Recent events had shaken the way the world works, but that doesn’t mean you don’t still need money. Some ‘essential’ companies were allowed to stay open and allow their employees to work from home. However, others weren’t so lucky. If your job considered non-essential right now, you need to know how to make money online. Here are some of the top ways:
1.Make Money Remotely with Data Entry
Many people don’t realize that data entry is something easy and can be done at home. Usually, you’re inputting various bits of information into a spreadsheet. When you get hired to do this work, you must have the right supplies. Generally, an internet connection and computer/laptop are needed.
You may also need specific apps, such as Microsoft Word. If the software required is proprietary, you get a copy to download – usually for free. However, you must promise to only use that software for the work ahead of you.
Email is often a requirement to get your assignments. Sometimes, the company uses a specific web-based software that shows everyone’s work schedule. It just depends on the company and its needs.
There are countless data entry jobs you can apply for online. Stay safe by only using reputable and well-established websites. To do that, you should look for information on the job that shows it comes from a real person.
You may also search online listings for companies hiring data-entry positions. Sometimes, people post these jobs on social media sites, as well. In fact, there are many ways to find data entry positions, though it can seem like work to find them, and it could take a while.
Whenever a pandemic comes about, there is always a need for healthcare workers. Therefore, many people are becoming interested in this industry. Now is the time to consider healthcare degrees. Of course, the trades are also doing a booming business. With either of these career options, you can continue working, regardless of what happens globally.
Since you do have more time on your hands, it’s important to use it wisely. Though the pandemic might continue for another year, this time could be well-spent learning a new trade. That way, you are never put in such a financial position again.
Some people could be working from home right now. Though you might be doing the same hours, you’re not traveling as much. That extra time could be put toward an online degree to better yourself for your current company or get a new career
2.Work Remotely at a Call Center (Inbound/Outbound)
If typing isn’t your thing or you want to help people, working at a call center might be appropriate. Most of the time, these places are understaffed and always looking for help. With the pandemic, they’re allowing employees to work from home. These customer service jobs are perfect if you’ve got a phone, computer/laptop, and the internet. Often, the employer supplies anything else you need, but you might be required to buy a headset.
Sometimes, you can choose your hours, but most call centers require you to be flexible. Therefore, it might not be a work-at-home situation where it’s possible to go out to lunch with your friends on a Wednesday afternoon. You may be tied to the home for your shift’s duration, especially if you’re inputting customer information or scheduling appointments.
Of course, you can save money by working at home. You don’t have to drive to the call center location, saving gasoline. Some employers offer to pay for part of your internet bill since you are using it for work. However, this isn’t always the case, so make sure you know what’s included and what compensation can be received.
Call center jobs are suitable for people who have strong communication skills. You may have to work with upset customers, so you must be polite and helpful, even if they yell or get upset. Along with that, you need empathy and patience. Problem-solving skills are also useful because the customer could have an issue and be unsure of what they require. Listening is critical so that you understand them and can help them.
Of course, you should also be aware of what you’re selling. It’s hard to tell customers why they need it if you aren’t sure of what it does or its features/benefits. Usually, your call center employer gives you technical training, as well as call lists where applicable.
3.Customer Service Support (Chat)
Similar to the work performed in a call center, you can get a job as a customer service support specialist. Live chat allows you to make money online without any other tools or supplies. Usually, a person has a specific issue and requests help. From there, it goes to a queue where the next available assistant helps them.
This can be easier for some people because you are not talking to the customer. Everything is done via typing. If you’re an excellent typist but don’t like talking on the phone, this is the best of both worlds.
You must still conduct yourself professionally. The customer might not have proper grammar or may type in all-caps. Therefore, you’re still using your communication skills to be polite and empathetic to their situation.
Most of the time, the issues are simple, such as troubleshooting why a product doesn’t work or helping someone get into their account. When you get hired as a chat support representative, you’re told what you are going to be doing and what company or companies you are going to work for. That way, you’ve got a better idea of the help you may be required to give.
If any training is needed, the employer makes sure that you get it. Often, there is a two-week period where you learn the rules and products/services. It can be paid or unpaid, depending on the company.
Usually, you need to have excellent communication and typing skills. If it is a technical product or service, experience in that niche may be helpful but not required.
4.Online Paid Surveys
Everyone has heard of paid surveys, but can you really make money with them? The answer is two-fold. You can, but it’s often complicated. The first step is to find legitimate companies, which can be hard to do. Often, they require you to buy something or jump through various hoops to get your reward.
Each company out there wants to make sure it’s offering the best products to the right people. Market research comes in many forms, and sometimes, businesses pay people to test these items and answer questions about them.
Generally, companies offer free products or coupons for taking the surveys. Some of the larger corporations do provide monetary compensation.
Many times, the surveys are quick and easy to complete. That means it’s possible to earn a little cash in a short period of time. Others are lengthy, but they pay more.
Though you’re not likely to quit your job and do paid surveys all day, they can help you earn a few bucks in your downtime.
Product reviewer jobs can also be part of the paid-survey genre. With this, you are given an item to use and write a review about it. Most of the time, you provide an honest opinion, but some companies might pay for you to leave positive reviews and just leave out any negatives.
Be careful, as some companies require that you buy the item with your own money before compensating you. If it’s a legitimate and reputable company, this isn’t an issue. However, you do need the funds for this to work.
5.Sell Dropships Items
Right now, dropshipping is a hot online business to open for yourself. It’s hard to start, but it’s virtually free to do it. Create your e-commerce store and import products to your site from a cheap resale shop. Then, use search engines and social media to promote yourself.
The concept is easy to understand, even if it’s a challenge to implement. Primarily, the success of your store is based on the products you choose. If you go into a niche industry, you may be limited as to how well the shop does.
It’s best to focus on something that is in high demand but has little competition. Remember, dropshipping is all about impulse buys. You’re promoting something on social media outlets, and someone likes it, so they buy it. Almost anything can sell, but it has to be advertised correctly.
Generally, it’s a good idea to keep prices under $10 (while still giving you a nice profit.) The items should be useful or cute. Keychains, jewelry, stuffed animals, and pet items are all popular right now.
Consider what’s trending right now, and focus on those things. You’re going to sell more in a short time-frame. Still, you can’t forget the niche industries, as this can be steadier. Remember, your must do significant research to find out what’s hot now and what might be popular in the future. That’s the best way to keep business going and allows you to make money online.
Usually, technology, power tools, and beauty products never go out of style. These are popular items to sell all the time, regardless of what’s going on in the world. With the pandemic, many people now sell N-95 respirator masks, cloth masks, and hand sanitizer. Other household items that are low-stocked in the stores include toilet paper, facial tissues, and spray disinfectant.
6.Conclusion
There are countless ways to earn money online, though it does take some work from you. Be diligent in finding options that fit your needs, timing, and budget. Also, remember that there are scammers out there. Make sure that you’re using reputable websites and companies so that you don’t get into legal trouble or have your money stolen from you. Whether you want to be a salesperson or call center agent, now is the time to try your hand at it and do it from home.