Mortgage, rent, food, clothing, utilities, entertainment … we need money so we afford the essentials of everyday life. Unfortunately, stuff is getting costlier. Are you in a situation where you’re struggling to stay afloat? Maybe you didn’t get the promotion at work that you were counting on. That’s where the internet comes in handy. Here are some tips for using the internet to make extra cash.
Sell Sell Sell
If you have a knack for arts and crafts, there is a marketplace for you. In fact, you can sell your products on sites like Etsy, Ebay, Amazon Marketplace and Facebook. While there may be selling fees on certain sites, the pros heavily outweigh the cons – the cost of supplies are minimal, and you can work on a schedule that is convenient for you. If you’re not creative, that’s okay too. Do an inventory and subsequent cleaning of your house. Sell items that you haven’t used in years – think tools, furniture, sports memorabilia, clothes. The list goes on and on. One person’s junk is another person’s treasure. On the internet, there seems to be a market for anything and everything!
Share Your Skills
It’s time to utilize your talents and passions. Discover what they are and use them to make money. For example, if you are gifted at writing, become an English tutor. Job sites frequently have postings for virtual tutors. Tutoring is also effective if you can advertise to people you know. The same can be said for any number of skills. Are you a handyman? Plumber? Mechanic? If so, how about advertising your talents to people in the neighborhood? Put an ad on your local Craigslist page. What about fashion? You can post tutorials on YouTube or begin a blog. If enough people visit your pages, businesses may advertise with you.
Online Marketing
Whatever your side hustle, it’s important to sell yourself. You must have an online presence, as a quality website is essential for almost any type of business. If a person is seeking information, they are probably using the internet to find it. When they look for a service or product you offer, you need to show up in their search results and look professional. Make sure to have active social media representation as well – this includes pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Business Cards
In addition to a web presence, market yourself by creating business cards online. Your business card is your brand, serving as a showcase for you and your organization. A business card serves as a physical product that can meet real-word, face-to-face needs. It provides customers and contacts with something tangible that can be referenced later when they are thinking about products or services pertinent to your industry. You can get creative (two sided business cards or kraft business cards) or stay traditional (classic business cards) but remember to design a piece that is identifiable, visually appealing and professional.
The rise of the internet has made it easier than ever to make money from home. You can earn extra cash by selling products, sharing your skills and marketing yourself. Get online and put extra money in your pocket.