How to make money from home

If you’ve always wanted to work from home, the dream has never been closer, thanks to advancements in technology and the rise of web-based businesses. More than 80% of Australian workers say they'd prefer to at least partially work from home, and the good news is that these days there are plenty of opportunities to make money without leaving the house.

The advantages of working from home are well documented. You save time and money on commutes, achieve a better work-life balance, enjoy more flexibility, have fewer distractions, and you get to be your own boss.

If you’re ready to explore ways to earn money from the comfort of home, here are 14 practical and achievable ideas to inspire you.

Some benefits of making money from home

Working from home offers many benefits – here are some of the top perks. 

Flexibility in work hours

Having the flexibility to set your own work hours is a major advantage of working from home. This means you can decide when you start and finish work, as well as how long you work for each day. This can help you achieve a better work-life balance and fit your work around other commitments.

Reducing commute costs and time

Working from home means you don’t need to commute, resulting in huge cost savings on expenses like fuel and car maintenance or public transport fares. Additionally, the time you save on commuting can go towards leisure or professional activities, helping you increase your mental well-being and improve work-life balance.

14 ways to make money from home in 2025

Whether you’re supplementing your income or replacing your full-time job, there’s something for every type of remote worker on this list.

1. Freelancing

Freelancing is a flexible way to earn income by providing your skills on a project-by-project or hourly basis. Popular freelance fields include writing, graphic design and web development, but opportunities exist across a wide range of industries. Freelancers often work remotely and set their own schedules, making it an attractive option if you want work-life balance.

How to get started with freelancing 

• Identify your skills. For example, if you’re skilled in writing, focus on content writing or copywriting. Graphic designers can explore logo design or branding projects. Look at your past work to identify strengths and preferred niches.

• Create an online portfolio. Use free platforms like Behance (for designers) or Medium (for writers) to showcase your work. Include detailed descriptions of past projects, skills used, and outcomes achieved.

• Join platforms. Sign up for Fiverr or Freelancer. Tailor your profile to highlight your expertise and past projects. Use specific keywords to improve your visibility to potential clients.

• Network. Attend virtual events or join online groups related to your field to connect with potential clients. Engage in online forums or communities to demonstrate your knowledge and attract referrals. Reach out to your own professional network of past colleagues, friends, and work connections.

Freelancing rates vary depending on experience, niche and project complexity. Building long-term client relationships can lead to consistent income.

2. Online tutoring

Online tutoring offers a flexible way to earn income from home by sharing your knowledge. You can tutor students in various topics, including maths, languages and test preparation, using online platforms that connect you with learners seeking help. Plus, you get to set your own schedule and have the chance to interact with students worldwide.

How to get started with online tutoring  

• Sign up on platforms. Explore sites like TuteSmart, Cluey Learning, and Wyzant to connect with students. Create a professional and informative profile to stand out.

• Highlight your qualifications. If you’re a maths tutor, showcase any degrees or certifications you hold in mathematics. Testimonials from past students or their parents can boost your credibility too. 

• Use social media. Share success stories, tips or educational content to attract students. Create videos or blog posts addressing common problems in your subject area to engage potential clients.

Online tutoring rates vary depending on your niche and experience, but you can always negotiate rates based on the scope of work and your student’s budget. Creating group sessions can also increase your earnings while reducing individual costs for students. 

According to SEEK data, the average annual salary for tutors in Australia ranges from $70,000 to $90,000.

3. Start an e-commerce business

You can launch an e-commerce site to sell goods through a personal website or established platforms like Etsy and Amazon. This approach offers plenty of flexibility, plus you have the potential to make a high income. However, you need careful business planning, effective marketing, and a focus on customer satisfaction to stand out in the competitive online marketplace.

How to get started with a home-based e-commerce business

• Explore dropshipping. Platforms like Oberlo or Shopify make it easy to start a dropshipping business. You can sell products without worrying about inventory or logistics, as the supplier ships directly to customers. 

• Research winning products. Use tools like Google Trends or Amazon’s Best Sellers list to identify high-demand products. Investigate your competition to identify unique selling points.

• Optimise listings. For example, add clear photos, detailed descriptions, and competitive prices. To build trust, include customer reviews and ratings.

• Provide excellent customer service. Respond promptly to inquiries and offer hassle-free returns. Use chatbots to address customer questions and maintain engagement.

Your earnings will largely depend on your niche, products sold, and marketing strategies. Scaling through digital ads can also significantly boost your sales.

4. Blogging and content creation

Blogging and content creation are popular ways to earn income online. Blogging focuses on posting written articles, while content creation encompasses a broader range of formats, including videos, podcasts, and other multimedia forms. Both offer diverse opportunities for individuals to express their creativity and share their expertise.

How to get started with blogging and content creation 

• Choose a niche. Examples include travel, food, personal finance and parenting. Identify gaps in existing content and position yourself as a unique voice in your chosen field.

• Optimise your blog for SEO. Use tools like Yoast SEO or SEMrush to target relevant keywords. Write content that answers common search queries and use internal linking to retain visitors.

• Promote your content. Share blog posts on social media to drive traffic. Collaborate with other bloggers or influencers to expand your reach.
  

Earnings vary widely, with some high-traffic blogs generating income through affiliate marketing (links to partner sites) and ads. Bloggers can earn more money by selling e-books and online courses. Partnering with brands for sponsored posts can also create additional revenue streams. 

According to SEEK data, the average annual salary for content creators in Australia ranges from $70,000 to $85,000.

5. Digital marketing

Digital marketing involves creating online promotions and campaigns aimed at increasing a brand’s visibility and getting customers to engage with their social media accounts. Key parts of a digital marketer’s role include search engine optimisation (SEO) to improve organic search rankings, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising for targeted visibility, and social media marketing to connect with audiences on various platforms. 

A freelance digital marketer can provide the above services and help businesses reach their target audiences and achieve their marketing goals.

How to get started with digital marketing

• Learn the basics. Free courses on Google’s Digital Garage or HubSpot Academy are a great place to start. Then, to build confidence, you can apply what you learn by creating mock campaigns.

• Choose a niche. Focus on a single area, like content marketing, email marketing or paid advertising. Determine which industries align with your interests and expertise.

• Offer services. Approach small businesses with proposals to improve their online presence. Highlight specific improvements they can expect, such as increased web traffic or better engagement rates.

Digital marketing earnings depend on factors such as experience, niche, and scope of services provided. Establishing retainers with clients for ongoing services can help stabilise your income. SEEK data shows that the average annual salary for digital marketers can range from $80,000 to $85,000.

6. Online course creation

Creating online courses is a great way to turn your expertise into a passive income stream. It involves packaging your knowledge into a structured format – like a series of blog posts, an e-book or videos – and selling it online. Whether you’re an expert in coding, photography or cooking, there’s an audience eager to learn. 

Online course platforms provide the tools and infrastructure to host, market, and sell your courses effectively.

How to get started with online course creation

• Choose a topic. For example, if you’re skilled in graphic design, create a course on Adobe Photoshop. Ensure the content addresses both beginners and advanced learners.

• Host courses. Platforms like Teachable and Udemy make it simple to sell courses. To enhance value, provide downloadable resources like worksheets and templates.

• Promote your courses. Use email marketing tools like Mailchimp to reach potential students. To engage your audience, run webinars or live Q&A sessions.

Your earning potential from online courses may vary depending on your topics, the quality of your courses, and your marketing efforts. Here’s a tip: top instructors upsell advanced courses or one-on-one coaching to significantly boost their revenue.  

7. Virtual assistant roles

Virtual assistants (VAs) offer remote administrative support to businesses, covering tasks such as email management, appointment scheduling, social media management, data entry, and customer service. This flexible work arrangement allows you to put your skills to use while enjoying the convenience of working from home.

How to get started as a virtual assistant

• Offer specific services. Examples include email management, appointment scheduling, and data entry. Specialising in niches like real estate or e-commerce can increase demand for your services.

• Use job boards. Platforms like Belay or Virtual Staff Finder specialise in connecting VAs with clients. Maintain a professional profile to attract high-quality opportunities.

While earnings potential for VAs varies depending on the scope of work, you can offer specialised services to charge a higher hourly rate. Additionally, offering service packages rather than hourly rates can help simplify billing arrangements and attract more clients.

8. Social media management

Manage social media accounts to help businesses grow their online presence. This includes creating and scheduling content, engaging with followers, and running advertising campaigns. Given social media's increasing importance for businesses, this field offers good income potential.

How to get started with social media management

• Build a portfolio. Create sample content and campaigns for different brands to showcase your skills. For any past work you’ve done in this area, highlight metrics like engagement rates or follower growth to demonstrate your impact.

• Stay updated. Follow social media trends using tools like Hootsuite or SocialBee. Regularly experiment with new formats, such as Instagram Reels or Stories.

Building a solid portfolio, continuously upskilling, and staying updated on social media trends will be critical to maximising income in this exciting field. 

You can establish yourself as an experienced consultant, strategist, or manager who can handle multiple accounts, to charge higher fees for your expertise. Offer analytics and performance reports to justify your pricing. 

Based on SEEK data, the average annual salary for social media managers in Australia can range from $85,000 to $105,000.

9. Transcription and translation

Transcriptionists and translators are types of language professionals who work with written and spoken content. Transcriptionists focus on converting audio recordings into accurate written text, while translators specialise in converting written text from one language to another, ensuring accuracy and cultural appropriateness. Both roles require strong language skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines.

How to get started with transcription and translation

• Join platforms. Sites like Rev for transcription and ProZ for translation are great starting points. Take qualification tests to boost your credibility.

• Specialise. For example, focus on legal transcription or medical translation to net higher rates. Familiarise yourself with industry-specific terminology to stand out.

Building a solid portfolio, specialising in a particular industry or language, and continuously upskilling can help you maximise your income in this field. Specialised translators in industries like healthcare can net a higher rate per hour. You can also offer expedited services to attract premium-paying clients. 

According to SEEK data, the average annual salary for transcriptionists in Australia can range from $50,000 to $55,000.

10. Proofreading and editing

Proofreaders and editors play a crucial role in ensuring the quality of written content. They meticulously review and refine text, focusing on clarity, grammar, punctuation and accuracy. Their expertise helps to enhance the readability and effectiveness of various written materials, including articles, books, websites, and marketing materials. Reading print proofs may require in-person work, with physical pages, though these may be mailed or sent as PDFs.

How to get started with proofreading and editing

• Familiarise yourself with style guides. Learn the AP Stylebook or the Chicago Manual of Style for editing. Use tools like Grammarly to supplement your skills in correcting grammar, punctuation and spelling errors.

• Network. Build a portfolio of your work and reach out to potential clients, such as writers, publishers and businesses that need proofreading and editing services. Joining professional associations can also help you find more opportunities.

Your earnings potential from proofreading and editing work varies depending on experience, qualifications and actual workload. For example, freelancers specialising in technical editing can net a higher hourly rate. You can also offer bundled proofreading and editing packages to attract long-term clients. 

SEEK data reveals that the average annual salary for editors in Australia can range from $85,000 to $105,000.

11. Online surveys and market research

Online surveys and market research involve collecting data from people about their opinions, preferences and behaviours. To participate, you typically need a computer or smartphone with internet access, and you may need to meet specific demographic criteria. Companies use this data to understand consumer trends and make informed business decisions.

How to get started with online surveys and market research 

• Sign up with reputable platforms. Examples include Toluna and Pureprofile. Avoid sites requiring upfront payments.

• Complete your profiles. Accurate profiles lead to better survey matches. Dedicate specific time slots to maximise survey completion rates.

• Provide honest answers. Participate in surveys and studies by completing questionnaires, providing feedback, and testing products. Earn money by providing honest opinions and feedback on various topics, such as products, services, and current events.

The earning potential varies depending on the survey’s topic, length and complexity. However, with dedication and consistency, you can earn a decent supplemental income by participating in online surveys and market research. You can combine surveys with product-testing gigs to increase your earnings.

12. Subscription box services

A subscription box is a recurring delivery of curated products, often themed, sent to subscribers regularly. For example, HelloFresh sends out meal kits and Bellabox sends out beauty products. To start a subscription box business, you must identify a niche and source products. There’s a lot of nitty-gritty to think about: designing packaging, setting your pricing, building a website, and developing a marketing strategy to attract and retain subscribers.

How to start a subscription box business

• Research subscription box niches. Popular niches include pet supplies and wellness products. Conduct surveys to refine your product offerings.

• Promote your business. Create a visually appealing website to market your subscription box service. You can also promote your business and showcase your products through social media and online marketplaces. Offer introductory discounts or referral incentives to attract more subscribers. 

Your success in this business will depend on choosing a profitable niche, curating high-quality products, and providing exceptional customer service to build a loyal subscriber base. Partnering with influencers can also significantly enhance your visibility online.

13. Consulting

Consulting is offering expert advice and solutions to businesses or individuals. Consultants typically possess specialised knowledge and skills in a specific field, such as marketing, finance or technology. To offer consulting services, you must have a strong educational background, relevant experience, and the ability to analyse problems and develop effective solutions. 

How much you can earn with consulting services

The earnings potential from consulting services varies depending on your experience, expertise and industry. Consultants can typically charge hourly or project-based fees, and when working freelance or on contract, can enjoy more flexible work arrangements. Building a robust online presence through case studies or testimonials can help you attract premium clients.

14. Mobile app development

Mobile app development is creating software applications that run on smartphones and tablets. To do this, you’ll need skills in programming languages like Java, Swift or Kotlin, as well as knowledge of mobile platforms like Android and iOS. Understanding user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design principles is also key to succeeding in this work-from-home venture. 

How to get started in mobile app development

• Learn programming languages. Courses on Codecademy or Udemy are helpful. Build simple apps to gain experience and showcase your skills. Utilise platforms like Android Studio or Xcode, and publish your apps on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. 

• Focus on user needs. Create apps that solve specific problems, such as budgeting tools. Stake out feedback from beta users to refine features.

The earnings potential in mobile app development largely depends on skills, experience and the complexity of projects. You can monetise apps through ads or in-app purchases to boost revenue.

Tips to succeed in home-based work

Create a dedicated workspace

Create a dedicated workspace to minimise distractions. If you’re working in a noisy environment, use noise-cancelling headphones to stay focused on your tasks. You can even splurge on ergonomic furniture to keep yourself comfortable.

Establish a routine

Set a regular work schedule that includes designated breaks to prevent burnout. Prioritise tasks and utilise productivity tools like Trello or Asana to further enhance your organisation and efficiency.

Stay connected

You can use communication tools like Slack or Zoom to collaborate seamlessly with clients. Join online communities to connect with other remote workers for support and networking opportunities. Not only does this foster a sense of community, it’ll help you develop professionally. 

Develop skills and knowledge

To maximise your earnings and stay competitive, it helps to commit to continuous learning. This involves staying informed about industry trends, acquiring new skills and certifications, and potentially seeking mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals. Investing in your professional development will enhance your expertise and open up new opportunities.

The challenges of making money from home and how to overcome them

While working from home offers flexibility and convenience, you may also face unique challenges. Overcoming these challenges will call upon you to have self-awareness, self-discipline, and the willingness to embrace new strategies.

Making money from home offers great potential for financial and personal growth. By exploring the 14 ideas listed above, you can find out which business idea or side hustle works best for you. Whether you're looking to supplement your income or build your own business, finding a suitable work from home opportunity can be a fulfilling way to build your skills while earning more money.

FAQs 

How can I make money from home as a woman?

Women can explore various opportunities to make money from home based on their skills and interests. For example, if you’re skilled in graphic design, you can create logos, social media graphics, or branding materials for clients worldwide. You can also explore online tutoring and translation gigs if you are good at math or fluent in a foreign language.   

How can students make money online without work experience?

Even with no professional experience, students can offer services like transcription or social media management, or offer academic help in subjects they excel at. They can create a portfolio by working on personal projects or offering free services to friends. 

What are the legal and tax implications of making money from home?

When making money from home, consider these important legal and tax factors:

• Tax reporting. If you’re freelancing or running a small business from home, record all your earnings and expenses as you go. Explore your home office deductions, such as a portion of your rent, utilities and internet costs.  For an e-commerce business, use accounting tools to keep accurate records. Lodge your tax return at the end of each financial year (i.e., end of June).

• Business registration. Formally register your business with the Australian Tax Office and get an ABN (Australian Business Number). If you earn more than $75,000 per year within Australia, you must charge GST on your goods or services. Consult a tax advisor if you’re not sure of what to do.

• Licensing. Some professions, like tutoring or counselling, may require specific licenses or certifications, like a Working with Children Check.

• Insurance. Review your home insurance policy to ensure it covers work-related equipment or activities. Consider separate business insurance for added protection.

What are real ways to make money from home without capital?

If you lack startup funds, consider using your skills to make money from home. Your options include freelancing, online tutoring, content creation, and even selling unused items in your home. They require no startup capital and can give you the financial boost you need to get started.

Are there quick ways to earn money instantly?

While it’s rare to make money instantly working from home, these options can help you earn quickly:

• Sell items. Look around for items you no longer need and list them for sale on local platforms like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace or Trading Post.

• Do freelance or gig work. Sign up on apps like TaskRabbit or Gigwalk for short-term jobs like deliveries, assembling furniture, or running errands. You can also look for quick-turnaround projects on Fiverr or Freelancer that match your skill set.

• Try cashback apps. Use apps like ShopBack or Cashreturns to earn cashback on purchases. While not instant, these can provide quick rewards.

• Answer online surveys. Join sites like Survey Junkie or Pinecone Research to complete surveys for cash.

Source: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/changing-patterns-of-work