Humans are social creatures by nature. That’s a biological fact.
This fundamental truth has given rise to an entire industry focused on fulfilling our need to interact with others – and no, we’re not referring to social media!
The burgeoning field of online friendship presents a unique and potentially lucrative side hustle, offering you the opportunity to earn an income simply by engaging in conversation. Each client interaction may vary in scope, but the overarching goal remains constant: to provide support and companionship to those who need it.
In this newsletter, we’ll explore how you can take your listener skills and empathy and use them to the benefit of your bank account.
This week’s newsletter brings you:
- Strategies. Discover how online friend platforms work, including the way payment is handled, which ones to use, and a few tips on how to stay safe online while using these platforms.
- Tool of the Week. There are many great platforms to become an online friend, but few are as trusted and popular as Rent a Friend.
Strategies
So how exactly do online friend platforms work? What’s the money-making potential? Let dive into this interesting topic!
Friendship for money. What does it mean to be an online friend?
Being an “online friend” for hire typically means that you are providing a paid service to connect with someone virtually and fulfill their need for social interaction, support, or companionship. This can involve various activities such as chatting, messaging, video calls, playing online games together, or even engaging in virtual role-playing.
As an online friend for hire, you may be expected to provide emotional support, listen to your client’s problems or concerns, and engage in conversations that help them feel connected and valued. Some clients may simply be seeking companionship or someone to talk to, while others may have more specific needs such as language practice or help with social skills.
It is important to note that being an online friend for hire is a service that involves boundaries and professionalism, and it is important to establish clear expectations and guidelines with your client to ensure that the relationship remains healthy and respectful for both parties.
As an online friend, the kind of activities you can do will depend on your client’s interests and preferences. Some common activities that an online friend may do with their client include:
- Chatting and messaging: Many clients may just want someone to talk to and share their thoughts with. As an online friend, you can engage in regular conversations and exchange messages with your client.
- Video calls: Video calls are a great way to interact face-to-face with your client and have more personal conversations. You can use video calling platforms like Skype, Zoom, or Google Meet.
- Online games: You can play online games with your client, such as multiplayer video games, board games, or card games. This can be a fun way to bond and spend time together.
- Virtual events: You can participate in virtual events with your client, such as watching a movie together, attending an online concert, or joining a virtual book club.
- Language practice: If your client is looking to improve their language skills, you can chat with them in their target language and help them practice.
- Emotional support: Some clients may be looking for emotional support and someone to talk to about their problems. As an online friend, you can provide a listening ear and offer support and encouragement.
How much can you make as an online friend?
The amount of money you can make as an online friend can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the platform or website you use, the services you offer, and the demand for your services.
Some platforms pay a set hourly rate or per session, while others allow you to set your own rates. Rates can range from a few dollars per hour to over $100 per hour, depending on the level of expertise and the services you provide.
It is important to note that while being an online friend for hire can be a way to earn money, it is not a get-rich-quick scheme, and it can take time and effort to build up a client base and establish a reputation. Additionally, it is important to approach these types of platforms and services with caution, as there are some scams and unethical practices in the industry.
Generally, online friends charge between $20 and $30 per hour, but it can go up to $50 according to various friend renting platforms. As you gain experience and a loyal client base, you can increase your rate.
So if you are considering becoming an online friend for hire, it is important to do your research, set clear boundaries and expectations with your clients, and prioritize your safety and well-being above all else.
How to get started as an online friend
Getting started as an online friend for hire can be a relatively simple process. Here are some steps to help you get started:
Research online friend platforms
Look for reputable online friend platforms and websites that offer services to connect people looking for virtual friendship. Some popular platforms include RentAFriend, FriendPC, and Bumble BFF.
Create a profile
Once you’ve identified a platform, create a profile that highlights your skills, interests, and personality. Be sure to include a friendly photo and a description of the services you offer.
Set your rates
Decide how much you want to charge for your services. You can research the rates of other online friends for hire on the platform to get an idea of what is reasonable.
Promote your services
Promote your services by sharing your profile on social media, online forums, and other relevant platforms. You can also consider reaching out to potential clients directly through the platform’s messaging system.
Establish clear boundaries and expectations
Make sure you establish clear boundaries and expectations with your clients, such as the amount of time you are available, the activities you are willing to engage in, and the limits of your professional relationship.
Provide excellent service
Once you have clients, make sure you provide excellent service by being reliable, professional, and friendly. Engage in conversations, listen actively, and be supportive and empathetic.
Tips to help your profile stand out
Here are some tips to help your online friend profile stand out:
- Be clear and concise: Make sure your profile is easy to read and understand. Use simple language and bullet points to highlight your skills, interests, and personality.
- Use a friendly and inviting photo: Choose a photo that is clear and shows your face. Smile and look approachable.
- Highlight your unique qualities: What sets you apart from other online friends? Do you have a special skill or talent? Mention it in your profile.
- Offer a variety of services: Offer a range of services to appeal to a wider audience. For example, if you’re a good listener, offer to provide emotional support. If you’re good at games, offer to play games together.
- Mention your availability: Let potential clients know when you’re available to connect. Are you available during the day or only in the evenings? Be clear about your schedule.
- Set reasonable rates: Do some research to find out what other online friends are charging for their services. Set rates that are reasonable and competitive.
- Be professional and respectful: Remember that you’re providing a professional service. Be respectful, responsive, and maintain clear boundaries with your clients.
By following these tips, you can create a profile that stands out and attracts potential clients who are looking for a reliable, friendly, and professional online friend.
Staying safe online
One downside of talking to strangers online and presenting yourself online is that it carries risks, such as:
- scams
- catfishing
- misuse of data
There is no expectation that you will meet in person when you are paid as someone’s friend. Nonetheless, use common sense when revealing too much personal information online.
It is entirely up to you to choose the people you want to work with. Despite accepting the other person’s offer of friendship, you can walk away from any conversation.
When working as an online friend, it’s important to take steps to stay safe and protect your personal information. Here are some tips to help you stay safe online:
- Use a reputable platform: Work with reputable platforms that have good reviews and are trusted in the industry.
- Don’t share personal information: Don’t share your personal information, such as your home address, phone number, or email address, with your clients. Use the messaging system provided by the platform to communicate.
- Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries with your clients and let them know what you are and are not comfortable doing. If a client makes you feel uncomfortable or violates your boundaries, report them to the platform.
- Verify client identities: Some platforms require clients to verify their identity before using the service. If this is not required, you can ask your clients to provide some basic information about themselves to verify their identity.
- Use a separate bank account: Use a separate bank account for your online friend earnings to keep your personal finances separate and organized.
- Protect your device: Use a strong password and antivirus software to protect your device from hackers and viruses.
- Trust your instincts: If a client seems suspicious or makes you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and end the conversation.
By taking these steps, you can help protect your personal information and stay safe while working as an online friend.
Signing up for trusted online friend websites is the most important safety tip. We’ll share a few trusted sites in the section below. The terms and conditions of these sites, as well as their privacy policies, must be followed by all users.
Additionally, online communication should be maintained through the website itself or through trusted messaging/video chat platforms. Even if it’s described to you as safe, don’t use messaging apps or services you don’t know.
There may also be other boundaries, such as:
- Off-limits topics of conversation
- Language that is offensive
- Availability for chatting
Resources:
Making Online Friends the Safe Way
Best platforms for starting an online friend side hustle
You’d be surprised at just how many different platforms there are for this type of gig. Here are some of the most popular websites for making money as an online friend:
RentAFriend: This website allows you to create a profile and offer your services as a friend for hire. You can offer to hang out with clients, attend events together, or simply chat online.
FriendPC: FriendPC is a platform that connects clients with online friends for hire. You can offer a range of services, such as chat support, game playing, and virtual events.
7 Cups: 7 Cups is a platform that offers emotional support and chat services. You can become a listener and offer support to people who are struggling with various issues.
Fiverr: Fiverr is a website that offers a wide range of freelance services, including the opportunity to become an online friend for hire. You can offer chat support, gaming services, and more.
Resources:
7 Ways to Get Paid to be an Online Friend
Tool of the Week
Rent a Friend is a website that allows you to offer your services as a friend for hire to people looking for companionship, friendship, or social support. The website was founded in 2009 and has since grown to become one of the most popular platforms for finding friends for hire.
To use Rent a Friend, you first need to create a profile that includes your interests, availability, and the services you offer. You can offer a wide range of services, such as accompanying clients to events, participating in activities, or simply chatting online.
Once you have created your profile, clients can search for and contact you directly through the website. They can read your profile, see your availability, and then request to book your services. You can then accept or decline the request depending on your availability and interest.
Rent a Friend has a wide range of clients, including people who are new to a city and looking for friends, individuals who are going through a tough time and need support, and even people who just want to try out a new activity with someone.
One of the benefits of Rent a Friend is that it provides an opportunity to meet new people and try new things while earning money at the same time. However, it’s important to remember to prioritize your safety and well-being, and to establish clear boundaries and expectations with your clients before accepting any bookings.
