9+ Best Internet Gigs To Earn Flexible Income In 2024

Are you tired of your day job or just looking for a way to make extra money?

It can be challenging to figure out your best options, especially when there are so many side hustle options online.

You're not alone.

Many people want to get in on making money online but aren't sure where to start.

In this post, we'll walk you through some of the best internet gigs so you can get started making money right away.  

The Best Best Internet Gigs (Overview)

1. Freelance Writing: Our Pick
2. Becoming a Virtual Assistant: Runner-Up
3. Proofreading as a Freelancer: Also Great
4. Starting a Blog: Best for Earning Potential
5. Online Tutoring & Teaching: Great for Late-Night Workers
6. Digital Marketing: Good for Creative Types
7. Social Media: Challenging and Competitive
8. Transcription & Surveys: Good if You Want Something Straightforward
9. Selling Things Online: Perfect for Hustlers

The Best Internet Gigs at a Glance

If you're thinking of working online, you probably want to know which gigs are worth your time and effort.

What Is the Best Internet Gig?

The best internet gig is freelance writing.

You have the freedom to set your own hours and can take on more or less work as you need to.

Freelance writing also has good earning potential as you increase your rates with experience.

What Internet Gig Pays the Most?

Starting a blog is the internet gig that has the potential to pay the most.

Blogs take a lot of time and effort to get started in the beginning.

It can also take a while before they start earning any serious money.

However, if you stick with it, you can have the potential to earn an incredible salary.

Some bloggers earn between five and six figures monthly.

When done right, your blog may even become a source of almost passive income.

Criteria to Look for in Internet Gigs

Before you start looking for a job online, you need to set some criteria.

If you aren't careful, you can get scammed or wind up working for much less than you're worth.

1. Consistency

Unless your only goal is to earn a little extra cash here and there, you want to find an internet gig that will give you consistent work and income.

With most of the jobs on our list, you'll be working for someone else.

You want to make sure they can offer you enough work to earn an income.

If not, you may want to look into working for more than one company.

2. Legitimacy

You don't want to get involved in an online job scam.

Before you sign up with anyone, be sure to do some research to ensure that you're working with someone legitimate.

If an employer asks you for money or offers you a ridiculously low wage, that's a red flag.

If possible, try to find some other people who've worked for the company before so you can get an idea of how they treat their employees.

3. Potential for Growth

If you're hoping to turn your online gig into a full-time income, then you need to choose one with growth potential.

Many of the jobs on our list give you plenty of room to grow and level up.

Be sure to pick one that can eventually help you reach your goal income.

4. Flexibility

If you're looking for an internet gig, there's a good chance that one of the driving factors behind your decision is flexibility.

You may need flexibility to continue working your day job, maintain a work-life balance, or even just travel.

Some of these jobs certainly require more time than others.

Some have set hours, while others let you work when you want.

5. Open Communication

If you plan to work for a company, then you'll want to choose a job with open lines of communication.

Since you won't see your coworkers in person, you need to ensure that it's easy to get in touch with others.

Best Internet Gigs: Our Top 3 Options [Ranked & Reviewed]

Below are our top three picks for internet gigs.

Each of these jobs has the potential to help you earn a lucrative income.

They also offer flexibility, often allowing you to work on your own time while still meeting deadlines.

Freelance Writing: Our Pick

Freelance writing involves writing content for clients, including website copy, blog posts, website material, ebooks, and more.

As a freelance writer, you'll be your own boss, set your own hours, and decide how much work you want to take on.

You'll need to be a solid writer and understand SEO.

You'll have the potential to earn a profitable income as you gain experience and take on more clients.

Companies That Offer Freelance Writing Jobs

You can find many freelance writing jobs online simply by emailing website owners and offering your services.

Below are some companies that specialize in freelance writing jobs.

• ProBlogger Job Board: ProBlogger's job board offers legitimate jobs from website owners and content managers. Many of the jobs pay more than standard content mills. You can apply for jobs that fit your skills.
• Upwork: UpWork offers all kinds of freelance work, and freelance writing jobs are among its biggest categories. While there are some underpaid jobs on there, you can find legitimate jobs that pay very well.
• Contena: Contena is a service that collects writing jobs from around the web and puts them together in a helpful email. It's a paid service, but it'll save you time looking for jobs.

Pros of Freelance Writing Jobs

• Flexibility: You get to set your own hours and work wherever you want.
• Variety: If you write on a diverse array of topics, you'll never get bored.
• Agency: You get to choose how many jobs you take on. You can do as little or as much as you like.

Cons of Freelance Writing Jobs

• Job Searching: Unless you luck into a regular gig, you'll spend an ample amount of time searching and applying for jobs.
• Time Consuming: Writing takes a lot of time and can be mentally draining.
• Lack of Consistency: There may be times when you can't get as much work, making your income inconsistent.

How Much You Can Make With Freelance Writing

The average freelance writer earns $33 per hour.

This averages to around $68,000 yearly.

Our Take: Should You Choose Freelance Writing?

If you're a skilled and efficient writer, you can do well as a freelance writer.

You'll have the flexibility you want while also having the potential to grow your business and earn a full-time income.

Becoming a Virtual Assistant: Runner-Up

A virtual assistant works for an individual or a company to help them with the day-to-day running of their business.

You will complete tasks like sending emails, making appointments, organizing schedules, managing social media, and more.

You may just work with one client at a time, or you may work with several, depending on each client's workload.

Companies That Offer Becoming a Virtual Assistant

Most people who are looking for a virtual assistant will post on an online platform.

• Upwork: UpWork is one of the most popular online platforms for gig workers. You can browse available jobs and then apply for the ones you like. It does charge a small fee for applying.
• Indeed: Many larger companies post jobs on Indeed. It's a good option if you're looking for something full-time or permanent.
• Fiverr: On Fiverr, you can create virtual assistant gigs listing your skills. Clients will contact you when they want your services.

Pros of Becoming a Virtual Assistant

• Flexibility: Barring a few exceptions like virtual meetings, you can usually set your own hours.
• Working With Others: As a VA, you're often part of a larger team. You may get to collaborate with others on the team.
• Low Barrier to Entry: If you have a computer, internet, and basic secretarial skills, you can become a VA. You can add skills as you go.

Cons of Becoming a Virtual Assistant

• Communication Struggles: You may have many questions as a VA. If your clients are in different time zones or speak different languages, it can be challenging.
• Job Isn't Always Defined: You may get hired to perform specific tasks, but your clients may ask you to do additional work.
• Competition: Being a VA is a competitive job. There are often others offering the same services for much lower fees.

How Much You Can Make by Becoming a Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants make an average of $20 per hour and around $61,000 per year.

Our Take: Should You Choose to Become a Virtual Assistant?

If you have excellent attention to detail and want a flexible schedule, becoming a virtual assistant is a good option.

You can start small and level up as you go, increasing your earning potential.

You get to choose how much work you want to take on.  

Proofreading as a Freelancer: Also Great

If you're an avid reader and have a firm grasp of language and grammar, proofreading as a freelancer can be a great internet gig.

As a proofreader, you'll take someone's written content and give it a final check.

You'll look for grammar and spelling mistakes along with awkward wording, vocabulary mistakes, and more.

You can work for writers, website owners, publishers, and more.

Companies That Offer Proofreading as a Freelancer

To find a job as a proofreader, you'll usually go through freelance services.

You can always contact website owners and publishers to offer your services.

• Gramlee: Gramlee is designed specifically for proofreading services. You can apply to work editing content or dissertations.
• FlexJobs: FlexJobs requires a membership, but it does help to weed out scams. You can find legitimate jobs that pay you fairly and can often find full-time work.
• Upwork: You can usually find short- and long-term jobs on Upwork. You can take a test validating your grammar skills to impress clients.

Pros of Proofreading as a Freelancer

• Can Be Quick: If you have a good eye and can work fast, you can either take on more work or have more time off.
• Set Your Own Schedule: Take on as much work as you want and set your own hours.
• Little Startup Costs: If you have access to a computer and the internet, you're ready. You may want to invest in a style manual for your industry.

Cons of Proofreading as a Freelancer

• Tedious: You have to be focused, and it can get tiring after a while.
• Education May Be Required: Some companies will only hire people with certain degrees or graduate students.
• Client Expectations: Clients will expect excellence, even from a bad piece of writing.

How Much You Can Make by Proofreading as a Freelancer?

Proofreaders make an average of $25 an hour, totaling up to an average of $52,000 per year.

Our Take: Should You Choose Proofreading as a Freelancer?

As long as your knowledge of grammar and good writing are impeccable, you can do quite well as a freelance proofreader.

The job can get repetitive, but the ability to set your own hours and choose your clients makes it worth it.

Notable Mentions: Other Internet Gigs to Check Out

Below are some internet gigs that are also good options to consider.

While these gigs didn't make our top three list, each one still has the profit potential and may turn out to be the perfect gig for you.

Starting a Blog

Starting a blog is one of the most lucrative items on our list.

Bloggers create websites with content around popular niches and optimize them to rank on Google.

They monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, digital products, and more.

While blogs can take a while to get off the ground, the profit potential is virtually unlimited, especially if you run more than one blog.

Why Is Starting a Blog a Great Option?

Starting a blog gives you a chance to diversify your income.

There are multiple ways to make money through your blogs, and you can sell them and make a lot once they become profitable.

You'll be your own boss, so you can set your hours and work from wherever you want.

Drawbacks to Starting a Blog

Blogs require a lot of time and effort during the startup phase.

You'll either spend a lot of time creating a website and writing content, or you'll need startup capital to have others create it for you.

You aren't likely to earn an immediate profit.

Many blogs take a year or more before they become profitable.

How Much You Can Make by Starting a Blog

The average blogger makes between $40,000-50,000 per year.

However, many bloggers make very little, while others earn well into the six figures.

Online Tutoring & Teaching

If you're a teacher or have a background in education, online tutoring and teaching is another way to earn money off your skills.

Online platforms are a great tool for finding jobs.

You can connect with people who are looking for a tutor in almost any subject.

You can also share your skills through teaching an online class.

Why Is Online tutoring & Teaching a Great Option?

Most online platforms let you work as little or as much as you like.

You get a chance to interact with others and make a positive difference in people's lives.

You're often supplied with lesson plans, so you don't have to do a lot of prep.

Drawbacks to Online Tutoring & Teaching

Since you have to coordinate with others, you won't have complete freedom over your schedules.

The kids you tutor are often on the other side of the world, so you may be working in the middle of the night.

Platforms may also have a lot of restrictions around canceling a session.

How Much You Can Make With Online Tutoring & Teaching

On average, online tutors make $25 per hour.

This totals an average of $51,000 per year for full-time work.

Digital Marketing

As a digital marketer, you'll work with companies to help them create brand and product awareness online and through social media channels.

You will likely help with SEO and paid advertising as well.

You may work with one company, or you may offer freelance services and work with several companies at once.

Why Is Digital Marketing a Great Option?

Digital marketing lets you be creative, and it's perfect if you like a challenge.

With a great marketing portfolio, you'll be able to land well-paying clients.

As you build a reputation, you can increase your rates.

You can even use your skills to promote your own brand.

Drawbacks to Digital Marketing

Digital marketing requires you to know about online marketing along with marketing in general.

You'll need to do a lot of research and learning.

Companies may be reluctant to hire you before you have some experience, so you may have to work for very little compensation in the beginning.

How Much You Can Make With Digital Marketing

Digital marketers make an average of $57,000 per year.

They make around $20 per hour.

Social Media

Becoming a social media manager is another internet gig well-suited to those who like a challenge.

As a social media manager, you'll be in charge of a brand's social media channels.

You'll develop campaigns, post messages, respond to users, and more.

You'll also need an understanding of analytics.

You can work for one brand or freelance for several.

Why Is Social Media a Great Option?

If you already love getting on social media, you can make money off it.

It's a fun job that will keep you on your toes.

You may get a chance to work with brands and influencers you love.

Social media is essential to brands, and they're willing to pay a good social media manager well.

As you gain experience, you can charge quite a bit.

Drawbacks to Social Media

Being a social media manager can be intense and can put you under a lot of pressure.

Your clients will expect results, and they usually want them quickly.

It's a competitive industry, so it can take a while for you to build up your experience.

It can be a lot of work, especially if something goes wrong or there's a big event coming up.

You'll have to stay on top of current trends as well.

How Much You Can Make With Social Media

A social media manager makes around $22 per hour and can earn an average of $59,000 when working full-time.

Transcription & Surveys

Both transcription and surveys are solid strategies for making money online, especially if you don't have some of the skills required for other jobs on this list.

As a transcriptionist, you'll receive audio recordings and type them into a document.

Some of the texts can be complex, especially those in the legal and medical fields.

You can also take surveys for money.

You'll sign up with survey sites, answers questions on different topics, and then earn either money or gift cards.

Why Are Transcriptions & Surveys a Great Option?

As a transcriptionist, you can set your own hours and take on as little or as much work as you want.

If you're a fast typer, you can do quite well.

Clients pay extra for medical and legal transcriptions.

Taking surveys is an easy way to earn some extra money.

You can often do it from your phone when you have some free time.

You can also earn through referrals.

Drawbacks to Transcription & Surveys

With transcription, you'll spend a lot of time typing.

It can get tedious.

You may go through slow periods where clients don't have as much work for you.

With taking surveys, you have to take a lot of surveys to earn.

You likely won't qualify for some surveys.

You also have to watch out for scams.

How Much You Can Make With Transcription & Surveys

A transcriptionist working from home earns an average of $58,000 per year working full time.

They make about $28 per hour.

Your earning potential for surveys isn't very high.

You can earn between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars per year depending on how much time you put into it.

Selling Things Online

Many people do well selling things online.

They use popular selling apps to list and sell their stuff.

They often start by selling their own stuff and then scaling their business.

If you want to earn a lot, you'll need to buy things and sell them for a profit.

You can find clearance and salvage items online and in stores.

With proper research, you can then sell certain things online for a profit.

Why Is Selling Things Online a Great Option?

If you can get enough of the right inventory, you can do well selling online.

You get the excitement of finding new things and interacting with online customers.

By going through established online platforms, you can reach a lot of people that trust the platform.

You can earn money any time of the day, even when you aren't working.

Drawbacks to Selling Things Online

Selling online requires some setup costs for purchasing inventory.

It takes time to source products, create photos and listings, and then ship things once they sell.

This cycle constantly repeats.

Online marketplaces can be competitive, so you'll need to do a lot of research to ensure you're buying products that sell.

How Much You Can Make by Selling Things Online

Online sellers make an average of $37,000 per year.

An Amazon seller makes an average of $27 per hour, and an eBay seller makes an average of $32 an hour.

Other Jobs Relevant to Internet Gigs

If you're looking for internet gigs, then you should also check out some of these jobs.

They may also fit your criteria.

• Same-Day Pay Jobs: Same-day pay jobs allow you to get paid each day you work. Like many internet gigs, these jobs are good when you need quick money.
• Jobs With Great Work-Life Balance: Jobs with work-life balance often allow you to set your own hours and give you time to spend on interests and pursuits outside of work. If you're looking into internet gigs, you're likely looking for a job with flexible hours as you have other commitments.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I find gigs online?

Finding internet gigs can be a challenge, especially online gigs that are actually legit.

Sometimes running a simple search for the type of gig you want will lead you to companies that are hiring.

Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr allow clients to list jobs, and you can apply.

Are gig workers happy?

Many gig workers are happy in their jobs.

They have a lot more autonomy than when working for an employer.

As a gig worker, you're your own boss.

You have more flexibility over your hours and can establish a work-life balance.

Wrapping Up

Working an internet gig can make a big difference in your life.

It can bring you extra money to help you get the things you need or want.

Sometimes you can even replace your current job to work an internet gig full-time, allowing you flexibility in your schedule.

These internet gigs are some of our favorites, but there are many more.

You can always find something to suit your schedule and skill set.

Which of these internet gigs are you considering?

Let us know in the comments below!