online surveys to earn money.

Set up an online store.

Creative talents such as flower arranging, baking and sewing.

Offer online tutoring.

Provide babysitting and childcare services.

Sell unwanted items online.

Handyman and gardening services.

I rent out a spare room, storage room or driveway.

Dog walking or pet sitting services.

How to make money from home?

One of the best ways to make money is to turn a hobby into a side business or extra money project. Knowing where your skills lie and being motivated to learn new skills will put you in a position to make money quickly.

How do you get paid to work from home?

Modern technology has made it much easier to make money from home. Finding a quick way to make extra money that fits your lifestyle will help.

The best starting point is to know where your skills lie and look at your digital applications.

Selling products

Many home businesses involve selling products. This comes with startup costs that you will need to consider to get your business up and running.

42. Drop shipping

Dropshipping is a great business model for starting an ecommerce business. This is because it can mean your startup costs are very low.

The idea behind dropshipping is that instead of buying shares of a company and then selling them, they sell them to customers and then buy them from suppliers who then ship the product directly to the customer. This means you don’t have to worry about storing stock or holding onto stock that hasn’t been sold yet.

The main costs involved in starting a dropshipping business are:

The cost of setting up an ecommerce platform

The cost of setting up your website

Any costs involved in sourcing products.

The costs associated with advertising your product and acquiring customers.

43. Existing Brand Products

Branding (or reselling) existing products is a form of dropshipping, where existing brands and products are collected from multiple locations, making them available to your customers in one place.

Business models for existing product brands often involve buying their products in bulk, often at a lower price, and then selling them to customers at a higher price. In return, you should try to offer your customers other benefits, such as being a one-stop shop for the various items they want to purchase, providing product descriptions, a customer loyalty program, or excellent customer service.

This means you can use your expertise in a specific area without having to create a new product and the work and expense that goes into it.

44. Gift Baskets and Subscription Boxes

When it comes to dropshipping, gift baskets and subscription boxes are great strategies for increasing your business’s sales in both the short and long term.

Gift baskets usually contain a collection of different products that are delivered to the customer at the same time. They are a great way to showcase new products to existing customers and existing products to new customers in a larger format.

Subscription boxes work like gift baskets, but when customers sign up for a box at regular intervals, they come back, which helps sustain your business in the long run.

Graphic Design

If you have graphic design skills, you can put them to good use to make money from home.

45. Website Design

Ways to earn money at home, For most businesses, especially e-commerce, having a functional and well-designed website is essential. A website designer will help those businesses get the right branding and ensure that the website looks professional and attractive. In addition to graphic design skills, a website designer will need to understand programming/software languages ​​such as HTML and JavaScript.

46. Marketing Content Design

Businesses are looking to bring their brand to life across their digital marketing channels, and this often requires the skills of a graphic designer or, more specifically, a content marketing designer. In this role, you’ll help them create infographics, social media posts, logos, icons, etc. Whether you work freelance or on a contract basis, you’ll need to make sure you can create and deliver work that meets the client’s brief. And their brand guidelines (such as image voice, colors, logo, font, and tone of voice). .

47. Font Design

Fonts play a vital role in branding. They’re used everywhere (on websites, printed materials, logos, and advertising) and help influence how a company and its message are perceived. That can be fun. That can be serious. As a font designer, you’ll work from a brief to create the aesthetic form of a font based on its intended use, sometimes adapting existing fonts or alternatively creating new unique fonts.

48. Posters and Prints

Go to Etsy or any online print shop and you’ll see thousands of graphic designers running their businesses. As a poster and print designer, you can establish yourself as an independent seller on marketplace websites like Etsy or eBay, or you can try selling your designs through dedicated art dealers and suppliers. Popular prints typically include movies, music, sports, and travel, but equally, you may want something more abstract or abstract.

49. 3D Animator

Ways to earn money at home, Perhaps your interests in graphic design have allowed you to hone your skills as a 3D animator? It’s a fast-growing creative sector where animators work in everything from television and film to forensics and medical science. While these designs often start as sketches, you’ll need technical skills to bring your 3D models to life using software like Autodesk, Cinema 4D, and Adobe. A passion for storytelling and problem-solving is absolutely essential.

50. Illustration

The role of the illustrator predates the digital age and dates back to the time when cave drawings were used to tell stories. Things have moved on a bit, and today illustrators are sought after to apply their skills to websites, postcards and stationery, t-shirts, movie storyboards, comics, the world of fashion, and more. Even more serious fields, such as drawing court scenes and capturing the inner workings of the human anatomy, have found their way to illustrators.

Marketing Services

Marketing services are always in high demand, and digital technology has made it a great job to offer as a home business.

51. Digital Marketing Consultant

Ways to earn money at home, If you have extensive digital marketing skills and experience (SEO, PPC, content, email, social media), you can help businesses reach their target audience and convert their interest into sales by offering your services. When working as a consultant, you will be expected to have a strategic mindset so that you can see the bigger picture and offer comprehensive solutions. 

You may be expected to be involved in the day-to-day strategic implementation of the strategy, whether it’s writing copy for a website or setting up Facebook ad campaigns. As with any consulting role, communication skills are essential and you will also need to have an analytical mindset.

52. CRM Specialist

Customer relationships are a vital part of any business. At the core of this is the CRM system which is used to collect and organize data, automate marketing communications, and provide customer insights and analytics. If you have the skills to manage a customer database and use a CRM system, this is a skill that is extremely valuable to the organization.

53. Paid Advertising Specialist

In the UK, businesses spent around £32 billion on advertising in 2021. While many businesses have their own in-house marketing teams, advertising is often outsourced to specialists. If you have experience running advertising campaigns online and offline, businesses look for specialists who can provide expert insight and strategic knowledge that will drive the best results from their marketing budget.

54. SEO Specialist

A SEO (Search Engine Optimization) specialist is someone who works specifically to ensure that a website appears as close to the top of search engine results as possible. Many factors are involved and the algorithms used by search engines to determine the order of these results are constantly changing.

An SEO specialist will work with clients to optimise their website for search, provide opportunities and information to create content, and build links to the website through promotional activities.