10 Secret Websites to Make Money Online (Underused Platforms That Actually Pay)
Introduction
“Secret” doesn’t mean unknown—it means less competitive, underused, or ignored by most beginners.
Most people think making money online means competing on crowded platforms like Upwork or Amazon MTurk. What they don’t realize is that there are underused websites that still pay well—but don’t get much attention.
In this guide, you’ll discover secret websites to make money online, meaning platforms that are often overlooked, easier for beginners, and less competitive. These are legitimate sites you can start using today to earn real income, even with no experience.
What Are Secret Websites to Make Money?
When we talk about “secret websites,” we aren’t talking about something illegal or underground. Instead, we are referring to hidden websites to make money that fly under the radar. These are legitimate platforms that simply haven’t reached the saturation level of giants like Upwork or Amazon Mechanical Turk.
Because they are lesser-known, they often have less competition. This is a huge advantage for beginners. On a massive platform, you are fighting against thousands of seasoned pros. On these “secret” sites, you have a better chance of standing out and landing your first gig. They are specific, niche-focused, and often desperate for fresh talent. Whether it’s testing websites, transcribing audio, or completing micro-tasks, these platforms offer real online jobs without the overwhelming noise of the mainstream market. Think of them as the side doors to the digital economy—open, accessible, but often overlooked by the crowd.
Benefits of Using Secret Websites to Make Money Online
Why should you bother digging for these hidden treasures? The benefits are surprisingly robust, especially if you are just dipping your toes into the world of online income.
Flexibility is King
Most of these platforms allow you to work whenever you want. You aren’t tied to a 9-to-5 schedule. If you have an hour free in the evening or a weekend morning, you can log in and start earning. This makes it incredibly easy for students, stay-at-home parents, or anyone with a full-time job to make money from home without disrupting their daily life.
Low Barrier to Entry
You don’t need a fancy degree or a decade of experience to get started. Many of these sites are designed for micro-tasks or skill-based services that you can learn quickly. If you can type, browse the web, or offer a simple opinion, you are qualified.
Diverse Income Streams
Relying on one source of income is risky. These platforms allow you to diversify. You can have a transcription gig on one site, a testing gig on another, and a creative shop on a third. This diversity protects you; if one stream dries up, you have others flowing. It’s one of the most safe ways to make money online because you aren’t putting all your eggs in one basket.
How to Get Started With Secret Websites to Make Money
Starting something new can feel daunting, but breaking it down into steps makes it manageable. Here is a simple roadmap to launch your journey on these platforms.
Step 1: Identify Your Skills and Interests
Before you sign up for everything, take a moment to reflect. What are you good at? Do you have a pleasant speaking voice? Are you a fast typist? Do you enjoy critiquing websites? Maybe you are crafty or good at graphic design. Matching your natural abilities to the right platform is the first step to success. You don’t need to be an expert, just willing to learn.
Step 2: Research the Right Platforms
Not all sites are created equal. Look for legit ways to make money online by reading reviews and checking user feedback. Avoid any site that asks you to pay a fee to join—that is a major red flag. Stick to reputable platforms (like the ones we will list below) that have a history of paying their users on time.
Step 3: Set Up a Professional Profile
Even on casual platforms, professionalism pays. Use a clear photo, write a friendly bio, and highlight your skills. If the site allows for a portfolio, upload your best work. Treat your profile like a mini-resume; it’s the first thing potential clients or algorithms will see.
Step 4: Start Small and Scale Up
Don’t expect to make a full-time income in week one. Start with small tasks to build up your rating and confidence. As you get comfortable and gain positive reviews, you can take on bigger projects or raise your rates. For more detailed guidance on this initial phase, check out our guide on how to make money online effectively. Patience is your best friend here; consistency will eventually lead to growth.
Top Secret Websites to Make Money
Some of the websites below are well-known, but most beginners don’t use them correctly or ignore their hidden income features. That’s what makes them “secret” opportunities.
Here is the meat of the matter—the actual platforms where you can start earning. These range from creative outlets to quick task sites, ensuring there is something for everyone.
1. Fiverr – Freelance Services for Beginners
While Fiverr is well-known, it remains a “secret” weapon for beginners because you can monetize anything. You don’t just have to be a graphic designer. People sell voice impressions, personalized greetings, or even gaming coaching. It’s a fantastic place to find freelance jobs that fit your unique quirks. The key is to create a specific “Gig” that solves a problem or entertains.
2. UserTesting – Earn by Testing Websites
UserTesting pays you to visit websites or apps and speak your thoughts aloud. Companies want to know if their sites are user-friendly, and they pay everyday people to tell them. It’s straightforward, requires no technical skills, and pays relatively well for the time invested (often around $10 for a 20-minute test).
3. Etsy – Sell Handmade or Digital Products
If you are creative, Etsy is your marketplace. But the real secret here is selling digital products. You can create printable planners, wall art, or resume templates once and sell them infinitely. This creates passive income, meaning you earn money while you sleep.
4. Rev – Transcription and Captioning
Rev is a go-to for real online jobs in transcription. If you have a good ear and fast fingers, you can listen to audio files and type out what you hear. They also offer captioning work for videos. It’s flexible work that you can do from anywhere with a laptop and headphones.
5. Teachable – Create and Sell Online Courses
Do you know how to knit, code, or bake sourdough bread? Teachable allows you to package that knowledge into a course. You don’t need to be a professor; you just need to know more than the beginner you are teaching.
6. Medium Partner Program – Earn by Writing
If you love to write but don’t want the hassle of setting up your own website immediately, Medium is perfect. You can write articles on topics you love, and if people read and clap for them, you get paid. It’s a great way to earn from blogging without the technical setup of a WordPress site.
7. TaskRabbit – Local Tasks
Prefer working with your hands? TaskRabbit connects you with locals who need help moving furniture, mounting TVs, or cleaning. It’s not strictly “online” work, but the connection happens through the app, and it pays very well for manual labor.
8. Printful – Print-on-Demand
Want to start a clothing brand with zero inventory? Printful lets you upload designs to t-shirts, mugs, and hats. When a customer buys from your store, Printful prints and ships it. You never touch the product, making it a low-risk entry into e-commerce.
9. Clickworker – Microtasks
Clickworker is similar to Amazon Mechanical Turk. You complete tiny tasks like categorizing images, correcting text, or taking surveys. The pay per task is low, but they are fast and easy to do while watching TV or waiting for a bus.
10. Flippa – Buy and Sell Websites
Think of this as real estate for the internet. You can buy underperforming websites, fix them up (improve the design, add content), and sell them for a profit. It requires a bit of capital to start, but the returns can be significant.
| Website | Skill Level | Earning Potential | Payment Method |
| Fiverr | Beginner | Medium–High | PayPal |
| UserTesting | Beginner | Medium | PayPal |
| Rev | Beginner | Low–Medium | PayPal |
| Etsy | Beginner | High | Bank/PayPal |
Tips for Maximizing Earnings on Secret Websites
Signing up is easy; making substantial money requires strategy. Here is how to squeeze the most value out of these platforms.
Build a Strong Profile with Reviews
Trust is the currency of the internet. When you are new, your primary goal is to get 5-star reviews. Over-deliver on your first few jobs. Be polite, fast, and communicative. A profile with glowing reviews allows you to charge more later.
Focus on Niche Skills
Generalists survive; specialists thrive. Instead of being a “writer,” be a “writer for health and wellness blogs.” Instead of being a “virtual assistant,” be a “virtual assistant for real estate agents.” Niche skills face less competition and command higher rates because clients perceive you as an expert in their specific field.
Stay Consistent
Online income can be feast or famine. To smooth out the bumps, you need to show up every day. Check the platforms daily for new tasks. Consistency also signals the platform’s algorithm that you are an active, serious worker, which often leads to your profile being shown to more clients.
Leverage Multiple Platforms
Don’t rely on just one site. If UserTesting is slow this week, hop over to Rev. If your Etsy sales dip, pick up a gig on Fiverr. Managing money from different sources can be tricky, so make sure to read up on budgeting tips to keep your finances in order as your income streams grow.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The path to online income is littered with people who gave up too soon because they fell into common traps. Avoid these, and you will be ahead of the pack.
Overpromising and Underdelivering
It is tempting to say “yes” to everything to get your foot in the door. But if you accept a deadline you can’t meet or a task you don’t understand, you will end up with a bad review. A bad review early on can kill your profile. Be honest about your capacity and skills.
Ignoring Platform Rules
Every website has Terms of Service. Read them. Some sites ban you for taking communication off-platform (like asking a client to email you directly). Others have strict rules about copyright. Getting banned means losing your income stream instantly, so play by the rules.
Failing to Market Yourself
Just creating a profile isn’t enough. You are a business of one. Share your gigs on social media. Optimize your profile with keywords so clients can find you. If you sit back and wait for work to fall into your lap, you might be waiting a long time. You have to be proactive.
Chasing “Get Rich Quick” Schemes
If a site promises you thousands of dollars for doing nothing, run away. Safe ways to make money online involve an exchange of value—your time, skill, or effort for money. If it sounds too good to be true, it is likely a scam designed to steal your personal information or money.
Success Stories: Real-Life Examples
Sometimes, seeing others succeed is the best motivation. Here are a few examples of people who turned these “secret” websites into real income.
Sarah the Student
Sarah needed extra cash for textbooks but couldn’t commit to a part-time job schedule. She discovered UserTesting. She spent an hour or two each evening testing websites. Within a few months, she was making an extra $300-$400 a month—enough to cover her books and some groceries. Her strategy: She kept her dashboard open while studying so she could grab tests the moment they appeared.
Mark the Graphic Designer
Mark was a hobbyist who loved making funny t-shirt designs. He set up a shop using Printful and Etsy. At first, he sold nothing. But he kept uploading new designs targeting specific hobbies like fishing and knitting. One of his designs went viral on Pinterest. Today, Mark makes a full-time income from his print-on-demand store. His lesson: Quantity leads to quality. You never know which design will be a hit, so keep creating.
Jenny the Typist
Jenny was a stay-at-home mom looking for work she could do during nap times. She signed up for Rev. Initially, the pay seemed low, but as she got faster and learned the style guide, she advanced to “Revver+” status, which gave her access to higher-paying jobs. Her advice: Don’t get discouraged by the learning curve. Speed comes with practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money can I realistically make?
It varies wildly. On micro-task sites like Clickworker, you might make pocket money ($50-$100/month). On skill-based sites like Fiverr or Upwork, skilled freelancers can make $2,000+ a month. It depends on your skill level and time commitment.
Do I need prior experience to start?
For most hidden websites to make money, no. Platforms like UserTesting, TaskRabbit, and survey sites require zero professional experience. Skill-based sites like Rev require you to pass a test, but you don’t need a resume.
Are these websites safe and legitimate?
The websites listed in this article are legitimate. However, always exercise caution. Never give out your banking password, and never pay a “hiring fee.” Stick to established platforms with user reviews.
How do I get paid?
Most platforms use PayPal, Payoneer, or direct bank transfer. Make sure you have a valid way to receive payments before you start working.
Can I use multiple websites at once?
Absolutely! In fact, it is recommended. It helps you find more work and keeps your income steady.
What are the best websites for beginners?
UserTesting and Clickworker are great for absolute beginners because the tasks are simple. Fiverr is great if you want to start building a freelance career.
How do I avoid scams?
Look for safe ways to make money online by checking reviews on Trustpilot or Reddit. If a client asks to pay you outside the platform or asks for money upfront for “equipment,” block them immediately.
How much time should I dedicate daily?
Consistency is key. Even 30 minutes a day can add up. Treat it like a scheduled appointment.
What tools or resources do I need?
Usually, just a computer and a reliable internet connection. For some gigs, you might need a decent microphone or smartphone.
Can I turn this into a full-time income?
Yes, many people do. However, it takes time. Start it as a side hustle, build your client base and skills, and eventually, you may be able to transition to full-time freelancing.
Conclusion: Are Secret Websites to Make Money Worth It?
Secret websites to make money online are not about shortcuts or scams—they are about finding underused opportunities that most people overlook. Whether you choose freelancing platforms, testing websites, selling digital products, or completing small online tasks, these platforms give beginners a realistic way to earn extra income.
The key to success is consistency and patience. Start with one or two websites, learn how they work, and focus on delivering quality work. As your confidence and skills grow, you can expand to multiple platforms and increase your earnings over time.
If you’re serious about building sustainable online income, these secret websites to make money can be the perfect starting point. Choose one today, take action, and turn small online tasks into real financial progress.
