17 Money-Making Methods For Students That Require No Investment

As a student, earning money while managing your studies and other responsibilities can be challenging. However, there are several ways for students to make money online without investment. The internet has enabled students to work from home and earn money in their free time.

Some of the most popular ways for students to earn money online include:

• freelance writing
• online tutoring
• participating in online surveys
• completing micro-tasks
• selling products online

These options can help students make extra money to cover their expenses, save for the future, or gain valuable work experience.

By taking advantage of these opportunities, students can balance their studies and earn money without leaving their homes or having any investments.

What Skills Should Students Have To Earn Money Online?

To earn money online, students should have a combination of technical, creative, and interpersonal skills.

• Technical skills include proficiency in using computers, navigating the internet, and using various software tools, such as video and photo editing software, coding languages, and website builders.
• Creative skills involve generating original ideas, creating compelling content, and designing visually appealing graphics or websites.
• Interpersonal skills such as communication, collaboration, and time management are also important, as students will likely be working remotely with others and managing their schedules.
• Additionally, a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and platforms is essential, as the digital landscape is constantly evolving.

17 Ways for Students to Make Money Online Without Investing

Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant (VA) is a self-employed professional who provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely, usually from their home office. VAs typically work for small businesses, entrepreneurs, or busy professionals who need help with various tasks, such as email management, social media management, scheduling, bookkeeping, research, data entry, customer service, and more.

VAs communicate with clients via email, phone, or online chat and use various software tools and applications to complete their tasks. VAs can be hired part-time or full-time; their rates and responsibilities can vary depending on their skills, experience, and work type.

Virtual assistants are becoming increasingly popular due to the increasing trend of remote work and the need for cost-effective solutions for businesses. Many people are also opting for a career as a virtual assistant due to the flexibility, freedom, and income potential it offers.

Here are two main websites that are associated with virtual assistants and may be helpful for students:

• Upwork: Upwork is a popular online platform that connects businesses and individuals with freelancers, including virtual assistants. Students can create a profile and apply for virtual assistant jobs posted by clients worldwide.
• Fiverr: Fiverr is another online marketplace that offers a wide range of freelance services, including virtual assistance. You can create profiles and offer their virtual assistant services to potential clients.

When working as a virtual assistant, it is important to keep in mind the following:

• Communication: As a virtual assistant, you will communicate with clients through email, phone, or video conferencing, so it’s important to have good communication skills and be responsive.
• Time management: You will be responsible for managing your own time and meeting deadlines, so it’s important to be organized and prioritize tasks.
• Confidentiality: You may have access to sensitive information, so it’s important to maintain privacy and protect your client’s data.
• Professionalism: You should maintain a professional attitude and conduct yourself in a manner that reflects well on your client’s business.

According to Payscale, the average hourly rate for a virtual assistant in the United States is around $16 per hour. However, some virtual assistants charge more depending on their experience and skill set.

In addition, the amount you earn may also depend on the number of hours you work and the type of clients you work with. Ultimately, your earning potential as a virtual assistant will depend on your ability to provide high-quality services and deliver value to your clients.

Online Research

Online research is gathering and analyzing information from the internet to find answers to questions or solve problems. It involves using search engines, databases, online resources, and other tools to locate and evaluate relevant information. Online research can be used for various purposes, such as academic research, market research, competitive analysis, and more.

Students can do online research with an internet connection and the ability to navigate the web. However, conducting effective and efficient research requires a certain skill and expertise. This includes being able to use search engines effectively, knowing how to evaluate the credibility and reliability of sources, and being able to analyze and synthesize information to conclude.

Some key steps in online research include identifying research questions, selecting appropriate search terms, choosing relevant sources, evaluating the quality of information, and organizing and analyzing data.

When doing online research, you need to remember the following:

• Start with a clear research question or objective: Before beginning your research, it’s important to understand what you’re looking for and why.
• Use reputable sources: It’s important to use credible and reliable sources when conducting research. Be wary of sources that lack authority or are biased, and always verify the accuracy of the information you find.
• Choose your search terms wisely: Use specific keywords and phrases relevant to your research question to help you find the most relevant information.
• Use advanced search techniques: Learn how to use advanced search techniques such as Boolean operators, quotation marks, and parentheses to refine your search results and find the necessary information.

Here are two websites that are associated with online research and can also provide opportunities for students to earn money online:

• Swagbucks: Swagbucks is a website that rewards users for completing various online tasks, including online research. Students can earn money by searching the web, taking surveys, and watching videos on Swagbucks.

• Respondent: Respondent is a platform connecting businesses with research study participants. Students can sign up to participate in research studies on topics they’re interested in and get paid for their time and opinions.

It’s important to note that the amount of money students can earn through these platforms will vary based on the time and effort they put in and the demand for their services. However, these websites can provide a way for students to make money while also gaining experience in online research.

Transcription

Transcription is the process of converting spoken words or recorded audio into written text. It involves listening to an audio file and typing out the spoken words.

Transcription is used in various fields, including journalism, legal, medical, and academic research.

Always remember that transcription requires a certain level of skill and expertise, including a good command of the language, typing speed and accuracy, and the ability to understand different accents and dialects.

There are different types of transcription, including verbatim transcription (which captures every word and sound in the audio), edited transcription (which omits filler words and repetitions), and intelligent verbatim transcription (which captures the meaning of the words while missing unnecessary words and sounds).

Transcription can be done manually or with the help of automated transcription software. Automated transcription software uses artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to transcribe audio into text, but it’s not always accurate and can require significant editing.

Overall, transcription can be a challenging but rewarding career for those with the necessary skills and expertise. It can also be useful for students looking to earn money online or gain experience in the field.

Here are websites that are associated with transcription and can be useful for students:

• Rev: Rev is a popular platform that offers transcription services to businesses and individuals. They also provide opportunities for freelancers to work as transcriptionists, captioners, and translators. The pay rate for transcription work on Rev ranges from $0.30 to $1.10 per audio minute, depending on the project’s complexity.
• TranscribeMe: TranscribeMe is another platform that offers transcription services and opportunities for freelance transcriptionists. The pay rate for transcription work on TranscribeMe ranges from $15 to $22 per audio hour.
• GoTranscript: GoTranscript is a transcription platform that offers opportunities for freelancers to work as transcriptionists. They pay up to $0.60 per audio minute for transcription work.

On average, transcriptionists earn anywhere from $10 to $25 per hour. The pay rate may be higher for more complex projects or transcription work requiring specialized knowledge or expertise.

Website And App Reviews

Website and app reviews involve testing and evaluating websites and mobile applications to provide feedback on their usability, design, features, and overall user experience. This work is often done by individuals or companies specializing in user testing and user experience research.

It can be done remotely and offer flexible working arrangements, making them a popular choice for students looking to earn money online.

Writing website and app reviews can be one of the ways to make money online, as some websites and platforms pay for user-generated reviews. However, always keep in mind that it’s important to research and verify the legitimacy of these opportunities, as some may be scams or require a large amount of work for little compensation.

Here are a few websites that offer opportunities for students to write website and app reviews and earn money:

• UserTesting: This website pays users to test websites and apps and provide feedback through written reviews or video recordings. The pay is around $10 per 20-minute review.
• ReviewStream: This platform pays users to review various products and services, including websites and apps. The pay varies depending on the quality of the review but ranges from $0.10 to $3 per review.
• Swagbucks: This website offers a variety of ways to earn money online, including writing reviews for websites and apps. Users can earn points for each review, which can be redeemed for gift cards or cash.

It’s worth noting that the amount of money that can be earned from writing website and app reviews varies depending on the platform and the quality of the reviews. While some users may be able to earn a decent amount of money, it’s unlikely to be a full-time income source.

Start A YouTube Channel

Starting a YouTube channel can be a way for students to make money online, but it requires time, effort, and dedication. Here are a few tips to help students get started:

• Choose a niche: Students should choose a topic or niche they are passionate about and know about. This could be anything from gaming to beauty to cooking.
• Create quality content: Students should aim to create high-quality, engaging content that provides value to their viewers. This can include tutorials, reviews, or vlogs.
• Build an audience: Students should promote their channel on social media and engage with their viewers to build a loyal audience.
• Monetize your channel: Once it has grown, students can monetize their content through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.

It’s worth noting that building a successful YouTube channel takes time and effort, and there is no guarantee of making a significant amount of money. However, for those passionate about creating content and willing to work, starting a YouTube channel can be a fun and rewarding way to make money online.

The amount of money a student can earn from YouTube depends on various factors, such as the number of views, engagement rate, and advertiser demand. Additionally, YouTube earnings are influenced by factors like the type of content, niche, and audience demographics.

As per YouTube, creators generally earn between $0.01 to $0.03 per view. So, if a video receives 100,000 views, the earnings can range between $1,000 to $3,000. However, this is just an estimate, and the actual earnings may be higher or lower depending on the above factors.

Become A Blogger

Here are some more details on how to become a blogger and earn money online without any investment:

• Choose a blogging platform: There are several free blogging platforms available, including WordPress.com, Blogger, and Wix. Choose a platform that suits your needs and start creating your blog.
• Choose a niche: Choosing a specific niche or topic for your blog is important because it helps you attract a particular audience and build a community around your content. This can help you monetize your blog in the future by offering products or services that are relevant to your audience.
• Promote your blog: Once you have created content, promoting your blog to attract readers is important. You can do this through social media, guest posting on other blogs, or commenting on related blogs in your niche.
• Monetize your blog: Once you have built an audience, there are several ways to monetize your blog. These include advertising revenue, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling digital products or services. Choosing monetization methods that are relevant to your audience and provide value to them is important.

Overall, becoming a blogger as a student can be a great way to earn money online without any investment, as long as you are willing to put in the time and effort required to create quality content and build an audience.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a type of marketing in which a business rewards affiliates for each customer or sale they bring to the business through their marketing efforts. In affiliate marketing, an affiliate promotes a product or service and receives a commission for any sales that result from their efforts.

Affiliates can promote products or services through various channels, such as their website, social media, or email marketing. They typically use a special link or code to track the sales they generate and receive a commission for each sale made through their unique link.

The amount of money you can earn from affiliate marketing depends on several factors, such as the affiliate program you are participating in, the commission structure, the product or service you are promoting, and the size and engagement of your audience.

In general, affiliate commissions can range from a few percent to 50% or more of the sale price of the product or service. Some programs offer fixed commissions per sale or lead, while others provide tiered commissions based on the sales or leads you generate.

Become A Freelancer

Becoming a freelancer can be a great way to earn money online without investing. Your cash depends on the services you deliver and your pay rate. Freelancing involves offering your skills or services to clients on a project-by-project basis. Here are some tips on how to become a freelancer as a student:

• Identify your skills: Think about the skills you have that could be valuable to potential clients, such as writing, graphic design, programming, or social media management.
• Choose a freelancing platform: There are several freelancing platforms available, such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer, where you can create a profile and start bidding on projects.
• Create a portfolio: To attract clients, it’s important to have a portfolio that showcases your skills and previous work. You can create a portfolio website or use a platform like Behance or Dribbble to showcase your work.
• Start bidding on projects: Once you have a portfolio, you can start bidding on projects that match your skills and interests. Read the project description carefully and submit a proposal highlighting your relevant experience and skills.

Offer Consultation Services

A student can earn money by offering consultation services in a specific area of expertise. Here are some ways to make money as a student from consultation services:

• Hourly or project-based fees: Students can charge clients hourly or project-based fees for their consultation services. They can set their rates and negotiate with clients based on their services and the time involved.
• Package deals: Students can offer package deals for their consultation services, such as a set number of sessions or a specific scope of work. This can be a way to provide value to clients and generate more income.
• Online courses or e-books: Students can create courses or e-books in their area of expertise and sell them to clients. This can be a way to generate passive income and reach a wider audience.
• Referral programs: Students can offer referral programs to their existing clients, where they receive a percentage of the fees for new clients they refer to their consultation services.

Students can generally expect to earn an average hourly rate of around $50 to $100, although rates can vary significantly depending on the type of consultation services offered and the client’s budget.

Voice-Over Work

Voice-over work is another way for students to earn money online without investment. Voice-over work involves using your voice to record narrations, advertisements, audiobooks, animations, and more. Here are some tips on how to get started with voice-over work:

• Develop your skills: To become a successful voice-over artist, it’s important to have a clear, expressive voice and good diction. You can practice by reading aloud, recording your voice, and listening to your recordings to identify areas for improvement.
• Create a demo reel: A demo reel is a recording of your voice-over work that showcases your range and abilities. You can create a demo reel by recording your voice and reading sample scripts or excerpts from books and movies.
• Sign up on a freelancing platform: Several freelancing platforms are available, such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Voices.com, where you can create a profile and start bidding on voice-over projects.
• Start bidding on projects: Once you have a demo reel and a profile on a freelancing platform, you can start bidding on projects that match your skills and interests. Read the project description carefully and submit a proposal highlighting your relevant experience and skills.

Sell Designs And Art

Students can earn money online by selling designs and art. Many online marketplaces and platforms allow artists and designers to sell their work and make a profit. By creating a portfolio of your designs and art, choosing the right platform, setting competitive prices, and building a brand, you can attract customers and earn a steady income.

Some popular online marketplaces for selling designs and art include Etsy, Redbubble, and Society6. These platforms allow artists and designers to reach a global audience and connect with customers looking for unique and creative designs.

To succeed in selling designs and art online, it’s important to understand your target audience and create designs that resonate with them. You can build a following and grow your online business by consistently creating high-quality designs and art and promoting them through digital marketing.

Tutoring Services

The amount students earn from online tutoring services can vary depending on various factors such as the subject, level of expertise, the platform used, and the market demand. However, you can start earning anywhere from $10 to $50 or more per hour.

There are many online tutoring platforms available where students can teach. Some popular options include Chegg, TutorMe, and Wyzant. Students can also offer their services independently through social media, online classifieds, or personal networks.

As a student, you need to remember several things, including:

• Set clear goals: Establish clear and achievable goals for what you want to achieve academically.
• Manage your time: Manage your time effectively to balance academic work, personal life, and other responsibilities.
• Stay organized by keeping track of deadlines, assignments, and other important information.
• Stay focused: Stay focused on your studies and avoid distractions that may interfere with your learning.

Become A Content Writer

A writer creates content for various mediums, including websites, blogs, social media, email newsletters, and other digital platforms. Their main objective is to produce engaging and informative content to attract and retain the target audience’s attention.

There are several ways and places to earn as a content writer, including:

• Freelancing platforms: Websites such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr offer opportunities for content writers to find freelance work.
• Content mills: Websites like Textbroker and iWriter provide a platform for writers to create content for clients and earn money based on the number of words written.
• Job boards: Websites like ProBlogger and Indeed list job opportunities for content writers.
• Blogging: Creating and monetizing your blog can provide a source of income for a content writer.
• Social media: Creating and managing social media content for businesses can be a lucrative source of income.
• Content marketing agencies: They hire writers to create content for their clients.

To earn as a content writer, you should have strong writing skills, a good command of the language you write in, and an understanding of the target audience. Building a strong portfolio of writing samples can also help find work as a content writer.

Start A Home Based Business

Starting a home-based business as a student can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Create a business plan: Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections. This will help you stay focused and organized as you build your business.
• Manage your time effectively: As a student, it’s important to balance your academic work and personal life with your business. Create a schedule that allows you to prioritize your studies while devoting time to your business.
• Start small: Begin by offering your products or services to a small group of customers and gradually expand as your business grows.
• Utilize social media and other online tools: Develop a professional website and social media accounts to promote your business and attract customers. You can also use online tools like Zoom to meet with clients or customers remotely.

Sell Your Old Video Games And Movies

As a student, you may be looking for ways to sell your old video games and movies to make some extra money. Here are some tips on how and where to sell them:

• Online marketplaces: Websites like Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist are popular platforms for selling used video games and movies. You can create a seller account and list your items for sale, setting your prices and shipping terms.

• GameStop: GameStop is a popular video game retailer that buys used games and movies. You can bring your items to a GameStop store and receive cash or store credit.
• Local gaming or movie stores: Local gaming or movie stores may also be interested in buying used items. You can check with local stores to see if they offer buyback programs or are interested in purchasing your items.
• Facebook Marketplace: Facebook Marketplace is a local platform for buying and selling items. You can create a listing for your items and connect with potential buyers.

When selling your old video games and movies, describe the items’ condition accurately and set fair prices. You may also want to research current market values to ensure you are pricing your items competitively.

Make And Sell EBooks

Making and selling eBooks online is a great way for students to share their knowledge and expertise while also earning money. To create an eBook, students should choose a topic they know and are passionate about. They should research their topic thoroughly to gather information and insights that they can use to create a valuable and informative eBook.

Once the eBook is written and edited, the student should design an eye-catching cover and layout. The eBook can then be published on popular online platforms such as Amazon, Kobo, or Barnes & Noble.

The amount of money you can earn from eBooks depends on various factors, such as the quality of your content, your marketing strategy, and the demand for your topic. Generally, eBooks are priced lower than traditional print books but have fewer production and distribution costs.

Create A Podcast

A podcast is a digital audio file made available on the internet for people to download, stream, and listen to on their preferred devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers.

Podcasts are similar to radio shows, but they are typically on-demand. They can cover various topics and formats, from news and interviews to storytelling and educational content.

You will need to use recording software to record your podcast. Many free and paid options are available, such as Audacity, GarageBand, or Hindenburg Journalist.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many ways for students to earn money online without any investment. From selling old items and creating content to freelance work and online tutoring, students can use their skills and interests to earn extra income while gaining valuable experience and building their portfolios.

It is important for students to research and explore the different opportunities available and to choose the ones that align with their goals and interests. With determination, hard work, and a willingness to learn and adapt, students can earn money online and achieve their financial and professional goals.