You don't need a lot of skills to do some simple tasks like checking emails and filling out forms online. It's not enough to be just a typist because it won't get you far if you're looking for part-time income. But there are many ways that anyone who has basic computer literacy could turn their spare time into extra cash with little more than a laptop.
In this article we'll look specifically at one way to earn money by typing on websites. Whether you type for fun as a hobby, or as your full-time occupation, you can use these tips to find steady employment. We've also looked at which sites offer the most opportunities, what kind of gigs they have available, and even where to start when you’re new to the whole gig economy thing.
So let’s dive right in!
The first step towards making any side hustle profitable is finding something worth doing. If you love technology (or aren’t afraid to learn), then there will always be tech companies eager to hire people to do simple but repetitive tasks. This includes everything from taking surveys to answering questions about products to entering information into databases.
There are tons of popular survey sites such as Survey Monkey, Swagbucks, and Harris Polls, so choose whichever works best for you. There are also plenty of other options, including those dedicated to specific platforms like Apple, Facebook, Google Chrome, Amazon Fire TV devices, etc. You should try them all out yourself before settling on anything.
Once you pick a platform, sign up using our link for free. Once registered, you’ll receive emails inviting you to complete various surveys and offers through that particular app. Some might require payment while others are completely free to join. When completing surveys, keep track of the points you accumulate and redeem them for gift cards or coupons for future purchases. The amount you save may vary depending on which company you choose.
Some apps only pay once per month instead of every point earned, while others give a flat rate payout based on total number of points accumulated. For example, my favorite rewards program currently pays $5/point for completed surveys, meaning that after reaching 10,000 points in a year I would receive $50 in cold hard cash. That said, most programs reward you fairly quickly—sometimes within days—so you shouldn’t really struggle to rack up rewards over time.
Another great option is signing up for freelance writing gigs through Upwork.com. Freelancers can set their own rates and clients tend to stay interested since each project usually lasts several weeks. Plus, you can easily apply to multiple projects simultaneously.
Upwork is an American freelancing marketplace connecting employers and service providers worldwide. Founded in 2011, its users include businesses in almost 100 countries and millions of individual professionals around the globe. Clients post assignments ranging from technical support specialists to marketing managers, graphic designers to web developers, and writers to product reviewers. You can browse current listings via categories, regions, languages, skill levels, pricing, years of experience, and message boards.
Clients search for services using keywords and descriptions posted by experts. Users must verify themselves, however, and provide copies of professional certifications along with resume details. Payouts range between $10-$1,000+ per assignment, depending on the nature of the task and the level of expertise required. Payments are made weekly via PayPal or check. In addition to reviewing profiles, prospective employees can contact potential candidates directly through messaging systems provided by both parties.
It takes time to build trust among potential clients and workers alike, especially when working remotely. So take advantage of social media to establish credibility and show professionalism. Follow relevant industry influencers and experts on Twitter or LinkedIn to gain exposure. Responding regularly to followers helps build relationships and shows interest in your field. And remember to respond promptly whenever someone posts a request for assistance.
For maximum convenience, opt for mobile apps rather than desktop versions. They allow you to access Upwork wherever you go — no matter where in the world you live.
While earning extra money by typing isn’t much of a challenge itself, getting started requires setting aside funds for equipment and training. Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved in starting a successful typing career.
Desktop Computer - An affordable choice, you can buy decent laptops under $500 nowadays. A powerful processor and reliable internet connection are crucial components too. Check out Microsoft Surface Pro X tablets if budget permits.
Keyboard - A high-quality keyboard is essential for comfort during long periods of typing. Prices range between $150-$300 depending on brand and features. Many models come with built-in laser pointers.
Computer Accessories - Buy ergonomic mice and keyboards designed to minimize wrist strain. Look for wireless chargers for smartphones. Make sure to avoid buying cheap accessories off eBay or elsewhere unless you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Online Training Course - Typists often spend hours practicing daily until they reach expert proficiency. To maximize efficiency and speed, invest in a course that teaches proper posture, hand placement, finger movement patterns, and common mistakes to avoid. Courses typically cost less than $100.
Accessories & Software - Purchase software and hardware tools necessary for performing certain duties. Examples include word processing applications, spreadsheet programs, PDF viewers, voice recording software, image editing suites, presentation editors, photo management suites, video capture software, audio recorders, screen sharing software, etc. Most items cost less than $200.
Typewriter Upgrade - Investing in a typewriter upgrade makes sense if you plan to continue using computers for long periods of time. Unless you’ve purchased a vintage model recently, chances are that yours doesn’t meet modern standards. Newer machines feature improved durability, reliability, ease of maintenance, and quieter operation.
A typical typewriter upgrade retails anywhere between $250-$800. Depending on your needs, prices can run higher or lower.
Overall, expect to shell out roughly $2,000 for a well-equipped setup capable of handling demanding workflows. Fortunately, there are many places you can cut corners to reduce expenses. For instance, you can purchase used desktops and peripherals online, rent office space, skip unnecessary upgrades, and accept low paychecks to boot.
Also consider renting equipment instead of purchasing your own. Services such as MicroCenter, GeekDesk, Office Depot, Staples, and BestBuySolutions offer inexpensive alternatives allowing you to move fast without investing lots of capital upfront.
Lastly, don’t forget to factor in taxes. While wages paid for domestic work performed outside the U.S. fall below minimum wage thresholds, nonresident aliens employed abroad make taxable earnings above that limit. Find out more about state and federal reporting requirements here.
Data entry refers to transcribing recorded messages into digital text files. These recordings cover numerous topics, including phone calls, voicemails, email exchanges, medical reports, legal documents, business correspondence, personal notes, etc. As an independent worker, you’d enter such materials into specialized software for further analysis by human coders.
Here’s how it works. Recordings undergo conversion to MP3 format and uploaded to cloud storage services. Then, transcriptionists log onto servers containing thousands of digitized voices ready for review. After selecting appropriate entries, copywriters submit typed summaries to client inboxes. All transcriptsions take place overseas since the vast majority of data entry jobs involve translating English language recordings into local dialects.
As you probably guessed, data entry involves deciphering written words into understandable sentences. Since accuracy matters greatly, quality control checks are implemented throughout the process. However, unlike some types of content creation, transcriptions cannot be outsourced entirely due to strict privacy laws. Therefore, you’ll need to speak with supervisors beforehand to determine overall workload complexity and scope.
Transcription rates depend largely upon the length of material submitted and the turnaround deadline. Typical hourly rates hover around $20-$30 USD. On top of that, large corporations charge additional fees for complex projects involving lengthy records.
Have you ever thought about making a living just by using your hands? If so, then this article will help you understand how it works. In fact, there are many ways that people have made money without lifting heavy loads, driving cars, or even talking directly to other humans. Let’s take a look at some of these methods.
Before we begin, let us define what “typing” means. Typing refers to entering text on a computer screen through keyboard keys. It could be as simple as writing emails, but also includes things like filling out online forms and surveys.
There are several places where you can use your skills to start working remotely. The most obvious one is freelancing websites such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. However, if you prefer not to deal with customers, you may consider starting a blog instead. You can still get paid for writing articles or doing proofreading services.
Another option is to join affiliate marketing programs. These sites offer products or services with which they pay commissions when users buy them after clicking links provided by affiliates. Amazon, eBay, Google Shopping, Rakuten, etc., all offer opportunities to become their own boss while helping others do exactly the same thing.
Finally, there are plenty of apps available that allow you to earn money passively. For example, mobile games often reward players for completing tasks, watching videos, participating in polls, reading ads, and more. Some apps require little interaction once installed, while others need frequent updates to keep running properly.
Now that you know where you can go to make money, let's explore various options. To start, you should decide what kind of service or product you would like to promote. Perhaps you've noticed ads everywhere, including social media platforms, newsletters, blogs, forums, email messages, and instant messengers. All those ads provide advertisers access to data related to your interests, location, gender, age, income level, profession, hobbies, likes, dislikes, purchases, and much more. Advertisers leverage this information to serve relevant content to you every time you visit certain web pages. That's why ads appear on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Snapchat, etc.
After deciding what field you wish to enter into, choose a product within your chosen industry. Then find someone who is willing to purchase whatever you're selling. Once done, create a landing page explaining everything about your niche in detail. Next, market and sell your product to potential buyers. This process might seem daunting, especially if you don't have any experience promoting anything before. Don't worry! There is no better way to learn than trial-and-error. When trying to figure out something new, you must first try and fail repeatedly until you finally succeed. So be sure to give yourself enough time and patience. Afterward, continue improving and expanding your knowledge base by exploring additional topics.
In addition to building relationships with clients, creating landing pages, and offering quality services/products, you should also invest in learning new software tools. Here are some examples:
WordPress plugins (e.g., Yoast SEO)
A domain name
An autoresponder account
Cloud storage accounts
Social media management tools (e.g., Buffer, Hootsuite)
Google Analytics, Mailchimp, HubSpot, WordPress, etc.
You can also check out our list of essential digital marketing courses worth paying for.
Once you finish getting familiarized with the above terms and concepts, it's now time to focus on earning money. How? By becoming an independent contractor for companies such as Microsoft, PayPal, Uber, Netflix, Starbucks, Tesla, and Airbnb. These businesses hire individuals to perform specific jobs via remote computers. As mentioned earlier, you'll probably receive payments based on commission, so you won't see direct payment checks. But hey, it pays off since it allows you to spend less effort and resources compared to traditional employment positions.
To boost your chances of success, ensure that you follow the proper procedures outlined by each company. Also, stay aware of changes to policies and guidelines. Remember, it takes years of hard work and persistence to reach the top levels of today's career fields.
As another side note, you can also earn money by providing freelance technical support. Companies typically turn to third party providers whenever they face problems with their network systems. Therefore, if you possess extensive IT background, you can apply to become an outsourced tech expert. Make sure you complete thorough training beforehand to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Lastly, remember to always ask questions during interviews to fully grasp job responsibilities, requirements, and expectations. Ask lots of questions because a lack of curiosity can negatively affect your performance.
What's more, you can also monetize your hobby—writing, drawing, photography, music production, playing video games, designing logos, graphic design, 3D modeling, animation, programming, coding, etc.—by joining app development teams and contributing your unique talents. Of course, this doesn't mean that you should jump right in and start developing complex applications. Instead, practice basic skills first and gradually advance toward mastery over your area of interest.
So, now that you know how to make money, where do you actually go to do it? Well, there are thousands of websites that you can register and sign up on. Unfortunately, choosing the wrong platform can waste precious time and energy. Below are two popular choices.
Upwork
UpWork claims to connect employers with millions of skilled professionals worldwide. With its advanced matching algorithm, the site helps match applicants with projects that fit their skill sets. Furthermore, UpWork provides detailed reports showing project costs, estimated revenue, hourly rates, average rating, client satisfaction, and more.
Fiverr
Founded in 2011, Fiverr has been empowering sellers around the globe for five years. People from all walks of life can either post gigs or browse upcoming proposals posted by others looking for assistance. Sellers can charge anywhere between $5-$500 per gig depending on the complexity and difficulty of the task. On the contrary, buyers must meet certain criteria set forth by sellers prior to signing contracts. Additionally, both parties agree to abide by the rules, regulations, and code of conduct specified by the site.
However, despite being among the world's largest freelancing platforms, these sites aren't perfect. They suffer from high fraud rates due to dishonest contractors posing as legitimate workers. Moreover, scammers sometimes impersonate real human beings altogether.
Fortunately, there are reliable alternatives out there. For instance, you can opt for TryTheJob, Earny, Toptal Workplace, Guru, Indeed Jobs, Remote Year Job Board, Veworker, FlexJobs, Paystack, SimplyHired, Zippia, Myndigt Solutions, AngelList, Seek, Glassdoor, etc.
Meanwhile, it's important to note that you shouldn't expect to receive consistent earnings from freelancing alone. Because of this reason, experts advise against relying solely on this method unless you already have a proven track record.
It goes without saying that finding meaningful employment isn't easy. However, if you put in the necessary amount of effort, dedication, and perseverance, you can eventually achieve your goals. Just remember that nothing comes overnight. It requires considerable amounts of hours spent daydreaming, scheming, planning, executing, implementing, testing, debugging, revising, and polishing. And yes, occasionally you might encounter setbacks along the journey. Nevertheless, stick with it! Eventually, you'll reap great rewards.
With all of the aforementioned factors taken into consideration, you should realize that none of these options are ideal for everyone. Depending on your personal preferences and needs, you may benefit from joining multiple platforms simultaneously. For example, you may enjoy working as an employee for a large corporation while maintaining your portfolio on Upwork. Or perhaps you'd rather work part-time as an independent contractor for big corporations while remaining active on Fiverr. Lastly, maybe you want to pursue full-time freelancing while giving occasional freelance gigs to supplement your regular workload. Whatever scenario suits you best, rest assured knowing that there exists a solution built specifically to address your particular situation.
At the end of the day, you must determine which path(s) feel comfortable to you. And please never forget that regardless of your decision, treat your current position as temporary. It's natural to bounce back and forth between multiple careers throughout your lifetime. Nowadays, technology makes it easier than ever to switch careers whenever you desire.
Image Credit: pixabay
Doing something as simple and mindless as keying information into websites has the potential to bring in some serious cash. If you're interested in making money through your fingertips, these sites offer ways for anyone with basic computer skills to start cashing in on their talents.
The process of working online via keyboard isn't easy — but it's certainly doable if you have the right mindset. Here are several sources that pay well for people who type fast and accurately.
It depends what kind of typist you are. Some sites require more accuracy than others. You'll also need to be comfortable using certain software programs so that your speed won't slow down when you use them.
For example, one popular program called "TypeForm" requires users to enter numbers and letters quickly without any mistakes. It pays $0.25 per hour (with no minimum wage), but its average user makes about $10/hour. Another similar service, TypeLab, offers higher earnings rates ($1.50-$2.00) but will take longer before they start paying regularly.
Other services may not necessarily be better paid, but may just give you access to more opportunities. So research which ones fit your needs best.
On top of that, check out other factors like commission rates and bonuses offered by each company. For instance, Typelab provides 10 percent extra for every new client you refer, while Typeform doesn't offer anything aside from regular payments. Then see which options suit your budget and lifestyle.
Some companies even provide training courses to help improve your typing skills, which might increase the amount of time you spend working. But keep in mind that most of these sites aren't going to teach you everything there is to know about becoming a successful freelance worker. That means you'll need to learn how to manage yourself once you get started.
Once you've chosen a platform, go ahead and register for it. Make sure you understand all the details about payment schedules and rules for submitting completed forms. Also remember to read up on policies regarding deadlines, fees, etc., because those play a big role in determining how much you actually make.
After choosing a site, sign up for an account to begin creating profiles and filling out applications. Be prepared to answer questions about why you'd be great for this job. Don’t worry too much about lying about your experience since many employers don't conduct background checks anyway.
You should also submit samples of your work to prove your abilities. They could range from short writing assignments to typed reports. In both cases, make sure you proofread carefully and double-check spelling errors. Once you send off your application, wait patiently until someone contacts you. This usually takes a few weeks.
When you receive an interview invitation, show up early to prepare. Know which parts of your education and career qualify you for the position. Ask whether you'll need to wear a headset during interviews, since audio quality varies between platforms. And always follow instructions exactly to avoid delays in getting hired.
Most importantly, stay positive throughout the entire hiring process and apply consistently. Your persistence will determine how far you go. After all, nothing happens overnight.
A lot of people think that freelancing is glamorous, but it really involves hard work, self-discipline, and long hours. Set realistic goals (like being able to cover bills within two months) and stick to them. When things become tough, remind yourself that you chose to do this work full time. Remind yourself again after you complete your first project.
Be aware of the fact that sometimes clients simply reject applicants' resumes due to typos, incomplete sentences, poor grammar, or lack of punctuation. Just try not to let it discourage you from applying next time around.
And don't forget to ask for feedback! Acknowledge the comments given by recruiters and managers with thanks. They probably mean well, but you shouldn't allow negative remarks to affect your mood negatively. The truth is that nobody knows you perfectly yet, including your future employer. Focus instead on improving your own performance.
Remember, you can't rely solely on one source alone for income. Freelance workers often find themselves juggling multiple projects simultaneously, which can lead to burnout. To prevent feelings of overwhelm and depression, set boundaries to protect your mental health. Schedule breaks for meals, exercise sessions, and meditation times. Take care of yourself and treat your body like a temple.
Typists are typically sought after in various fields. As such, you can choose to specialize in a particular industry and market niche. Or you can decide to explore areas where you already have prior knowledge, say, medical transcription or legal translation.
Here are three examples of legitimate jobs you can pursue online today:
Medical Transcription Jobs Pay Around $20 Per Hour With Flexible Schedules
Legal Translation Skills Can Get You Paid Up to $30 An Hour
Online Medical Assisting Course Gives Students Real Life Experience
In addition to typing skills, you'll need strong communication skills to land a remote job in customer support, sales, marketing, or social media management. If you're looking for a way to supplement your current salary, consider taking additional classes that will further develop your expertise. Online coursework can significantly reduce the cost of doing so.
According to CareerBuilder, 75% of Americans still believe learning is important. While attending school costs a pretty penny, online courses are more affordable and convenient. Plus, they're less likely to drop off your radar over time.
But before signing up for a course, look closely at the curriculum and instructor qualifications. Does it include tests and quizzes? Are students expected to participate actively in discussions and debates? How does it measure success? These elements can tell you whether the course is worth investing in.
This list of six Udemy courses on coding for beginners covers topics ranging from beginner programming logic to building apps for iOS devices. Each video lasts approximately 20 minutes, ideal for multitasking. The lessons are taught by experts and available for under $15 apiece.
Not familiar with Udemy? Check out our guide explaining how to get started with Udemy courses.
Before diving into any specific course, review the syllabus. Find out what materials you'll need to attend class, as well as if you'll be required to purchase study guides, textbooks, or laptops. Decide whether you prefer group discussion forums or individual chats to interact with classmates. Finally, figure out when you would like to enroll in the class.
While pursuing a degree or certification online can save you thousands of dollars annually, it comes at a price: You'll miss out on face-to-face interactions with professors and fellow students. However, you can mitigate that downside by participating in virtual events organized by your institution. For example, MITx allows students to watch lectures remotely and engage in conversations with instructors and peers.
Another option is joining open educational resources initiatives. OpenCourseWare Consortium hosts digital versions of traditional college curricula. Similarly, Khan Academy lets learners browse hundreds of videos created by educators worldwide. Both organizations strive to democratize knowledge creation and sharing.
There are plenty of places offering free trials, trial periods, and discounted subscriptions. Sites like Groupon, LivingSocial, and Amazon frequently run promotions that reward customers for purchasing certain products or visiting designated locations. Other businesses offer discounts on items like food, drinks, travel packages, electronics, or gym memberships. And you can score freebies almost daily if you subscribe to newsletters.
If you live near a university, you might benefit from checking out University Book Store Services. Its associates buy books, backpacks, and supplies directly from students, then sell them at steep discounts. Depending on location, membership duration, and product availability, prices can vary widely.
Also, consider joining student societies dedicated to interests outside your major. Many offer special deals on tickets to concerts, movies, sporting events, and conferences. Whether you enjoy sports, theater, music, art, or science, chances are you can join relevant clubs and associations in your area.
Finally, search for coupons or promo codes related to your favorite stores. RetailMeNot lists tons of discount vouchers and coupon codes for saving money at dozens of popular retailers. Use Google Chrome extension Honey for automatically finding savings at brick-and-mortar shops nationwide.
As mentioned earlier, there are numerous sites that pay freelancers varying amounts based on assignment rate. Usually, however, these companies charge for data entry tasks. On the flip side, some firms compensate individuals for completing surveys or providing administrative assistance.
To maximize your earnings, create custom keyword searches for each task. Search engines like Google and Bing use algorithms to rank webpages according to relevance, popularity, and authority. By tweaking your keywords, you can boost results for your preferred terms, thus increasing your hourly compensation rate.
Additionally, you can leverage your typing talent to transcribe recordings made with voice recording software. For starters, you can record phone calls, meetings, seminars, podcasts, and audios recorded using portable microphones. Afterwards, upload files onto cloud storage providers like Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, or Google Drive.
Just follow our battle-tested guidelines and rake in the profits.