Can you really make money online? The honest answer is yes, but it requires time, effort, and sometimes a small financial investment. There is no magic “click here to get rich” button—you need to commit to the process. To help you get started, here are ten of the best ways to make money online.
10. Online Surveys
One increasingly popular way to earn extra cash is by filling out online surveys in your spare time. Research companies are constantly recruiting new members to answer surveys and test new products. For just a few minutes of form-filling, you can earn a couple of quid, paid either in cash or as rewards. Some surveys pay up to £3 each!
Recommended survey platforms include Free Cash, Pinecone, Vivatic, The OpinionPanel, MySurvey, Valued Opinions, iPoll, SurveyBods, YourWord, Global Test Market, Hiving, PanelBase, Harris Poll, YouGov, and New Vista. You might also want to sign up for Swagbucks, which rewards you for taking surveys, surfing the web, watching videos, and playing games.
9. Mobile Phone Recycling
Got an old mobile phone gathering dust? Recycling it could earn you some decent cash while also helping the environment. Many companies buy old phones, refurbish them, and resell them, often shipping them to countries where demand for used mobiles is high. Some people have received up to £250 for their old devices!
Use a mobile phone price comparison tool to see which company offers the best price for your specific model.
8. Start Your Own Website
If you’ve ever watched The Social Network, you may have wondered what kind of website you could create to generate an income. Many students and entrepreneurs have built profitable websites, blogs, or even e-commerce stores while at university. Some have even made substantial sums by buying and selling domain names.
A great example is Save the Student, a website started by Owen Burek during his first year at university, which has since grown into a successful full-time business. If you have an idea, now is the perfect time to start!
7. Write and Publish an eBook
The key to making money with eBooks is providing value. Non-fiction books that solve common problems (e.g., job-hunting secrets) tend to sell best. Once your book is written, you can publish it on Amazon Kindle within 48 hours.
A few tips for success:
- Ensure the book is well-researched and easy to read.
- Have a compelling cover designed.
- Ask readers to leave reviews to improve its ranking.
6. Affiliate Marketing
If you have a blog, website, or a strong social media presence, you can make money by promoting products, services, or special offers through affiliate marketing. Sign up for an affiliate network such as Affiliate Window, find relevant products to promote, and share your affiliate links. If someone makes a purchase using your link, you earn a commission.
For even better results, set up a website or create a topical Facebook page where you can regularly share affiliate offers.
5. Enter Competitions
Competitions can be a lucrative side hustle if you’re persistent. The UK has a thriving community of ‘compers’—people who enter competitions as a hobby and win everything from cash to holidays. Some dedicated individuals earn up to £50,000 a year from prize wins!
Competitions range from simple sign-ups and social media giveaways to skill-based contests and TV game shows.
4. Claim Tax Back
Many students and part-time workers overpay income tax because they’re placed on emergency tax codes. If you’ve worked part-time, during the summer, or on an internship, you might be entitled to a refund. Check your payslips and use the HMRC tax refund calculator to see if you’re owed money.
3. Offer Gigs on Fiverr and Fivesquids
Fiverr is the world’s largest marketplace for people to sell small services, or ‘gigs’. You can offer virtually anything, from writing and social media marketing to voiceovers, music creation, and video production. While each gig starts at just $5 (around £4), you can charge extra for additional services. Many people have turned Fiverr into a full-time income stream!
2. Sell Clothes on eBay
Got old clothes you no longer wear? Selling them on eBay can be a quick and easy way to make money. Some savvy eBay sellers even buy items in bulk when they spot upcoming trends, then resell them at a profit when demand spikes.
Be sure to take clear photos and write detailed descriptions to attract buyers.
1. Matched Betting (Risk-Free Betting)
While gambling itself is risky, matched betting is a legitimate way to make money using free bets offered by bookmakers. By placing two opposing bets (one for and one against a specific outcome), you eliminate the risk and can keep the free bet profit.
This method allows many students and side hustlers earn hundreds of pounds per month. However, it’s important to follow the strategy carefully to avoid mistakes. Websites like OddsMonkey and Profit Accumulator provide guides and tools to help you get started.
Earning money online isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but with dedication and the right strategies, you can build a steady income stream. Whether it’s filling out surveys, selling on eBay, or even writing an eBook, everyone has opportunities.
What are your favourite ways to make money online? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this article with friends who might find it useful!