Top 15 Marketing Promos to Boost Your Sales

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Marketing promos are crucial for boosting sales and attracting customers. This article covers 15 impactful marketing promos that can enhance your strategy, ranging from flash sales to loyalty programs.




Key Takeaways




  • Effective marketing promotions are essential to foster brand awareness, stimulate demand, and boost sales by offering limited-time offers, discounts, and innovative strategies like bundling products or free shipping.

  • Customer loyalty programs, such as points-based, tiered, and referral programs, play a critical role in retaining customers and driving repeat business by providing various rewards and incentives.

  • Utilizing social media and leveraging influencer collaborations, user-generated content, and social media contests can significantly amplify brand visibility and customer engagement, leading to increased sales and conversions.




Understanding Marketing Promos






Any successful marketing strategy rests on the cornerstone of effective marketing promotions. These promotions are created with the aim of boosting sales and enticing customers to try out a new product or service. These strategies involve targeting an audience, setting a budget, and planning actions to increase demand. Promotions are integral in fostering brand awareness, sparking interest, catalyzing demand, and propelling action among the targeted audience. They are a subset of the overall marketing strategy and are vital in positioning a brand in the market.




Skillfully designed marketing ideas can yield consistent long-term leads, stimulate new and repetitive purchases, and distinguish a business from its competitors.




What Are Marketing Promos?




Marketing promos are initiatives designed to:




  • Motivate customers to make purchases within a specified timeframe

  • Offer various incentives or rewards

  • Increase sales

  • Boost customer satisfaction

  • Heighten brand awareness




Differentiating marketing from advertising and promotion is key, given that each has a distinct role within the broader marketing strategy.




For example, a sign-up sales promotion might offer a deal exclusively for new users to drive sales and customer acquisition. Joint promotions, where products or services from different brands are bundled together, can also extend reach and increase conversion likelihood.




Benefits of Marketing Promos




Marketing promotions bring forth a variety of benefits. They can:




  • Increase sales by helping to offload aging products, promote new ones, and activate dormant customers

  • Lead to an increase in repeat business and attract new customers while keeping existing ones engaged

  • Significantly boost brand visibility

  • Build customer loyalty over time




Promotional giveaways are particularly effective in attracting new customers or rewarding loyal ones, thereby increasing customer engagement and loyalty.




Effective Sales Promotion Ideas




Illustration of flash sales




Sales promotion ideas are essential for any business looking to enhance its marketing strategies. One effective sales promotion idea is to utilize flash sales, discounts, and coupons. These are just a few sales promotion examples that can incentivize customers and drive sales. Implementing sales promotion programs can further boost your marketing efforts.




We’ll now delve into several highly effective sales promotion tactics, each one being a unique sales promotion tactic.




Flash Sales




By offering limited-time offers, flash sales instill a sense of urgency in customers, prompting immediate purchases. These sales create excitement and urgency around products within a limited timeframe, making them highly effective in driving quick sales.




For instance, Grammarly’s promotion of 50% off for signing up before a specific date is an example of a successful flash sale.




Discounts and Coupons




Discounts and coupons serve as prevalent and appealing incentives, propelling customer purchases. Offering these to customers can help recover potential customers who have abandoned their carts and can be distributed via email, websites, or print materials.




Early bird discounts for holiday reservations can incentivize customers to book in advance and help with better planning. Recurring sales offering customers opportunities to buy their favorite items at lower prices can also lead to increased spending.




Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO)




The Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) sales promotion empowers customers to acquire one item and avail of a discount or receive a complimentary product on their second item. This tactic is used to encourage customers to make a larger purchase and increase sales. You can use this promotion to upsell more of the same product. Alternatively, it can also be used as a cross-sell promotion for related products. Customers’ preference for BOGO promotions over other popular promotions stands at 66%, making it highly effective in encouraging purchase decisions.




Leveraging Customer Loyalty Programs




Illustration of customer loyalty programsIllustration of customer loyalty programs




Customer loyalty programs serve as a potent instrument for customer retention and rewards. These programs can significantly boost sales by providing incentives for loyal customers to keep coming back.




Let’s explore different types of loyalty programs, including the benefits of implementing a loyalty program for your business.




Points-Based Programs




In points-based loyalty programs, customers accumulate points with purchases, which can be exchanged for rewards such as discounts or complimentary products. These programs are popular due to their flexibility, allowing customers to earn and spend points in various ways.




By rewarding repeat customers, points-based programs enhance customer satisfaction and increase retention.




Tiered Loyalty Programs




In tiered loyalty programs, customers are ranked according to metrics such as total expenditure or engagement, receiving enhanced rewards as they ascend the tiers. Higher tiers in these programs offer more exclusive and valuable rewards, incentivizing increased customer spending.




Referral Programs




Referral marketing leverages customer recommendations to increase trust and drive new business. In a referral sales promotion, existing customers receive a referral code to share with others, giving them a discount on their first purchase and rewarding the referrer for their recommendation. This strategy utilizes word-of-mouth marketing to expand the customer base.




Companies like Airbnb and Uber have successfully implemented referral programs, achieving significant returns on investment.




Creative Marketing Promos for Online Stores




Illustration of online store promotionsIllustration of online store promotions




Online stores possess distinctive opportunities for executing innovative marketing promos that can amplify sales and customer engagement. Here are some innovative ideas to consider.




Free Shipping Offers




Shipping costs can be a significant barrier for online shoppers, and offering free shipping can help alleviate this burden. Free shipping addresses the issue of high unexpected extra costs, which is a major reason for cart abandonment.




Offering free shipping can increase overall sales by removing significant barriers for online shoppers. It can also set a brand apart from competitors and attract new customers.




Limited-Time Offers




Limited-time offers instill a sense of urgency, prompting instant purchases. Countdown timers on websites for limited-time promotions can create a visual representation of urgency, with a webpage featuring a countdown timer converting 9% better than one without.




Promoting limited-edition products also triggers the fear of missing out (FOMO), driving immediate purchasing decisions.




Bundling Products




Product bundling entails providing a collection of products at a reduced price, thereby enhancing the appeal of the offer. This strategy allows businesses to present a package of products at a discounted price, promoting lesser-known items and adding value to customers’ purchases.




Bundling products with holiday-themed messaging is a popular seasonal promotion.




In-Store Promotion Strategies




In-store promotion strategies have the potential to enrich the customer experience and propel sales. Let’s explore some effective tactics.




In-Store Events




Special events like product launches, workshops, or guest appearances can significantly enhance the in-store experience. Hosting workshops or seminars offers customers hands-on experience with products, stimulating interest and engagement.




Decorating stores for holidays can create a positive feeling in customers and increase foot traffic. Organizing events with other businesses can also help promote the event and attract more attendees.




Exclusive In-Store Discounts




Providing discounts exclusive to in-store purchases can stimulate physical visits and augment foot traffic. These discounts, especially during busy hours, can help increase sales and engage more customers.




Gift With Purchase




Providing a complimentary gift with purchase can:




  • Incentivize customers to spend more to become eligible for the free item

  • Possibly result in purchases of higher-margin items

  • Enhance the customer’s shopping experience

  • Increase the perceived value of their purchase




Providing free samples as a free gift during festive seasons can encourage more sales and enhance customer loyalty.




Utilizing Social Media for Promotions




Illustration of social media promotionsIllustration of social media promotions




Social media serves as a robust platform for promotions, amplifying brand awareness and customer engagement.




Here are some strategies to consider.




Social Media Contests




Implementing a social media calendar can help plan and organize contests systematically, ensuring consistent engagement. Some benefits of running social media contests and giveaways during festive seasons include:




  • Boosting brand visibility

  • Engaging customers

  • Increasing social media followers

  • Generating user-generated content

  • Driving website traffic

  • Increasing sales and conversions




These contests can generate leads, increase brand awareness, and have the potential to go viral.




Influencer Collaborations




Influencer marketing engages individuals with a dedicated follower base to endorse products or services. These campaigns can yield an average ROI of $6.50 for every dollar invested. Events such as meet-and-greet sessions with influencers encourage customer participation and engagement.




Clear agreements with influencers ensure a mutually beneficial collaboration.




User-Generated Content Campaigns




Encouraging customers to share content related to your brand can promote community, organic marketing, and trust. Businesses can host themed promotions for holidays and encourage customers to post check-ins and social media content.




Showcasing user-generated content on your social media channels can help build credibility and engage your audience.




Seasonal and Holiday Promotions




Leveraging seasonal and holiday promotions can substantially amplify sales and customer engagement. Here are some creative marketing ideas to consider.




Holiday-Themed Discounts




Encouraging prospects to make purchases by offering seasonal sales is an effective strategy for promoting products and services that are relevant to upcoming seasons or occasions. This approach can help attract customers and drive sales during key times of the year. Some examples of seasonal sales include:




  • Offering products at half-off during a holiday event

  • Providing discounts on winter clothing during the colder months

  • Promoting outdoor equipment and gear during the summer season




By offering these seasonal sales, you can attract more customers and drive sales during specific times of the year.




Providing gift cards during the winter holidays can significantly boost sales, with a predicted 23% increase in spending on gift cards. Launching pre-wrapped gifts or gift baskets during the holiday season can attract last-minute shoppers, making these promotions highly effective.




Seasonal Product Launches




Launching seasonal flavors or limited-edition products can create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, driving customer interest. For instance, Home Depot’s Spring it On event, featuring sales revolving around products for spring and summer, is an example of a successful seasonal sales event.




Product bundles are often used during holidays to sell seasonal merchandise quickly, making them an effective strategy for seasonal product launches.




Festive Giveaways




Hosting holiday giveaways on platforms like Instagram can increase sales and build a loyal customer base. Partnering with another business for holiday giveaways or events can expand customer bases for both entities, making these promotions mutually beneficial.




Incorporating Charitable Promotions




Integrating charitable promotions can hone brand image and customer loyalty by articulating brand values and drawing in customers with similar views. Here are some ways to integrate charitable promotions into your marketing strategy.




Cause-Related Marketing




Cause-related marketing involves partnering with charities and donating a portion of sales to support those causes. This strategy not only enhances a company’s brand image but also attracts socially conscious customers.




Businesses can form creative partnerships with local charities, increasing brand awareness and providing support for the charities.




Community Involvement




Supporting local community events and causes showcases a company’s commitment to the area. Engaging in community events and sponsorships helps build a local brand presence and can have multiple benefits for businesses.




These activities can also increase employee morale and engagement by aligning with their values.




Donation Matching




Donation matching can amplify the impact of charitable efforts by encouraging more customer participation. This strategy can enhance the overall effectiveness of charitable promotions and create a positive image for the business.




Personalized Promotions




In today’s market, where consumers yearn for customized experiences, personalized promotions are indispensable. These promotions can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.




Let’s explore some personalized promotion tactics.




Data-Driven Targeting




Efficient personalization exploits data like:




  • demographics

  • behavioral interactions

  • psychographics

  • social media activities




Data-driven targeting ensures marketing messages are delivered to the right target audience at the optimal time.




Using customer data analytics allows companies to create more informed and effective promotional strategies, increasing engagement and conversion rates.




Birthday Discounts




Personalized propositions, like birthday discounts, evoke a sense of exclusivity and can bolster customer loyalty. Birthday email campaigns have open rates over three times higher than general promotional mailings.




Offering birthday rewards can significantly increase customer retention, with 84% of customers staying with brands that provide surprises like birthday rewards.




Personalized Email Campaigns




Personalized email marketing can notably heighten engagement and revenue. Crafting personalized messages in email campaigns helps build a stronger connection with customers.




Tailored email campaigns based on customer behavior and preferences can significantly enhance engagement and conversion rates.




Summary




In summary, marketing promotions are a powerful tool to boost sales, increase customer engagement, and build brand loyalty. From flash sales and discounts to personalized email campaigns and charitable promotions, there are numerous strategies you can implement to drive sales this year. By leveraging these top 15 marketing promos, you can attract more customers, enhance your brand’s visibility, and ultimately achieve your business goals. Start implementing these strategies today and watch your sales soar.




Frequently Asked Questions




What are marketing promotions?




Marketing promotions are designed to increase sales or encourage product or service trial by offering incentives or rewards.




How do flash sales create urgency among customers?




Flash sales create urgency by offering limited-time discounts or deals, motivating customers to make immediate purchases.




What are the benefits of customer loyalty programs?




Customer loyalty programs can enhance satisfaction, increase retention, boost sales, and turn customers into brand advocates.




How can businesses leverage social media for promotions?




Businesses can leverage social media by using contests, influencer collaborations, and user-generated content to boost brand awareness and customer engagement.




Why are personalized promotions important?




Personalized promotions are important because they increase customer satisfaction by aligning offers with individual preferences, leading to higher engagement, loyalty, and sales.


 

 

Are you interested in finding out more? Browse the rest of our blog for other marketing tips. If you’re ready to create your first email, survey, sign-up form, or landing page then register for a free trial to get the tools you need to build powerful marketing campaigns!

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Mastering Facebook Insights: A Beginner’s Guide

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You already know your Facebook insights are crucial for nudging your Facebook marketing strategy in the right direction. Facebook analytics give you the performance numbers you need to:

  • Optimize your ad spend
  • Improve the reach of your organic posts
  • Give statistics you can report to stakeholders
  • …And more

But Facebook bid adios to its native Facebook analytics tool (and the Facebook audience insights tool) in 2021. How do you get your Facebook analytics now? This article will tell you everything you need to know to measure your Facebook performance and get valuable insights.

⚠️ Note: You need to have a Facebook Business Page for your small business or a Facebook profile in professional mode to access Facebook analytics and insights. Personal Facebook accounts don’t serve the marketing function and thus have little to no insights data available.

What’s the difference between Facebook analytics and Facebook insights?

First things first: What’s the difference between Facebook analytics and Facebook insights?

  • Facebook analytics refer to the raw numbers, data, and performance statistics
  • Facebook insights refer to the learnings you derive from the above analytics

For example, let’s say you collate all your best-performing Facebook posts by finding all the content with the most engagement and reach. Here, you’re using Facebook analytics (likes, comments, shares, impressions, etc.) to determine which posts qualify as ‘best-performing’. After this collection, suppose you spot a pattern where most top performing posts were user-generated content. This is a Facebook insight you derived from your analytics.

Facebook offers raw analytics and some insights via its native tools. But you can also use third-party social media analysis tools to take a deeper dive into your performance metrics.

Meta sunsetted its Facebook analytics tool to consolidate data from its other networks (like Instagram) all in one place. Now, you can view your Facebook Page performance in four ways inside Meta:

1. Professional dashboard

2. Meta business suite (only for Facebook Pages)

3. Meta ads manager (only if you run Facebook ads)

4. Facebook group insights (if you have a Facebook group)

1: Professional dashboard

The Professional dashboard is available for creators with professional mode on their Facebook profiles turned on and for Facebook Page insights. It contains simple surface-level Facebook analytics. If you’re looking for some quick insight into how your Facebook marketing is going, this is the best place to look at.

Inside the “Professional dashboard,” you’ll find an “Insight” tab containing four tabs:

1. Home: This section is a basic performance overview of your Page or profile for the past 28 days. You can see key metrics like overall page posts, total reach, page views, engagement, new followers, new page likes, recent content, and some basic info about your audience.

2. Your Page/Profile: Insights under this tab contain post reach, engagement, new followers, unfollows, and total interactions (likes, comments, shares, views, clicks) for the past 28 days.

3. Content: This page contains the public posts you’ve shared in the past 90 days (or you can filter for the past 7, 28, or 60 days) and how they’re performing individually.

4. Audience: Here, you can see fundamental demographic data (gender, age, and location) about the audience interacting with your Facebook Page or profile.

The professional dashboard is excellent if you simply want to do a quick flip-through of your Facebook posts’ performance. It’s not the most in-depth source of information, but it can get the ball rolling and is handy when you’re short on time.

It’s best to visit the professional dashboard regularly to stay in the loop on how your posts are performing and what audience demographics are interacting with your Page/profile.

2: Meta business suite

Meta business suite replaced Facebook analytics to become the source of native Facebook page insights. Facebook profiles with professional mode turned on don’t work inside Meta business suite at the time of writing this article.

The Meta business suite helps with many things (like unifying your inbox, scheduling content on Facebook and Instagram, etc.) including extracting in-depth Facebook analytics and insights into your organic and paid content on the platform.

As soon as you log in to your Meta business suite, you’ll find an “Insights” section on the left menu. Within insights, eight tabs contain extensive and in-depth info on your Facebook performance:

1. Overview: This subsection contains the basic info on your Facebook Page insights. It includes daily and cumulative insights into how much reach you’ve gotten from your Facebook posts. The same tab also breaks down the reach numbers into 3-minute views, 1-minute views, minutes viewed, and content interactions on the X-axis and from followers & non-followers on the Y-axis.

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2. Plan: Here, Facebook helps you set goals and complete basic tasks it recommends to set yourself up for success — like the number of times you should post, setting up admins, etc. It’s a good tab to monitor in the beginning to understand Meta’s expectations and the features it offers.

3. Results: This section helps you understand Facebook reach, Page views, follows, and ad performance over your selected timeline. It’s excellent for monitoring whether your Facebook analytics are increasing or decreasing over time. You can also come here to export these graphs for reporting to stakeholders.

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4. Audience: When Meta shut down Facebook Audience Insights, it didn’t eradicate it completely. Instead, Meta merged it into the business suite so you can continue to extract the granular details about your followers on Facebook. This tab contains:

  • Trends: This tab shows metrics such as how your followers are increasing or decreasing, returning viewers, engaged followers over the timeline you’ve set. It also shows when you should post on Facebook by displaying the your audience’s most active times.
  • Segments: Your target audience is divided into people who engage, follow, and message your Facebook Page. You can get insights into all these individual segments.
  • Demographics: This is where you can see a breakdown of your audience’s demographic data — their age, gender, and location.
  • Potential audience: Here, you can add filters on who your ideal customer already is (where do they live? What’s their age? and more) and understand the number of people you can reach via your Facebook Page.
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⚠️ Note: The number of people Facebook shares within the potential audience umbrella is an estimate. Don’t take it at face value.

5. Messaging: If you practice any form of customer service via your Facebook Page, this section is a goldmine. You can see how many people contacted you via direct messages (DMs), admins data, number of people who were returning contacts, your response time, and how many of your Facebook conversations converted into booked appointments (if you use that feature).

6. Benchmarking: This is the place where you can compare your Facebook performance to businesses that look like yours. You can either add your industry and evaluate insights like your comparative social media frequency to other companies in the same niche, your total followers & engagement vs. theirs, etc. This is in the “Business comparison” header.

Or, you can also add specific competitors and their Facebook Page(s) to compare your Facebook analytics to theirs. This is in the “Businesses to watch” header.

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7. Overview (under “Content”): In this section, you can draw minute insights into every single Facebook post — from Facebook Reels to Facebook Stories. You can see your top content formats, audience retention, and also breakdown this data to compare organic vs. paid or followers vs. non-followers.

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8. Content: Here, you can build customized performance charts by filtering for posts or Stories or both, media types, and marketing channels (organic or paid) on one side. 

(If you’re also running an Instagram marketing strategy, you can add that to the graph to get a cumulative performance chart.)

For the other side, you can choose from a plethora of Facebook analytics like impressions, reach, replies, sticker taps, etc.

Meta business suite is an excellent place for Facebook analytics, but it can be a bit overwhelming in the beginning. Converting these analytics to actionable Facebook insights also requires some work and practice.

3: Meta ads manager

If you’ve created ads on Facebook, you need insight into how they’re performing to calculate and improve your return on investment (ROI). The Meta ads manager helps you do just that.

Note: Facebook ads manager and Meta ads manager are the same thing.

After you’ve run your ad campaigns on Facebook, the Meta ads manager can give you extensive statistics into how they’re received in the wild. There are two tabs in the Facebook ad manager:

1. The overview tab gives you basic metrics of reach, impressions, link clicks, cost per thousand impressions (CPM), click through rates, etc., for all your ad campaigns in a table format right next to your campaign name. You can add filters using the drop-down menu to customize this data and find exactly what you’re looking for.

2. The ad reporting dashboard enables you to do the exact same thing. You can apply various filters to customize rows and columns — except here, you can also export them as a CSV file or a shareable link. You can also make this a recurring report by duplicating the analytics and switching the timeline.

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Want to learn more about using the Meta ads manager? This guide will help you master it.

4: Facebook groups

If building a community is a part of your social media strategy, Facebook groups are an excellent place to start.

Once you’ve been at it for a while, Facebook gives you valuable group insights. You can learn:

1. Individual post insights

2. Top contributors to explore partnership opportunities or a reward system 

3. Engagement trends — at what time and day do your posts get maximum engagement

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Where are these insights? Enter your Facebook group and click on “Insights” in the menu on the left menu.

⚠️ Note: Facebook group insights are only relevant for your Facebook community. What hits on the group might not necessarily perform well on your Facebook page. Use group insights to dictate what you post on your Facebook group, how you interact with members, and gather feedback.

How to acquire Facebook analytics using Buffer (and why you should)

Third-party tools — like Buffer — also offer Facebook analytics. But why should you use them if you know the ins and outs of the Meta world?

1. Buffer is a social media marketing tool — so, it also helps you do related social media management activities like schedule content, cross-post it across social media sites in a few clicks, and use AI to assist caption-writing (among a host of other things). All this and more in just one tab.

2. You can gather cumulative insights data across social media platforms in one place and filter them however you like. That’s a lot of flexibility!

3. Buffer is way easier to use than any of the Meta tools. You can convert analytics to insights, fast (without scratching your head to find what you need). There’s minimal to no learning to curve to Buffer. Meta tools take a while to master.

4. You can build campaigns in Buffer and analyze their performance separately from your out-of-campaign posts.

In Buffer, you get all the basics like impressions, follower growth, reach, link clicks, yada yada. But you can also directly find the answers to questions like:

  • Which type of posts get me the highest engagement on Facebook?
  • How are my organic posts faring compared to my paid ads?
  • What is the best time to post on Facebook for my Page?
  • What is the best frequency for me on Facebook?
  • What are my audience demographics?

The cherry on top? You can use Buffer to get insights into your Facebook Page and your Facebook Group.

Try it for $0 today.

Which are the Facebook analytics that truly matter?

Once you dip your toe into Facebook analytics, you realize the numbers in this universe are endless. You can examine every single post, run campaigns and measure how they did, create ads & groups, and see their performance…it’s a lot of data.

How do you make sense of the noise?

1. Start simple. First, focus on finding your ideal posting frequency, the best time to post, and the best days to post. Make these your key metrics. This will take a while because you’ll need consistency to get accurate data.

2. Then, go deeper and find which types of posts perform the best for you. Spot a pattern. Are all the posts that get the most engagement videos? Or are they text-based posts? Do customer reviews get more link clicks than product tutorials? All these insights data will help you learn where to double down your efforts.

Keep going by reviewing your analytics every so often. Create reports to see the insight in the analytics. If you keep showing up, you’ll see patterns emerge and understand the numbers that truly make a difference.

Did you find this article helpful? You might also like our all-you-need social media toolkit.

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35 Things to Sell to Make Money Today

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Do you need to make money fast? Then keep reading for unique and popular things to sell today for extra cash!

From a very early age, I was taught the value of money. Not only did I do chores to earn a weekly allowance, but I was also expected to save money for things I wanted to purchase. And like most kids, I wanted lots of stuff, which motivated me to come up with creative ways to make extra money.

I made money by selling lemonade; I went door-to-door trying to sell my neighbors my arts and crafts (I didn’t sell any). One time, I collected salamanders from our backyard and called around until I found a pet store that would buy them. I found aluminum cans and traded them to the recycling center for cash.

Fast forward, and not much has changed.

In college, I sold my old textbooks and CDs for cash. I sold used clothes to consignment shops. I even sold my body to science by participating in pharmaceutical research studies.

When you’re short on cash and need money fast, there are many ways to make extra money ASAP by selling things.

If you need some extra pocket cash, here are 35 things to sell online and in person for extra money.

Young woman taking a photo of shoes she is selling online

1. Sell Your Smarts

Are you a math whiz or a tech guru? Do you know a foreign language? Are you an excellent cook? Then cash in with your knowledge and expertise. There are many online platforms where you can sell your smarts! Whether you want to tutor kids on Cambly, answer homework questions online using Studypool, or create an online course around your area of expertise, there are hundreds of ways to make money selling your smarts!

Check out this post for platforms and ideas for selling your expertise!

2. Sell Your Art Online

If you’re a talented artist or creator, you can sell your art online using ArtPal or Artfinder. ArtPal accepts paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures, handmade jewelry, and crafts, and you can sign up for free. With Artfinder, you can sell original paintings, photography, prints, sculptures, drawings, and digital art. Artists must fill out an online application for consideration, and once accepted into the program, artists earn 67% of the sales price.

For more ways to sell your art, check out this list of places to sell your arts and crafts.

3. Outgrown Baby Equipment

Is your baby all grown up? Are you not having any more kids? Then sell your used baby furniture, gear, old toys, bikes, and clothing at a Just Between Friends (JBF) sale. At JBF, you bring your items to a local sale, price them, and two weeks later, you receive your consignor’s check in the mail.

If you don’t want to go the consignment route, you can try selling your used baby equipment on Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. Each site has pros and cons, so do your research before choosing a platform.

4. Become a Surrogate

While this is a HUGE commitment and undertaking, it can be very lucrative if you’re healthy, at the right age, and have the right mindset. Being a surrogate (carrying someone else’s baby for nine months) pays anywhere from $54,500 and up, plus the cost of medical bills and treatments.

5. Sell Your Free Time

If you have some spare time, why not sell it and do some odd tasks for other people? With the DoorDash and Instacart apps, you can sell your time by delivering food and groceries.

With Taskrabbit, you can perform one-off tasks like standing in line for concert tickets. You can also sign up with WeGoLook and check out items in person for other people who cannot be there physically.

If working behind a computer is more your thing, you can sell your time doing virtual assistant work with Byron, transcription work with Rev, or any number of freelance projects using Upwork.

The great thing about these apps and sites is you can log in and do work whenever you have free time, working as much or as little as you need.

6. Have Extra Breast Milk?

Yes, you heard me correctly, breast milk!

There is a website called Only The Breast dedicated to moms selling and those looking to buy breast milk. The average selling price is $2.50 per ounce, which means if you’re able to pump an extra 16 ounces per day for 30 days, you can earn a whopping $1,200 a month!

7. Get Rid of Your Used Books

Do you have old books collecting dust? Free up some space and make some money by selling them online at BookScouter. Enter the book’s ISBN and get a quote. If it’s a wanted title, send your books in with their pre-paid shipping label. Once the books are received, you’ll be paid via check or PayPal. For more places to sell your books online, check out this list of bookstores that buy used books.

8. Donate Your Body to Science

In college, I participated in many clinical research studies. Once, I found an overnight weekend study that paid $2,000 for staying two weekends, which was gravy money because I used my time there to study for my college classes. If you’re interested in selling your body to science, use Clinical Trials.gov to locate trials around the globe. Compensation will vary depending on the type of medication, the length of the study, the number of blood draws, and the number of visits. Payments are usually made by check from the clinical research organization.

9. Sell Old Clothes

Do you have outgrown children’s clothing or styles you no longer wear? Then, sell your gently used clothes on an online marketplace like thredUP or Poshmark. With thredUP, you send in your items, and they list them on consignment. With Poshmark, you list, sell, and ship off your items, but you make much more money than you would on thredUP.

For a massive list of platforms for selling clothing, check out this article.

10. Sell Your Handmade Crafts Online

Do you make gorgeous jewelry, candles, pottery, knitted blankets, vinyl stickers, or handmade soap? Then, sell your handmade items, vintage goods, or craft supplies on Etsy. It only costs $0.20 to list a product on Etsy for four months (or until it sells). Once your item sells, Etsy collects a 3.5% transaction fee on the sale price. Feel like Etsy is oversaturated? This post covers other places where you can sell your handmade wares.

Young woman packing handmade soap to ship out to customersYoung woman packing handmade soap to ship out to customers

11. Become an Egg Donor

Are you young and in good health? Then donating your eggs may be a viable option for you. You must be between the ages of 21-32, a non-smoker, and in good health. Donors can make anywhere from $4,000-$8,000 per retrieval.

12. Sell Your Old Electronics

Did you upgrade your smartphone or laptop? Then consider selling your old smartphones, tablets, laptops, and computers on Gazelle. Just find your gadget on their website, answer some simple questions, ship it off for free, and get paid via check, Amazon gift card, or PayPal. Gazelle has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

If you need money faster, try selling in person on Craigslist, Facebook Swap Groups, or VarageSale. I’ve sold old tablets and computers quickly and easily using these sites.

13. Sell Your Jewelry

Do you have jewelry from an old flame? Then, sell it at a pawn shop, local jewelry store, or on a platform like Out of Your Life or Worthy. Out of Your Life and Worthy both have A+ ratings with the Better Business Bureau, but I have not used them personally. So, do your research before sending off your precious diamonds and gold jewelry.

For more tips and additional sites for selling your jewelry, check out this post.

14. Join a Direct Sales Company

You’ve probably heard of Avon, but did you know there are thousands of direct sales companies that sell fun stuff like pet supplies (pawTree), gourmet food items (Tastefully Simple), and stylish clothing (cabi)? While you usually have to pay a small startup fee to start, the direct sales industry is a great way to sell new products from home. From makeup and jewelry to gourmet food and clothing, whatever your passion is, there’s a direct sales company that caters to it.

For more information, check out some of the best products to sell from home.

15. Sell Unused Gift Cards

Have you received a gift card for a store that you don’t shop at or that’s not close to your home? If you’re not using it, sell it on the app CardSell. Just enter your gift card information online and get a free quote. CardSell will verify your card and pay you via PayPal within 48 hours.

For more places to sell your gift cards, check out this list.

16. Sell Your Hair

Do you have long hair? Are you ready for a change? Then, sell your hair using HairSellon.com. You’ll need at least 10 inches of healthy hair, but you can make anywhere from $100-$4,000 just by selling your long locks.

17. Sell Your Design Skills

Do you have graphic design skills? Then, use your talents and abilities to sell logos on 99 designs. Find a contest, submit a design, and if yours is chosen as the winner, you make money.

Or, you can use your design expertise to create and sell T-shirts; there are several online platforms that allow you to design, set up a shop, and sell T-shirts for FREE.

You can also sell your design services on Fiverr. It’s a platform where you post freelance services that you’re willing to sell for $5-$10,000. People sell everything from writing services to logo designs, pins for Pinterest, phone calls, social media updates, and video editing. Once you make a sale, Fiverr will keep a 20% fee, and payments will be issued via PayPal.

18. Sell Your Opinion

Do you enjoy sharing your thoughts and opinions with others? Then, make some money by participating in market research groups. Just sign up with one of these platforms and wait to be invited to focal group opportunities. These gigs are usually an hour long and pay anywhere between $50-$150 an hour!

You can also share your opinion by taking surveys online using platforms like:

For each survey you take, you earn cash or points that can be used to purchase gift cards from major retailers or cash via Visa or PayPal. Some of these companies have smartphone apps, so you can do surveys whenever you have a free moment.

19. CDs, DVDs, and Video Games

Sell your used CDs, DVDs, and video games at Decluttr. Just enter the item’s barcode on the site to get a quote. Decide which items you’d like to sell (a minimum of 10 items per transaction) and send them in using a pre-paid shipping label. Once items are received, Decluttr will send you a check.

20. Make Money From Your Influence

If you have a large following on a social media platform like TikTokYouTube, or Instagram, you can make good money and get freebies by sharing your influence. Connect with brands by signing up on influencer platforms like SocialSparkAspire.ioInfluenster, and Blog Meets Brand, or find companies on your own and pitch them some campaign ideas. Only have a small following? Micro-influencers can make money too! Read this post for tips on making money with a smaller following.

21. Donate Your Plasma for Cash

Are you a healthy individual? Then donate your plasma at BioLife Plasma Services. Your first visit will take approximately two hours for donation screening, medical check, and retrieval time. Upon successful completion, you’ll be paid via a pre-paid Mastercard. Donors can donate two times a week, and subsequent visits only take one hour. Call your local chapter for compensation rates.

22. Sell Your Photos Online

Sell your photos online to stock sites like Dreamstime. Upload your pictures and sell your images. You’ll receive 25-60% off each sale you make. For more places to sell your photos, check out this MASSIVE list of sites you can sell on.

You can also try selling your photos and videos using the smartphone app Foap. Download the application to your smartphone and upload your photos. Once your image receives five positive ratings from other Foap users – your photo will be published for sale. You will earn $5 each time someone purchases your photo. Payments are made via PayPal when the user requests a cashout.

23. Submit Practical Tips to Magazines

Do you love to DIY? Are you in the know? Then, share your tips, strategies, stories, and hacks with magazines and online publications for money. The Saturday Evening Post pays $25 for short stories. Check out this article on ways to make money from home for more magazine submission sites. You can also search online for “submit a tip” or in the back of physical magazines.

24. Random Things to Sell

If you have old furniture, appliances, toys, home decor, or other random items you’d like to get rid of, try Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or VarageSale to sell your wares. While I’ve used all three platforms, my favorite is my local Facebook Group. I like seeing who’s selling or buying the item and that it’s local, so I don’t have to drive too far to meet up. I’ve also found that I make the most money selling directly to an individual versus using an online resale or consignment shop.

If you have sports equipment that you’re no longer using, you can use one of the above sites, or you can sell it to Play It Again Sports. Just bring in your equipment, and they’ll evaluate it on the spot and make you an offer right then and there.

25. Sell Your Recipes

Are you an exceptional cook? Then, sell your recipes to magazines, cooking contest websites, or article databases. Magazines will usually pay $25-$500+ if they publish your recipe. You can also sell your recipes on Etsy, a monthly subscription, or pitch food bloggers.

For more ways to make money selling recipes, check out this article.

26. Sell Tickets

Do you have concert or sports tickets that you’ve won or cannot use? Then sell them on StubHub. List your tickets for free. Once they sell, StubHub collects a 15% fee from the total sale. Payments are made via PayPal or check.

27. Sell Your Wedding Dress

Is your wedding dress collecting dust in the closet? Then, sell it on SellMyWeddingDress.org or StillWhite.com. Listing fees range from $19.95-$29.95. Neither site charges commission fees. List your wedding items, prom dress, wedding dress, or wedding gown to many potential buyers.

28. Sell Plants, Herbs, Fruits, or Vegetables From Your Garden

If you have a green thumb, you can make money selling fresh herbs, plants, and vegetables from your garden. My assistant, Aimee, grows aquatic plants for aquariums and sells them on Craigslist. All she did was place a $5 ad on Craigslist, and she was able to sell $800 in just 30 days! She details her process here.

29. Sell Your Car

If you moved to a big city and you no longer need your vehicle, consider selling it for some quick cash! Smartphone apps and sites like BlinkerCarMax, and CARFAX make selling your car a snap! But don’t stop there; you can also get cash for RVs, boats, motorcycles, and mopeds! If you don’t want to get rid of your automobile, you can always use a site like HyreCar to rent your car for cash while you’re not using it. According to HyreCar’s website, you can earn an average of $1,200 a month just by renting your car when you’re not using it.

30. Make and Sell Sweets

I have a friend who loves to cook and bake! When the holidays roll around, she makes hot cocoa bombs, candies, and other sweets that she sells on Facebook to her family and friends. She takes a few photos of her baked goods, posts them on Facebook with prices, and lets people know that she is taking orders (she delivers locally and ships out of town). If you have a talent for making delicious baked goods like cakes, cookies, or pies, consider selling them for extra cash.

31. Sell Beauty Products

While I mentioned joining a direct sales company above, you can also make and sell your own beauty products like lip gloss, facial oils, makeup, bath bombs, perfume, and more! There are lots of beauty creators on TikTok who make and sell their own products, and many of them have millions of followers!

With this money-making idea, you can start your own online business using a platform like Shopify or sell directly using TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook. You can make a little extra income or a lot, depending on how much effort you put into your business.

32. Sell Antiques or Vintage Items

People are willing to pay top bucks for antiques (items at least 100 years old) and vintage items (items 40 years old). If you’ve inherited some old china, silverware, jewelry, or furniture, you may be able to sell them for good money using a site like Etsy, Ruby Lane, or Chairish.

If you enjoy dealing in antiquities, you could turn this into a full-time side hustle by flipping antiques and vintage items from garage sales, estate sales, and flea markets.

33. Create and Sell Digital Products

If you enjoy creating things online, another product category you can sell is digital content. With this option, you can sell digital printablesSVG filesUGC, ebooks, online courses, music, newsletters, podcasts, and more! You can use a free site like Patreon to sell a membership with your digital items, or you can sell items outright on your own online store like Patternbank, Creative Market, or Bandcamp.

34. Make and Sell Dog Treats

If you are a dog lover and you enjoy baking, you can make and sell dog treats from home! You can sell these treats at your local farmer’s market, take custom orders online, or use a site like Etsy to get started. My friend, Kristin, loves to spoil her pooches and started a whole side hustle around baking and selling gourmet dog treats. If this sounds like it’s more your thing, check out her full interview here.

35. Sell Collectibles

Did you collect baseball cards, comics, coins, or stamps as a kid? Or maybe your grandmother gave you her vintage perfume bottle collection. If you have valuable collectibles, you can sell them online using a site like eBay, Heritage Auctions,  or a consignment shop. Do some research online to determine how much you can earn from selling your collectibles. 

Earn Money Selling Things Online and In Person

There are many ways to make money quickly just by selling stuff you have around the house. Sometimes you just need to think outside the box to see all the money-making opportunities right in front of you.

If you have a lot of items that you’re ready to purge, you can have a garage sale. While you’ll quickly get rid of old items this way, people who attend garage sales tend to be budget shoppers, so you may not make as much money going this route.

The same goes for pawn shops and consignment stores; you can quickly sell your stuff, but because they need to make a profit, too, your items will garner a much lower price.

Personally, I like using Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to sell things, as I can make the most money selling individual items. The downside is that you’re responsible for taking photos, creating your listing, replying to queries, and meeting people in person, which can be time-consuming. Weigh the pros and cons of each platform to see which one is right for you.

If you have things that you’re not ready to part with, you can always rent them out for cash when you’re not using them. This post has a huge list of items you can rent and where to list them for passive income!

What items are you selling from home? Have you found something creative to sell? Drop us a note below; we’d love to hear from you!

Did you enjoy this post? Then sign up for our weekly newsletter, which contains fresh job leads, money-making ideas, and more! You can join it here.

Originally published June 11, 2014. Content updated August 2024.



How to Earn Money Online for Students Without Investment


In the digital age, opportunities to earn money online without any upfront investment are more plentiful and accessible than ever before. This is especially relevant for students, who often juggle the dual challenges of managing their studies and maintaining financial independence. With the right approach and understanding of the online landscape, generating a steady income is not just a possibility; it’s increasingly becoming a practical reality.

This guide will walk you through various strategies to earn money online. Whether you’re a student looking to make ends meet, a freelancer hoping to build your portfolio or an aspiring online entrepreneur, this detailed article is designed to offer valuable insights and actionable advice.

1. Leverage Your Skills on Freelance Platforms

One of the most straightforward ways for students to begin earning money online is by freelancing. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr offer a marketplace where skills meet demand. Whether your expertise lies in writing, graphic design, digital marketing, programming, or anything in between, there is likely a demand for your services.

How to Get Started:

  • Create a professional profile detailing your skills and experience.
  • Browse job postings related to your skillset and start applying.
  • Use the power of a portfolio; even simple class projects can serve as proof of your abilities.

 

2. Become a Virtual Tutor

With the advancement in online communication tools, virtual tutoring has emerged as a lucrative avenue to share your knowledge while earning money. Platforms like Tutor.com and Chegg Tutors cater to a wide range of subjects, from mathematics and science to language arts.

Steps to Success:

  • Identify your strongest subject areas.
  • Sign up on tutoring platforms and complete their vetting process.
  • Maintain flexibility in your schedule to accommodate students from different time zones.

3. Participate in Online Surveys and Market Research

Companies are always on the lookout for consumer insights, and they’re willing to pay for it. Participating in online surveys and research studies can be a consistent source of small, yet steady, income streams.

Getting Started:

  • Register with reputable survey sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or Toluna.
  • Be honest with your responses to maintain the quality and reliability of your feedback.
  • Manage your earnings and redeem them per the platform’s guidelines.

4. Tap Into the Gig Economy

The gig economy offers flexibility and the opportunity for you to use your leisure time productively. Tasks can vary from virtual assistance, social media management, to more traditional errands and deliveries facilitated through apps like TaskRabbit or Postmates.

Key Considerations:

  • Choose gigs that align with your skills and weekly schedule.
  • Understand the payout structure and any associated costs, like transportation.
  • Build a reputation for reliability and quality to secure repeat clients.

5. Content Creation and Monetization

With platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and blogging, content creation has become a viable pathway to earning money online. The key is to create engaging, high-quality content that appeals to a specific niche or audience.

Building Your Platform:

  • Identify a niche that interests you and research existing content within that space.
  • Consistently create and upload content to build an audience.
  • Explore monetization options such as advertising revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise.

6. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting a product or service on your platform and earning a commission for every sale or action completed through your referral. It’s a strategic way to generate income, especially if you have a strong social media presence or a blog.

How to Launch Your Affiliate Marketing Effort:

  • Join affiliate programs of products that align with your audience’s interests.
  • Use your content to introduce these products authentically and transparently.
  • Track your referrals and optimize your strategy based on performance data.

Conclusion

Earning money online as a student without investment is not only feasible but can also be quite rewarding. It offers flexibility, the chance to hone your skills, and the opportunity to explore various career paths. The key to success in the digital realm is patience, persistence, and a continuous learning mindset. By leveraging platforms and tools available at your fingertips, you can carve out your own path to financial independence and professional development.

Remember, the online world is dynamic. Trends change, platforms evolve, and new opportunities arise. Keeping abreast of changes and adapting your strategies accordingly will position you well for success in the digital economy.

How to Train Yourself in 15 Minutes with AI

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In the fast-paced marketing world, especially for those on small teams or working solo, staying current and mastering new skills is almost impossible. Often, marketers are expected to “figure it out” on their own without formal training or guidance. Fortunately, Artificial intelligence can be a powerful ally, providing targeted, efficient training to help you grow and excel in your role. In just 15 minutes a day, AI can be your trainer and guide, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve. Here’s how:

The Benefits of AI Training

Before diving into the how-to, let’s explore why AI is a game-changer for self-training:

  • Personalization: AI tailors learning experiences to your specific needs and skill levels.
  • Efficiency: AI can quickly identify gaps in your knowledge and provide targeted training.
  • Accessibility: AI tools are available 24/7, allowing you to learn at your own pace and convenience.
  • Scalability: AI can handle large amounts of data and provide insights that would be difficult to obtain manually.

How to Use AI as Your Personal Work Trainer

But where do you get started? Let’s break down each step so you can see just how easy it can be to use AI as your personal work trainer.

Step 1: Identify Your Learning Objectives

To make the most of your 15-minute training sessions, start by identifying your learning objectives. What skills do you need to develop? What areas do you need help with? Common marketing objectives might include:

  • SEO and Content Marketing: Improving your understanding of search engine optimization and content creation.
  • Social Media Management: Learning to manage and grow social media accounts effectively.
  • Data Analysis: Gaining insights into interpreting and leveraging marketing data.
  • Email Marketing: Mastering the art of creating and optimizing email campaigns.
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Step 2: Choose the Right AI Tools

There are numerous AI-powered tools designed to assist marketers. Here are a few you can leverage:

  • Grammarly: Enhances your writing by suggesting grammar, style, and tone improvements.
  • ChatGPT by OpenAI: Provides instant answers to your marketing questions, helping you understand complex topics.
  • Canva’s Magic Switch: Uses AI to adjust the dimensions of your designs for different platforms automatically.
  • Lumen5: Converts articles and blog posts into engaging videos using AI.

Step 3: Set Up Your Daily Routine

Consistency is critical to effective self-training. Dedicate a specific 15-minute slot each day for your AI-driven learning. This could be during your morning coffee, a lunch break, or winding down in the evening. By establishing a routine, you ensure continuous improvement without overwhelming your schedule.

Step 4: Utilize AI for Quick Learning Sessions

Here’s a structured approach to making the most of your 15-minute training with AI:

Minute 1-2: Define Your Focus

Start by defining what you want to learn or improve today. It could be understanding a specific SEO technique, creating a social media post, or analyzing marketing data. Having a clear focus helps you stay on track.

Minute 3-7: Engage with AI Tools

Dive into your chosen AI tools:

  • Grammarly: If your focus is content creation, paste your text into Grammarly and review the suggestions. Pay attention to the explanations for each correction to learn from your mistakes.
  • ChatGPT by OpenAI: If you’re exploring a new marketing concept, ask ChatGPT specific questions. For example, “How do I improve my website’s SEO ranking?” or “What are the best practices for email marketing?”
  • Canva’s Magic Switch: If you’re working on social media graphics, use Canva’s AI-powered features to optimize your designs quickly.

Minute 8-12: Apply What You’ve Learned

Take what you’ve learned and apply it immediately:

  • Content Editing: Make the necessary changes to your content based on Grammarly’s suggestions.
  • SEO Tactics: Implement the SEO tips you received from ChatGPT into your website or blog post.
  • Social Media Posts: Use Canva to create and schedule a social media post, utilizing AI-enhanced designs.

Minute 13-15: Reflect and Plan

Take a few minutes to reflect on your learning and how you applied it. Note any areas where you still have questions or need further improvement. This will help you plan your next 15-minute session.

Step 5: Leverage AI for Ongoing Improvement

AI isn’t just for learning new skills; it’s also great for ongoing improvement:

  • Performance Tracking: Use AI tools to analyze your marketing performance. Identify what’s working and what isn’t, and adjust your strategies accordingly.
  • Content Optimization: Regularly run your existing content through tools like Grammarly to ensure it remains high-quality and relevant.
  • Social Media Insights: Use AI analytics to track the performance of your social media posts and refine your approach.

Step 6: Expand Your AI Toolkit

As you become more comfortable with AI, consider expanding your toolkit. Here are some additional AI-powered resources:

  • Moz Pro is an SEO tool that uses AI to provide insights and recommendations for improving your website’s search rankings.
  • BuzzSumo: Utilizes AI to analyze what content is performing well across various platforms and provides ideas for new content.
  • Hootsuite Insights: Uses AI to track social media trends and audience engagement, helping refine your social media strategy.
  • BenchmarkONE: An AI-driven marketing automation platform that helps with lead management, email marketing, and more.
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Training yourself in digital marketing doesn’t have to be daunting. With the power of AI, you can make significant strides in just 15 minutes a day. You can stay ahead of the curve and excel in your marketing by identifying your learning objectives, choosing the right AI tools, and maintaining a consistent routine. Whether you’re a solo marketer or part of a small team, AI can be your trainer, guiding you through the complexities of modern marketing and helping you achieve your goals.

Author Bio:




by Jessica Lunk


Digital Marketing Manager



29 Easy Excel Tips, Tricks, & Shortcuts

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Sometimes, Excel seems too good to be true. All I have to do is enter a formula, and pretty much anything I’d ever need to do manually can be done automatically.

Remote Senior Java/Web Developer (Remote 4 day, 32 hour work week) at Spider Strategies

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Time zones: EST (UTC -5), CST (UTC -6), MST (UTC -7), PST (UTC -8), AKST (UTC -9), HST (UTC -10)

Spider Strategies is seeking passionate full stack engineers to join our rapidly growing team. We’re the creators of Spider Impact, the leading Balanced Scorecard software in the market. As we expand into the broader business intelligence market and AI, we’re looking for talented individuals to help take our company to the next level.

We believe in the importance of work-life balance, which is why we offer a 4-day work week with 8-hour days and flexible hours. This allows our developers to enjoy fulfilling, low-stress lives, and manage any social or family obligations they may have outside of work. When on the clock, they can focus on tackling interesting problems with clear minds. Our team loves working here, as demonstrated by an average tenure of more than 8 years on the software development team.
  • Java and/or Kotlin
  • Unit testing (e.g. JUnit)
  • SQL
  • 7+ years experience
  • JavaScript
  • DOM manipulation (VanillaJS, jQuery, D3, or similar)

Our application uses Java and Kotlin to connect a relational database backend to a modern web frontend. We’re looking for a full stack developer who can code a complete feature spanning the entire application stack. Don’t worry if CSS isn’t your strong suit – we have some CSS experts in-house who’ve got you covered.

With 20 years of experience developing our flagship software, we understand the importance of writing code that stands the test of time. We place a strong emphasis on code quality, developer productivity, and unit testing. This includes writing simple software that is easy to understand and maintain. By focusing on simplicity, we ensure that our codebase is more reliable, easier to debug, and can be efficiently extended and adapted as our business grows. You’ll be expected to be familiar with industry best practices and to participate in code reviews to maintain our high standards of code quality.

To support your productivity, we provide top-of-the-line equipment, minimize unnecessary meetings and ceremonies, and allow you to work without interruption from the comfort of your home.

We win awards every year because we treat our developers like gold. Here’s what we offer:

  • Great work-life balance
  • Generous vacation time
  • Fantastic benefits, including 100% paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for you, and 80% coverage for family members
  • Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
  • Simple IRA with matching
  • All federal holidays off
  • Trans-inclusive benefits
  • The luxury of setting your own hours while working from home
  • A 4-day work week
  • Salary: $125K – $160K depending on experience

We value diversity at Spider Strategies and strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment. If you’re passionate about software development and want to join a team that values work-life balance and code quality, we’d love to hear from you!

  • Must be a US citizen due to federal contracting requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • Must be available to travel to Washington, DC twice per year (at our expense)
  • Must be able to pass a criminal background check
  • When applying, include 2 or more sentences explaining why simplicity in software code is important to you

25 Side Hustles For Teens To Make Extra Money


You likely wouldn’t mind having extra cash if you’re a teen. Whether buying new clothes, saving for a car, or preparing for college, money is one of life’s necessities.

Luckily, several side hustles for teens like yourself can help you make extra money. Which one of the ideas listed here will be your cash cow?

Should a Teen Get a Side Hustle While in School?

As you consider working a side hustle, you might wonder if it’s a good idea to get a side hustle while in school. 

After all, it is important to do well in your studies. Will having a side hustle interfere with that?

One cool thing about the many side hustles we’ll discuss here is that you can choose the days and hours you’ll work them. 

In addition, we’ve got ideas for earning cash that allow you to work at all times of the day and night. 

In other words, if you choose the right side hustle, you can create a work schedule that allows you to leave ample time for your studies.

Best Side Hustles for Teens

The side hustles listed here are among the best ideas for teens to make extra money. 

We’ve even included some ideas for online jobs for teens. Make a list of your skills and interests, and choose the best side hustle ideas for you.

1. Create and Sell T-shirts

Creating and selling t-shirts is a side hustle idea you can do anytime, day or night. And believe it or not, you don’t have to have a production line to do this.

Companies such as CafePress and Redbubble have a system where you can upload your t-shirt designs to their sites.

From there, customers can order t-shirts and other items with your design.

These companies will make the shirts, ship them, and handle all customer service issues. When an order is placed, the company you use will give you a commission on each sale made with your design.

2. Become a Freelance Writer

If you’ve got a gift for writing, you might consider earning money as a freelance writer. This is another side hustle that allows you to create your schedule. 

Many freelance writers get paid to write for blogs such as this one. As a freelance writer, you’ll get paid per word or article as an independent contractor.

Being an independent contractor means you are responsible for setting aside money for taxes and business expenses. Find freelance writing work on a site like Upwork.

3. Mow Lawns

Do you like mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and other yard tasks? Then, creating a side hustle doing those types of jobs might be perfect for you.

You can create flyers and advertise your services on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. What’s more, you can create a schedule that works for you. 

You’ll need your equipment–and a way to transport it–to do this job unless you only work for clients close to your home. Or, clients may allow you to use their lawnmowers and other tools.

4. Become a Social Media Manager

Businesses and entrepreneurs often hire people to manage their social media accounts. Are you the type of person who can attract people to your Instagram, TikTok, or other social media posts?

If so, you may be able to get paid to create engaging social media posts for others. This type of job may be advertised as a W-2 (employee) or independent contractor position. 

Find jobs by searching on the best job search sites, such as Indeed.

5. Work as a Virtual Assistant

A Virtual Assistant is tasked with various functions depending on the position. As a virtual assistant, you may be asked to complete tasks such as:

  • Manage a business owner’s calendar
  • Manage employees or independent contractors
  • Handle social media accounts
  • Make appointments
  • Care for customers
  • Manage a website

Or other tasks. If you are organized and work well in a support role, you might consider searching for employee or independent contractor jobs as a Virtual Assistant. 

Related Article: How To Make Money as a 13 Year Old

6. Care for Children

Do you like being around kids? Parents of young children are always searching for babysitters. 

You could advertise babysitting services by handing out flyers in your neighborhood.

In addition, you could create a profile on a site such as Care.com, where parents go to search for qualified babysitters. 

One nice thing about working as a babysitter is that, in many cases, you can determine your hourly pay rate.

7. Start a Blog

If you’ve got a knack for writing and valuable information to share with the world, why not consider starting your blog?

Starting a blog is a doable project, even if you’ve never done so. We have a tutorial showing you how to start a blog in 10 minutes or less.

From there, you can learn how to make money as a beginner blogger and create your own lucrative side hustle. 

8. Tutor Students

Do you have certain school subjects that you perform well at? If that’s the case, you might be able to create a nice income for yourself by learning how to start your own tutoring business.

You can connect with local parents to tutor children in your area in the subjects they need help with. 

Advertise at local schools or by posting your services on social media sites. If you’re 18 or older, you can work at one of the best online tutoring jobs.

9. Care for Pets

If you’re a pet lover, you may be able to find success working as a caregiver for pet owners. Pet owners often seek out pet sitters when they travel for work or pleasure.

As a pet sitter, you may be asked to stay home for the pet owner’s trip. Or you may only have to stop in and check on the pet once or twice a day.

Another business idea for you if you’re a pet-loving teen is to start a dog walking business. Advertise your services on social media by posting flyers or creating a profile on Rover.

10. Work as a Pooper Scooper

If you’re not interested in taking care of pets, why not start a business cleaning yards of doggie doo? 

While not the most pleasant job, pet owners often pay good money to hand off this arduous task. 

Advertise your services by delivering flyers to local pet owners, and charge by the hour with a minimum cost of one hour.

11. Wash Cars

Washing cars is another side hustle for teens to make extra money. Offer your services to local car owners, bringing your cleaning supplies and using their hose and water.

You supply the bucket, soap, rags, and handheld, battery-operated vacuum. Don’t forget the window cleaner and paper towels to clean the inside of the windows. 

Charge per car, and don’t be afraid to charge extra if the car is dirtier inside than you would expect.

12. Take Surveys

Taking surveys is another option for teens looking to earn some extra cash. There are several great survey companies to sign on with. 

The best survey sites have transparent pay rates, lots of surveys for you to take, and low payout thresholds. Survey Junkie is one example of a great survey site.

Note that while you won’t make a ton of cash taking surveys, you can make a bit of extra money while doing other things like watching TV. 

13. Get Paid for Online Tasks

Some websites will pay you simply for completing a variety of online tasks. For example, Swagbucks will pay you for taking surveys, playing games, and shopping online.

Other sites that will pay you to do short tasks might ask you to perform Google searches, visit websites, or caption images on websites. 

As with surveys, you won’t make much cash doing short tasks for money. However, you can earn a bit of extra cash during your downtime.

14. Work as a Photographer

Are you a talented photographer? Could you use your great skills with a camera to make some extra cash? 

For instance, you could start your own local photography business. Offer your services to parents of high school grads or newborn babies. 

Another option would be selling your photos to stock photography websites like Shutterstock. Check out these other easy ways to get paid to take pictures as well. 

15. Create and Sell Digital Products Online

If graphic design is your passion, you may be able to earn some extra cash by creating and selling digital products online.

You can make printable, digital products such as planners, motivational quotes and more. Sell your designs on a site such as Etsy

When you create designs people like and advertise your items wisely, you can create a passive income source for yourself. 

16. Make and Sell Crafts

You can sell other items on Etsy as well. Do you have a gift for making crafts you can sell on Etsy and similar sites? 

Can you knit hats, mittens, or other items? Do you have a knack for making jewelry? Check the Etsy website and get ideas for making and selling items. 

Be sure to expand your advertising to other social media sites as well.

17. Work as a Retail Arbitrage Specialist

Retail arbitrage is buying items at a low price and reselling them for a profit. If you choose retail arbitrage as your side hustle, you might find items to sell on clearance racks at local stores.

You could also find items at garage sales or in the free section on Craigslist. Learn more about this potentially lucrative side hustle by reading How to Make Money with Retail Arbitrage.

18. Become a Remote Customer Service Rep

You may be able to find online or in-person work as a customer service representative. Check local stores to see if they’re hiring. 

Or, look for companies such as U-Haul that may hire teens to work from home as customer service representatives. 

This could be a good side hustle for you if you’ve got great customer service skills.

19. Work as a House Sitter

We talked earlier about creating a profile as a babysitter on Care.com. But did you know that Care. com allows you to advertise as a house sitter as well?

Some homeowners aren’t comfortable leaving their homes unoccupied when they’re away for an extended period. 

Because of that, they hire people to visit or stay at home while they’re away. You’d get paid a set amount for simply hanging out at the house.

20. Clean Houses

Are you good at cleaning houses? If so, a side hustle as a house cleaner could be perfect for you. 

Start by deciding which house cleaning tasks you will and won’t do. Then, advertise your services via a flyer or an email to homes in your area.

As the business owner, you can decide when, where, and how you’ll work. You also get to choose your rate of pay.

21. Teach an Online Course

Do you have a subject that you know a lot about? If so, you could make an online course or video on the subject.

Then, depending on the type of course or video, you could publish it on a site such as Udemy or YouTube.

With Udemy you’d get paid per course purchase. However, there are several ways to make money on YouTube.

22. Write a Book

Are you a gifted writer? Have you ever thought about writing a book? Whether it’s a fiction or non-fiction book, you can sell it and make some cash.

Platforms like Amazon allow writers to publish their books without needing a publishing company or an agent.

Check out our article on How to Make Money Writing a Book to learn more.

23. Start a Cottage Bakery

Do you have a gift for baking delicious cakes or cookies? Most states allow teens to start their cottage bake shop under the supervision of a parent or guardian.

A cottage baking license allows you to sell your baked goods with minimal oversight from state governments. 

Check out your state’s Secretary of State website to learn the rules for owning a cottage bakery.

24. Work as a Camp Counselor

Summer camps around the U.S. hire camp counselors to help keep camp attendees occupied. 

Search for camp counselor jobs by visiting the website of your favorite summer camp. In addition, you could visit a site such as SummerCamps.com to find a camp near you.

One nice thing about camp counselor jobs is that they keep your school year open so you can focus on homework.

25. Get a Part-Time Job

Part-time jobs abound at restaurants, stores, and coffee shops. Check with local retail establishments near you to find a part-time job you’ll love. 

Although the hourly wage for most part-time jobs isn’t high, you can have a steady income. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

You may still have a few questions about side hustles for teens. Here’s a look at common questions.

What should a teen look for in a side hustle?

Look for a side hustle that compliments your skills and is work that you would enjoy. Do you enjoy crafts, or pets, or kids? Think about things that come easy to you. Also, take a look at your schedule between school and sports. Find gigs that fit with your schedule.

What should teens do with their money?

The great thing about having your own money is that you can manage it however you want. 

However, you might want to create a budget to manage it wisely.

How to make sure your side hustle doesn’t interfere with school?

Of course, school has to be the priority. For that reason, it’s important to design your side hustle schedule to ensure your homework gets done promptly.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of side hustles for teens to make extra money. Choose one that will ensure you do work you enjoy. 

As pop artist Marc Anthony says, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”