25 best side hustle ideas to earn extra money

We ranked these side hustles based on profit potential, ease of starting, flexibility, and scalability. By focusing on these main aspects, you can determine which side hustle best fits your current skill set and holds the most potential for earning an extra income.

1. Freelance writing

Profit potential: High. Rates range from $15/hour to $100/hour depending on experience, niche, and quality of work.

Getting started: Moderate effort; requires writing skills, a portfolio, and consistent client outreach.

Freelance writing involves creating content for blogs, websites, and businesses. It’s a flexible side hustle with great income potential. It can even turn into a full-time career or a business.

Choose a niche, build a portfolio with writing samples, and determine your fee. On average, freelance writers charge from $0.01/word to $2/word. Next, join platforms like Upwork or FlexJobs to find freelance writing gigs.

2. Affiliate marketing

Profit potential: High. Potential earnings range from 5% to 50%, depending on the affiliate program.

Starting effort: Low effort; requires setting up a platform and joining affiliate programs.

Affiliate marketing means promoting products or services and earning a commission on sales from your referral links. You add these links to your content and earn money when someone makes a purchase.

To start with affiliate marketing, select a niche you enjoy and join affiliate programs such as Amazon Associates or ShareASale. Choose more than one affiliate program to diversify your potential earnings.

Next, create high-quality content that naturally incorporates your affiliate links. This can include product reviews, recommendations, or tutorials that highlight the benefits of the products or services you promote.

3. Dropshipping

Profit potential: Medium to high. The profit margin is 15% to 20%, depending on niche, product pricing, and marketing strategy.

Starting effort: Moderate effort; requires setting up an eCommerce store and finding reliable suppliers.

Dropshipping lets you sell products online without the need to stock inventory. When a customer makes a purchase, the supplier ships the product directly to them, making it a low-risk, cost-effective way to start an online business.

Choose a niche, set up a store on a Shopify or WooCommerce, and find reliable suppliers. Start marketing your store through social media and ads.

You can also create your online store for better control and branding. For more details, check out our guide on starting a dropshipping business.

4. Selling digital products

Profit potential: High, with low overhead costs and the ability to scale easily.

Starting effort: Moderate effort; requires creating valuable digital products and marketing them effectively.

Selling digital products is a profitable side hustle, expected to be worth $74 billion by 2025. It generates income from selling digital templates, eBooks, printables, and courses.

Once created, digital products can be sold repeatedly with minimal ongoing effort. This makes them a passive yet scalable income stream.

To get started, look into the type of digital product that suits your skillset and the market demand. Use Google Trends to learn what’s currently trending. Then, use your skills to create your product with tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.

Sell your products by creating your own website and promoting it through social media, and email marketing.

5. Blogging

Profit potential: Medium to high, through ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content once the traffic increases.

Starting effort: Moderate effort; requires choosing a niche, creating regular content, and optimizing it for search engines.

Blogging is a great side hustle that allows you to share your passion while earning extra income. You can monetize your blog through various methods, such as ad displays, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content.

To start a blog, pick a niche you’re passionate about, like travel or finance. Set up your blog using WordPress, a user-friendly platform with excellent SEO tools. Focus on creating high-quality content that engages your audience and see your traffic steadily grow as you optimize it for search engines.

6. Becoming a virtual assistant

Profit potential: Medium, with rates ranging from $15 to $50 per hour depending on skills and experience.

Starting effort: Low effort; requires organizational skills, good communication, and a basic setup.

A virtual assistant (VA) provides remote administrative support to businesses, handling tasks like email management, scheduling, and customer service. It’s a perfect side hustle for those who excel at managing multiple tasks and have experience in a particular industry.

To begin, create a profile on platforms like Upwork, and start applying for VA jobs. Offer competitive rates to secure your first clients, and focus on delivering reliable service to build a strong reputation.

Over time, you can increase rates and specialize in niche areas, making this a scalable side hustle.

7. Voice-over gigs

Profit potential: High, with rates ranging from $35 for short projects to $1,000+ for longer or specialized work like audiobooks or animations.

Starting effort: Moderate effort; requires a good microphone, home studio setup, and building a portfolio/demo reel.

Voice-over work is a growing and profitable side gig. It lets you use your voice for projects like commercials, audiobooks, animations, and more. Once set up, voice-over gigs offer the potential for high earnings depending on your experience, the type of work, and the client base.

To get started, invest in a quality microphone, set up a home recording space, and create a demo reel that showcases your range and capabilities.

Join platforms like Voices.com to start auditioning for gigs. Promote your work on social media and through personal networks to grow your client base and reputation.

8. Print-on-demand business

Profit potential: Medium to high, with profits depending on product pricing and marketing efforts.

Starting effort: Moderate effort; requires setting up an online store and connecting to a print-on-demand service.

Print-on-demand involves creating custom designs for products like t-shirts, mugs, and posters printed and shipped by a third party. It’s low-risk, as there’s no need to hold inventory.

Create unique products, open an Etsy store, or build your website. Next, connect with print-on-demand services like Printful and start selling.

9. Managing social media for clients

Profit potential: Medium to high. Income ranges from $20 to $100 per hour, depending on experience and scope of work.

Starting effort: Low to moderate effort; requires digital marketing skills and social media knowledge.

Managing social media for businesses is a flexible and profitable side hustle. You’ll help clients grow their online presence by creating content, running ads, and engaging with their audience.

Start by learning social media marketing basics, including content creation and analytics. Build a portfolio, whether from personal projects or volunteer work.

Contact small businesses that need social media support but can’t afford a full-time manager. Focus on delivering results and ask for referrals to grow your client base. Over time, increase your rates and offer more services, like ad management or strategy.

10. Teaching courses online

Profit potential: High, with course prices ranging from $20 to $500 per student.

Starting effort: High effort; requires expertise in a subject, course creation, and marketing.

Teaching online courses is a great way to share knowledge while earning extra income. Once created, you can sell online courses repeatedly. This makes it a side hustle with long-term earning potential.

Start by choosing a subject you’re skilled in and create a structured course that provides real value. Platforms like Skillshare and Udemy make it easy to upload and sell your course to a global audience.

To attract students, market your course through social media, email newsletters, and blogs. Over time, you can expand your course options to help increase profitability.

11. Creating a YouTube channel

Profit potential: Medium to high, through ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

Starting effort: High effort; requires creating consistent, high-quality content and building an audience.

Starting a YouTube channel allows you to build a personal brand and earn from ads and sponsorships. It’s ideal for creative individuals who enjoy video production and engagement. As your channel grows, so do the income opportunities.

To get started, choose a niche that excites you and has audience potential. Go to YouTube’s Trending page to see what’s popular. Develop your content plan, create a production schedule, and start filming.

To monetize your channel, enable ads through Google AdSense. You can also collaborate with sponsors or use affiliate marketing to earn additional income.

Optimize your videos for SEO to increase visibility, and promote your channel through social media to grow your audience and revenue over time.

12. Photography

Profit potential: Medium, with potential earnings from royalties and licensing fees on stock photography sites.

Starting effort: Moderate effort; requires a good camera, editing skills, and stock photography platforms.

Selling photography online is a great way to earn passive income. Photographers can upload their high-quality images to stock sites or license them to businesses for ongoing earnings.

To start, invest in a good camera and develop strong editing skills to ensure your photos stand out. Focus on specific niches, such as landscapes, lifestyle, or business images, to attract a target audience.

Create a portfolio with various high-quality images that reflect your style and skills. Upload it to stock photography sites like Shutterstock or Unsplash. Use SEO tips for tagging and describing your photos to help people find them more easily.

13. Reselling thrifted items

Profit potential: Medium, with profit margins depending on sourcing, pricing, and demand.

Starting effort: Low effort; requires a small initial investment for purchasing items and basic pricing knowledge.

Reselling thrift items is a flexible side hustle with minimal startup costs. It’s great for those who enjoy finding hidden gems and flipping them for a profit.

Source items from thrift stores or garage sales. It’s better to curate the thrift items to fit a specific niche or category, like vintage clothing, home decor, or collectibles. This helps create a unique selling point and attract interested buyers.

Clean and photograph each item, then list them on eBay, Depop, or social media. The platform with the highest potential for sales depends on your target market. Provide excellent customer service to encourage positive reviews and repeat customers.

Check out our guide if you want to start your own online thrift store.

14. Selling handmade crafts

Profit potential: Medium. Profit margin ranges widely based on product type, quality, and pricing strategy.

Starting effort: Moderate effort; requires creativity, crafting materials, and a selling platform.

Selling handmade crafts is a great option for creative individuals who want to monetize their passion. It allows you to turn a hobby into income while offering plenty of room for personalization and branding.

If needed, look at the list of profitable items to make and sell to inspire you. Remember to think about startup costs like materials, labor, and marketing.

Platforms like Etsy provide a solid starting point for creators. Alternatively, you can create your own website to sell your handmade crafts.

To maximize profits, consider building your own online store with a tool like Hostinger Website Builder. It allows you to create and publish stunning online stores, like By Gurciute.

15. Teaching English online

Profit potential: Medium, with rates typically between $10 to $30 per hour, depending on experience and platform.

Starting effort: Low to moderate effort; requires a TEFL or TESOL certification and a stable internet connection.

Teaching English online comes with flexibility and a steady income. It’s ideal for native speakers or those with strong English skills.

To get started, obtain a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certification. Many platforms require this qualification, as it demonstrates your ability to teach effectively.

Once certified, join teaching platforms like Cambly or VIPkid. These platforms connect you with students worldwide.

Create a profile that highlights your qualifications and teaching style, and set your availability based on your schedule.

Focus on building rapport with students and offering engaging lessons. Over time, positive reviews and word-of-mouth can help you increase your rates and secure long-term students.

16. Renting your spare room

Profit potential: High, with potential earnings of $50 to $200 per night, depending on location and amenities.

Starting effort: Moderate effort; requires preparing a room and listing it on rental platforms.

Renting out a spare room can provide a steady stream of passive income. Platforms like Airbnb make it easy to manage bookings and find guests.

Prepare the room by ensuring it’s clean, inviting, and well-decorated to create a welcoming atmosphere. Take high-quality photos that capture the essence of the space, showcasing its best features and amenities.

Once you list your property on Airbnb or similar platforms, be sure to set a competitive price that reflects the value you offer.

17. Starting a podcast

Profit potential: Medium, with income from sponsorships, ads, and listener support ranging from $10 to $50 per episode initially.

Starting effort: Moderate effort; requires planning, recording equipment, and consistent content creation.

Podcasting lets you share your passion for specific topics while building an engaged audience. As your listener base grows, you can earn through sponsorships, ads, and listener support.

First, pick a niche and invest in essential recording tools like a microphone and editing software. Create a content plan to ensure regular episode releases.

Publish episodes on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Once you gain an audience, create your own podcast website to help improve reach and engagement.

To monetize your podcast, reach out to potential sponsors and advertisers. You can also offer bonus content or exclusive perks to listeners who support your show through platforms like Patreon.

Promote your podcast through social media and collaborations to expand your audience. This will also help increase your income opportunities over time.

18. Tutoring services

Profit potential: Medium, with hourly rates typically ranging from $15 to $50, depending on the subject and expertise.

Starting effort: Moderate effort; requires subject knowledge and a platform to find students.

Tutoring is an excellent side hustle for those skilled in academic subjects. It offers flexible hours and the chance to help students succeed while earning good pay. It’s ideal for individuals with expertise in specific areas who enjoy teaching and mentoring.

To get started, choose a subject you’re proficient in, and create a profile on tutoring platforms like Chegg or Wyzant. Highlight your qualifications and teaching experience to attract students. For more details, read our guide to starting an online tutoring business.

19. Rideshare driving

Profit potential: Medium, with an average income of $21/hour.

Starting effort: Low effort; requires a car, a driver’s license, and passing background checks.

Driving for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft comes with flexibility. You can earn money on your own schedule, and it’s a great option for those who enjoy driving and meeting new people.

To start, sign up with a rideshare company, undergo a vehicle inspection, and complete background checks. Once approved, you can begin accepting rides and earning through a combination of fares and tips.

20. Food delivery

Profit potential: Medium, with an average earnings of $18.45/hour.

Starting effort: Low effort; requires a vehicle, bike, or scooter and registration with a delivery service.

Food delivery offers flexible work. You can earn money by delivering meals from restaurants to customers. It’s ideal for those who prefer short, quick jobs that fit around their schedule.

Sign up on platforms like DoorDash or UberEats, complete the registration process, and start accepting delivery requests. These apps also offer bonuses or incentives for completing a certain number of deliveries in a set time.

21. Remote customer support

Profit potential: Medium, with hourly rates ranging from $10 to $25 depending on the company and experience.

Starting effort: Low effort; requires good communication skills and a quiet workspace.

Remote customer support involves assisting customers via phone, email, or chat. It’s an ideal side hustle for those with good interpersonal skills who enjoy problem-solving from the comfort of their homes.

Look for remote customer support jobs on job platforms like We Work Remotely. Then, apply with a tailored resume that highlights your communication skills.

22. Dog walking

Profit potential: Medium, with hourly rates ranging from $10 to $30 depending on location and demand.

Starting effort: Low effort; requires love for animals, good physical fitness, and a local client base.

Dog walking is a fun side hustle for animal lovers, offering flexibility and low startup costs. It’s a way to earn extra income while spending time outdoors, and with the right approach, you can build a loyal client base.

Register on dog-walking platforms like Wag or Rover. These platforms connect dog owners with walkers and sitters in their area, allowing you to find clients easily.

23. Babysitting

Profit potential: Medium, with hourly rates typically ranging from $10 to $25 depending on experience and location.

Starting effort: Low effort; requires trustworthiness, basic childcare skills, and possibly a background check.

Babysitting is a flexible and rewarding side hustle, perfect for those who enjoy working with children. It offers the chance to earn extra income with minimal startup costs, as all you need are basic childcare skills and a good reputation.

To get started, create a profile on platforms like Care.com or Sittercity, where parents can find and hire babysitters. Highlight your experience, certifications (like CPR or first aid), and availability. You can also network through the local community to find babysitting jobs.

Make sure you’re reliable and communicative. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth are key to growing your client base. Over time, you can increase your rates as you build trust and experience with families in your area.

24. Transcribing or translating content

Profit potential: Medium, with rates ranging from $15 to $30 per hour, depending on speed and specialization.

Starting effort: Low to moderate effort; requires good listening, typing, or language skills.

Transcribing audio or translating documents is a flexible side hustle that can be done remotely. It offers a steady stream of work, especially if you specialize in fields like medical or legal transcription or are fluent in high-demand languages for translation.

Sign up on platforms like Gengo, pass their skill tests, and start taking on transcription or translation jobs.

25. Taking online surveys

Profit potential: Low, with potential earnings typically ranging from $1 to $5 per survey.

Starting effort: Very low effort; requires signing up on survey websites and consistent participation.

Online surveys are a quick and easy way to earn extra cash in your spare time. They don’t need specific skills and can be done from anywhere. They’re great for anyone wanting to earn a little extra money with minimal effort.

Online surveys can be a fun way to earn rewards or gift cards. However, it’s wise to treat them as a side activity rather than a primary source of income due to their low-profit potential. Register on platforms like Swagbucks and start participating consistently.

Conclusion

When choosing a side hustle, it’s essential to weigh both its profitability and ease of starting. Generally, side hustles that require more effort and investment tend to offer higher profit potential.

As you explore options, keep in mind that some side hustles, like selling digital products or starting a blog, may require you to have a website to establish your online presence. Consider Hostinger Website Builder, as it’s an easy-to-use platform that can help you get started quickly.

In conclusion, the right side hustle depends on your interests, skills, and available time. With effort and dedication, you can turn it into a profitable venture. Start exploring today and find the perfect side hustle for you!

Best side hustles FAQ