How To Earn an Extra £500 Online This Month
You can earn an extra £500 online this month by combining flexible side hustles like tutoring, freelance writing, selling items, and taking paid surveys - all easily accessible through platforms like Prograd.
With the cost of living on the rise and wages struggling to keep pace, finding a way to make an extra £500 a month has become more than just a nice idea - it’s often a necessity.
Whether you're saving for a holiday, paying off debt, or simply looking to boost your financial cushion, online side hustles are a great way to turn your spare time into spare cash.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to realistically hit that £500 goal using tried-and-tested online jobs from Prograd’s side hustle list, plus extra ideas that offer flexibility, remote options, and in some cases, passive income.
If you want to browse Prograd's online jobs, click the link below to get started.
Why Aim For £500?
Let’s be honest: £500 might not sound life-changing, but it can make a big difference. That kind of cash can:
- Cover your monthly food shop
- Go towards rent or mortgage
- Be invested or saved for bigger goals
- Fund a holiday or big purchase
And the best part? Hitting that goal doesn’t mean taking on another 9–5. With the right mix of side gigs, it’s more than achievable, even with limited hours in the week.
The Best Ways To Earn £500 Online in the UK
We've pulled together some of the easiest ways to make money online - and all of them are available through Prograd.
Let's look at the best:
1. Freelance Writing – Up to £500/month or more
If you enjoy writing, freelance gigs can offer a solid income stream.
Platforms like Fiverr or Upwork let you pitch your services, and once you build a portfolio, you can earn anywhere from £20 to £100 per article depending on length and topic. Just 5–10 articles a month can help you hit your goal.
Estimated earnings: £20–£40/hour
Effort level: Medium
2. Virtual Assistant – £10–£30/hour
Working as a virtual assistant means helping others with tasks like emails, scheduling, and research.
Many start part-time, and just 5–10 hours a week at the average rate can add up fast.
Estimated earnings: £200–£300 for 10 hours/week
Effort level: Medium
Where to start: Wing, Upwork, Prograd’s listings
3. Tutoring – £12–£25/hour
If you’re skilled in subjects like English, Maths, or Science, online tutoring is a flexible way to earn good money while helping others. Sites like MyTutor or Tutorful are great places to sign up.
Estimated earnings: £200–£500/month depending on hours
Effort level: Medium
Where to start: Tutorful, Prograd, Superprof
4. Proofreading – £15–£25/hour
If you’ve got a good eye for detail and grammar, try proofreading blogs, books, or student papers. Start on freelancing platforms or offer your services via LinkedIn.
Estimated earnings: £150–£400/month
Effort level: Low–Medium
Where to start: Fiverr, Reedsy, Prograd
5. Online Surveys & Market Research – £50–£120/month
For those short on time, survey sites like Swagbucks, IPSOS iSay, or Branded Surveys pay users for their opinions.
It won’t make you rich, but it’s a low-effort way to top up your income.
Estimated earnings: £50–£80/month
Effort level: Low
Where to start: Prograd survey offers, Swagbucks
6. Selling Online – Up to £500+
Sell items you no longer use on platforms like Depop, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. Clothes, tech, books, or even handmade items can generate fast income with minimal setup.
Estimated earnings: £100–£500+ depending on inventory
Effort level: Medium
Where to start: eBay, Vinted, Depop
7. Rent Out Your Parking Space – £100–£350/month
Got a driveway or parking space you’re not using? JustPark lets you list it and earn passive income without lifting a finger.
Estimated earnings: £100–£350/month
Effort level: None (passive)
Where to start: JustPark, YourParkingSpace
8. Play-to-Earn Mobile Games – £100–£180/month
Yes, really. First-time players of games like Monopoly Go! and Animals & Coins can earn cash for playing online games and completing simple levels.
Estimated earnings: £100–£180/game
Effort level: Low
Where to start: Prograd gaming offers
9. Become a Babysitter – £8–£25/hour
If you're great with kids, babysitting through platforms like Babysits can offer flexible work and decent pay. Perfect for evenings and weekends.
Estimated earnings: £200–£500/month
Effort level: Medium
Where to start: Babysits, Care.com, local Facebook groups
10. Create Digital Products – £100–£1,000+/month
It takes more effort upfront, but if you create and sell digital products (eBooks, templates, guides), you can earn passively long-term. Some creators are making £4,000+ in just a month with the right product and platform.
Estimated earnings: £100–£1,000+
Effort level: High at first, low ongoing
Where to start: Etsy, Gumroad, Shopify
Can You Combine Multiple Side Hustles?
Absolutely. Many people reach their income goal by mixing a few different gigs. For example:
- 5 hours tutoring: £100
- 10 surveys per week: £60
- 3 freelance articles: £120
- Selling old clothes: £220
Total = £500
Making £500 Extra A Month
Making an extra £500 online each month isn’t just doable, it’s realistic with the right mindset and tools. Thanks to platforms like Prograd, it’s easier than ever to find legitimate, flexible side hustles that suit your skills, interests, and schedule.
Whether you're freelancing, tutoring, selling online, or playing games, the key is consistency. Start small, experiment with different options, and build your side income one gig at a time.
Ready to earn your first extra £500? Explore Prograd’s side hustle listings and get started today.
