Just about everyone would likely find it advantageous to have some additional income. However, there are occasions when saving money and having a full-time job may not suffice. A successful side hustle can establish regular sources of revenue that greatly contribute to earning extra income.
Side hustlers, who come from various backgrounds, sell a broad spectrum of products. They possess determination, a willingness to take risks, and perceive limited resources as an exhilarating obstacle rather than a reason to quit.
If you are interested in increasing your income, here are some suggestions for side hustles.
The 38 best side hustles for 2023
1. Participate in paid online surveys
There is an abundance of companies and market researchers seeking to understand people’s opinions about their products and services. Websites such as Branded Surveys, Swagbucks, and Survey Junkie offer numerous surveys that provide monetary compensation. While completing surveys may not cover your expenses, it can supplement your income for the weekend.
2. Get paid to test apps and websites
Getting paid is possible for individuals who work as testers to ensure that websites and apps are functioning properly prior to their launch. Business operations can come to a halt if these platforms contain numerous problems or if the applications fail to operate. In order to prevent this from happening, developers engage testers who thoroughly test the functionality of all the links and buttons.
There are several matchmaking sites such as UserTesting, UTest, Userlytics, UserCrowd, and Enroll that can provide numerous opportunities for website- and app-testing jobs. In fact, some high-paying jobs can even offer $100 for a one-hour test, so there is potential to earn money in this field.
3. Transcribe videos, phone calls, and other recordings
Paid transcription opportunities can be found on freelancer websites such as Rev, TranscribeMe, and GoTranscript. The tasks involve receiving audio files from clients and accurately transcribing them, which could include videos, audio notes, phone calls, or legal proceedings. It is important to have a good ear and fast typing skills for this job.
4. Become a rideshare driver
Currently, there are numerous choices available for individuals who wish to work as drivers for rideshare companies. It is possible to opt for well-established and reputable companies such as Uber or Lyft. Additionally, there are alternative options that target certain requirements or areas, such as ZIRO, primarily operating in San Francisco, or Wingz, which specializes in transporting individuals to and from airports.
5. Deliver groceries
If you like driving but aren’t always comfortable with strangers in your car, you have the option to become a driver for grocery delivery apps like Instacart or Spark Driver (Walmart’s delivery app). Consider these side-gigs for grocery delivery.
Free Webinar: Rephrase: Webinar available at no cost:
Here are the steps to follow in order to discover and obtain a successful product for selling.
In a time frame of under 40 minutes, we will guide you systematically on discovering product ideas, validating them, and finally selling your chosen idea.
6. Rent out your home to vacationers
If you already devote time to taking care of and keeping your home in good condition, why not use this opportunity to earn some additional money? Renting out your home or any spare room can bring in a substantial income. While Airbnb is the frequently used platform for renting out your home, you might also consider listing it on alternative applications like Vrbo, Agoda, or Plum Guide (limited to UK only).
7. Deliver food
Over the past few years, food delivery has gained popularity similar to grocery delivery. It is a simple side gig to begin, as there are numerous apps such as UberEats, DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates, SkipTheDishes (Canada only), and Menulog (Australia and New Zealand only) where you can register to be a driver.
8. Become an affiliate marketer
Affiliate marketing combines side hustles by allowing you to promote another person’s products or services on your platform and receive a commission for any sales generated through your referral, often using a unique link or code.
If you have a podcast, are an influencer, or own a store, consider getting involved in affiliate marketing as it offers an opportunity to generate passive income while pursuing another side hustle or focusing on your passions.
Begin by visiting an affiliate marketplace such as Leadpages, ConvertKit, ClickBank, or ShareASale to discover suitable products. Furthermore, if you are involved in ecommerce as a content creator, course educator, or influencer, the Shopify Affiliate Program could be an excellent opportunity for earning extra income.
9. Tutor online
Teaching is one of the most rewarding opportunities, and with online platforms like Cambly , TutorOcean , Preply , and Learn to Be , it’s easy for anyone to tutor students online. Some young entrepreneurs even start freelancing while in school. Services like tutoring and exam prep are so popular in universities among student freelancers that the test-prep market is expected to grow at a rate of 6% annually until 2027 .
10. Walk dogs and pet-sit
Nowadays, individuals view their pets as family members, leading to an increasing need for trustworthy individuals who can care for their beloved furry companions. Previously, the most challenging aspect of becoming a dog walker or pet sitter was finding clients. However, thanks to applications such as Rover, Wag!, PetSitter.com, and PetBacker, it has become simpler than ever to discover reliable clients seeking assistance.
11. Start a blog on Substack
As a well-liked side job, blogging has always struggled with monetization difficulties. This is why an increasing number of bloggers are now utilizing Substack, a platform that allows independent writers to directly publish their content to their readers and earn money by offering recurring subscriptions.
By allowing bloggers to gradually establish a following and consistently generate a monthly income, this approach eliminates the need for invasive advertisements, sponsorships, or seeking freelance writing opportunities.
12. Deliver packages
Anyone who has time and a vehicle can now enroll in Amazon Flex to provide package delivery services. Amazon Flex offers a convenient opportunity to earn additional income during one’s free time. The scheduling of work is highly adaptable, as drivers only need to register for a specific time interval and will receive delivery tasks based on their availability, whether they wish to take on many or only a few assignments.
13. Sell your photography
Websites like Burst, Shutterstock, and Getty Images are continuously seeking to purchase photos suitable for websites and ad campaigns. The demand for new photos will persist as long as the internet exists, as websites will perpetually require updates and fresh content.
You have the option to sell your photography in the form of prints or by placing them on items like mugs or sweatshirts. By doing so, you can transform your images into tangible products and sell them as art that can be displayed or worn. Nowadays, obtaining high-quality prints of your photos is both simple and inexpensive, creating a significant market opportunity for appealing images.
Selling your photography as a service is also a possibility. Capturing weddings alone can occupy all your time, and there are also concerts, graduations, baby announcements, annual family photos, and more to consider.
14. Start a podcast
Podcasting, along with social media and blogging, has established itself as a fundamental part of the wider realm of online content. Furthermore, podcasts have consistently gained greater popularity every year since their inception.
Podcasting is also inexpensive. You can buy a decent USB microphone (specifically designed for podcasting) for less than $100, and recording platforms like Audacity are both free and user-friendly.
To gain a better understanding, continue learning more with step-by-step thinking.
15. Design and sell your own t-shirts
If you’re interested in design and want to try your hand at entrepreneurship, print-on-demand businesses can be enjoyable and low-risk. With platforms like Printful, Printify, and Gelato on Shopify, you can effortlessly upload personalized designs onto t-shirts, which are printed and sent directly to customers upon ordering. This eliminates the need to purchase a significant amount of inventory upfront.
16. Wash cars
Washing cars, both the interior and exterior, is a chore that many individuals are knowledgeable about, yet not many are enthusiastic about doing on their own. This is why it is considered a profitable side gig. The expenses can be minimized by utilizing basic cleaning supplies that you may already possess. Numerous mobile applications such as TaskRabbit, Steady, and Jobble offer numerous swift car-washing opportunities in cities across the globe.
17. Start a social media page and build income through sponsorships
When the term “influencer” is mentioned, people often associate it with someone who has sacrificed all privacy in exchange for a loyal fan following. However, it is not necessary to make oneself the central focus in order to become a successful influencer. Engaging in social media management can be a fantastic opportunity for a side job that allows for ample creative expression.
If you are able to build a committed audience that businesses are interested in, any form of web content such as memes, photography, digital art, or niche content like ASMR videos can be profitable.
18. Give tours of your neighborhood
According to a study conducted by Eventbrite, the preference for experiences over products is prioritized by 78% of Americans. This rising demand for skilled neighborhood tour guides is evident with the emergence of platforms such as Showaround and the introduction of Airbnb’s Experiences feature.
19. Publish on Medium
If you don’t have much experience, pitching for freelance work can be tricky when it comes to making money online through writing for the web. This can create a catch-22 situation. Therefore, the question arises: Where should you begin?
A blog is an excellent platform for showcasing your passion in writing, but we also highly recommend Medium for publishing your articles. It serves as a valuable opportunity to develop a strong body of work while potentially earning some money through Medium’s Partner program.
Medium has a distinctive method of calculating earnings that is advantageous for both niche writers and those with popular stories. In essence, your earnings are determined by the percentage of total read time that Medium members dedicate to reading your article. Though the percentage of active Medium writers earning over $100 is only 8%, there is potential to earn much more than that. This is demonstrated by the highest paid author on Medium in November 2019, who earned $22,658.57. Whoever this individual is, they can rightfully consider Medium as their primary source of income.
20. Start a Niche Instagram Account
There are many articles that recommend becoming an ‘Instagram influencer’ as a side hustle to earn additional money. However, this suggestion is not as effective as it was five years ago due to the high number of similar accounts on Instagram. Unless you already have a substantial following of thousands, it will be difficult to break into the influencer industry.
Despite the belief that there is no direct way to earn money rapidly on Instagram, there still exists potential for profit by adopting a more imaginative approach. From our perspective, specialized accounts have emerged as the most effective method of utilizing Instagram. By leveraging the influence of an established platform or trending series, one can promptly cultivate a dedicated and devoted fan base. We particularly admire the success of accounts like @chandler_holding_ur_fav_album, @depopdrama, and @meme_appetit, each of which has garnered thousands of followers in a short span of time. Notably, two of these accounts rely solely on content submitted by their followers.
Once you have established a strong following, you have several options to make money from your account. For example, @depopdrama accepts payments to promote various Depop stores through its stories. @chander_holding_ur_fav_album has a donations page, and @meme_appetit sells merchandise using RedBubble, a platform we will discuss further at a later stage.
21. Teach English Remotely
Do you believe that you don’t have any skills to offer? Think again. If you are able to speak English, or any other language for that matter, then there is something that another person wants to learn from you. Since English is widely spoken, there are many opportunities available. There is a large group of individuals who are eager to learn remotely, and there are numerous companies that are prepared to facilitate this process.
Teach Away, VIPKID, and QKids are willing to pay up to approximately $25/hour for your services. Although teaching experience is not necessary to join these sites, most of them do require a Bachelor’s degree. Once you have established a clientele and built a reputation, create your own website using a template like ‘Private Tutor’ by Wix. This will allow you to set your own rates and keep the full amount you charge.
22. Translate
If you are fortunate to be able to speak multiple languages, you have a wider range of opportunities to choose a side job. Translating is a highly competitive field that can bring in a lot of money. Although it may be difficult for you to get involved in literary translations or large commercial projects unless you have relevant qualifications, you can collaborate with an agency or work independently to take on smaller projects.
Websites such as Fiverr are beneficial for starting quickly, but it will take some time to accumulate money due to most competitors charging approximately $5 for every 500 words. Additionally, it will be challenging to secure crucial reviews due to the high number of competitors.
We strongly suggest considering agency work or contacting companies/answering ads directly as an alternative. To establish credibility, having a website to showcase your work and positive testimonials from clients is essential. The Sofia template by Squarespace is a great choice as it perfectly combines a personal touch with a professional appearance.
23. Make YouTube Tutorials
When you search “how to tie a tie” on Google, the first result is a YouTube video featuring a regular guy who demonstrates how to tie a tie while providing an explanation through a voiceover. The video is less than six minutes long and the guy has not utilized any sophisticated filming equipment. Surprisingly, this video has garnered more than 66 million views. If we assume that the majority of viewers watch the video until the end, the individual who made this clever video has managed to earn an impressive sum ranging from $200,000 to $450,000 solely from the advertisements that YouTube displays at the beginning of his video.
In order to generate money from a YouTube channel in this manner, there are certain criteria that must be met. These include having a channel watch time surpassing 4,000 minutes within the past year, as well as accumulating over 1,000 subscribers. Achieving these benchmarks will require some time and effort. Utilize resources like ‘TubeBuddy’ to identify areas where you can create content to fill in those gaps, and proceed with determination.
24. Rent Things Out on Fat Llama
To participate in your side hustle using Fat Llama, you’ll need to possess an item that can be rented out. On Fat Llama, you can rent (almost) anything, but tech equipment, such as fancy camera lenses, drones, DJ equipment, projectors, and musical instruments, tends to be highly popular.
Tools and machinery are often sold for lower prices, yet they are highly sought after. Whether it’s pressure washers, carpet cleaners, or soldering irons, it is likely that you possess something that someone else requires but doesn’t wish to purchase.
If not, spend some time browsing through Fat Llama to analyze the market. Is there something you can purchase that will have a prompt return on investment? Can you offer a lower price compared to competitors and provide a unique advantage such as free delivery? Posting items on Fat Llama is free and you are protected against damages up to $30,000.
25. Become a Coach or Mentor
If you have strong interpersonal skills and derive satisfaction from motivating others, coaching and mentoring can be profitable side jobs.
To assist with problem-solving and goal-achievement, a coach must possess a fundamental coaching certification from a reputable organization like The OCM. Through prompting introspection and ensuring responsibility, a coach’s role involves guiding individuals in unlocking their own solutions.
Coaches possess a fundamental set of listening and questioning abilities, regardless of their professional background. Seasoned coaches have the potential to make more than $100 per hour (allegedly up to $325 per hour for executive coaches).
On the other hand, a mentor is an individual who provides direct guidance, having already advanced in the particular industry. Although this usually occurs in a one-on-one setting, there are alternative methods for conducting group mentoring, such as utilizing paywall-protected Instagram accounts, Slack channels, and resources (Emma’s “How to:” is an excellent illustration of this, charging $4.75/week for membership).
26. Start a Newsletter
The concept of willingly subscribing to receive emails may appear unfamiliar to anyone with experience in office-based jobs. However, individuals with creative talent, innovative ideas, and the dedication to invest their time can turn creating newsletters into a profitable venture.
Starting a newsletter may not provide instant monetary gains, but it can prove to be a profitable venture. After growing a dedicated subscriber base through platforms like MailChimp or TinyLetter, monetizing the newsletter becomes possible. One common approach to achieving this is through the inclusion of affiliate links (previously explained) or partnering with sponsors to feature their products or services in a dedicated section.
It is difficult to determine the exact earning potential of your newsletter, but it is important to remember that for certain individuals, this is their primary source of income. Consequently, it can be inferred that there is significant potential for earning. Moreover, it is crucial to acknowledge that there is rigid competition in this field. Thus, we advise conducting thorough research and subscribing to as many newsletters as possible. Two highly recommended options are Next Draft and What We’re Reading.
If you are planning to make a basic website where people can subscribe to your newsletter and view previous content, we recommend using the Foundry template by Squarespace. This template is great for emphasizing typography, allowing your words to take center stage.
27. Write Freelance Content
If you were intrigued by the idea of a newsletter or publishing on Medium, it is likely that you could earn some income through freelance writing.
Many individuals feel anxious about promoting themselves as writers. There is a mistaken belief that one must have the talent of being the next F. Scott Fitzgerald in order for their work to be valuable enough to be paid for. However, in truth, a substantial portion of professional writing simply involves the ability to convey information succinctly and in clear language. Furthermore, having proper spelling and grammar skills is essential.
Once you have gained some experience as a freelancer, your earnings can range between $0.12 and $0.20 per word. However, in order to reach this level, it is important to establish a strong profile, including a website. A website allows you to showcase previous work samples, share blog posts reflecting your interests, and provide a means for people to contact you. An excellent demonstration of such a website is Wooden Writing’s, and our preferred template for portfolios is Henson by Squarespace.
28. Start Dropshipping
Dropshipping is the practice of selling products online without the need to handle or ship the products. Instead, a dropshipper establishes an ecommerce site, carries out marketing efforts, while the manufacturer ships the order directly to the customer.
Although dropshipping has the potential to be highly profitable, there is a growing number of competitors in the market, so it is important to be cautious of claims that making $100,000 annually is easy. If you are interested in learning more about the setup process and available options, we have prepared a practical guide to help you get started with dropshipping.
29. Proofread
Do you possess excellent grammar and spelling skills, yet find writing tasks unappealing? Proofreading might be the ideal side gig for you.
Starting in proofreading can be challenging, even though it is not necessary to have an English degree to work as a freelance proofreader. However, you will need to demonstrate your abilities. Unlike writers who can showcase their work in a portfolio, proofreaders have to find other ways to display their skills. To secure your initial job, you may need to offer a competitive rate or rely on your connections. Websites like Freelance Writing Gigs can be used to seek out freelance proofreading opportunities.
Ensure that you gather testimonials from satisfied clients. By doing so, you can create an online CV that showcases the projects you have completed. This can be presented to potential clients as evidence that their content will be safe in your hands. There are numerous templates available for this purpose, with our preferred choice being Suhama by Squarespace, as it prominently features your clients for a greater impact.
30. Flip Domain Names
The process of ‘flipping domains’ involves purchasing unused domain names at the regular price of approximately $10 per year, and subsequently selling them at an inflated price.
When considering purchasing domain names, it is important to choose ones that others are likely to be interested in buying from you in the future. This requires a combination of research and being prepared to hold onto a domain name for a lengthy period, possibly years, before finding a buyer, if at all.
When it comes to domain names, it is typically best to choose ones that clearly indicate their purpose. An example of this is the domain name writerresources.com, which has been purchased and is now up for auction.
In 2010, the domain name carinsurance.com was sold for a whopping $49.7 million, making it the priciest domain name ever sold.
One advantage of this process is that domain registrars typically have an integrated auction platform, making it extremely easy to list your domain name for sale. To help with budgeting at the start, we have compiled a helpful guide on domain name expenses.
31. Create an Online Course
If you have glanced at the opportunities for earning money through writing-related side jobs and felt frustrated because you lack the necessary skills, pay attention: you can actually earn money from almost any skill you have, as long as you are willing to share it.
As in-person courses are extremely costly, it is not surprising that an increasing number of individuals are opting for online courses to enhance their skills. Udemy is a major platform for these types of courses, providing a wide range of tutorials from Photoshop to improving self-confidence. The prices on Udemy courses vary from approximately $15 to several hundred dollars.
It may take some time to create these courses, but after they are completed, you will mostly have a hands-off approach. You will need to answer questions and occasionally update sections, but the majority of the hard work will be done. Udemy provides an Instructor support team to assist you, which is not surprising since they receive 50% of your sales on their platform. Therefore, once you have gained some attention on Udemy, we suggest offering your course on your own platform by creating a basic website to host your content.
32. Offer Expert Answers
If you’re highly skilled in your industry but are not interested in developing an online course, you can earn extra income by answering questions as an expert. JustAnswer and PrestoExperts are websites that allow you to sign up as an expert in various subjects, such as Finance or Animals, but you’ll have to provide evidence supporting your expertise when applying.
Once you start, this side hustle can be quite profitable. On JustAnswer, you can make around $20 to $50+ for each question, and on PrestoExperts, you can make over $2 per minute.
33. Game on Twitch
If you think you are a professional gamer, it is likely that you are already familiar with Twitch. In case you are not, we will provide a brief explanation.
Twitch is a platform where individuals can livestream their gaming sessions and also view others playing video games. Despite its seemingly unconventional nature, Twitch has gained significant popularity, boasting over 15 million daily active users.
Similar to YouTube, you have the opportunity to generate income by featuring advertisements at the beginning of your Twitch videos. Additionally, since Twitch is owned by Amazon, it is conveniently straightforward to establish affiliate Amazon connections for games or other items. Moreover, if you manage to accumulate a substantial number of views, you might even secure sponsorship agreements.
34. Sell T-Shirts Online
If you suspect that you might be the individual who always wears impressive t-shirts, then listen closely: you have the opportunity to earn money by selling t-shirts on the internet, without dealing with payment processing or physically possessing any t-shirts.
Yes, we are serious. All you need to do with RedBubble is upload your design and they will handle everything else. Although your share of profits will be small, it is a favorable agreement since you won’t have to invest in inventory or pay for an e-commerce platform. This arrangement is perfect for a small side project that requires minimal management. Additionally, it’s not limited to just t-shirts; you can also upload your designs for phone cases, wall art, and many other products.
The only disadvantage? Let’s just say a couple of individuals preceded you. RedBubble is highly competitive, therefore it is advisable to promote your products. We wish we could claim that your remarkable designs will effortlessly sell, but considering the extensive product pages available, even top-notch styles will require some additional promotion.
35. Invest in Stocks and Shares
Despite the perception that investing in stocks and shares is an extravagant pursuit solely for those prepared to invest large sums of money, the truth is that utilizing any amount of money prudently is the most effective means to generate additional income.
If you have earned some additional money from one of the side hustles mentioned on this list, why not consider investing it to make it stretch further? In the past, achieving success in the stock market necessitated extensive research and continuous trend tracking. While this is still a viable choice, we recommend utilizing apps as an alternative method.
Robinhood is a investment app that does not charge fees, although it is more suitable for individuals who possess some knowledge about their preferred investments. On the other hand, Swell Investing primarily targets companies that contribute positively to society. Essentially, regardless of one’s expertise, there exists an investment app suitable for all individuals.
36. Become a Virtual Assistant
If you have excellent organizational skills and enjoy assisting others, being a virtual assistant could be the ideal side hustle for you.
A virtual assistant is similar to a personal assistant, with the exception that they are virtual. This makes it an ideal profession for individuals who desire to work remotely using only a laptop.
Virtual assistants provide assistance to their clients by performing various administrative tasks. These tasks may encompass:
- Email management
- Calendar management
- Call taking
- Writing
- Editing
- Design
- Social media
- Marketing tasks
- Data entry
Success lies in being versatile, as virtual assistants who possess a diverse set of skills and are quick learners will thrive.
To begin, you don’t require much if you have the right mindset. Nevertheless, having some basic training or experience with popular platforms like Canva, Microsoft Word/Google Docs, Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets, Outlook/Gmail, Zoom, and social media scheduling platforms can serve as an excellent foundation.
37. Plan Virtual Events
During the pandemic, virtual events became extremely popular. However, even with the return of in-person events, their popularity has continued due to their convenience and their ability to reach a broad audience.
Virtual events, unlike in-person events, occur in virtual spaces where individuals are able to learn, interact, and engage with others. These events can vary from straightforward webinars to complex virtual trade shows conducted in the metaverse.
As a virtual event planner, although you may opt to delegate certain tasks, you will still have complete responsibility for all aspects of the virtual event. This will encompass:
- Deciding on the platform
- Creating schedules
- Developing content
- Approaching speakers
- Marketing the event
- Selling sponsorship opportunities
- Communications with all stakeholders
- Processing payments
- Collecting and assessing event data
You have complete control over how and where you run your event. Here are a few excellent platforms to help you begin:
- HopIn
- InEvent
- GoToWebinar
- Hubilo
- AccelEvents
38. Do Data Entry
Data entry involves the act of inputting, editing, and verifying data, just as its name suggests.
Data entry is carried out by a large number of businesses in their regular operations, involving a variety of information such as financial figures, stock records, and employee or customer details.
Outsourcing data entry is a common practice because accurate data entry is crucial for most businesses, yet it is also a time-consuming and unenjoyable task for many.
In order to excel at data entry, you generally require the following skills:
- Ability to concentrate for long periods of time
- Great attention to detail
- High typing speed
- Able to input data with high levels of accuracy
One can locate data entry jobs on various freelance platforms such as PeoplePerHour, Fiverr, and UpWork. If one seeks higher paying opportunities, it might be necessary to directly contact businesses.
