Most people talk about blogging, YouTube, freelancing, or selling products when it comes to making money online. But many lesser-known options can also bring good income if you know where to start. This guide lists 10 uncommon ways to earn money online that people rarely mention, yet they can work well for the right person.
1. Selling Digital Planners and Journals
- Make planners in PDF format—daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Sell them on Etsy, Gumroad, or your own website.
- You don’t need big investment, just tools like Canva to design.
- They’re popular with students, professionals, and anyone who loves staying organized.
2. Voice-Over Work for Audiobooks & Ads
- Lend your voice for audiobooks, ads, or YouTube videos.
- Websites like Fiverr, Voices.com, and ACX connect you with clients.
- All you need is a good mic and free software like Audacity.
- With the rise of podcasts and audiobooks, voice-over work is in high demand.
3. Renting Out Your Photos Online
- Upload stock images to Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock.
- Earn passive income each time someone downloads your photo.
- Works well if you enjoy photography as a hobby.
- Even simple images of everyday objects sell well.
4. Subtitles & Caption Writing
- Many YouTubers and businesses need captions for their videos.
- Websites like Rev, GoTranscript, and Upwork pay you for each project.
- You don’t need a degree—just good listening and fast typing.
- If you know more than one language, you can earn extra by writing multilingual captions.
5. Selling Notion Templates
- Notion is very popular for productivity and organization.
- You can design ready-made templates for things like task lists, study schedules, or budgeting.
- Sell them on Gumroad, Etsy, or the Notion marketplace.
- The best part? You make the template once, but it can keep selling for months or even years.
6. Online Language Buddy (Conversational Practice)
- Many people want to practice speaking English or other languages.
- Websites like iTalki, Preply, and Cambly connect learners with native speakers.
- You don’t need a teaching certificate—just patience and clear communication.
- You get paid hourly while helping someone improve their confidence in speaking
7. Testing Apps and Websites
- Companies pay users to test the usability of apps/sites.
- Platforms: UserTesting, TryMyUI, Testbirds.
- You give feedback while browsing apps or sites.
- Quick tasks that pay per test completed.
8. Print-on-Demand Stationery
- Design notebooks, stickers, or greeting cards.
- Use print-on-demand sites like Redbubble, Zazzle, or Printify.
- No inventory—products are printed only when ordered.
- Great side income for creative designers.
9. Answering Niche Questions Online
- Platforms like JustAnswer pay experts for answers.
- Choose a field you’re strong in—tech, pets, health, or law.
- Users pay for instant, reliable advice.
- Works well for professionals who want extra income.
10. Selling Ready-to-Use Spreadsheets
- Budget trackers, fitness logs, wedding planners—spreadsheets are in demand.
- Sell Excel/Google Sheets templates on Etsy or Gumroad.
- Easy to create with formulas and formatting.
- People pay because it saves them setup time.
Popular vs. Uncommon Online Earning Ideas
| Type of Work | Common Skills Needed | Income Potential | Effort Level | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freelance Writing | Writing, Research | Medium | Medium | High |
| Social Media Management | Content Creation, Strategy | Medium-High | High | High |
| Graphic Design | Design Tools, Creativity | Medium-High | Medium | High |
| Selling Digital Planners | Canva/Design Basics | Medium | Low-Medium | Low |
| Voice-Over Work | Clear Voice, Mic Setup | Medium-High | Medium | Low-Medium |
| Stock Photos | Photography | Low-Medium | Low | Low-Medium |
| Subtitles/Captioning | Typing, Listening | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Notion Templates | Productivity Setup | Medium-High | Medium | Low |
| Language Buddy | Communication Skills | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Website/App Testing | Observation, Feedback | Low-Medium | Low | Low |
| Print-on-Demand Stationery | Creativity, Design | Medium-High | Medium | Low |
| Selling Spreadsheets | Excel/Sheets Knowledge | Medium | Low | Low |
Earning money online isn’t limited to freelancing or blogging. By trying these uncommon but practical income streams, you might find a side hustle that suits your skills and lifestyle.
Want more ideas or guidance on building your online income? Reach out today—I’d be happy to help.
