If you’re reading this, you’ve no doubt asked yourself if you can make legit money online.
Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, unemployed, or just looking for a way to make some extra cash from home, we’ve got you covered. This article includes ideas to generate some online and offline income without ever leaving the house.
Are there Legit Ways to Make Money Online?
It’s true there’s an abundance of internet scams that lie about how you can make money online legit, and sorting through them all can be discouraging. But it’s also true there are just as many genuine and trustworthy opportunities to cash in on work-from-home jobs. Some will help you make a few extra bucks each week, while others can replace a full-time income if you are motivated and have the time to invest.
We think one of the best reasons for pursuing work from home is the excitement and sense of accomplishment it brings. There’s nothing quite like getting paid for a task that you initiated. You get the satisfaction of knowing that you earned some legit money on your own time and by your own steam, without anyone looking over your shoulder. That’s something to be proud of, whether it’s just a few dollars to help with groceries or enough to pay the rent.
How to Make Legit Money Online
There are lots of ways to make money from home. But one of the simplest ways to get cash fast is through online work or even completing online surveys for cash. Working online requires a reliable internet connection and a computer, and if you’re reading this, you probably have both.
You can make extra cash offline, too, and we’ll talk about some of the ways to do that further on in this article. However, the fastest way to make money online for free is through finding online work. Generally speaking, you don’t need to advertise, and there is no overhead. Getting ready is a breeze, too. You can roll out of bed (or even stay in bed if you prefer) and get to work at any time of the day or night.
Make Legit Money Online Without an Investment
Before we get into our list, it’s essential to go over one of the major pitfalls to avoid when seeking online opportunities—paying for them.
If there’s one thing we cannot stress enough, it’s that you should never, ever have to pay to make money online. If a company asks you for cash upfront or charges a fee, it’s almost guaranteed to be a scam. We say almost because there are a few legitimate online job boards that charge for membership. However, as a general rule, if a company wants to charge you, instead of the other way around, move on.
Taking Surveys Is a Legit Way to Make Money
Before we cover some of the best ways to make extra money online, let’s talk for a moment about survey sites. Can you complete legit surveys for money? Like all opportunities on the web, there exist scam sites and those that are genuine.
Signing up for a legit survey site is a great way to test the waters of online earning and one of the fastest ways we know of to generate cash in a pinch. Many companies even allow their users to answer surveys for gift cards.
How do you earn on these sites? It’s simple. You fill out questionnaires from market research firms and get paid cash or rewards for your opinion about various products and services. It’s an excellent way to get started in the world of online earning and can serve as a helpful introduction to other opportunities. Plus, filling out surveys is super-easy and can be accomplished anywhere and anytime. In some cases, you can even use your smartphone.
Other Legit Ways to Make Money Online
Survey sites aren’t the only way to make money online. Here are some other suggestions:
Consider Freelance Writing
Writing for digital publications is an excellent way to earn some extra money online, especially if you have a way with words. There are plenty of places to find freelance writing work. The worst that can happen is that you won’t be successful. But you might earn a reputation as a reliable writer and can even turn it into a full-time business if you are.
Be a Tutor
If you are patient, kind, and have some academic prowess, you could land a job as a tutor. Whether you teach elementary school students to read or help high schoolers study for the SATs, tutoring is rewarding work that can be done both online and in person.
Sell Your Unwanted Stuff Online
Nearly everyone can do with a bit of decluttering, and once you start tidying up, you may find yourself with quite a few items you no longer want or need. Trading cards, action figures, household items, toys, games, books, clothing, and more can be sold on sites like eBay. If you have unused electronics, do an online search for companies that purchase these items. You might be surprised to find how much you can earn for your old cell phone.
Get Crafty
Artists and those with a creative flair have more opportunities than ever to sell their wares, thanks to sites like Etsy. Are you a pro at knitting winter mittens or carving wooden figurines? Do friends and relatives regularly comment on your gorgeous embroidery work? Somebody, somewhere, wants what you have and is willing to pay top dollar for your beautiful handmade items.
Find Legit Sites to Make Money
If you’re not thrilled by the idea of being tied down to online work, there are other ways to make money from home that don’t involve being tethered to the internet. In most cases, you will still need to do an online search to find them, but you will be a more active participant in the work itself. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Become a Mystery Shopper
As a mystery shopper, you’ll pose as a real customer purchasing a product or service. You’ll then provide feedback to the company about the cleanliness of the establishment or the quality of the service. In most scenarios, you will need to make a purchase, which you will be reimbursed for. In some cases, you will also earn a cash stipend. It’s a great way to check out local businesses, score free stuff in your area, and make a little pocket change.
Babysit Pets
If the idea of spending time with friendly furry creatures sounds like a dream come true, maybe you should be a pet sitter. If your home can accommodate animals, this can be a great way to earn some money providing a very special service. Search online for websites where you can list your rates and expertise or advertise with flyers or in the local newspaper.
Rent Out a Parking Spot
This is one of the easiest ways to make money from home that we’ve seen. If you have extra space in your driveway or yard, why not rent it out to someone in need of a parking spot? This can be especially helpful if you live in a city where parking is at a premium. Advertise in a neighborhood paper or hand out flyers. You can even post an ad on craigslist.
Closing Thoughts
Generating some extra cash online is easier than you might think. Work-at-home opportunities abound for those with the right mindset and willingness to put in a little time and effort, and the earnings can add up.
Go with the easiest and fastest online jobs first, then move on to more complex ideas. Before long, you could find yourself with some lucrative gigs that will help you pay your bills, increase your savings, or provide for some of life’s pleasures. Persistence and patience is the key.
