How to make money from home during a lockdown

The national lockdown has changed the way South Africans view the working world. While we watch essential workers face each day risking their lives for others, non-essential workers are left to the confinement of their homes. Companies now join the remote workforce of millions of businesses across the globe.

Although some jobs can be done from home, many self-employed people will not be able to receive an income for the 21 days. In some instances, the government has made provisions for assisting small businesses impacted by the coronavirus via a debt relief fund, however, some businesses may not even qualify. 

So what do you do in these trying times? The answer: find the best opportunity to work from the comfort of your safe home. These are some of the top ideas we have put together to help you make money from home during a lockdown:

Online surveys
Online surveys in South Africa give you a chance to respond to questions for money. Earnings through this venture are only meant to supplement your income as they have minimum returns. You will need access to a computer and a reliable Internet connection for this type of income. Survey assessments are usually sent through emails on a daily or weekly basis. Be vigilant and do your research on the company before signing up because some websites can be scams that should be avoided. 

Online focus groups are like in-person focus groups and require more time and concentration than online surveys. The general conception is that you have to join a panel and engage on a certain number of issues. Online focus groups are more selective than online surveys but they tend to pay much better.

Sell your skill
If you fancy yourself as a word wizard, graphic designer, video editor, and the like, then freelancing sites may just be your money-maker. Some of these freelancing sites include Fiverr, Upwork, Go transcript, among others. Skills that you can sell on these sites include article writing, web content writing, blogging, copywriting, technical writing, editing and proofreading, data entry, logo designs, invitations, short videos, animated videos, and more. These sites reach an international audience and ensure that you get paid a decent amount of money for your work.

E-books and video tutorials are a fantastic and lucrative way of earning money online. For example, if you are a plumber, you can create a series of e-books or videos such as, "step-by-step guide to doing it yourself." The key is to keep it simple to understand. You can offer it as a download through services such as PayLoadz.

Get paid for reading
If you enjoy getting lost in a great book then this is the perfect time to earn money from something you love. Many international publishers pay top dollars, yes dollars for book reviews. Books can be digitally read, eliminating contact with delivery services and book stores. 

You can also earn some money from video game reviews, beauty product reviews, film reviews, and more. 

If you do not need to make more money during this lockdown period it would be wise to learn a new skill. The most important thing is to keep your home safe and avoid contracting the coronavirus at any cost. Help flatten the curve by physically distancing yourself from others. Stay healthy!