11 best ways to make money online in Canada in 2023

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Looking for the best ways to make money online in Canada in 2023? Anyone who has spent time online is sure to have seen a wide variety of advertisements that offer quick ways to make money online, and while these may be tempting, it’s wise to do a lot of research before you quit your day job.

Still, there are plenty of ways to at least top up your income online. Here are a few of them:

1. The gig economy

According to research from Statistics Canada, as many as one in ten people living in the country are gig workers. This means that they perform work on demand, and there are usually no guarantees about their working hours. Pay rates may be set before a person applies, or be negotiated by both parties involved, and unfortunately, there is little legal protection for workers. However, changes are being made through measures such as Ontario’s proposed Bill 88, Working for Workers Act, which will offer at least some protection under the law.

There are lots of companies out there that can help connect gig workers with employers, and these include Fiverr, iWriter and UpWork. Each will have its own set of policies and procedures, so before you decide to sign on with one of these, make sure you carefully read the fine print, check reviews and ensure it’s a good fit for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or even walk away if you have concerns.

2. Turn trash into treasure

If you enjoy thrifting, this option can be a great choice for earning extra, or can even help your generate a full-time income if you’re able to put serious time into it. Websites like Etsy and Poshmark offer a platform for reselling everything from vintage clothing to books, and their marketing, sales and shipping tools take a lot of the guesswork out of building a successful shop.

While this idea may be a boon for anyone who enjoys bargain hunting, it can also be a lot of work. It takes time to build a shop’s rating and customer base, and until that happens, you may feel like you’re being lost in the crowd.

Setting up a marketing account on social media platforms such as Instagram or Twitter can offer a free way to help get your business noticed, and you can also meet and network with those who may be interested in buying.

You will also need to find a source for stock that allows you to sell for more than you paid for it. Bargain and thrift stores can be good places to start, as can flea markets and yard sales.

3. Release your inner artist

If you have a knack for graphic design or even fine art, the internet may present some valuable opportunities. You can upload your work to print-on-demand websites like Red Bubble or Zazzle where the public can order products printed with their choice of design. This may be a good way to earn some extra money, and since the designs will remain online for as long as you leave them, they may continue to generate passive income.

DeviantArt, ArtStation and similar platforms can be a comfortable home for those who like to create and sell artistic works that are a little outside the box. They also offer a sense of community for their members, which can be valuable when times get tough.

4. Share your skills

If you have a special talent in an area or are educated in a particular field, you may find a niche in online tutoring. Some clients may be interested in developing their skills in English as a second language, while others may be students wanting to raise their grades.

5. Is YouTube for you?

If you have video creating and editing capabilities, YouTube may be a platform that can help increase your income. You can choose to monetize your videos through AdSense, and many creators promote products or services, or include links to marketing websites.

Those who choose to create content for YouTube and similar sites may opt to set up a Patreon account. Here, their subscribers can provide them with financial support in exchange for swag, special mentions and other perks.

6. Survey says!

While it may sound like an odd choice, many participate in online surveys in return for premiums such as gift cards or even cash. Some offer better compensation than others, so just as with any online moneymaking option, it pays to do your research first.

7. Blogs can be beautiful

Blogging has been around for some time now, and it is a popular way for the public to have its say. You can write about just about anything, and if you have special expertise, you may even decide to go the extra mile and create a short, web-based course. These can be monetized through paid affiliate advertising or marketing your own products, while options like AdSense can provide additional passive income.

If you have a knack for video content, a vlog presents a chance to earn even more.

8. The attraction of influencing

If you have an outgoing personality and like to be in front of the camera, or you just really believe in a particular product, becoming an influencer may be right up your street. Influencers create content that features themselves encouraging others to buy, showing how they use the item or service themselves. This tends to work best with a niche market.

One word of warning – before you choose to endorse an item, make sure you try it yourself first. This will not only make your content feel authentic, but will also help you to avoid any potential legal and ethical issues.

9. Cast your line

Podcasts have become increasingly popular, and they provide a way to learn or be entertained so long as you have a device and a Wi-Fi connection. It’s estimated that there are more than two million podcasts currently out there, and this number is expected to grow.

If creating a podcast sounds good to you, it’s best to focus on subjects you have a thorough understanding of. Some are driven by a script with content devised by the creator, while others follow an interview format.

10. Calling all photographers

If you are a camera buff who feels your snaps are something special, there are options for you that are similar to those open to writers. There is a market for self-published coffee table books of photographs, and authors may also be interested in using high-quality photos for book covers or illustrations.

As with artists, photographers may turn to sites like Red Bubble and Zazzle to earn them some extra money. Their picture can be printed on everything from coffee mugs to blankets.

11. Are you an author?

The internet can provide a real opportunity for writers to get noticed without having to go through the typical publishing houses. There are lots of self-publishing and other sites that will be happy to print content you submit in a book format, but as with other parts of the gig economy, beware of the pitfalls of “get rich quick” schemes.

Finding success will often take a lot of effort and knocking on doors, and for your work to be taken seriously, you’ll most likely need to partner with an editor who isn’t afraid to assess your work honestly. Avoid offers that claim they will evaluate your writing and see if it has a market, but you have to pay up front, as these are usually scams. Even a book of blank pages would likely be accepted under such conditions.

Creators of graphic novels and comics may also find a place in the self-publishing world. Lulu is a platform that offers special binding and tools for this type of publication, which may also be utilized by anyone crafting a magazine.

If you decide to go down this route, do some checking first. Learn about the legal ins and outs of the process, including how to protect your intellectual property. To ensure your hard work and creative efforts are protected, it’s smart to register a copy with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office in Ottawa, as well as Library and Archives Canada. You will need to submit two hard or digital copies, and this will help to keep you covered legally in case your works get plagiarized. There is a fee associated with this, which you may be able to claim on your personal or business tax return.

Why go it alone?

Working online on your own can be a real leap of faith, and it may not be a good fit for everyone. Many choose to offer their talents to content creation sites because these companies provide both support and financial remuneration. They also supply the perk of allowing their team of authors to work from just about anywhere in the world provided they can access Wi-Fi, following a schedule that fits their individual needs.

Make money online

If the idea of making money online sounds good to you, why not get started today? At Words of Worth, we provide a supportive environment for our writers that helps them to develop their skills and talents, and they can count on being paid each month. Submit an application to join our team today.