This is for all my 9-to-5 buddies looking for ways to boost their income. In today’s fast-paced world, many factors have given rise to the demand for side hustle to make ends meet. These factors include technological advancements, economic pressures, or the urge to follow your passion.
Here are some of the best and easiest side hustle ideas for you:
1. SOCIAL MEDIA CREATOR
While scrolling through Instagram, and watching reels, haven’t all of us thought that we could do that too? Doesn’t it sound amazing to get paid for something as simple as posting a video?
Well, this is just what happens when you are consistently creating and posting content on social media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, etc. offer programs for creators through which they can earn money.
To get started, you simply need a phone with a decent camera and some creative ideas. The more views you get, the more money you can make!
Bonus Tip: Explore some Social Media Management Tools to learn how you can schedule your posts for later and even track your content.
Cost: it is completely free to join and the plus point is that most platforms also offer editing tools.
2. YOUTUBE CHANNEL
YouTube is another awesome platform that lets you make money by doing something you enjoy!
Although it might take some time to build an audience and monetize your channel (you need at least 1000 subscribers to monetize), keep in mind that the earning potential is huge. Therefore, with full dedication and hard work, you must stay consistent in reaching that stage.
You just need a phone with a good camera and a video editing app such as Canva, AdobeSpark, etc. Additionally, you can grow your channel and reach a wider audience with YouTube ads, or by sharing your YouTube content on multiple other platforms.
Moreover, you can even monetize YouTube shorts along with your full-length YouTube videos.
Cost: It is a free platform and allows you to post unlimited videos.
3. PODCAST
You can call podcast the Gen-Z’s radio show. It is becoming a popular way of sharing information and stories. Starting a podcast is quite affordable as you do not require any fancy equipment.
You can easily find and purchase USB mics and free editing software to begin.
Although here is what you need to keep in mind:
- Select your podcast niche, something you are passionate about, and which would also interest your audience.
- Plan your content and record a few episodes in advance and release them with a launch strategy.
- Once your podcast starts growing, you can then monetize it to turn your passion into a side hustle.
After recording your podcasts you can upload them to channels on platforms such as iTunes, Buzzsprout, or Youtube etc.
Cost: some platforms have free plans, while some also offer premium paid plans.
4. FREELANCING
Freelancing is working on short-term projects for different clients rather than working full-time.
There are tons of freelancing opportunities out there, including:
- Graphic design
- Photography
- Content writing
- Video editing
- Web development
- And much more!
There is something for everyone in the world of freelancing. You can begin freelancing by marketing your skills or by reaching clients using freelancing sites such as Fiverr, Freelancer, or Upwork.
It has several perks, like:
- Flexibility
- Variety of work opportunities
- Location independence
Anyone of you who enjoys being their own boss, and have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, then freelancing might be the perfect side hustle for you!
Cost: some freelancing platforms charge a commission fees for their services whereas the networking you do on those platforms is free.
5. DOG WALKING
For those of you who love dogs but can’t commit to owning one, this is the perfect side hustle for you! While being a flexible way of earning money, this also serves as your daily dose of canine companionship.
Moreover, the beauty of dog walking is that it is great opportunity for you to spend time outdoors and get fresh air.
Cost: You require minimal investment that too on owning comfortable shoes, and appropriate clothing. Other than this, most of the dog owners provide leashes, poop bags, and waste disposal supplies.
You can find dog walking opportunities on Wag!, TimetoPet, and Rover.
6. BLOGGING
Blogging is another amazing way to showcase your creativity and expertise and make money in return. It could be about anything from traveling, cooking, fashion, to even DIYs.
To begin blogging you just need to select a niche, something you’re knowledgeable and passionate about and a platform.
Cost: while choosing a niche, and crafting content are free, you might have to pay some amount to the platform you choose.
For instance, WordPress charges around $3-$10 per month, whereas, Blogger is by Google and is free.
7. Pet Sitting
Similar to dog walking we also have pet sitting. Now, this is something only an animal lover would be interested in doing.
You can provide daycares for pets while their owners are away at work or vacations. However, some states require permits for this, so it is suggested to always do your research before you step into this.
Cost: you need a minimal cost for setting up home, such as building kennels or putting up gates.
To find clients you can use sites such as Rover.
8. Baby-Sitting
Baby-sitting is an in-demand side hustle. If you can spare extra time, and you are fond of kids then this is an excellent way to earn extra income.
All you have to do is play games, read stories, and keep an eye on the kids and make money in return.
Moreover, there are certain must-have qualities that you require, such as:
- Being responsible
- Patience
- The ability to solve problems
- Being friendly
Other than this, the American Red Cross also offers Babysitting Certification Courses that include CPR, first aid and behavior tactics.
Babysitters usually charge from $10-$18 per hour, though the rate depends on:
- Location
- Experience
- The number of children
- Additional responsibilities
Cost: you might need to invest in baby toys, books, and other stuff. Or if you are interested in certification then the courses range between $30-$100.
9. Tutoring
Tutoring is another side hustle that is flexible and rewarding. You can set your own hours, choose any subject/s of your choice, and start teaching.
However it is best to consider subjects that are in demand, like:
- Math
- Science
- English
- History and Social Studies
- Or Test Prep (SAT, Act, etc.)
Additionally, you must have a certain level of qualification since some tutoring platforms require a background check.
Some platforms are: Wyzant, Skooli, and TakeLessons.
Cost: you might need to invest in markers, whiteboard, or other educational material depending on your teaching style.
This is an ideal side hustle idea for college students!
10. Virtual assistant
Most of you must be familiar with what a virtual assistant is, but for those who are not, virtual assistants provide assistance in the digital world. Whether it is administrative, technical, or any other kind of assistance, they do it from the comfort of their own home.
This side hustle is again very flexible, and you get to enjoy a variety of tasks and projects. Those of you who are organized and familiar with using computers, then this is a very good option to consider as your side hustle.
Upwork, ChatterBoss, and many other platforms out there can help you find clients.
Cost: your investment includes a reliable computer and an internet connection, and a commission fee to your platforms but that depends on the project value.
11. Digital product sales
If you believe that you are creative enough then this side hustle is for you. You have create and sell digital products which is how you will make money.
Q) What are Digital Products?
Anything that you make and deliver electronically comes under the category of digital product. Such as:
- Ebooks
- Printables like planners, calendars, worksheets, etc.
- Online courses
- Tutorials
- Music
- Apps or software
Cost: it is comparatively less expensive as you can create digital products using your own photos, videos, or music, or you can even use free platforms like Canva, PhotoPea, etc.
Later on you can monetize your content by uploading it to marketplaces which again include Canva, Shuttershock, iTunes, and many more.
Click here to learn more about the Top E-commerce Platforms.
12.Taking online surveys
There is nothing as simple and easy as this! It is one of the easiest ways to boost your income.
Let’s first understand how it works,
To gather opinions and feedbacks about their products and services, marketing companies use online surveys. All you need to do is, participate in these and help businesses.
In return you will be rewarded in the form of cash, or sometimes even gift cards.
Although, it is important to remember that these online surveys are a great way to earn some extra money, but they won’t and they can’t make you rich.
Cost: there is no cost!
While we know that side hustles are a great way to earn extra income, we should still keep in mind that no side hustle guarantees success. Just like any other business or your job, side hustles also require attention and commitment.
Once, you figure out the right way of working things out, you will surely see significant growth and profit!
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