The Best Way to Earn Money on the Side: Top Strategies for Extra Income
Looking for the best way to earn money on the side? This guide introduces various flexible side hustles like freelancing, online surveys, and selling products. Find a strategy that fits your skills and boosts your income.
Key Takeaways
Freelancing offers flexibility and the opportunity to monetize skills in writing, graphic design, and digital marketing.
Selling products online and participating in user testing or online surveys can provide additional income streams with minimal commitment.
Renting out assets, like spare rooms and cars, is an effective way to earn passive income while making better use of your possessions.
Freelancing Opportunities
Freelancing offers a great opportunity to start a side hustle by utilizing your existing skills. Platforms like:
Upwork
Fiverr connect freelancers with clients looking for services such as:
writing
graphic design
digital marketing The flexibility of freelancing lets you work around your full-time job, making it ideal for a busy schedule.
Success in freelancing requires a realistic business plan. Assess your skills, costs, and the effort needed for your freelance pursuit. Dedication and hard work can transform a side hustle into a thriving freelance career.
Offering services like creative writing, graphic design, or digital marketing can make freelancing a lucrative side hustle, providing extra income and a flexible schedule.
Writing and Editing
Freelance writing provides a flexible way to earn money on the side. Writers can offer services such as:
Blog posts
Articles
Copywriting These services cater to various content needs. This flexibility allows you to set your own schedule and work from home, making it ideal for those with creative skills.
However, income can vary, and finding new clients continuously is necessary to maintain steady work. Despite these challenges, freelance writing can be rewarding and offers the potential to earn $100 an hour or more.
Graphic Design
Graphic design is a great way to use your creative skills and earn extra money. Freelancers can offer services like logo creation, social media graphics, and marketing materials. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr connect you with clients seeking graphic design services, making it easy to start a side hustle.
Graphic design provides flexible work hours and a chance to express your creativity while earning extra income. Designing logos for local businesses or creating eye-catching social media graphics, graphic design is a lucrative side hustle utilizing your artistic talents.
Digital Marketing Services
Digital marketing includes services like:
SEO
PPC campaigns
Social media management, which involves creating posts, engaging with followers, and managing business accounts
Content creation
Website optimization
These services make digital marketing a versatile and in-demand side hustle.
The rise of online businesses has significantly increased the demand for digital marketing services. Social media management on various social media platforms can be creative and rewarding but also requires constant learning and can be time-consuming.
A knack for digital marketing can make this a lucrative side hustle, offering flexible hours and the chance to work with various clients and earn good money while balancing it with a main job.
Online Surveys and User Testing
Participating in online surveys and user testing offers a flexible way to earn extra cash in your spare time through a partner program. Completing surveys on various platforms allows you to share opinions on products and services, while user testing lets you influence product improvements and earn money simultaneously.
Reputable companies like Pinterest, Spotify, and Amazon use user interviews to gather feedback, making these opportunities worthwhile. Testing websites or participating in online surveys can be a suitable side hustle for those working from home and seeking flexible income.
Survey Sites
Popular survey sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie make earning easy money online easy; users can just register and begin. Selecting reputable platforms ensures you get paid for your efforts.
Survey sites typically offer numerous options, with varying payouts based on effort. For example, Swagbucks has paid over $80 million to its users, showcasing the potential to earn money online through surveys.
Testing Websites
UserTesting.com is a popular platform for paid website and app test websites. Starting user testing requires the necessary tech gear, a reliable internet connection, and sometimes a microphone. Participants must be at least 18 years old.
UserTesting offers various options, including recorded tests and live feedback conversations. This side hustle suits those who want to provide feedback on websites and apps while working from home.
Selling Products Online
Selling products online offers a popular way to earn extra income. Platforms like eBay allow sellers to list a wide range of items, from handmade goods to used products. You can sell items on eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace, offering flexibility and the potential to turn creative hobbies into a small online business.
Selling handmade crafts, used goods, or vintage items on the online marketplace offers numerous opportunities to make money. Etsy is recommended for selling crafts and unique goods, offering flexible payment schedules to suit different needs.
Handmade Crafts
Handmade goods offer a popular choice for earning extra income. Focus on creating unique handmade products that showcase your creative skills to stand out in the market. Enjoying what you do can make the experience more money fulfilling.
Etsy is highly recommended for selling handmade items due to its focus on crafts and unique goods. It allows you to reach a wide audience and turn creative hobbies into a profitable business.
Print on Demand
Print on demand lets you design products, which a vendor then prints, ships, and sells. This business model is fun, low-risk, and doesn’t require large inventory costs, making it an ideal side hustle.
Start by listing some forbidden forms of the keyword “t shirts” according to the rule 5. Create custom merchandise using tools like Printify for design and place them on e-commerce platforms. There are no upfront costs for print-on-demand services, though you must be accepted to sell on platforms like Amazon, including t shirts.
Reselling Items
Flipping involves buying items at a low price and selling them for a higher price to make a profit. This side hustle can be a fun way to make extra money with low startup costs. Popular platforms for sell clothing include eBay, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace.
Consider the risks of flipping, such as potential profit loss and competition. Clothing, electronics, and collectibles are popular resale categories, and payment timelines can vary depending on the sales channel.
Teaching and Tutoring
Teaching and tutoring offer flexible side hustles and the opportunity to be your own boss. Educators can earn money tutoring various subjects online through platforms like Cambly and TutorOcean, or by offering online courses to students.
Private tutors can teach subjects like math, science, and foreign languages, and offer specialized tutoring for standardized tests, which can command higher hourly rates. A tutoring business can be advertised through platforms like Craigslist, Tutor.com, and Care.com to reach potential clients.
Online Tutoring
Platforms like Cambly, TutorOcean, Preply, and Learn to Be enable online platforms for tutoring, offering a flexible way to teach subjects such as math, science, or languages.
Online tutoring allows you to set your own schedule and work from home. To get started, sign up with one or more of the mentioned platforms and create a teacher profile.
Creating Online Courses
Creating online courses can potentially yield significant earnings, upwards of $434,698 in the first year, through platforms like Udemy and Teachable.
Creating an online course offers benefits like interactive materials, workbooks, and community support, providing a richer learning experience than an ebook. However, developing quality content and materials requires considerable effort.
Test Prep
Reselling college textbooks can supplement tutoring services. High demand for cheaper, used textbooks allows tutors to provide resources for their clients.
Tutoring services help students prepare for standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or GRE. Common subjects in test tutoring include mathematics, reading comprehension, and writing skills.
Gig Economy Jobs
Gig economy jobs offer a flexible way to earn extra income. Driving for companies like Uber or Lyft provides financial compensation and the freedom to set your own schedule. Delivery services like DoorDash allow individuals to work based on availability and can yield hundreds to thousands of dollars monthly.
Platforms like TaskRabbit connect freelancers with local tasks, offering a range of service opportunities. Working as a virtual assistant offers flexibility with tasks like managing emails, scheduling appointments, and providing research support.
Specialized side hustles like web development and personal coaching have the potential to generate a full-time income, though they require dedicated effort and diligence.
Rideshare Driving
Driving for companies like Uber and Lyft lets you set your own schedule and earn money based on the number of rides you complete. Drivers must have at least one year of licensed driving experience and meet specific vehicle requirements, including a four-door car.
Drivers can expect payment from rideshare platforms instantly or within just a few hours after completing a ride. This flexible side hustle suits those who enjoy driving and interacting with people.
Food Delivery
Popular food delivery apps to work for include Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates. Starting with delivering food services typically involves a setup process that takes about a week and may include a background check.
Food delivery workers can earn up to $22 an hour, with payments usually issued to pay weekly or faster, depending on the platform. These services let you work on your own schedule and use various modes of transportation such as cars, bikes, or scooters.
Task-Based Platforms
TaskRabbit and similar platforms enable individuals to take on localized tasks like furniture assembly and yard work.
Payments on TaskRabbit are processed after task completion via direct deposit to your bank account, typically taking a few days. To start using TaskRabbit, you will need a couple of hours for setup, followed by approval time. To start working with TaskRabbit, you need to be at least 18 years old. This is a requirement for all potential workers.
Renting Out Assets
Renting out assets is a great way to earn extra income with minimal effort. The rental market has seen significant growth, with people increasingly monetizing items such as bikes, camera equipment, and tools. This side hustle can provide passive income and help you make better use of your assets.
From renting out a spare room to leasing your car, there are numerous opportunities to generate monthly income. Whether you have a spare room, a car, or baby gear, renting out these assets can help you save money and create a lucrative side hustle in personal finance.
Spare Room
Renting out a spare room can yield substantial monthly income, especially in high-demand tourist areas. Platforms like Airbnb make it easy to list your spare bedroom and connect with potential renters.
You must be at least 18 years old to rent out a spare bedroom on Airbnb. This side hustle allows you to earn extra money by hosting guests for a few nights, making better use of your spare time and space.
Car Rental
Use services like Turo or Getaround to rent out your car and earn passive income. Platforms like Turo enable car owners to earn about $10,516 a year by renting their vehicles when not in use.
To rent your car on Turo, you must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid driver’s license. Creating a listing on Turo takes less than 30 minutes, and Turo offers $750,000 in liability coverage, as well as theft and damage coverage for rented vehicles.
Baby Gear
Renting out baby gear is an ideal side hustle for those looking to earn extra income, especially catering to traveling families. Platforms like BabyQuip allow you to rent out baby gear such as strollers and cribs, making it convenient for families on the go.
You can potentially earn up to $1,000 a month by renting out baby gear through these platforms. This side hustle allows you to monetize items that are often in high demand among traveling families for a couple hundred bucks.
Creative and Artistic Gigs
Creative gigs allow individuals to utilize their artistic talents to earn extra money. Graphic designers, photographers, and voiceover artists can all find opportunities to monetize their skills. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are excellent places to connect with clients seeking creative services.
From creating logos to selling photographs, creative gigs offer a variety of ways to earn additional income. Whether you’re offering graphic design services or voiceover work, these side hustles and hustle idea provide the flexibility to work on your own terms, making it easier to take on a second job.
Photography
To sell your photography online, you must have the necessary rights to the images. Photographers can sell their work online via platforms such as Shutterstock and Getty Images. Some popular platforms for selling photographs include:
Fine Art America
SmugMug
500px
PhotoShelter.
Factors to consider when setting photography rates include market rates, editing time, and client communication.
Voiceover Work
To start voiceover work, you will need a quality microphone and sound editing software. Voiceover work allows individuals to earn money from the comfort of their own home. Voiceover artists can work on a variety of projects, including audiobooks, animations, and commercials.
Practicing voice modulation, clarity, and delivery can help improve your skills and increase your chances of getting hired.
Virtual Interior Design
Virtual interior design allows you to help clients redesign their spaces from a distance, leveraging technology for convenience and effective communication. Offering virtual consultations typically involves assessing the client’s space through photos and video calls, discussing their ideas, and providing tailored design recommendations.
This side hustle is ideal for those with a passion for interior design and the ability to work with clients remotely.
Pet Care Services
Pet care services, such as pet sitting and dog walking, are popular side jobs that can be both fun and fulfilling. Platforms for finding clients in the pet care industry include:
Rover
Wag!
PetSitter.com
PetBacker
To expand your pet care service business and start your own business idea, consider acquiring regular customers and offering additional pet-related products. This side hustle allows you to combine your love for animals with earning extra income.
Pet Sitting
Pet sitting provides flexibility as you can set your own schedule and fees. In pet sitting, you can offer services such as dog walking and pet sit boarding pets in your home or visiting them in their owners’ homes.
Websites like Rover and Wag can help connect you with pet sitting jobs. Pet sitting is a fun and rewarding way to earn extra income, as it allows you to care for pets while their owners are away.
Dog Walking
To start dog walking, ensure you meet age requirements which are typically 18 or older. Creating a profile on platforms like Rover can take about 5 to 10 business days for approval.
You can utilize apps like Wag and Rover to find dog walking opportunities. This side hustle allows you to work at your own pace and combine your love for dogs with earning extra income.
Pet Grooming
Pet grooming is a growing industry that offers various services for pet owners, creating a rewarding way to earn extra income. Services like bathing, trimming, and nail clipping for pets can attract a wide client base and meet pet owners’ needs.
This side hustle allows you to work with animals and provide valuable services that pet owners appreciate.
Summary
In summary, there are numerous ways to earn extra income through side hustles. Freelancing, online surveys, selling products online, teaching and tutoring, gig economy jobs, renting out assets, creative gigs, and pet care services all offer flexible opportunities to supplement your income.
Whether you’re looking to turn a hobby into a business or simply make better use of your free time, these side hustle ideas provide a variety of options to explore. Start your journey today and discover the best way to earn money on the side!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular platforms for freelancing?
Upwork and Fiverr are great platforms for freelancers to connect with clients in areas like writing, graphic design, and digital marketing. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to showcase your skills and get paid for your work!
How can I start making money with online surveys?
To start making money with online surveys, sign up on reputable sites like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie and begin completing surveys to earn cash. It's a simple way to turn your opinions into extra income!
What are some good platforms for selling handmade crafts?
Etsy is a top choice for selling handmade crafts, as it connects you with a large audience and provides flexible payment options. You’ll find it easy to showcase your unique creations there!
How can I become an online tutor?
Becoming an online tutor is easy if you sign up with platforms like Cambly, TutorOcean, or Preply, giving you the chance to teach subjects you're passionate about. Just choose your area of expertise and start sharing your knowledge!
What are some popular gig economy jobs?
If you're looking for flexible work, driving for Uber or Lyft, delivering food with DoorDash, or tackling local tasks on TaskRabbit are all great options to consider. They not only let you set your own schedule but also help you earn some extra cash on the side.
