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Crowdtap Review

Crowdtap Review
Crowdtap Review

As a side hustle, paid surveys can be a great option if you are looking for an extra source of income to supplement your income.

Surveys aren’t a new concept when it comes to earning money by answering online surveys. There have been countless websites that have started paying users for sharing their opinions with them over the past few years.

In addition to surveys, Crowdtap makes it easy for users to earn extra money from home by offering them a variety of other ways to earn extra income from home that goes beyond surveys.

It is true that Crowdtap can be a great way for you to earn additional income, and it does not require that you commit to a huge commitment on your part.

How Does Crowdtap Work?

Users are paid by Crowdtap for completing a wide range of online missions like answering polls, surveys, reviewing sample products, participating in online discussions, submitting photos, and signing up for promotional offers in return for Crowdtap. There can be a delay in redeeming points. Gift cards worth $5 can be redeemed by users once they have earned 1,000 points.

Pros:

  • Gift card redemption and earning points are simple
  • Getting free products from reputable brands is easy
  • Flexibility in selecting brands to work with

Cons:

  • Rewards cannot be redeemed until 1,000 points have been earned
  • It may take a long time to earn enough points to cash out

The Crowdtap community was founded in 2009 and offers consumers the opportunity to share their views on a wide range of topics and receive rewards. Verizon, Kraft, eBay, Sony, and other well-known brands have partnered with them in the past.

As with other paid online survey sites, Crowdtap gives users the opportunity to earn points in a variety of ways. As part of the activities, the participants will be asked to complete a survey, participate in discussions, and test out new products. As soon as you have completed these tasks, you will receive points that you can use for gift cards to various stores once you have accumulated enough points.

It is also worth noting that Crowdtap has a referral program that gives you bonus points for referring friends to sign up for the service.

What is the legitimacy and safety of Crowdtap?

Among the many reputable companies out there, Crowdtap is one of them. 80% of the reviews on Trustpilot for Crowdtap have rated the company as “excellent” with a rating of 4.1 out of 5.

Crowdtap has, however, received some negative reviews on Reddit, with some users complaining the company regularly suspends accounts and makes it difficult to restore them without contacting customer service multiple times.

Crowdtap: How Does It Work?

You can create an account with Crowdtap in just a few minutes and begin earning rewards.

1. Get started for free with Crowdtap

It is possible to sign up with an email address or a Facebook account. Additionally, they require your full name, city, state, ZIP code, gender, and date of birth.

Once you have verified your phone number, you will be sent to the home screen dashboard where you will be able to begin earning points.

2. Decide what you want to accomplish

In order to gain points faster, you can answer survey questions on your dashboard by answering the questions.

Crowdtap offers the following ways to earn money:

  • Discussions online
  • Question and Answer session for the survey
  • A review or a poll
  • Participation in programs
  • The submission of drawings, photographs, or other content
  • Testing of samples of products

There is a significant difference between the sample product testing missions and other options, because sample product testing missions require you to test a product prior to sharing your opinion about it. Depending on your needs, Crowdtap can send you a sample by mail or provide you with a coupon that you can use at local retailers.

There is a list of all the opportunities that are available to you on your home screen. You can begin a survey by clicking on a square on the map. When you answer basic questions, such as why you chose to sign up with Crowdtap, you will earn 10 points.

In your profile, you will be able to find out which opportunities are most appropriate for you based on the information you provide. It is important to keep in mind that each brand has different requirements, and you may not qualify for every survey.

Generally, brands ask open-ended questions or multiple-choice questions when it comes to customer feedback. The purpose of some of them is to make sure that you are paying attention. For instance, in this question, the questioner asks you for your favorite color, but tells you to pick “green” as your answer to the question. In the event that you select any other color than green, the site knows that you have not read the instructions carefully.

You can easily navigate Crowdtap’s website and your points are displayed in the upper-left corner. In order to assist you in earning points as quickly as possible, the next mission automatically appears as soon as you complete the previous one.

3. Redeem your rewards

As soon as you reach 1,000 points, valued at $5, you will be able to exchange your points for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon. Despite the fact that users can earn points by using the Crowdtap app on their phones, rewards may only be redeemed through the Crowdtap website.

When you reached the 1,000-point threshold before the company’s relaunch in 2018, Crowdtap automatically redeemed points for a $5 Amazon gift card. In addition to allowing users to control when and how they cash out rewards, they can also save points so that they can redeem them for higher value payouts at a later date.

Crowdtap: How to Earn the Most

The amount of money you can earn on Crowdtap depends on a number of factors. The number of points you earn depends primarily on how much time you spend on missions in order to complete them. There are different amounts of points associated with every mission, so the missions you choose will also have a bearing on your progress throughout the game.

Make sure to follow the following tips in order to maximize your earnings on Crowdtap:

  • Applicants should apply for as many missions as possible
  • Make sure that missions with high points values are selected
  • Limit the testing of sample products

In spite of the fact that product sample testing can sound like fun, the process can slow down your earnings since it takes longer to complete.

FAQs about Crowdtap

You can earn extra money on the side with Crowdtap as it is a reputable site that allows you to earn money on the side. The site won’t make you rich, but you won’t have to spend a fortune to use it.

Compared to other survey sites, how does Crowdtap differ from them?

There are some similarities between Crowdtap and other paid survey sites, but there are also a few differences. As you can see from the screenshot below, there is a similar format of multiple-choice questions that is commonly used on other survey sites, but Crowdtap also provides an opportunity for you to share your opinion in more detail by using open-ended questions.

In addition to that, Crowdtap also offers its clients the chance to test out sample products as part of the service. In exchange for sharing your opinion after using the product, you get a free sample in the mail and can earn points for doing so.

Is Crowdtap able to pay you cash?

It is not possible to receive cash payments from Crowdtap. Rather than converting your points into cash, the site allows you to exchange your points for gift cards. You may receive a physical gift card or an email gift card.

Is Crowdtap a good place to earn a good hourly rate?

A full-time income cannot be replaced by taking online surveys.

In the long run, you won’t be able to earn enough money through paid survey sites to quit your day job, but you will be able to earn enough through them to cover some discretionary expenses. Using Crowdtap is a great way for you to make a few extra dollars each month if you have a job with internet access and a lot of downtime.

A person can expect to earn between 0 and $20 per month based on the offers they qualify for, depending on the offers they qualify for.

Can Crowdtap rewards be earned and redeemed easily?

The Crowdtap interface is streamlined and user-friendly, making it easy for anyone to use. You can set up an account in under a minute, and you’re eligible to earn points right away. It is different for each individual how many points they accumulate and how many they redeem.

The more often you log in to answer surveys, respond to questions, and apply to test products at home, the more points you will earn.

It has been reported that some users were able to earn several hundred points immediately upon signing up, but that offers slowed down and they were unable to earn enough to cash out. If you do not meet the requirements for Crowdtap’s current offers, this may occur.

It is ultimately up to you to decide how long you wish to spend in the program, which missions you choose, and what offers you qualify for.

Summary of Crowdtap’s review

Crowdtap can help you earn money in your spare time if you have extra time on your hands. When redeeming points, the company stands out from other survey sites due to its ease of use and variety of gift cards.

You will not become wealthy by taking paid online surveys, but you can earn extra income by using Crowdtap. Furthermore, it provides you with the opportunity to test out new products and share your opinions about them. Crowdtap may be worth exploring if you are interested in receiving free goods.

Passive Income Ideas

Passive Income Ideas
Passive Income Ideas

Let’s first clear up a couple of misconceptions before we discuss passive income ideas. Although the word “passive” implies that you don’t have to do anything to generate income, this is not true. A passive income stream must include at least one of the following two components:

  • An upfront investment of money
  • An upfront investment of time

Easy Passive Income Ideas

There are seven different sources of income for the average millionaire.

The majority of millionaires do not work seven different jobs. It has been common for them to leverage passive income as a means of accelerating their wealth accumulation.

It may sound great to kick your feet up on a beach somewhere and watch the money roll in, but it actually takes a considerable amount of effort to build a steady passive income.

Everyone would do it if it was easy, wouldn’t they?

It is vital that you don’t let the promise of a little hard work discourage you, however, if you are up to the challenge. You can start generating passive income right now in a number of reasonable ways. Even though passive income won’t solve all of life’s problems, earning it isn’t a bad way to start – especially if you plan to become a millionaire someday.

Is Passive Income a Good Investment?

An individual’s passive income, or residual income, is money earned while they aren’t actively working. When you earn passive income, you don’t have to trade your time for money, as you do at your 9 to 5 job. Instead, you earn money even when you don’t work.

Passive income can include investments in stocks, real estate, and even income generated from online business ventures.

How to Generate Passive Income in Two Ways

It doesn’t happen by magic that passive income appears out of nowhere. In other words, it is generated from assets that already exist. Regardless of what kinds of income-generating assets you have, there are only two ways to build them:

Approach 1: Invest money

Put idle cash into investments if you have a lot sitting around. The effort required to generate passive income streams of this type is usually minimal. You can think of them as a way to “put your money to work” in the background to generate returns for you.

Some examples are:

  • Invest in a high-yield savings account
  • Invest in alternative assets
  • You can rent out your basement, attic, or garage
  • Take advantage of everyday purchases to earn cashback
  • Crowdfund your real estate investment
  • Take advantage of Robo-advisors to start investing
  • Make your first investment property purchase
  • Invest in stocks that pay dividends
  • Lending between peers
  • Create a CD ladder
  • Invest in a blog that is already profitable

Approach 2: Invest time & effort

In order to build your passive income asset, you will have to work manually if you do not have a lot of extra cash on hand. You may need to invest some monetary resources, but time and effort will make up the majority of your investment. There may be greater rewards in the long run.

Typical examples include:

  • Affiliate marketing
  • Create a YouTube channel
  • Become an advertising agency owner
  • Publish an online course and sell it
  • Create an e-commerce website
  • You can sell stock photography online
  • Get the most out of your car
  • Create an e-book

Passive Income Vs. Active Income: What’s The Difference?

Active income is earned by providing a service in exchange for money. There are many types of compensation, including salaries, hourly wages, commissions, and tips. In essence, it’s a trade where you exchange your time for a fixed sum of money.

This is how most people make their living, and there’s nothing intrinsically wrong with that, as long as you understand that there is a limit to how much money you can earn. The point isn’t to quit your job (at least not yet), but if you’re looking for ways to generate passive income, here are 19 ideas.

Cash-Required Passive Income Streams

Consider these passive income ideas if you have extra money you want to invest.

Invest in A High-Yield Savings Account

The interest rate that your money earns in a traditional savings account is probably virtually non-existent. As a matter of fact, savings account APYs are estimated to be around 0.01% nationwide, which is not enough to generate a meaningful income. With some really enticing interest rates, online banks have emerged on the scene. Your savings will earn more money if the interest rate is higher.

The interest rate for online savings accounts is much higher than that of regular brick-and-mortar banks. Why is that? There is only one word for it: overhead. Online banks are able to pay their customers much higher interest rates because they do not have physical branches (and all the things that come with them, such as tellers, rent, utilities, etc.).

When it comes to high-interest yields, CIT Bank (Savings Builder) and Discover Bank (Online Savings) are leading the pack – offering rates 5x – 6x the national average.

People often could only get these kinds of returns with a certificate of deposit (CD) in the past if they wanted a guaranteed two-plus percent return on their money. That approach has the disadvantage that the money is locked up for the CD’s term. On the other hand, highly-rated savings accounts allow you to access your money much more easily.

Alternative Asset Classes Can Be a Good Investment

There’s a lot of buzz around cryptocurrencies right now, but if you’re willing to take on a bit more risk, investing in fine art might be a better option than trying to outpace stock market gains.

Although past performance isn’t necessarily indicative of future results, adding another asset class to your portfolio – especially one that has performed as well as fine art – can be a good way to offset overvalued equity markets.

Fine art investing platforms such as Masterworks allows you to invest without having to acquire – or protect – million-dollar paintings personally. Art is similar to a mutual fund, where you can invest for the long haul and receive income (dividends) as the piece sells.

You Can Rent Out Your Basement, Attic, Or Garage

You can earn (mostly) passive income if you rent out space on your property as a homeowner. Renting space with Neighbor.com is easy and convenient. You can rent out anything you own or have permission to rent, including (but not limited to):

  • Garage
  • Bedroom
  • Closet
  • RV pad
  • Basement
  • Warehouse
  • Office space
  • Empty lot
  • Shed

However, you are free to set your own rates. Your space will be booked through the app by users. If you are interested in storing something specific, you can review each candidate’s profile and send them a message for more information.

Cancellation of the agreement is the renter’s responsibility. By providing long-term storage to someone who needs it, you can earn passive income each month. In addition, a Neighbor’s general liability insurance policy covers you for $1M. Your neighbor guarantees automatic payment, so regardless of whether your renter stops paying, you will still receive payment.

Earn Cashback Now

The cashback rewards available to you could be an easy way to generate passive income if you do a portion of your shopping online.

Strategy #1: Cashback Credit Cards

You can earn cashback on purchases made with cashback credit cards. It is typically between 1-5%. It is possible to get cashback in different categories depending on the offer. An example of this would be a card that offers 2% cash back on gas and groceries and 1% on everything else.

Sign-up bonuses are also offered by many cashback credit cards. Most of these programs require you to spend a certain amount within the first 60 to 90 days of opening your account in order to qualify. However, you should pay off the balance of your credit card every month to get the maximum benefit from these offers. It is easy to negate any potential rewards by adding up interest fees quickly.

For those who prefer not to open a new credit account or already have a cashback card they love, there are other options to earn rewards for their everyday purchases.

Strategy #2: Cashback Apps or Extensions

When you use a deal-finding browser extension such as Capital One Shopping (in addition to your cashback credit card), you can find discounts anywhere on the web – between 1 and 40% off. You’ll never miss out on a great deal with them because they’re often free. You will be notified of any discounts or coupons whenever you visit one of Capital One’s 30,000 partner sites – Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, to name a few.

Invest in Real Estate Crowdfunded by Crowds

A row of houses in the neighborhood to demonstrate crowdfunding opportunities for real estate

Real estate investment is perceived by many people as the ultimate form of passive income. In an ideal world, you would own property that generates income through rents and appreciates in value over time, thereby producing excellent returns. In the past, you have often needed a lot of capital upfront to start a business.

You can invest in real estate without spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a single property these days. In the case of real estate investment trusts (REITs), for instance, the money is pooled from many investors and managed by professionals. Real estate investment is done with the money in the pool. Real estate investment trusts take money from investors, purchase properties, and distribute the profits back to them.

Having a truly passive income stream allows you to concentrate on other things. Typically, REITs require a substantial investment to get into, but with Fundrise, you can get access to dozens of solid, value-producing assets for less than $500. Generally, it’s a great way to diversify your investments and gain exposure to markets you might not have otherwise had access to.

Take Advantage of Robo-Advisors to Start Investing

It is widely considered that investing is a cornerstone component of any wealth-building strategy. In the past, it was only possible for the wealthy to have their investments managed by a financial professional. The cost of getting started was just too high for the average person.

In today’s world, the internet has made investing more accessible for everyone. Rather than hiring a single human investment advisor, robo-advisors (also known as sophisticated computer programs) manage all your investments for you, even if you are new to investing.

An example of a robo-advisor is Betterment, which builds a portfolio tailored to your needs and goals. Getting started requires just telling it about yourself and your long-term investment goals, funding your account, and letting it handle the rest.

To compare further, take a look at our top-rated investment apps.

Invest in A Property for The First Time

Renting properties can be an extremely intimidating passive income opportunity, especially when it comes to finding tenants. Rent-to-own properties that already have tenants can be purchased with as little as 20% down with Roofstock. As a result, you begin receiving payments from the very first day you invest. The properties don’t even require you to visit them in person!

The difference between Roofstock and Fundrise is that Roofstock is not a real estate investment trust, so you will be buying individual properties.

If you live in an area where real estate prices are too high to realistically invest in, or if you don’t want to travel all over the country looking at potential properties, this is an ideal strategy for you. Furthermore, if you are new to single-family real estate investing, letting someone like Roofstock guide you through the process is a great way to get started.

When you buy the property, it will assign you one of its vetted property managers to handle the day-to-day tasks of being a landlord, such as collecting rent and scheduling maintenance.

You might also consider starting your own real estate, an investment group. Pooling your money together or just sharing your experiences, it’s a great way to team up with other small investors.

Stocks That Pay Dividends Are a Good Investment

Stocks that pay quarterly dividends may be one of the oldest and least sexy passive income strategies, but there is something to be said about them. A passive cash flow can be generated easily without much effort using this method.

When you buy stocks, you hope to “buy low and sell high.” Dividend stocks work similarly, but with a bonus: just for owning the stock, you get a small portion of the company’s earnings as a dividend. The dividends and increases in stock value are paid out when these types of stocks are held.

For example, suppose you purchase shares of Colgate-Palmolive. In addition to getting paid for each share of stock you own, the stock price is likely to rise over time. Approximately $0.34 to $0.68 has been paid for every single share owned by shareholders by Colgate-Palmolive for the past seven years.

Lending Between Peers

In peer-to-peer lending, also known as P2P lending, people lend and borrow money from one another. People with money and people who need money are brought together in the system by creating a marketplace. In the same way, as a traditional bank or lending institution would do, it connects borrowers and allows them to lend cash to each other.

Let’s say you lend someone $10 and they promise to pay you back $11. The friend gets the money he needs and you earn a 10% return, assuming they pay you back. Now imagine this happening on a much larger scale, with thousands of people lending and borrowing money. P2P lending works exactly like that.

In addition to touting its benefits, proponents of peer-to-peer lending emphasize the fact that it is democratizing the loan industry. People with disposable income are able to earn a return on their money while gaining access to the credit they might not otherwise qualify for.

Investors can compare loan details, such as grade and subgrade, loan purpose, interest rate, and borrower information, on Lending Club, one of the most popular P2P lending platforms. With Lending Club, you can invest in the following 12 types of loans:

  • Credit card refinancing
  • Debt consolidation
  • Home Improvement
  • Major purchase
  • Home buying
  • Car Financing
  • Green loan
  • Business loan
  • Vacation
  • Moving and relocation
  • Medical expenses
  • Other types of loan

In addition to Prosper, StreetShares is another peer-to-peer lending platform.

Create A CD Ladder

By putting your money into a CD ladder, you can maximize your interest rate without tying up your money for a long time. To accomplish this, several different CDs are staggered so that they mature at different times. A CD ladder is an investment that allows you to keep your money liquid (or withdrawable) like a savings account while earning higher interest rates than savings accounts.

The first step to creating a CD ladder is to find a bank that offers high-interest rates on CDs. Consider the following CDs that a bank offers:

  • 6-month CD at 1% interest
  • 12-month CD at 2% interest
  • 18-month CD at 3% interest

Buying one of each is the right decision for you. When your first CD matures after six months, you decide to renew it. With the money, you buy a CD for 18 months. You buy another 18-month CD six months after the 12-month CD matures. Every six months, you’ll have access to funds through a CD ladder. You can choose to open a new CD every six months or withdraw your money and interest every six months.

You can claim your money sooner if you have a CD ladder that “matures” every six months rather than putting all of your money in an 18-month CD. Although you may lose a small amount of interest, the flexibility is worth it. Early cash-out penalties are something you want to avoid at all costs.

Invest in A Digital Business That Is Already Profitable

If you’d like to skip the startup phase of starting a business, you might consider buying an existing blog that’s already earning revenue. The reason for this is that a lot of people start blogs and then get bored with them pretty quickly. People often give up before reaching their full potential when starting a blog, as it’s a labor-intensive process.

The Flippa and Empire Flippers marketplaces are two popular places to browse available blogs for purchase.

The websites and blogs for sales of Empire Flippers tend to be more well-established and profitable. There will be a range of prices between $20,000 and $2 million. Nevertheless, most of them have multiple revenue sources, so you’re taking over a site that’ll make you money right away.

You might find some hidden gems on Flippa, even though its inventory isn’t nearly as prestigious as eBay’s. You bid on the site you’re interested in in an auction-style format. Depending on your luck, you may end up with a pre-built blog for less than $1,000 if you bid low enough!

I want to stress one thing here: If you decide to buy a blog, you should be familiar with running an online business at least in some capacity. This is not something you should jump into blindly.

Time And Effort-Intensive Passive Income Ideas

Ultimately, if you are willing to roll up your sleeves and get to work, you will be able to create a steady flow of passive income through the ideas in this section, and maybe even surpass your day job income at some point in the future. Even though there may still be some monetary costs involved, the majority of your investment will be in the form of your time and effort.

Using A Blog to Market Affiliate Products

Earning a commission for each sale you make is what affiliate marketing is all about. Affiliate marketing involves promoting other people’s (or companies) products and services.

For example, suppose you want to earn commissions when people buy mattresses online. When you recommend a decent quality bed on the Internet, you would make $50 for every person who purchases the bed you recommended. Mattress companies generally charge 5% commissions on mattresses, and the average price of a decent quality bed on the Internet is around $1,000.

Theoretically, it makes sense, doesn’t it? How do you actually begin?

Launching your own blog is a great way to get started. Blogs are your own websites where you can write about whatever you want. In order to be successful as a blogger or affiliate marketer, you usually need to focus on a niche or topic for your blog. Referring back to the mattress example, someone who blogged about sleep (sleep habits, sleep hygiene, tricks, tips, etc.) would be a fantastic affiliate for mattress companies. If a sleep blogger attempted to sell basketballs on their blog, they would probably not be successful.

Besides that, a blog gives you access to a wide range of other revenue streams. The possibility of earning passive income online does not end with affiliate commissions; you can also earn money through advertising. One of the great things about blogging is that it can be scaled – residual income can be generated from posts that are several years old. Earning income is possible as long as people are reading your content.

Create A YouTube Channel

Even though YouTube channel owners cannot make money with their channels, making money with their channels is still an option. It will only take a slight adjustment to your strategy.

Several years ago, YouTube channels could be monetized almost by anyone. As a result, advertisers can place videos (advertisements) at the beginning of your content. Your account gets credited when you get a certain number of views.

Videos about makeup tutorials, travel guides, unboxings, or anything else you might think of are very popular. In addition to YouTube’s popularity, it has enough eyeballs to attract an audience even for the obscurest of topics.

Establish an Online Advertising Agency

Consider how many small businesses there are in your city. The majority of them probably aren’t effectively using social media to attract new clients or grow their sales. For example, most companies have a Facebook page, but that’s not enough to spread the word in today’s cluttered news feed.

Here’s where you can help as a Facebook Ad agency owner. This business model offers the benefit of very little ongoing work on your part once your client’s advertising campaigns are up and running. The business model is relatively hands-off, aside from checking in every day for a few minutes.

It is possible to learn the art and skill of Facebook ads even with very little experience. It can be picked up by pretty much anyone and they will land their first client within a month.

It is common for Facebook ad agencies, even one-man operations, to charge a monthly retainer of $1,000 to $2,000 per client. Additional money is spent on Facebook ads, which are paid directly.

In the course of bringing on more clients and establishing your reputation in the area, you can quickly see your income increase. Your business can run passively at that point by hiring an assistant.

Online Course Creation and Sale

Perhaps you have a lot of knowledge about a particular subject. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating an online course that teaches anything from algebra to guitar on platforms like Udemy or Teachable. After you create the course, you continue to receive payment for each new student that enrolls. This is one of the most powerful strategies out there.

How do you decide which platform to use?

There are many options, but Teachable and Udemy are the most popular, and both are intuitive and easy to use. Your pricing and the look and feel of your course are more customizable with Teachable, but there is no built-in audience. You must instead do all of the marketing yourself. There is a built-in user base on Udemy, but you don’t have as much control and you have to pay a higher percentage of your revenue to it.

  • Start a free course with an email address.
  • Video, audio, presentations, images, and text can all be uploaded seamlessly.
  • Personalize your school by adding your brand, colors, logos, etc.
  • Launch your online course and attract students.

Create an eCommerce Website

E-commerce sites that are available 24/7 – even while you are asleep – are appealing passive income ideas online. Many new people are trying out this online business model that has taken the internet by storm.

It takes a lot of effort to set up a proper e-commerce site. The maintenance of a successful system, however, can be relatively passive once you’ve found it. The following are the most popular types of e-commerce sites:

  • Manufacturing your own product or sourcing your own products is one way to sell your products.
    • Pros: The profit margin is the highest and you have ultimate control.
    • Cons: There’s a lot of work and a lot of money involved.
  • You can sell other people’s products by sourcing goods from a variety of companies or one company in particular.
    • Pros: The products are at wholesale prices and you get a variety of options.
    • Cons: Lots of work and hard to compete on price. It can also be difficult to distinguish yourself from the competition.
  • Customer orders are dropped shipped by the manufacturer when they place an order on your site.
    • Pros: Physical inventory isn’t necessary, and there is less work involved than with the previous models.
    • Cons: There aren’t great margins, you don’t have control over quality or fulfillment, and you can’t customize the customer journey.

You Can Sell Your Photos Online

Have you ever wondered how you can make money taking pictures? This turns out to be a pretty straightforward process.

Shutterstock is one of the best sites for making money with your photos. Shutterstock has paid out more than $500 million to contributors since its inception in 2003. No matter what level of experience you have, this site can be used as a passive income source because of its popularity and low barriers to entry.

You can sign up for an account, upload your images, and earn money when a customer downloads your photos. Customer type determines how much you earn per image download. Customers who have a monthly subscription download your image and pay for it specifically will earn less than customers who purchase it directly.

As you earn over time, your earnings per image will increase.

Get the Most Out of Your Car

Even during your typical workday, your car sits around not being used – whether you’re traveling or on vacation.

There are two ways to deal with your car: let it sit around and depreciate, or use it to earn passive income.

  • With Getaround, you can rent a car: Getaround allows you to rent your car when you aren’t using it and earn thousands of dollars a year. Almost $9,000 is the average cost of owning a car each year. The money you spent on your car rental can be recouped with Getaround (if not all). Owners of Getaround cars get dedicated parking, a $50 driving credit per month to rent anything they want, and $1 million in primary insurance coverage. It is necessary to create a free Getaround account in order to take advantage of this passive income opportunity. The landlord sends you a payment each month on the 15th following the month you received your rental earnings.
  • Wrapify is the ultimate advertising platform: Wrapify allows you to advertise brands and businesses on your car for a fee. The company’s website states that drivers can earn more than $400 per month. You will need to download the app and track your driving before you can get started. When a campaign is available in your area, you’ll be notified as soon as you meet the minimum qualifications.
  • With RVShare, you can rent an RV: RVShare allows RV owners to rent their unused RVs to travelers. Start by registering with the site, creating a free listing for your RV, and responding to booking inquiries. There are different ways to earn money depending on the season, the type of RV you are renting, and how long the rental lasts. It is reported on the site that RV owners can make up to $40k per year through the site by renting out their RVs.

Create an eBook

Consider self-publishing your own eBook if you’re interested in writing, but don’t want the technical headache that comes with blogging. The length of eBooks is typically much shorter than for regular books, which makes them easier to create and sell.

It is usually non-fiction eBooks that are most successful. You might come across how-to guides or explanatory pieces on a particular topic, like fitness or graphic design.

There is probably no easier platform to get started on than Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. It takes just a few minutes to publish a book, and most of them appear on Kindle stores around the world within 1-2 days. The Amazon KDP program gives you the freedom to set your own prices and make changes to your books at any time. You can earn up to 70% royalty on each sale to customers in most countries.

This course will help you save time, and hassle, and start earning money from your eBook sooner. A significant part of the course curriculum consists of selecting a topic for your eBook, developing a good story that people will be interested in reading, and marketing and selling your eBook.

You Can Sell the Location Data You Have

There is only one item on this list that does not require any effort or money. There is a new app called Tapestri that allows users to sell their location data and get paid for it. In most cases, smartphones collect much more data on you than other smartphones do, according to the company. As opposed to giving you a dopamine rush like every social media app, Tapestri will actually pay you for your data.

With the app, you can earn money easily. It only takes a few seconds to download the app, give it permission to track your location, and you’re done. Tapestri collects entirely anonymous data, which means that it cannot be associated with you personally by brands purchasing it. The companies that buy the data simply use the information to identify their target customers, including where they shop, where they go next, and on what days they shop.

Having the app installed and active can earn users up to $25 per month, according to Tapestri. In addition, you are not required to do anything. There are survey opportunities available in the app if you are interested in making a little extra money, but they are completely optional.

Choosing the Right Passive Income Stream

In the end, you can use a combination of these passive income ideas or try them all.

It is important to remember that the right path for you will be determined by your short- and long-term goals, the amount of time you have, the amount of money you wish to earn, and how many hours of work you are willing to devote.

Many experts recommend that you take up real estate as a career path. There are statistics that prove that 90% of all millionaires gained that status by owning real estate as a result of becoming investors as Louis Glickman said: “The best investment on earth is earth.” And, of course, some stats prove this point.

As for real estate, it is an excellent option, but it does require a significant amount of initial investment, as it is a long-term investment. Depending on your current financial situation, this passive income stream may or may not be a good fit for you. In order to get involved in real estate, you might be better off investing in an investment strategy where you can build up funds until you have a significant amount of money to invest in it.

Passive income ideas are more attractive to some people because they give them a sense of control and ownership over their income. It is a well-known fact that many entrepreneurs love the idea of creating something, whether it is a blog, a YouTube channel, a course, or an online store. There is no doubt that it’s a life-changing experience, one that can bring enormous wealth and satisfaction to those who choose to pursue it, even if it is technically not passive at the beginning.

How To Create Pinterest Pins

How To Create Pinterest Pins
How To Create Pinterest Pins

In general, helpful and beautiful Pins are most shared on Pinterest. By being more mindful when pinning, you will be able to grow your business through Pinterest. All you need to do to ensure all of the pins on the board are optimized is to follow all of the tips below.

Below is a guide about how to create Pinterest Pins with a high probability of becoming viral.

How to Create High-Performing Pinterest Pins

The question we are asking is, why do some pins go viral and others get lost among a sea of rectangular images? Does it seem possible to engineer virality on Pinterest?

The number of repins some recipe pins have reached or have surpassed a million is quite staggering.

When you stop to think about it, it is actually quite astonishing: a well-crafted little box on a social media network of other little boxes is capable of driving millions of traffic to a website. It is important to note that behind those clicks are real people. A human being who is interested in reading your material and perhaps even making a purchase.

A Guide to Making Pinterest Pins That Go Viral

There are a number of ways to engineer virality on Pinterest, and we have them down to a science. Here are some tips for making Pinterest pins that will capture attention, generate traffic, and assist you in making money. Here are the tips that generate more than 50,000 page views per month for our website.

When we compiled a list of the most popular Pinterest recipes of all time, it got us thinking about how to make Pinterest pins that are highly effective.

There are many bloggers who read this website. Among the things most bloggers wish to improve (aside from their income), the majority would like to increase their traffic.

There are two parts to the reason why you are not successful in making Pinterest images go viral: half is your fault, and half isn’t. Let’s examine the reasons for this.

50% Of the Blame Is on You

There is no difference between repeating the same process and expecting a different outcome.

There is a good chance that you read something along the way that inspired you to carry on (and you have been doing it ever since). What perpetuates this cycle is that whatever you read wasn’t high-quality content, to begin with, so now you’re constantly making the same mistakes. It is easy to think that if you continue to work hard, you will eventually achieve success.

In your mind, you tell yourself that it is a process.

Hopefully, things will improve.

That is incorrect. Do not repeat the same mistakes over and over again.

Reduce the amount of time you spend doing and increase the amount of time you spend learning. It is not uncommon for people to jump into the fray because they are very eager to begin.

You must stop. Observe how others have achieved success. Could you please explain to me what these people are doing that you are not?

Is there anything in particular that they are doing that you are not?

You should not copy others, but at the same time, we should copy each other. In the end, there is a reason that these users have been able to create Pinterest pins effectively and you have not.

Is there anything you can learn from your competitors that you can integrate into your own Pinterest strategy? The success of others can be learned from.

Find out what they are doing and then brainstorm ways in which you can provide them with something different. You need something that keeps your users coming back to you rather than your competitors.

Recognize that you are not an expert in everything. You should be open to the possibility that there may be a better way to do things and flexible enough to adapt. The first step is to recognize that the way you are doing things is not working and that you need to learn what does work instead.

There’s 50% Of the Blame That’s Not Yours

There have been changes to Pinterest.

There is no doubt that it is constantly evolving.

You might be relieved to know that many of these pins were successful primarily as a result of the now-defunct Pinterest algorithms. Prior to the implementation of Pinterest’s sorting algorithm, a pin’s chronological recency was emphasized more heavily.

The probability of a user seeing a pin on their feed is much higher if a pin has been recently saved to a particular board that they follow. In a sense, it constituted a positive feedback loop.

Pins that were pinned frequently (or pins those others saved frequently) were weighed more heavily and were more likely to be displayed. As a result, pins were able to be seen much more widely through group boards.

Unfortunately, the road to virality has become much more complicated in recent years. A great deal of emphasis is now placed on the quality of the pins by Pinterest’s newer “smart” algorithms.

A brand is looking for fresh, high-quality content from users with proven track records (fresh content bias, high click-through rates, account history and followers, landing page quality, and domain authority).

It is interesting to note that Pinterest’s recent focus on freshness in its algorithms may actually make it harder for content to reach the top of the search results.

There is no reason to believe Pinterest images are dead as a means of driving traffic, it simply signifies that you will no longer be rewarded with copious amounts of traffic when you produce low-quality content. In order to pin effectively, you will need to learn what you should be pinning for.

Viral Pins: How to Create Them

The majority of bloggers will need to make their own pins if they are just starting out or have not yet reached the point where they are ready to outsource work.

It is one of the most common mistakes we see bloggers make regarding Pinterest that they undervalue pin design.

You are wasting your time and effort if you create sloppy pins. In order for a pin to go viral, it must be designed in such a way that it will be appealing to the target audience.

In order to increase your click-through rate, you should create pins that are engaging and encourage people to read more.

When creating a pin, what steps should you take to ensure that people are interested in clicking on it?

You must first answer one all-important question: What am I getting out of this?

Based on your pin, if someone is not immediately able to determine what their benefit will be, then they will keep scrolling.

Maybe a pin with the caption “5 Things I Learned While Visiting Italy” would do well. In contrast, a title that is more reader-focused, such as “5 Things to Avoid on Your Trip to Italy,” is likely to perform much better.

Secondly, if you are going to have to make your own pins, you might as well become proficient in the process. We are referring to the pin design. Coordinating texts, colors, images, etc., in order to maximize engagement and click-through rates.

We understand what you are thinking, but we do not possess any design skills!

Believe us, we were in the same position when we first began. In order to create high-quality pins, we had to make hundreds of attempts before we finally cracked the code. However, once we had done so, our traffic increased exponentially.

After mastering the art of design, the next step is to develop an unshakable Pinterest strategy.

(###6 Ways Tailwind Helped Us Build a Six-Figure Side Hustle) https://dollarsprout.com/pinterest-pin-scheduler/###

Using Pinterest More Effectively

It is imperative that you create a Pinterest for Business account and configure “rich pins” if you have not already done so.

If you have a business account, you will have access to analytics and insights that allow you to track how your pins are performing and which ones are driving the most traffic. A rich pin is also available, which enables you to add more details to your pins in order to make them stand out.

As soon as your account has been created, you can begin looking for and applying for group boards.

Despite what we said about group boards not being what they used to be, they remain an important component of organizational management. Visit our strategy guide for information on how to locate and join high-quality group boards.

(###How to Find and Join Pinterest Group Boards [Strategy Guide]) https://dollarsprout.com/find-join-pinterest-group-boards/###

Last but not least, you will need a Pinterest pin scheduler to help you manage your workload. It is not difficult to realize that there is a lot involved in using Pinterest in order to drive traffic to your website once you start using it strategically.

It would have been impossible for us to increase our Pinterest traffic as much as we did without the assistance of our favorite pin scheduler, Tailwind. We can schedule our pins weeks in advance, which saves us hours of time and allows us to concentrate on other aspects of our business.

As part of our pin scheduler, we also receive suggestions on the best times to pin in order to achieve the greatest amount of engagement. You may also find the following tips useful for improving your Pinterest game:

  • Acknowledge that what you are doing is not working or that a better approach is possible
  • Find out what contributes to a high title CTR (click-through rate).
  • Take a closer look at the aspects of a quality pin description
  • Regularly produce fresh, high-quality content
  • Get a better understanding of human psychology (as it relates to higher click-through rates on pin images, i.e. what colors to include and why people click on pins)
  • Find out what topics people are interested in reading

You Can Now Create a Pin And Begin Testing

The reality of Pinterest needs to be accepted.

It is science.

It is a mathematical formula.

Based on the number of clicks and shares on your pins, Pinterest wants to know if other people like your pins. As a result, Pinterest determines whether or not your pin is actually good.

When you repeat the same mistakes over and over again, you will not achieve success on Pinterest, even if your content is of the highest quality.

Take note of the success of others. Follow its example. Make sure your methods are always tested.

Earny Review

Earny Review
Earny Review

When you move into your first house, you have to buy new appliances.

It is a common occurrence that after purchasing all the new furniture, items, and supplies, they go on sale only a few days later.

This can be avoided with Earny. Whenever an item you have already purchased goes on sale, you do not need to worry about disputing a charge or contacting customer service. Using this app, you can ensure that you are receiving the best price when you make an online purchase. What it entails is as follows.

How Does Earny Work?

You can analyze your purchases with Earny by reviewing the digital receipts in your inbox. Earny will request a price adjustment on your behalf when the price of an item you’ve already bought drops.

When the price of an item drops, Earny makes getting a refund hassle-free. You do not need to research the refund policies of different retailers on your own. It does the work for you.

The following retailers are eligible for Earny’s price protection:

  • Best Buy
  • Bloomingdale’s
  • Costco
  • Gap
  • Banana Republic
  • Old Navy
  • Athleta
  • J. Crew   
  • Target
  • Zappos
  • Home Depot
  • Kohl’s
  • Macy’s
  • Nike
  • Nordstrom

If you frequently shop online with these partner retailers and want a simple way to save money, Earny is a great option.

The Earny App Evaluation: How Does It Work?

Earny’s price protection app is easy to use and quick to download. Using the app should be straightforward as long as you have a computer or mobile device.

Money can be saved by using the Earny app. The app scans your purchases and tracks them in order to determine if the price has dropped since you made the purchase. Whenever an item you previously purchased goes on sale, Earny will be able to capture the savings for you. According to the site, on average, users receive a refund of $75 as a result of their complaints.

Pros:

  • Your account will be credited with refunds automatically
  • Provides services to a variety of online retailers
  • With AES-256 and RSA-2048 encryption, this product offers the highest level of security
  • Maintains a record of receipts dating back up to 90 days
  • A service that protects the price of credit cards

Cons:

  • Use of premium features is subject to a fee
  • Refunds are made by credit card rather than by direct deposit
  • There are no credit cards accepted by Discover or American Express
  • Email access is required for the app
  • Increased spending may result

The application can be downloaded here

Your Android or Apple device will need to be downloaded with the Earny app. The Google Play Store gives it a 3.5 and the App Store gives it a 4.6.

Earny’s website also allows you to register on a desktop or laptop computer.

Email address link

Earny requires you to register, select your email provider (Gmail, Microsoft, Yahoo, or another), and sign in.

Please use the email address you always use to receive your receipts when signing up. You will not be able to track your purchase and find better deals if you register with one email address but send the receipt to another email address that is not associated with your Earny account.

Upon receiving your permission to access your email, Earny will ask if it may access it. Then select “Allow” to agree to its terms of service and privacy policies by clicking on the “Allow” button.

There is no limit to the number of emails you can add, but you will need to create a new account for each one you want to add.

Refunds are reviewed by Earny in your inbox

When Earny finds an opportunity for a refund, it will inform you as soon as possible. There will be a delay of about 7 to 10 days before you receive your refund. Your refunds from Chase, Mastercard, and Visa will be mailed to you, and your refunds from Citi will be credited to your account.

You should keep in mind that if you purchase any items with cash, you will not receive a refund for them.

Earny and Hotels

Earny searches for price drops after you book a hotel stay using your confirmation email. In the event that they find a lower price, they will contact you and let you know how to rebook your stay at a lower rate. You will also be able to lock in exclusive rates of up to 60% off public prices as an Earny user.

This is a great perk for frequent travelers because the price of a hotel room can fluctuate greatly.

Earny and your Watch List

Whenever you find an item you like on an Earny-approved site, you can add it to your price watch list. You’ll be able to see when the price drops when the app monitors the price.

Earny’s Cash Back

Earny offers a cash-back browser extension that lets you know when you’re on a site that offers cash back. A pop-up will appear on the right hand side of your screen if you click on Earny to activate Earny’s cashback feature.

Retailers will differ in their cash-back percentages. You will receive the cash back in your account after a period of 30 to 90 days. As a result, you will be able to withdraw your PayPal balance. Apps such as Rakuten and CapitalOne Shopping operate in a similar manner.

The following retailers currently offer cash back:

  • Up to 1.5% at Walmart
  • Up to 2.3% at Target
  • Up to 1.5% at Sephora
  • Up to 3.8% off with Groupon
  • Up to 3.8% off at Warby Parker

You can’t earn cash back on other cash-back sites if you use Earny’s cash back extension.

Referral Program with Earny

Those who join Earny through your link are paid $5 for every person that makes a cash-back purchase through your link, and then joins Earny through your link. In order to cash out your winnings, you must have a minimum of $15.

FAQs about Earny

It’s likely that after you download Earny, you’ll find that it’s easy to use and intuitive once you’ve done so. Nevertheless, you may still have some questions.

What are the safety implications of using Earny?

Earny guarantees the safety and security of your information. This app will not save your email credentials, but will authenticate directly with your email provider instead.

Additionally, Earny employs multiple levels of security encryption and VPN systems to detect threats, mask data dynamically, and monitor activity. Additionally, its access is restricted by a firewall that blocks any unknown IP addresses and is protected by two-factor authentication.

Users do not always appreciate Earny’s practice of asking for refunds by sending emails posing as you. There are some individuals who find this uncomfortable. Additionally, Earny has access to your inbox when you sign up for their service.

The other Earny reviews claim that there is a problem with canceling premium memberships on the Earny app, and that you have to send several emails to customer service to get it canceled. As far as we know, Earny does not have a Trustpilot account.

What kind of person should use Earny?

Earny was founded when one of its co-founders bought a blazer for $129 at Zara and discovered a week later that the price had dropped by $65. As a result of price protection from her credit card company, she received a refund of $65; however, it took some time for the money to be credited to her account.

It was Dori and Oded, who founded the company, who realized that they could save a lot of money by applying for refunds, and they wanted to help other consumers do the same. Those who shop with Earny’s partner retailers, such as Walmart, Target, Costco, Sears, and more, may find the services offered by Earny to be of value to them.

You would need to keep track of each item you buy and each store where you can buy it if you didn’t have Earny (or an app like it). After that, you would have to keep an eye on every item to see if the price has dropped in each store. If you do happen to find that the price of the item has decreased, you will be required to fill out a form to submit a price adjustment claim. You do not have to waste your time and energy doing this on your own, since Earny does it for you. 

What is Earny’s price?

Registering for Earny is free, but Earny+ gives you double cashback at retailer websites. The cost of Earny+ is $19.99 per year. There is also the option of keeping the free version, which still comes with some cashback, if that is what you prefer.

You can access the following features if you have a paid subscription:

  • You can get money back when prices drop on your purchases
  • Your packages will be compensated by Amazon if they are delayed in shipping
  • Make sure you are protected on major travel booking sites and retailers that are covered by the policy

If you shop enough frequently, you may be able to earn back more than $300 per year with Earny, according to Earny’s founder Oded Vakrat. This suggests it may be worth the cost for you if you shop frequently enough.

What is Earny’s relationship with Amazon?

When you buy an item on Amazon, Earny allows you to get cash back when the price of the item drops. This is great news because Amazon doesn’t offer a price protection policy of its own, which is great news.

This will ensure that your Amazon account will be protected if you link the app to your Amazon account. The price protection offered by Earny is not applicable to items that are perishable, jewelry, or used.

The Earny Review Summary: It Doesn’t Get a Pass

The Earny app is one of the most promising on the market today. In spite of the fact that we emailed customer service back and forth for a couple of days, we are still unsure about some of the features. In addition, their website does not display clearly what features are included with which accounts and what pricing is associated with those accounts. This information can be found in their FAQ articles if you do a little digging.

It is also possible to save time and money by using other cash-back apps that do not require a paid subscription. Getting a refund for a price drop sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it? In spite of the lack of transparency and a confusing pricing structure, our last verdict on Earny is that you’re better off using another app because of the lack of transparency and the confusing pricing structure.

Pinterest Marketing Strategy

Pinterest Marketing Strategy
Pinterest Marketing Strategy

There is a common misconception that Pinterest is for DIY moms and brides, where everything is always beautiful and dandy. The assumption is not necessarily incorrect, but Pinterest often goes unnoticed as a practical marketing tool, which is to the detriment of those who fail to invest time in Pinterest marketing.

Throughout this guide, we will cover questions like:

  • What are the benefits of using Pinterest for marketing?
  • How does Pinterest work?
  • What Pinterest marketing strategies should you use?
  • Can Pinterest marketing be made automated with the right tools?

To further improve your Pinterest marketing strategy, follow these tips.

The Best Pinterest Marketing Strategy for Growing Your Audience

Want to increase your blog’s traffic and profit with a Pinterest marketing strategy that actually works? It occurred to us that you might be interested. Here are some Pinterest marketing strategies that are currently working, according to one Pinterest marketing expert.

The following is one of the most common questions we receive from new bloggers:

Could Pinterest still be an effective method of driving traffic to a new blog?

What is our response every time? Without a doubt.

There is no doubt that Pinterest is one of the best ways for new (and experienced) bloggers to promote their blogs and drive traffic to their websites.

Pinterest can be used effectively if you know how to use it properly. There has been a change in times, and your Pinterest marketing strategy should reflect this change as well.

You can use the set of strategies below to more effectively market your content throughout the year if you have just started blogging and you are not seeing an uptick in traffic, or if you have been blogging for some time and do not see the results that you would like.

What You Need to Know About Using Pinterest to Market Your Online Business

Bloggers may find Pinterest to be a game changer. It will take you months or years to establish traffic through other methods, however, if you take the time to learn how to use Pinterest early in your blogging career, you can begin to scale your traffic quickly.

For new bloggers, Pinterest can be an absolute powerhouse if used properly.

In order to point you in the right direction, we will review one of the must-do first steps and then take a look at a few of the biggest things you should keep in mind when developing your Pinterest marketing strategy.

First, Make Sure Your Pinterest Account Is a Business Account

It is likely that you already have a Pinterest account. Nevertheless, as a new blogger, you may need to convert your personal account to a business account.

There are no fees associated with using business Pinterest accounts, and they provide useful insights and features such as Pinterest analytics and Promoted Pins.

In addition to Rich Pins, business accounts enable you to show that your site has been verified with Pinterest, which enhances your visibility on feeds.

There is a common misconception among Pinterest beginners that if they share their pins, people will view and click through to their posts. There is more to it than just pretty pictures, and although that is one part of the equation, it is certainly one part of the equation. There is a need for a comprehensive strategy.

The following are three Pinterest marketing strategies:

1. Make Use of Both Group Boards and Personal Boards on Pinterest.

The Pinterest team announced in 2018 that group boards would be de-emphasized. There were rumors that Pinterest group boards were no longer available.

There have been many group boards that have been left or archived. Our Pinterest accounts were tested.

The following is what we found.

Group Boards on Pinterest

Despite the fact that they no longer have as much power as they once did, group boards still send thousands and thousands of pageviews to our blog every month. It is clear, however, that niche-specific group boards perform better than general group boards.

Rather than joining the “Bloggers Pin All” or “Pin Your Best Posts” group boards, join the “Best Money Tips” or “Ways To Save Money” group boards. The more specific the group board, the better.

It is particularly useful for new bloggers to participate in Pinterest group boards. When you are a new blogger, you start from scratch and it is difficult to gain traction without a following. A group board provides you with an immediate opportunity to have your pins seen by a new audience.

Personal Boards on Pinterest

It’s important to remember that a personal board can go a long way, even if you’re just starting out on Pinterest.

You should create personal boards related to the content that you share on your site.

If you have a personal finance blog, you should create boards on topics such as “Personal Finance Tips,” “Investing Strategies,” “How To Save Money,” and “Side Hustle Ideas.”

It’s okay to have a few broader boards like “Money Tips” which is a catch-all for most of your posts, but having super-specific board titles, board descriptions, and keyword-rich pin descriptions really helps your Pinterest SEO.

2. Take Pinterest Search Optimization to The Next Level

An example of a visual search engine is Pinterest. There isn’t a great deal of “social” activity going on on this platform, even though it is commonly grouped together with other social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

For the purpose of marketing your blog on Pinterest, you will create a variety of boards related to the content on your website. After that, you should create eye-catching images to capture the attention of your readers and encourage them to click through to your epic blog post.

When you pin a new pin, it can receive a significant boost in traffic because it is shared across your different personal boards and group boards. Nevertheless, once you have slowed down in promoting it after the initial launch, traffic from Pinterest becomes stagnant.

Pinterest SEO is the best way to capture long-term traffic from Pinterest.

You may be familiar with Search Engine Optimization for Google, but Pinterest is becoming more and more important as well.

These concepts are similar to those used in on-page SEO for Google. The pins you post on Pinterest should be accurately researched and keyword-optimized so that they will appear when users search for them.

Pinterest functions as a search engine, as we discussed above. To make Pinterest understand what we are pinning, we must provide it with some information.

We can give Pinterest a few clues as to what our pin is about by using a few keywords.

The following are the two most important:

  • Description of your pin
  • Your pin’s title and description

How to Write a Pin Description

It is generally the case that the keyword you have chosen for Google SEO will also work as your Pinterest keyword, provided you have already done keyword research for Google SEO.

If you wish to see what comes up when searching that term, we recommend that you use the Pinterest search engine.

There are related search terms that appear below the Pinterest search bar that are commonly searched with your main keyword.

The following terms are excellent additions to your Pinterest description.

In light of the related terms that came up in the search, here is how we would describe this pin about “direct sales.”

Would you like to receive tips on how to market your direct sales business? There are several ways in which you can succeed with recruiting and selling your products without being salesy or scamming your friends. “Anyone associated with direct sales companies should read this book.”

Did you catch what we did there?

Our keyword (direct sales) appears twice in the list, as well as five of the most commonly searched terms. Consequently, our pin would be more likely to appear when a search is conducted for one of those related terms with the main keyword since it has that keyword in the description.

Pin Your New Pin

When you are pinning your new pin, please ensure that you first share it on your most relevant board. The following is how we would pin a post about making a budget, for example:

  • Tips for budgeting
  • The best way to save money
  • Tips for living frugally
  • Tips on personal finance
  • Tips on managing your money

After we have addressed the most relevant and specific board, we move on to a more general (but still relevant) board.

It is recommended that you add your new pin to at least five relevant personal boards on your account. Your niche-specific group boards can then be used to share it.

With this process, Pinterest is informed that this pin is all about budgeting, saving money, and personal finance. This allows Pinterest to attribute those keywords to the pin.

Create a list of at least five niche-specific boards that you can pin to your account today if you do not already have them. After that, create descriptions for those boards that contain keywords relevant to the topic using the same procedure we used when creating the description for our pins.

After that, pin 30-50 items to that board or use Tailwind to schedule them. It is recommended that you spread out your manual pinning over time if you are doing so manually. It is not advisable to pin all 50 pins to the same board at once.

New Pin Creation

As a result of the most recent Pinterest update, they are favoring new pins. You may want to add new pins to a new blog post, add new pins to an old blog post, or even update old pins with new descriptions.

As a result of this algorithm change, Pinterest is encouraging newer content to be posted on its platform.

We prefer to create Pinterest graphics using Canva since it allows you to save templates. As part of our website development process, we have created several templates. Now, when we publish a new blog post, we can simply pop in a new image and write some text, and we will have a new pin ready in no time at all.

Typically, we recommend making 3-5 graphics per post and then testing which are most effective. It is recommended that you create 10 or more pins for your pillar articles on your site or posts that do extremely well so that you can maximize traffic to those articles.

Top 4 Pinterest Approved Schedulers

By scheduling Pinterest pins, you are not only saving time, but preparing your Pinterest marketing calendar as well. To choose the best scheduling tool for your business, you must consider your biggest struggles. Depending on the situation, it could be time, planning, structure, remembering to pin, or analytics. 

Check out one of these 4 top scheduling tools if you need to schedule your content to save time and energy, or to be more strategic with your Pinterest marketing efforts.

Tailwind

When it comes to Pinterest scheduling, Tailwind is our top choice. With its easy-to-use scheduling options, it’s the fastest and most convenient. Tailwind’s founders first used Pinterest in 2011. In addition to Pinterest scheduling options, Tailwind is also an official Instagram partner and Instagram scheduling tool.

Planoly 

Planoly was founded in 2016 to simplify social marketing. This tool was originally designed for Instagram scheduling, but now it is available for Pinterest as well. For beginners, this is a great platform, but it can be difficult to schedule more than a few pins at a time.

Canva

One of Pinterest’s newest scheduling tools is Canva. Canva started in Australia in 2012, and now they have expanded into Canva Pro, which includes Pinterest scheduling. From Canva, you can easily create a static pin or video pin and schedule it straight to Pinterest.

Later

Founded in 2014 as the first Instagram scheduler on the market, Later has grown into the #1 scheduler platform for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Now with over 4 million users, Later is an Instagram Partner as well as a Pinterest Marketing Partner. Later is also one of the schedulers that are approved by Pinterest.

3. Promoted Pins: Get to Know Them

Pinterest filed for an initial public offering in early 2019. Currently, they are listed on the stock market.

The question is, however, what does that mean for us as pinners?

The shareholders of Pinterest control the company, just as they do with any other public company. It is the natural desire of all shareholders to see their investment return a profit. The result of this will be an increase in Pinterest advertisements (also known as Promoted Pins).

Don’t let this scare you away from Pinterest, it is still a powerful source of organic traffic.

We have learned a few tricks from thousands of dollars in ad spend if you are interested in diving into Promoted Pins.

Traffic Campaigns Are a Great Place to Start

You are only charged for direct clicks to your website when you use traffic campaigns. It is possible to get clicks for less than $0.10 per click due to repins, but it is not as common as you might think. You will not be charged for any clicks that result from repinings of your promoted pin.

Bid Low to Start

The cost per click should be somewhere between $0.10 and $0.15. In the event that Pinterest is showing your ads in such a quantity that your budget is maxed out, then it is best to leave it. You may wish to raise your bid a few cents at a time if it is not competitive enough.

Ensure That You Have a Clear Goal in Mind

What type of ad campaigns are you running for conversions: email opt-in pages, affiliate blog posts, or retargeting sales pages to close more sales? Prior to beginning your campaign, it is important to have a plan in mind.

Conclusion

Pinterest marketing can be beneficial for long-term results and fits into a wide range of acquisition funnel stages. A Pinterest marketing strategy can help you drive people directly to the “buy” stage of your sales funnel.

You should treat Pinterest as one of the biggest search engines on the internet. Also, it represents the social platform where content has the longest shelf life. Having a Pinterest marketing strategy and using Pinterest ads are all great reasons why your business should be on Pinterest.

Places That Do Cash Back

Places That Do Cash Back
Places That Do Cash Back

Debit card users frequently have the option of receiving cash back when they pay with their debit cards at physical retailers. As a result, you will be able to make a withdrawal from your checking account during the transaction without being charged a fee.

In the case of cashback, the additional amount is included in the sale price. In the following step, your bank will deduct the combined amount from your checking account.

When you use your debit card to obtain cash, you may be charged a fee. Depending on the store, you may be required to make a minimum purchase in order to receive cash back on your debit card. It may be necessary for you to purchase something you do not want or need in some instances.

You may also be charged a fee if you withdraw cash using your debit card to assist the store in covering its costs. It is similar to what you would pay at an ATM outside of your network.

The Best Places to Get Cash Back with A Debit Card

When you pay with a debit card, many everyday retailers and stores provide cash back. Rather than having to borrow cash from friends or pay extra ATM fees, memorize this list of stores so you can access cash on your own.

Shop At the Grocery Store and Get Cash Back

You may be able to receive cash back at the grocery store if you pay with your debit card rather than a credit card or cash. As you check out at Albertsons or Winn-Dixie, you will be able to make a withdrawal from your checking account by swiping your card and entering your PIN.

Withdrawing money from your checking account is one of the most convenient ways to get cash and save money at the same time since most retailers do not charge a fee for doing so.

It is generally not possible to withdraw more than a certain amount from most stores. Taking a trip to the bank may be a better option if you require $500 in cash for next weekend’s road trip.

In order to obtain a smaller amount of cash, please visit:

  • Albertsons
  • Aldi
  • Food Lion
  • Giant Eagle
  • Hannaford
  • Kroger
  • Meijer
  • Publix
  • Save Mart
  • Safeway
  • ShopRite
  • Trader Joe’s
  • Whole Foods
  • Winn-Dixie

Stations That Provide Cash Back on Gas

There are gas stations on nearly every corner, so if you’re running errands or taking a road trip, or need cash quickly, you can easily get it.

A gas station’s maximum withdrawal amount tends to be lower than at other locations. Depending on the location, caps can be as low as $10. Most of these companies do not charge a fee for cash back, so that is an advantage.

You may want to consider the following gas stations if you are looking for cashback:

  • 7-Eleven
  • Ampm
  • BP
  • Chevron
  • Circle K
  • Citgo
  • Conoco
  • ExxonMobil
  • Marathon
  • Phillips 66
  • Shell
  • Sunoco
  • Texaco
  • Valero

You should keep in mind that many gas stations are independently owned and operated, even if they are part of a franchise. It is important to note that policies may differ from store to store in this case. You should contact the facility in advance to find out what the fees and limits are.

You Can Obtain Cash at Department Stores By Using Your Debit Card

Several department stores offer fee-free cash back with debit cards in addition to grocery stores and gas stations.

Among the many options are department stores such as Costco, Target, Walmart, and many more. It is usually necessary to meet a minimum purchase requirement. You may be able to pay for a small, inexpensive item with your debit card in some circumstances.

It is usually possible to find cash at the following locations:

  • Costco
  • Kmart
  • Target
  • Walmart
  • Walgreens
  • Rite Aid
  • CVS
  • Staples

It is important to note that not all merchants will process these requests at the register. If you need assistance, you may need to visit the customer service desk.

Using An ATM To Withdraw Cash

The easiest way to obtain cash with a debit card is to visit the ATM at your bank. By doing so, you are able to avoid paying ATM fees when you use an ATM outside of your network. There are fees associated with these ATM withdrawals, so it is always a good idea to use the ATM at your bank, even if it is not the closest one.

Depending on your bank, you may be eligible for fee reimbursement. The fee you incur if you cannot use the ATM at your bank will be automatically refunded if you cannot use the ATM at your bank.

Surcharge-free ATMs are widely available throughout the country, and banks and credit unions typically participate in a card network so that you can access them.

The following are some of the major ATM networks:

  • Star
  • MoneyPass
  • Allpoint
  • Pulse Select
  • Alliance One
  • TransFund
  • CO-OP (for credit unions)

If you maintain an account with a credit union, you may be able to access almost 30,000 ATMs for free as part of the CO-OP network. Your bank’s ATM locator can also be accessed through their mobile app if you are seeking fee-free ATMs.

The Difference Between Cash Back and Cash Withdrawal

“Cashback” can refer to both receiving cash from a store while you are shopping in-person as well as earning cashback by using an app linked to your debit card.

In the event that a cashier asks, “Do you want cash back?” while you are checking out, they are asking if you would like to receive physical currency.

Additionally, there are apps that offer cash back, which is a percentage of the total purchase you can earn when your debit card is linked to them.

The Places Where You Cannot Receive Cash Back

When you use your debit card to request cash back, it is a simple process, however, there are some places where you cannot obtain cash back, such as:

  • The majority of clothing stores
  • Stores that sell home goods
  • Stores that sell home furnishings

There are a number of places that do not allow you to withdraw cash with your debit card. If you are shopping for a new suit, a lamp, or a sofa, you may have to go elsewhere to withdraw cash.

What Are the Pros And Cons Of Getting Cash Back From A Debit Card?

When you use your debit card to make purchases, you get cash back, which is an added benefit. However, before you fall into the habit of using your debit card for all your purchases, take the time to consider the following points.

Pros:

  • Easy
  • Instant
  • Small to no fees
  • Saves you a trip to the bank or another ATM

Cons:

  • To access cash back, you must make a purchase
  • Minimum purchase amounts may apply
  • There are some merchants who charge fees
  • Withdrawal limitations

Apps That Offer Cash Back When You Use Your Debit Card

When you link these apps to your debit card, you will not only be able to earn cash back but also a percentage back on purchases.

Dosh

With Dosh, you can earn cash back in-store when you shop, and you can find the app on the App Store or the Google Play Store. If you shop in-store with one of the following retailers, you can earn cash back on your purchases:

  • Walmart
  • Cost Plus World Market
  • Sephora
  • Finish Line

It may even be possible for you to earn cash back through nearby restaurants and hotels around the world. When you have earned cash back through Dosh, you can transfer it to your bank account, Venmo account, or PayPal account once you have earned it. For you to be able to withdraw your cashback, you must have at least $25 in cashback.

Rakuten

The majority of people know about Rakuten as a browser extension, but it can also be synced to your debit card so that you can earn cash back when you shop.

The following is a description of how the process works. As soon as you create an account online, you can click on the “in-store cash back” section that appears. Upon clicking on the link, you will see a list of various in-store cashback offers, including:

  • H&M
  • Athleta
  • Levi’s
  • Gap
  • Finish Line
  • Under Armour

The browser extension of Rakuten will also alert you when there is a deal or a savings opportunity online when you are shopping.

Discount Shoes Online

Discount Shoes Online
Discount Shoes Online

Many people never kept up with the most recent trends in clothing. So as to have anything on their feet, they are content to purchase bargain shoes online or the cheapest brands from large box retailers.

But more often than they’d care to admit, they all end up spending more money on those shoes over time. The ballerina flats irritate the heels of many, the sandals offer no support, and the sneakers break down after only a few weeks of wear. They then have to purchase them again.

You’ll find that nice shoes may be purchased at a reasonable price. Numerous inexpensive online shoe shops and money-saving tips make expensive shoes affordable.

Here are some steps you should follow to successfully purchase discount shoes online:

  • Get your feet measured
  • Get to know your shoe size
  • Keep your budget in mind
  • Research the shoes you’re buying
  • Choose a trusted shop

It does not appear too complicated when it is presented in this manner, does it? Purchasing discount shoes online for the first time may take you a good half hour, but with each subsequent purchase, the process will become more efficient. In the end, what is a half hour in comparison to getting it right the first time? So, take your time and do it right.

The Best Online Stores for Discount Shoes

If you are looking for the best discount shoes online to meet all your footwear needs, here are the best places to find them.

Amazon

It is a well-known fact that many people go straight to Amazon to find the best price on anything and everything, including shoes. There is a wide range of major and new brands that you can find as well as Amazon’s own highly-rated products which are available at low prices.

Buying cheap shoes on Amazon is one of the best parts of doing business with them because you get free shipping on qualifying listings. With Amazon, you can get free shipping on orders of $25 or more, and Prime members get two-day free shipping on all orders.

ThredUP

In addition to being better for your wallet, shopping secondhand is better for the environment as well. The ThredUP website is one of the most popular resale marketplaces for fashion items, and it is a great place to find discount shoes online at a great price.

The site states that there are more than 35,000 brands of women’s and kids’ clothing and over 50,000 pairs of shoes on sale through ThredUP.

As ThredUP is quite picky about the shoes it buys, it is usually in like-new condition or in very good condition when it buys them.

There is free shipping starting at $79, and you can return your item for a full refund if you choose to use the store credit option within 14 days after purchase. In order to keep up with ThredUP’s sales and promo codes, you will need to subscribe to its email list.

Tradesy

Tradesy is an online marketplace where you can find a wide variety of luxury brands like Christian Louboutin, Tory Burch, and Gucci at significant discounts. There is a peer-to-peer marketplace called Tradesy that focuses solely on women’s designer brands for resale.

As with thredUP, Tradesy also sells secondhand shoes, but unlike thredUP, you are buying directly from someone who owns the shoe. As a result, the shoe’s condition and authenticity have not been checked by Tradesy before being sold.

If you have any questions regarding the pictures, please contact the seller so that they can provide you with more information.

Zappos

In the beginning, Zappos was a small online shoe retailer. In twenty years, the company has become a go-to place for men’s shoes, women’s shoes, and kids’ shoes and is owned by Amazon.

According to its users, what sets Zappos apart from other online shoe stores is the number of customer reviews they have. In addition, there are reviews on the shoe, including its truth-to-size, width, and arch support, which can help you make up your mind.

Zappos has been around for such a long time that it has more reviews on its shoes than any other site that sells shoes.

The sale section of the website is a great place to find the best deals, and if you sign up for the free Zappos Rewards program you will be able to get free expedited shipping and early access to sales and special events.

6pm

In addition to offering closeout, discontinued, and discounted items at low prices, 6pm is also the outlet division of Zappos. Stock runs out quickly, so if you see a deal you like, you should take advantage of it as soon as possible.

In order to keep the retail price as low as possible, it is possible to find the same shoe in a variety of colors at different prices due to the limited inventory.

There are also some times when the site offers free shipping promotions in addition to its already low prices. Follow 6pm on social media and sign up for daily emails to receive coupons in your inbox every day.

Zulily

There are a lot of cheap online shoe stores out there, but Zulily is one of the best. This site sells name-brand shoes at rock-bottom prices online, but only for a short period of time.

Zulily, after a sale ends at another store, places an order on its excess stock and sells it for up to 70% off its original price within 24 to 72 hours from when the sale ends at the other store.

The sale updates every morning at 6 am PST, and you will be able to preview the sale up to a day in advance.

Due to the fact that Zulily sells stock from retailers eight to ten days before receiving the shipment, it may take a while for your order to arrive. In order to find out when a brand is on sale in advance, sign up for emails from the brand and “heart” it so that you know when it will be available.

Onlineshoes.com

As one of the best places to find discount shoes online, Onlineshoes.com certainly ranks as one of the best because it offers a variety of men’s, women’s, and kids’ shoes. In comparison with other stores on the list, the prices are higher, but shipping is free of charge on all orders and returns.

If you sign up for OnlineShoes’ email list and follow them on social media, you will be able to receive information on sales and discounts as they happen.

Foot Locker

Although Foot Locker is not inherently a discount shoe store, they do have a great selection of clearance athletic shoes and sandals. You can also find current promo codes on the coupon page of the site.

By joining Foot Locker’s free VIP Program, you will be able to save extra money at the store. You will get $10 off your first purchase of $50 or more, early access to sales, and a birthday discount.

Overstock.com

Overstock.com offers a wide selection of clothes and shoes. Several items are on sale in the Sales & Deals section, and many of these items are 20% or more off their retail prices. You can add a 12% off coupon to your Overstock account when you join their email list.

Become a member of Overstock’s loyalty program, Club O, if you’re a frequent shopper of Overstock.com, and you’ll be able to save even more when you shop there.

With a Club O membership, members get free shipping on everything, 5% rewards on every purchase, and a price match guarantee for certain competitors for only $19.95 per month after a 30-day free trial.

DSW

In addition to having stores throughout the country, Designer Shoe Warehouse also has a website where you can sometimes find better rates for shoes that are in-store.

Upon joining the free VIP Rewards program, you will receive free ground shipping on all purchases, a $5 reward on your birthday, and a $5 reward for every $100 you spend.

Shoes.com

As an online shoe store owned by Walmart, Shoes.com offers some of the lowest prices in the industry. It offers free shipping on over one million products with no minimum purchase requirement. You should pay close attention to the sale section, however, if you are looking for the best deals.

Subscribing to Shoes.com’s emails, following them on social media, or visiting their coupon page will provide information on current sales and discounts.

It is free to join Shoes.com’s Shoefan Rewards program, and you will receive 100 points just for signing up. You will receive a discount of $5 on your next purchase.

Famous Footwear

There are several brick-and-mortar stores operated by Famous Footwear, but they also offer an impressive selection of shoes online. You can find great deals on name-brand shoes in Famous Footwear’s Clearance section if you are looking for athletic or casual footwear.

Those who sign up for its Famously You Rewards program are entitled to free shipping with no minimum purchase requirement, a $5 reward on your birthday, and a $5 reward for every $100 spent.

Spending $200 or more in a year will result in double rewards on your birthday. Additionally, for every dollar spent during your birthday month, your rewards will be multiplied by two.

Zumiez

Zumiez is the go-to retailer for skate and snowboarding fashion brands if you are searching for alternative styles. There are closeout prices available on customer returns and discontinued items in Zumiez’s outlet section, sometimes up to 50% off the regular price.

Lucky Feet Shoes

Lucky Feet Shoes specializes in comfortable shoes for people suffering from foot pain. There are a number of affordable walking shoes available, as well as custom orthotics, arch supports, and more.

Lucky Feet Shoes offers free shipping on orders over $100, and if you find the shoes more inexpensive elsewhere, we will match the price.

You can join the Lucky Feet Shoes Rewards Program for free and take advantage of a variety of savings opportunities. Refer a friend and you will earn a $10 credit, review the company on Yelp for $5, and receive a $10 credit on your birthday every year.

Shoe Carnival

There are more than twenty different coupons and discounts available at Shoe Carnival at any given time, as well as exclusive discounts available online. By joining its email list, you will receive a discount of $10 off your purchase of $59.98.

With the Shoe Perks Rewards program, you will receive $10 for every $200 you spend, $5 for your birthday month, and special deals not available to the general public.

If you choose in-store pickup or an order over $75, shipping is free. Each day, The Daily Deal offers a 24-hour deal on a different pair of shoes.

Boost Your Shoe Discounts

If you are looking for discount shoes online, you are taking the right first step, but you still need to do some extra work to save money regardless of where you shop.

Check out the best shopping apps here, and the hacks below, to maximize your savings before heading to the best online shoe stores.

Make use of cashback apps

Signing up for cashback apps is an easy way to save up to 8% off your shoe purchase. Rakuten is one of the most well-known apps.

More than 2,500 retailers partner with Rakuten, and the company receives a commission for each referral. It passes a portion of the commission it receives from your favorite stores to you when you shop using Rakuten’s website or Chrome extension.

If you register before you begin shopping, you will receive $10 back on your first purchase of $25 or more at one of its partner stores.

You can purchase discounted gift cards online

If you have already decided where you wish to purchase your shoes, consider purchasing a discounted gift card from that retailer in order to maximize your savings.

Reselling websites for gift cards, such as Raise, purchase unwanted gift cards and resell them at a discount. You can purchase gift cards from brands such as Ann Taylor, New Balance, Adidas, and Reebok for up to 15% off. For purchases made at Raise, Rakuten also offers cashback.

Get rid of your old shoes

Selling your shoes to make room for new kicks is a great idea if you don’t have room in your shoe closet or you are unable to justify buying another pair.

There are several online stores where you can sell shoes, including Tradesy and Poshmark. You will need to work on your end to communicate with buyers and negotiate with them. If you prefer a hands-off experience, order a Clean Out Kit through ThredUP and receive cash or store credit for items accepted.

Compare prices

You are not limited to shopping at the Nike store or at Nike.com just because you love Nike. The advantage of buying shoes online is that you can compare prices on the same shoe from a variety of different online shoe stores.

The first thing you should do is conduct a quick search on Google for the shoe you are seeking. There are a variety of shoes to choose from at the stores on this list if you have not yet made a decision on a shoe.

How To Make Money as A Freelance Writer

How To Make Money as A Freelance Writer
How To Make Money as A Freelance Writer

As a freelance writer, you need to do more than negotiate rates to make more money. If you discover the secrets of how to make money as a freelance writer, you will be able to gain an advantage over other aspiring writers.

You can earn 40% more per hour if you follow these steps that one writer used to earn more money as a freelancer.

Get familiar with web writing

Some of the most significant demand for writers comes from content marketing and online publishing. Besides writing blog posts and social media posts, businesses need writers for e-books, e-mail marketing, and landing pages as well.

For a much higher chance of landing gigs, if you’re a creative writer or a journalist, learn how to write for online platforms, including search engine optimization (SEO) and social media.

Establish a niche

Writing about personal finance, a highly sought-after niche has been a big part of my success in gathering clients quickly. After working full-time for five years in the field, I gained expertise in complex topics.

At first, I wasn’t interested in narrowing down my topics because I enjoy writing about so many different things. Leveraging my greatest expertise as a “personal finance writer” helps me attract clients looking for that expertise. In addition, it helps my network think of me as a referral source.

Writing opportunities always seem to be available in the lucrative niches of finance, health, and law. Each of them deals with complex topics that have a significant impact on readers’ lives, so writers and editors should have a thorough understanding of them.

A certification, such as a Certified Financial Planner™ or CPA, would add authority and boost your value as a niche writer. In order to write about the law in a blog, one needs a law degree or education, as well as experience in writing about law.

Make yourself referable

Over the years, I have developed strong relationships with editors and fellow writers through full-time jobs and freelance side gigs.

The ability to network has never been one of my strong suits. Instead, I built relationships through my work – I turned in clean copy, met deadlines, and suggested great ideas. I was often referred to clients and given opportunities by friends and colleagues who knew I was available.

You need to put your full effort behind your work, no matter what you’re getting paid for it now. When you show up and do a great job, you will start getting referrals, so you can eventually be picky and feel comfortable negotiating higher prices.

Adapt your rates to the market

There is a lot to consider when setting freelance rates. Based on what I had learned from colleagues and freelance writers I’d worked with as an editor, I set my initial target somewhat arbitrarily. There were a few prospects who weren’t able to match it, so I turned down their offers.

After that, I received an offer from a site I knew I would enjoy writing for. To all freelancers, a set per-word rate was offered – half my target rate. The advantage was that there were endless opportunities for assignments, so I wouldn’t have to spend as much time pitching and seeking new opportunities.

An abundance of work could make a low rate more lucrative than a high rate for one-off or sporadic assignments you have to spend unpaid time securing. Don’t turn down good opportunities just because they do not meet your standards. Include that difference in your rates.

Don’t work by the hour, but by the earnings

As a freelancer, you have a few options for planning your day:

  • Organize your time so you can work from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (or whatever hours work for you). If you’re in the middle of a project, stop at quitting time, and resume the following day.
  • Make a to-do list for the day, and complete everything on it.
  • Define your earnings by an average amount per day, and work until you reach that amount.

Based on earnings, I plan my days to earn the most and consistently increase my earnings without increasing my workload or hours.

I’ve found that aiming for a dollar amount each day helps me prioritize work and helps me recognize when I need to rebalance my workload by dropping overburdened clients and reaching out to new ones.

You need to do some math

In my third month back at freelancing, this was the most important step I took to boost my income by 70%. Initially, I worked 20 hours a week on content management, and I worked on a few writing assignments to fill the rest of my time.

I quickly noticed that writing had a much better return on investment once I tracked the hours spent on each project.

Know your effective hourly rate by tracking the time you spend on each project. Your time and money will be split between projects that make you money and those that drain you.

A good rule of thumb is to double your full-time hourly rate when setting a target rate. A full-time job would pay about $24 per hour if you’re aiming for an annual salary of $50,000. You should aim to earn about $48 per hour as a freelancer.

Freelancers have to aim for more since they don’t get paid for every hour they work. In addition to writing pitches, researching publications, searching job boards, writing proposals, networking, and meeting with prospects, you spend countless hours working on non-billable tasks.

Unless you have a spouse who can provide health insurance, self-employed people also have to pay higher taxes and buy their own health insurance.

Don’t waste your time with time-sucking clients

In realizing that I could earn more money writing rather than managing content, I terminated a client who had demanded a great deal of my time.

I increased my hourly rate by about 40% when I filled that time with other clients. As a result, I was able to earn more money and work fewer hours. Though I was hesitant to lose that client, who promised me as much work as I wanted, I knew I could put my time to better use.

If you’re doing inefficient work, you’re wasting your time and could be doing more lucrative work. Don’t be afraid to drop clients when you find better employment.

Make note of clients who waste your time with nonbillable work – those who require complicated invoicing, email you at odd hours, micromanage every assignment, or expect several rounds of revision. If you are calculating your hourly rate for a client’s project, be sure you take into account the extra time you spend on that client’s project.

Pitching isn’t enough

It was my biggest mistake to think pitching was the only way to get work during my first stint as a freelancer.

New writers can get assignments at high-end magazines or newspapers or blogs by pitching one-off pitches. While writing is a lucrative profession, it is also a laborious one.

Search for clients who want a long-term relationship and offer ongoing writing work. It is popular for small businesses to operate this way, as are niche sites that require specialized knowledge, such as finance, health, and law blogs.

Doing a great job on one-off assignments can turn them into ongoing gigs.

A follow-up pitch should be made after one successful assignment. Whenever you know an editor is impressed with your work, let them know you’re available for work. It’s not uncommon for websites to have a wish list of articles they’d like written, and they’re happy to pass them along once you have proven yourself reliable.

Find gigs in the right places

You may have relied on broker sites like Upwork and Textbroker to find places to write for money while you were a freelancer. Most clients on those sites are looking for the cheapest hire and aren’t as concerned with quality.

You have better chances of finding freelance work now that you have more experience:

  • Consider higher-quality job boards such as MediaBistro, JournalismJobs.com, or Mediagazer.
  • Link to your portfolio and “work with me” page from your social media profiles so clients can find you.
  • Become a member of a writer’s group such as Freelance Writers Den, Editorial Freelancers Association, or Society of Professional Journalists, which host vetted job boards.
  • Share your availability with colleagues who love your work, so they can send prospects your way. Don’t forget to return the favor when you can.
  • You can find quality opportunities to work as a freelance writer in freelance writer groups on Facebook, such as The Freelance Content Marketing Writer and The Write Life.

Make yourself more tech-savvy

If you’re easy to work with, clients will value you more – and if you’re tech-savvy, you won’t have to hold their hands through every new software update.

As a freelancer, you’ll encounter the following basic technology:

  • Use Google Hangouts or Zoom for video conferencing.
  • Asana and Trello are used for project management.
  • Using Microsoft Word and Google Docs for word processing and collaboration.
  • Small businesses can manage their content with WordPress (and Wix in some cases).

Sign up for writing newsletters

It’s easy to stay on top of writing gigs by subscribing to a newsletter for writers. Additionally, they are usually accompanied by tons of useful writing tips as well.

One of my favorite newsletters with unique writing gigs is:

 FundsforWriters by C. Hope Clark.

 Where to Pitch by Susan Shain.

Identify new clients and reach out to them

It’s easy to rely on job boards or Facebook posts to find new clients when you’re a new writer, but you can make more money by finding clients yourself.

Find startups in your field using sites like Crunchbase. Your emails should explain what you can do for them and how your writing can benefit their business.

Remind yourself to follow up within a few months with a quick check-in and a link to your latest article.

Regardless of whether you never hear back or get a lukewarm response, keeping in touch is crucial. It is impossible to predict when a company will be ready for freelance help. Several months or even a year could pass before we know.

Take your earning potential to the next level

It takes more than knowing how to negotiate higher rates to make more money as a freelance writer. Even if you never have had a discussion about money in your life, a little organization, strategy, and good work can give you a serious boost.

By focusing on a niche and demonstrating your quality and work ethic to colleagues, you will increase your value in the workplace. You should avoid low-cost job boards, and rather seek employment through industry groups, vetted listings, and referrals from your network.

Try to keep track of your work, even if it can be tedious at times. As a first step toward getting more out of your time, you must be able to determine how much your time is worth.

Sell Shoes Online

Sell Shoes Online
Sell Shoes Online

Your wardrobe can be decluttered or you just got a pair of shoes that aren’t right for you, but you can make some extra cash by selling them.

You could make at least $70 selling used wedding shoes while you could earn $212 selling authentic Nike Air.

Obviously, the more shoes you sell, the more profit you will make.

How to Sell Your Shoes Online Fast?

On local marketplaces and online, new and gently used shoes have a huge market. You can always make a quick buck by reselling new pairs of shoes or even by selling used pairs if you’re looking for new side hustle ideas.

Even though listing your shoes on online marketplaces is simple and fast, there is no guarantee that you will sell them.  Knowing which site gives you the best chance of finding buyers, getting the best price, and having a positive selling experience is the key.

Check out our list of places where you can sell shoes and earn money.

Flyp

Through Flyp, you’re connected with a professional seller, or “Pro Seller”, who takes care of everything for you, so you don’t have to worry about anything.

On Flyp, Pro Sellers sell on commission, and they will pay you as each item is sold. Career sellers will also be more likely to get you top dollar because they take professional photos, know which apps to use for each brand and style, and know how to price things to maximize profits. Additionally, they handle customer service and shipping.

Additionally, Flyp offers a robust protection policy, so you can rest assured that your items are in good hands. In the event that your item doesn’t sell within 90 days, you can donate it, ask for it back for free, reduce the fees, or sell it outright for a lower price.

The RealReal

Michael Kors, Chanel, Gucci, and Calvin Klein are among the brands available at The RealReal.

With this platform, you can consign in three ways:

  • You can schedule a free in-home pickup if it is available in your area.
  • With a free prepaid label, you can ship your items to The RealReal
  • To drop off your goods and receive a free valuation, visit a Luxury Consignment Office in person
  • Make an appointment for virtual consignment

A team of 90+ experts authenticates, photographs, prices, and sells your items. You will receive a payment depending on the amount of sales you make in any given month. However, you can expect a payout of between 50% and 55% of the sale price you make.

It is possible to cash out via direct deposit or check. Besides that, you have the option of receiving earnings as site credit and earning an additional 5%.

ThredUP

It’s easy to sell shoes, clothing, and accessories online with ThredUP.

On thredUP’s website, you can order a free “Clean Out Bag” to sell your items. Depending on where you live, it may take several days for the bag to arrive. Your shoes and other items should be placed in the bag and sent via FedEx or USPS once you receive it.

Your items will be inspected by ThredUP before they are listed. According to the site, fewer than 40% of the items in the average Clean Out Bag are accepted. To increase your chances, make sure your items are clean, name-brand, less than five years old, and in excellent condition. It is unlikely that your shoes will be accepted if they have been heavily worn.

ThredUP will pay you immediately after they go through processing if your items are in high demand. Depending on whether or not your items are in the luxury category or if it predicts that your shoes will take longer to sell, you will be paid upon sale or on consignment.

There will be a 60-day listing period for items from “value or mall brands” such as Target, Forever 21, and Gap, compared to a 90-day listing period for premium and designer brands like J. Crew, Prada, and Gucci.

You can choose whether to withdraw the money to your bank account using Stripe, transfer the money to your PayPal account, or accept ThredUP shopping credit as payment. As soon as the return window of 14 days is over, you can cash out.

Poshmark

You can list and sell your used shoes fast with Poshmark’s free app and website. Listing items for sale on the site takes less than 30 seconds, according to the site.

Fashionable clothes, shoes, and accessories are the focus of this app. I have good news for you: this is a great place to sell your old Prada boots or Nike sneakers. You might not be able to sell your non-name brand items as well as your name brand items.

The easiest way to sell your shoes on Poshmark is to snap a photo, add a description, and set a price. A prepaid, pre-addressed shipping label will be sent to you once your item sells on Poshmark. You can then drop your package off at any USPS mailbox.

Whenever you make a sale on Poshmark, you’ll have to pay a fee – $2.95 for sales under $15 and 20% for those over $15. Poshmark will credit your account within three days of the buyer receiving your package, unless there are any issues.

The earnings can be withdrawn by direct deposit into your bank account or mailed to you as a check.

Tradesy

Tradesy specializes in authentic, designer fashion. With an estimated listing time of 60 seconds or less, this luxury fashion site makes it easy to sell shoes online.

Upon selling an item, Tradesy sends you a pre-packaged shipping kit with branded packaging. If your items are returned, you keep your money. And this is one of the best features of this site. Every aspect of the transaction is handled by Tradesy.

When an item sells for less than $50, Tradesy keeps a commission of $7.50, and when it sells for more than $50, they keep a flat commission of 19.8%. Your earnings on your account will be available for your next Tradsey shopping spree. To transfer your earnings to a PayPal account, debit card, or checking account, a 2.9% fee will apply.

Your payment may be held by Tradesy for up to 21 days after the sale has been completed.

Grailed

The website Grailed specializes in men’s clothing and shoes.

A total of four distinct markets are covered on this site:

  • Grailed: items of utmost quality that are coveted by the fashion world (Rick Owens, Saint Laurent, etc.)
  • Hype: the newest streetwear releases (Supreme, Air Jordans, Yeezy, etc.)
  • Sartorial: men’s classic high-end apparel (Alden, Tom Ford, etc.)
  • Core: popular brands and vintage clothing

Connect your Grailed account with your PayPal account after you have created an account and followed the instructions. Feel free to upload photos of your product as well as additional information.

Grailed will list your item on both your seller page and the appropriate market section. As soon as someone asks a question or makes an offer, you’ll be notified.

Upon receiving a buyer’s purchase, you’ll receive the money via PayPal, minus 6% Grailed commission and PayPal fees, which are 2.9% plus $0.30 for domestic sales or 4.4% plus $0.30 for international sales.

Your responsibility is to ship the item and upload the information to Grailed and PayPal. After the buyer has purchased the item, you can print the label directly through PayPal.

Heroine

Heroine is a sister site to Grailed, but its merchandise is focused on women’s clothing and accessories. When you have a collection of high-end and name-brand women’s shoes and clothing, Heroine may be of interest to you.

Including commissions and fees, the selling process is similar to Grailed. As long as you have an account with Grailed, you can use your login credentials to log into Heroine and vice versa if you have a Grailed account.

Kixify

Similarly, Kixify is another free site that allows you to list shoes on their website for sale. Sneakers for both casual and serious collectors are available on the website.

Kixify requires that you set up a storefront before you can sell sneakers for cash. You can create your store for free, and there are no setup or listing fees. The seller will be charged an 8% commission fee once your item sells.

Your earnings will be deposited directly into your PayPal account, since Kixify uses PayPal to process transactions. It’s your responsibility to set your own shipping, returns, exchanges, and other policies as a store owner.

You can enjoy this flexibility, but if you want to get cash for your sneakers quickly, it can be overwhelming.

buyMYheels

BuyMYheels is a great marketplace for getting rid of designer heels.

You can sell your name-brand shoes on this site worldwide. You will be required to pay an advertising fee of £5, which equates to approximately $6.50 in US dollars, but there are no commissions.

It’s important to know that there are strict rules for selling non-name-brand shoes on the site. This list includes several sites that may be better suited to your needs if you’re not sure of the authenticity of the items you’re selling.

Although the interface on this site is old and outdated, you can still sell your unwanted shoes here.

Mercari

A comprehensive app like Mercari allows you to do more than just sell shoes. The range of products you can sell includes clothes, electronics, and children’s toys.

There are no listing fees at Mercari, but a flat commission of 10% is charged on all sales.

Start by downloading the app, taking a few photos, adding a detailed description, and setting a price. A buyer can “favorite” your items or share them on social media.

Upon the sale of your shoes, you have the option of using a prepaid shipping label or shipping yourself. If you decide to handle your own shipping, you’ll need to ensure the package has a tracking number. According to Mercari, its labels are 30% cheaper than retail shipping costs.

In order to be paid, your buyer must provide a review within three days of receiving the item. If they don’t submit a review within three days, Mercari will give you a rating and pay you.

Earnings can be used on the app or withdrawn via direct deposit. Direct deposit requests less than $10, however, are subject to a $2 fee. There is also an option to receive payment through your debit card, but this comes with a $2 fee.

eBay

eBay is a great place to sell shoes and other clothing online because of its popularity and worldwide user base.

One thing to keep in mind is that eBay has higher listing and selling fees than other sites on this list. Make sure you account for shipping costs and other related fees when setting your prices, including commissions.

It is easy to sell shoes on eBay for money due to its reach and size, but keep in mind that convenience may come at the expense of profit. It’s likely that you’ll have more buyers on eBay if you’re selling a rare pair of shoes compared to niche sites.

GOAT

Shoe resale website GOAT focuses on sneaker resale. Selling Jordans or Yeezys on GOAT could be a good idea if you have a pair. An application must be filled out and manually approved. If you submit an application, it may take a few days for it to be approved.

Create a listing by searching for the item’s SKU number (found on the original shoe box or inside the shoe), choosing a price, describing its condition, and uploading the photos.

There is a little confusion about the commission fee schedule for GOAT. There is a rating system for sellers, and any seller with problems has to pay a higher fee. Sellers who are in good standing will pay a 9.5% commission fee, along with a special seller fee.

You will be charged a seller fee based on your location. US sellers will pay $5, while international sellers will pay more.

A prepaid shipping label will be sent to you once the shoes sell. You can receive the payout via PayPal or direct deposit once the item has been authenticated. Both come with a 2.9% fee.

StockX

Sneakers and streetwear are the main focus of StockX. There are some differences in its process. Items are listed for sale or auctioned by sellers. Following that, the item is sent to Stockx, which authenticates all items before passing them on.

A 3% payment processing fee and a seller fee will be charged to every seller. The amount of seller fees you pay depends on the number of sales you’ve made. StockX charges a 9.5% fee if you have no history with it.

The fee goes down to 8.5% if you make 30 sales with $10,000 worth of items sold. Funds can be deposited directly into your bank account or received via PayPal.

OfferUp

A similar app to Craigslist that allows you to sell shoes for cash. You can use OfferUp to sell anything in your house, not just clothes, accessories, and shoes.

It is also possible to ship items to buyers across the country. OfferUp provides sellers with a prepaid shipping label, and buyers pay for shipping. Shipped items also require a commission fee from OfferUp, which is a minimum of $1.99 or 12.9% of the final price.

With OfferUp, you can connect your Facebook account and buyers can message you directly from the app, making coordination easy. In addition, you can check the rating of a buyer before doing business with them.

According to OfferUp, listing an item only takes 30 seconds.

VarageSale

With VarageSale, you can sell your used shoes and other items like at a virtual garage sale. As of today, the service is currently available in all 50 states in the US as well as parts of Canada.

A VarageSale user is manually vetted prior to either buying or selling, unlike Craigslist or LetGo. It will require that you connect your Facebook account before you are approved. Users are more likely to be authenticated thanks to the additional security measures.

All sales are negotiated between buyers and sellers, and no listing fees or commissions are charged.

5Miles

Among the interesting features of 5Miles is the ability for users to rate other users based on their experience. Additionally, 5Miles uses both Facebook and phone verification so you’re dealing with real people, not scammers.

In some ways, the site is similar to Craigslist, but with the look and feel of Pinterest. Because of that your website will look better and will be easier for users, but it will also be more attractive to potential buyers if you include some high-quality images.

Currently, 5Miles is available only in select areas, which is one of its downsides. In that case, you would probably do better with one of the other apps on this list.

Craigslist

Craigslist has been around for years, and it’s still an excellent option for buying and selling used shoes and almost anything else locally.

There are downsides, including the lack of vetting and security features. It is possible to find scammers on Craigslist, as well as flaky buyers.

Etsy

On Etsy, you can buy handmade and vintage items, such as shoes, clothing, and accessories. People looking for unique or different clothing items rather than popular brands are targeted by this site.

In order to sell your designs, you will need to set up a storefront on your website, which is a simple and quick process. Afterwards, you can list items for sale. You should have high-quality pictures and detailed descriptions to entice customers. Additionally, you can offer coupons, special offers, and sale pricing to those who “favorite” your shop.

Your items will have greater exposure on Etsy since 45 million buyers use the platform worldwide. The listing fee for each item is $0.20, and the transaction fee is 5%. Payment processing fees are also included.

Storenvy

For indie clothing brands, Storenvy is a popular platform.

Storenvy’s marketplace allows you to sell your products to millions of shoppers who like (or “envy”) them. Search results, the trending feed, and category pages will show up more often if your store receives more envies.

“Watching” your store allows shoppers to be notified when new products are added. It is possible for businesses that receive the most activity to be featured. Storenvy is a great tool to help you sell your shore designs online, especially if you are just starting out and don’t yet have a large following.

The free version of Storenvy is available, but there are also two paid tiers that offer more features to the sellers as well. In the case of marketplace sales, Storenvy keeps 15% of what you make.

It is possible to create your own store within the marketplace if you already have a business or online presence. This will allow you to match your existing brand to the store. Your custom store can even be connected to your own domain name with Storenvy.

Zazzle

Joining Zazzle is easy and free.

With Zazzle, you don’t need to worry about printing or shipping. Among the products you can sell are custom shoes, T-shirts, kids’ clothes, and totes.

Start by creating a Zazzle account, uploading your designs, and choosing the products you want to sell. Nevertheless, you still need to resize and refine your design. However, you are free to set your own prices.

Zazzle sets the base rate for each product, and you determine the retail price by setting your own commission between 5% and 99%.

Conclusion

When it comes to selling shoes online, list your items on multiple sites. People will be more likely to notice your shoes if you list them in more places. The result will be faster sales and more profits in the long run.

Rather than selecting one site, experiment with a few and find out where your target market shops.

The second thing you should do is make sure that your pictures are clear and accurate. There is nothing worse than buying a pair of brand new boots only to discover several major scuff marks on them. A poor review or a return due to the shoes not living up to the profile picture is what you don’t want.

Rakuten Review

Rakuten Review
Rakuten Review

Online shopping is preferred by 60% of millennials since it allows them to avoid the hassle of going to a physical store and shop whenever they want. If something doesn’t fit or looks different, you can return it without a problem since most stores have generous return policies.

It would seem a tedious waste of time to drive to the store, find parking, wait for assistance, and then wait in line.

Furthermore, with online shopping, you are able to save on so many other things as well. Hence, staying at home ensures that you save both time and money by not going out.

Rakuten: What Does It Do?

As an online and app-based service, Rakuten gives people cash back at the time of making a purchase when they use a Rakuten link to complete the purchase. Previously known as Ebates, Rakuten’s main goal is to help consumers save money on everything they buy by saving them money on things they already buy.

Besides offering a list of which stores are offering special deals to customers, Rakuten also provides the option to find out which stores offer free shipping, buy one get one free, or free gifts when making a purchase. It is possible for new users to earn $10 just by signing up for Rakuten and if they refer someone who signs up for Rakuten and uses it, they can earn $25.

Trustpilot has given them a 4 out of 5-star rating and the Better Business Bureau has given them an A- rating. Users say that Rakuten has a wide variety of ways to earn cash back, good customer service, and easy-to-use apps and extensions that make it easy for users to get cash back. Some of the most common complaints are that Rakuten fails to credit accounts with cash back and that it blocks individual access to their accounts. 

What Is the Safety of Rakuten?

So far, Rakuten’s website has proven to be safe, but you should be aware that Rakuten places cookies on your computer that track your habits and decisions. You can earn cash-back rewards from Rakuten by using these cookies at the companies you shop at. Similarly to grocery store rewards programs and apps that keep track of your spending, Rakuten tracks your online shopping habits and may share them with its partners.

No matter whether you must link a credit card to your account, the information you submit to Rakuten is encrypted and secure.

What Are the Workings of Rakuten?

Due to its great deals and ease of use, Rakuten has become extremely popular.

You can get the most out of Rakuten if you combine it with a credit card that gives you cash back or rewards when you shop at your favorite stores when you use that card. It is possible, for example, to combine an Amazon cash-back card with a Rakuten cash-back card if your Amazon card offers 1% cash back on its purchases.

The good news is that Rakuten still offers cash back even if you do not have a credit card. As well as using Rakuten for online shopping, you can also use it for in-store purchases. Under “In-Store Cash Back,” you can find a list of these offers on the website or through the app.

A button that links you to Rakuten

You can use this service most easily by clicking the Rakuten button. You install it for Google Chrome as a browser extension. The extension will display a pop-up in the right-hand corner of your screen when you visit a store with a cash-back offer.

The Rakuten browser extension, for example, will automatically display a message on Macy’s.com saying, “Activate 8% Cash Back.” This makes it easy to see which stores are offering cash back.

Rakuten will make every effort to direct you to a similar store that offers cash back if the store you go to does not offer it currently. As an example, when I visit Home Depot’s website, Rakuten displays a message informing me that there are no cash-back offers available. However, Ace, True Value, and Walmart do offer cash-back deals.

An app developed by Rakuten

Both iPhone and Android devices can be used with the Rakuten app. When shopping in-store, download the app so you can be able to check the offers on the go when you do a lot of in-store shopping. Due to the fact that you always have your phone with you, this is much easier than using coupons.

You can view available offers from retailers by clicking on them in the app. In addition to cash-back deals, sales, and discounts, you may also find cash-back deals online and in-store. As on the website, you will be able to search for stores or see the best deals that are currently available to you by using the search bar.

With Rakuten, You Can Earn in More Ways

Customers who prefer online shopping aren’t the only ones who use Rakuten. Even if your mom is tech averse and prefers to shop at brick-and-mortar stores, she can still save money by using Rakuten to make online purchases.

Reward points for in-store purchases

Additionally, Rakuten offers customers the opportunity to earn cash back on their in-store purchases. Alternatively, you can log into your Rakuten account by using the Rakuten app on an iPhone or Android device.

Choose from a variety of cash back offers by clicking the In-Store Cash Back Offers section. If you are interested in any of the offers, click on them and then link your credit card to them. It is recommended that you use this credit card while you are in the store.

If you shop at Macy’s, for example, you can receive a 1% cash-back offer from Rakuten as part of the cash-back offer. Using this offer, you’ll get 1% cash back on Macy’s purchases, minus any exceptions Rakuten may have, when you link it to your credit card and then go to Macy’s to make your purchases there.

Don’t be surprised if your Rakuten cash-back balance doesn’t change immediately after placing an order, as it can take a few hours or days for the order to be confirmed.

Visa Cash-Back Card from Rakuten

It is not uncommon for people to use their credit cards when shopping online, but they may not be aware that Rakuten also offers a credit card. We are pleased to offer you the official credit card of Rakuten, the Rakuten Cash-Back Visa® Card.

As a result of the basic Rakuten rewards being stacked with the Rakuten credit card, you are able to earn more cash back than you would have if you only used the former. The cash back you earn for Rakuten purchases is 3%, and the cash back you earn for all other purchases is 1%, and you are able to track both of these from your original cash-back portal.

As far as receiving your rewards is concerned, they will be sent either via PayPal or via a check mailed to you. The amount of cash back you can earn is limitless, so you can earn as much as you want. Besides being available on Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, the credit card can also be used on PayPal. It does not charge any annual fee, and it has a variable APR of 26.99% and there is no annual fee.

Cash back doubled during events

There is an offer called Double Cash Back that allows you to earn twice as much cash back at certain stores. This tab allows you to view a list of stores that are offering more than double their cash back amount when you click on it. You can use this site to find the best deal when you don’t have a specific store in mind and you’re looking for the best price.

Hot deals

Hot Deals for Rakuten customers include special discounts. The following are among them:

  • Customers can buy something online and pick it up in-store, which allows them to get it sooner than they would if they waited for the item to arrive.
  • In this section, you can find out which stores are offering free gifts with purchases.
  • The Rakuten website shows you how to qualify for free shipping at certain stores.
  • Gift Cards: You can earn cash back through Rakuten by buying gift cards through sites such as Raise.com or directly from the retailer.
  • Here are some popular retailers that offer Buy One, Get One Free deals.

Holidays and travel

In addition to cash back on basic purchases, Rakuten also offers cash back on travel-related purchases such as hotel reservations at Holiday Inn, IHG, and Choice Hotels. Discounts are also available on tourist attractions such as Busch Gardens and travel sites such as Booking.com and Expedia.

You can maximize your potential cash back if you use a travel rewards credit card in conjunction with Rakuten.

Earn more by referring others

You can earn $25 when your friends make their first purchase at Rakuten after you refer them. In addition to that, just by signing up, they’ll get $10 as well. If you would like to share this link online, by email, or on your social media pages, then you can do so.

If you don’t shop at Rakuten, you can get more rewards this way.

What Rakuten Has to Offer?

You can still shop at your favorite stores while saving money with Rakuten.

Simple to use

You can use Rakuten from anywhere, whether you’re browsing with a browser extension, using the app, or using the website. Because you don’t have to manually search for deals with the browser extension, it’s the easiest of the three.

Purchases you already make can earn you cash back

With Rakuten, you are able to save money on the stores you already shop at, which is the best part of using the service. In order to take advantage of Rakuten, you do not need to change your shopping habits in any way. There are many different stores where Rakuten offers cash-back deals, so users won’t need to spend a lot of time looking for the best deals.

Various shops to choose from in order to meet your needs

It is likely that you will find a cash-back offer at a store where you already shop, since Rakuten offers cash-back offers at more than 2,500 stores, including Target, Kohl’s, and Amazon. As well as everyday shopping, they also have luxury brands such as Rebecca Minkoff, Harvey Nichols, and Bumble and Bumble available on their website.

The Disadvantages of Rakuten

In spite of the fact that Rakuten is a useful plug-in, it has some drawbacks that may make some users wary of its use.

Quarterly checks are issued

It is true that a credit card may offer cash-back rewards to customers on a monthly basis, but Rakuten takes this process a bit longer. In order to receive rewards, you will have to wait until the end of every quarter. In the event you purchased something in January and you have not yet received a check in the mail or seen the money appear in your PayPal account, it may be a few months before you see the money.

Rakuten does not have a reputation for being slow at processing rewards, that is not the case. In order to explain this, it is due to the fact that companies that pay Rakuten an affiliate fee can take a while to send their payments to Rakuten. As an example, if you purchase something from a store, that store may then take up to two months to send the affiliate fee to Rakuten once you have made your purchase. The company has to verify the purchase and ensure that you have bought it legitimately before they can release the goods.

As of now, there are four quarterly schedules:

  • January 1-March 31: Payment sent May 15
  • April 1 – June 30: Payment sent on August 15
  • July 1 – September 30: The payment will be sent on November 15
  • October 1 – December 31: The payment will be sent on February 15

Rewards aren’t issued immediately, which can be frustrating to customers who are used to receiving them as soon as possible.

Rewards are earned by spending

You can only earn cash back at Rakuten when you spend money. Unlike survey sites like Swagbucks, Rakuten rewards you for spending money. People who are prone to overspending may be tempted to spend even more simply because they are earning rewards. 

Spending impulses may be encouraged

According to some studies, people who use credit cards spend more money. According to other experts, people may actually spend more money because they feel like they’re getting a great deal when they earn rewards.

Observe whether Rakuten encourages credit card debt, overspending, or impulse shopping if you suffer from these problems. If seeing that button pop up causes you to add something to your shopping cart, you may need to disable the browser extension.

Alternatives to Rakuten 

Saving money when shopping online isn’t limited to Rakuten. Using this app can be combined with other cash-back apps if you want to save even more money, or you can substitute it with some of its competitors if you want to save even more money.

CapitalOne Shopping Center

CapitalOne Shopping offers coupons and rewards through its app and browser extension.

CapitalOne Shopping searches the internet automatically when you’re shopping online with the browser extension installed. During checkout, you’ll see a pop-up if one is found. This offer can then be applied to your purchase to save you money.

A personalized watchlist, Amazon-specific features, and featured and local deals can also help you find low prices on items.

Honey

Honey provides discount codes, displays special sales, and provides cash-back offers for certain retailers. It’s not as comprehensive as Rakuten and their list of retailers changes often. They currently have only nine stores listed on their Offers page, versus thousands on the Rakuten website.

To be notified when a store has a promo code that you can use, Honey has a browser extension that you can download. Be aware that if you click on this browser extension, your Rakuten click may be invalidated.

Our Honey review provides more information about how it works.

RetailMeNot

RetailMeNot offers cash-back offers and discount coupons. You can visit RetailMeNot to see if Target has any promo codes if you know you’re going to buy something from them.

The RetailMeNot app and website are available for both iOS and Android, but it does not have a browser extension like Rakuten’s. Having to search manually for offers before you start shopping means that you will have to put in a lot of effort.

You can earn money both in-store and online by shopping at your favorite stores like Rakuten. 

Ibotta

Ibotta is primarily an app that saves you money on groceries. Ibotta is an app that allows you to browse coupons and offers, select those that you are interested in, and then download them to your Ibotta app. In the event that you have any eligible offers, you can redeem them after you have completed your shopping by scanning your receipt. In our review of Ibotta, you will find out more about how it works and how it can save you money. 

The Rakuten Review Verdict for 2022: It’s Worth It

The app and browser extension make using Rakuten simple. If you don’t disable the extension, there’s little chance you’ll forget to check if there is a cash-back offer on the site unless you disable it.

Rakuten allows you to deposit physical checks into your PayPal account, so you no longer have to deposit them physically. There is one downside to using Rakuten, and that is the fact that you may have to wait months for your payment for shopping you’ve already forgotten about.

The shopping process with Rakuten is seamless if you are a frequent online shopper. You can activate Rakuten’s in-store offers before heading out if you prefer to do your shopping in person. If you have the Rakuten app, you can activate these offers even while you are standing in line.

Make sure you are aware of your shopping habits when you are using Rakuten. Even though you earn 5% cash back, that doesn’t mean you’re saving money if you weren’t going to buy that item anyway.

Browser Extension for Easy Cash Back

In addition to giving cash back on everyday purchases, Rakuten (formerly Ebates) also offers free rewards. Shop at sites such as Amazon, Ray-Ban, Overstock, and Sephora, and you can earn up to 40% back on your purchases. By installing the browser extension, you will be able to receive cashback alerts when you shop on a partner site of Rakuten. In order for you to receive your Big Fat Check each quarter, you can have it mailed to you or deposited directly into your PayPal account.

Pros:

  • A free account can be created in a few minutes
  • You do not need to provide any personal information or use a credit card
  • You can earn rewards for purchases you have already made
  • For convenient alerts, install the browser extension
  • Refer a friend and earn a bonus

Cons:

  • It sometimes takes a while for rewards to appear
  • A quarter-by-quarter payout schedule is in place
  • If you return your items, your rewards will be voided