Here’s a detailed guide on 20 practical ways South Africans can use their smartphones to earn money, complete with relevant apps, platforms, and websites.
1. Freelancing on Upwork or Fiverr
Upwork and Fiverr are popular freelancing platforms where you can offer services such as graphic design, writing, data entry, or even voice-over work. By setting up a profile that highlights your skills and experience, you can bid on projects or create service offerings for clients worldwide.
• Opportunity: Offer services like graphic design, writing, or voice-over work.
• Apps: Upwork and Fiverr.
• Example: Graphic designers can create social media posts for small businesses.
2. Completing Surveys on Survey Websites
urvey sites like SurveyNow and LifePoints pay users to complete online surveys. Companies value consumer feedback on their products and services, so they partner with these platforms to gather insights.
• Opportunity: Get paid for sharing your opinion.
• Apps/Websites: SurveyNow, LifePoints.
• Example: Fill out short surveys on consumer products and receive payment for each one.
3. Testing Websites and Apps
Platforms like UserTesting pay people to try out new websites or apps and provide feedback on usability and functionality. Testers typically record their screen and voice, explaining their experience and any issues they encounter.
• Opportunity: Earn money by testing websites and providing feedback.
• Apps/Websites: UserTesting, Respondent.
• Example: Spend about 20 minutes navigating a website and answer a few questions for payment.
4. Selling Stock Photos
If you have a good eye for photography, consider uploading your best images to stock photo websites like Foap or Shutterstock. High-quality, unique photos can earn money whenever they’re downloaded or used commercially.
• Opportunity: Take quality photos and sell them as stock.
• Apps/Websites: Foap, Shutterstock.
• Example: Capture scenic South African landscapes and upload them to platforms where companies can buy them.
5. Delivery Driver for UberEats or Mr D Food
You can work as a food delivery driver using a car, motorbike, or even bicycle. These companies offer flexible work hours, making this a great option for extra income.
• Opportunity: Make deliveries using your own vehicle or bicycle.
• Apps: UberEats, Mr D Food.
• Example: Part-time delivery for people who order food from local restaurants.
6. Driving for e-Hailing Services
Companies like Uber and Bolt allow individuals with vehicles to work as drivers, offering on-demand rides to customers. This can be a full-time job or a part-time gig.
• Opportunity: Use your car for ride-sharing and earn money.
• Apps: Uber, Bolt.
• Example: Flexible hours and location to make money by giving rides in your city.
7. Becoming a Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants provide administrative, technical, or creative support to businesses or individuals from a remote location. Tasks may include managing emails, scheduling appointments, or creating reports.
• Opportunity: Offer administrative assistance remotely.
• Apps/Websites: Belay, Freelancer.
• Example: Manage emails, set up meetings, or create documents for a busy professional.
8. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products online and earning a commission for each sale made through your referral link. You can share these links on social media, blogs, or video platforms.
• Opportunity: Promote products and earn commissions on sales.
• Apps/Websites: Amazon Affiliate, Takealot Affiliate Program.
• Example: Share links to products on social media, earning commission when followers make purchases.
9. Selling Second-Hand Goods on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace
Decluttering and selling items on platforms like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace is an easy way to make money. List items you no longer need, like clothes, electronics, and furniture.
• Opportunity: Sell used items like clothing, electronics, and furniture.
• Apps/Websites: Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace.
• Example: List items in good condition and sell them to local buyers in your area.
10. Creating Content on YouTube
YouTube creators earn money through ads, sponsorships, and even merchandise sales. The key is to create engaging content that attracts viewers and keeps them coming back.
• Opportunity: Earn through ads, sponsorships, or product sales.
• Apps: YouTube.
• Example: Start a channel on topics like beauty, travel, or tech reviews relevant to South Africans.
11. Cashback Apps
Cashback apps like SnapnSave allow users to earn money by scanning receipts from everyday purchases. Cashback amounts vary based on the products bought.
• Opportunity: Earn cashback on everyday purchases.
• Apps: SnapnSave, Shopback.
• Example: Upload receipts from grocery purchases to earn back a portion of the money spent.
12. Virtual Tutoring or Teaching
If you have a strong understanding of certain subjects, you can tutor students online. Teaching platforms connect you with learners from around the world.
• Opportunity: Teach subjects like English, math, or coding to students online.
• Apps/Websites: iTalki, Teach Me 2.
• Example: Offer English tutoring sessions for international students or tutor local students.
13. Selling Digital Art on Etsy or Redbubble
Artists can create digital designs and sell them as prints, T-shirts, or other products. Etsy and Redbubble handle production and shipping, so you only need to upload your designs
• Opportunity: Create digital art and sell it as prints or on products.
• Apps/Websites: Etsy, Redbubble.
• Example: Design prints or custom phone cases with South African themes.
14. Participate in Microtasking on Amazon Mechanical Turk
Amazon Mechanical Turk pays users to perform simple tasks like data entry, image categorization, and transcription. While individual tasks pay small amounts, they can add up.
• Opportunity: Earn money doing simple online tasks.
• Apps/Websites: Amazon Mechanical Turk.
• Example: Complete small tasks like labeling images or transcribing audio files.
15. Rent Out Your Car
Platforms like RentMyRide let you rent out your vehicle to those who need short-term transportation. This can be a good income stream for people who own vehicles they don’t use every day.
• Opportunity: Rent your car to people who need short-term transportation.
• Apps/Websites: RentMyRide.
• Example: If you don’t use your car every day, you can rent it out and earn extra income.
16. Social Media Management for Small Businesses
Many small businesses need help maintaining their social media accounts. You can offer your expertise in social media strategy, content creation, and customer engagement.
• Opportunity: Manage social media accounts for businesses.
• Apps: Hootsuite, Buffer.
• Example: Help businesses create engaging posts and manage customer messages on social media.
17. Dropshipping on Shopify
Dropshipping involves setting up an online store without holding any inventory. Products are sourced from suppliers who ship directly to customers on your behalf.
• Opportunity: Start an online store with products you don’t have to hold.
• Apps/Websites: Shopify.
• Example: Sell trending items like tech gadgets or fashion accessories online.
18. Investing and Trading on EasyEquities
Investing in stocks or other assets can generate passive income over time. Platforms like EasyEquities make it simple for beginners to start investing with small amounts.
• Opportunity: Invest in stocks or other assets using a smartphone app.
• Apps: EasyEquities.
• Example: Buy shares in South African companies and earn dividends or profits from stock value growth.
19. Completing Micro-Tasks on Clickworker
Clickworker pays people to complete simple online tasks, such as filling out surveys, categorizing data, or short translations. These tasks are quick and often don’t require specific skills.
• Opportunity: Perform small online tasks and get paid per task.
• Apps/Websites: Clickworker.
• Example: Complete quick tasks like surveys or data categorization for cash rewards.
20. Starting an E-Commerce Store on Instagram or Facebook
Instagram and Facebook allow you to set up a store directly on your social media profile, making it easier to reach customers. This can be especially effective for selling handmade or locally-sourced products.
• Opportunity: Sell products directly through social media.
• Apps: Instagram, Facebook.
• Example: Start a store for handmade items, skincare, or trendy accessories, taking orders through DM.
Each of these opportunities is adaptable for South Africans with varying levels of skill, time, and resources, making it possible for many to supplement their income straight from their smartphones. These platforms provide a range of income options, from freelance projects to stock photo sales, and bring new revenue streams within reach.
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