There are many ways to earn money on your own, whether online, from home, or through offline opportunities in 2025. Below are 10 ideas, complete with important details to help you get started. While many people want to make money quickly, don’t overlook the slower options, as they may provide higher earnings over time.

Ways to Earn Money Online

1. Take on Freelance Work
Earn money online through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com. These sites offer freelance jobs in writing, programming, design, marketing, data entry, and virtual assistance.

If you speak another language fluently, try translation services such as Gengo or Blend Express, or start your own business. No matter your expertise, research the going rates for your skills to set fair prices. A 2024 report from Freelancer.com showed that jobs in computer security grew by 27.1% in the second quarter.

Writing is also in demand, even with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Many companies seek human writers to edit AI-generated content and optimize it for search engines. Learning SEO could make freelance writing a profitable side gig, with some writers charging over $100 per hour.

• Time to start earning: It may take a while to land your first gig.
• Setup time: 24–48 hours.
• Ease of starting: Easy if you have the skills.
• Age requirement: Usually 16 to 18+.
• Payment speed: Varies by platform.

2. Test Websites and Apps
Sites like UserTesting.com pay you to share feedback on website and app functionality. You must pass a short test to qualify, and payments depend on the type of test.

• Time to start earning: Approval can take a few days.
• Setup time: Less than an hour.
• Ease of starting: Easy if you have the necessary tech and pass a sample test.
• Age requirement: 18+.
• Payment speed: Usually within 14 days.

3. Learn to Use AI Tools
Generative AI is expanding, with PwC estimating a $3.7 trillion impact on North America’s economy by 2030. Now is a great time to profit from AI tools. Some AI-related side gigs include:

• Using AI to create digital products or edit AI-generated content.
• Enhancing advertising, marketing, or business management.
• Teaching others how to use AI tools.
• Time to start earning: Depends on demand.
• Setup time: 24–48 hours on Upwork or Freelancer.com.
• Ease of starting: Easier if you already know AI tools.
• Age requirement: 16+ for Freelancer.com, 18+ for Upwork.
• Payment speed: Depends on the client or platform.

4. Complete Online Surveys
Survey sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie pay for answering questions, though they don’t offer high earnings. Some sites provide gift cards rather than cash.

• Time to start earning: Takes time to accumulate rewards.
• Setup time: Just a few minutes.
• Ease of starting: Very easy—just sign up and begin.
• Age requirement: 13 to 18+, depending on the site.
• Payment speed: Varies by platform.

5. Earn Through Affiliate Marketing on Your Blog
If your blog gets regular traffic, you can join an affiliate network. This allows you to earn when visitors click on links and make purchases from partner sites. Some bloggers make significant income through affiliate marketing.

• Time to start earning: Building an audience takes time.
• Setup time: Easy with blog templates.
• Ease of starting: Writing regular content can be challenging.
• Age requirement: Varies.
• Payment speed: Typically one to two months.

6. Sell Handmade Items on Etsy
If you enjoy crafting—such as woodworking, jewelry-making, or pottery—you can sell your work on Etsy. The platform has over 96 million active buyers, generating $13 billion in sales in 2023.

• Time to start earning: It may take time to attract customers.
• Setup time: Can be involved.
• Ease of starting: Somewhat difficult.
• Age requirement: 13+.
• Payment speed: Depends on your payout preferences.

7. Publish an E-Book
Writing a book takes effort, but self-publishing on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is free. Authors can earn up to 70% of each sale.

• Time to start earning: Writing a book takes time.
• Setup time: Quick on Kindle Direct Publishing.
• Ease of starting: Just start writing.
• Age requirement: 18+ (minors can sell through a parent’s account).
• Payment speed: Monthly, with a $100 minimum for wire or check payments.

Ways to Earn Money from Home

8. Walk Dogs with Rover or Wag
Love dogs? Apps like Wag and Rover let you offer on-demand dog walking or overnight boarding.

• Time to start earning: Takes time to build a client base.
• Setup time: A few weeks for approval.
• Ease of starting: Easy if you love pets.
• Age requirement: 18+.
• Payment speed: Within two to seven days.

9. Sell Unused Gift Cards
Websites like CardCash and GiftCash let you sell unwanted gift cards, sometimes for up to 92% of their value.

• Time to start earning: Quick if the card is for a popular store.
• Setup time: Easy.
• Ease of starting: Simple if you have cards to sell.
• Age requirement: 18+.
• Payment speed: A few days to two weeks.

10. Rent Out a Room on Airbnb
Renting a spare room or home on Airbnb can generate extra income. However, you may need to invest in cleaning, maintenance, and other costs. Check your rental agreement and local rules first.

• Time to start earning: Depends on demand in your area.
• Setup time: A listing can go live in hours.
• Ease of starting: Easy if you have a place to rent.
• Age requirement: 18+.
• Payment speed: Within a day or more after check-in.

Avoid Money-Making Scams
The internet has many opportunities to earn money, but also many scams. Be cautious of any offer requiring upfront fees, certification payments, or personal financial details. If unsure, check community forums like Reddit for real reviews and complaints. You can also verify businesses through the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which rates companies based on complaints and transparency.