Author: Kelly Brightshire
The digital economy is rapidly expanding, making it easier than ever to make money online, both as a full-time job or as a side hustle. However, just like in the “real world,” you need the right skill set before making money online.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the most in-demand skills you can learn online from the comfort of your home.Â
1. Audio Editing for Podcasts
Podcasting has grown in popularity over the years, with the industry now worth tens of thousands of dollars. As a result, more people want to start their own podcasts, but few know how to edit audio on their own; this is where you come in as a podcast audio editor.
The job of a podcast audio editor is to enhance the audio quality to ensure it is clearer for listeners.Â
One of the significant challenges podcasters face is ensuring that their listeners have good sound quality, which is your responsibility as an audio editor.
Podcast audio editors can earn up to $54,000 per year in the United States, so you can make it your full-time job or side hustle because your services will always be in demand.
2. Data Entry and Web Scraping
If you pay attention to detail and have a basic understanding of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, etc.), Google Sheets, and other open sources, you might be able to find work as a data entry clerk or web scraper.
A web scraper conducts online research for clients, using bots to extract content and data from websites and compile it in a worksheet.Â
This skill is in high demand because businesses need to collect information about their target market, such as phone numbers, websites, and social media accounts.
The data collected by a web scraper allows these businesses to tailor their business proposals and marketing to the right people. The good news is that you don’t need a college diploma. Web scrapers can make between $20 and $25 per hour.
3. Photography
People will always want to capture special moments in their lives, so photography is a timeless skill that will always be in demand. While most people own a smartphone with a good camera, not everyone can edit photos professionally.
There are hundreds of free courses and YouTube videos available to assist you in developing this skill. You can learn about exposure, light, tone, and color by taking courses or watching videos.Â
You can also sell your work online, whether you want to specialize in street, animal, or other types of photography. Alamy is a highly recommended site where you can sell your stock photos for anywhere between $15 and $400, depending on the type and quality of the photos.
4. Creative Writing
Do you think of yourself as a wordsmith? Then you might want to think about using your skills to make extra income. As a creative writer, you must be well-versed in composing essays and other literary works.
Consider taking a course, reading more books and publications, watching videos, and practicing your crafts.
Once you’ve mastered your craft, you can start looking for full-time or freelance work. Writing articles, social media content, product reviews, novels, and other literary works can all earn you money. Depending on their level of expertise, creative writers can make anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 per month.
5. Graphic Design
Graphic design is about creating visually appealing content that conveys a message. It can be found in everything from packaging to advertisements and website design and can be used for digital and print media.
If you have an eye for design and illustration, you should learn how to use Photoshop, InDesign, Figma, and Illustrator. You will also need to install and understand AdobeSuite.
Graphic designers are in high demand because businesses need visuals to establish their corporate identity, market and brand their products, and reach out to their customers. In the United States, a full-time graphic designer can earn up to $60,000 annually.
The Bottom Line
If you can write, design, or take pictures, you can make a living from your skills. All you’ll need to do is upgrade your skills by taking free online courses, watching a few YouTube videos, and practicing what you’ve learned. These simple skills can earn you thousands of dollars per month, whether you work full-time or part-time.
