It’s 2024, and let’s be honest, the global economic situation isn’t exactly sunshine and rainbows. Layoffs and unemployment are becoming all too common, and the old 9-to-5 grind just doesn’t cut it anymore. Many of us are on the lookout for that side hustle to bring in some extra cash.
Now, if you’ve been poking around the internet, you’ve probably come across loads of flashy promises—download this app, fill out that survey, test a few products, and you’ll be rolling in money. Well, I hate to break it to you, but most of these are just time-wasters at best and sketchy data-stealers at worst.
But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. In this article, I’ll walk you through some real ways to earn money online in NZ. These methods do take time and effort, so if you’ve got a bit of perseverance in you, keep reading!
1. Make Money by Selling Used or Unused Products
Have a look around your home—I’m sure you’ll find plenty of things you don’t use anymore. It could be anything from that barely-touched kitchen gadget to books you’ve already devoured. Why not turn these items into cash? I’m a huge fan of buying second-hand stuff on Facebook Marketplace, and let me tell you, if you’ve got an eye for a bargain, you can even flip items for a profit!
How to do it:
- Open Facebook Marketplace and click on ‘Sell’. Start a new listing and give a detailed description of the product.
- Share your listing in some buy & sell or second-hand groups.
- Chat with potential buyers to sort out the details—price, pickup location, time, etc. Once you’ve got a deal, it’s as simple as handing over the goods and getting paid.
Suitable for:
Anyone who needs quick cash and has a few unused items lying around.
Operation difficulty:
⭐ (Super easy)
Advantages:
- Simple and free: No fees, just a bit of effort.
- Eco-friendly: You’re giving items a second life instead of sending them to landfill.
- Declutter your home: And make some cash in the process.
Disadvantages:
- Beware of scammers: Always be cautious and try to do transactions in person.
- Might not sell quickly: If your item isn’t in high demand, you might have to wait for the right buyer.
2. Make Money by Posting Pictures
Ever noticed how some images online come with a price tag? Especially those sleek icons or artsy photos? If you’re handy with Photoshop or other design tools, you can create and sell your own images on stock photo websites. Don’t worry if you’re not a designer; even a decent smartphone can turn everyday scenes or your culinary creations into cash.
How to do it:
- Sign up on stock photo websites like Unsplash or iStock.
- Check out what types of images are popular—maybe landscapes, food shots, or quirky close-ups—and pick something that matches your skills and interests.
- Grab your phone or camera and start snapping away!
- Organise your photos and upload them to the platform.
Operation difficulty:
⭐⭐ (A bit of effort, but not too hard)
Suitable for:
Anyone with a good eye for detail and a knack for photography.
Advantages:
- No upfront costs: Just your time and a bit of creativity.
- Earn passive income: Once your images are online, they can keep bringing in money over time.
Disadvantages:
- Needs a good visual aesthetic: If your photos don’t stand out, they might not sell.
- Can be time-consuming: Taking, editing, and uploading photos requires a fair amount of effort.
3. Remote Customer Service
Did you know that many big-name companies outsource their customer service these days? Companies like Amazon and GoDaddy often hire remote customer service reps to handle their customer inquiries. If you’re someone who enjoys chatting with people and helping solve problems, this could be the perfect side hustle for you. Plus, it’s a great way to make some extra cash from the comfort of your home.
How to Operate:
- Start by searching for remote customer service positions on job sites like Seek, Trade Me Jobs, or LinkedIn.
- Once you’ve found a job that suits you, polish up your CV, submit your application, and get ready for the interview process.
Operation Difficulty:
⭐⭐ (A bit challenging but manageable)
Suitable for:
Anyone who’s patient, enjoys communicating with others, and doesn’t mind solving the occasional tricky issue.
Advantages:
- Decent pay: Many remote customer service roles offer a salary that can comfortably cover your daily expenses.
- Work-life balance: You can interact with people without leaving your house, making it easier to juggle work and personal life.
Disadvantages:
- Challenging customers: Not everyone you’ll deal with will be a ray of sunshine, and some might test your patience.
- Time zone differences: If you’re working for a company based overseas, you might have to deal with awkward hours, which could throw off your routine.
4. Freelance Writing or Blogging
If you’ve got a way with words and a knack for storytelling, why not turn that into cash? Freelance writing or blogging can be a flexible way to earn money online in NZ. Whether it’s crafting articles, writing product descriptions, or even ghostwriting, there’s a huge demand for quality content.
How to Operate:
- Create a portfolio showcasing your writing skills. You can use platforms like Medium, or even start your own blog to display your best work.
- Sign up on freelance websites like Upwork, Fiverr, or Contena, and start applying for writing gigs that match your expertise.
- Network within your niche and offer your services to small businesses or websites in need of content.
Operation Difficulty:
⭐⭐⭐ (Requires consistent effort and skill)
Suitable for:
Those who love writing, have good grammar skills, and can meet deadlines.
Advantages:
- Creative freedom: You get to choose the topics you write about and can work at your own pace.
- Potential for passive income: If you start your own blog and it gains traction, you can earn through ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing.
Disadvantages:
- Inconsistent income: Freelance work can be feast or famine, especially when you’re just starting out.
- Requires discipline: You’ll need to be self-motivated to meet deadlines and manage your workload.
5. Online Tutoring
If you’ve got expertise in a particular subject—whether it’s math, science, or even a language—online tutoring could be a great way to earn some extra money. With more students opting for online education, there’s a growing demand for tutors who can help them out.
How to Operate:
- Decide on the subjects you’re comfortable teaching and the level (primary, secondary, or university).
- Register on tutoring platforms like Tutor.com, Chegg Tutors, or even local New Zealand sites.
- Set your rates, availability, and start accepting students.
Operation Difficulty:
⭐⭐ (A bit challenging but doable)
Suitable for:
People who enjoy teaching, are patient, and have a strong grasp of the subject they’re teaching.
Advantages:
- Flexible hours: You can set your own schedule, making it easy to fit around other commitments.
- Rewarding experience: Helping someone learn and grow can be incredibly fulfilling.
Disadvantages:
- Prep time: You’ll need to prepare lessons and materials, which can be time-consuming.
- Variable income: Your earnings might fluctuate depending on how many students you have.
6. Dubbing
If you’ve got a voice that can captivate an audience, dubbing might be your ticket to earn money online in NZ. Whether it’s for cartoons, audiobooks, or even video games, there’s a demand for voice-over talent. Plus, with a little practice, you can do this from the comfort of your home.
How to Operate:
- Invest in a good quality microphone and soundproofing for your recording space.
- Create a demo reel showcasing your vocal range and different styles.
- Register on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Voices.com, and start applying for dubbing gigs.
Operation Difficulty:
⭐⭐⭐ (Requires some investment and practice)
Suitable for:
Anyone with a clear, expressive voice and a bit of creativity.
Advantages:
- Work from home: You can set up a home studio and work on your own schedule.
- Creative outlet: Dubbing allows you to bring characters and stories to life with your voice.
Disadvantages:
- Requires practice: You’ll need to hone your skills and may need to invest in equipment upfront.
- Competitive field: There’s a lot of talent out there, so standing out can be challenging.
7. Start a Podcast
Podcasts have exploded in popularity, and if you’ve got something to say, why not start your own? Whether it’s talking about your favourite books, discussing true crime, or sharing tips on living in New Zealand, podcasts are a great way to connect with an audience and potentially make money through sponsorships or listener donations.
How to Operate:
- Choose a niche that you’re passionate about and that has an audience.
- Plan and record your episodes—this can be done with basic recording equipment.
- Distribute your podcast through platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Operation Difficulty:
⭐⭐⭐ (Requires consistent content creation and promotion)
Suitable for:
Those who love to talk, share ideas, and engage with an audience.
Advantages:
- Creative freedom: You can talk about whatever you’re passionate about.
- Monetization potential: Earn through sponsorships, ads, or Patreon support.
Disadvantages:
- Time-consuming: Regular episodes and promotion require a significant time commitment.
- Slow growth: Building an audience can take time, so patience is key.
8. Game Leveling
For the gaming enthusiasts out there, game leveling can be both fun and profitable. Some gamers are willing to pay good money for someone to level up their characters or accounts. If you’re skilled in popular games like World of Warcraft or Fortnite, this could be your niche.
How to Operate:
- Identify games where there’s a demand for leveling services.
- Create an account on gaming forums or freelance sites where you can advertise your services.
- Once you’ve secured clients, start leveling their accounts and deliver the results.
Operation Difficulty:
⭐⭐ (If you’re good at gaming, this could be a breeze)
Suitable for:
Avid gamers who enjoy grinding through levels and achieving in-game goals.
Advantages:
- Get paid to play: You’re essentially getting paid for something you love doing.
- Flexible hours: You can level up accounts at your own pace.
Disadvantages:
- Monotony: Leveling can be repetitive and time-consuming.
- Ethical concerns: Some consider this a grey area, so be aware of the game’s terms of service.
9. AI Training
With AI becoming more integrated into our daily lives, companies need human input to train their AI models. This could involve anything from tagging images to helping improve machine learning algorithms. If you’re tech-savvy and detail-oriented, AI training could be a unique way to earn money online.
How to Operate:
- Sign up on platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk, Appen, or Lionbridge where AI training tasks are offered.
- Complete the training tasks assigned to you, which could range from data entry to content moderation.
- Get paid for your contributions to making AI smarter and more efficient.
Operation Difficulty:
⭐⭐ (Tasks are usually straightforward but require attention to detail)
Suitable for:
People with a basic understanding of technology and who enjoy repetitive tasks.
Advantages:
- Work from anywhere: These tasks can usually be done from home, with flexible hours.
- Contribute to future tech: You’re playing a part in shaping the AI of tomorrow.
Disadvantages:
- Low pay per task: The pay might not be high for each individual task, so volume is key.
- Repetitive work: The tasks can get monotonous, as they often involve doing the same thing repeatedly.
10. Selling on Shopify/Amazon
If you’ve got a knack for entrepreneurship, setting up an online store on platforms like Shopify or Amazon could be a lucrative venture. Whether it’s handmade crafts, digital products, or even drop-shipped goods, the possibilities are endless.
How to Operate:
- Choose a niche or product category that you’re passionate about or that has market demand.
- Set up your store on Shopify or Amazon, and start listing your products with high-quality images and descriptions.
- Market your store through social media, SEO, or paid ads to drive traffic and sales.
Operation Difficulty:
⭐⭐⭐ (Involves setting up and managing an online business)
Suitable for:
Aspiring entrepreneurs with a flair for marketing and product sourcing.
Advantages:
- Global reach: You can sell to customers all over the world.
- Scalable business: With the right strategy, you can grow your store into a full-time business.
Disadvantages:
- Initial investment: You may need to invest in inventory or marketing to get started.
- Competition: The e-commerce space is crowded, so standing out can be challenging.
11. Start a YouTube Channel
YouTube is one of the biggest platforms for content creators, and it’s not just for vloggers or gamers. Whether you’re into cooking, tech reviews, DIY crafts, or even educational content, there’s an audience waiting for you. With consistent effort, you can monetize your channel through ads, sponsorships, and even merchandise.
How to Operate:
- Pick a niche you’re passionate about and that has an audience.
- Start creating and uploading high-quality videos regularly.
- Grow your channel by engaging with your audience and promoting your videos across social media.
Operation Difficulty:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Requires time, effort, and consistency)
Suitable for:
Creative individuals who enjoy video production and connecting with an audience.
Advantages:
- Monetization options: Once you reach the threshold, you can earn through ads, sponsorships, and more.
- Creative freedom: You can produce content on topics you love.
Disadvantages:
- Takes time to grow: Building a subscriber base and getting monetized takes time.
- Requires investment: You may need to invest in decent video and audio equipment.
Conclusion
So, these methods to earn money online in New Zealand do come with their own challenges—you’ll need to put in some time, effort, and maybe a little cash. But honestly, they’re totally worth it. It might be tough at first, but if you keep at it, you’ll find they do wonders for your personal growth in the long run. And let’s be real, they’re a much better investment than just filling out surveys or testing products online. Stick with it, and you’ll see the benefits down the road!
