People always need money. We all know this. But sometimes, we need money now. And when we say ‘now’, we mean instantly. There is usually no way for us to get our hands on it in a way that is convenient. Or maybe there is, but it is certainly not comfortable. This is where the wonders of technology and the amazing world of crowdfunding come in. It is now possible to raise funds for anything from a new camera to pay off bills to financing a business idea. So if you have a problem that needs solving and you want to be the person who comes up with the idea that helps others solve their problems, read on.
1. Rent out your house/apartment
If you are looking for extra money and you hate to spend it. You can always consider renting out your house/apt. There are plenty of websites that match people who need a place to crash with a laptop with those who are willing to rent out their home or apartment for a few hours, even a few days. You can even set the price you are willing to charge per night and per week, so you can maximize your income. Just make sure that you are aware of local laws regarding short-term apartment rentals. In some places, it is absolutely legal to rent out your home for less than 12 months. However, in other places, it is only legal to rent out your home for no more than six months. So, do your research before you make a decision. Besides, if you decide to host travelers with cheap accommodations, make sure that you provide them with a high-quality experience by setting up the common areas in good condition and ensuring that the rooms are clean and comfortable.
2. Start an online store
If you are good at discovering needs and you can identify the want-to-have products that people are searching for but don’t actually find, you can start an online store. There are many platforms like Shopify, Big Cartel, and WooCommerce that can be used to build an online store from scratch. Alternatively, you can use a service like Shopify to set up a store for you (with a little help from their handy-dandy wizards). Building an online store from the ground up takes a while, but the profits can be lucrative. You will need to learn how to market and run a business of your own. And trust me, you don’t want to do this alone. So, consider hiring a business advisor who can help you navigate the ins and outs of running an online store. Once you are established on a firm financial footing, it is time to consider taking on a partner or several partners to help grow your business. The sharing of responsibilities and the division of profits may not be enough for you to commit to a long-term partnership. But in our world, money is no object.
3. Start an online tutoring business
If you are an expert in your field and you can tutor people remotely via videoconferencing, Skype, or something similar, you can start an online tutoring firm. Sites like TutorVista, Tutorix, and VIP-Keeper can help you set up and maintain a tutoring business. To find students, you can use platforms like Seek and LinkedIn to find people who are willing to pay for your expertise. Once you find the right students, you can use tools like Zoom, Skype, or Waze to connect with them remotely and set up a timeshare to help them master their chosen subject. This can be a lucrative venture, but you will need to be available to help students who need you. Most online tutoring firms set up a schedule of sessions with prospective students so that they can fully understand how much they will be paying for and what they will be getting in return. It is also beneficial to set up a group of business owners who are willing to help each other out with marketing, legal issues, and anything else that might be holding them back. Sometimes, being your own boss and having no bosses is daunting, and it can also be liberating. But you have to be aware of the responsibilities that come with this status. Working through problems and being accountable for your actions can help you become a better leader. And in case you are wondering, the best tutors usually charge between $25 and $50 per hour, depending on the subject matter. So, even though this can be a lucrative sideline, you should not expect to make up the vast majority of your income from this source alone.
4. Start an online travel agency
If you are an expert in online travel, you can set up your own travel agency and specialize in helping people find the best deals on travel arrangements and cruises. You can use platforms like GAP and Momentum to find discounts and save hundreds or thousands of dollars. In some areas, it is even possible to find fully inclusive vacation packages that include round-trip airfare, hotel, and a tour or activity. And if you get tired of just taking care of travel arrangements, you can take a break from the agency and become an independent travel agent. However, running your own agency takes a lot of expertise that most people do not have. You will need to learn how to handle all the financials, how to properly put together packages, and how to give good customer service remotely. This is a very reputable way to earn quick cash.
5. Start a blog
Blogs are extremely valuable these days. They can become very profitable mediums for businesses to exist on. If you are looking for ways to make quick cash, you can always start a blog. There are literally hundreds of bloggers who are making a full-time living off their blogs. And it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to start a food blog. There are many successful bloggers who are covering topics like fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and business. Some even make a full-time living off their travel blogs. The possibilities for making quick cash are endless. You just have to decide what topic you will write about and grow a following on that platform. You can then integrate Google Adsense into your blog so that you can start making money quickly. If you want to be able to quit your day job, this is probably the best way to do it. But you have to be willing to put in the work. In most cases, setting up a blog takes only a few hours to a few days, depending on how experienced you are and how much time you are willing to invest.
6. Sign up for a gig-working platform
If you are looking for ways to make quick cash, you can try gig-working. These are platforms that connect buyers with sellers who are looking to make some extra cash. You will need to register on these sites, and then you can begin offering your services. Most of these sites will connect you with freelance writing, editing, social media marketing, and graphic design jobs. You will need to take on as much work as you can and be available to do the same for multiple clients. This is probably the simplest and quickest way to make extra cash. But you have to be prepared to put in the work and be organized to ensure that you get paid on-time. And remember, you will need to be available to work remotely – which means you can’t be slacking off at home.
7. Start an Etsy shop
If you are looking for ways to make quick cash, you can create and sell your own crafts. You can use online marketplaces like Etsy to create individual items directly for customers. You can use your creative juices to come up with something original and unique. If you are good at sewing, you can even start your own fashion line and start selling your own garments online. There are also many ways to make quick cash through click-whoring (a performance-based freelancing platform where you will be paid to click on various websites and complete simple tasks). You can put yourself on LinkedIn, and then connect with customers who are willing to hire you for projects. In most cases, you will need to have a specific skill set to be able to perform these tasks. But if you can demonstrate that you can get the job done, employers will generally be willing to negotiate a higher rate for your services.