Side Hustle Ideas to Make Extra Money Online 

Key takeaways: 

• Pick a side hustle that fits your skills and schedule, run a small paid service to see if it works, and price for profit after fees and taxes. 
• Try options like offering online services, selling products, taking on app-based jobs (delivery, ride-share, errands), or creating content on YouTube or a blog; each option includes simple steps to start and typical earnings. 
• It usually pays to have your online portfolio to showcase your services and start building your personal brand. 

Side hustles are a popular way for you to earn extra money alongside your full-time job. With the flexibility to work on your own schedule, a side hustle can add some cushion to your budget and help you explore new skills and passions. Whether you’re aiming to earn a little extra or build a steady second income, there’s a side hustle that fits your lifestyle. 

Let’s look at some of the best ideas to help you get started.   

What is a side hustle? 

A side hustle lets you earn extra income outside your main job. Unlike traditional jobs that lock you into fixed hours and long-term commitments, side hustles give you the freedom to work when and how you want. You can start most of them with little upfront cost, and they come in different types—from freelancing and gig work to creative projects and local services. The best part? You get to choose something that matches your interests, skills, and schedule. 

Side hustles have skyrocketed in popularity for a few key reasons: 

• Low entry barriers. A lot of side hustles require little to no upfront investment. If you already have the skills or equipment, you can start right away. 
• Flexibility. You can choose your own hours. You’ll have more control over your schedule and work-life balance. 
• Growth potential. Sometimes, side hustles can become full-time businesses, offering you unlimited earning potential. 

Common profitable side hustle ideas you can do online 

There are plenty of opportunities to get started with a side hustle. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income, explore a passion project, or build skills for a career transition, side hustles offer flexibility and financial potential. 

The key is choosing something that aligns with your existing skills, available time, and income goals. Most successful side hustles start small and grow organically as you build experience and clientele. 

Here are the most common ideas for profitable side hustles that you can start with relatively low commitment and capital: 

• Digital services. These are the likes of freelance writing, graphic design, web development, and social media management. They can be done remotely by building a portfolio on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, with some experienced providers earning around $50-150+ per hour. 
• Selling products via online platforms. Think dropshipping, selling digital products, and print on demand services. These allow you to start an eCommerce business with minimal upfront investment and can generate passive income once established.  
• Gig economy jobs. Popular gigs include ride-sharing, food delivery, or freelance labor that usually rely on apps and platforms to connect with customers. Many offer around $12-25 per hour with flexible scheduling and minimum startup costs. 
• Creative ventures. If you’re into photography, content creation, or video editing, then this could be for you. Monetizing your artistic skills can earn you somewhere around $15-200+ per session for photography, and up to $100-5000+ monthly for consistent content creation. 

Let’s look at them in more detail in the succeeding sections. 

Disclaimer: Potential earnings indicated below are broad estimates and may vary depending on several factors, such as demand, location, niche, etc. 

1. Digital services side hustles 

Digital services are one of the most accessible and scalable side hustle categories, as the let you work remotely with clients worldwide. These require minimal startup costs – typically just a computer, internet connection, and expertise in your chosen area. 

What makes digital services particularly attractive is their flexibility and potential to grow, as you can start with basic projects and gradually build toward higher-paying, specialized work as you develop your reputation and client base. 

Below are five options to get you started fast.  

1.1. Freelance writing 

Estimated earnings: Freelance writers typically earn $20 to $100 per article, depending on the project’s complexity and length. 

You offer writing services on a contractual basis, creating content like blog posts, articles, and website copy. This role is ideal for strong writers who are great at doing research, creating clear outlines, and consistently meeting deadlines. You’ll need reliable internet access to work on your own schedule. 

Tips: 

• Find clients: Start on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find clients. 
• Build a portfolio: Create a few writing samples to showcase your skills. You can write for your own blog or guest post on other websites. Take it to the next level by publishing a simple personal website that features your work using best practices for creating online portfolios. 

1.2. Virtual assistant 

Estimated earnings: Virtual assistants can earn between $5 to $50 per hour, depending on the services and experience level. 

You provide administrative, technical, and creative support to clients remotely. The tasks can vary from managing emails and calendars to handling social media and customer service. This is great for people who are organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable using tools like Gmail, calendars, and spreadsheets. 

Tips: 

• Find clients: Look for clients on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or within social media groups specifically for virtual assistants. 
• Specialize: You can focus on areas like social media management, email management, or customer service. 

1.3. Affiliate marketing 

Estimated earnings: Earnings can vary, but affiliate marketers can earn between $25 to $5,000 per month. This rate still depends on the percentage of commission offered, the size of their audience, and the niche they’re in. 

This involves promoting products and earning a commission when a customer buys through your unique affiliate link. It’s a good fit for patient creators with a blog, newsletter, or social media channel who have a large following and can consistently publish content. You’ll need to show how products are useful in consumers’ day-to-day lives. 

Tips: 

• Join affiliate networks: Sign up for affiliate programs such as Amazon Associates or ShareASale to find affiliate products to promote. 
• Start a blog or YouTube channel: Create content around your niche and the right audience will follow. You can incorporate affiliate links to the products that you recommend. 

1.4. Social media management 

Estimated earnings: Social media managers typically earn between $15 to $50 per hour, depending on their experience and the size of the client’s social media needs. 

You’ll produce and share media like videos, images, and articles to engage a specific audience. This is a perfect role for people who enjoy planning out content, interacting with their community by replying to comments, and tracking simple analytics to see what’s working. 

Tips: 

• Introduce your services to small businesses and slowly build your portfolio from there. Focus on businesses that are new to social media and need help getting started. 
• Use platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook to connect with potential clients. 

1.5. Graphic design and digital marketing 

Estimated earnings: $15 to $150 per hour, depending on the project’s complexity and your experience level. 

You’ll create visual assets for online advertisements. This is a great role for a skilled designer and a data-curious marketer who is comfortable working with design software like Canva and Adobe, or basic ad dashboards. 

Tips: 

• Showcase your best design or marketing skills through a portfolio. Start on small businesses and startups that need affordable services.  
• Use platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to pitch your services or connect directly with local businesses. 

2. Selling products via online platforms 

Selling from home is now simpler and more affordable than ever, thanks for various platforms and marketplaces (e.g., Amazon, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, etc) that allow you to reach potential buyers. Many simplify things for you, like handling payments and shipping, so you can focus on making money of your merchandise. 

Whether you want to earn a little extra cash on the side (and later build it into a full-time business), online selling offers a flexible way to achieve your goals. 

Here are some ways to get you started: 

2.1. Dropshipping 

Estimated earnings: Dropshipping businesses typically have 10%–30% on average but can reach 50% more on profit margins, depending on your pricing, marketing strategy, and niche. 

You’ll sell products online without keeping any inventory. When a customer places an order from your store, your supplier ships the product directly to them. This is a great fit for people who enjoy running ads and tracking results, and who are comfortable handling customer inquiries and earning a smaller profit on each sale. 

Tips: 

• Choose a specific niche. Look for evergreen products such as pet supplies and car accessories or those in high market demand. 
• Work with tried and tested suppliers to ensure quality products and fast shipping times. 
• Promote your store via Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to drive traffic. 

Grab a simple, memorable domain and point it to your store in minutes. 

2.2. Sell digital products 

Estimated earnings: Digital products have a passive income model and high scalability. Your earnings vary, but the more products you sell, the more income you’ll have. 

You’ll create and sell online goods like e-books, courses, planners, or design templates. This is an excellent option for makers and teachers who can package their skills into a reusable format. The main benefit is that you build it once and can sell it repeatedly. 

Tips: 

• You can sell your digital products on platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or even on your own website. 
• Create products that solve problems or provide value to your audience, such as helpful guides, templates, or planners. 

2.3. Print on demand 

Estimated earnings: Earnings will vary depending on the pricing, design complexity, and order volume. On average, print on demand sellers can earn between a few dollars to hundreds, depending on the sales. 

You’ll sell custom-designed products like t-shirts, mugs, and posters without managing any inventory yourself. When a customer orders a product, it’s printed and shipped directly to them. This is a great choice for designers and hobbyists who are comfortable with basic design tools and want to test many different ideas with very low risk. 

Tips: 

• Use platforms like Printful, Teespring, or Redbubble to create and sell your custom designs. 
• Focus on creating niche designs that appeal to a specific audience, rather than trying to create generic designs for everyone.  

3. Gig economy and delivery jobs 

The gig economy is changing how we work, thanks to flexible opportunities to earn on your own time and terms. You can choose when to work and for how long (and often, for how much). You can start earning quickly, often within days of signing up, with many jobs paying weekly or even daily. 

These jobs are good if you need a flexible way to earn money. To be successful, treat it like a business by being strategic and keeping track of your income and expenses. 

Here are three popular gigs that are easy to start: 

3.1. Ride sharing and food delivery 

Estimated earnings: $10–$25 per hour while rideshare drivers earn closer to $22-$25 per hour on average with flexible hours. 

Start by signing up with platforms like Uber, Lyft, or DoorDash. The process involves passing a background check and meeting vehicle or bike requirements. This is an ideal job for people with a reliable car or bike who want to work on a flexible schedule and receive fast, predictable payments. 

Tips: 

• Work peak hours, know your city’s hot zones, and batch orders when possible. 
• Track mileage and expenses for taxes. 

3.2. Pet sitting and dog walking 

Estimated earnings: $15–$25 per walk or sitting session. 

You’ll care for pets while their owners are away or take dogs on scheduled walks. This is perfect for animal lovers who have consistent daytime availability, especially if they live in neighborhoods or near parks. 

How to start: 

• Create a profile on Rover or advertise locally. 
• Offer meet-and-greets. 
• Get care instructions. 
• Use a simple booking calendar. 

3.3. Local services 

Estimated earnings: $25–$100 per hour depending on the task, experience, and location. 

You’ll offer a variety of services to local clients, including general cleaning, furniture assembly, lawn care, small repairs, and running errands. This is a great way for hands-on problem-solvers with basic tools to earn fast cash and build a client base in their own neighborhood. 

Tips: 

• List your services, set clear scope and rates, and bring basic supplies. 
• Ask for reviews to build trust. 
• Choose a website template with a convenient booking system, clear pricing, and reviews so local customers can find you and schedule in minutes. 

4. Creative and content-focused side hustles 

Consider turning your creative hobby or skill into money. Unlike traditional jobs that pay you for your time, creative side hustles let you build something that can earn you passive income (e.g., writing, taking photos, or making videos). 

Although it might take longer to earn from these ventures, they offer the potential for higher long-term income and more personal satisfaction. By focusing on something you love and building a reputation, you can gradually turn your hobby into a profitable business. 

Here are some ways to get started: 

4.1. Photography 

Estimated earnings: $15–$200 per session. Can go higher for seasoned professionals. 

Choosing a specific niche, like portraits, events, or product photos. To get started, you’ll need to build a small portfolio, create service packages, and deliver photo galleries to clients on time. This is an ideal role for visual storytellers who are comfortable directing people during shoots and consistently meeting deadlines. 

Tips: 

• Sell stock photos and offer add-ons like prints or retouching. 
• Start an online portfolio to showcase your best works. Start building your website with the AI Website Builder. 

4.2. YouTube and blogging 

Estimated earnings: $100–$5,000 per month depending on views, niche, and consistency. 

To start a blog, choose a topic you can write about weekly, create helpful and searchable content, and stick to a consistent publishing schedule. This is a perfect fit for patient creators who are willing to publish regularly and play the long game to build compounding traffic and income over time. 

Tips: 

• Start with embedding ads in your videos, accepting sponsorships, posting affiliate links below your relevant video, and selling digital products. 
• Engage with your audience by responding to comments and asking questions to build a loyal community. 
• Post consistently to keep your audience engaged and help with platform algorithms. 

How to choose the right side hustle 

The list we provided above is not exhaustive, and of course there are more side hustle opportunities depending on where you look. We’re talking dog walking, cleaning, tutoring and house cleaning as popular examples. 

Choosing a side hustle can be overwhelming, but it gets easier when you break it into small steps. The tips below will help you match your skills according to demand and test ideas without overspending.  

1. Write a short list of skills you’re good at and enjoy doing. 
2. Check if people pay for those skills by looking at local groups, job boards, social media marketplaces (like Facebook Marketplace), and Google results. 
3. Run a small test with minimal cost by doing one to three paid jobs or selling five to ten items. This will show you if there’s demand and if there’s something to be improved. 
4. Decide how many hours per week you can commit and determine the budget you can afford. 
5. Estimate your profit per hour by subtracting fees, supplies, fuel, and taxes from your price. 
6. Make sure you follow any rules, permits, and platform policies so you remain compliant and avoid fines. Also, get yourself basic insurance so you’re covered if a client gets hurt, property is damaged, or a job goes wrong. 
7. Start with a single platform so you can focus and track results. 

Launch a side hustle today 

Side hustles work best when they fit your skills, schedule, and goals. We covered what a side hustle is, why it’s popular, and practical paths you can try. 

Publishing a portfolio website not only boosts your credibility but also makes it easier for potential clients to find and trust your work. Who knows? It could be the beginning of your personal brand and business.   

When you’re ready to launch, head to Network Solutions to claim your domain and build a site in minutes with our AI Website Builder. Start small, measure the results, and keep improving until you’re booked and earning reliably. 

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