How to Make Money Online – Unlocking 8 Straight Forward & Legitimate Side Hustles You Can Try in Singapore

Our livelihood cannot depend solely on our job

In the past, taking on extra work besides your main job was called moonlighting and was often frowned upon. Today, it’s called hustling, and more people are starting to accept that having extra gigs on the side is the new normal.

The job market is becoming more and more uncertain due to economic changes, new technology, and the rising cost of living, especially in expensive places like Singapore. It’s clear that having just one full-time job may not be enough for financial stability. In fact, you might be in a risky position if you don’t hustle and rely only on your main job.

At this age, side hustles are important. Having multiple sources of income not only protects you from suddenly losing your job but also gives you more control over how much you earn. Side hustles can also match your personal interests, making them both rewarding and profitable.

This article is a guide to 8 legit ways to make money online for Singaporeans. Whether you’re jobless, have lost your job, or are just looking for extra income, we hope this inspires you to take concrete action and change your life.

1. Be a Writer on Medium

Being a writer is a great way to share your thoughts, ideas, or expertise with the world. It allows you to express yourself and earn money at the same time. If you love writing and are passionate about a specific topic, becoming a writer on Medium could be a profitable venture for you.

Medium Partner Program: Medium is a popular blogging platform with a unique revenue model. By joining the Medium Partner Program, you can earn money every time a Medium member reads your story. Depending on how many people ‘clap’ for your articles and how much time they spend reading your content, you could make anywhere from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars per month. However, it’s worth noting that most writers earn less than USD $100 per month, while the top Medium’s writers can make a few thousands per month or more.

Suitable MBTI Types: INFP, INTP, INFJ, ENFP. The important elements for being a writer on Medium include creativity, the ability to engage and inspire readers, strong analytical skills, and a passion for sharing unique perspectives and insights.

2. Be a Shopee or Lazada Affilate

If you enjoy shopping online and love sharing your haul with friends on social media, becoming an affiliate for Shopee or Lazada is a fantastic opportunity. These e-commerce giants offer extensive affiliate programs, allowing you to promote a wide range of products and earn commissions for each sale generated through your referral links.

As an affiliate, you can leverage your social media platforms, blogs, or YouTube channels to share unique and engaging content that highlights the benefits and features of various products. Success hinges on creating high-quality, honest reviews and tutorials that resonate with your audience’s interests and needs. Many find it feasible to earn S$1,000 per month with minimal effort!

Suitable MBTI Types: ENFP, INFP, ESFP, ISFP. These personality types thrive in roles that involve creativity, social interaction, and the ability to share unique perspectives, making them well-suited for affiliate marketing on platforms like Shopee and Lazada.

3. Be a Virtual Assistant on Upwork

If you like to organise things, becoming a remote virtual assistant (VA) on Upwork is a great way for you to earn money online. Upwork is a popular freelancing platform that connects clients with freelancers offering a variety of services. As a VA, you can provide administrative support, manage schedules, handle emails, conduct research, and perform other tasks that help businesses run smoothly. This role offers flexibility, allowing you to work from home and set your own hours, making it ideal for those looking to balance work with other commitments.

To succeed as a VA on Upwork, it’s crucial to create a detailed profile highlighting your skills, experience, and expertise. Building a strong portfolio and gathering positive reviews from clients will boost your credibility and attract more opportunities. Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask are essential. By staying organized and maintaining a professional approach, you can build lasting relationships with clients and secure a steady stream of projects.

Suitable MBTI Types: ISFJ, ESFJ, ISTJ, ESTJ. These personality types excel in roles that require organization, reliability, and a strong sense of responsibility, making them well-suited for virtual assistant work.

How much can you earn from freelance writing?

Estimating the earnings from freelance writing can be challenging because it depends on many factors, including your writing skills, the types of jobs you take, the platform you use, and the clients you work with.

However, if you spend around two hours a day applying for jobs, writing, and building your portfolio, you could potentially earn a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars per month over time. As with any freelance work, building a strong reputation is key to increasing your rates and securing steady work.

4. Sell Your Crafts on Esty

If you’re creative and enjoy making handmade items, selling your crafts online could be a profitable venture. Selling handmade crafts online can be a fruitful way to supplement your income if you have a penchant for creating unique items. Etsy, a global online marketplace for handmade and vintage items, offers a perfect platform for showcasing and selling your crafts. From jewelry and home decor to art and personalized gifts, Etsy caters to a wide range of creative products, providing you with a vast audience of potential buyers.

To succeed on Etsy, it’s essential to create high-quality, visually appealing listings with detailed descriptions and professional photos. Optimizing your product titles and tags with relevant keywords can help improve your visibility in search results. Building a strong brand identity and engaging with your customers through excellent customer service can lead to positive reviews and repeat business. Additionally, leveraging social media to promote your Etsy shop can drive more traffic and increase sales.

Suitable MBTI Types: INFP, ISFP, ENFP, ESFP. These personality types thrive in creative environments and enjoy expressing their individuality through their work, making them well-suited for selling crafts on platforms like Etsy. Their ability to connect with others and share their passion for handmade items can lead to a successful and fulfilling online business.

5. Teach Online

Teaching a skill online is another great way to earn money, especially if you’re proficient in a subject that’s in demand. Here are a few platforms where you can offer online lessons and estimate earnings based on a two-hour per day commitment:

Udemy: Udemy is a popular platform where you can create and sell courses on a wide variety of subjects, from coding and business management to music and art. Once your course is created, it becomes a source of passive income. Earnings on Udemy vary widely depending on the subject, course quality, and pricing, but top instructors have been known to earn thousands of dollars per month.

Skillshare: Similar to Udemy, Skillshare allows you to create courses on various subjects. Instead of paying for individual courses, students pay a monthly subscription for access to all courses. Teachers are paid based on the number of minutes watched in their classes and can also earn referral bonuses. Earnings can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars per month.

Preply: If you’re proficient in a language, you can offer language lessons on Preply. The platform allows you to set your own hourly rate. Depending on your expertise and the demand for the language you’re teaching, you could earn anywhere from $10 to $50 per hour or more.

TakeLessons: TakeLessons is a platform where you can teach a wide variety of subjects, from music and singing to academic subjects. You can set your own rates, and TakeLessons takes a commission. Earnings depend on your rates, the number of students you have, and the number of hours you teach.

Suitable MBTI Types for Teaching Online: ENFJ, INFJ, ENFP, INFP. These personality types excel in roles that involve communication, empathy, and the ability to inspire and engage students, making them well-suited for teaching in an online environment.

6. Try Online Surveys

Participating in online surveys can be a way to make some extra money online, although it’s worth noting that it’s typically not as lucrative as other methods. However, it’s a simple task that requires little to no expertise. Here are a few platforms you can use:

YouGov: YouGov is a global research data and analytics group. In Singapore, it offers surveys in exchange for points that can be redeemed for retail vouchers. Each survey takes about 5 to 7 minutes, and earnings would depend on the number of surveys you qualify for and complete.

Toluna: Toluna is an online community where you can earn points for taking surveys. These points can be redeemed for cash or a variety of gift cards. Surveys vary in length and reward amount.

LifePoints: LifePoints allows users to earn points by completing surveys and mini-polls. The points can then be redeemed for a range of rewards, including PayPal cash out, gift cards, or charity donations.

Valued Opinions: Valued Opinions offers rewards for completing surveys. These rewards can be redeemed for shopping vouchers for popular retail stores.

How much can you earn from doing online surveys?

Assuming each survey takes approximately 15 minutes on average, and you’re dedicating about two hours per day to this activity, you could potentially complete up to 8 surveys per day. The exact earnings from taking surveys online greatly depend on the length and complexity of the surveys, the number of surveys you’re eligible for, and the rewards offered by the platform.

It’s crucial to remember that while taking online surveys can provide a small additional income, it’s unlikely to result in substantial earnings. This method is best viewed as a way to earn a bit of extra cash during downtime rather than a primary income source.

Suitable MBTI Types: ISTJ, ISFJ, INTJ, INFJ. These personality types excel in tasks that require attention to detail, thoroughness, and the ability to follow structured processes, making them well-suited for completing online surveys efficiently and accurately.

7. Part Time Investing

Investing as a part-time side hustle can be a rewarding way to grow your wealth and achieve financial independence. By dedicating time to learning about different investment opportunities, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, or even cryptocurrency, you can build a diverse portfolio that generates passive income. The key to successful investing lies in understanding market trends, conducting thorough research, and developing a solid strategy that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

With the rise of online trading platforms and investment apps, getting started with investing has never been easier. You can begin with a modest amount of capital and gradually increase your investments as you gain more confidence and experience. It’s also beneficial to stay informed about financial news and trends, participate in investment communities, and consider seeking advice from financial experts to make informed decisions.

Suitable MBTI Types: INTJ, ISTJ, INTP, ENTJ. These personality types are well-suited for investing as a side hustle due to their analytical skills, strategic thinking, and ability to make well-informed decisions based on data and research. They excel in planning and executing long-term investment strategies, making them effective and successful investors.

8. Digital Income Opportunities for Stay-at-Home Moms

Mom hustling—juggling motherhood while earning money online—has become increasingly popular as more opportunities emerge in the digital world. Many mothers are finding creative ways to supplement their household income while balancing the demands of parenting. The flexibility of online work allows moms to contribute financially without sacrificing valuable time with their children.

Blogging and content creation are popular among moms. By sharing parenting tips, recipes, or lifestyle content on a blog or YouTube channel, moms can build an engaged audience and monetize through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

If you are a stay-at-home mother, you might wonder how to join a community of like-minded moms and explore ways to earn money digitally from home. By connecting with other mothers, you can discover various opportunities to supplement your household income while still taking care of your children. This supportive network can provide valuable insights, resources, and encouragement as you navigate the world of online work.

Suitable MBTI Types: ENFJ, ESFJ, ISFJ, INFJ. These personality types excel in roles that involve communication, empathy, and multitasking, making them well-suited for the varied and dynamic demands of mom hustling and earning money online. Their ability to connect with others and manage multiple responsibilities ensures they can successfully balance work and family life.

Conclusion

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Making money online is a viable option for anyone in Singapore looking to supplement their income. Whether it’s through blogging, freelance writing, selling crafts, or taking online surveys, the possibilities are endless. All it takes is a bit of creativity, dedication, and the right resources.

Remember, consistency is key, and with time, you’ll be able to turn these online ventures into a steady source of income. Be sure to approach each opportunity with a clear goal and strategy in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving financial success online.

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