16 Creative Ways To Make Money

16 Creative Ways To Make Money

16 Creative Ways To Make Money was written by Chhavi Agarwal (writer for Play Louder) and originally appeared on Savoteur. Chhavi is a lawyer who quit her job to become a full-time work-from-home blogger. She shares tips and tricks on making money online, side hustles, freelancing, and blogging through her blog, Mrs. Daaku Studio. Besides blogging, she works as a freelance coach and shares her expertise on YouTube and Instagram. When not blogging, she is traveling, sketching, or doing yoga. Please note that contributing opinions are that of the author. They are not always in strict alignment with our own opinions.

Are you tired of the 9 to 5 grind? You're not alone.

Creative Ways To Make Money
Image Courtesy of Depositphotos

Millions of people are looking for creative ways to make money that don't involve punching a clock daily. But it can be hard to know where to start. That's where we come in.

We've compiled a list of the best ways to make money – from starting your own business to selling online to becoming a digital nomad. We even have ideas for those who want to stay put and earn extra cash.

So no matter what you're looking for, we have something for you.

Creative Ways To Make Money Online:

1. Sell Photos:

If you're a photographer, you've considered selling photos at some point. After all, what could be better than getting paid to do something you love?

And thanks to the internet, it's now easier to sell photos online. Many stock photography websites allow you to upload your photos and earn a royalty every time someone buys them.

Some of the best websites are:

  • Shutterstock
  • iStockPhoto
  • Dreamstime
  • GettyImages
  • Unsplash

Just pick a niche that is always in demand. Something like nature, food, office, or travel should do the trick.

Pro Tip: Sign up and use more than one website to sell your photos. This way, you'll reach a wider audience and have a better chance of making sales. To do this, ensure that you are not signing an exclusive agreement with any one site.

Average Pay: 25-45 cents an image. That means you need to sell around 400 photos to make $100. While it sounds like a lot, reaching this number is easy if you take high-quality pictures and sell them on multiple websites.

2. Sell Printables

One of the hottest trends in online entrepreneurship is selling printables.

For those who don't know what that is, printables are digital files that can be printed out and used for various purposes, from greeting cards to planners to wall art. If you're creative and have a knack for design, you can create your printables and sell them online.

Best of all, there's no need for pricey inventory or shipping costs – once you create your files, they're available for instant download.

According to CNBC, Jimenez makes over $160000 in passive income selling printables (most of which are digital planners) on Etsy. So if you're ready to start earning money from your creativity, here's how to start selling printables.

  • First, decide what kind of printables you want to create. Will you offer planners, greeting cards, or both?
  • Once you've settled on a niche, it's time to start designing your files. You can also outsource it to a design expert.
  • Once your files are complete, it's time to start promoting them. You can list them on marketplaces like Etsy or Creative Market or set up your website or blog.
  • Be sure to include attractive images and compelling descriptions to entice potential buyers.
  • And finally, remember to price your printables competitively – if your prices are too high, you won't make any sales!

With a little effort and creativity, selling printables can be a great way to earn money from home.

Pro Tip: Specialise in one type of printable and then keep adding to your collection. This way, buyers will return to your store repeatedly, looking for new and exciting designs. It would be best if you also tapped in holiday printables.

Average Pay: $1-$5 per printable.

3. Flea Market Flipping

Have you ever gone to a flea market and found an old item you thought could be worth a lot of money? If so, you may have been intrigued by flea market flipping.

It is buying items at flea markets or garage sales and then selling them for a profit. While it may sound like a simple concept, a lot of work is involved in successfully flipping items.

First, you need to have a good eye for spotting hidden treasures. You also need to research the market value of potential purchases and know when to walk away from a bad deal.

Finally, it would help if you were patient in waiting for the right buyer to come along. We recommend you start with eBay because it allows you to reach a global audience of buyers.

If you are willing to put in the effort, flea market flipping can be a great way to earn some extra cash.

Some of the best items to flip are:

  • Anything vintage
  • Video Games
  • Board Games
  • Antiques
  • Collectibles etc

Pro Tip: If you find an interesting item, always grab your phone and check how much it is selling for on marketplaces like eBay.

Average Pay: $10-$200 or even more per transaction, depending on what you're flipping.

4. Become a Social Media Influencer

In today's digital age, social media is more critical than ever. A solid online presence can help you build your brand, connect with customers, and drive sales.

And for many people, social media is also a source of income. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube offer opportunities for users to share their content with a broad audience and generate income through sponsorships and affiliate marketing.

To make money through social media, you must build a strong following.

Identify your niche, create engaging content, and be active on the chosen platform. You'll also need to be patient and consistent because overnight success is rare.

Pro Tip: Collaborate with micro-influencers in your niche to grow faster.

Average Pay: Depends on the number of followers and engagement rate. It can range from $50-$10,000+ per post.

5. Start a Blog

If you're passionate about a specific topic and want to share your knowledge with the world, starting a blog is a great way to do it.

Not only will you be able to share your thoughts and connect with like-minded people, but you can also make money in the process.

There are several ways to monetize a blog, such as

  • selling advertising space
  • affiliate marketing
  • writing sponsored posts, and
  • setting up an online store.

However, the most successful bloggers usually focus on providing valuable content and developing a solid rapport with their readers. By building a loyal following, you'll be well on making money from your blog.

Pro Tip: Invest time and money in learning SEO and building quality backlinks right off the bat.

Average Pay: You can expect $100 to over $100k yearly, depending on traffic, niche, and monetization methods.

6. Sell Your Voice

Many opportunities are available for people who want to make money by selling their voices. Voice acting is booming, and there is always a demand for new talent.

Whether you have a deep, commanding voice or a high, sing-songy one, there is likely a role for you. All you need is a good-quality microphone and a quiet place to record.

Some of the platforms you can start with are:

  • Voices.com
  • Voices123
  • BunnyStudio

So if you're looking for a way to make some extra cash, consider selling your voice.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have a good quality microphone and quiet recording setup. It will make your recordings sound professional and increase your chances of landing gigs.

Average Pay: $13,500–$31,999 if you're an entry-level voice actor.

7. License Your Art

As an artist, you want people to enjoy your work. But it's hard to make a living off of art sales alone.

One way to generate additional income is to license your art to businesses that print on-demand products. It could include everything from t-shirts and coffee mugs to phone cases and wallpaper.

Not only will you earn a royalty on each sale, but you'll also have the satisfaction of seeing your artwork on various products.

With the help of social media, you can promote your prints and reach a global audience of potential customers.

So if you're looking for ways to monetize your art, consider licensing your work to businesses that print-on-demand products. It's a great way to earn additional income and get your work into the world.

A few platforms to start with are:

  • Printify
  • Society6
  • Redbubble

Pro Tip: You need to upload new designs regularly to keep people interested and coming back for more. Also, tag your products with relevant keywords, so they appear in search results.

Average Pay: You will receive 20-30% commission on each sale.

Creative Ways To Make Money at Home:

8. House Sitting

Making money from house-sitting is a great way to earn some extra income, and it can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Keep a few things in mind when looking for house-sitting opportunities.

First, ensure you're comfortable living in someone else's home. You'll be responsible for keeping the house clean and tidy, and you may need to take care of pets or plants.

Second, find out as much as possible about the homeowner before you agree to house sit. Ask about their expectations, and get a sense of their personality.

Finally, be prepared to be flexible. House-sitting gigs can pop up at any time, so you must adjust your schedule on short notice. But if you're willing to do the work, house-sitting can be a great way to make some extra money.

To get started:

  1. Create a profile on a house-sitting website and apply for jobs.
  2. Include information about your experience and references.
  3. Once you've landed an appointment, follow your client's instructions and enjoy your new surroundings.

A few platforms to start with:

  • Trusted House Sitters
  • Mind My House
  • House Sit Match

Pro Tip: The best way to land house-sitting gigs is to have a strong profile highlighting your experience and references. Be sure to include photos and detailed descriptions of your past house-sitting experiences.

Average Pay: $25-$50 per day.

9. Rent Out Your Backyard

If you have a big backyard and are looking for a creative way to make some extra money, why not rent it out?

Depending on the size and location of your backyard, you could charge people for camping, parties, a fun night out, or even just for use as a garden. If you live in a busy city, you could rent your backyard as a parking space.

Many people are willing to pay good money for a little extra space, so if you have some to spare, why not put it to good use?

You can start with

  • Rent Your Backyard
  • Peerspace

Pro Tip: To attract customers, list your backyard on multiple platforms. And remember to include photos and a detailed space description.

Average Pay: $200-$500 daily for a decent backyard.

10. Rent Your RV

Renting out your RV is a creative way to make money and can be a great way to offset ownership costs. There are a few things to keep in mind when you're getting started, but once you get the hang of it, it's easy and fun!

First, you'll need to find a good spot to park your RV. You'll want to choose a convenient place for you and your renters with all the hookups and amenities they'll need.

Once you've found the perfect spot, it's time to list your RV on a rental site. Include clear photos, detailed descriptions of your RV, and your desired rental price.

Or you can also choose to allow the renter to pick up and take your RV to their desired destination, or you can offer delivery and setup as an option for an additional cost.

Once you start receiving rental inquiries, you must screen potential renters carefully. You'll want to ensure that they have a valid driver's license and understand the terms of your rental agreement.

A few platforms to begin with

  • RVnGO
  • Outdoorsy
  • RVShare

Pro Tip: Search the sites for similar RVs and analyze their listings, prices, etc. It will give you a good idea of what works and help you create a listing that stands out.

Average Pay: $100-$200 per night

11. Rent a Room

If you're looking for a creative way to make extra money, why consider renting your room?

With the rise of platforms like Airbnb, it has never been easier to list your space and welcome guests worldwide. Not only will you earn money from rental fees, but you'll also have the opportunity to meet new people and learn about different cultures.

And if you're worried about guests trashing your home, don't worry – most platforms offer host protection insurance, so you can rest easy knowing that your property is in good hands.

Pro Tip: Take professional photos of your space, and write a detailed description highlighting all the features that make your room special.

Average Pay: $50-$100 per night, depending on the location and amenities of your room.

12. Ads on Your Car

You've probably seen cars with ads wrapped around them and wondered how much money drivers make.

The amount can vary depending on the ad's size, the car's location, and the length of time the ad shows. However, drivers can typically earn a few hundred dollars per month for displaying an ad on their car.

Keep a few things in mind if you're interested in earning extra cash by wrapping your car in ads.

First, make sure to choose a reputable company. There are many scams out there, so it's essential to do your research before signing any contracts.

Second, be prepared to have your car inspected before the wrapping process begins. The company will want to ensure that your vehicle is in good condition and that the paint job is up to par.

Finally, be prepared to drive carefully!

You can start with

  • Nickelytics
  • Wrapify
  • Carvertise

Pro Tip: Read the fine print before signing any contracts. Some companies require you to drive a certain number of miles per week or prohibit you from going to certain areas.

Average Pay: $100-$400 per month. Some companies pay per campaign.

Other creative ways to make money:

13. Dog Sitting

Unlike dog walking, dog sitting involves staying at the pet's home for some time, typically overnight.

It can be an excellent option for pet owners who need someone to look after their furry friend while out of town. In addition to walking the dog and feeding them, you may also be responsible for administering medication or taking them to the vet.

Dog sitting can be a rewarding experience and a great way to earn extra cash. Some places to find dog-sitting jobs are:

  • Rover
  • Wag!

Pro Tip: Offer your services to friends and family first, which will help you build a positive reputation.

Average Pay: $20-$40 per night.

14. Become a Mystery Shopper

For many people, mystery shopping is a creative way to make money. You get paid to shop at various stores and report on your experience as a mystery shopper.

It can include the store's cleanliness, the staff's friendliness, and the merchandise's overall quality.

Mystery shopping can be a great way to earn extra money and a fun way to try out new stores and products. If you're looking for a creative way to make extra cash, definitely look into mystery shopping.

You can look for mystery shopping jobs here:

  • Market Force
  • Intellishop
  • Secret Shopper

Pro Tip: Sign up with a reputable mystery shopping company. There are several scams out there, so it's essential to do your research before signing up for any assignments.

Average Pay: $15-$30 per hour, depending on the length and complexity of the task.

15. Get Paid To Walk

Some companies pay you to walk, which is a great way to earn extra cash.

You can set your hours and walk at your own pace. You can also walk with friends or family, and you can even walk with pets. So get out there and start walking!

A few apps that pay to walk are:

  • Sweatcoin
  • Runtopia
  • Achievement

Pro Tip: Sign up for more than one app to increase your earnings.

Average Pay: It will depend on the app you use. For example, Achievement pays you $10 for every 10,000 points.

16. Become a Self-published Author

If you're a talented writer, there's no reason why you can't publish your work and make money from it.

Self-publishing is a great way to get your work out without finding a traditional publisher. You'll be able to retain complete control over your work, and you'll be able to set your price. Best of all, you can start making money immediately.

Of course, self-publishing can be challenging. You'll need to invest time and effort into promoting your work and your brand.

A few self-publishing platforms include

  • Amazon KDP
  • Reedsy

Pro Tip: Invest in an editor and a proofreader to help make your book the best it can be.

Average Pay: You'll earn a 35-70% royalty on each book sold.

Take Your Pick:

Many opportunities are available for people who want to make money from home. Whether you're a writer, artist, or car driver, there's likely a way for you to monetize your talents.

So if you're looking for creative ways to make some extra cash, consider one of the options listed above. You can achieve your financial goals with a little hard work and dedication.