Six fun ways to earn

We could all do with earning a bit of extra cash. But I suspect (and stop me if I'm wrong here) that now isn't a great time to ask for a pay rise.
If you're looking to earn a bit on the side, you might as well try to have a bit of fun at the same time.

Of course, what one person sees as fun, another might see as mind-numbingly boring or just plain soul-destroying. But in the following mix of moneymaking schemes, you should be able to find something you enjoy doing...



1) Take photos

If you enjoy take photos, trying registering with a stock photo website. You pop your shot in its stock 'library', and if punters want to use your image, you get a cut on a per-download/per-sale basis.

All the stock photo sites operate slightly different terms and conditions (and take different percentage cuts for themselves) so make sure you compare a few before you sign up. Sites to check out include Fotolia, iStockPhoto, Alamy and PictureNation.

2) A spot of gardening

If you've got green fingers, trying growing and selling some really fresh fruit and veg. Because you'll be operating on such a small scale, it's probably best you keep it on a friends/family/neighbours basis, rather than trying to do a big supermarket deal!

Alternatively, if you have a large garden and only use half of it, why not turn the other half into an allotment and rent it out? They're all the rage at the moment! That way, you might have some company when you're pottering in your half of the garden, too.

3) Get out and about

Do you like animals? Do you relish a nice brisk jaunt in the fresh air? Put the two together and become a dog walker!

Experienced dog walker sometimes manage several dogs at once, and get paid around £10, per dog, per hour. Obviously this is a fairly responsible job - but you can generally fit it in around other commitments, and at least it gets you out of the house.

5) Make blogging pay

Blogging for money was big news a couple of years ago, when internet geeks everywhere thought it would make them rich. It won't, (probably) but if you already write a popular blog, introducing advertising could make some pocket money for very little extra effort.

Google AdSense allows you to run relevant ads alongside your copy. These ads will generate revenue for you on a per-click or per-impression basis - so the more traffic your blog gets, the more money you're likely to make.

Another way of introducing advertising is to invite 'sponsors' to advertise on your blog. So for example, if you write a blog about interior decoration, you could try approaching the major paint brands.

6) Get crafty

Are you any good at sewing, knitting, jewellery making, sculpting, crocheting, drawing or doing interesting things with felt? If you're crafty in any way, shape or form, try turning your hobby into a money-spinner by selling your handmade goods on specialist sites like Etsy (US), Folksy (UK) or DaWanda (Europe).