21 Ideas for Starting a Side Hustle – Waking Giants

In the current environment, relying on a single source of income can be challenging to sustain a living.

Between ever-increasing bills and the rising cost of living, many people are turning to side hustles to supplement their income.

Whether you’re a student looking to earn some extra cash or a seasoned professional trying to make the most of your skills, there are numerous side hustle opportunities. In this article, we will explore the 21 best side hustles you can find today.

Introduction to side hustles

A side hustle is typically a part-time job or gig that you do outside your regular work hours. It’s something you’re passionate about, and it helps you earn money or learn a new skill.

The best part about side hustles is that they don’t require a lot of investment upfront other than your time and energy. You can start small and grow your side hustle over time.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of side hustles you can do online, locally, or in a creative field.

What is a side hustle?

A serious side hustle idea is a way to earn additional income outside your traditional 9-5 job. It’s an opportunity to pursue your interests, develop new skills, and earn extra cash.

You can think of a side hustle as a flexible job that allows you to work when and where you want, giving you more control over your schedule and income.

Side hustles can range from small projects, such as freelance writing or pet-sitting, to more complex ones, such as starting an online business.

Why consider a side hustle?

A side hustle income can offer many benefits, including financial security, career development, and personal growth. By having an additional source of income, you can pay off debt faster, save for a big purchase, or build up your emergency fund.

A side hustle also provides an opportunity to test new skills and interests, which may help you in your career or lead to new business opportunities. Additionally, a side hustle can improve your work-life balance since you can set your schedule and work from home.

Types of side hustles

There are many different types of side hustles that you can pursue, depending on your interests and skills. One popular option is to offer freelance services, such as writing, editing, or graphic design.

You can find clients through online platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr, or by networking with people in your industry.

Another option is to start an online business, such as an e-commerce store or a blog. This can be a great way to turn your passion into a profitable venture.

If you prefer to work locally, there are plenty of options. You can offer services such as dog walking, house-sitting, or lawn care. You can also teach classes or workshops in your area of expertise, such as cooking or yoga.

These side hustles allow you to connect with your community and make a difference in people’s lives.

Finally, if you’re interested in the creative arts, many side hustles allow you to express your creativity and make money simultaneously.

You can sell your artwork or crafts online or offer your services as a photographer or videographer. You can also teach classes or workshops in your area of expertise, such as painting or music.

Tips for starting a side hustle

If you’re interested in starting a side hustle, there are a few things to remember. First, make sure that you’re passionate about the work you’re doing. This will help you stay motivated and committed, even when things get tough.

Second, be prepared to put in the time and effort required to make your side hustle successful. This may mean working long hours or sacrificing some of your free time, but it will ultimately be worth it.

Third, be patient and persistent. Building a successful side hustle takes time and effort, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep working hard and stay focused on your goals, and you’ll eventually see the fruits of your labour.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from others who have started successful side hustles. Networking and learning from others can be valuable in growing your business.

Overall, a side hustle can be a great way to earn extra income, develop new skills, and pursue your passions.

Whether you’re looking to start a small project or build a full-time business, there are plenty of opportunities. With hard work and dedication, you can turn your side hustle idea into a successful and fulfilling venture.

Online side hustles

The rise of the Internet has opened up new opportunities for side hustles that can be done online. Here are five online side hustles that you can start right away:

Get paid to test apps and websites

Nothing slows down a company more than a website filled with errors. So developers invite testing teams to go in to test links and test each button to ensure everything works before they go live.

Websites like UserTesting, Userlytics, UserCrowd and Enroll offer dozens of web- and app-testing opportunities. Various competitive gigs offer up to $100, based on an hour-long test.

Freelance writing

If you’re a skilled writer, you can earn money by writing for blogs, magazines, or websites. Many companies and individuals need content written for their websites, social media accounts, or email newsletters. Freelance writing is a great way to express your creativity and share your knowledge with others.

You can choose to specialize in a particular niche, such as travel, health, or technology, and build a portfolio of work that showcases your expertise. There are numerous websites where you can find freelance writing gigs, such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. You can also contact businesses directly and offer your services as a freelance writer.

Graphic Design

If you have an eye for design, you can earn money online by creating logos, graphics, and other visual content for businesses or individuals. Graphic design is a highly sought-after skill in today’s digital age, as businesses need visually appealing content to attract and engage their target audience.

You can find design work on freelance platforms (such as 99designs or Designhill) or start your own design business and find clients through social media or online advertising. As a graphic designer, you can work on various projects, from branding and marketing materials to website design and layout.

Deliver food

Food deliveries have also become more popular compared to food delivery apps than grocery deliveries. Food delivery is a simple side hustle that can be launched with plenty of apps, including UberEat / DoorDash – Grubhub & Postmates / Skip The Dish / MenuLog and Menu Log (USA).

Social media management

As social media platforms continue to grow, different businesses and individuals need help managing their presence online. Social media management involves creating and scheduling content, managing interactions with followers, and analyzing social media metrics to improve engagement and reach.

If you’re social media savvy, you can turn your skills into a profitable side hustle. You can find social media management opportunities on freelance websites or by working with local business owners. Social media management is a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and strategies in the digital marketing world.

Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants are personal assistants providing online services that can help people to arrange appointments, email customer service, travel reservations data entry, and other tasks. This side hustle offers great opportunities for making money at home with minimal time commitment.

Costs and platforms: Your laptop and the Internet are your only costs. Virtual assistants such as TaskRabbit and ChatterBosses help you market services and handle gigs or payments. You can also control the bookings with SquarePay, the payment gateway.

Online tutoring

If you have a special skill, such as knowledge of a particular subject or foreign language, you can make money by tutoring others online. Online tutoring is a flexible and convenient way to share your knowledge and help others achieve their goals.

You can create a profile on tutoring websites like Tutor.com or find students by promoting your services on social media or other online platforms. As an online tutor, you have the opportunity to work with students from all over the world and make a positive impact on their lives.

Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a way to earn passive income by promoting someone else’s product or service. You receive a commission for every sale you generate through your unique affiliate link. Affiliate marketing is a popular side hustle because it requires minimal effort and can generate a steady income stream.

You can promote affiliate products through your website, blog, or social media accounts. Popular affiliate networks include Amazon Associates, Clickbank, and ShareASale.

As an affiliate marketer, you can promote products and services that align with your interests and values.

Creative side hustles

If you have a passion for the arts, there are numerous side hustles that you can do in the creative field. Not only can these side hustles be a great way to supplement your income, but they can also provide you with a creative outlet that you may not be able to find in your day job. Here are five creative side hustles to explore:

Selling handmade products

If you have a knack for creating unique and beautiful items, you can sell them online through platforms like Etsy or Amazon Handmade. You can make anything from handmade jewellery to knitted scarves or custom clothing.

Many people have turned their passion for crafting into a full-time business by selling their handmade products online. Not only is it a great way to make money, but it can also be a rewarding experience to see people enjoying and appreciating your creations.

Photography and Videography

If you love taking pictures or making videos, you can monetize your passion by selling your work online. You can create a portfolio on websites like Shutterstock or Getty Images and earn money every time your photo gets downloaded.

Alternatively, you can work with local businesses to create promotional videos or take product photos for their websites. There are also opportunities to work as a freelance photographer or videographer for events like weddings or corporate gatherings.

Custom clothing and accessories

If you’re skilled with a sewing machine or enjoy creating unique pieces, you can create your fashion line and sell it online. You can create custom clothing, hats, or accessories and market your products on platforms like Etsy or Shopify. With the rise of sustainable fashion, there is a growing demand for handmade and eco-friendly clothing.

By creating your fashion line, you can make more money and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Art commissions

If you’re an artist, you can take on custom art commissions for clients. These could be anything from murals, portraits, or illustrations for books or magazines. You can find clients by promoting your services on social media, creating a portfolio website, or attending local events and art fairs. Art commissions can be a great way to challenge yourself creatively and create something unique and meaningful for your clients.

Blogging or podcasting

If you love to write or have a message to share with the world, you can start your blog or podcast. You can create a blog or podcast about anything that interests you, from cooking to life coaching, and attract an audience.

Once you have a following, you can make money through advertising, affiliate marketing, or sponsorships. Blogging or podcasting can also be a great way to connect with like-minded individuals and build a community around your passions.

Overall, there are countless creative side hustles that you can explore. Whether you’re interested in crafting, photography, fashion, art, or writing, there is a side hustle for you. By pursuing your passions and turning them into a side hustle, you can not only make extra money but also find fulfilment and joy in your work.

Service-based side hustles

If you’re a people person, there are numerous side hustles that you can do that involve helping others. Here are five service-based side hustles that you can explore:

Rent Out Storage Space

Neighbor is a peer-to-peer website called AirBnB for storage. This allows a lot of storage to be rented from cars to overstocked stocks. You can convert any garage to an attractive side job with an income of several hundred per month. Turo offers a wide range of vehicles, ranging from classics to exotics.

Pet sitting or dog walking

If you love animals, you can earn money by providing pet-sitting or dog-walking services. You can promote your services through social media or word of mouth or find clients through websites like Rover or Care.com.

Home cleaning services

Many people are willing to pay for help cleaning their homes. You can offer your services by advertising through social media or creating a profile on websites like TaskRabbit or Thumbtack.

Personal training or coaching

If you’re passionate about fitness or health, you can monetize your expertise by offering personal training or coaching services.

You can find clients by promoting your services through social media or partnering with local gyms or fitness centres.

Event planning

If you enjoy planning and organizing events, you can start your own event-planning business. You can create a portfolio showcasing your past events and promote your services through social media or local advertising.

Consulting or coaching

If you have experience in a particular field, such as marketing or finance, you can start your own consulting or coaching business, offering your services to clients. You can find clients through social media, advertising, or by attending networking events.

Local side hustles

Local side hustles involve working with people in your community on-demand services and providing services in high demand. Here are five local side hustles that you can explore:

Renting out property or space

If you have a spare room, garage, or parking space, you can earn money by renting it out to others. You can find renters through platforms like Airbnb or Craigslist.

Flipping items for profit

Flipping items involves buying items at a discount and reselling them at a higher price. You can find items to flip at garage sales, thrift stores, or online marketplaces like eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

Participating in market research

Many companies pay people to participate in market research studies. These studies can involve answering surveys, participating in focus groups, taking online surveys or trying out new products. You can find market research opportunities through websites like Respondent or UserTesting.

Offering handyman services

If you’re handy with tools, you can offer your services to people in your community who need help with home repairs or projects. You can advertise your services through social media or by creating a profile on websites like Angie’s List or HomeAdvisor.

Teaching a skill or class

If you have a particular skill or talent, such as playing an instrument or teaching a language, you can make good money just by offering your services as an instructor. You can find students by advertising through social media or by creating a profile on websites like Skillshare.

Tips for success in your side hustle

Starting a side hustle can be challenging, but it can also be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Here are some tips to help you succeed in your side hustle:

Balancing your side hustle with your main job

It’s important to balance your start a side hustle and your main job. Set realistic expectations for yourself and ensure you don’t compromise your performance at work or your health and well-being.

Networking and marketing your side hustle

To grow your side hustle, you’ll need to network and promote your services to potential clients. Use social media, networking events, or advertising to reach potential customers and build your brand.

Managing your time and resources effectively

Make sure you’re using your time and resources effectively. Prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency, and find ways to automate or outsource less important tasks.

Setting realistic goals and expectations

Don’t set unrealistic goals for your side hustle. Make sure your goals are achievable and don’t expect overnight success. Be patient, persistent, and willing to learn from mistakes.

Continuously learning and improving your skills

Stay up to date with the latest trends and learn new skills to help you grow your business. Attend workshops, listen to podcasts, and read books about your industry to broaden your knowledge.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for extra income or want to pursue your passion, numerous side hustle opportunities exist.

From online gigs to local services, the possibilities are endless. Starting a side hustle may not be easy, but with the right mindset, skills, and hard work, you can turn your side hustle ideas into a thriving business.