Let’s make some money.
We thought we would consider some fun ways to make extra cash this month. Our friends inspire this feature at Stepchange. We have hand-picked 5 of their wonderful and weird ways to make money to trial this month. Let us know if you try these out too.
1. Get paid for your holiday pics
If you have ever tried to find free photos, you will know that it is really difficult to find decent images on the internet.
Most of us have a decent enough phone with a camera, so why not consider selling your summer snaps to Fotolia and 123rf? You’ll get a royalty fee every time someone buys one of your pictures!
Challenge: To find 10 decent holiday snaps and upload them to these websites
2. Become a virtual assistant
‘Technology is changing all the while, and the workplace right along with it. Being a virtual assistant (VA) is shaping into quite the nice little earner, especially for work-at-home mums or people who are already self-employed but want to top up their income. VAs are a great option for small businesses that might not be able to afford full-time admin staff or the administrative work involved is quite small. VA work hours are quite flexible, and you can work from home, so you save on commuting costs.’
Check out MoneyMagpie’s guide to becoming a virtual assistant to learn more!
Challenge: Check out MoneyMagpie, then sign up for an agency
3. Become a voice-over artist
‘Voiceovers are in big demand these days, as the internet has opened up a need for a whole new host of vocal-based vocations. These can range from YouTube ads to web radio podcasts, not to mention the continuing need for traditional voice work on TV, film and radio. There are several websites where voice actors can upload their demo reels, hunt for jobs and network with people in their industry. Please be aware that some of these websites may charge a fee.
I have often used voice-over artists for radio and TV spots in Soho. I like the idea of a few hours of work, although I am unsure if my boredom threshold is up to repeatedly saying the same thing. However, I will tap up some friends in production and ask their advice on who I should approach.
Challenge: Identify 3 agencies and approach them to see if they will accept me
4. Take part in market research
Market research is a money-making opportunity that’s not to be sniffed at, according to Stepchange. It can be a bit tricky to find legitimate market research companies. However, there are several many market research companies with which I am familiar, offering an array of cash payments, rewards or gifts to choose from. Many will be averse to those already in marketing or advertising, but I will try my luck anyway.
Challenge: To pick 5 companies this month and offer my services.
5. Become a social media expert
‘If you’re organised, internet confident and can devote an hour or two per day to get the word out about a local business, Consider becoming a social media expert. Call into local takeaways, restaurants and cafes in your area’.
Many small local businesses do not have the time or inclination to manage social media. I consider myself quite adept at social media, so picked this one to see how much I can make a month. However, so many people are calling themselves social media gurus these days. Many small businesses offer their social media to their family or interns.
Mashable is pretty good at offering tips and the know-how if this is the weird money-making tip for you!
Challenge: To identify 5 companies this month and offer to manage their social media
If you liked this article, you might also like 5 Unusual ways to make money.
Stepchange – impartial debt advice
Stepchange is the UK’s leading debt charity; debt advice is also free. The original article was written for Stepchange Money Aware by Rachel Connor.
Oh, by the way, you need to declare any extra money you make to HMRC.
