20 Genius Ways to Make Money When You’re Broke
Discover 20 brilliant strategies to start earning money from scratch! Learn how to turn your skills and resources into a profitable venture, even with zero dollars in your pocket.
1. Offer Online Services
With the power of the internet, you can offer a wide range of services without any upfront costs. Consider freelancing in areas like virtual assistance, data entry, transcription, or online tutoring.
Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com can help you get started.
2. Sell Handmade Crafts
If you have a knack for crafting, you can turn your hobby into a money-making opportunity. Create handmade items like jewelry, candles, greeting cards, or home decor, and sell them online through platforms like Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or local craft fairs.
3. Start a Blog or YouTube Channel
Leverage your knowledge, writing skills, or creativity by starting a blog or YouTube channel. While it may take time to build an audience and generate income through advertising, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing, the potential for passive income is substantial.
4. Participate in Online Surveys
While not the most lucrative option, participating in online surveys can provide a steady stream of small income. Sign up with reputable survey sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or InboxDollars to earn cash or gift cards for sharing your opinions.
5. Become a Virtual Assistant
Offer your administrative or organizational skills as a virtual assistant. Tasks may include scheduling appointments, managing emails, data entry, or social media management.
You can find virtual assistant jobs on sites like Belay, Fancy Hands, or Upwork.
6. Sell Unwanted Items
Go through your belongings and sell any unwanted items you no longer need. Platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace can help you turn your clutter into cash.
7. Offer Freelance Writing Services
If you have a talent for writing, you can offer your services as a freelance writer. Look for gigs on job boards like ProBlogger, Freelance Writing Gigs, or Constant Content, or pitch your ideas to blogs, magazines, or websites in your niche.
8. Become a Micro-Tasker
Websites like Amazon Mechanical Turk, Clickworker, or Fiverr offer micro-tasks or small jobs that you can complete for a fee. These tasks can range from data entry to research, transcription, or even creative work like logo design or video editing.
9. Rent Out Your Space or Belongings
If you have a spare room, parking space, or even a car you’re not using, consider renting it out through platforms like Airbnb, Turo, or Neighbor.com.
You can earn extra income without any upfront investment.
10. Offer Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Services
Love animals? Offer your services as a pet sitter or dog walker in your neighborhood. Apps like Rover and Wag! can help you connect with pet owners in need of your services.
11. Become a Rideshare Driver
If you have a reliable vehicle and a valid driver’s license, you can earn money by becoming a rideshare driver for companies like Uber or Lyft. This flexible gig can be a great way to earn cash in your spare time.
12. Participate in Focus Groups or User Testing
Companies often seek feedback from consumers through focus groups or user testing. Sign up with websites like UserTesting or Respondent to get paid for sharing your opinions and testing products or services.
13. Offer Yard Work or Handyman Services
Are you handy with tools or enjoy outdoor work? Offer your services for tasks like lawn mowing, gardening, painting, or minor home repairs to neighbors or local homeowners.
14. Sell Stock Photos or Videos
If you have a talent for photography or videography, you can sell your stock photos or videos on platforms like Shutterstock, iStock, or Adobe Stock.
While building a portfolio takes time, the potential for passive income is significant.
15. Become a Freelance Virtual Bookkeeper
With basic accounting knowledge and the right software, you can offer virtual bookkeeping services to small businesses or freelancers. Look for opportunities on job boards like Upwork or Freelancer.com.
16. Offer Tutoring Services
Share your knowledge and earn money by offering tutoring services in subjects you excel in. You can tutor students online or in person, and set your own rates and schedule.
17. Participate in User Testing for Websites or Apps
Companies often need feedback on the usability and functionality of their websites or apps. Sign up with platforms like UserTesting or TryMyUI to get paid for testing and providing valuable insights.
18. Offer Freelance Graphic Design Services
If you have skills in graphic design, you can offer your services to businesses or individuals in need of logos, branding materials, or other design work. Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, or Dribbble can help you find clients.
19. Sell Your Skills on Fiverr
Fiverr is a popular platform where you can offer a wide range of services, from writing and editing to programming, digital marketing, and more.
Start by offering your skills at a low price, and build your reputation and earning potential over time.
20. Become a Dropshipper
Dropshipping involves selling products without holding any inventory. You can set up an online store and partner with suppliers who ship products directly to your customers.
While it requires some upfront research and effort, dropshipping can be a low-cost way to start an e-commerce business.
| Opportunity | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|
| Online Services | $5-$50+ per project |
| Handmade Crafts | $5-$100+ per item |
| Blogging/YouTube | Advertising/Sponsorship revenue |
| Online Surveys | $0.50-$5 per survey |
| Virtual Assistant | $10-$30 per hour |
| Selling Unwanted Items | Varies based on items |
| Freelance Writing | $0.05-$0.50 per word |
| Micro-Tasking | $0.10-$5 per task |
| Renting Out Space/Belongings | $50-$500+ per month |
| Pet Sitting/Dog Walking | $10-$30 per visit/walk |
| Rideshare Driving | $10-$25 per hour |
| Focus Groups/User Testing | $20-$200+ per session |
| Yard Work/Handyman Services | $10-$50 per job |
| Selling Stock Photos/Videos | $0.25-$100+ per file |
| Freelance Bookkeeping | $15-$50 per hour |
| Tutoring | $10-$40 per hour |
| Website/App Testing | $5-$20 per test |
| Freelance Graphic Design | $10-$100+ per project |
| Fiverr Gigs | $5-$100+ per gig |
| Dropshipping | Varies based on profit margins |
Remember, the key to making money with little to no upfront investment lies in your willingness to hustle, think creatively, and leverage your skills and resources.
With determination and persistence, you can turn your passion or talents into a profitable venture, even when starting from zero.
