5 easy Side Hustles You Can Do Without Leaving Your Couch: Make Money from Home
As a newbie blogger trying to earn extra income from home, I've been tirelessly searching for easy, profitable side hustles I can start from my couch. No fancy equipment or qualifications needed!
After months of research and experimenting with different gigs between Netflix binges and UberEats dinners, I discovered there are absolutely ways to make money online without ever leaving your PJs. Hallelujah!
Now, I know how overwhelming it can be for wanna-be side hustlers to weed through the hundreds of options out there. So I put together this post sharing the 5 couch-friendly side hustles that have worked best for me as a dedicated work-from-homer.
These are gigs that require no more than a laptop and WiFi to earn legit cash on the side. No catfishing lonely guys on Tinder or selling my socks on Ebay required!
As a newbie still figuring out this online income game myself, I'll also share some real talk on the ups and downs of each money-making method. By keeping it real, I hope this post helps you find the perfect pandemic-friendly side hustle to start padding your pockets.
Let me save you the headache of endlessly Googling and diving down rabbit holes! Here are the 5 side hustles that have been total game-changers for me as a blogger without an office:
1. Online Tutoring
While I haven't yet tried tutoring online myself, it's at the top of my list of virtual gigs to experiment with. I love the idea of helping students master challenging concepts, all while earning a great hourly rate from the comfort of my own home!
From what I've researched, tutoring platforms like Chegg, Varsity Tutors, and Wyzant make it easy to find students based on the subjects you specialize in. You set your own availability and rates, then deliver lessons virtually through video chat.
The key benefits that appeal to me are the flexibility, the chance to apply my expertise, and of course, the pay! Rates range from $15-$40 per hour depending on your niche.
Now, I know becoming a successful virtual tutor takes time and effort to master. You need a distraction-free workspace, strong internet connection, and top-notch communication skills. But the rewards seem well worth it, both financially and in terms of making an impact.
While I'm still working up the nerve to try tutoring online myself, I'm inspired by the freedom and fulfillment this side hustle offers. The ability to earn while expanding young minds seems like a win-win to me. Someday soon I hope to muster the courage to take the tutoring plunge from my couch!
Language tutoring
Language tutoring involves teaching students a foreign language, such as Spanish, French, or Mandarin. This type of tutoring is ideal for individuals who are bilingual or have a strong knowledge of a foreign language. To get started, you can sign up for online tutoring platforms such as Verbling, italki, or Preply. These platforms allow you to set your own rates and availability, and you can work with students from all over the world.
When tutoring a language online, it's important to have a good internet connection, a quiet workspace, and a computer with a webcam and microphone. You should also be prepared to create lesson plans and provide feedback to your students. Additionally, it's helpful to have teaching materials such as textbooks, worksheets, and flashcards.
2. Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is one of the most popular side hustles that you can do without leaving your couch. There are various types of freelance writing, and you can choose the one that suits your skills and interests. Here are two sub-sections of freelance writing that you can consider:
Blogging
Blogging is one of the most popular types of freelance writing. It involves creating and maintaining a blog, where you can write about your interests, hobbies, or expertise. You can monetize your blog by displaying ads, selling products or services, or accepting sponsored posts from brands.
To start a blog, you need to choose a niche that you are passionate about and that has a potential audience. Then, you need to choose a blogging platform, such as WordPress, and a domain name. You also need to create high-quality content that engages your readers and builds your authority in your niche.
To monetize your blog, you can join ad networks, such as Google AdSense, or affiliate programs, such as Amazon Associates. You can also sell your own products or services, such as e-books, courses, or coaching sessions. Finally, you can accept sponsored posts from brands that are relevant to your niche and audience.
Copywriting
Copywriting is another type of freelance writing that involves creating persuasive and compelling content for businesses and organizations. Copywriting can include various forms of content, such as website copy, product descriptions, sales pages, email campaigns, and social media posts.
To become a copywriter, you need to have excellent writing skills, as well as an understanding of marketing and psychology. You also need to be able to research and analyze your target audience, as well as your client's products or services.
To find copywriting clients, you can join freelance marketplaces, such as Upwork or Freelancer, or you can reach out to businesses and organizations directly. You can also create a portfolio of your best copywriting samples and showcase them on your website or social media profiles.
3. Virtual Bookkeeping
Virtual bookkeeping is a great side hustle for those who enjoy working with numbers and want to earn extra income from home. As virtual bookkeepers, we help businesses keep track of their financial records and transactions.
One of the benefits of virtual bookkeeping is that it can be done entirely online, making it a convenient option for those who prefer to work from home. To get started, you'll need to have a good understanding of basic accounting principles and be familiar with accounting software such as QuickBooks or Xero.
As a virtual bookkeeper, you'll be responsible for tasks such as reconciling bank statements, categorizing transactions, and generating financial reports. You can set your own schedule and work with multiple clients at the same time, depending on your availability.
If you're interested in pursuing virtual bookkeeping as a side hustle, there are a few steps you'll need to take. First, you'll need to gain a solid understanding of accounting principles and software. You can take online courses or obtain certifications to improve your skills and knowledge.
Next, you'll need to set up your business and gain clients. You can start by reaching out to small businesses in your area or by joining online platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr to find clients. As you gain experience and build your reputation, you can increase your rates and take on more clients.
4. Online Surveys
If you're looking for a side hustle that doesn't require any special skills or experience, online surveys can be a great option. Many companies are willing to pay for consumer feedback, and there are plenty of survey sites that will pay you for your opinions.
While you're not going to get rich taking online surveys, they can be a good way to earn a little extra cash in your spare time. Most surveys take between 5 and 20 minutes to complete, and pay anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars.
Some of the most popular survey sites include Octopus Surveys, YouGov, Pureprofile, and InboxDollars. These sites all pay cash for completing surveys, and some offer other ways to earn as well, such as watching videos or signing up for offers.
It's important to note that while online surveys can be a good way to earn some extra money, they're not a reliable source of income. You may not qualify for every survey, and even when you do, the pay is often quite low. That said, if you're looking for an easy way to earn a little extra cash in your free time, online surveys can be a good option.
5. Virtual Assistant
If you have excellent organizational and communication skills, becoming a virtual assistant (VA) could be a great side hustle for you. As a VA, you can provide administrative support to clients from the comfort of your couch. Some of the tasks that you can do include managing emails, scheduling appointments, and handling social media accounts.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a virtual assistant is around $56,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on the industry and the level of experience.
One of the best things about being a virtual assistant is the flexibility. You can set your own hours and work with clients from all over the world. However, it's important to have a reliable internet connection and a quiet workspace.
There are many online platforms where you can find virtual assistant jobs, such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. You can also reach out to small businesses and entrepreneurs in your network to see if they need any assistance.
If you want to take your virtual assistant business to the next level, you can consider specialising in a particular niche. For example, you can focus on providing administrative support for real estate agents or online course creators. This can help you stand out from the competition and potentially earn higher rates.
