When it comes to conventional employment for workers, the days of brick and mortar office buildings, tiny cubicles, and soul-sucking two-hour commutes are quickly becoming a thing of the past. As well, employers are realizing the real benefits of having a remote workforce, like more flexible work schedules to meet international business needs. And better yet, less stressed and happier staff because they can avoid grueling commutes, spend more time with their families, and work in an environment they get to control.
If your current workplace does not offer a remote working option, and you think earning an income online is the right thing for you, there are numerous sites that offer listings for companies who prefer a remote workforce.
Many new start-ups or smaller ‘Mom and Pop’ operations like to use contracted or remote staff because doing so keeps overhead costs down, and they can procure talent as it is needed, based on a project or client demand. If you need help finding ways how to make money from home, here are five niche skill websites that can make that happen.
Some sites require a ‘membership fee’, while others are free to use and each one focuses on unique or specific types of work or a wide variety of specialized skillsets.
Belay Solutions- for Virtual Assistants
If you are particularly good at administrative and organizational tasks, Belay Solutions is the perfect site for your skillset. Belay Solutions focus on ‘virtual support staff’ and more administrative, logistical tasks and functions for a remote worker. Like all home-based work, you need to be a self-starter and able to organize your time and tasks efficiently. At the moment, they only accept U.S. based workers, but that may change. Belay also have a reputation as a fair compensator for skilled virtual assistants and because this kind of work potentially involves handling finances and private or sensitive information, you may need to have to clear a background check first for some roles.
Focus Forward- for Transcribers
There is a huge demand for transcription services. It is highly focused work, that requires you to be a fast and efficient typist, pay attention to detail and work independently. Focus Forward focuses on multi-language transcriber services, HR functions, project management and proofreading in multiple languages. You will need to take a test to see if you meet their criteria, and providing you pass, you can start to accept the jobs on offer. Pay is usually calculated by the minute and varies (0.40-0.65) for transcription services. As you become more efficient, your pay will increase with the speed of completed work
Stack Overflow- for Developers
Stack Overflow is specifically geared to developers and code warriors. They seek to align very special skillsets with specific jobs, globally. It allows you the option to seek opportunities close to your geographical area, or anywhere in the world. What is unique about this service is that is offers learning opportunities, as well as job connections, although the immediacy of messaging and feedback is also regarded as a highlight for this particular platform. Should a resource encounter a problem or have a logistical question, there is also an open forum for doing so and this positively feeds into the developer mindset, who work quickly and want answers on the fly.
LeapForce- for Anyone
There are numerous companies who need a live person to assess search engine quality, SEO integrity and evaluate/report upon the results and findings. Leapforce is considered to be one of the better ones. There are no membership fees and you can throttle your time as you see fit. The better you get, the more you will earn. Initially, you can earn about $10 USD an hour. Before you can be considered for an Agent position, you will have to complete a 3-part qualifying exam. It will assess your internet understanding and proficiency of search engine evaluation.
Fiverr- for Anyone
My favorite freelancing website is Fiverr. Need some inspiration for ways to make money from home? Fiverr’s marketplace is huge; you can find a wide range of services to buy and to sell! It is a unique concept that uses the ‘viral model’ to drive your reputation which in turn allows you to increase your market price. The number of positive reviews and volume of work you get will allow that to happen. They have an incredibly diverse pool of skillsets for which they seek talent. These include Graphics/Design, Marketing, Writing/Translation, Video/Animation, Music and Audio, Programming, Business services and Lifestyle, to name a few.
The general idea is that you are compensated $5 USD initially for your work, and then increase it over time as you become more popular and skilled. Although the site is geared to logo design, content and copywriting, and voiceovers, they are moving into the meme and viral video arenas lately. For those with multiple skillsets, this would be a perfect place to flex your skills.
There are so many websites that offer people ways to make money online. I thought narrowing down a few of the more reputable ones could help you see ways how to make money from home. Depending on your unique skillsets, one or more of these sites could be perfect to fulfill your stay at home or remote work vision. Each site will send notifications, alerting you to new opportunities that match your skills and rates. Check out reviews on each one to see that they’re above board, pay when promised, and protect your work and your ability to be successful.