Many people have long-term financial goals, whether paying off a student loan, making more money or getting rid of debt. However, it can be challenging to find an additional income source that doesn’t conflict with your full-time job.
Luckily, many lucrative side hustles can boost your income without compromising your main job. So whether you’d prefer a remote position or more flexible hours, you can find an option that meets your needs.
In this article, we’ll look at the current state of the gig economy. We’ll then explore 20 lucrative side hustle ideas you can try out to earn extra income. Let’s get started!
What You Need to Know About Current Trends in the Gig Economy
In our connected digital world, there are many opportunities for side hustles. Gigs are becoming a permanent solution for many people. 41% of gig workers depend on income from their side hustles to cover their monthly expenses.
People from all generations are currently taking advantage of gig work because of its flexibility and earning potential. In addition, side hustles can offer extra income for spending, saving, or paying for living expenses.
That means it’s a perfect time to strike out on your own with a side hustle. Not only can this path be rewarding, but it may even improve your performance in your day job. Plus, there are plenty of routes you can take.
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20 Lucrative Side Hustle Ideas
Due to the wealth of on- and offline options for creating your side hustle, there’s no time like the present to launch into a new gig. So let’s explore 20 of the most accessible and rewarding opportunities!
1. Sell Graphic Design Services
If your friends are always asking you to create signs, posters, or logos, you might want to pursue graphic design. Graphic design is a diverse field, so you can choose a niche related to your strengths. Whether designing products, websites, or branding, this side hustle can bring in many clients that require your services.
To get started, you’ll want to set up a portfolio on your own website. This is a digital resume that displays your design services and previous work.
When looking for graphic design jobs, you might also consider using an online marketplace such as Creative Market. Unlike platforms like Etsy or eBay, Creative Market is designed for digital products and services:
With Creative Market, you can set up a digital storefront to market your web themes, fonts, or templates. Using this platform, you can set your own prices and display your graphic design work to more than one million potential clients.
2. Become a Virtual Assistant
From appointment scheduling to inbox assistance, there is a wide array of tasks that busy professionals need help with. As a Virtual Assistant (VA), you can assist your clients with their basic business needs.
Working as a VA can be a great option if you’re a stay-at-home parent or even a college student looking to bring in a little extra cash. In many cases, VA work will involve skills you already have, such as typing, emailing or social media management.
Striking out on your own can be daunting, but you can use a freelancer website like PeoplePerHour to get started. Here, you can find new projects, set your rates, and enable clients to hire you:
Just be aware that being a VA requires excellent time management. Also, you’ll have to be willing to hustle for each client if you want to make it in this professional space.
3. Create a Proofreading Service
If you enjoy helping others improve their written content, starting up a proofreading service can be very lucrative. You can evaluate copy and articles by fixing spelling, grammar, and other errors before a business publishes them.
This is another lucrative side hustle perfect for college students. You can work out a schedule that meshes well with your classes and put that sentence diagramming skillset to use. You can even set up a simple freelancer website to describe and highlight your previous work, qualifications, and services.
To establish a reputation, you can use a site such as Upwork. With this freelancer platform, you can create a professional profile and search through thousands of proofreader job positions:
Additionally, if you’re working from home as a proofreader, you can deduct many household items from your taxes. Just remember that you’ll need to keep a diligent record of your work expenses and hours.
4. Open an Amazon Storefront
The online retail giant Amazon enables entrepreneurs to create storefronts on its website. If you have a product to offer, you can set up a seller account with Amazon and potentially access 5.7 billion worldwide visitors.
Related: How to Accept Payments Through Your WordPress Website
One of the most intriguing things about using an Amazon storefront as your side hustle is that it has many profitable options. For example, selling private label products can earn you $5,000 in monthly revenue. Alternatively, you could also sell handmade items or print-on-demand services.
There are sometimes fees associated with Amazon’s services, so you’ll have to research the options and decide what works best for you. Additionally, you’ll need to handle shipping yourself unless you go all in and use the Fulfillment by Amazon service.
5. Offer Errand Services
Errand-running has become a big business. Grocery pickups and fast food delivery are two of the most popular options, with online ordering worth over $150 billion worldwide.
You can easily profit from this popular market by starting an errand-running business. By signing up for a delivery service such as DoorDash, you can get delivery opportunities and start making money within the first few days:
You’ll need to check your local regulations to ensure you have the right kind of insurance coverage for this side hustle. Additionally, you may have to work extra vehicle maintenance into your overall budget.
However, if you have a reliable vehicle and like to interact with people while running errands, this is an opportunity worth considering.
6. Drive for a Rideshare Company
In the same vein as errand-running, driving for rideshare companies can be very lucrative, depending on where you live. When you sign up to drive for Uber or Lyft, you can start transporting people to their destinations:
Driving for Uber allows you to set flexible hours so that you can work around your full-time job. Additionally, you’ll receive a base fare for every ride, plus extra tips from riders. If you live in a big city, you can capitalize on busy traffic.
Of course, offering driving services can mean you risk picking up strangers who might have been drinking or are trying to break the law. So while almost anyone can try this lucrative side hustle (as long as you’ve got a driver’s license, of course), it’s a job to consider carefully.
You’ll also want to understand the company safety policies and what to do in specific situations. However, if you generally like meeting new people and driving around town, this could be an excellent option for you.
7. Start a Repair Service
Simple home repairs and “handyman” jobs are possible side hustles to consider if you have a good set of tools and like fixing things. You’ll only need basic repair knowledge with a repair service side gig.
You can utilize a website like TaskRabbit when building up a good reputation. Using this platform can be an easy way for clients to find you and hire you for specific projects:
With each season, you can create new, marketable services for your business. For example, you can offer holiday decoration services for people who can’t string up lights easily or gutter cleaning in the fall and spring.
8. Design Websites
Roughly 252,000 new websites are published every day. That’s a lot of new sites and a steady stream of potential clients for your new website design side hustle.
If you’ve got the experience, designing websites enables you to select the clients you want to partner with and only work the hours you choose. Plus, a user-friendly Content Management System (CMS) such as WordPress makes it much easier to start your own design business:
Not only is WordPress the most popular and widely-used CMS on the market, but it’s also open source. This means there’s a lot of versatility when designing with it.
All in all, this option is a great one for anyone with some web design knowledge. You can use page builders and other tools to create a business quickly without needing extensive coding abilities.
9. Develop and Sell Themes or Plugins
When it comes to WordPress and side hustles, there are other options besides designing entire websites. As we mentioned previously, WordPress is built on open-source software. This means that if you have sufficient coding knowledge, you can easily develop new plugins and themes.
After developing your first WordPress theme or plugin, you can submit it to the WordPress team to see if it meets their guidelines. After approval, you can offer a basic, free version of your product. Then, you can entice people to buy a premium version with advanced features.
If you’re just starting and want to test your skills, there are a lot of resources to help you along the way. Using resources on GitHub, an open-source code repository is another excellent method for learning the ropes.
10. Manage Social Media Posts
If you’re great at networking and multi-tasking, becoming a social media manager might be the right side hustle for you. In this position, you’ll be responsible for creating posts, analyzing traffic, and moderating comments across various social media platforms.
To set you apart from the competition, you’ll need to master social media platforms and their algorithms. You can do this by keeping your personal accounts up-to-date and following successful social media users. These methods can help you learn marketing strategies and significant trends quickly.
Social media management often requires juggling many different accounts and posting schedules. Although this job can be overwhelming, you can use applications such as Hootsuite to keep track of all your essential tasks:
Hootsuite is an all-in-one social media management dashboard where you can create, preview, and schedule posts. You can also monitor previous post performance and analytics. Just remember to keep all the accounts you work with separate and establish a clear set of terms and conditions with your clients.
11. Sell Items on Etsy
There are plenty of places to sell items online, but Etsy is one of the most popular options. Unlike other marketplaces, Etsy focuses on handmade items such as clothing, home decor, and jewelry:
Etsy shoppers often focus on personalized items for gifts, and 40% of these consumers make repeat purchases. With 81.9 million active buyers, you are sure to find the right audience for your products on Etsy.
When it comes to being successful on Etsy, reliable customer service can go a long way toward building a following. Posting quality photos and using Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques can also help. You’ll also want to make sure you have a marketable product, of course.
Potentially the biggest challenge to creating an Etsy store is the level of competition. You’ll want to do your research to make sure your shop attracts attention. With that being said, Etsy is an excellent option for crafters and creatives of any type.
12. Start a Cottage Food Business
Another great way to have fun and bring in extra income is with a cottage food business. Cottage food laws vary from state to state, but they typically outline which food can be made and sold in the home without a bakery license. This means you can sell approved items at farmer’s markets, in shops, or online.
If you’re everyone’s go-to friend for cakes and confections, you might want to consider setting up a food blog or promoting your cottage food items on a platform such as Instagram.
With a projected 1.2 billion users by 2023, Instagram is an excellent place to market your products. You can highlight your food in posts, stories, or reels. By posting content consistently, you can develop a dedicated following that loves to see your baking process.
The only downside to cottage food endeavors is that they can be limiting. Again, you’ll want to check your state laws for a list of products you can make without a license.
13. Set Up a Consulting Service
If any of the above options appeal to you, but you’re more of a “big picture” kind of person, you can always set up a consulting business. This lucrative side hustle can cover a wide range of professional areas and draw on skills you might already have from your day job.
You’ll want to clearly establish your experience and expertise in the category you’re offering consulting services for. It might involve marketing, business development, technology, or sales.
To present a more professional image, you can use LinkedIn. By creating a LinkedIn company page, you can display your business resume and explain what you can offer to potential employers:
This is also a situation where your portfolio will likely matter a lot. Potential clients will want to know if you have the experience necessary to guide them in their business practices.
Keep in mind that to start a successful consulting gig, you’ll want to put together a clear outline of the agreed-upon work for each client. All parties must be on the same page regarding what a consult will include.
14. Become a Freelance Writer
Freelance writing is an increasingly popular option for a side gig. Nearly every website has a blog, but not every site owner is a skilled writer. Also, many people might not have the time to research and write posts consistently.
As a solution, many business owners outsource these tasks to freelancers. Additionally, several marketing departments and agencies use freelancers to help with heavy workloads. You can reach out to companies like these directly or browse for work on sites such as the ProBlogger Job Board.
To help you land clients and brand yourself as a professional, you’ll want to ensure that you have a top-notch writer website. Here’s an example from freelance writer Michelle S. Loyd:
Your website should host your portfolio and provide details about rates and contact information. It can position you as an expert in your niche, whether that’s WordPress, tech, travel, fashion, or something else entirely.
Related: How to Create a Freelance Writer Website
15. Start a Podcast
Podcasts can be surprisingly lucrative. Thanks to sponsorships, advertising deals, and affiliate sales, it’s possible to earn a solid income while diving deep into your favorite subjects.
Getting started with podcasting is easy enough. Ideally, you’ll want to invest at least a little into equipment (such as microphones and editing software) to produce the best quality recordings. You’ll also likely need a dedicated hosting plan capable of handling high traffic so that your content won’t slow down your website.
The catch is that you’ll generally need to build up a regular audience to start seeing much income from podcasting. A good first goal to shoot for is 1,000 downloads per week — this is where you can begin to start making money from affiliate marketing and viewer donations.
16. Create an Affiliate Blog
Since most brands (about 80%) have affiliate marketing programs, delving into this industry can be an excellent way for bloggers to make a passive income. This lucrative side gig offers low start-up costs, unlimited product choices, and little management.
In affiliate marketing, an independent blogger, called an affiliate, promotes a brand’s products. When you become an affiliate, you earn commissions by directing traffic to a business’s website or storefront. Essentially, you’re rewarded for recommending products to your followers:
One of the most popular affiliate programs for bloggers is Amazon Associates. Since Amazon has many products to choose from, you can easily find ones that fit your niche.
Although affiliate marketing can have many benefits, it’s essential to market products effectively. You’ll want to recommend goods that align with your audience. For instance, if you’re starting a fashion blog, you can promote clothes from Amazon.
Finally, make sure you avoid spamming your audience with affiliate links. You’ll want to naturally incorporate affiliate products into blog content to maximize credibility. Additionally, consider providing an affiliate link disclosure to inform your audience.
Related: Join the DreamHost Affiliate Program
17. Become an Online Tutor
With an online tutoring job, you can access flexible hours and unlimited clients. Students are almost always looking for homework help, so this side gig could be ideal if you love teaching.
Although tutoring income can vary based on experience, this side hustle generally has high rates. Tutors can make anywhere from $15 to $125 per hour. If you are a qualified teacher and decide to teach older students, you could receive a higher rate.
Out of the many online tutoring platforms available, Tutor.com is one of the best. When you sign up, you can create your schedule and even do unscheduled tutoring sessions if you need them:
With over 250 different subjects, you can easily find an area that you’re knowledgeable in. Especially if you received higher education, becoming a tutor can put your skillset to good use.
18. Convert Your Spare Room Into an Airbnb
Many people decide to find full-time roommates to help pay their monthly expenses. However, listing your spare room on Airbnb can be a better alternative. This lucrative side hustle enables you to monetize your empty space while still living alone most of the time:
Airbnb is a rental platform where homeowners can rent their spaces to anyone on the app. It has become more popular than certain hotel chains, with Airbnb hosts making an average of $924 every month.
As an Airbnb host, you can decide which dates and times people can book your room. Plus, these guests are only there for a short time, so this setup causes less wear and tear on your house.
Many owners list their homes on Airbnb, so it’s important to make yours stand out. You can get more bookings if you feature clear, detailed pictures and keep your home clean. Additionally, you should be communicative with guests and anticipate their needs to ensure that they leave good reviews.
However, this side hustle involves inviting strangers into your house. This comes with the risk of someone stealing from you or throwing a loud, destructive party.
19. Resell Thrifted Items
A simple way to make extra money is buying items from a thrift store and reselling them. This process could involve finding a vintage piece, restoring it, and listing it for sale online. Alternatively, you could look for clothing from prominent brands.
Some of the most profitable thrift store finds are textbooks, brand-name clothes, glassware, and record players. When you find these items, you can sell them for a profit on online marketplaces, flea markets, or your website.
eBay is a popular platform for secondhand items because you can sell almost anything. With 187 million users worldwide, eBay’s platform can provide more visibility than a personal website:
Although you can list items using a personal account, eBay also allows you to create an online store. This setup gives you access to more listings with fewer fees.
You’ll want to consider eBay’s selling fees as well as costs for shipping and packaging your products. These can quickly add up, especially if you don’t set fair prices for your goods.
20. Become a Transcriptionist
Transcribing could be a great option if you prefer a side hustle that you can do from home. As a transcriptionist, you listen to recordings and turn them into written documents. All you need to succeed in this position is a computer, fast internet connection, and word processing software.
Anyone can become a transcriptionist with the right skillset. Good typing skills, hearing, and correct grammar are some of the basic requirements employers will look for. Your experience level likely won’t matter if you excel in these areas.
Rev is an online transcription company where you can sign up to become a freelancer. The platform’s rates range from $.40 to $.75 per minute:
To start transcribing with Rev, you’ll need to take a quiz and submit a transcript. You’ll be approved after this basic test, and then you can choose specific jobs you’d be interested in. Once you’re hired, you’ll get paid weekly with PayPal.
The best part about being a transcriptionist is its flexible work schedule. You can see deadlines, audio content, and pay before you sign up for a job. This way, you can focus on transcripts that are worth your time.
How to Set Yourself Up to Launch a Successful Side Hustle
There’s a reason that getting a supplementary job like the ones listed above is called a side hustle. This approach does take some energy and ambition if you want to be successful. Plus, it’s not all that uncommon for a part-time gig to eventually become a full-time endeavor.
Whatever your goals might be, there are several ways to set yourself up for success when launching a side hustle. You’ll want to have:
- A clear vision of your objectives
- Solid time management skills
- A website with a secure and trusted web host
- A financial advisor
- The ability to maintain good records
There are also many helpful resources available online for learning more about the gig economy. There’s never been a better time to take a chance on something you’ve always wanted to do!
Unlock Your Earning Potential
There’s often more to a side hustle than just adding money to your household income. A freelance gig can give you a greater sense of freedom and control. Plus, it never hurts to earn a little extra cash now and then.
You can set yourself up for a successful new side hustle by planning ahead and exploring your options. There are plenty of passive income opportunities you can get involved in, such as web design and proofreading, as well as offline options like repairs and ridesharing.
Whatever your hustle idea, DreamHost is here to help support you. With our Custom Website Design Pro Services for even the smallest budgets, you’ll be one step closer to kicking off your new side hustle successfully!
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