Earning extra money isn’t always easy. In fact, it can be downright challenging at times. You might feel like you’re stuck in a dead-end job with no way out or like you’re constantly chasing your tail trying to make ends meet. But don’t give up hope! Technology has made it easier than ever to start earning money on the side. With a bit of creativity and hustle, you can find ways to make extra money that will fit your lifestyle and goals.
We’ll discuss some side hustle ideas that are easy to start and don’t require a lot of time or money. You can pick and choose which ones work for you, and before you know it, financial freedom will soon be within your reach!
What is a Side Hustle?
A side hustle is a supplemental income-generating activity that you pursue outside of your primary job. It can be something that you do on the weekends, or even just a few hours a week. Unlike a moonlight gig or part-time job, a side hustle is typically something you’re passionate about and work on regularly in your spare time.
Many people, women, in particular, pursue side hustles in hopes of one day turning them into full-time businesses. Others simply enjoy the extra income and sense of satisfaction that comes from pursuing their passions on the side.
Many individuals have had shared success stories on how they quit their 9-5 day job to pursue their side gig full-time. While this may be the goal for some, others are content with keeping their side hustle as just that – a side gig. No matter what your end game is, starting a side hustle can provide you with some extra cash flow to help you reach your financial goals.
How to Pick a Good Side Hustle
Before we talk about some side hustle ideas you can start today, it’s important to know how to pick a good side hustle so you can make more money without sacrificing your life. Here are three important questions to ask yourself when choosing a side hustle:
Does the Side Hustle Fit Your Schedule?
The side hustle you choose should fit your schedule and lifestyle. If you’re a busy mom, for example, you might not have the time to commit to a part-time job that has a fixed working schedule. Instead, go for one that offers flexibility.
Does the Side Hustle Align with Your Skills?
Your side hustle should also play to your strengths and be something you’re good at. This is one of the most important factors in choosing a side hustle that you’ll actually enjoy pursuing.
Does the Side Hustle Have a Good Income Opportunity?
Last but not least, make sure the side hustle you choose has good earning potential. If you’re going to invest your time and energy into something, you want to be sure it’s worth your while!
Profitable Side Hustle Ideas
We’ve made it easier to get started by sharing some profitable side hustle ideas that you can start today. Remember that this isn’t an exhaustive list, and there are many other ways to make money on the side. But if you don’t know where to start, here are some side hustle ideas that have been proven time and time again to be profitable and successful.
Blogging
You love to write, and you’ve always had a knack for words. Why not start a blog? You can use your blog to share your passion for writing, connect with other like-minded individuals, and build a community of readers who appreciate your work. If you’re strategic about it, you can use your blog to generate income.
Sell advertising space, incorporate affiliate links to your blog posts, or partner with brands. The best part about blogging is you can do all of these things on your own terms! There’s no need to quit your day job – you can do this side hustle on the weekends or in your spare time. Whether you’re hoping to supplement your income or build a full-time business, blogging is a great way to turn your ideas into money.
Out of all the side hustle ideas presented in this post, blogging is one of the most popular and can often turn into an evergreen business.
Proofreading
With the popularity of online content, there has never been a better time to start a proofreading business. As a proofreader, you will be responsible for reviewing and editing written materials before they are published. This could include websites, articles, blog posts, student essays, and even books.
You don’t even need expensive equipment or office space. You need a sharp eye for detail and a willingness to help others improve their writing. You will also need to be able to work quickly and efficiently, as many clients will be working on tight deadlines. If you have these skills and qualities, then starting a proofreading business could be the perfect side hustle for you.
Dropshipping
There’s no shortage of ways to make money these days, but one option that’s often overlooked is dropshipping. Dropshipping is a type of e-commerce where businesses sell products without having to carry any inventory. Instead, when a customer orders a product, the business simply contacts the supplier, who then ships the product directly to the customer.
Dropshipping can be a great way to start an online business with little up-front investment, and it’s also relatively low risk. Because businesses don’t have to purchase inventory upfront, they can test out different products and niche markets without incurring too much cost. Customers won’t have to go through the difficulties of dealing with the supplier, thus fewer chances of any issues arising.
Making Videos On YouTube
YouTube is one of the most powerful platforms with billions of monthly users. It’s a great place to connect with people from all over the world and share your talents and passions. Among our list of side hustle ideas, this one is relatively easy to get started with.
You don’t need any special equipment to start making videos, just a smartphone, and some creativity. Once you start gaining a following, you can monetize your channel through advertising, sponsorships, or selling products and services. The key is to produce quality content that will keep people coming back for more.
A knack for videography, editing, and/or public speaking will help you create engaging content. But even if you don’t have those skills, you can still start a successful YouTube channel by being yourself and sharing your unique perspective with the world. Different side hustle ideas for creating videos may also include vlogging, doing reviews and doing a bit of affiliate marketing to help monetize the content.
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant (VA) is an online personal assistant who helps with tasks that can be done remotely. With the continuous rise of online businesses requiring more support, the demand for virtual assistants is only increasing.
As a virtual assistant, you can expect to do various tasks such as managing schedules, handling customer inquiries, making travel arrangements, and more. The key is to be organized, efficient, and have excellent communication skills. Some clients would require specific skills, but some other employers are willing to work with proactive VAs and have a can-do attitude.
Freelance Writer
If you have a way with words, then a career in freelance writing could be perfect for you. As a freelance writer, you will be responsible for creating written content for clients. This could include website content, blog posts, articles, eBooks, and more.
Depending on your writing skills, you can charge anywhere from $0.01 to $0.05 per word. That may not sound like much, but if you’re able to write 2000 words per day, that’s $200-$1000 per day! Copywriters even earn more than that. Rates will also depend on the type of content you’re asked to produce, the length, and the level of research required.
To start a career in freelance writing, create a portfolio of your best work and start pitching to potential clients. You can also look for job postings on freelancing websites or contact businesses directly.
Graphic Designer
If you’re creative and have an eye for design, then starting a freelance graphic design business could be a profitable side hustle for you. Graphic designers are in high demand, as businesses of all sizes need someone to create visuals that communicate their message clearly and effectively.
In addition to designing logos, marketing materials, and website graphics, many graphic designers also offer services such as layout and production, photo editing, and even animation and video editing.
However, take note that this is among one of our side hustle ideas that require skills before becoming successful in the field. While graphic design can be learned, your pre-existing knowledge and experience play a crucial role in helping you define success in your newly chosen field.
To start a graphic design business, you will need a strong portfolio and the ability to use various design software programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Once you have some samples of your work, you can start pitching to potential clients or look for job postings on freelancing websites.
Create and Sell a Digital Course
Have you ever dreamed of being your own boss? Of setting your own hours and working from anywhere in the world? If so, then creating and selling a digital course may suit you best. As more and more people turn to the internet for their educational needs, there is a growing demand for online courses.
With a little creativity and effort, you can tap into this market and start earning money on your own terms. When designing your course, think about what you have to offer that is unique and valuable. What are you an expert on that others would be willing to pay to learn about? Once you have a solid concept, the next step is to start putting together your content. You can record video lessons, write detailed articles, or create a powerful slide presentation.
You can upload your course to a platform like Udemy or sell it directly from your own website. If you choose the latter, you will need to invest in a shopping cart solution and marketing strategy to drive traffic to your site.
Transcription Work
Love silence? You can get paid for it! Transcription work comes in all shapes and sizes, from recording lectures to transcribing doctors’ appointments. There’s a huge demand for transcriptionists, as more and more businesses are realizing the value of having their audio files transcribed.
This is especially true for podcasting, which is exploding in popularity. If you have a quiet workspace and a good set of headphones, transcription work could be the perfect side hustle for you. It’s relatively low-skill, and there are plenty of resources available to help you get started.
Photography and Videography Services
Candid. Captivating. Compelling. These are just a few of the words that come to mind when thinking about what makes a great photograph or video. As anyone who has ever tried to capture a special moment knows, it takes more than just point and shoot to create something truly memorable.
It takes an eye for composition, an understanding of lighting, and a sense of timing. Fortunately, these are skills that can be learned with practice. For those with a passion for photography and videography, starting a side hustle offering these services is a great way to earn some extra income.
Bookkeeper
If you’re organized, detail-oriented, and good with numbers, a career as a bookkeeper may be the perfect fit for you. Bookkeepers are responsible for keeping financial records accurate and up to date. This can include tasks such as maintaining ledgers, preparing financial statements, and tracking expenses.
While bookkeeping may not be the most glamorous job, it is an important one. And with the right qualifications, it can also be a very profitable side hustle. To get started, all you need is a basic understanding of accounting and some experience working with numbers.
Sell Crafts on Etsy
When it comes to side hustle ideas, what comes to your mind? Crafting is one of the first things that I can think of. For many people, crafting is a hobby. But did you know that it can also be a great way to make money on the side? If you’re creative and have a talent for making handmade items, then selling crafts on Etsy could be the perfect side hustle for you.
Etsy is an online marketplace that allows artists and crafters to sell their products to a global audience. It’s a great platform for anyone who is looking to turn their passion into a profitable business. Your creativity, own product, and Etsy seller account are all you need to get started.
Tasks on TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is a website and app that allows people to outsource tasks and errands to others in their local community. From grocery shopping and laundry to dog walking and furniture assembly, there’s no shortage of things that people are willing to pay others to do for them.
If you’re looking for some flexible side hustle ideas that allow you to set your own hours and work from home, TaskRabbit could be an excellent option for you.
School Tutoring
One of the most popular side hustles for students is tutoring. Tutors can use their expertise in a particular subject to help others who are struggling with that school subject. This can be a great way to earn some extra money while also helping others succeed.
To get started, you will need to be knowledgeable in the subject you want to tutor and have a good understanding of the curriculum. You will also need to be patient and able to explain concepts in a way that is easy for others to understand. This can be done on a one-on-one basis or in a group setting.
Start an eCommerce Store
An eCommerce store is a great way to start your own business and make money on the side. You can sell products online through a variety of different channels, such as your own website, Amazon, eBay, and more. The best part about starting an eCommerce store is that you can do it from the comfort of your own home.
Walk Dogs
Dog walking is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, and the best part of it is that dog owners are willing to pay extra bucks for you to do it!
Cat Sit
Did you know that you can get paid to cat sit? That’s right, there are people out there who will actually pay you to come and take care of their cats while they’re away. If you’re a cat lover who is looking for a simple yet profitable side gig, then this may be the perfect option for you.
Teach English with VIPKid
VIPKid is a company that allows people to teach English to students in China via video chat. All you need is a laptop, an internet connection, and a webcam. And since the classes are taught online, you can do it from anywhere in the world.
Remote Customer Service Agent
As a customer service agent, you would be responsible for assisting customers with questions or concerns about a company’s products or services. This could involve anything from answering phone calls and emails to live chat and social media interactions. The most successful customer service agents are those who possess excellent communication skills and a positive attitude. They must be patient and efficient in their work, and they must be able to think on their feet in order to resolve customer issues in a timely and efficient manner.
Amazon FBA
With Amazon FBA, you can sell products on Amazon without having to worry about storage or shipping. All you need to do is find products that are in demand and send them to Amazon. Then, they will take care of the rest. You can even use Amazon’s Prime shipping to get your products to customers quickly. Best of all, you can start with just a few products and scale up as you get more sales.
Facebook Ad Manager
As a Facebook ad manager, you would be responsible for creating and managing advertising campaigns for businesses on Facebook. This would involve working with the business to create effective ad copy and targeting the right audience. You would also need to monitor the campaign results and make adjustments as needed.
Data Entry Jobs
In the era of big data, businesses always need skilled individuals to help them organize and make sense of all the information they collect. That’s where data entry jobs come in. As a data entry worker, you would be responsible for entering information into computer databases.
This could involve transcribing documents, entering customer information into spreadsheets, or updating inventory records. While it might not be the most exciting work out there, but it is often possible to do it at your own pace and in your own time.
To find data entry jobs, you can search for job postings on freelancing websites or contact businesses directly. Once you land a job, be sure to complete it accurately and in a timely manner to build up a good reputation.
Make Deliveries for Postmates and Doordash
If you have a car and some free time, you can make money by delivering food for companies like Postmates and Doordash. All you need to do is sign up with the company, choose a delivery area, and start picking up orders. You can typically set your own schedule and these side hustle ideas makes an excellent option for those who are looking to make a little bit on the side whenever they wanted to.
Personal Trainer
The fitness industry has flourished in recent years, and there is a growing demand for personal trainers. As a personal trainer, you would be responsible for helping people reach their fitness goals. This could involve anything from providing one-on-one coaching to leading group fitness classes.
Landscaping and Yard Maintenance
If you don’t mind a little bit of physical labor, and if you have a knack for making things look nice, you could make money by doing landscaping and yard work. This could involve mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and planting flowers.
You can typically find work through word-of-mouth or by searching for postings on online job boards. You can also offer these services to your neighbors and gain referrals that way.
Test Websites
Website development and design take a lot of time and effort. Before a website is launched, it needs to be tested to make sure everything is working properly. That’s where you come in.
As a website tester, you would be responsible for finding any errors or bugs on a site. This could involve anything from testing the functionality of links to checking for spelling mistakes.
Drive for Uber/Lyft
If you have a car and some free time, you can make money by becoming a driver for Uber or Lyft. Many college students and even moms have found this to be a great way to earn some extra money.
To become a driver, you simply need to sign up with the company and pass a background check. Once you’re approved, you can start picking up passengers and earning money. You can typically set your own hours, which makes this an ideal side gig for those who are looking for some flexibility.
Start a Podcast
If you’re passionate about a particular topic, you can start a podcast and share your knowledge with the world. This could involve anything from interviews to discussions on current events. Similar to starting a YouTube channel, you would need to invest in some quality audio equipment and create engaging content.
Rent a Friend
This one might sound a little strange out of all the different side hustle ideas we have in the list, but there are actually people who will pay you to be their friend. As a renting friend, you would simply provide companionship and conversation. This could involve anything from going out to eat to attending events.
Professional Snuggling
If you’re a touchy-feely person, you could get paid to snuggle with people. This might involve anything from providing comfort to those who are going through a difficult time to simply cuddling with someone who needs some physical affection.
While some might find it odd, you’ll be surprised to find that a lot of people are willing to pay good money to cuddle and for companionship. Nothing sexual – just snuggling.
Social Media Manager
This one is one of the most in-demand positions that you can find out there if you’re thinking of getting into online freelancing. Social media managers have a broad range of responsibilities, but their main goal is to grow a company’s online presence.
As a social media manager, you would be responsible for creating and managing social media accounts for a business. This could involve anything from posting updates to interacting with customers.
Teach a Class on Skillshare
Skillshare is an online platform that allows people to take and teach classes on a variety of topics. If you have a particular skill or knowledge that you would like to share, you can create a class and earn money by teaching others.
To create a class, simply sign up for an account and start creating your course. You’ll need to invest some time in creating quality content, but once you’ve established yourself, you can start earning money pretty easily.
Buy a Small Property and Rent it Out
If you have that extra money lying around, you could buy a small property and rent it out. This could be anything from an apartment to a storage unit.
The great thing about small property rentals is that you can earn passive income each month without having to do much work. Of course, you’ll need to find reliable tenants and keep up with building maintenance, but it’s a relatively easy way to earn more cash each month.
Take Surveys Online
Companies rely on data to help them make informed decisions. In order to get this data, they turn to market research, which is where you come in.
As a market researcher, you would be responsible for providing your opinion on various products and services. This could involve anything from taking surveys to participating in focus groups. While you won’t get rich doing this, it’s a great way to earn some extra cash in your spare time.
Sell Custom T-Shirts
Personalized t-shirts are all the rage these days. If you’re a graphic designer or simply have a unique sense of style, you could create custom t-shirts and sell them online.
There are a number of platforms that allow you to do this, such as TeeSpring and Zazzle. Simply create your design, upload it to the platform, and start selling.
Professional Organizer
Did you know that there is such a thing as a professional organizer? As a professional organizer, you would help people to declutter their homes and lives. For those of you who are organized freaks, this could be the perfect side hustle for you.
Babysitting/Childcare Services
This is a classic, and babysitting has been one of the most popular side hustles for decades. If you enjoy working with children and have some free time, this could be a great way to earn some extra cash.
Consulting Business
Do you think you have what it takes to be a consultant? If you have expertise in a particular area and are good at communicating your ideas, then starting a consulting business may be the perfect side hustle for you.
As a consultant, you would provide advice and guidance to clients on a wide range of topics, from marketing to management. To get started, you would need to build up a strong portfolio of previous work and develop a clear understanding of your niche. Once you have established yourself as an expert in your field, you can start charging for your services. With the right marketing, you can quickly build up a healthy client base.
Food Truck
To foodies everywhere, the food truck is a godsend. And for those of you with a passion for food and cooking, starting a food truck could be the perfect side hustle.
Of course, starting a food truck requires a bit of investment. You’ll need to purchase or lease a vehicle and outfitting it with the necessary kitchen equipment. But if you’re serious about making your mark in the food industry, getting started with a food truck is a great way to do it.
Give Driving Lessons to Students
If you have a clean driving record and a bit of patience, giving driving lessons to students might just be what you’re looking for to make a bit of money.
There are always people who are looking to learn how to drive, so this is a great way to earn some extra cash. Just be sure to brush up on your own driving skills before you start giving lessons!
Sell Services on Fiverr
There’s a lot of money to be made on Fiverr. Just take a look at some of the services people are offering: logo design, SEO consulting, video editing, voice-over work, and more. And the best part is that you can offer your services remotely, so you don’t even have to leave your house to make money.
If you’re not familiar with Fiverr, it’s a platform where people can offer their services for as little as $5 (hence the name). However, service providers can also offer additional services for an extra fee.
So, if you’ve got a skill or talent that you think people would be willing to pay for, sign up for Fiverr and start making some extra cash.
So, there you have it: 41 side hustle ideas to help you make money on the side. Whether you’re looking for a full-time income or just some extra cash to tide you over, one of these side gig ideas is sure to be perfect for you. Remember to avoid the most common money mistakes with your newfound cash!