Whether you’re looking for an extra stream of income, a place to exert your creative energy, or just something to do in your spare time, side hustles are an increasingly popular addition to your “normal 9-5”. The best side hustles are those that incorporate your strengths and passions, as well as a healthy demand in the marketplace. Here are 10 ideas to get you started on your path to creating a side gig, and all of them can be started today!
1. Photography
Are you the friend everyone relies on for their Instagram photos? Having an eye for photography and basic photo editing skills are all it takes to start as a photographer! To start, we recommend compiling a portfolio of your favorite snapshots. No models? Use your friends and family, or head outside and utilize the nature around you.
There are a variety of ways to make money from your photography, such as selling prints, or canvases and other products like t-shirts online with sites like Etsy. Another tactic many photographers use is selling their images to stock photo websites like Shutterstock. Although it’s a bit more time consuming, finding clients for event or product photography is another way to build your skills and earn more money for your craft.
2. Blogging
Blogging is an extremely easy side hustle to begin, as you can do it from anywhere with an internet connection! Additionally, there are blogs about any and every topic, from yoga to finance. Writing about your passions is not only easier than a topic you’re unfamiliar with, but also allows you to connect with others that share your interests. It’s completely free to create a blog, and can be done on any of the major website builders such as Wordpress, Wix, or even Squarespace.
The easiest way to monetize your blogging is by using affiliate marketing. You can partner with different merchants in order to get your own link or code that gives you a commission when a reader makes a purchase using your personal link or code. Many companies offer affiliate programs you can sign up for immediately then you just need to use your creative juices to find ways to write blogs incorporating the products you’re marketing. Some easy ways are writing reviews or product roundups!
3. Selling Digital Products
Unlike selling traditional products, digital ones don’t need nearly as much up-front investment or time to create. After creating one digital product, you can sell it to many different customers without having to do more work! Start by brainstorming some different ideas of things you can create that are valuable to a select audience, appeal to a common pain point, and have a high demand. Then, build an online store using a platform like Shopify. Examples of popular digital products are webinars and courses in an area of your expertise, digital or audio books, printables, and templates. There are almost an infinite number of digital products you can create, but the most important aspect of this side hustle is identifying and growing your audience.
4. Ridesharing
Apps like Uber and Lyft have popularized ride sharing and also made it incredibly easy for potential drivers to create a flexible source of income. Drivers are able to choose their own hours, which makes it an incredibly popular side gig for those with a traditional job as well.
This side hustle can be started almost immediately as long as you meet a few requirements, some of which may vary by state and city, such as the age you must be to drive. All drivers must have a reliable and registered vehicle, a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and no criminal history. If you check all of these boxes, get started by submitting an application with the app of your choice.
5. Editing & Proofreading
If writing original content isn’t your cup of tea, read over other people’s work instead! This side hustle is especially recommended for those with an exceptional knack for grammar and spelling. Proofreaders are often the last person to see a work of writing and are focused on finding any last surface-level errors that may have slipped through the cracks. On the other hand, editors may take a deeper dive into projects, finding plot-holes or other finer details. There are many different niches proofreaders and editors can work in, such as academic work or even reading over websites. Finding these types of jobs is easiest on sites such as Fiverr or Upwork, where interested writers can list their projects.
6. Becoming a Virtual Assistant
While some virtual assistants work full time, there are a number of positions available online with flexible hours. As the name suggests, virtual assistants work remotely instead of in the office with their boss. In the current climate, this type of work is more popular than ever. There are also many different areas virtual assistants can work in such as social media or administration. Starting as a virtual assistant may be a bit harder than some other side hustles as you must find clients, but the beauty of this position is that you are able to choose your own hours, services, and rates.
7. Teaching Online Courses
Are you an expert in a certain area and looking to share your knowledge with the world? There are a large number of online courses around the web, in all sorts of topics. Having courses in a niche topic is even better, as there will be less competition. Teaching your own course enables you to focus on what you love and is a very flexible side job. Once you create one course, you’re able to promote it over and over to new customers looking to learn.
8. Dropshipping
Much like selling digital products, dropshipping is an efficient and cost effective alternative to traditional selling. You’re able to sell products directly to customers without having to keep an inventory - which also reduces your risk. You can start an online store in any niche with dropshipping, from apparel to beauty products or even kitchen supplies. The time you’re saving creating and shipping your products should be used marketing your products and finding new customers to sell to.
9. Starting a YouTube channel
While this hustle won’t immediately fill your bank account, it can lead to lucrative opportunities, such as ad revenue and sponsorships. Like many of the other ideas on this list, there are YouTube channels for every and any niche interest. Creating a channel that works alongside another business of yours, such as dropshipping or course creation, will allow both ventures to grow simultaneously.
10. Freelancing
For those of you with skills not mentioned above, consider offering them as a freelancer or contractor. It’s now easier than ever to connect with companies and clients and provide your services project-by-project from wherever you are in the world. Websites like Fiverr and Upwork are the perfect place to list your skills and find projects that help build your income streams and potentially scratch a creative itch your full time job can’t. Freelancing is a much more time intensive side hustle than some other options, but unlike some of the others, you will receive revenue much more quickly and directly.
Overall, when it comes to choosing the perfect side hustle for yourself, be sure to be realistic with yourself as packing your schedule full with work can be a quick path to burnout. Set boundaries for yourself and be intentional about your time. Additionally, picking a side hustle that aligns with your passions is an easy way to make the work feel much more enjoyable.