Making Money Online Is More Realistic Than You Think
Whether you live in Sunderland, Durham, Newcastle or a small Northumberland village, the idea of earning extra income online is no longer a pipe dream. With rising living costs, remote work on the rise, and digital platforms more accessible than ever, people across the North East are turning to online side hustles to supplement their main income.
This guide breaks down realistic, low-barrier ways to earn a side income online, tailored to those living in the North East. You don’t need a tech degree or a huge startup fund—just a laptop, Wi-Fi and some time and consistency.
Why a Side Income Online Makes Sense in the North East
The North East is a region known for its resilience, community spirit, and increasingly strong digital economy. But even with improvements, wages in many local industries can lag behind national averages. That’s why an online side income is such a smart move—it’s flexible, scalable, and can be run in your spare time.
Whether you’re a student in Durham, a parent in Middlesbrough, or a full-time worker in Gateshead, an online side income can help you:
- Build financial breathing space
- Save for holidays, home improvements or emergencies
- Eventually transition to freelance or self-employment, if desired
Freelance Work – Sell Your Skills Online
If you’ve got a skill, you can likely monetise it online. Platforms like Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, and Upwork allow you to offer services such as:
- Graphic design
- Copywriting or content writing
- Proofreading or editing
- Video editing
- Voiceovers
- Virtual assistant tasks
- Web development
A writer in South Shields, for example, could earn £50+ per article working from home just a few hours a week.
Local tip: Focus on UK-based clients. Mention you’re from the North East—some clients prefer UK freelancers due to timezone and language familiarity.
Online Tutoring – Teach What You Know
Online tutoring is one of the fastest-growing income streams. You can offer support in maths, science, English, languages, and more via platforms such as:
- MyTutor
- Tutorful
- Superprof
You don’t always need a formal teaching qualification—just subject knowledge, clear communication and reliability. A secondary school teacher in Sunderland could earn an extra £200 a week running after-school tutoring sessions online.
Sell Products Online – From Local to Global
Selling online is easier than ever thanks to platforms like:
- eBay UK
- Etsy UK
- Vinted UK
- Facebook Marketplace
- Shopify
From flipping second-hand items to selling crafts or starting a print-on-demand shop, there’s something for everyone. A crafter in Hartlepool could start selling candles locally, then grow via Etsy to reach national customers.
Affiliate Marketing – Earn Without Creating Products
Affiliate marketing means promoting products or services and earning commission on sales made via your unique link. Platforms to explore include:
- Amazon Associates UK
- Awin
- ShareASale
- Skimlinks
A blogger in Durham, for instance, could write gear reviews and earn passive income as readers purchase through affiliate links.
Remote Customer Support or Admin Jobs
Part-time remote jobs in customer service, admin and data entry are increasingly common in the UK. Opportunities can be found via:
- Indeed
- Reed
- We Work Remotely
You might do anything from answering emails and booking appointments to moderating online communities. Perfect for those looking to earn from home a few evenings a week.
Create and Monetise a YouTube Channel or TikTok
Content creation is a slower burn, but offers long-term income potential. You can monetise via:
- YouTube Partner Programme
- TikTok Creator Fund (UK)
- Sponsorships and affiliate links
- Selling merchandise or services
Ideas for local content include Geordie dialect videos, local food reviews, or “day in the life” vlogs in North East towns.
Take Online Surveys or User Testing
This won’t make you rich, but it’s great for topping up your income with minimal effort. Try:
- Prolific – great for UK university-backed studies
- UserTesting
- Respondent.io
- InboxPounds
- Swagbucks UK
Perfect for students or anyone with spare time in the evenings.
Tools to Help You Get Started
- Canva – Create graphics, thumbnails and social media content
- Notion or Trello – Stay organised and plan your workflow
- PayPal UK or Wise – Get paid internationally
- Google Docs & Sheets – Free tools for writing, invoicing and planning
- ChatGPT – Generate blog content, captions or ideas quickly
Avoid Online Income Scams
The North East is full of opportunity—but also scammers. Avoid:
- Upfront fees to join “programmes”
- Vague coaching schemes promising riches
- Unregulated crypto schemes in your DMs
- MLMs disguised as affiliate marketing
Stick to verified platforms and build your income honestly.
Final Thoughts
Online income takes time, but it’s more achievable than ever. Whether you’re in Newcastle, Morpeth, Stockton or Seaham, you can start a side hustle that grows into something powerful. Choose one path, commit to it, and build steadily. Within months, you’ll see progress.
Need Help Creating a Website for Your Side Hustle?
If you’re serious about growing your side income into a real business, a professional website is a must. At InfaCloud, we help North East entrepreneurs launch affordable, high-converting websites designed for growth.
Contact us now for a free consultation
