7 Ways to Make Money During a Recession

Unemployment rates have risen substantially since the beginning of the recession. Even while receiving unemployment benefits, many individuals are finding it difficult to pay their bills. Economists are slightly pessimistic about the creation of jobs in America in the near future. This viewpoint is causing individuals to look for alternative ways to create income.

Freelance writing - Job opportunities are available for individuals who possess good writing skills. Online content sites provide the easiest opportunities for novice writers. For most online content sites, individuals must sign up and submit a writing sample. If accepted, they are allowed to write for the site. Depending on the site, writers are allowed to come up with their own topics to write about. Other sites have pre-selected topics that authors can choose to write about. Some content mills offer upfront payments for articles, while others offer a residual payment structure. Other writing opportunities include writing for print publications, and starting a professional writing service. Freelance writers usually offer a variety of services to clients. The most common services include writing website content, press releases, articles, blog posts, and copy.
Participate in network marketing - Network marketing, commonly known as multi-level marketing, is a business structure that uses a network of independent contractors to sell a company's products or services. Individuals who seek to become involved with a particular company usually pay a start-up fee. Money is earned when the independent contractor sells the services or products. Residual income is earned when individuals who have signed up with the business under the independent contractor make money. Many network marketing companies have received bad reputations for not having profitable business models for independent contractors. However, there are some reputable companies that individuals can get involved in and earn money.
Internet marketing - Internet marketing has the possibility of being very lucrative. Internet marketing includes creating websites and blogs and monetizing them for profit, article marketing, click per action offers, and e-commerce. Successful internet marketers understand search engine optimization. Most of the jobs that fall under internet marketing rely on heavy web traffic. It is important for internet marketers to understand what it takes to rank highly in the search engines.
Become a virtual assistant - Virtual assistants perform a variety of tasks for clients. Most often the tasks include administrative and accounting work. Virtual assistants can work through third party companies or individually. Some common tasks virtual assistants perform include answering phone calls, creating and responding to emails, creating newsletters, bookkeeping, and data entry.
Web design - If you have experience designing websites, this can be a good way to earn money. Internet bidding sites allow individuals to bid for web designing jobs. Competition is fierce on these sites, but with a great proposal, it is a good way for new website designers to find clients. Another great way to find clients is to search online for websites that are poorly designed. You can contact the owner of the site and pitch your services. Creating a quick mock website for the business may give you a better chance at getting the client.
Participate in online surveys - Participating in online surveys is one of the least glamorous ways to make extra money. Online surveys usually do not pay very much. They can be tedious and time consuming. However, participating in online surveys can provide extra income for individuals who are strapped for cash.
Become a mystery shopper - Mystery shoppers are hired by companies to shop at a certain store and report about their shopping experiences. Mystery shoppers allow companies to review their employees, and assess the strengths and weaknesses of the businesses. Individuals who desire to become mystery shoppers usually sign up with a third-party company. The third-party company contacts the mystery shopper with the details of the assignment. If they choose to accept the assignment, mystery shoppers are usually paid after they submit the necessary documentation that was required of them pertaining to the assignment.