Many people look for ways to increase their income beyond the regular 9-to-5. Side hustles can be your ticket to financial freedom! Turn your passions into profit and explore a world of creative possibilities.
This article explores the best side hustle ideas in 2024. From freelancing to selling products with print-on-demand, there’s a side hustle idea perfect for you, and we’re here to help you find it.
Key takeaways
- Side hustles range from creative endeavors like content creation and selling handmade crafts to more practical services such as virtual bookkeeping and ride-sharing.
- Most side hustles offer flexible hours and the ability to work from home or on the go, making them ideal for working around a full-time job or personal commitments.
- Many side hustles, like print-on-demand and digital product creation, allow for scalable income potential, turning small ventures into substantial revenue streams.
- Using existing skills and interests, such as graphic design, writing, and photography, can enhance job satisfaction and increase the chances of success.
- Several side hustles, such as print-on-demand, affiliate marketing, and online tutoring, require minimal initial investment, making them accessible to almost anyone.
What is a side hustle?
A side hustle is a secondary activity outside a person’s full-time job that provides additional income. Side hustles usually offer more freedom and control, including flexible hours.
Besides the additional income and flexibility, a side hustle business model provides the benefits of pursuing a passion, highlighting unique talents, and improving one’s skill set. It can even become a highly successful business and evolve into a primary career.
Continue reading for 26 of the best side hustles to pursue in 2024.
1. Print-on-Demand side hustle
Print-on-demand side hustles are surging in popularity among entrepreneurs, even surpassing established options like affiliate marketing and content creation.
Print on Demand offers you ways to sell custom-printed products like wholesale blank t-shirts and mugs. You create the custom designs, and the providers handle printing, shipping, and act as the middleman between you and the customer.
Print-on-demand eliminates the need for storage and unsold inventory, minimizing risk and maximizing your profit potential. Plus, it allows you to easily diversify your offerings with a variety of designs.
Make it happen today!
2. Etsy side hustle
Selling handmade goods on Etsy is a fantastic side hustle, especially for creative individuals. Etsy offers a marketplace for unique, handcrafted, and vintage items, allowing hobbyists to reach a global audience. Crafters and other sellers make thousands with their unique products.
Creating an Etsy side hustle can be combined with becoming a print-on-demand seller. With low startup costs and the ability to scale, many – both artisans and entrepreneurs – have turned their Etsy stores into profitable full-time businesses with a focus on quality for a niche audience.
Read more about how to sell on Etsy with our comprehensive step-by-step guide.
3. Virtual bookkeeping
Virtual bookkeepers remotely record, store, manage, and track business financial transactions.
This in-demand role allows you to use your accounting skills or certification to work from anywhere and build a flexible schedule.
Accountants can also work as part-time contractors to help people fill out taxes, organize private finances, or prepare financial statements. Experienced professionals can even consult and coach private individuals on improving their finances or starting small businesses.
4. Social media management
People with a talent for creating high-performing, engaging social media posts should consider it as a side hustle and a fun way to make money online in their spare time. Discover and engage in the market by, for example, offering freelance services or applying to gigs through agencies.
Social media managers are responsible for an entity’s online presence on multiple channels. This usually includes developing and monitoring strategies to create content and interact with audiences by combining the parent company’s brand style and trending online topics.
As a company grows, its social media management becomes more complex. This is one of the side hustles that has the value and potential to become a full-time job in the long run.
5. Content writing
Content writing is one of the trendiest online side hustles, but it requires a specific skill set. Writers must gather information from various sources and make it engaging and digestible.
Content writers should be creative and detail-driven individuals who enjoy reading, learning, and researching. A freelance writer needs to understand SEO optimization, apply brand tones and voices, and preferably specialize in a niche that makes sense with existing skills and passions.
Start a side hustle in writing by producing and learning daily. Enroll in free courses and tutorials on platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Skillshare, build a blog and a portfolio, and start pitching.
Content freelance writing is another side hustle that could become a full-time occupation. Keep an eye on openings in marketing departments or stick to freelancing for a diverse demand.
6. Online tutoring
Start a side hustle by teaching something you’re knowledgeable about. Offer a regular online course via conference and video chat to interact with your pupils or record a series of educational videos and course curricula. For this hustle, the initial prep is essential.
Additional resources, like videos and eBooks, can be used to support online classes. Monetize content with platforms like Patreon, Nebula, or Skillshare and offer subscriptions. WordPress users can also teach via plugins like LearnDash, LearnPress, and Sensei.
Plan the content and prepare all the courses beforehand. After the first classes, evaluate and make any necessary changes to keep your reviews and demand high.
7. Freelance photography
Earning as a freelance photographer is challenging but rewarding. Photographers must balance their passion for a photography niche with business tasks like bookkeeping and marketing.
Investing in quality gear is essential but can vary by specialty. Decide if the work will be assignment or studio-based, and evaluate what software you’ll need. Outdoor photographers should consider insurance for expensive gear to protect against damage risks.
Create a portfolio with clear categories according to your niche, making it easier for potential clients to see your work. Insert only the best photos to showcase, and use platforms like Format, Lightfolio, Pixieset, PASS, Photonesto, or Shootproof to create proofing galleries.
Finally, invest in networking, create a brand that represents you, and showcase it across many channels. Flood your unique designs online, including your website, portfolio, social media channel, and even your own online store by selling photography prints.
8. Become an affiliate marketer
Companies pay affiliate marketers to promote their products and services. Entrepreneurs, bloggers, or influencers partner with services like Printify Affiliate Program, Rakuten, or Amazon and receive a unique link. When customers click the link and buy, they attribute the purchase to the affiliate.
Starting an affiliate marketing business can become a convenient source of income if you have enough traffic. Affiliates earn a commission for every sale attributed to them. The cut-off point for earning commissions when customers click the link and purchase is usually 30 days.
If possible, use URL shorteners like Bitly, Shorturl, or Tinyurl to shrink long URLs and keep them manageable. However, always disclose affiliate links to keep your motivations clear.
Learn more on how to start affiliate marketing on our blog.
Earn money as an affiliate with the Printify Affiliate program
9. Selling handmade crafts
Selling handmade crafts is a popular side hustle for making money and practicing a rewarding hobby at the same time. Sell your creations both online and at market events or trade shows. Focus on producing high-quality, unique items that appeal to your target audience.
Adding a few print-on-demand products or partnering with a manufacturer can help keep your inventory fresh without much extra effort. Engaging with customers in-person and online builds a loyal customer base, maximizing your sales opportunities and making your hustle sustainable.
10. Graphic design services
Depending on your skills, it’s possible to make money online through graphic services. Work on commission through ready-made platforms or via your own social media channels.
Become a designer, even if you’re using free graphic design software. Simply create and upload a portfolio on a personal website with platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix to display your artwork and promote your graphic design experience to potential customers.
Stay up-to-date with freelancing opportunities in marketing, fashion, or web building, and network through LinkedIn or attend conventions. Showcase yourself and find clients in directories like Printify Experts, Fiverr, and Upwork.
Consider selling digital graphic designs in creative markets or stock websites like Creative Market, Gumroad, PayLoadz, Podia, or SendOwl.
11. Creating and selling digital products
Digital products include downloadable songs, videos, eBooks, templates, and software. Though time-consuming to produce, they can generate passive income when sold online. Digital selling is scaleable but requires a marketing strategy and a trustworthy platform.
To make money selling digital products, protect your work with copyrights or trademarks; streaming platforms often handle this. Consider offering entertaining or educational products, such as courses or web art, for a steady income through subscriptions and memberships.
Get more instructions by visiting our selling digital products on Etsy guide.
12. Become a content creator
Content creation is a popular side hustle with the potential to become a full-time job. People can pursue their passions while making money online and even generating passive income. Success requires creativity, niche skills, and a big personality to influence fans.
Creators often publish on multiple platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and their own websites. Monetization methods include selling shop merch, ads, affiliate marketing, subscriptions, digital product sales, and courses. It’s a time-consuming but rewarding process.
The content market is competitive, but diverse income streams can enhance profitability.
13. Ride sharing
Becoming a ride-share driver is one of the most popular side hustles. Drive a few hours in your spare time and profit from the extra income according to your own demand and free time.
Ride-share companies exist worldwide, and many people use their services instead of investing in their own cars. Depending on your location, drive for big companies like Uber, Lyft, or Bolt, or experiment with specialized companies like Wingz, focusing on airport rides.
14. Food delivery
There are food delivery apps and companies all around the world and they increased in popularity after the pandemic. People love the comfort of receiving food at home.
Delivering food through apps is a very convenient side hustle that, similarly to ride-sharing, lets you define your working hours and make money in small steps during your free time.
Deliver food through many companies, and not only in the US – DoorDash, GrubHub, Instacart, Postmates, Thuisbezorgd, UberEats, or Wolt, to name a few.
15. Rent your car
Car rental services pay to rent your car to private individuals or car companies. Make money with your own car when it would otherwise be sitting in a parking spot or your driveway.
The top companies to rent your car include HyreCar, Turo, Getaround, and Avail.
Before renting, remember to check the platform for insurance coverage.
16. Grocery shopping and delivery
Shopping for and delivering groceries increased in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. It continues in high demand as people appreciate the convenience of receiving goods at home.
Most great retailers offer some delivery programs and need drivers, usually requiring a background check after registration. Once approved, make your schedule in your free time.
Platforms and apps like Doordash, Instacart, Postmates, and Shipt work with many large retailers.
17. Task-based work
Task-based jobs require completing individual tasks for clients instead of committing to long-term employment or regular schedules.
These tasks can include data entry, transcription, translation, social media management, content creation, market research, phone calls, or appointment scheduling.
Payment varies widely from just a few cents to several dollars, and side hustlers are often hired as Form 1099 (independent) contractors to complete these tasks.
Connect with task-based jobs on platforms like Amazon’s Mturk, ClickWorker, FancyHands, or SproutGigs.
18. Freelance on freelance marketplaces
Freelancing can be a source of extra cash, even for people with a full-time income.
Writers, designers, programmers, and musicians, to mention a few, can find side hustle opportunities in special programs like Printify Experts or on a freelance online marketplace such as Fiverr, Toptal, or Upwork.
After registering, getting the first assignment will be the hardest part since you’ll have zero reviews. Expand your network on LinkedIn, nurture relationships, share your profiles in the freelance marketplaces, and keep learning and improving your skills until you establish yourself.
19. Dog walking and pet sitting
Walking dogs or pet sitting can be a fun side hustle (and story) for those who love animals. It can generate a reliable return customer base, as pet owners want trustworthy professionals to watch their buddies when they’re away or busy.
The beauty of this hustle is that finding clients can be very easy with apps and platforms like PawShake, PetBacker, PetSitter.com, Rover, or Wag.
20. House cleaning
Everyone wants to live in a neat and clean house, but most don’t have the time for it and are willing to pay for the service instead.
There’s also the potential to develop consistent sales by servicing a base of returning customers, as many want a known and trusted person working inside their home.
Make clear beforehand who will provide the cleaning products and equipment and have agreements ready, especially when using your own vacuum cleaner or other hardware.
Be aware of quirks and special needs, such as hypo-allergenic products, memorabilia, or the placement of special items, and be strict on scheduled hours to maintain good relations.
21. Event planning
Event planning can be a successful side hustle for organized people who love the thrill and energy involved in an event. Instead of simply volunteering, don’t sell your services short.
Start by networking and developing a portfolio, gaining exposure and experience. After becoming comfortable in the position, treat it as a business and charge accordingly. Factor in how much effort is needed behind the scenes, take pictures, and build a solid persona.
Finally, nurture collaboration over competition and keep a healthy network.
22. Personal training
If you have the knowledge and the skillset, consider becoming a personal trainer. You can find business cards for freelance trainers in almost every gym. Teach people how to exercise safely and effectively, working in fitness centers and gyms or offering in-home and even online training.
Some trainers provide resources for weight control, including nutrition and supplements, but that’s advisable only in conjunction with a professional nutritionist. Only do this if you’re qualified.
23. Rent out free space
Ever since Airbnb‘s success, making extra income by renting your apartment, house, spare room, or real estate to vacationers is easier than ever.
There are other platforms dedicated to the same purposes, like Agoda, Booking.com, Plum Guide, and Vrbo (previously known as HomeAway).
It’s also possible to make a property available on multiple platforms by synchronizing a calendar via services like Apple iCal.
24. Become a transcriber
People with good language and typing skills and a good ear can try a side hustle as transcribers.
Sites like GoTranscript, Rev, or TranscribeMe have opportunities for short-term work transcribing audio notes, phone calls, videos, and other recordings.
25. Start a local lawn mowing and landscaping business
Mowing lawns is a classic side hustle for the warmer seasons and can be done informally by cleaning neighborhood lawns or through short-term jobs. Search for contractor ads on platforms like TaskEasy or TaskRabbit.
Make sure your hardware is in good condition, and keep a good reputation by being aware of local regulations regarding allowed times for mowing and generating noise.
26. Detail cars
Car detailing is cleaning and restoring a vehicle close to a like-new condition. It’s labor-intensive, but it can be rewarding as a hobby and a side hustle.
- Exterior detailing may include washing and drying, paint claying, sealing, waxing, and polishing.
- Interior detailing includes vacuuming, glass cleaning, and deodorizing. Cleaning is done by scrubbing, brushing, and steaming, while leather parts require special cleaners.
- Advanced detailing may include engine detailing, engine pressure cleaning, glass chip repair, headlight polishing, ceramic coating, paint correction, and applying PPFs.
Car detailing requires skills, a detailed business plan (including supplies cost), and stocking supplies. The service can be offered in fixed or temporary locations or on-site. Consider all these elements when factoring costs and setting prices for your work.
Honorable mentions
- Join a focus group or answer online surveys – these are research methods for gathering opinions from people of similar demographics. Focus group participants can earn between $30 and $150.
- Deliver packages with the Amazon Flex program. The sign-up process is simple, and the payment time is flexible – choose the best days for the money to arrive in your bank account.
FAQ
Yes, you can make money with print-on-demand (POD). Many entrepreneurs successfully generate income by selling custom-printed products like t-shirts, mugs, and posters. The key is to create appealing designs, market them effectively, and choose the right platform, like Printify.
Print on Demand lets you reach your target audience without upfront investment, so you can put your resources into more creative outlets like design creation and branding. POD eliminates the need for inventory costs, making it a low-risk business model that can be scaled as you grow.
Starting a print-on-demand side hustle involves a few key steps:
- Choose a Niche: Identify a specific market or audience for your products.
- Select a POD Platform: Choose a reliable POD service, like Printify.
- Create Designs: Develop unique and appealing designs for your products.
- Set up an Online Store: Integrate an eCommerce marketplace or sales platform.
- Manage Orders: Apply designs to your products and sell. The POD provider handles production and shipping, allowing you to focus on marketing and customer service.
- Market Your Products: Use social media, SEO, and ads to drive traffic to your store.
Yes, you can make money on Printify. By creating unique designs and using Printify’s extensive Product Catalog and integrations with major eCommerce platforms, it’s possible to build a profitable POD business.
Success on Printify requires effective marketing, understanding your target audience, and continually updating your product offerings to meet customer demand. Many users have turned their Printify stores into substantial sources of income.
To summarize
There are endless possibilities for complementing income outside of a traditional day job. This article explains the best ways to make extra money, from starting a print-on-demand side hustle to offering a skilled service.
Not all side hustles pay equally or give the same satisfaction. Be creative and persistent, and find the one that works best for you. Remember that you can always count on Printify to help you create your own business.
