How to make money from home

With roughly 40% of Americans preferring to work from home full-time, it's no surprise that completely remote work is in high demand. If you're like the majority of the workforce and want to start making your money from home, there are plenty of ways to do just that.

Whether you’re looking for a side gig to bring in passive income or a full-time remote position, we’ve researched and found 10 of the best ways to make money from home.

1. Find a job that allows you to work remotely.

If you're looking for a long-term way to earn money at home, your best option is to find a full-time remote job. Working full-time remotely will provide the piece of mind of a regular paycheck along with all the benefits of working from home. Previously, remote work was a bit of a niche option for workers, but with recent events, many businesses have seen the value in and necessity of remote work opportunities.

There are several online job search engines available such as LinkedIn, Indeed and Monster that can help you search for online, remote, full-time jobs in your field. However, our favorite free job search engine is ZipRecruiter, thanks to its robust and simple search features. Many ads on Ziprecruiter have the word remote in the headline, so you’ll know straight away if a job allows remote employees.

For example, you can set up an account with ZipRecruiter for free. Once you input a job keyword or job title, you’ll be directed to all the jobs in that field, some of which will offer remote positions. You’ll also be given contact information for hiring managers if you wish to contact them directly.

Use multiple job search sites to expand your search. You want to cover all bases and check out a handful of job search sites. The remote job you are looking for is out there. You just have to find it.

Is your home ready to be a home office? You’ll need a desk, chair, computer, internet connection and a quiet place to work. Choosing an ergonomic desk and chair can spare you neck and back pain later.

You also may wish to add tech accessories such as a laptop stand or computer speakers. Shop carefully until your home office is just right.

2. Take on freelance assignments.

Are you a creative type happy to do work by assignment in the comfort of your own home? If you answered “yes,” then freelance work might be right up your alley. To start your business, you should begin by searching job search sites, which feature remote temporary, part time and freelance assignments in addition to permanent job postings. Jobs for a freelance writer, freelance graphic artist and freelance photographer are all available. Large and small businesses are hiring so get your resume out there.

In addition to standard job searching, it’s worth digging into your previous employment history to find lucrative freelance assignments. Don’t forget to reach out to past employers. You never know who may be hiring, and a past employer is already familiar with your work.

The biggest pitfall to freelancing is waiting to get paid. You may finish a freelancing job and have to wait several weeks before you receive payment. You’ll have to budget your money carefully during these periods.

Here’s one more thing to think about – becoming a virtual assistant. If you’ve got crack administrative or technical skills, you may be just the assistant a business is looking for and you’ll be able to do your work from home.

3. Use a gig work platform.

Upwork, Contently, and Fiverr are among the websites that connect freelancers looking for work with businesses looking to hire them. These sites are great ways to connect your freelance business with various employers. But look into the pay before you get started. The work may be plentiful, but you may earn less per gig than you would if you were negotiating on your own.

4. Take online surveys.

With a little extra time, you can make some extra cash. Completing online surveys from companies such as Swagbucks and SurveyMonkey are easy ways to make a little extra green.

Online surveys can be 5 minutes to 60 minutes in length and pay as little as $.25 up to $100 or more. Check how much you will be rewarded for each type of survey you complete. Add up the cash you will earn and calculate the time you will be spending per survey. Is it worth it? You may have found a nifty side hustle if the answer is yes. Don’t forget to check for sign-up bonuses. Online survey companies may give you $2 to $10 to start.

5. Try out websites and apps.

Usertesting and Userlytics are among the sites that pay you to test out websites and apps. You’ll get paid to complete a few tasks and share your thoughts on the experience and earn extra money to boot.

Tests are available for phones, tablets, or computers and are assigned based on the profile you provide and your preferences. Your answers will help companies develop items such as website portals and computer software. Depending on the test, you may earn $5 to $90.

6. Set up an online store like an Etsy shop.

Do you have a creative business idea? Do you make art, jewelry, personalized gifts, clothing, or home decor? You can sell your wares and reach a broad audience on the Etsy global online marketplace.

7. Sell photos online.

Love to take photos? You can sell them online to stock photography websites such as Shutterstock, iStock Photo and 500px.

8. Start a YouTube channel.

Do you love using your web cam? Make yourself a YouTube star. With YouTube, you make money based on the views your videos attract. You also can join the YouTube partner program that allows you to get paid through ads on your YouTube page.

9. Start a blog.

Do you love to write? Do you have a niche or specialty? You can make money by writing and posting your own blog. Building an email list, creating a digital download for readers to buy, and selling ad placements on your blog are all ways to make money.

Need help with the ads? If you are at least 18 years old, you can sign up for Google’s AdSense to earn money from ads on your website. Once you sign up, Google will show ads on your website that are tailored to your website’s content. You’ll just need to add in a bit of AdSense code to your website to get started. The commission per click is between $.20 and $15.

10. Start a podcast.

It’s a bit of a running joke at this point that everyone has a podcast, but if the spoken word is in your skill set, a podcast might be a legitimate means of earning some money. All you need, aside from a killer pitch, is a microphone, laptop, and some recording software and you can begin a weekly podcast on your favorite topics. You can interview others or talk at length on your own. Are you looking to make some cash? Get commercial sponsors for your podcast and utilize affiliate marketing.

For example, you can increase your podcast’s income by joining Amazon’s affiliate program. Once you sign up for the program known as Amazon Associates, you’ll be able to place affiliate links on your website. When one of your listeners makes a purchase on Amazon through one of these affiliate links, you’ll earn a commission from Amazon.

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.