I’m writing this during the pandemic, which has already significantly affected many of our lives. If your income has dropped because of COVID, don’t worry—there are ways to make extra money from home. You can boost your income without leaving your house, even if you’re self-isolating or under lockdown.
I’ve split this guide into three sections: quick fixes, work-from-home jobs, and online business ideas. Whether you need cash fast or are looking for a new home-based career, you’ll find some helpful ideas here.
Quick Wins to Make Money in Lockdown UK
If you need quick cash during lockdown, start here. While these opportunities aren’t high-paying or consistent, you could make a few hundred pounds in a month.
1. OhMyDosh!
OhMyDosh! pays you for signing up for trials and special offers. For example, you can earn around £11 in less than 30 minutes by signing up for Prime Video, downloading the Yolt app, and buying scratchcards on Lottoland. Payments are fast, often reaching your bank account within three days.
2. Market Research
Participate in online market research panels and focus groups. These can pay up to £100 per hour but are not frequent. Check out Respondent and Testing Time.
3. Cashback Sites
Earn money back when you shop online through sites like TopCashback and Quidco. You can even get cashback on takeaways and delivery services. Look for free cashback offers that don’t require spending any money.
4. Survey Sites
Online surveys can be an easy way to make money, though they often don’t pay well. Some good options are Prolific, Qmee, YouGov, and Pinecone Research.
5. Website Testing
Get paid to provide feedback on company websites. This can pay around £10 for a 15-minute job. Consider signing up for Userlytics, User Testing, Try My UI, Testing Time, and UTest.
6. Money-Making Apps
Download apps that pay you for various activities, from surveys to passive income generators.
7. Matched Betting
Profit from bookmakers’ special offers by matching bets to cancel each other out. Websites offer training and resources for this.
Work From Home Jobs to Earn Money During Lockdown
Once you have some cash coming in, look for ongoing work-from-home jobs. These may take longer to set up but offer more consistent income.
1. Teach English Online
If you’re a native English speaker, you can tutor students overseas via webcam. Companies like EF Education First pay up to £12.50 per hour and provide teaching materials. Other options include Cambly, Palfish, and iTalki.
2. Online Tutoring
You can tutor almost any subject online, which is in high demand due to homeschooling. Advertise locally or use websites like Superprof.
3. Run Online Classes
Move in-person classes online using platforms like Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, or Facetime.
4. Data Entry
This easy job involves transferring data into spreadsheets. Look for opportunities on Upwork, Clickworker, Microworkers, Fiverr, or People Per Hour.
5. Virtual Assistant
Help businesses with tasks like email management, social media, and research. Many businesses are moving online, increasing the demand for VA services.
6. Home-Based Customer Service Jobs
Answer customer queries over the phone or by web chat. This work is often done from home.
7. Web Evaluation Jobs
Improve user experiences on the web through search and social media evaluation. Companies like Appen and Lionbridge hire for these roles.
8. Transcription
Turn audio content into written text. Look for entry-level work with companies like Rev, Crowdsurf, and Casting Words.
9. Sell Your Services
Offer skills like writing, coding, or design on freelancer sites like Upwork and Fiverr. You might also pitch local businesses directly.
Online Business Ideas for Long-Term Earnings from Home
These are longer-term projects that can be very profitable but won’t provide immediate income.
1. Start a Blog
Blogging is flexible and can generate a full-time income over time. You can make money through display advertising, affiliate links, selling products, and sponsored posts. Check out my tutorial on starting a blog.
2. Print-on-Demand
Design T-shirts, phone cases, and more to sell online. Platforms like Merch By Amazon handle printing and shipping.
3. YouTube Channel
Create content in booming niches like home exercise or educational videos. You need 1,000 followers to add ads, but you can also earn through affiliate links, merch, and sponsorships.
4. Create Online Courses
Share your skills by creating online courses on platforms like Udemy.
5. Self-Publish Kindle Books
Write and publish your own ebooks on Amazon with Kindle Direct Publishing. You can even hire writers on Fiverr.
6. No Content Books
Create notebooks or journals with eye-catching covers and blank interiors to sell on Amazon.
7. Printables Store
Design digital files like planners or art prints to sell on Etsy.
There are many ways to make money from home during the pandemic. Whether you need immediate cash or want to start a long-term business, there’s something for everyone. Stay safe and good luck!