The top ways to make money in UK are:
- Local lead generation
- Search engine optimisation (SEO)
- Affiliate marketing
- Social media management
- Dropshipping
- Paid surveys
- Online market trading
- Cashback sites
- Translation services
- Freelance writing
These money-making opportunities have high demand in the UK. For example, local lead generation caters to local home service businesses. In the UK, this sector makes up 20% of all companies. SEO, social media, and freelance writing meet the growing need for digital services.
Phil found success in the UK with high-ticket dropshipping. He used the ever-growing trust in online shopping to sell expensive products. By selling items priced at around £2,000 with a 30% profit margin, Phil earned £600 per sale. Using strategies like niche selection and automation, Phil streamlined his business operations. Today, he earns £52K.
The UK is a great place to earn money. A 2021 Circular Board Report showed that a whopping 91% of entrepreneurs succeed in the UK. This is thanks to the country’s:
However, the UK comes with challenges. For one, there are tax implications for every money-making activity. In affiliate marketing, you must report your income to HMRC, depending on how much you make. This means paying income tax and possibly National Insurance Contributions (NIC). These taxes are a heavy burden for startups. Moreover, misunderstanding or breaking tax rules causes fines and legal trouble. Then, most opportunities in the UK are in London and the Southeast. It's harder to get noticed outside of these areas. You'll have fewer influencers, agencies, and media to promote your business. One Redditor comments that the British are more hesitant to pay big for services.
I've been running my business for 10+ years. I now earn almost £39K a month. But it wasn't smooth sailing at the start. I switched between several business models before I found the one that worked for me. This shows that if you choose the right model, you can stick with it and earn big.
To help you find your ideal income stream, I'll go over 73 ways to make money in the UK. I'll also detail the British tax implications and what generates the most money.
1. Local Lead Generation in UK
To make money with local lead generation:
Since home service companies always need customers, they'll be willing to pay £400 to £2,700 a month. Plus, many UK company owners know the value of being online but lack the resources or know-how to start. It'll be easier to persuade them to take advantage of your offer - an already ranked website.
This is the business model that brings me £39K every month. And not to sound too cliché, but it has changed my life. In 2014, I was stuck in an insufferable 9-5 job at an auto part company. I was only earning £1,700 a month. Today, I get to travel the world, pursue my hobbies, and dedicate more time to mastering SEO. I barely have to worry about my websites because they require minimal maintenance. The best part? The initial startup costs are just £40-£80.
Of course, it will take some getting used to at the start. The biggest challenge is landing your first deal. You'll have to make offers to local contractors confidently. It took me 7 months before I started earning enough. But once you know how to create a website, use local keywords, optimise for search engines, and talk to clients, it'll be a breeze.
2. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) in UK
To make money with SEO:
How much you earn will depend on your pricing strategy. In the UK, all-around SEO service providers typically charge between £600 and £1,500 per month. Others offer hourly rates from £60 to £250, while project-based pricing is around £500 to £7,000.
Daniel Foley Carter is a successful, London-based SEO consultant who charges £5,000 to £10,000 a month. His fees are big because of his 24+ years of experience and 95% success rate in SEO campaigns. His proven success led him to work with brands like Virgin Holidays, Ladbrokes, and Claims.co.uk.
An SEO agency is a good business to start as it's one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country. Artios predicts that 21.2% of retail sales will happen online in 2024. This statistic drives many businesses to improve their online visibility ASAP.
One of the biggest challenges to providing SEO services is building credibility. Startups will struggle without a proven track record, especially against recognised names. Even if you offer free assessments, convincing businesses to invest in SEO is tough. Also, this business is very much results-driven. Clients get frustrated or disappointed if their online visibility doesn't improve quickly. Then, you’ll receive negative reviews. You need a solid strategy to overcome all those challenges.
3. Affiliate Marketing in UK
To make money with affiliate marketing:
Affiliate marketing has no fixed average earnings. This is because income varies based on commission rates and traffic volume. However, Smarter Digital Marketing says new affiliate marketers can earn £636. For experienced ones, their earnings go up to £44,000+ a month.
Kirsty McCubbin is a successful affiliate marketer from Scotland. Over 19 years, she built a thriving career with it. She hasn't shared her total earnings but she was able to quit her job and travel around the world with her family. Kirsty focused on SEO, PCC, as well as high-demand niches like fashion and holidays. This is what made her stand out and attract clients.
The UK has the largest affiliate market in Europe. You can choose from many affiliate programs, networks, and in-demand niches. And with a strong online shopping culture, there's potential to earn substantial commissions.
Affiliate marketing has two main challenges. One, you need strong writing and persuasive skills. You must convince your audience that they NEED the product you're promoting. This also means establishing authority in your niche is crucial. Second, Google updates are prioritising established websites. Your content must show expertise, relevance, and value to compete effectively. Affiliate marketing success is still achievable, but reaching the top is harder today.
4. Social Media Management in UK
To make money with social media management:
Entry-level social media managers in the UK earn around £30K per year. Meanwhile, mid-level to senior positions earn as high as £40K to £60K.
Danielle Theobald offers package pricing. One session costs £150, 5 sessions £500, and 10 sessions £800. With over 140 clients, she earns an estimated £67,000+. She promises to turn views into money on TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest. Her social media skills garnered £4M in sales for her clients in 2023 alone.
Social media managers are not going away. In the UK, the demand is high. 78% of UK businesses say social media improved brand awareness. As a result, more owners are rushing to establish a presence on these platforms and need help.
Planable surveyed 80+ social media managers on the challenges of their jobs. 32.2% said engagement and reach were the biggest issues. 21.8% struggled with evolving trends and algorithms. 12.6% found content creation the hardest. Here are the rest of the results:
You need a great strategy to overcome these challenges, satisfy clients, and earn big. It will take a lot of time and effort. But if you have the skills and determination, you can build a profitable career.
5. Dropshipping in UK
To make money with dropshipping:
Shopify reports that new dropshippers earn between £850 to £1,750 in their first month. Yaguara estimates average monthly earnings to range from £750 to £3,950, with 10%-30% profit margins. When I did dropshipping, my peak income was around £7,741 a month.
A Reddit user says they earn £50K monthly from two dropshipping stores, each making £25K. However, it took them 10 years to reach this level of success. They credit their determination and persistence despite early failures.
According to Spherical Insights, e-commerce sales in the UK are expected to grow by 17.36% from 2021 to 2027. You'll always have an audience ready to purchase your items online.
Dropshipping has a low entry barrier, which is both a good and bad thing. The advantage is that you can start earning right away. The challenge is dealing with intense competition. You need the best price, product, quality, and shipping speed to attract and keep customers. Another challenge is that you rely heavily on your supplier. You don't have control of the product. Suppliers might run out of stock without notifying you in time. Delays or mistakes in shipping are beyond your control. And you'll get the blame for all this.
6. Paid Surveys in UK
To make money with paid surveys:
Paid surveys are usually for extra side money. One Redditor shares that they earn £5 a week, which they use to cover the cost of dog food. Another one says they earn £11-£15 weekly through Prolific with little effort. Someone else earned £240 from Prolific in just 2 months. And they did it all on their mobile phone!
Prolific and Norstatpanel is where to find high-paying online survey opportunities in the UK. Prolific offers academic tasks that pay between £6 and £8 for every hour of your time. Individual surveys pay £1 to £10, depending on their length and complexity. You can then cash out directly to your PayPal once you earn at least £6. Norstatpanel gives you "Norstat Coins" after you complete a survey. Once you accumulate 150 coins (approximately £15), you get a reward - cash, gift cards, or donations.
With paid surveys, don't expect to make a full-time income. You'll need another money-making source. Also, surveys take time, usually 20 minutes to an hour. And it can get quite repetitive and tedious. Besides that, surveys have inconsistent availability. You can go days or weeks without receiving invitations.
7. Online Market Trading in UK
To make money with online market trading:
Glassdoor estimates that stock traders in the UK get an average of £53,197 per year. Meanwhile, crypto trading's annual range is from £34,000 to £133,000. Junior forex traders earn around £30,000, while experienced ones make up to £130,000. The more knowledge and effort you consistently put in, the higher your earnings.
Ed Seykota earned £11.7M in 12 years from a £4K investment. He used commodities trading and computerised systems. He focused on cutting losses, growing profits, and preserving capital. Today, Ed is known as a top trader. He founded "The Trading Tribe", where traders discuss their trading emotions and psychology.
Online market trading is a growing opportunity in the UK. Increasing numbers of retail investors are entering the market. Moreover, more people choose self-directed investing, giving them control over their finances. Thanks to digital platforms, accessing financial markets is easier than ever. This shows strong participation and potential for growth in online trading.
However, online market trading involves risks. Market volatility can lead to sudden price changes and unexpected losses. Lack of knowledge usually results in poor decisions, like overtrading or misjudging trends. Also, emotional trading may lead to impulsive actions and losses. For example, a trader panics during a sudden market dip and sells their stocks at a loss. Shortly after, the market recovers but the trader no longer benefits.
8. Cashback Sites in UK
To make money with cashback sites:
According to Quidco and TopCashback, their members earn an average of £300 and £345 per year. KidStart states that for every £11,034 spent at various retailers, members receive a 1.8% return (£200). Joel Berg on Reddit says he earns £100 - £400 per month. He organised a system to avoid missing cashback opportunities. This includes regularly checking his top 3 sites - Boom25, TopCashback, and Quidco.
When you buy something through cashback links, the retailer pays a commission to the site. The cashback site then shares part of this commission with you. Many UK retailers are partnering with these sites as it boosts customer sales and repeat business. To give you an idea, TopCashback offers a selection of over 6,000 retailers to choose from.
Earning with cashback sites requires time and patience. You must always look for and make eligible purchases. If you don’t shop often, reaching the minimum withdrawal amount can take a long time. Plus, payouts take weeks or even months to process. And the amounts are usually not that big. So don't expect to earn thousands of pounds with this method. However, it's a great way to get back some of the money you spend on essentials.
9. Translation Services in UK
To make money with translation services:
Freelance translator rates range from £50 to £150 for 1K words. More experienced ones charge £100 to £300 per 1K words. This is also possible if you translate rare languages or complex text. You have the freedom to increase your rates as you build your reputation. As an in-house translator, the average earning is £26,096 per year. Extra money from cash bonuses, commission tips, and profit sharing totals £1,727 per year.
Lola F. from London offers English/French translation and voiceover services. She charges clients £40 to £60 per hour. In Upwork alone, she completed 29 hours, bringing her £1,160 to £1,749 from the platform. Lola also promotes her service on Fiverr, Facebook, and other platforms. Today, she has a 100% job success rate and her clients praise her clear and professional voice.
The demand for translation services is increasing, especially in English. As the UK is a leading English-speaking country, people prefer translators from there. Strong skills in the other language give you an edge over someone from a non-English-speaking country.
Running a translation service takes dedication and skill. First, you must be proficient in English and at least one other language. This means understanding the grammar, vocabulary, and cultural nuances. For voiceovers, native-level fluency is a must. Then, you'll have to compete against advanced translation tools and technologies. Many businesses prefer using these as it's cheaper than hiring a translator. Finding a service solution that beats any AI is crucial for success.
10. Freelance Writing in UK
An Indeed UK report shows freelance writers earn a national average of £19 per hour. In England, London and Manchester have the highest hourly rates at £19. The other English cities have rates around £12 to £10 per hour. Scotland reports higher rates at £30.80 per hour, while Wales is the lowest at £11 per hour. These regional differences show how location can influence how much you earn. However, your skills and experience also play a huge role.
Katie Silcox is a British freelance writer in the travel and media industry. At first, she worked for big travel companies such as Lonely Planet and Condé Nast Traveller. This provided a strong foundation for her freelance career. She later decided to take a break from her job - and that's when she got freelance publication offers. She now writes for different publications, creates guidebooks, and does photo editing. She even has her own travel content agency called Contemporary Class. Thanks to her switch, she now earns a lot more than when she worked with these big companies.
Two statistics prove that freelance writing is in demand in the UK. First, 22% of workers in UK companies are freelancers. Second, UK businesses make over 590,000 monthly searches for freelance content writers. This shows that UK-based companies want freelance writers over full-time staff.
But to succeed, you must be an excellent writer and know how to adapt your style to meet each client's needs. This includes conversational, persuasive, descriptive, or SEO writing. It will take time to learn all that. You'll also face competition from talented writers in smaller countries with lower rates. Your writing needs to be exceptional to stand out.
11. Copywriting in UK
To make money with copywriting:
Freelance copywriters earn more than full-time copywriters in the UK. Freelancer salaries average £38,854 per year, while full-time is only £29,792 per year. The reason is that freelancers set their own rates, work with many clients, and take on big projects. On the other hand, writing copy for a company usually has a fixed salary.
Jamie Thomson's solo business, Brand New Copy, is one of the most successful in the UK. His clients include big names such as Glenfarclas Whisky, Police Lifestyle Brand, and the University of Aberdeen. He also won many awards, including Copywriting Business of the Year 2023. Jamie charges £60 an hour or £500 a day. So if a project takes a week to complete, he earns £2,500 in just 7 days. Jamie is a great example of the incredible potential of a freelance copywriter.
With many UK businesses competing, persuasive copy is crucial. According to HubSpot, effective copywriting boosts sales conversion rates by up to 98%. This is why more business owners are rushing to hire top copywriters.
As a copywriter, there's pressure to deliver results. Clients expect measurable outcomes like increased sales, conversions, or click-through rates. This means your writing and persuasion skills must be exceptional. If not, you'll struggle to grow your business. But if you master them, you can reach huge potential earnings.
12. Online Tutoring in UK
To make money with online tutoring:
Talent.com lists the average annual salary of online tutors in the UK at £46,800. In online forums, many tutors report charging around £25 to £40 an hour and still get many willing students. Startups usually ask for £15/hour but can quickly increase it if they are great teachers.
Dan Jones began his tutoring career at 17, working part-time at a local charity. Inspired by his impact on students, he chose to focus on education. After two years, Dan started his online tutoring agency, JonesTutoring LTD. He built connections with 10,000 students worldwide. So it was easy for him to promote his services and find clients. Besides tutoring, he created an online course that reached over 23K learners. Dan's current goal is to grow a team of 50-100 tutors for his agency.
Private tutors are very common in the UK. In fact, 25% of British students receive private tuition. This rises to 40% in London, where rich parents want the best education for their children. Thanks to online programs, private tuition is even more accessible and convenient.
Of course, you need to be a skilled and qualified teacher to earn big. However, many don’t realise the importance of strong marketing skills. You'll need this skill to stand out among the crowd and get as many students as possible. Another challenge is the unpaid hours spent on preparation. Your lessons need to be personalised for each student. This takes up a lot of time without immediate pay. You must love teaching so much to push through all that.
13. Website Design in UK
To make money with website design:
Entry-level website designers in the UK earn anywhere from £15,000 to £25,000 per year. Mid-level annual salaries are usually £30,000. Web designers with 4-6 years of experience or specialized skills can make up to £50,000+.
Ryan Gittings is a web designer and front-end developer who works with clients across the UK. His rates start at £2,000 for static websites and £2,500 for content-managed websites. He lets potential clients get to know him first to build trust. He also showcases his work on his website to highlight his capabilities. Thanks to this and many positive reviews, Ryan has worked with big names, including the NHS and RHF Fans.
Starting a website design business is great for the high demand in the UK. According to Google search data, 'web design' was one of the most searched freelance services in the UK. A Forbes Advisor study found that 22% of small companies in the UK don't have a website. Plus, many new businesses are popping up, increasing the demand for these services. The great news is that many owners understand the value of an online presence - they just need someone to help.
However, freelance web designers have a tough decision. Tools like WordPress or Squarespace are easy to learn. This makes it a crowded market with hundreds of people offering similar services. On the other hand, a specialised coding service will take a long time to learn. The same goes for additional services like content creation and SEO. You'll have to choose between tough competition or learning a harder, unique skill. Either way, you always need to know how to market yourself. You can be the best web designer but still have zero clients without this essential skill.
14. Graphic Design in UK
To make money with graphic design:
Your income depends on what graphic design and service you provide. For example, one Reddit user says they charge £263 for multi-day bookings. They have over 12 years of experience and offer traditional, static graphics. Another user shares that their daily rates are £300 for general designs and £400 for motion or 3D designs. Dynamic Sales Solution created a table showing the estimated pay for each service.
Shafia faced challenges when starting her graphic design career. Her parents insisted she become a doctor or engineer. But her fascination with the billboards in London made her want to pursue creative media. Her big break came when she won a student award, which gave her the confidence to follow her passion. Today, Shafia has worked on projects for Facebook London, the BBC, and Venture Arts, to name a few. She's now successful and offers a range of designs and services, including digital and neon signage, animations, calendars, and campaign designs.
UK businesses need graphic designers. This is because 93% of consumers say visuals influence their buying decisions. Another 83% say that brands with graphics catch their attention more than those with plain text. Despite this, graphic designers were 5th in the UK Shortage Occupation List. With high demand and few graphic designers, now is the best time to offer these services.
It takes a while to become an expert in graphic design, though. You must set aside time to build your skills and get certifications for credibility. Sure, you can start with basic designs, but they won’t pay much. Another challenge is that there are so many creative people out there. You'll have to find a unique selling point to make clients pick you instead of the other thousands. You need high dedication and passion for creatives to push through and succeed.
15. Video Editing in UK
To make money with video editing:
According to Faster Gig, British freelance video editors usually charge £15 to £35 per hour. The average yearly salary is £27,000, with entry-level in the 20K range and experienced ones in the 40K+ range.
Joe Edits shares his video editing journey on YouTube. He says freelancing isn't easy, with unreliable clients, changing trends, and seasonal demand. Despite this, he kept doing what he loved - making and editing videos. In January, he earned £1,980, which grew to £4,250 in August. Even during December’s slowdown, he made £3,050. Joe shares his struggles and successes to help other freelancers know what to expect.
90% of marketers report that video marketing boosts ROI and brand awareness. Plus, YouTube is very popular, with 80% of British users visiting the platform daily. This success makes more businesses use videos, creating more demand for skilled editors. And you can take on any project, from editing for influencers to working on brand commercials.
Freelance video editing comes with many challenges, as Joe Edits highlights. One big issue is clients - some don’t respond on time, give unclear instructions, or delay payments. Staying updated with trends, like whether long or short videos work better, is also tough. Another challenge is mastering professional video editing tools. If you’re new to them, it will take time and trial and error to get the hang of it. You must be consistent and deliver quality work to stay on top of everything and earn big.
Conclusion: Why Is Local Lead Generation the Best Way to Earn Money in UK?
Local lead generation is the best way to earn money in UK as it provides high, steady, and passive income. For one rented-out site, you receive £400 to £2,700 every month. If you're renting out 5 home service websites, your monthly revenue is between £2,000 and £13,500. The best part is that the sites need very little maintenance once ranked. So you're basically earning without doing anything much.
Making money in the UK has many challenges and risks. This includes market saturation, high startup costs, consistent effort, market reliance, and building credibility and trust. Local lead generation offers a solution to all that:
As someone in local lead generation, I can vouch for it. 7 months in the business, I was already making more than my 9-5 job. It was exciting too. I remember the joy and satisfaction when my first website ranked. Then, I got my first client. Now, with over 10+ websites, I can relax more and enjoy £39K monthly.
