There are many articles online about how to make money as a teenager, but most of them either overpromise or recommend work-from-home opportunities that don’t actually exist. For example, one popular recommendation is to take surveys; however, the vast majority of survey sites don’t hire minors. Another option is to become an affiliate marketer, which is another legitimate way to make some extra cash. However, you must have a parent or guardian’s permission before you can get started.
Another great option is to create and sell online courses. This can be a fun and lucrative endeavor, especially if you have an area of expertise (e.g., photography, computer programming, music composition). You can use a platform like Teachable to set up an account, and you can find clients by reaching out to local schools or placing ads on bulletin boards.
If you’re interested in creating a more long-term business, you can also start your own blog. This will allow you to build up a readership, which can eventually lead to sponsorships or ad revenue. Additionally, blogging will teach you valuable skills like writing, search engine optimization and social media marketing that will be beneficial in any future career.
You can also make some money by selling items on marketplaces like eBay, Mercari and Facebook Marketplace. If you’re a teen who is interested in fashion and clothing, this can be a fun and lucrative opportunity as well. Additionally, you can use apps like Poshmark and Depop to make money from unwanted clothes that you no longer wear.
It’s important to note that you should only sell items that you’re comfortable with and that you’ll be able to ship securely. In addition, if you’re going to be using a marketplace such as Etsy to sell your products, it’s important that you follow the site’s guidelines. In general, you must be 18 years old to open an Etsy shop, but teens 13-17 can create a shop with the “appropriate permission and direct supervision” of their parents or legal guardian, according to the site’s terms of service.
You can also make some extra cash by becoming a freelance worker or completing a contract job. This is a great option for teen entrepreneurs who have skills in areas such as copywriting, video editing, app development or graphic design. There are many websites that offer these types of jobs, including Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer.