34 of the best side hustle ideas

1. Start a dropshipping business

Dropshipping is a method of selling products supplied by a third party, who’s responsible for storing inventory and shipping merchandise.

You’re only responsible for promoting and selling the products and passing orders on to your supplier, but you don’t have to handle the logistics of storing and shipping the products.

Example of dropshipping store, Boba Love

To get started in dropshipping, you’ll need to set up an ecommerce store and find one or more suppliers with products to sell. You can set up your own website using Ecommerce platforms such as Shopify or Woocommerce or tap into existing platforms, such as Amazon, eBay, or Shopify. To find suppliers, you can search dropshipping directories or work with print-on-demand suppliers directly.

1. 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.

Learn more about launching your own online boutique.

1. 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 also can 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.

Find out what other brands — particularly in your industry or related fields — they’ve worked or collaborated with. Some ghostwriters add a list of the brands they’ve worked with on their website or portfolio. For instance, Fiverr freelance writer faswaldo mentions top brands like CNBC and Business Insider who’ve featured her articles.

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1. 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.

Read our guide on how to write a graphic design proposal letter.

1. 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:

 

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.

If you need help creating your content, Fiverr offers access to AI content writing services.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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. While 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

Learn more: 7 AI writing prompt ideas to power your content workflow

1. 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.

1. 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 also can 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.

Find a content writer for hire

1. 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.

1. 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.

Find AI proofreading and editing services for your business on Fiverr.

1. 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.

1. 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.

Example of web developer @developeratbest selling services through Fiverr

1. 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.

1. 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

1. 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.

1. 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.

Photo by Verne Ho from Burst

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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

Example of Fiverr Seller @zfjharna offering bookkeeping services

Make a Fiverr profile to show off your services, take bookkeeping courses, and get certified to kick off your business.

1. 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.

1. 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.
29. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

Reseller store Packer Shoes, built on Shopify

1. Teach English

English instructors teach non-native speakers English language skills, often online. 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.

Either way, you want a TEFL or TESOL certification. Then, create a profile on platforms like VIPKid or Preply, then market your services.

1. 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.

How to find a great side hustle

Many workers run a side gig because they aren’t earning enough from their regular work to cover expenses or student loans. However, other side hustlers work to increase their standard of living, to lay a foundation for a new career, or to get paid for a hobby they enjoy.

Side hustles have grown more popular as the Internet and smartphones have made it easier for entrepreneurs to make money online. In 2021, 16% of Americans earned money from online side hustles, according to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center.

One advantage of side hustles is they’re easier to set up than most businesses. Here’s all you need to get started:

Choose something you’re passionate about. Your side hustle should be something you enjoy doing, or at least something you’re interested in. This way, it won’t feel like work and you’ll be more likely to stick with it.
Start small and simple. Don’t try to do too much at first — just focus on getting started. Once you’ve got the basics down, you can start expanding and growing your side hustle.
Use your existing skills and knowledge. You don’t need to start from scratch — you can leverage your existing skills and knowledge to get started with your side hustle. This will save you time and energy, and help you hit the ground running.
Create a brand. First, you need a brand name to call your business. You can use your own name or choose a name that sums up what you’re selling. You can hire a professional graphic designer to make a logo for you, or use Fiverr Logo Maker to make one yourself.
Promote your side hustle. Make sure you let people know about your side hustle — whether it’s through social media, word-of-mouth, or other marketing channels. The more exposure you can get, the better.
Be prepared for bumps in the road. There are challenges and setbacks for all small business owners, no matter if you’re selling t-shirts part time or freelancing full-time. Just remember to stay positive and keep moving forward, and you’ll eventually achieve your goals.

If you want to sell services on Fiverr, sign up for a free account today.