Looking to earn extra cash without stepping outside your door? You’re in luck! With the rise of online platforms, earning $500+ a month by completing simple online tasks is completely doable. Whether you’re a student, a stay-at-home parent, or someone looking for a side hustle, the internet offers a ton of opportunities to make money in your free time.
In this article, we’ll show you 7 simple online tasks you can do to earn $500+ per month. Plus, we’ll give you some handy platforms to sign up for, tips for success, and estimated earnings. So, let’s dive in!
Quick Overview: 7 Ways to Earn $500+ a Month
Here’s a quick look at the best online tasks that can help you earn a steady income every month. Take a look at the table below, which breaks down each task with its corresponding platform and earnings potential.
| Online Task | What It Involves | Best Platforms | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Paid Online Surveys | Share your opinion and get paid for completing surveys. | Survey Junkie, | $50 – $300 per month |
| 2. Microtask Jobs | Perform small tasks like data entry or categorization. | Amazon | $100 – $500 per month |
| 3. User Testing | Test websites and apps for usability and provide feedback. | User
Testing, |
$10 – $60 per test, up to $400/month |
| 4. Social Media Promotion | Promote affiliate links or sponsored content. | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | $50 – $500+ per month |
| 5. Sell Photos & Videos | Upload and sell your creative work (photos/videos). | Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, iStock | $100 – $500 per month |
| 6. Virtual Assistant | Assist businesses remotely with administrative tasks. | Upwork, Fiverr, Belay | $200 – $1000 per month |
| 7. Transcription & Translation | Transcribe audio or translate documents. | Rev,
Gen go |
$150 – $600 per month |
1. Paid Online Surveys: Share Your Opinion, Get Paid
What It Is:
Paid online surveys are one of the easiest ways to make money online. Companies are always conducting market research and they’re willing to pay you for your time and opinions. By simply answering questions about products, services, and your personal preferences, you can start earning money.
How It Works:
- Sign up for trusted survey platforms and start answering surveys.
- Surveys typically take 10-20 minutes and reward you with points or cash.
- Points can be exchanged for PayPal or gift cards.
Best Platforms for Paid Surveys:
- : Earn points for completing surveys, watching videos, or even shopping. Cash out for PayPal money or gift cards.
- Survey Junkie: Offers surveys on various topics. You can redeem points for PayPal or gift cards.
- : Get paid for completing surveys and other tasks like reading emails and watching videos.
Estimated Earnings:
- $50 to $300 per month, depending on how many surveys you complete.
Pro Tip:
To maximize your earnings, sign up for multiple survey platforms to increase the number of available surveys. Dedicate just an hour or two a day to this task.
2. Microtask Jobs: Quick Jobs for Quick Cash
What It Is:
Microtasks are small jobs that don’t require special skills. These can include data entry, categorizing images, online research, or transcribing short audio clips. The best part? You can complete them in just a few minutes, making it easy to earn money in your free time.
How It Works:
- Platforms provide you with small tasks to complete.
- Some tasks pay a few cents, but the more you complete, the more you earn.
Best Platforms for Microtasks:
- Amazon Complete tasks like data categorization, transcription, or image tagging.
- : Offers tasks like web research, writing, and proofreading.
- : Focuses on small jobs such as online research, data entry, and social media engagement.
Estimated Earnings:
- $100 to $500 per month, depending on how many tasks you complete each day.
Pro Tip:
Start with simpler tasks to build your reputation and gradually move on to higher-paying jobs. Efficiency is key to maximizing your earnings.
3. User Testing: Get Paid to Test Websites & Apps
What It Is:
Website and app testing involves using a site or app and providing feedback on its usability. You’ll usually be asked to perform specific tasks, such as navigating the site or completing a purchase, while giving your honest opinions about the design and user experience.
How It Works:
- Register on a user testing platform.
- You’ll be assigned tasks and paid for completing each one.
Best Platforms for User Testing:
- : One of the most popular platforms for testing websites and apps. You can earn $10 to $60 per test.
- Offers testing on websites, apps, and IoT devices.
- Focuses on testing digital products, including apps and websites.
Estimated Earnings:
- $10 to $60 per test, with the potential to earn up to $400 per month if you test regularly.
Pro Tip:
User testing is one of the quickest ways to earn money online. Each test typically takes 15-30 minutes, and the feedback you provide is incredibly valuable to companies.
4. Social Media Promotion: Make Money from Your Social Media Presence
What It Is:
If you’re already spending time on social media platforms, why not make money from it? By promoting affiliate products, sharing sponsored posts, or joining brand partnerships, you can monetize your social media presence. This is a great way to earn money passively, especially if you have a following.
How It Works:
- Sign up for affiliate marketing programs or look for brands willing to sponsor posts.
- Promote products through your social media accounts (Instagram, YouTube, etc.).
- Earn commissions or fixed payments from the brands for every sale or post.
Best Platforms for Social Media Promotion:
- Instagram, and YouTube: These platforms offer a great chance to work with brands or promote affiliate products.
- Amazon Associates: Use your social media to promote Amazon products and earn a commission.
- A popular affiliate marketing platform that connects you with companies willing to pay for product promotions.
Estimated Earnings:
- $50 to $500+ per month, depending on your audience size and the number of promotions you do.
Pro Tip:
To attract sponsorships, focus on growing a niche following. It’s more effective to have engaged followers than a huge but inactive following.
5. Sell Photos & Videos: Turn Your Creativity into Cash
What It Is:
If you’re passionate about photography or videography, why not sell your work online? Stock photography and video platforms allow you to upload and sell your images or videos to be used by businesses, websites, and marketers.
How It Works:
- Capture high-quality photos or videos and upload them to stock platforms.
- Earn royalties every time someone downloads your content.
Best Platforms for Selling Photos & Videos:
- Shutterstock: One of the most popular platforms for selling photos, videos, and illustrations.
- Adobe Stock: Integrated with Adobe’s creative suite, making it easy to upload your content.
- iStock by Getty Images: Offers a large marketplace for photos and videos.
Estimated Earnings:
- $100 to $500 per month, depending on the demand for your content.
Pro Tip:
Focus on high-demand niches like business, lifestyle, or travel photography to increase your chances of making sales.
6. Virtual Assistant: Help Businesses and Entrepreneurs
What It Is:
As a Virtual Assistant (VA), you can assist businesses with tasks like managing emails, scheduling appointments, social media management, or customer service. The best part? VAs work remotely, and you can set your own hours.
How It Works:
- Sign up on VA platforms and start applying for jobs.
- Offer services like calendar management, data entry, or even personal assistance.
Best Platforms for Virtual Assistant Jobs:
- Upwork: Find a variety of VA jobs in different niches.
- Fiverr: Set up a profile and offer specific VA services, such as email management or social media scheduling.