Want to earn a little extra on the side? Don’t fancy leaving the house to do it? Fortunately, there are a variety of side hustles you can do from the comfort of your sofa. Whether you’re looking to make ends meet, save for your next big purchase or just give yourself a bit of extra spending money, here are seven side hustles you can start working towards today.

Freelance writing

The demand for freelancers is at an all-time high, particularly for skilled copywriters. The rise of platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork has created a marketplace for clients and freelance professionals to connect, ultimately benefitting both sides. If you can demonstrate your creative talent and attract paying clients, you can write and earn from anywhere you want.

Filling in surveys and market research

There are opportunities to make money and benefit from other perks by filling in online surveys and taking part in market research. It’s important to manage expectations with these opportunities because you’re unlikely to earn staggering amounts and it may be a while before you can earn anything at all. However, registering with sites such as i-Say, Swagbucks and YouGov can help you gain some extra income or vouchers over the long run.

Customer service

If you don’t mind taking on additional formal work, some companies employ part-time customer service reps. These contracts often allow you to work from home, using either a phone, live video or online chat to support customers. A few hours here and there could be a nice little extra income for you to put towards something important.

Tutoring

With expertise in a particular subject or field, tutoring could be a viable way to earn money with your existing knowledge. If you can find clients wanting tutoring online, you can deliver it via Teams, Skype or Zoom from the comfort of your sofa. Getting referrals from clients is a great way to build your reputation and earn more as your services become more developed.

Translating

You’re sitting on a goldmine if you’re bilingual or can read, write or speak a few different languages. Translation work is always in demand, and you’ll likely find many clients wanting your language skills on freelancing platforms and traditional job sites. If you can pass written and oral exams, you could be asked to join meetings and conferences remotely.

Trading

If you’ve got cash to spare, you could generate a return on investment with trading. There’s a steep learning curve, so it’s always worth trying simulators to gain experience in different markets before risking your real money. But once you’ve identified opportunities and chosen a trading platform, there are gains to be made. Always remember that you can lose money as well as gain it.

Blogging

The world of blogging gives you several ways to make money, from affiliate links to Google Ad revenue. Building a website is just the start – you’ll then have to create content that ranks in Google and engage readers to build a community. The bigger your audience, the more opportunities you’ll have to earn money. That’s why it’s important to find a niche that works for you and attracts a certain reader.