These Online Popular Side Hustles Are Wasting Your Time!

You've probably scoured the internet for side hustle ideas, only to find a mixed bag of outdated schemes and too-good-to-be-true promises. Fear not! Let's take a journey through some online money-making methods that have lost their luster and explore better alternatives.

1. Nature Videos: The Wilderness Isn't Paying Anymore

There was a time when filming a serene waterfall or a tranquil forest could earn you a decent chunk of change on YouTube. People loved these calming clips, and advertisers were happy to pay. It was like getting paid to go on vacation!

But then YouTube changed its tune. The platform now prioritizes original content and frowns upon repetitive nature footage that anyone with a smartphone and a hiking trail can produce. Unless you're capturing a grizzly bear performing Shakespeare, your nature videos might not bring home the bacon.

Make it Better: If you're an aspiring filmmaker, try adding a twist to your nature videos. Incorporate storytelling, educational content, or even comedy. Just remember, wrestling an alligator for views is generally frowned upon—and dangerous.

2. Blank Books: The Empty Promise

Selling blank journals on Amazon was once the golden ticket to passive income. Design a snazzy cover, upload to Amazon KDP, and watch the royalties roll in while you binge-watch your favorite show.

Enter the plot twist: Amazon now requires an ISBN (which isn't free) for low-content books like journals and diaries. The margins shrink faster than a wool sweater in hot water when you factor in the cost. Your dreams of becoming a blank book baron might just remain... well, blank.

Make it Better: Instead of empty pages, consider creating activity books, planners, or coloring books. These still qualify for free ISBNs on Amazon and offer real value to customers. Plus, who doesn't love a good coloring session?

3. Print-On-Demand Platforms: From Redbubble to Printify—The Bubble Has Burst

Print-on-demand sites like Redbubble and Printify were once the wild west of online merchandising. Slap a witty slogan on a T-shirt, and suddenly you're a fashion mogul without ever touching a sewing machine.

But hold onto your ironic trucker hats! The market is saturated, and these platforms have introduced fees that nibble away at your profits like a mouse in a cheese factory. With so many artists and designers, standing out is like finding a needle in a haystack while blindfolded.

Make it Better: Diversify your approach. Build your brand on multiple platforms, create unique and high-quality designs, and engage with your audience on social media. Or, start your own online store where you have full control over pricing and marketing. Just resist the urge to buy your own products in bulk—you only need so many mugs with your face on them.

4. AI-Generated Kids' Stories: No Happy Endings Here

The idea was enchanting: use AI to generate children's stories, pair them with cute animations, and upload them to YouTube. Kids would watch them on repeat, and you'd rake in the ad revenue.

But alas, YouTube's policies regarding children's content have tightened tighter than a drum. Due to regulations like COPPA, ads on kids' videos generate less revenue, and some features are disabled altogether. Your magnum opus might earn enough to buy a pack of gum—sugar-free.

Make it Better: If you're set on storytelling, aim your content at an older audience. Perhaps satirical takes on classic tales or educational content with a humorous twist.

5. Online Surveys: The Questionnaire Quagmire

Filling out online surveys seemed like the perfect way to earn money during commercial breaks. Share your opinion on everything from cereal brands to vacuum cleaners and get paid? Sign me up!

But after hours of clicking boxes and rating products, you realize you've earned enough to buy... half a latte. The time-to-money ratio is about as balanced as a unicycle on a tightrope.

Make it Better: Your opinions are valuable—to you. Instead, invest your time in learning a new skill or side hustle that offers a better return on investment. Unless you really enjoy pondering the merits of various toothpaste flavors.

6. Dropshipping: The Ship Has Sailed

Dropshipping promised the allure of running an online store without the hassle of inventory. You market the products, and the supplier does the heavy lifting. Easy peasy, right?

Not exactly. With fierce competition, slim margins, and the occasional supplier mishap, dropshipping can become a customer service nightmare. Plus, dealing with returns on products you've never seen is about as fun as a root canal.

Make it Better: If e-commerce floats your boat, consider selling products you're passionate about or even creating your own. Building a brand with quality products and excellent customer service can set you apart in the vast ocean of online retailers.

7. Cryptocurrency Mining at Home: The Not-So-Modern Gold Rush

Mining cryptocurrency at home sounded like a tech-savvy dream. Set up a rig in your basement, let it run, and watch the digital coins pile up.

Reality check: The cost of electricity, hardware, and the increasing difficulty of mining mean your profits might not cover your energy bill. Plus, the constant hum of mining equipment isn't exactly soothing.

Make it Better: If crypto interests you, consider investing or learning about blockchain technology. But remember, the crypto market can be more volatile than your aunt's emotions during holiday dinners.

8. Stock Photography: A Thousand Words, Zero Dollars

You thought your photo of a sunset was gallery-worthy, so why not sell it online as stock photography? Companies always need images, right?

The issue is the sheer volume of photos already available. Unless your image is exceptionally unique, it might never see the light of day—or a paycheck.

Make it Better: Focus on niche markets or emerging trends that lack quality images. Alternatively, offer photography services or sell prints of your best work. People still appreciate a good eye—and a good picture.

What Actually Works?

Don't let these deflated dreams get you down. There are still plenty of viable ways to earn money online. Here's my top three:

- Freelance Your Skills: Good at writing, graphic design, coding, or marketing? Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr connect freelancers with clients worldwide.

- Teach Online Courses: If you have expertise, share it! Create courses on platforms like Udemy or Coursera. Just make sure you actually know what you're talking about—no one wants a piano lesson from someone who's tone-deaf.

- Invest Time in Learning: Digital marketing, SEO, or social media management skills are in high demand. Plus, you can impress your friends with your newfound jargon.

Making money online isn't about jumping on the latest trend before it fizzles out. It's about providing value, being authentic, and putting in the work. So dust off those ambitions, get creative, and who knows? You might just find the side hustle that not only pays the bills but also brings you joy.