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A side hustle is an additional job or gig people take on to earn extra money alongside their main source of income. With 66% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, diversifying income streams has become more important than ever. It’s no surprise that 57% of those people have pursued side opportunities to supplement their primary earnings. Side hustles not only boost your regular income but can also evolve into sustainable—or even passive—revenue streams. And they’re not limited to renting a room on Airbnb or picking up odd jobs on TaskRabbit.
Below you'll find 41 tried-and-true side hustle ideas plus practical tips to help you get started. Once your side hustle is underway, Fiverr offers a freelance marketplace where you can sell your services and access a wealth of resources to support your growth.
Find innovative side gigs that help you earn more—handpicked ideas to get you started.
Start a Dropshipping Business
Dropshipping lets you sell products supplied and shipped by a third party, so you handle marketing and sales while the supplier manages inventory and fulfillment. To start, create an e-commerce store and partner with one or more suppliers. You can build your own site using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, or sell through established marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay. Find suppliers through dropshipping directories or by working directly with print-on-demand providers.
Start a YouTube channel
You can earn revenue through advertisements and sponsorships by creating and sharing videos on a specific topic on your YouTube channel. Pick something you're passionate about. For example, you could start a channel sharing DIY home improvement tips and tutorials. Starting a YouTube channel is free. You’ll have to put time and effort into planning and producing good video content and building your audience.
Sell Handmade Crafts and Goods
Instead of dropshipping someone else’s products, you can make and sell your own. For example, soap entrepreneur Anne-Marie Faiola started Bramble Berry in 1999 with a pallet of soap, five fragrances, and a handful of soap molds. Since then, she's grown her business to a social media success with 60,000 customers and 90 employees. Sites like Etsy provide markets you can use to sell your products.
Start a Blog
Another way to make money digitally is by blogging about a popular topic. Blogs can be monetized in a number of ways, and even turn into full-time jobs. You can use your blog for affiliate marketing, where you drive traffic to links for products in return for a commission. You can also make money from ads placed on your blog through Google AdSense. You can write your own blog content, or get someone else to do it. Fiverr provides writers who offer blog posting services. Affiliate partners may be willing to contribute guest blog posts for free in return for promotional consideration.
Run a Web Design Business
If you know how to use your design skills to give websites a professional look, you can earn money as a web designer for business clients in your spare time. To get started, create a visually compelling website to show clients what you can do for them. Promote your site by partnering with companies that work with clients who need websites, such as marketing agencies. Or by using Fiverr’s website design market to promote your services.
Create and Sell an Online Course
You can sell digital products online, as well as physical goods. One simple way to create a digital product is to offer a digital course on a subject you have expertise in. Demand is high for digital course content in a wide range of fields, such as:
Health and wellness
Self-improvement
Personal finance
Financial services
IT
Healthcare
The global e-learning market will swell to $457.8 billion by 2026, ReportLinker projects. One of the easiest ways to create an online course is to deliver your content as a series of videos. For example, offering a step-by-step how-to guide delivered over a series of premium videos and use a free video sample to promote your course.
Offer Graphic Design on Demand
Another way to sell graphic design services online is to offer graphic design on demand. With this business model, clients can pay a monthly fee to subscribe to custom graphic services, commissioned as needed. For clients who need graphics regularly or in high volumes, this can be more cost-efficient than commissioning designs individually. You can establish different pricing tiers for clients with different levels of need, and even replace your day job in time. Using AI art prompt ideas, you can spark your creativity and improve your workflow when offering graphics on demand. There are many AI generators to choose from to find the perfect fit for you.
Sell Pre-made Designs
Another way to turn graphic design skills into a side hustle is by selling designs you’ve already made. Use sites like Creative Market to showcase designs, such as icons, illustrations, and web elements. For best results, research what your market is buying before creating your designs. You’ll find it easier to sell if you can identify a niche where designs are already in demand.
Sell Illustration and Animation services
Illustration and animation are specialties within graphic design where you can earn money. Illustrations are needed for purposes such as ads, product packaging, and books. Animation is needed for business and educational videos as well as entertainment. To succeed as an illustrator or animator, you’ll need to start by building a strong portfolio showcasing your skills. Fiverr makes it easy to connect with businesses looking for freelancers offering illustration and animation services.
Become an affiliate
We’ve briefly mentioned affiliate marketing, but let’s talk about this more in-depth because it can be a great way to generate passive income. Affiliate marketing can also be used alongside some of the other ideas on our list, like starting a blog or YouTube channel or becoming an influencer. With affiliate marketing, you sign up as an “affiliate” with different companies—typically companies you already know and like. You can then promote their products to your audience using an affiliate link with a specific tracking code. Anytime someone makes a purchase using your link, you receive a commission from the sale of the product. While affiliate marketing can take a while to build up as you have to have a large, consistent audience, it can be a great side hustle. It costs nothing to become an affiliate—except, perhaps, costs of starting your blog if you go that route. You can become an affiliate through Amazon and other programs like PartnerStack, CJ Affiliate, ShareASale, or FlexOffers.
Offer PPC or SEO
Pay-per-click advertising and search engine optimization are important digital marketing tools today. If you’re good at either one, many online businesses need your help. There are a number of ways you can get started selling PPC or SEO services using AI. One is to approach small businesses individually offering your marketing assistance.
Do Social Media Management for Businesses
Social media marketing is another area of digital marketing where businesses have high demand. Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube are just some of the social media platforms where businesses need help creating posts and ads. Sign up for a Fiverr account and set up your profile, highlighting your social media management experience and skills. Create distinct gig packages that cater to different client needs.
Become a Freelance Writer
SEO marketing depends on relevant content, creating a high demand for blog writers. Global SEO spending is growing at a CAGR of 20.27%, on track to reach $108.89 billion by 2026, according to projections. This means a steady stream of work for writers who can produce quality content. To get started in freelance writing, you’ll need to build a portfolio of samples and testimonials to show your talent. Competition is high, so consider focusing on a niche where you can stand out. Approaching small business website owners via email is one way to go.
Offer Video transcription work
If you’re a writer, you may be a fast typist, which means you can make money as a transcriptionist. There are different specialties within transcription. One in high demand is video and podcast transcription. Businesses and government agencies need video transcriptions for improving SEO search results, documenting Zoom meetings, and providing interview quotes to content writers.Transcriptionists in the U.S. currently earn an average of $17.63 an hour, according to job site Payscale. You can find work through a transcription company or by promoting your work through the Fiverr transcription services category.
Create and Sell eBooks
Another writing specialty you can turn into a side hustle is eBooks. Many businesses commission eBooks to position their brands as thought leaders. You can also sell your own eBooks for profit. If you want to get into writing eBooks for businesses, use the same strategies as you would to get into content writing. Then promote your services through resources, such as Fiverr’s book and eBook writing listing. If you’re thinking of selling your own eBooks, write them yourself and sell them through platforms like Amazon, or commission other writers to create content for you while you handle the marketing.
Edit Resumes
If you’re a good writer, you also may be a good editor, which can open up additional gig opportunities. One way to put editing skills to work is to help others find work by editing resumes.Anyone with writing and editing skills can pick up resume editing, but you can bolster your credentials and increase your pay rate by getting certified by an organization like the National Resume Writers Association. This will earn you the opportunity to be listed in directories of professional resume writers and editors.
Provide Proofreading and editing services
Another good business idea is branching off into proofreading or editing. Proofreaders review spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Editors may help writers with these issues as well as broader concerns like content development and organization. Marketing agencies, business marketing communication departments, and book publishers are among clients in need of proofreading and editing services.
Teach Coding Online
Over half of U.S. students aged 16 to 23 see coding as an important skill to learn for their future careers, according to a survey by data analytics firm KX. Combined with working adults who need to learn to code, this creates a large market for coding instruction. You can earn money teaching code via a video course or offering customized lessons for individual students.
Develop Websites
Another source of demand for coding skills is website development. Whether you have basic website design skills or advanced programming experience, you can find business clients who need your help with their websites. Start by building your own website to showcase your talent. To begin building a portfolio, find your first clients by helping friends with their websites, canvassing businesses through email or social media, or using Fiverr to promote your web development services.
Become an influencer or brand ambassador
Influencers and brand ambassadors promote companies through guest blogs and video reviews. They can help brands build their reputation and gain a social media following. To become an influencer or brand ambassador, you’ll need to find a brand you feel passionate about and connect with them. For example, if you like a particular fashion brand, you might begin building a social media profile where you review their products. Once you’ve gained a following, you can contact a representative of the brand about the possibility of you becoming a brand ambassador. Many brands offer affiliate marketing programs you can join to earn a commission on sales.
Sell AI-generated art and Copy
Harness the power of AI tools to create and sell digital art or copy. Platforms like DALL-E and MidJourney can generate stunning visuals, while tools like Chat-GPT and Gemini can craft compelling written content. You can sell these creations on marketplaces like Etsy or Fiverr, or offer custom services to businesses needing unique artwork and marketing copy. This innovative side hustle can quickly become a lucrative source of income from home.
Offer Computer Consulting
Another way to earn money from coding knowledge is by becoming a computer consultant. Consultants advise and assist companies on technical support issues, such as what type of software they need, how to set up a network, or online security.Depending on your area of expertise, computer consulting can gain you entry with high-paying business clients. A computer consultant in the United States currently earns a median of $45.35 an hour, according to job site Zippia.
Become an Event Planner
Event planners organize occasions, such as graduations, weddings, and business conferences. They are responsible for planning activities, scheduling dates, renting venues, arranging catering, sending invitations, and ensuring everything is in place for a successful event. If you have good organizational and budgeting skills, you may be a success as an event planner. Event planners earn a median of $29 an hour, according to the job site Salary.com. You can gain practical experience as an event planner, helping family and friends, but to attract professional clients, you’ll need to earn a degree in meeting and event management.
Offer photo retouching
Companies and individuals who use photos often need them retouched so they're suitable for display. If you're skilled at using photo editing software like Photoshop, you could earn money retouching photos. Potential photo retouching clients include marketing agencies, small businesses, and photographers for events such as weddings. Create a portfolio of photos you’ve retouched with before and after versions to showcase your skills. Use your website to start promoting your services.
Sell photography
Marketing agencies, real estate agencies, car dealerships, and news companies are a few of the types of businesses that buy photographs. If your photographs are more artistic, consumers who collect art may be interested in your work. You can sell photos taken on your own initiative, or take photos commissioned by clients. You can sell your own photos through your website or through online marketplaces, such as Etsy. If you want to sell commissioned photos, consider approaching a local or online business that needs photos regularly and showing them your portfolio.
Be a consultant in your area of expertise
Do you have an area of specialized expertise needed by consumers or businesses, such as personal training or marketing? If so, you could earn extra money as a consultant. Earnings for consultants vary widely based on the type of consulting you’re doing. Some types of consulting require professional certification, while others only require knowledge. Once you have your qualifications, showcase them on a website and build a portfolio of clients.
Start a pet-sitting or dog-walking business
Pet sitting is when you look after animals while their owners are away. You can feed, play, and walk their pets as a pet sitter. Create profiles on pet-sitting platforms like Rover or Wag, and promote your services through social media and local bulletin boards.
Edit Videos
Like photos, videos often need editing before they can be used for commercial purposes or family remembrances. If you have experience with video editing software, you could make side hustle money helping businesses or consumers make their videos look more professional. Markets for video editing include marketing agencies, event planning companies, realtors, news media, and film and TV producers. Create a website and portfolio and promote your services through social media or through Fiverr’s video editing marketplace.
Be a Virtual Assistant
Do you have good skills in managing phone calls and email, organizing calendars, or using office software? You could earn money from home as a virtual assistant. Virtual assistants offer remote administrative support for businesses, similar to an in-office secretary.You can work as a virtual assistant part-time or full-time. Earnings vary with experience and other specifics. In the U.S., virtual assistants currently earn an average of $26.80 per hour, according to the job site Indeed.
Start a bookkeeping business
A bookkeeping company manages client financial records, making sure they're accurate and up-to-date. You can help small businesses or freelancers track expenses and manage invoices. Make a Fiverr profile to show off your services, take bookkeeping courses, and get certified to kick off your business.
Drive for Uber or Lyft
Uber and Lyft drivers use their own cars to transport passengers, earning good money through fares. Your job is to pick up passengers through the rideshare app and take them to their destinations. Here’s how to start:
Get a driver account
Complete the background check
Make sure your car meets the requirements
If you don’t want to be a driver, you can always get into food delivery with services like Instacart, Doordash, or Uber Eats.
Start babysitting
A babysitter takes care of kids for a short period of time, usually when the parents are away. You could watch a family friend's kid while they go to an event or the movies.
To take action on this side hustle:
Obtain a CPR/First Aid certification
Create a profile on babysitting websites like Care.com
Ask friends/family for referrals.
Participate in focus groups
Participating in focus groups helps companies make informed decisions about their products and services. If you're interested in giving your opinion on the taste and packaging of an upcoming food product, join a focus group to earn extra cash. Sign up for focus group websites like FocusGroup.com and Respondent.io, and complete your profile to get started.
Take online surveys
Taking online surveys is a way to earn rewards or cash for completing questionnaires for market research companies. You may take a survey about your shopping habits, for example, helping companies better understand consumer preferences. Sign up for survey websites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and Vindale Research, and make a profile to start.
Start a reselling business
Buying items on sale and reselling them for a profit is the basis of a reselling business. For example, you can resell vintage clothing online at a higher price by buying them from thrift stores. You can sell products on a Shopify website, or set up an account on platforms like eBay, Etsy, or Facebook Marketplace to sell your goods.
Teach a language
If you’re fluent in multiple languages, consider offering online tutoring and classes to help teach a language to potential students. It’s a great way to make money on your own schedule. You can provide one-on-one tutoring to students in another country through video calls. Or sign up with an agency that connects you with students.
Offer lawn maintenance services
If you already own the equipment (i.e., lawn mower, weed eater, edger), you might consider offering lawn care services in your area. This can be a great seasonal job during the warmer months if you’re looking for extra work. You’ll have to maintain your equipment and buy gas (if you have gas-powered tools). But promoting your services in Facebook Groups and by printing out flyers is totally free.
Test websites and apps
When businesses launch new websites and apps, they need people to test them out and ensure every page, link, button, etc., is working properly and easy to navigate. Offer to help with website testing to generate some side income. There’s typically no upfront costs associated with a gig like this. Offer your website testing services on a platform like Fiverr or Upwork or sign up for jobs with a platform like TesterWork.
Become a delivery driver
If you don’t want to drive around people using Uber or Lyft, consider becoming a delivery driver. Uber Eats, Doordash, and GrubHub all hire external drivers to deliver food orders. You can also shop and deliver groceries through apps like InstaCart. And Amazon even has Amazon Flex, a way to use your own vehicle to deliver Amazon Prime packages to peoples’ doors. Other than vehicle maintenance, getting started with any of these delivery jobs and platforms is free.
Start a clothing line
Do you have an eye for fashion? There are several online companies that can help you out. You can easily create designs for clothing, sell them through a third-party platform, and watch your designs come to life. Pietra is the best customizable clothing line designer. You can prototype designs and easily sell them online. Platforms like Gelato and Printful can help you turn basic illustrations into t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other clothing to sell.
Flip furniture
If you have woodworking or furniture-building skills, you might consider starting a side hustle selling furniture. Find pieces on the side of the road or for free or cheap on Facebook Marketplace and restore them to their former glory so you can resell them at a higher price. Facebook Marketplace is the perfect place to sell upcycled furniture. Upfront costs include any tools and equipment you need to improve each piece.
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