Everyone could use a bit more money, right? Whether you're saving up for something special or just want some extra cash, there are plenty of ways to earn more in 2023. Here are ten great strategies you can try to boost your income.

Key Takeaways

• Start a YouTube channel and make money from ads and sponsorships.
• Sell digital products like eBooks, courses, or art online.
• Offer tutoring services either in person or online.
• Deliver packages for companies like Amazon or UPS.
• Create and host your own podcast and earn from ads and sponsorships.

1. Monetize a YouTube Channel

YouTube has a huge audience of 2.7 billion users who watch a billion hours of videos every day. You can tap into those views by joining the YouTube Partner Program, which lets you earn money from ads shown during your videos. However, it takes time to gather enough viewers to earn a lot from ads, so many YouTubers look for other ways to make money.

As your following grows, you might get business sponsorships to promote products or services to your audience. You can also run YouTube Ads and use YouTube SEO to get more traffic. If you like this idea, here’s a simple guide to get started:

1. Make engaging videos and Shorts that appeal to your target audience.
2. Gain subscribers and explore monetization strategies like joining the Partner Program.
3. Sell merchandise and promote affiliate partners.

Remember, you need to be 18+ years old to monetize your YouTube channel. Investing in good tech gear, like a camera, mic, and editing tools, is essential to grow your channel and keep up good quality over time.

YouTube side hustles are a great way to make money in your spare time by sharing what you know, discussing current events, or providing entertainment. YouTube is free to use, and you can monetize your videos once you have at least 1,000 subscribers and over 4,000 watch hours per year. This can take a while, but with hard work, it’s possible to earn thousands each month. Many dedicated YouTubers have turned their channels into highly profitable full-time jobs.

2. Sell Digital Products

Digital products are items that exist only online. Examples include downloadable or streamable files such as MP3s, PDFs, videos, and technical assets. Selling digital products can be a great way to earn extra income with minimal overhead costs.

Costs and Platforms

You can create digital products using your own graphic, photo, video, or music software, or tap free online platforms, such as Canva, PhotoPea, and the Garageband app for creation. Monetize your creations on your own website or an Etsy store, and by uploading to creative marketplaces including Canva, Envato Market, Creative Fabrica, Shutterstock, iTunes, SoundCloud, and many more.

Next Steps

Start by identifying a niche or area of expertise. Create high-quality digital products that provide value to your target audience. Once your products are ready, choose a platform to sell them on. Popular options include your own website, Etsy, and various creative marketplaces.

Digital products offer a flexible and scalable way to generate income. With the right approach, you can turn your skills and creativity into a profitable venture.

3. Become an IRL or Online Tutor

Teaching others can be very rewarding, and with online platforms like Cambly, TutorOcean, Preply, and Learn to Be, it's easier than ever to become a tutor. Whether you prefer in-person or online tutoring, there's a growing demand for educational help.

Online tutoring is especially popular because it allows you to connect with students from anywhere. You can set your own schedule and choose the subjects you are most knowledgeable about. Many tutors earn around $18.30 per hour, and some even make up to $60 per hour, depending on their expertise and the subject matter.

To get started, follow these steps:

1. Identify the subjects or skills you excel in.
2. Sign up on tutoring platforms or reach out to local schools and educational centers.
3. Set your availability and start connecting with students.

Tutoring can be a fulfilling way to share your knowledge and help others succeed. Plus, it offers the flexibility to work around your own schedule.

Consider creating an online course for passive income. While it takes effort initially, an online course can continue to generate income over time.

4. Deliver Packages

If you have some free time and a vehicle, you can start a side hustle as a delivery driver. What's great about this gig is the flexible schedule. Most delivery drivers choose when they want to work and only receive delivery assignments when they're available.

Next Steps

1. Sign up with a service like Amazon Flex.
2. Once registered, start picking the time blocks that suit your schedule.

This job is perfect for those who need extra cash but can't commit to a fixed schedule. You can work as much or as little as you want, making it a great option for busy people.

Many platforms offer delivery opportunities, including Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates. You can even check out grocery delivery services like Instacart or Spark Driver (Walmart's delivery app).

5. Start a Podcast

Podcasting has become a major part of online content, much like social media and blogging. Podcast audiences have been growing every year. Starting a podcast is also quite affordable. You can get a good USB microphone for under $100, and free recording software like Audacity is easy to use.

To start, pick a theme or topic that will interest your target audience. Record a few episodes ahead of time and plan your launch. As your podcast grows, you can add ads or get sponsors to make money from it.

Podcasting is a great way to share your passion and knowledge with others. With some planning and effort, it can become a fun and profitable side hustle.

6. Design and Sell Your Own T-Shirts

If you love creating designs, starting a print-on-demand t-shirt business can be a fun and low-risk way to earn extra income. Platforms like Printful, Printify, and Gelato make it easy to upload your custom designs onto t-shirts. These services print and ship the products only when someone makes a purchase, so you don't need to buy a lot of inventory upfront.

Next Steps

1. Create your unique designs.
2. Choose a print-on-demand platform.
3. Set up an online store using a service like Shopify.
4. Upload your designs and start selling.

With minimal upfront costs and the ability to work from anywhere, designing and selling t-shirts is a great side hustle for creative individuals.

7. Offer Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Services

People love their pets like family, so they are willing to pay for trustworthy pet sitters and dog walkers. This is a great way to earn extra money if you enjoy spending time with animals.

Getting Started

To begin, you can sign up on apps like Rover, Wag!, PetSitter.com, and PetBacker. These platforms make it easy to find pet owners who need help. You can also advertise your services in local community centers or online forums.

Costs and Requirements

Starting a pet sitting or dog walking service doesn't require a lot of money. However, you might need to invest in some basic supplies like leashes, waste bags, and maybe even some toys. Some areas may require permits, so check your local regulations.

Benefits

• Flexible hours: You can choose when you want to work.
• Exercise: Walking dogs is a great way to stay active.
• Low startup costs: You don't need much to get started.

Offering pet sitting and dog walking services is not only a fun way to make extra money, but it also provides a valuable service to pet owners in your community.

Tips for Success

1. Be reliable and punctual.
2. Communicate well with pet owners.
3. Make sure to follow any special instructions for each pet.
4. Build a good reputation to get more clients through word-of-mouth.

8. Become a Rideshare Driver

Driving for a rideshare company is a flexible way to earn extra income. You can choose your own hours and work as much or as little as you want. Popular options include Uber and Lyft, but there are also smaller, independent companies like Wingz that focus on specific services, such as airport transportation.

Steps to Get Started

1. Choose a rideshare platform that fits your schedule and vehicle type.
2. Sign up and complete the necessary background checks and vehicle inspections.
3. Download the app and start accepting rides.

Tips for Success

• Keep your car clean and well-maintained to ensure a pleasant experience for passengers.
• Be polite and professional to earn higher ratings and tips.
• Know your local area well to take the best routes and avoid traffic.

Driving for a rideshare company can be a great way to make extra money on your own terms. Whether you want to work full-time or just a few hours a week, the choice is yours.

9. Deliver Groceries and Other Items

Delivering groceries and other items is a fantastic way to earn extra income, especially if you enjoy driving but prefer not to have passengers. This gig offers flexibility and the opportunity to work on your own schedule.

There are several popular platforms you can join to get started:

• Uber Eats
• DoorDash
• Grubhub
• Postmates
• Instacart
• Spark Driver (Walmart’s delivery app)

Steps to Get Started

1. Choose a Platform: Decide which delivery service you want to work with.
2. Sign Up: Register on the platform's website or app.
3. Complete Requirements: Fulfill any necessary requirements, such as background checks or vehicle inspections.
4. Start Delivering: Once approved, you can start accepting delivery requests and earning money.

Delivering groceries and other items can be a rewarding side hustle that fits into your lifestyle. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to work full-time, this gig offers the flexibility you need.

10. Rent Out Your Home or a Spare Room

You already invest time and effort into maintaining your home—why not monetize it? Renting out your home or a spare room offers substantial earning potential. Platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, Agoda, and Plum Guide (UK only) simplify the process of listing short-term rentals.

This straightforward strategy takes advantage of space that you’re not using anyway and turns it into a money-making opportunity. If you’re going away for the summer or have to be out of town for a while, or maybe even just want to travel, consider renting out your current space while you’re gone.

Here’s a variation on renting out an idle car: Start even smaller with other household items that people may need but that may be collecting dust in your garage. Lawnmowers? Power tools? Mechanics tools and tool box? Tents or large coolers? Look for high-value items that people need for a short period of time and where it might not make sense for someone to own the item. Then put together a way for clients to discover your inventory and a way for them to pay for it.

Do you have a parking space that you’re not using or that could be used by someone else? You could trade that spot for some cash. It could be an even better set-up if you have a larger area that could fit several cars or that would be useful for multiple events or venues.

Bankrate’s next idea for passive income is to rent out your home short-term, Airbnb-style. This certainly can be a way to make some extra cash if you're going to be away from home for a while. However, this method isn't exactly passive income, since you'll have to put in some effort to get your home ready and listed for rental… and, of course, you’ll need to be living somewhere else while your home is rented out.

17. ADVERTISE ON YOUR CAR

Conclusion

In 2023, there are countless ways to earn extra income, whether you're looking to make a little extra cash on the side or start a new business. From selling digital products to offering pet sitting services, the opportunities are endless. The key is to find something that fits your skills and interests. Remember, every small step you take can lead to bigger financial gains. So, don't be afraid to try out different strategies and see what works best for you. With determination and creativity, you can achieve your financial goals and enjoy the benefits of extra income.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I earn from monetizing a YouTube channel?

Earnings from a YouTube channel can vary widely. Some YouTubers make a few dollars a month, while others earn thousands. It depends on factors like the number of views, ad revenue, and sponsorship deals.

What types of digital products can I sell?

You can sell a variety of digital products, such as eBooks, online courses, printables, and stock photos. The key is to create something that people find valuable and are willing to pay for.

Do I need any special skills to become a tutor?

While having expertise in a subject is important, you also need good communication skills to explain concepts clearly. Some tutoring platforms might require you to have certain qualifications or experience.

How do I start a podcast?

To start a podcast, you'll need a good microphone, recording software, and a topic you're passionate about. After recording, you can upload your podcast to platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

What should I consider before becoming a rideshare driver?

Before becoming a rideshare driver, consider factors like the wear and tear on your car, fuel costs, and the time commitment. Also, check if your car meets the requirements set by the rideshare company.

Is renting out a spare room a good idea?

Renting out a spare room can be a great way to earn extra income. However, you should consider the responsibilities of being a landlord, such as maintaining the property and ensuring the safety and comfort of your tenants.