Side hustles have become a popular way to supplement income, learn new skills, or follow your passions. They can even lead to bigger opportunities down the line. Some gigs require more effort but promise higher earnings, while others are quick and easy but offer lower pay.
But for some who are new to this, the many options for side gigs make them confused: what job really worked and proven? What side job should I choose? So in this article, we'll introduce you to ten side hustles and provide essential information to help you get started on your journey to earning extra cash.
1. Blogging
According to Indeed, bloggers make around $39,000 per year on average, but this can range from $0 to over $1 million per month.
Blogging is a way of sharing your thoughts, opinions, or experiences on a specific topic or niche. You can create your own website or use a platform like WordPress, Medium, or Blogger to host your blog. You can monetize your blog by displaying ads, selling products or services, or getting sponsored posts from brands. Blogging requires consistent and quality content, as well as some skills in SEO, marketing, and web design.
Benefits
- Blogging allows you to express yourself and share your passion with the world.
- Build your online presence and authority in your niche.
- Networking with other bloggers and influencers in your industry.
- Learn new skills and improve your writing ability.
Challenges
- Invest time and money in creating and maintaining your blog.
- Must research and produce original and engaging content regularly.
- Optimize your blog for search engines and drive traffic to it.
- You need to monetize your blog effectively and generate income from it.
2. Podcasting
Riverside said that Podcasters with around 10,000 downloads per episode can expect to earn somewhere between $500 to $900. Very successful podcasts can earn up to $30 million in annual income.
Similar to blogging, but instead of writing, you record audio episodes on a topic that interests you. You can use tools like Anchor, SoundCloud, or Podbean to create and distribute your podcast. With that, you can earn money by getting sponsorships, donations, or subscriptions from your listeners.
Benefits
- Your content reaches a large and loyal audience.
- Showcase your personality and voice in your podcast.
- Interview guests and experts in your field and learn from them.
- Create a community of fans and followers who support you.
Challenges
- Need to invest in equipment and software for recording and editing your podcast.
- Plan and script your podcast episodes and make them interesting and informative.
- Promote your podcast and grow your listener base (and it's time-consuming).
- Find sponsors or advertisers who match your niche.
3. Freelancing
Indeed stated that freelancers earn a national average salary of $23,908 per year, with the highest earners making at least $60,000 per year. The average hourly rate for freelancers is $28 (2022), according to Payoneer's data.
If you have another skill besides your main job, it's time to try to make some cash with it. Freelancing is offering your skills or services to clients online. You can find freelance projects on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer. You can offer various services such as writing, graphic design, web development, translation, transcription, data entry, and more. Freelancing allows you to set your own rates and work on flexible hours.
Benefits
- You can work on projects that are a good fit for your talents and interests.
- You have the ability to manage your workload and schedule based on your availability and preferences.
- Freelancing can provide extra cash or even a full-time job.
- You can broaden your portfolio and network with clients from other industries and regions.
Challenges
- Find clients who are willing to pay for your skills and market yourself.
- Manage your time and deadlines effectively, and deliver high-quality results.
- Manage your company's administrative and financial components, such as invoicing, taxes, and contracts.
- Dealing with the unpredictability and instability of freelance income and opportunities.
4. Online tutoring
Preply's internal business data shows that the average hourly rate for an online tutor is $18.30 (USD). However, it depends on the field of study, the typical hourly charge for an online tutor could be as low as $10.00 or as high as $38.90.
Similar to freelancing, online tutoring is using your specialty to make some money. With it you can teach or coach students on a subject that you are good at. You can use platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or Coursera to create and sell your own courses. You can also use platforms like Chegg, TutorMe, or Wyzant to connect with students who need help with their homework or exams. Online tutoring can be a rewarding and lucrative side hustle if you have the passion and expertise for teaching.
Benefits
- You can share your expertise and assist others in learning and improving their abilities.
- For your online classes or sessions, you can choose your own fees and hours.
- You have the opportunity to reach a wide and diversified audience of students from all backgrounds and levels.
- Teaching (online) can help you improve your abilities and qualifications.
Challenges
- Regularly prepare and update your course materials and curriculum.
- Engage and motivate your pupils while also providing feedback and assistance.
- Ensure the effectiveness and quality of your online teaching methods and tools.
- Compete with the market's other online tutors and courses.
5. Online Marketing
A successful Shopify store can earn between $1,000 and $1,500 per month... Earning $72 per customer was the norm for Shopify sellers in 2020, according to 99 Firms.
Selling products online is a big opportunity for you. You can create your own online store using platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce. You can also sell your products on marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy. You can source your products from wholesalers, or drop shippers, or make them yourself. E-commerce requires some investment in inventory, shipping, and marketing.
Benefits
- You can offer your stuff to people all over the world.
- Offer a variety of items and adjust them to your customers' requirements and interests.
- Can use the strength and popularity of online platforms and tools to increase sales and visibility.
- You can sell your company and increase your income as you obtain more orders and clients.
Challenges
- You need to do research to identify a successful niche and product idea for your internet store.
- You must deal with the logistics and costs associated with acquiring, storing, and transporting your products.
- Create and manage an appealing and user-friendly website for your online store.
- Drive traffic to your website or marketplace listings by promoting your products.
6. Affiliate Marketing
A beginner affiliate marketer, according to Authority Hacker, can earn $0-$1000 per month.
Affiliate marketing is promoting other people's products or services and earning a commission for each sale or action that you generate. You can join affiliate programs from companies like Amazon, ClickBank, or ShareASale. You can promote your affiliate links on your blog, podcast, social media, email list, or YouTube channel. Affiliate marketing requires some skills in SEO, copywriting, and persuasion.
Benefits
- It is not necessary for you to create or own any products or services.
- You can choose from a wide range of things or services that are relevant to your niche and audience.
- You are able to make passive income as long as your affiliate links generate sales or actions.
- You can learn from the strategies and methods of successful affiliate marketers.
Challenges
- You must do research and join reputable affiliate networks that offer large commissions and outstanding customer support.
- It is necessary to create and share interesting and valuable content in order to attract and convert your target audience.
- You must follow the terms and conditions of any affiliate programs or platforms you utilize.
- You must track and optimize your affiliate income and performance.
7. Virtual assistant
According to ZipRecruiter (as of September 2023), the average hourly pay for a Virtual Assistant in the United States is $33.84 an hour.
A virtual assistant provides administrative or technical support to clients online. You can use platforms like Fancy Hands, Belay, or Zirtual to find virtual assistant jobs. You can offer various tasks such as email management, calendar management, booking travel arrangements, data entry, research, and more. Virtual assistant jobs require good communication skills and attention to detail.
Benefits
- Can deal with clients from various industries and locations who require your assistance.
- Working on various activities and projects allows you to broaden your abilities and expertise.
- Work remotely from any location with an internet connection.
- You have the ability to define your own fees and hours for your virtual assistant services.
Challenges
- You must find and keep clients willing to pay for your virtual assistant services.
- Multiple projects and deadlines must be managed properly in order to offer great work.
- You must communicate with your clients and their contacts in a straightforward and professional manner.
- You must be responsible for the confidentiality and security of your client's information and data.
8. Social media manager
As of September 2023, ZipRecruiter data show that the average annual pay for a Social Media Manager in the United States is $64,375 a year.
The social media manager manages the social media accounts of businesses or individuals. You can use platforms like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Sprout Social to schedule and monitor social media posts. You can offer services such as creating content, engaging with followers, growing the audience, and analyzing the performance of social media campaigns. Social media manager jobs require creativity and knowledge of social media trends and tools.
Benefits
- Can work with clients who require assistance in expanding their web presence and reputation.
- Can demonstrate your originality and ability to create and share fascinating and relevant material.
- You may learn from your followers' and customers' opinions and insights.
- Connecting with other social media managers and influencers can help you establish your own brand and network.
Challenges
- You must locate and attract clients willing to pay for your social media management services.
- Multiple social media platforms and accounts must be managed properly and effectively.
- It is necessary to stay updated with the shifting algorithms and trends of social media platforms and technologies.
- You must track and report on the results and impact of your social media activities.
9. Online surveys
Data from ZipRecruiter (as of September 2023) show that the average weekly pay for an Online Survey Taker in the United States is $1,019 a week.
Online surveys are answering questions or giving feedback on various topics for market research purposes. You can use platforms like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, or InboxDollars to find and complete online surveys. You can earn money or gift cards for each survey that you complete. Online surveys are easy and quick to do, but they don't pay much. So whether you participate in many surveys or choose surveys that offer maximal value for you.
Benefits
- Can express your thoughts and preferences on numerous products or services of interest to you.
- You can select from a number of surveys based on your availability and interests.
- Completing online surveys might earn you some extra money or rewards.
- Online surveys can help you learn something new or discover something intriguing.
Challenges
- You must qualify for the online surveys you wish to participate in.
- When responding to online surveys, you must be honest and accurate.
- Be wary of scammers or spam that attempt to trick you or take your information.
- Because internet surveys do not pay well, you must be patient and consistent in completing them.
10. Pet sitting
ZipRecruiter data (as of September 2023) show that the average hourly pay for a Pet Sitter in the United States is $15.30 an hour.
If you animal lover, this side hustle is for you. Pet sitting is taking care of other people's pets while they are away. You can use platforms like Rover, Wag!, or PetBacker to find pet owners who need your service. You can offer services such as walking dogs, feeding cats, playing with pets, or staying overnight with them. Pet sitting can be fun and enjoyable but remember that you must, at least, know how to handle those fluffy balls.
Benefits
- You can spend time with adorable and cuddly animals that make you happy.
- Can assist pet owners who require someone to care for their pets while they are away on business or travel.
- Pet sitting can provide extra revenue or tips.
- Being active and relaxed with pets can improve your physical and mental health.
Challenges
- It is necessary to have knowledge and expertise in dealing with various sorts of pets and their needs.
- You must be responsible and dependable in caring for other people's pets as if they were your own.
- It is necessary to address any potential hazards or difficulties that may occur as a result of pet sitting, such as allergies, injuries, or damage.
- You must balance your schedule and availability for pet sitting with your other responsibilities.
Before you start your side hustle, make sure that you do some research and planning. Find out what the market demand and competition are for your side hustle. Set realistic goals and expectations for your side hustle. Choose a platform or tool that can help you launch and manage your side hustle. And most importantly: enjoy the process.
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