In these uncertain times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, people all over the world are facing job losses, pay cuts and financial uncertainty. Quarantine measures have meant that businesses have had to close down or operate at a very limited capacity, leaving many without a way to earn an income. While lockdowns and stay-at-home orders are necessary for public health and safety, it can be a stressful and frustrating time for those who are struggling to make ends meet. However, there are still ways to make money while in quarantine. With a little creativity, effort and a willingness to try something new, you can earn some extra income from the comfort of your own home. In this article, we’ll explore a few ideas to help you make money while adhering to social distancing and quarantine guidelines.
Freelancing
- Freelancing is a great way to turn your skills into cash.
- You can offer your services as a freelancer in fields such as writing, programming, graphic design, social media management, and many others.
- Popular freelancer websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr allow you to set up a profile and offer your services to businesses and individuals from around the world.
- You can start earning money from day one, and the best part is you can work from anywhere in the world.
- Some popular freelance services you can offer include:
- Writing content for websites or blogs
- Designing logos and graphics
- Programming mobile apps or developing websites
- Managing social media accounts for businesses
In addition to these, there are a variety of other freelancing opportunities available online. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, freelancing can be a great way to earn an income in quarantine. With a bit of dedication, persistence and a positive attitude, you can augment your income and gain experience while waiting for the pandemic to pass.
Can you make money from freelancing?
Yes, you can make money from freelancing. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- There are several freelancing websites, including Upwork, Freelancer and Fiverr, where you can browse job postings and submit proposals.
- Most freelancers charge an hourly or project-based rate, which can vary depending on the type of work, skill level and location.
- It takes time and effort to build a reputation and a steady stream of clients, but with dedication and hard work, you can create a successful freelancing career.
Online Tutoring
- Online tutoring is a great way to make money from your expertise.
- With many students now learning from home, there is a growing demand for online tutors.
- Several online platforms can help you connect with students, including:
- Online tutoring is an excellent opportunity to help students achieve their academic goals while sharing your knowledge.
| Platform | Subjects | Payscale |
|---|---|---|
| TutorMe | Math, sciences, history, language, SAT prep, and more | Varies ($16 – $30 per hour) |
| Chegg | STEM topics, computer science, business, and more | Varies ($20 – $1,000 per month) |
| Preply | Foreign language, music, art, test preparation and academic tutoring | Varies ($15 – $50 per hour) |
Not only can tutoring be a rewarding way to help others, but it can also be a way to make a substantial amount of money, especially if you can specialize in popular fields such as science or math. Many online tutoring services also offer standard coursework and test preparation that can add to the number of subjects you can teach. This can translate to hourly rates ranging from $10 to $75, depending on your expertise and the level of teaching required.
Is there money in online tutoring?
Yes, there is money in online tutoring. In fact, the global online tutoring market is expected to reach $120 billion by 2025. Online tutoring platforms such as Chegg, TutorMe, and Wyzant are just a few examples of websites that connect students with tutors online. Some of the advantages of online tutoring include:
- Flexibility in terms of scheduling and location
- Lower costs for tutors and students as overhead expenses are reduced
- Access to a larger pool of potential clients or students
As an online tutor, you can expect to earn anywhere from $10 to $80 per hour depending on your experience and expertise. With the demand for online learning increasing, there are opportunities for skilled tutors to grow their business while providing quality education to students.
Affiliate Marketing
- If you have an active social media presence, affiliate marketing could be a profitable way to make money from home.
- As an affiliate marketer, you’ll earn a commission for each sale made through your unique referral link.
- Some popular affiliate networks include:
- Affiliate marketing can be an effective way to monetize your social media following and earn passive income.
- Maximize your earnings by sharing products or services that align with your brand and that your followers trust.
| Platform | Products/services | Commissions |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Associates | Various products sold on Amazon.com | Up to 10% |
| ShareASale | Brands in multiple categories, including clothing, home decor, and beauty | Varies |
| CJ Affiliate | Brands in multiple categories, including tech, travel, and finance | Varies |
Affiliate marketing is a great way for bloggers and social media influencers to make money in quarantine without creating their own products. By promoting products or services, they believe in, bloggers and influencers can earn commissions ranging from 1% to 50% of the total sale. For example, a fashion blogger could partner with clothing brands that she believes in and share her unique affiliate link with her followers. When a follower clicks on that link and buys something from the brand’s website, the blogger earns a commission. While it doesn’t happen overnight, you can earn substantial revenue from your blog or social media channels through affiliate marketing.
Is affiliate marketing a profitable way to make money?
Affiliate marketing can be a profitable way to make money, but it depends on several factors:
- The products or services you choose to promote
- Your ability to drive traffic and conversions to those products/services
- The commission rates offered by the affiliate programs
While some affiliates make a full-time income from affiliate marketing, others earn only a small amount. It’s important to do your research, find the right products to promote and use effective marketing strategies to maximize your earnings.
Some popular affiliate programs include Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and Commission Junction.
Stock Trading
- If you have some savings to invest, you could try your hand at stock trading or investing.
- While it’s important to be cautious in a volatile market, there are opportunities to make money by investing in the right stocks.
- Platforms like Robinhood, E*TRADE, and TD Ameritrade offer easy-to-use apps for investing.
- Remember to do your research, start small, and always have a strategy in place.
- Consult a financial expert before making any investment decisions.
| Platform | Minimum Deposit | Commission | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robinhood | $0 | $0 | No commission and free trades |
| E*TRADE | $0 | $6.95 | Extensive research and education resources |
| TD Ameritrade | $0 | $0 | No commission and free trades |
While investing in stocks comes with risks, entering the market at the right time can lead to lucrative returns. Trading platforms such as Robinhood, E*TRADE, and TD Ameritrade allow individuals to invest with minimal fees and low minimum deposits. They offer a wide range of investment options, including stocks, bonds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Novice investors can utilize these platforms’ educational resources to learn about investment strategies, stock analysis, and economic trends. It’s crucial to research companies before investing, but it’s also essential to be patient and maintain long-term investment goals. A qualified financial advisor can be a valuable resource for individuals seeking to invest in the stock market.
What is better Robinhood or eToro?
- Both Robinhood and eToro offer commission-free trading.
- Robinhood is ideal for beginners and offers a simple platform.
- eToro is more suitable for experienced traders as it offers a wide range of investment options including cryptocurrency trading.
- eToro also offers a social trading feature that allows users to copy the trades of successful traders.
Virtual events
- With in-person events canceled, many organizations are turning to virtual events to engage their audiences.
- Virtual events provide an opportunity to engage with people from all over the world and can be accessed from the comfort of your home.
- You can offer your services as a virtual event producer, planner, or host.
- Popular virtual event platforms include Zoom and GoToWebinar; they offer tools for hosting virtual conferences, webinars, and meetings.
- Virtual event planners and producers can earn an average of $50,000 to $70,000 per year.
- It’s important to effectively market your virtual event services and be adaptable to meet client’s needs.
- Creating a portfolio of past events and requesting referrals are great ways to gain new clients.
| Platform | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Zoom | High definition video, screen sharing, and breakout room functionality | Free for basic features. Paid plans start at $14.99 per month |
| GoToWebinar | Customizable registration pages, live polls, Q&A functionality, and automated email campaigns | Free trial. Paid plans start at $89 per month |
Virtual events have become increasingly popular due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies and organizations can triple their attendance by offering online webinars, conferences, and virtual meetups. Zoom is known for its high-quality video, screen sharing, and breakout room functionality. On the other hand, GoToWebinar offers specialized online features such as customizable registration pages, live polls, Q&A functionality, and automated email campaigns. Professionals who have experience in event planning can market their virtual event services and work as event producers, planners, or hosts. A great portfolio with examples of past events and professional references can help individuals secure new clients. It’s essential to stay up-to-date with technological advances and be prepared to adapt to meet different clients’ needs in the fast-paced virtual event space.
What type of virtual events are there?
There are different types of virtual events that you can organize or attend online. Here are some of them:
- Webinars: Online presentations or workshops, usually conducted live, that aim to educate or inform attendees about a specific topic.
- Virtual conferences: Events that simulate a typical conference experience, where attendees can participate in keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and networking activities through video conferencing platforms.
- Virtual trade shows: Exhibitions where vendors showcase their products or services in a digital environment, allowing attendees to interact with them through chat boxes or video calls.
- Online concerts and performances: Live music or entertainment shows that are streamed on digital platforms.
Several websites and products cater to different types of virtual events, such as Zoom, WebEx, Hopin, and Eventbrite.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the economy hard, but it doesn’t mean you have to stop earning money. There is a wide range of opportunities available to individuals who are willing to think creatively and leverage their skills. Taking advantage of freelancing platforms, offering online tutoring, affiliate marketing, stock trading, and virtual events are just a few examples of how individuals can earn an income while in quarantine. Identifying your strengths and interests, while keeping up to date with technological advancements and changes in the labor market, can help you capitalize on emerging trends and opportunities.
The pandemic has disrupted the traditional 9-to-5 job market, but it’s also presented a unique opportunity for individuals to explore new ventures and entrepreneurial paths. These are trying times, but there are always opportunities for those who keep an open mind and a willingness to adapt. So, whether it’s starting a small online business or working as a freelancer or virtual event planner, there are many ways to continue earning income while in quarantine. Stay positive, motivated, and focused, and you can emerge from this time of unprecedented change and uncertainty stronger than ever.
