The ability to explore potential business ideas with little initial investment or significant time commitment is another benefit of side hustles as a way to increase your income. There are numerous profitable side business opportunities available, both offline and online, so there’s probably one that would suit you. Here are 29 side business ideas to assist you in selecting the ideal one for you.
1. Freelancing
A top spot on any list of simple side business ideas should go to freelancing because it is a tried-and-true method of making extra cash. You can schedule work from freelancers in your free time on a project-by-project basis for one or more clients. Other fields also provide freelance opportunities. Freelance graphic designers, writers, editors, and website developers are in high demand. Expert mechanics, trained bookkeepers, video editors, interior decorators, and even licensed real estate agents can all find flexible project-based work that fits their skill sets.
Costs and platforms: Market your freelance skills to your personal network for free via email and social media accounts. You can also reach potential clients using freelancer portals such as Fiverr, Upwork and Freelancer.com, which handle project management and payments for you. Having marketing expertise on your website not only gives it a polished, professional appearance, but it also enables you to accept payments online through Square or another online payment provider.
2. Pet-Sitting and Doggie Daycare
For those who enjoy taking care of animals, a pet-sitting side business is simple to launch and market. You can keep pets in your home for daycare or long-term care or provide in-home care for them while their owners are away at work or on vacation. Investigate the regulations in your area because some states and municipalities demand permits. By pitching pet insurance to your customers, you can also generate extra revenue.
Costs and platforms: In-home care is inexpensive, but purchasing kennels or gates for the initial setup of your home may be necessary. Use well-known pet-sitting apps like Rover or Care.com to find clients and manage gigs, or use Square’s free tools to create your own booking and payment system.
3. Dog walking
Do you adore dogs but lack the free time or space to dedicate to a doggie daycare setup? Perhaps the best side business for you is providing dog walking services. This side job offers the added benefit of getting exercise while earning extra money, and it is simple to fit into a busy schedule.
Costs and platforms: Costs are minimal since owners generally provide leashes, but you might want to invest in a few leashes and waste bags. In urban areas, you can find dog walking gigs using Wag!, TimetoPet and Rover, or manage your own bookings and payments using Square’s free tools.
4. Tech Setup Services
When it comes to configuring home networks, smart home appliances, computers, and cell phones, are you a tech whiz? By promoting these abilities to your neighborhood via social media and handyman apps, you can easily earn extra money. You can increase your credibility for in-home services by pursuing tech certifications and offering proof of insurance and bonding.
Costs and platforms: There aren’t many upfront or ongoing costs, but you might need to spend money on a few tools to make installations go more smoothly. Use handyman apps like HelloTech and TaskRabbit to find and manage gigs, or set up your own bookings and payments using Square.
5. Blogging
If you enjoy writing and sharing information with others, think about starting a blog that focuses on a subject that you are passionate about, such as travel, food, beauty, or fashion. As your blog gains readers, you can earn money from it by running ads or doing affiliate marketing. Ads pay per view or per click, while affiliate sales pay you to promote a good or service. You are paid if a customer makes a purchase after clicking on an affiliate link.
Costs and platforms: You should budget between $50 and $100 a year to run a basic blog. You’ll need to buy a domain name, use WordPress hosting, or a website builder like Wix or Squarespace to create a blog website. All of them offer user-friendly design tools and attractive blog template options, so you won’t need to hire a designer or developer.
6. Senior Sitting and Companion
More families are keeping elderly relatives in their homes thanks to advancements in in-home senior care. For anyone looking to work as a companion or sitter on the side while their primary caregivers are away, this creates opportunities. To add credibility to your services, you can take CPR and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) courses.
Costs and platforms: This is a very inexpensive side business. On care-based apps like Care.com, Sittercity, and Papa.com, as well as by setting up your own bookings and payments using Square, you can promote your services and manage clients.
7. Babysitting and Child Care
Due to the high demand for babysitting and in-home childcare, this side business is a great way to supplement your income in your free time or according to a set schedule. Although it’s not usually necessary to be certified, the American Red Cross offers online and in-person babysitting certification courses that cover CPR, first aid, and behavior management strategies that can help you establish credibility.
Costs and platforms: Babysitting is another low-cost side hustle. You can market your services and manage gigs and payments using apps such as Care.com, Sittercity, and UrbanSitter, or set up your own bookings and payments using Square.
8. Personal Assistant
Busy professionals need assistance with daily tasks, and many would rather have one person handle everything rather than switch between different service apps. This is a fantastic opportunity for a side hustler who enjoys crossing off tasks from a to-do list, such as grocery shopping, picking up dry cleaning, walking the dog, and dropping off the kids at school.
Costs and platforms: There aren’t many expenses involved in starting a personal assistant side business. However, you’ll probably need a vehicle in rural areas. You can set up your own bookings and payments using Square, or you can use popular gig and payment apps like Thumbtack.com and TaskRabbit.com to market your personal assistant services.
9. Mobile Car Washing and Detailing
Car washing is another inexpensive side business that is perfect for anyone who enjoys working outside. You can either contract with nearby companies that operate fleets of vehicles or who want to provide weekly car washes as an employee benefit to provide this service to people at their homes.
Costs and platforms: The main startup expenses for this side business idea are cleaning supplies, a reliable hose and nozzle, and a vehicle. MobileWash and Spiffy are two popular mobile car wash gig and payment apps. You can also set up your own bookings and payments using Square.
10. Local Handyman
Are you the first person your friends call to install a ceiling fan or fix a light switch? Profit from your handyman abilities in your spare time while assisting your neighbors with their home improvement to-do lists. You can get insured and bonded, but it’s not typically necessary. Doing so will protect you and your clients and increase your credibility.
Costs and platforms: The costs are minimal for this side hustle, especially if you already have the tools of the trade. You can market and manage gigs and payments using handyman apps like Thumbtack.com, TaskRabbit, and Angi, or you can set up your own bookings and payments using Square.
11. Virtual Assistant
Personal assistant services are offered online by virtual assistants, who take care of many different tasks like data entry, email correspondence with clients, booking travel, and appointment scheduling. This side business is a great way to supplement your income if you’re organized and tech-savvy and enjoy working from home.
Costs and platforms: The only costs associated with this side business are the cost of a dependable computer and an internet connection. You can market your services, manage gigs and payments with the help of virtual assistant apps like TaskRabbit, ChatterBoss, and Upwork. Alternatively, use Square to manage reservations and payments.
12. Sell at local markets and festivals
Many product-focused side hustlers make money by selling distinctive goods they find or make themselves at neighborhood markets and fairs. Due to setup and travel time to markets, this side business can be time-consuming, but if you enjoy meeting new people and being social, it may be the ideal way for you to supplement your income. Additionally, you can use these in-person sales to increase brand recognition and draw customers to your online store and social media platforms in between market appearances.
Costs and platforms: Since you need to stock your booth, the startup costs for in-person product sales can run from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. By sticking with vendors who accept returns of unsold merchandise or by providing customers with custom items that don’t require deep stock, you can reduce your initial outlay of funds. Faire welcomes returns of unsold stock and is a great place to find distinctive products for private label and resale. To accept card payments in person, track sales with a stylish mobile POS, and integrate with online sales on your own Square e-commerce website, you can also sign up for a free Square account.
13. Tutoring and Instruction
Do you have aptitude for music, the arts, sports, or academics? There are numerous flexible side business opportunities because tutors and private instructors are always in demand. You can promote live and online instruction services to parents looking for kid-friendly sessions, but don’t forget about adult learners. Adults enjoy broadening their horizons, and they can frequently attend sessions during school hours if that works better for your schedule for your side hustle.
Costs and platforms: In most cases, starting a business is inexpensive, and websites and apps like Wyzant, Skooli, and TakeLessons.com can help you promote your offerings, handle bookings, and collect payments. Or, manage bookings and payments yourself using Square.
14. Self-Publishing Ebooks
Another side business idea that’s ideal for writers is self-publishing ebooks, but you don’t have to be an accomplished writer to take advantage of this chance. You can hire ghostwriters and editors to finish and polish your work if you can create a creative story or explain how to do something. Then, all you have to do is publish your ebook on sites like Smashwords, Barnes & Noble Press, Lulu, and Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, and watch as the royalties start to come in.
Costs and platforms: If you write your book and create your own cover art, self-publishing ebooks can be extremely affordable. However, the majority of serious authors hire professionals for cover design and editing, spending upwards of $100 per title to publish. Depending on the length and subject of the book, ghostwriter fees can reach $200 or higher. Most ebook distribution channels offer free publishing, but they retain a cut of sales in addition to additional expenses for marketing.
15. Online Courses and Coaching
Do you possess a specialty? Making and selling online coaching programs and courses in your spare time is a way to make money off of your knowledge. This is yet another side business idea that is simple to start thanks to user-friendly, affordable online course platforms. Online courses and coaching side hustles can also develop into a successful business when combined with social media marketing, ebooks, YouTube promotion, and blogging.
Costs and platforms: Online course platforms such as Udemy, Thinkific, and Podia walk you through the course creation process and help you pair courses with personalized coaching. Most have monthly fees or retain a portion of the fee when you sell a course. You can also add online courses and members-only content to website platforms including WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, and others to create your own branded platform.
16. Digital Product Sales
Do you have a creative streak? Another low to no cost side hustle idea is to create and sell digital products in your free time. A booming industry exists for digital artwork, logos, music, photography, videos, and website design templates. By creating these digitally and selling them as downloads on your own website, social media networks, and a variety of online digital product marketplaces, you can make money.
Costs and platforms: You can create digital products using your own graphic, photo, video or music software, or tap free online platforms such as Canva, PhotoPea and the Garageband app for creation. Monetize your creations on your own website or an Etsy store, and by uploading to creative marketplaces including Canva, Envato Market, Creative Fabrica, Shutterstock, iTunes, SoundCloud and many more.
17. YouTube Channel
By sharing what you know, talking about current events, or providing entertainment, side hustles on YouTube are a great way to earn money when you have free time. As long as you have 1,000 or more subscribers and watch over 4,000 hours of videos annually on average, you can monetize your YouTube videos. Although it may take some time to do so, working hard can result in monthly incomes of many thousands of dollars. Many devoted side hustlers have successfully transitioned their YouTube channel into a very lucrative full-time job.
Costs and platforms: Joining YouTube is free, and you can upload an unlimited number of videos for no charge. A smartphone with a decent camera and free video editing programs like iMovie, Loom, Canva, and AdobeSpark can also be used to create videos for no cost. You can use inexpensive YouTube ads and share videos on your blog and social media accounts to expand your YouTube channel.
18. Viral Social Media Creator
Viral social media content takes many forms and you can cash in if you know how to create it. Top platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram have creator programs that let you monetize edgy entertainment shorts, helpful how-to’s, commentary videos and more. You need high-volume views to earn money, but it’s a fun and low-cost side hustle idea with big income potential.
Costs and platforms: This is a no-cost side hustle opportunity. Social media platforms are free to join and let you upload unlimited posts and videos. Most platforms provide their own free post and video creation tools, too, so you just need a cell phone with a camera to get started.
19. Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketers who are successful post interesting content on a variety of websites and blogs, podcast channels, social media pages, and YouTube channels to build their brand. Influencers can make money by posting any kind of content, including product reviews and recommendations, entertaining videos, how-to guides, cutting-edge social commentary, and more. You can start an influencer brand as a side business and make money from sponsored content, affiliate links, and ad revenue. You can also monetize your videos once you reach a certain number of views and followers. For instance, 1,000 channel subscribers and 4,000 hours of views per year are required for YouTube to pay out, while Facebook Reels profiles need 100,000 reel plays within 30 days.
Costs and platforms: Since social media and YouTube accounts are free, it is free to start an influencer side business on those platforms. Using WordPress, SquareSpace, Wix, and other website platforms, you can also start a blog and launch a website for free or at a low cost. As your business expands, you can upgrade your features and storage space.
20. Create a Podcast
Podcasting is another well-liked, inexpensive, and easy to launch side business idea. Podcasts are pre recorded audio files that you record, edit, and upload to podcasting services so that listeners can access them at their convenience. Podcasts can make money through advertisements, sponsored content, affiliate links in the show notes, and paid subscriptions, among other methods.
Costs and platforms: You can record and edit a podcast with audio recording apps built into your smartphone, tablet or computer, then upload them to channels you create on platforms including iTunes, Anchor, Buzzsprout and many more. Some have free plans, and most offer premium paid plans that support earnings via paid listener subscriptions, downloads and ad revenue splits.
21. Become an E-Commerce Reseller
Buying, stocking, and selling a variety of goods from various vendors on your own are the cornerstones of many lucrative side businesses. Compared to the other side business ideas on this list, this one does require a bigger initial investment and more time. However, many business owners turn this side gig into a full-time venture. Combining traditional e-commerce sales with income from affiliate blogging, dropship products, and POD goods will also increase your income.
Costs and platforms: Startup costs for this side hustle can range from $500 to $5000 or more, depending on initial stock purchases. However, a top-rated e-commerce platform won’t set you back too much. Starter plans on Shopify, WordPress with WooCommerce and Weebly by Square range from free to just $29 per month.
22. Take Online Surveys
Many marketing research firms will gladly pay for your opinion on a range of goods, programs, and subjects. Even though this side business idea won’t help you launch your own company, it’s a simple way to supplement your income during downtime. The majority of survey companies require you to register online and link a PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp account to receive payment. Then, using an app or online dashboard, you can look for and sign up for surveys that interest you. If chosen, you finish the assignment or questionnaire, and you usually get paid within a few days. Some surveys pay up to $100 for in-depth product reviews or questionnaires, while others pay as little as $2 to $10 for a few minutes of your time.
Costs and platforms: This is a no-cost side hustle idea. Legitimate survey groups such as User Interviews, Survey Junkie, and Dscout have no upfront or monthly fees. However, it can take some time to review and apply for different opportunities. Check the survey or project descriptions to make sure you fall within their intended audience to avoid wasting time.
23. Test Apps and Platforms
Market research firms, app and game developers and website designers seek users of all technical skill levels to review their platforms and provide user feedback. Like online survey side hustles, testing apps and platforms doesn’t help you build a business. However, with payouts of $10 to $150 or more for a few minutes or hours of your time, it can be quite lucrative.
Costs and platforms: This is another no-cost side hustle idea since it costs you nothing to apply for legitimate testing opportunities. Swagbucks, UserTesting and Enroll are a few of the top app and software platforms to check out.
24. Sell Artisan Products
You can make money from your hobbies by selling artisan products in your spare time if you enjoy painting, woodworking, baking, sewing, knitting, or creating other handmade goods. Sell your ready-made or made-to-order handcrafted items online and at nearby fairs and markets to make money with this side business idea.
Costs and platforms: This side business idea has up-front costs for supplies and tools, but you can market and sell online using Etsy, your own e-commerce website, and social media accounts with little to no up-front costs. Think about Square or Shopify if you intend to sell both online and offline. Both offer sophisticated systems that have mobile card readers, retail POS apps, and fully integrated online stores.
25. Sell Goods Via Dropshipping
By using dropshipping, you can create a strong online store without having to worry about buying, stocking, and shipping the products you sell. You only pay for the goods you sell with dropshipping when a customer makes a purchase. The dropship vendors handle all aspects of storage, packing, and shipping; they then charge you per order for the item’s wholesale price and shipping expenses. Dropshipping is the cheapest and simplest way to start making money in e-commerce, but it can be a time-consuming side business because you have to handle your own website and customer service.
Costs and platforms: For this side gig, you’ll need an effective e-commerce platform that works with dropshipping vendors, like Shopify, WordPress with WooCommerce, or BigCommerce. The best place to begin building your product collection is with reputable dropshipping suppliers like Doba, AliExpress, and Sprocket.
26. Sell Print-on-Demand (POD) Products
Are you talented in illustration or photography? Do you enjoy making amusing graphics and sayings? By adding your artwork to a variety of POD products, including t-shirts, mugs, pillows, wall decor, and much more, you can turn your creativity into extra income. Because the POD vendor handles all the details for you, this side business idea is related to dropshipping. To create a product collection, you merely upload your artwork and include it with various items that are printable. Your POD vendor prints, packages, and ships the item after receiving your order, charging you the wholesale price plus the shipping cost.
Costs and platforms: Similar to dropshipping, you’ll need an e-commerce platform with POD vendor integration, like Shopify, WordPress with WooCommerce, or BigCommerce. Start with reputable vendors such as Printful, CustomCat, and Printify for POD items.
27. Self-Publish Print-on-Demand (POD) Books
Are you a writer or artist who wants to take advantage of the most recent advancement in self-publishing? The appropriate side business for you might then be POD books. POD books include every kind of printable book, including fiction and nonfiction as well as notebooks, calendars, recipe books, coloring books, and more. Using free or inexpensive online tools, you can write books, then upload the digital files to POD book sales platforms. The sales platform prints and ships physical books after a customer purchases your book, and it also pays you a royalty.
Costs and platforms: Several free and low-cost platforms make it easy to create POD book files, including Canva, Reedsy, and the BookBolt Studio. It costs nothing to list your titles with top POD bookseller platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Lulu and IngramSpark. Printing and shipping costs are charged when a book is sold, so you have no upfront print fees for this side hustle idea.
28. Sell products using retail arbitrage
Do you consider yourself to be a shrewd shopper who can spot a bargain and isn’t afraid to check prices? Then retail arbitrage could be your best option for a side business. In retail arbitrage, you purchase products from retail stores that are on sale or marked down, then you resell them online for more money. This side business can be a real money maker if you’re willing to look for deals locally, compare prices on Amazon, WalMart.com, and other online marketplaces, and spend a little money on buying goods.
Costs and platforms: Running to stores and comparing prices requires some time investment, upfront costs for product purchases and shipping, and a side hustle in retail arbitrage. However, apps like Scoutly, Profit Bandit, and Amazon Seller App, which are all free or inexpensive, can help you make wise purchases.
29. Sell proprietary goods
Contracting with factories to produce proprietary goods is an option if you have an idea for a product and don’t mind making a large upfront investment. Finding an existing product, making a few tweaks, and producing it at a competitive price are common side hustles. You can sell these products directly to customers on your own website, on Amazon, Walmart, and through social media marketplaces, as well as at wholesale prices to retailers under your own brand. It takes time and effort to get this side business idea right, but it has launched many successful businesses.
Costs and platforms: The main cost for this side gig is the startup cost, which can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars depending on your product design requirements and factory order. Alibaba.com’s factory and custom supplier search is free, and e-commerce tools like Shopify, WordPress with WooCommerce, and Weebly by Square cost between free and $29 per month.
30. Sell private label products (Bonus Tip)
Using private label suppliers, many side hustlers produce distinctive branded goods. These are already-produced goods that a factory will package with your logo, labels, and particular packaging requirements. Due to the lower order minimums that most private label sellers have when compared to purchasing proprietary goods directly from a factory, this supplier method is particularly well suited for a side business. With the help of private label goods, you can create a full line of goods, such as a cosmetics line, a collection of kitchen tools, or a gourmet food brand, without making a significant financial commitment. Like the majority of the other product-related side business ideas in this list, you can sell direct or at wholesale prices using your own website, social media accounts, and online stores like Amazon and Walmart.
Costs and platforms: Startup costs for a private label side hustle can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands, depending on the items you’re purchasing. However, some suppliers offer returns on unsold items and dropshipping, which lowers your investment. Check out private label goods on Faire, Alibaba.com and Mana Products and sell via a low-cost e-commerce website using Shopify, Weebly by Square or WordPress with WooCommerce.