Your next online side hustle idea could be a few clicks away.
Exciting, right?
If the idea of getting paid from your couch with your favourite snack in hand sounds good to you, you are going to want to keep reading.
We’ve put together a fantastic lineup of side gigs that are profitable and easy to do in 2024. Let’s kick things off and show you how to join in on the fun and make extra income with these online side hustles.
1. Sell Digital Products
Once a digital product is created, it can be sold repeatedly without needing inventory or shipping. This makes it an attractive business model for those looking for ways to make money.
Digital products can be anything you produce, from ebooks on local cuisine recipes and online courses on urban gardening to digital art pieces featuring iconic landmarks. Platforms like Shopify and Etsy serve as excellent launchpads with their easy integration and support for local payment methods.
Whether you’re an artist, a programmer, or an educator, a platform is waiting to showcase your work.
For those aiming to sell beyond the local market, global platforms like Amazon and eBay also have a strong presence in Singapore, allowing you to reach an international audience.
2. Earn From Your Opinions With Online Surveys
Promotional graphic of a woman using a laptop to complete online surveys for rewards, with a ‘Join Now’ button for LifePoints. Source: LifePoints
Why choose online surveys?
All you need is some spare time, internet access, and your opinions to earn extra money. Plus, you get the added benefit of working from home!
From consumer goods to digital services, surveys cover a wide range of topics for you to choose from. Take online surveys at your convenience—during your morning coffee, on a break from work, or in the evening while unwinding.
Getting started is as simple as signing up and filling out your profile. For instance, check out YouGov, Milieu Surveys, and LifePoints. They offer rewards for your insights on a variety of topics, compensating you with cash, vouchers, or points.
3. Food Delivery Rider: Pedal Your Way to Extra Income
Early bird or night owl, the schedule is yours to decide.
Becoming a food delivery rider combines the freedom of setting your schedule with the satisfaction of bringing people the meals they love. It’s an ideal side hustle for anyone, from students to full-time professionals seeking some extra cash on hand.
Still not convinced?
Think of it as a win-win: becoming a rider helps you stay fit and also adds a healthy amount to your wallet.
Platforms like GrabFood, Foodpanda, and Deliveroo are constantly on the lookout for riders. These companies offer an easy sign-up process, transparent earnings structures, and the flexibility to work when and where you want.
Once you are in, you start accepting delivery orders through the platform’s app and earn money for every delivery you complete.
4. Give Affiliate Marketing a Shot
Affiliate marketing is no stranger when it comes to earning money from online side hustles.
What is affiliate marketing? Here’s our take on it:
The internet is a huge party where everyone can find cool stuff to buy. You’re that awesome friend who knows exactly where the best products are, and you point people in the right direction online. Thus, you get a little thank-you money when they buy something because of your recommendation.
This side business complements those who enjoy sharing their recommendations and have a website, blog, or strong social media presence.
Once your affiliate links are in place, they generate revenue around the clock, with income potential even while you sleep.
Our top tip?
Select products that match your interests or social media niche. Integrate affiliate links seamlessly into your content. This makes the process more enjoyable and also ensures authenticity and effectiveness.
Product reviews, how-to guides, and comparison pieces are great ways to do this.
Quick-Start Affiliate Marketing Programmes
An overview of the Amazon Associates affiliate programme, featuring icons for sign-up, product recommendation, and earning commissions. Source: Amazon Associates
As one of the most renowned affiliate marketing programmes worldwide, Amazon Associates offers you the opportunity to earn by promoting any of the millions of products available.
The best part? You can earn up to 10% in commissions from sales.
Thanks to Amazon’s vast selection, it caters to a wide range of interests. Moreover, Amazon provides tools that simplify the creation and sharing of affiliate links, whether on your blog or social media platforms.
Banner for Lazada Affiliate Programme to earn extra income as a Lazada Ambassador. Source: Lazada Affiliate Programme
Lazada is one of Southeast Asia’s top online shopping destinations and a familiar name in Singapore. It’s an ideal platform for businesses targeting consumers in the tech, fashion, and lifestyle sectors. Customers can enjoy a wide selection of products along with attractive deals and promotions.
Commission rates range from 1% to 10%, which are highly competitive, particularly for in-demand items such as electronics and clothing.
5. Provide Digital Marketing Services
Digital marketing is important for businesses because it enables them to efficiently reach a broader audience and measure the impact of their campaigns in real-time. For those with expertise in this field, it opens up opportunities to monetise their skills.
- Social Media Management: Offering services like content creation, scheduling posts, and analysing engagement metrics can be your ticket to a lucrative online side hustle.
- Content Creation and Marketing: The digital world thrives on content. Help brands attract and retain their target audience by creating helpful and relevant content.
- Email Marketing: Design personalised email campaigns to drive sales and strengthen brand loyalty.
- Paid Advertising: Enhance a brand’s visibility and sales with effective pay-per-click (PPC) campaign strategies.
- SEO Services: The demand is high for professionals who can elevate websites in search engine rankings through keyword research, content optimisation, and link-building strategies.
Given the vast number of online businesses seeking a digital uplift, there’s a constant demand for freelancers with specific skills in these areas.
Explore Proven Affiliate Marketing Strategies
The digital world is constantly evolving, and with it, the opportunities for online side hustles grow, and affiliate marketing is one of them.
Explore the possibility of earning extra money with FirstCom Academy’s Build Passive Income With Proven Affiliate Marketing Strategies course.
Our trainers will provide practical insights into the latest trends and the mechanics of successful affiliate marketing. Learn to navigate e-commerce platforms such as Shopee and Lazada effectively, set up accounts, and launch campaigns that deliver results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a beginner make money online?
- Start an online e-commerce business
- Become a virtual tutor
- Build websites
- Sell your art and photography
- Become an online translator