AFFILIATE MARKETING
Looking for a side hustle? 9 of the most profitable, flexible gigs available right now, according to experts
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Side hustles — part-time gigs that full-time workers pick up in order to supplement their income — have become a popular tool these past few years, offering many nine-to-fivers a way to earn some extra cash for indulgent spending or to help meet a savings goal.
But what do these gigs really entail, and is all the balancing actually worth it? According to ZipRecruiter, an employment marketplace for both job seekers and employers, these are the nine most flexible and profitable positions available right now.
1. Focus groups
Many companies use paid focus groups to learn more about their customers and find ways to improve their products, ZipRecruiter reported. There are several platforms where users can review products and services they already use, ranging from online focus groups to longer, in-person roundtables.
Interested parties need to submit some basic information about their purchasing habits before they start receiving invitations to focus groups that match their consumer profile. ZipRecruiter recommended looking for focus groups that take place outside your full-time work hours, accepting the offers that work best with your schedule.
2. Dog sitting
There are several dog-sitting platforms that connect you directly with clients or advertise your services in local community groups. Users earn money by walking dogs, doing basic drop-in visits, or boarding animals in your own home.
3. Tutoring
If you have experience in a particular subject or skill, you can earn money by tutoring. ZipRecruiter noted that test prep sessions, guitar lessons and English as a second language are particularly popular subjects.
4. Making crafts
Turning your hobby into a side hustle is easier now that sites like Etsy are around. Artisans report some serious cash flow by making and selling crafts they’ve knitted, crocheted, or painted. You can decide how many projects to take on, which makes this an ideal side hustle for people who work full-time.
5. Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing involves referring people to purchase various products. If someone buys a product after clicking on your link or using your code, you receive a commission. If you already have a blog or a social media page, you can promote products there — just highlight your link in a blog post or your social media bio, then enjoy a bit of extra income anytime you encourage someone to make a purchase.
6. Transcribing audio
When a company needs captions for its videos, it hires people to transcribe the audio into text. Transcribing platforms typically pay per word, so you earn more the faster you type. Most of these jobs are performed from home.
7. Making deliveries
If you have a vehicle, you can earn extra money by signing up for a delivery platform. Food, packages and even furniture or appliances are money-making industries right now, ZipRecruiter noted.
8. Selling merch
By signing up for a print-on-demand site, you can sell T-shirts, phone cases, tote bags and more without having to purchase any inventory up-front. Once you design your items — a funny slogan or pic is a must — the platform will simply process customer orders and send out made-to-order items on your behalf.
9. Upcycling
If you enjoy browsing thrift stores and garage sales, consider starting an upcycling side hustle. Look for items you can improve or transform to sell for a profit. You might fix up furniture, rework clothing, or enhance home decor. Post your creations on local community groups or marketplace platforms to start making sales.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
Protect Your Business Computer From Hackers and Trackers with This $70 VPN Deal
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
Browsing online and using public networks can make your computer vulnerable to a wide range of hackers and trackers. For entrepreneurs running a business, being bogged down or having your team members bogged down by dangerous, cost-threatening disruptions like these is unacceptable.
A good way to keep you and your team safe and working fast while online is with a reliable VPN subscription. To help, this Windscribe VPN Pro Plan three-year subscription is available for $69.97 (reg. $207) through May 12th at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Windscribe can be a great VPN subscription for entrepreneurs and small businesses because it supports unlimited devices. Going beyond typical VPN services, Windscribe offers itself as a desktop application and browser extension. All-in-all, it can be used to unblock websites, block ads, and keep you safe without expecting you to configure a wide range of complicated settings.
Windscribe’s no-logging policy will keep your team safe, and its high-end encryption methods will keep their data safe from hackers and trackers.
This service runs on a system of servers in more than 69 countries and 112 cities. It uses something called split tunneling, which allows users to choose which apps use the VPN and which ones don’t. This is a great feature for teams with remote employees who toggle between work and personal programs on the same screen.
Windscribe is rated Very Good on Tom’s Guide and 4/5 stars and above on Tech Radar, PC World, and G2.
Don’t forget that this Windscribe VPN Pro Plan three-year subscription is available for the best-of-web price of $69.97 (reg. $207) only through May 12th at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
Get Microsoft Office Plus Windows 11 Pro for $70 This Week Only
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
When you run a company, you need every basic tool available to streamline your communications, content creation, and sales abilities. You also need to operate on a computer outfitted with a capable and robust operating system designed to support modern productivity.
Through 11:59 p.m. PT on May 12th only, you can get The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle on sale for just $69.97 (reg. $438).
Known by many for a long time, Microsoft Office Professional features a suite of apps designed to help you write, present, organize, email, and more. Unlike with Microsoft 365, there are no additional monthly fees with Office. These are the ones included with this lifetime license:
- Access
- Publisher
- OneNote
- Teams
- Outlook
- PowerPoint
- Excel
- Word
This bundle also includes Windows 11 Pro, the latest Microsoft operating system, which offers advanced security features and productivity elements that can help keep any modern professional on task and safe.
On the security front, the system uses tools like Smart App Control, biometric logins, and TPM 2.0 to help keep you protected. When it comes to productivity, it offers tools like improved voice typing and the support of AI-powered tools like Microsoft Copilot. And because Office includes Teams, you get a hub of communication for your team.
This deal has several 5/5 star ratings on the Entrepreneur Store, and Windows 11 Pro is rated 4/5 stars on PC Magazine and TechRadar.
Through 11:59 p.m. PT on May 12th only, you can get The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle on sale for just $69.97 (reg. $438).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
8 Common SEO Myths Debunked
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
In today’s digital landscape, a strong Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy is crucial for businesses to thrive. SEO helps websites rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), driving organic traffic and boosting online visibility.
However, the world of SEO is also riddled with myths and misconceptions that can lead businesses astray. Let’s debunk some of the most common SEO myths and separate fact from fiction.
Myth 1: More keywords mean better rankings
Gone are the days of stuffing your content with every keyword imaginable. Google’s algorithms have shifted towards natural language processing (NLP), prioritizing content quality and user experience above keyword density. While keywords remain important, focusing on keyword intent and strategic placement throughout your content is far more beneficial than keyword quantity.
Fact: Research relevant keywords related to your target audience and their search queries. Use those keywords naturally within your content, focusing on providing informative and engaging information that fulfills user intent.
Related: Ultimate SEO Guide On How to Get 100,000 Visits Per Month From Google
Myth 2: Meta tags don’t matter anymore
While meta tags may not hold the same weight they once did, they’re far from irrelevant. Title tags and meta descriptions are like billboards for your content, serving as the first impression users see in search results. Compelling and informative meta tags can significantly improve click-through rates (CTR) and user engagement.
Fact: Craft clear, concise, and keyword-rich title tags that accurately reflect your content. Similarly, write engaging meta descriptions that entice users to click. Keep your title tag under 60 characters and your meta description around 160 characters to ensure they display fully in search results.
Myth 3: Social media directly influences SEO rankings
Social media shares and likes don’t directly translate into higher search rankings. However, social media plays a vital role in online visibility and brand awareness. Strong social media engagement can drive traffic back to your website, indirectly contributing to SEO by increasing user engagement and potentially influencing click-through rates.
Fact: Utilize social media platforms to share your content and connect with your audience. Encourage social media followers to share your content further, expanding your reach and driving more visitors to your website.
Myth 4: Backlinks are no longer relevant
Backlinks, or links from other websites to yours, remain a cornerstone of SEO. High-quality backlinks from reputable websites act as a vote of confidence for your content, signaling to search engines that your site is trustworthy and authoritative. This can significantly boost your domain authority and improve search rankings for relevant keywords.
Fact: Focus on acquiring backlinks from relevant websites within your niche. Create high-quality content that others will find valuable and link to naturally. Avoid spammy link-building tactics, as they can actually harm your SEO efforts.
Related: 9 SEO Tips to Help You Rank No. 1 on Google in 2024
Myth 5: SEO is a one-time effort
If you think you can optimize your website once and reap the benefits forever, think again. Search engines constantly update their algorithms, and SEO is an ongoing process. To maintain strong search rankings, you need to stay on top of SEO best practices.
Fact: Regularly update your website content with fresh, informative, and engaging material. Review your keyword strategy periodically and adapt to changes in the search landscape. Stay updated on the latest SEO trends and best practices to ensure your website stays relevant.
Myth 6: Mobile optimization doesn’t matter
With the majority of web searches now conducted on mobile devices, having a website that’s optimized for mobile browsing is no longer optional. Search engines prioritize mobile-friendly websites in search results, ensuring users have a positive experience when accessing your content.
Fact: Make sure your website has a responsive design that adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes and devices. Ensure fast loading times and easy navigation for mobile users.
Myth 7: Paid advertising can replace SEO
While paid advertising (PPC) can be a valuable tool to drive immediate traffic, it’s not a replacement for SEO. The benefits of SEO are long-term and sustainable, with organic traffic continuing to flow to your website even without ongoing ad spend.
Fact: Develop a strong SEO strategy alongside your paid advertising efforts for a well-rounded digital marketing approach. Organic traffic can provide a more cost-effective source of website visitors in the long run.
Myth 8: Focusing on local SEO doesn’t matter if I sell online
Even for e-commerce businesses, neglecting local SEO can be a missed opportunity. If you have a physical location or offer local delivery, optimizing your website for local search terms can significantly increase your visibility to potential customers in your area.
Fact: Claim and manage your Google My Business listing to ensure your business information is accurate and up-to-date. Utilize location-specific keywords throughout your website content and target local search queries.
Conclusion
Staying informed about SEO best practices is crucial for optimizing your website and achieving success in the digital marketplace. Don’t be swayed by outdated myths or quick-fix SEO schemes. Focus on creating high-quality content, building a strong backlink profile, and staying updated on the latest SEO trends.
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