We’d all like a bit of extra cash, and not to have to get too serious about it. So why not try thinking outside the box? Think ‘social’. Think ‘tasty’. You could even think ‘Saturday night TV’. Whether you’re game for a laugh or just don’t want to hustle too hard – these unusual ways to make money might be perfect for you!
Unusual ways to make money
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1. Affiliate marketing
Starting a website is the best way to make money from UK affiliate marketing. If your visitors buy something after clicking an affiliate link to another site, you’ll earn a slice of the sale. Simple!
If you don’t fancy being a blogger, you can still get in on the action by sharing your links across social media.
Connecting with advertisers can be easier if you join an affiliate network but some brands have their own affiliate programmes. Members of our OddsMonkey affiliate programme can receive 50% commission on Premium signups. See here for more details.
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2. Answer questions for cas
Hard to believe, but before smartphones were a thing, loads of folk used to pay £3-a-pop to text an answers service instead. What’s even more surprising is, some of those services still exist, and they pay researchers to respond to questions on anything from “What time is the next bus?” to “Why doesn’t Gary like me?”. Best of all, you can work when and wherever you want, as it’s all done online.
Some sites like JustAnswer ask you to pick your area of expertise when you sign up. Others are open to everyone who wants to provide a (sensible) answer. FixYa is focused towards providing answers to technical questions about electronic products. Pay varies depending on the service but can be a few pence per answer. While that sounds tiny, if you’re fast (and accurate) it’s possible to build up a decent hourly rate. So, yes, you can make money doing surveys and answering questions online.
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3. Go on a game show
The game show route is a gamble. You could win big money and luxury goodies, but you might walk away with nothing more than “a lovely day out, thanks Bradley”. Alternatively, if you opt for a makeover show, you could still walk away with freebies or a fabulous new life: it’s worth a punt!
Start by listing your favourite shows, then check the channel’s website for auditions. To bump up your chances, go through all the channels and apply for everything you’d consider doing. Start with BBC, ITV, and Channel 4. While these are more intense and physical competitions, you could also try online Comping for money while also improving your general trivia.
If you want to cast your net wider, keep an eye out for ‘participants wanted’ ads in magazines or online, and make sure you pay attention to any of your mates as they could try to refer a friend as an extra participant. Definitely one of the more unusual ways to make money.
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4. Make money surfing the web
Making cash from everyday online tasks might sound too easy but, while it’s not a goldmine, it’s legit! Typically you sign-up (for free) with a ‘get paid to’ website, and earn points for searching for trending topics, visiting websites, completing surveys, watching videos or playing games. If you are going to head down the playing games segment, you could actually look at how to make money on Twitch or how to become a YouTuber and make money through other streams while still reaping the rewards from the original site.
Once you’ve earned enough points you can swap ‘em for cash or gift cards.
Accruing points – and rewards – can be slow going depending on the website. Keep an eye out for introductory sign-up offers, invite codes and bonus tasks to get there faster! Save the Student has a great list of ways to earn some cash – as does our Side Hustle Ideas page..
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5. Be a food tester
Finding work as a professional muncher often comes down a little bit of luck and a lot of scouring the web – but it can be done.
For the rest of us, the more likely route to scarfing down crisps for cash is through an opinions panel. Saros Research occasionally have taste tests up for grabs, while Campden BRI are just about the snacks. Either way, payment can vary from a couple of coins to around £50 a session.
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6. Get paid for testing websites
Sites like UserTesting record your mouse, clicks and voice as you visit specific websites, and pay for each visit you complete. Being chosen for gigs varies according to things like your age and location, so it’s not guaranteed work, but it’s an interesting way to earn spare change. This could also fall into the category of writing reviews for money in the UK.
Payment varies, usually in the region of a fiver for each 15-20 min job. UserTesting pays out after just 7 days.
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7. Rent out your stuff
Selling last year’s fashion disasters along with the rest of your clutter has always been a money-making staple. But the better win is to hang on to the good stuff and rent it out instead.
Buoyed by the Airbnb effect, there are sites like Fat Lama for gadgets, garden gear and everything else you’ve got stuffed in the back of your cupboards.
Other ways to make money online
These are just a few of the most unusual ways to make money online, and while some are not as exciting as Matched Betting can be, it is possible for you to make some serious side hustle funds through these methods. It is important to do your research before starting any side hustle!
