Online Side Hustles: 7 Ways to Make Money Fast
Want to make money online fast?
Then stay tuned. This week's Online Business clinic episode covers seven fun online side hustles anyone can start with a computer and internet connection.
Since kicking my corporate job to the curb in 2011, I have worked most of these online side hustles. They are fun, and easy to get started. We will talk about the pros and cons of each and give you resources so that you can start your online side hustle today.
We are doing this countdown style; I am saving the best for last, so be sure to stick around until the end.
​​7. Customer Service Representative
With technology becoming more accessible and easier to use, more people turn to the internet to help them solve their problems.
From how to build a credenza to parenting, to achieving financial independence or establishing an automation sales funnel.
As a customer service representative, you are the first point of contact, the company's voice. Your primary role is to be the lesson of communication between the customer and the company.
They ensure that the customers get the help they need, whether answering phones, providing live chat support, or answering emails.
There is no shortage in demand for this online side hustle, from sales assistants to tech support.
Whether you want to work for a large corporation like Google or Facebook or perhaps an independent company, there is no shortage of need for a customer service rep.
Pro of being a customer service representative:
+work remotely
+high-income potential
+flexible schedule
+little to no skills or qualifications are required
+get paid to strengthen your communication skills
Cons of being a customer service representative:
-potentially high-stress dealing with demanding customers
-potentially long hours on the phone
-problems you have to face but can't solve directly
-depending on the job, you might have to follow a schedule you do not like
How to become a great customer service representative?
Have integrity and set expectations for your customers. Let them know if you can or cannot help them, how long it'll take, and provide relevant honest information.
Stay calm. It is best not to let them negatively get to you when dealing with angry customers. They are in pain, and you have the solution. Take a deep breath and remember it's not personal.
When a disgruntled customer shares their concern, acknowledge their feelings, stay positive, and do your best to help them resolve the issue quickly.
When a customer is required to wait, try to engage in small talk to strengthen the connection and trust with the company. Be sure the topic is appropriate and remain professional.
Customer service rep earning potential ranges:
$25 to $65K+ annually – for part-timers, hourly rates average around $10-$30 per hour.
Sites to use to become a customer service representative
6. Voice Acting
Has anyone told you that you have a great voice? Do you consider doing voiceover work as it can be a great way to make money online quickly?
To get started as a voiceover artist, you just need a smartphone or laptop, a microphone, and a quiet space to record.
You can do the job from anywhere in the world so long as you have an
Internet connection.
Some examples of voiceover work you could be doing are:
Corporate videos
Video games
Advertisements
Short films
Digital courses
Voiceover actor earning potential:
As a voiceover artist, you could earn $200 to $600 for a gig. It all depends on the gis and the companies budget.
Your freelance talent could be used to complete animation, radio, film, documentary, corporate content, video games, and other projects.
Pros of being a voice over representative:
+you don't have to have a traditional radio voice to get started; if you can
Speak clearly and read you can do this job
+fun and flexible, work as little or as much as you want from anywhere in the world
+getting started doesn't have to cost you much of anything if you have a smart phone or a laptop you're well on your way. You can get a lapel mic for $20 on amazon or upgrade slightly to a yeti for $100
Cons of being a customer service representative:
-like any online side hustle, building credibility is key to making more
money fast, it could take a little time to build your brand portfolio
-audio equipment could be pricey; as you grow as an artist, you might
Want to uplevel your equipment, and depending on what you buy it could add up
Sites to use to become a customer service representative
5. Social Media Manager/Moderator
Social media marketing is hugely popular, as you know. With new social platforms popping up left and right, the profession of Content Creator is becoming more and more popular.
Those content creators could use a social media moderator; you're main
The job would be to keep the pulse on what others are saying about the brand or
The business you work with. Potentially you'd be in charge of scheduling content
Posts and engaging with the audience. Blocking spammers and following up in the DMs.
Pros of being a social media moderator:
Work anywhere anytime
Easy to use software to make your job easier
You don't have to interact with people physically
Cons of being a social media moderator:
negative comments and complaints will come up, and that be an energy drain
Believe it or not, staring at a computer screen or Chatting on the computer all day can get tiring.
Dull if you like physical interaction.
It can take up a lot of your time if you do not know when to rest, as social media operates 24/7.
Becoming a social media moderator success tips:
Filter the content you're viewing to avoid getting overwhelmed with media.
Watch what the big brands are doing, take notes, and report back to your primary content creator, keeping them know what is hot and fresh.
Best practices tell us to post to the platform you are managing or moderating directly, but if you are doing bulk uploads, leverage an easy-to-use software platform and let the tech do the heavy lifting for you.
Stay positive; internet trolls are real. Take a deep breath, smile, and always handle complaints and negative comments with a positive attitude.
Social media moderator earning potential:
The average salary for a Social Media Manager from this side hustle is around $20-$25 an hour, so the income potential will depend on how many hours you work a month.
Sites to use to become a social media moderator or social media manager:
Bonus tip:
Put together a pitch and reach out to your favorite content creator. Be polite and persistent; you never know, they just might hire you.
4. Freelance Writer
Do you love to write, then freelance writing might just be the thing for you.
Whether you're writing blog posts, magazine articles, sales copy, or ads, his side hustle could be the perfect addition to your regular gig to give you some extra cash.
There is the potential to earn up to $3k per month from just 3-4 completed jobs!
I haven't worked as a freelance writer, but I've hired plenty, paying them anywhere from $200-$300/ for 1,000 words.
Pros of being a freelance writer:
+be your own boss, set your hours, take on your own workload
+do something you love and that comes easily and naturally to you
+costs nothing to get started
Cons of being a freelance writer:
-write about topics that do not interest you
-have to meet strict deadlines
-often, your name is not the name published in the article
Sites to use to become a freelance writer:
3. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assisting is one of my favorite online side hustle gigs because your
The scope of work could be broad or narrow, depending on your interests.
If you are someone who loves to take on a challenge, learn new skills and
Do different work daily; you can.
If you would prefer to specialize and, let's say, become a video editor, post-production publisher, or podcast booker, you can!
You can work from home, set your hours, and make money online.
No special skills need to get started, so long are you open to taking instruction and having a willingness to communicate with your boss.
Some tasks as a virtual assistant may include answering emails, setting appointments, following up with clients, or meeting creative deadlines.
You do not have to be an expert in website design or customer service; you just need some skills. Virtual Assistants are needed for many things: from answering emails and making appointments on your behalf, all the way up to assist with designing websites!
Pros of being a virtual assistant:
computer and a stable internet connection are all you need
Easy to find work, upload a profile on one of many free work platform options
Work across different fields and industries.
Cons of being a virtual assistant:
Expect lower rates at the start if you are inexperienced.
Pay can be inconsistent, depending on whom you work with
Often you work alone, which can be pretty dull.
Monotonous and repetitive tasks may be in your scope of work.
How to become a better virtual assistant?
Leveraging free tools like Trello can help you stay organized and on task.
Strive to "underpromise" and overdeliver.
Build your credibility by collecting as many testimonials and referrals as possible when working with clients.
Maintain a positive, professional attitude. Good communication with your employee is critical. Ask for help, further training or additional resources and support when you need it.
Virtual assistant earning potential:
The average hourly rate for a U.S. VA varies between $15 and-60 dollars depending on what you're being asked to do and skill level.
Sites to use to become a virtual assistant VA
Upwork
2. Tutor/Coach/Mentor
Have you solved a problem in your life or helped someone else solve theirs? Maybe you should consider setting up a Zoom meeting room and becoming a tutor, coach, or mentor.
No certification is required to do any of these jobs. Setting up a shop is easy.
Pros of being a Tutor/Coach/Mentor:
+positively impact lives
+you can do the work from anywhere
+no prep work necessary, unless you desire.
+get paid to gain experience
Cons of being a Tutor/Coach/Mentor:
-getting the word about your new online side hustle might take time
-you're still only trading your time for money
-imposter syndrome might creep in if you're a newbie, but at the end of the day, if you're providing value and transformational experience and enjoying the work, that's what matters most
1. Course Creator
Ready to uplevel your life by turning that problem you've helped others solve into an automated online course and could earn your passive income 24/7? If so, then add course creator to your next online side hustle power move.
I've been creating and selling online courses for years. I've sold them for as little as $27 to as much as $4,997. Starting a lucrative online course takes upfront work, but once created and once clicked into the automation funnel, it can make for a fantastic passive income stream.
Pros of creating your own online course:
High-income potential.
Passive income stream with little maintenance required once built
You can showcase and share your expertise and knowledge with the world.
Cons of creating your own online course:
Creating a course can be time-consuming.
The average completion rate of a paid course client is 1-3%, which can be discouraging when all you want to do is know that you're making a difference in someone else life.
Creating a course before you sell it can be risky
How to become a better course creator?
Pre-sell your course idea, focus on highlighting the transformation your course will provide
Keep your online course modules short and sharp. Shoot for 10 to 15 minutes long.
People like to know the fastest way to solve their problems, so try and include as many quick wins as possible in your course.
Don't think, build it and they will come, you have to rock-solid marketing/sales strategy in place in order to scale your online course sales.
For more in-depth info on how to get paid to launch your online course business be sure to tune into the next episode.
Which of the seven online side hustles did we talk about today interests you most? Tell me all about it in the comments below.