Last Updated on: 4th April 2024, 09:29 am
No matter how you would like to use your money, you need extra income. 33% of side hustlers say they need online side hustles to make money for their daily spending. In addition, 27% say they need a side hustle to finance their high standard of living.
Online side hustles are a great way to make money for whatever use, especially in this new internet generation. This blog explains the best online side hustles to make money. With some side hustles, you can make money while at home. Furthermore, you can turn them into your main hustle if you learn the skills.
Our main aim is to create a generation of people who would yearn for ways to make more money, regardless of the economic status in the world.
Let’s dive right into learning the online side hustles to make money.
The Best Online Side Hustles to Make Money
1. Virtual Assistant
As a virtual assistant, you provide remote administrative, organizational, or technical support. According to Grand View Research, the virtual assistant industry is projected to reach $14.1 billion in 2030 in the United States, growing at a CAGR of 24.3%. These statistics show that you can leverage to be a virtual assistant and earn money during your free time.
Requirements to be a Virtual Assistant
- Administrative skills. You should have organizational, time management, and communication skills are essential for managing tasks, schedules, and client communication effectively.
- Technical proficiency. You should be familiar with office software, communication tools (email, chat, video conferencing), and online project management platforms are crucial for efficient virtual collaboration.
- Industry-specific knowledge. Depending on your niche or clients, having knowledge or experience in the industry is an added advantage, although it’s not always a requirement.
- Professionalism and confidentiality. Maintaining a high level of professionalism and respecting client confidentiality is important as a virtual assistant.
The income you can expect as a part-time virtual assistant varies depending on factors such as your experience, skill set, and the complexity of tasks. Generally, virtual assistants charge on an hourly or project basis. And that makes it among the best online side hustles to make money.
As you gain experience and build a strong reputation as a virtual assistant, you can increase your rates and attract higher-paying clients.
Networking, maintaining a professional portfolio, and seeking testimonials from satisfied clients can also contribute to your success as a virtual assistant.
2. E-commerce
With more people shopping online, you can start an online store and sell products through platforms like Shopify or Amazon. Statistics show that the e-commerce market should grow by 11.22% annually from 2023 through 2027. As a result, e-commerce stores contribute much to the online side hustles to make money now or in the future.
Starting an e-commerce store can be a lucrative side hustle. However, you should know the ins and outs before starting an e-commerce store in the US.
Here is our simple breakdown of the steps to start a successful e-commerce store.
- Choose a niche
Select a specific product or product category you want to focus on. Research market demand, competition, and target audience preferences to find a profitable niche.
- Set up an online store
Choose an e-commerce platform like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce to create your online store. Customize the design, add product listings, and set up secure payment gateways.
- Source products
Decide whether you want to sell your own products or utilize dropshipping. If you opt for dropshipping, you’ll partner with suppliers who handle inventory and shipping.
- Market your store
Develop a marketing strategy to drive traffic and generate sales. Utilize social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and paid advertising to attract customers.
- Provide excellent customer service
Focus on delivering a positive customer experience by offering prompt support, clear communication, and efficient order fulfillment.
The income potential of an e-commerce store varies depending on factors such as product selection, marketing efforts, competition, and customer demand.
The main earning window is through profit margins. However, profit margins vary significantly from one product to another. Some products may have higher profit margins, while others might have lower margins due to competition or pricing dynamics.
However, with e-commerce stores, you can grow and expand your product range, reach more customers, and potentially increase sales over time. It’s also advisable to note the high and low seasons of the products you sell. During the peak seasons, you can strategize your online side hustles to make money.
Marketing and customer acquisition: Successful marketing campaigns, effective SEO, social media advertising, and content marketing efforts can significantly impact your store’s visibility, customer reach, and sales potential.
Remember that building a successful e-commerce store requires consistent effort, ongoing marketing, and delivering a great customer experience. Stay attentive to industry changes, customer preferences, and emerging opportunities to enhance your store’s performance and profitability.
3. Content creator
Content creation is among the top online side hustles to make money and Gen Zers are utilizing the opportunity. You can start a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast and monetize it through advertising or sponsorships.
The global content creation market was $25.6 billion in 2022, and it’s expected to grow by 13.5% annually from 2023 through 2030.
Becoming a content creator is among the rewarding online side hustles to make money, not only in the US but also across the globe. It allows you to showcase your creativity and share valuable information or entertainment with an online audience.
To succeed as a content creator, you should follow the following procedure.
- Choose your platform
Determine the type of content you want to create and select the appropriate platform(s) to share it. You can start a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast, or even focus on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter.
- Identify your niche
Find a specific topic or theme that you are passionate about and that resonates with your target audience. Narrowing down your niche can help you attract a dedicated following and stand out from the competition.
- Create high-quality content
Develop engaging and valuable content that aligns with your chosen platform. Whether it’s written articles, videos, podcasts, or social media posts, aim to provide unique perspectives, useful information, or entertaining experiences.
- Consistency and engagement
Regularly produce and publish content to maintain audience engagement and growth. Interact with your audience by responding to comments, messages, and incorporating their feedback to build a loyal community.
- Monetization strategies
Explore various monetization methods to generate income from your content. These can include advertising revenue, sponsored content, affiliate marketing, product sales, crowdfunding, or offering exclusive memberships. Those with blogs and YouTube channels can earn through display ads from Google, among other companies like Ezoic, Mediavine, etc.
Your income as a content creator varies greatly depending on your content quality, niche popularity, audience size, engagement levels, and monetization strategies.
For instance, you can earn through display advertisements, sponsored content, affiliate marketing, product/service sales, or memberships. All these methods depend on the popularity of your content and the audience.
It often takes time to build an audience and establish monetization channels. Consistency, quality content, and audience engagement are vital for long-term success.
Additionally, diversifying your income sources and exploring multiple monetization strategies can help mitigate potential fluctuations and enhance your overall earning potential as a content creator.
Keep in mind that creating valuable and authentic content that resonates with your audience should be your primary focus. As your audience grows and you establish your brand, the income opportunities as a content creator can increase over time.
4. Online Side Hustles to Make Money: Freelancing
Freelancing is another way to start online side hustles to make money. As a freelancer, you offer services in fields such as writing, graphic design, or programming.
As of 2022, the freelance workforce in the US was 70.4 million people. This number amounts to 36% of the US workforce.
Freelancing is flexible and among the popular online side hustles to make money. Freelancing allows you to offer your skills and services to clients on a project basis. To succeed as a freelancer, you should have the skills to sell to your clients.
- Identify your skills
Determine the skills or services you can offer as a freelancer. The skills include writing, graphic design, web development, social media management, virtual assistance, translation, programming, and more. The good thing is you can learn many of these skills on online platforms such as Hubspot, Udemy, and other online courses and tutorials.
- Build a portfolio
Create a portfolio showcasing your best work or projects to demonstrate your expertise and attract potential clients. If you’re starting from scratch, consider taking on some low-paying gigs initially to build up your portfolio.
- Choose freelancing platforms
Join reputable freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, or specialized platforms based on your industry or skill set. These platforms connect freelancers with clients seeking specific services.
- Set your rates
You should research industry standards and competitor rates to determine your pricing as a freelancer. Consider your experience, skill level, and the complexity of projects when setting your rates. You can adjust your rates accordingly as you gain more experience and positive reviews.
- Market yourself
Promote your freelance services through your portfolio website, social media, professional networks, and online communities relevant to your niche. Networking and referrals can also help you attract clients.
You can earn more or less as a freelancer depending on your skills, experience, niche demand, competition, and the rates you charge.
Most freelancers charge an hourly rate or project-based fees. For most freelancers, hourly rates range from $15 to $100 or more, depending on the skill level and complexity of the work.
Project-based fees vary greatly based on the scope of the project, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
It’s important to note that freelancing income can fluctuate, and there are periods of high demand and slower periods. As you establish your freelance career, focusing on delivering high-quality work, meeting client expectations, and continuously enhancing your skills can help you secure more projects and increase your income over time.
You should also note that freelancing requires self-discipline, effective communication, and managing multiple clients and deadlines simultaneously.
Building a strong professional reputation, actively seeking new opportunities, and maintaining a positive relationship with clients is key to long-term success as a freelancer.
5. Online Side Hustles to Make Money: Online Tutoring
Online teaching is again among the best online side hustles to make money. You can provide online tutoring services in subjects like maths, language learning, or test preparation. All you need is to ensure you are good at what you do.
The online tutoring market was 7.69 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow by 14.9% annually from 2023 through 2030.
Online tutoring is a popular side hustle that allows you to share your knowledge and expertise with students remotely.
You should take care of the following to succeed as an online tutor.
- Determine your subject and target audience
Identify the subjects or topics you excel in and the age group or educational level you want to tutor. This can range from academic subjects like maths, science, languages, or test preparation to specialized skills such as music, art, or coding.
- Define your tutoring approach
Decide whether you want to offer one-on-one tutoring or group sessions. Consider the format that best suits your teaching style and the needs of your target audience. Platforms like Zoom, Skype, or dedicated online tutoring platforms facilitate virtual tutoring sessions.
- Set up a professional profile
Create a professional profile on tutoring platforms or your website, highlighting your qualifications, experience, and teaching methodology. Provide testimonials or references, if possible, to establish credibility.
- Determine your rates
Research the market rates for tutoring services in your subject area and adjust your rates based on your qualifications, experience, and demand. Hourly rates for online tutoring typically range from $20 to $50 or more, depending on the subject and your expertise.
- Promote your services
Market your tutoring services through online channels such as social media, educational forums, or local community groups. Networking with parents, students, or educational institutions can also help you attract clients.
As an online tutor, your income depends on your qualifications, subject demand, experience, reputation, and the number of students you tutor.
To maximize your income as an online tutor, specialize in subjects with high demand. Furthermore, ensure you up your skills to win more clients.
Tutors with advanced degrees, teaching certifications, or specialized expertise charge higher rates based on their credentials. Experience and a proven track record of success can also help attract higher-paying clients.
Your income as an online tutor varies based on the demand for your subject, your ability to market your services, and your availability. Building a strong reputation, maintaining professionalism, delivering effective instruction, and providing value to your students are critical factors in attracting and retaining clients.
Investing in ongoing professional development, staying updated on curriculum changes, and leveraging technology tools for interactive and engaging online teaching can contribute to your success as an online tutor. Furthermore, you can engage in other activities like online consulting business and teach people skills to make money or invest.
6. Social media management
Social media has become a home for many (literally). And that makes it among the excellent online side hustles to make money since most people spend their time on social media.
Approximately 69% of small businesses use social media for marketing purposes. This number gives you an opportunity to be a social media manager to start making money on the side.
Social media management is among the popular online side hustles to make money. Social media management involves managing and curating social media content for businesses or individuals.
To succeed as a social media manager, you should take note of the following.
- Develop social media skills
Familiarize yourself with various social media platforms, their features, and best content creation, engagement, and analytics practices. Stay updated on the latest trends and changes in the social media landscape.
- Determine your target clients
Decide whether you want to work with businesses or individuals, and define your target audience or industry. Consider the type of clients you want to work with, such as small businesses, startups, influencers, or specific niches.
- Showcase your expertise
Create a portfolio or case studies demonstrating your ability to create engaging social media content, grow followers, and drive results. Highlight your experience, specific platforms you’re proficient in, and any certifications or relevant training you’ve completed.
- Set your services and rates
Determine your range of services, such as content creation, social media strategy development, community management, analytics reporting, or paid advertising. Set your rates based on factors like your experience, the scope of work, and industry standards.
- Market your services
Promote your social media management services through your website, social media channels, and professional networks and by reaching out to potential clients. Showcase your expertise and provide value through blog posts, free resources, or hosting webinars on social media topics.
The income you should expect as a social media manager varies based on your experience, client base, the range of services you offer, and the complexity of the projects.
Usually, social media managers charge clients based on hourly rates, monthly retainers, or project-based fees. Hourly rates typically range from $15 to $75 or more, depending on your experience level and the services provided. Monthly retainers vary widely, depending on the client’s needs and budget.
To maximize your income level as a social media manager, you should offer additional services like social media advertising, influencer collaborations, or content creation. These services may involve additional fees or commissions based on ad spend or campaign results.
Furthermore, you can establish long-term client relationships through retainer agreements to get a stable income stream. Retainer clients often offer recurring monthly income in exchange for ongoing social media management services.
Your income potential as a social media manager increases as you gain experience, grow your client base, and develop a strong reputation. Continuously improving your skills, staying up-to-date with social media trends, and delivering measurable results to your clients is crucial for long-term success in this field.
As the demand for social media management continues to grow, the income potential can be significant, especially when combined with other complementary services like content creation, advertising, or consulting.
7. Online surveys and microtasks
Online surveys are other online side hustles to make money in the current era. You can participate in online surveys or complete small tasks on mobile apps and survey platforms.
As long as companies need data on products and services, data extraction methods like online surveys will never end. And that makes online surveys among the best online side hustles to make money.
The online survey market is expected to reach $4.86 billion by 2026, with an annual growth rate of 14.9%.
Online surveys are simple and accessible online side hustles to make money. In addition, your participation in market research surveys provides valuable feedback to companies.
To start out in the online survey market, you should take note of the following.
- Research legitimate survey sites
The growth of the internet has brought lucrative online side hustles to make money and lots of scams too. Therefore, you should search for reputable survey websites and apps that offer paid opportunities.
We have a detailed article on the best survey apps to earn real money or rewards. Ensure you read each app’s reviews before committing to answering the survey questions.
- Create profiles and complete surveys
After finding your preferred survey site, sign up and complete your profiles to receive surveys matching your demographics and interests. Fill out surveys honestly and thoroughly to maximize your earning potential.
- Explore additional earning opportunities
Some survey platforms offer other ways to earn, such as watching videos, playing games, participating in focus groups, or testing products. Take advantage of these options to increase your earnings.
- Cash-out or redeem rewards
Different survey sites have different payout methods, including PayPal, gift cards, or direct bank transfers. Understand the site’s payment threshold and choose the option you prefer.
- Manage time and expectations
Online surveys may not provide substantial income, but they are convenient online side hustles to earn money during your free time. Set realistic expectations and consider combining surveys with other side hustles for a more significant financial impact.
Remember that while online surveys are among the online side hustles to make money, they cannot replace a full-time income. It’s important to be selective in choosing reputable survey platforms. In addition, manage your time effectively to explore additional side hustles or income streams to maximize your overall earning potential.
8. App or website development
Mobile apps and websites are in high demand in this internet era. You can learn to build mobile applications and websites and start earning money. Apps and website development are among the high-paying online side hustles to make money from anywhere.
With more people using apps to do online shopping, app development services will always be in high demand.
App and website development are lucrative online side hustles to make money that involves creating and designing mobile applications or websites for clients.
To succeed as a mobile app and website developer, you should start with the following procedure.
- Learn programming languages
Familiarize yourself with programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js for web development. Consider learning languages like Python, Java, or Kotlin for Android or Swift for iOS for app development.
- Build a portfolio
Create a portfolio showcasing your projects and demonstrating your skills. Develop sample websites or apps to showcase your abilities and give potential clients a glimpse of your work.
- Define your niche
Determine the type of apps or websites you want to specialize in. This could include e-commerce sites, portfolio websites, mobile games, productivity apps, or industry-specific applications.
- Establish your pricing
Research the market rates for app and website development services. You should consider factors such as the complexity of projects, your experience level, and each client’s specific requirements. Determine whether you’ll charge an hourly rate or project-based fees.
- Market your services
Promote your app or website development services through your website, social media, professional networks, and online platforms where clients search for developers. You should actively seek project opportunities, network with potential clients, and showcase your expertise through content marketing or guest blogging.
As an app or website developer, your income depends on your skill set and the complexity of the projects.
As a developer, you can charge clients hourly or fixed fees per project. Hourly app or website development rates can range from $30 to $150 or more. Project-based fees can vary significantly based on the scope and requirements of each project.
Projects that require more advanced features, customizations, or integrations command higher rates. Specialized knowledge in emerging technologies or specific industries can also increase earning potential.
Building a strong client base and establishing a positive reputation leads to higher-paying projects and repeat clients. Word-of-mouth referrals and positive reviews can significantly increase your income potential.
Furthermore, offering additional services such as maintenance, updates, or ongoing support can generate recurring income from your clients. Providing maintenance contracts or retainer agreements can help secure long-term income streams.
Finally, as an app and website developer, you should brace yourself for continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends.
9. Online Side Hustles To Make Money: Online courses
Think of a field you have excelled and can help people out there. Afterward, you can create and sell online courses on Udemy, Thinkfic, or Teachable platforms.
Online courses are among the best online side hustles to make money in your field of expertise. For instance, before I started content writing, I bought a course from a veteran writer and followed everything in the course to be where I am today.
The e-learning market is projected to grow by an annual growth rate of 9.48% and grow to $239.3 billion by 2027. Since 2020, after Covid19 inversion, online learning skyrocketed at a high rate, with over 10 million online course enrollments.
To succeed in selling online courses, you should note the following.
- Identify your area of expertise
Determine the subject or skill you’re knowledgeable and passionate about. It could be anything from photography and coding to personal development or business strategies.
- Plan your course content
Break down the topics into modules or lessons, ensuring a logical progression for your students. Create engaging and valuable content, including videos, written materials, quizzes, and assignments.
- Choose a course platform
Select an online learning platform that suits your needs, such as Udemy, Thinkfic, Teachable, Coursera, or Skillshare. These platforms provide the infrastructure for hosting and selling your courses and access to a large audience.
- Create and publish your course
Develop your course materials and upload them to the chosen platform. Ensure that the course content is well-structured, organized, and easily understandable for your students.
- Market your course
Promote your course through various channels, including social media, website or blog, email marketing, and collaborations with influencers or industry experts. Offer limited-time discounts or create compelling content to attract students.
The price for your course depends on the depth of content, the value it provides, your expertise level, and market demand. Depending on the subject and perceived value, online courses range from as low as $20 to several hundred dollars or more.
The number of students enrolling in your course directly impacts your income. Furthermore, providing high-quality content in the course results in positive reviews, which helps attract more students and increase your revenue.
Before building an online course, you should understand the platform fees and revenue sharing of the hosts. Some platforms charge a percentage of your course sales as a platform fee, while others have subscription-based models or revenue-sharing arrangements.
Therefore, you should understand the platform’s fee structure to calculate your net income accurately.
You can propose additional offerings that benefit your students to maximize your income. For instance, you can offer additional services or products related to the course material, such as coaching sessions, advanced modules, eBooks, or templates. These additional offerings can generate additional income.
As an online course seller, you should regularly update your course content to ensure it stays relevant. You should consider creating evergreen courses that have ongoing value, requiring minimal maintenance while attracting new students.
Remember, building a successful online course requires effort, market research, and ongoing engagement with your students. Continuous improvement based on feedback and staying updated with industry trends is essential for maintaining a competitive edge and attracting more students.
Online courses are among the best online side hustles to make money since the idea of learning new skills is growing daily. Therefore, embrace the opportunity and start earning passive income through selling online courses.
10. Online Side Hustles to Make Money: Ride-sharing or Delivery Services
If you are a driver, or you can get a driving license and be extremely good at what you do, you can sign up as a taxi or a delivery driver and earn money. This online side hustle with ride-sharing has helped many people from unemployment. Car powers without jobs can leverage these online side hustles to make money instead of the vehicle staying idle.
You can work as a driver for companies like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Instacart. For instance, Uber is a good side hustle. Uber has a market share of 68% in the US compared to other rideshare companies.
Ride-sharing and delivery services have become popular side hustles to make money. These side hustles give opportunities for individuals to earn money through transportation or delivering goods. To succeed in the competitive ridesharing market, you should start with the following.
- Sign up with a ride-sharing platform
Register as a driver with popular ride-sharing platforms such as Uber or Lyft. Complete the application process, including background checks, vehicle inspections, and driver documentation.
- Meet vehicle requirements
Ensure your vehicle meets the requirements that the ride-sharing platform has set. These typically include criteria such as age, model year, vehicle condition, and insurance coverage.
- Set your availability
You should determine the hours and days you want to be available for rides. Flexibility in availability can help you attract more passengers during peak demand times, such as evenings, weekends, or special events and holidays.
- Provide excellent customer service
After you’ve succeeded in offering ride-sharing, you should focus on satisfying your clients. Therefore, offer a friendly and professional experience to passengers. In addition, you should maintain a clean and comfortable vehicle, follow local traffic laws, and practice safe driving habits.
- Earn through fares and tips
Your income as a ride-share driver is primarily through passenger fares. The amount you earn per ride depends on factors like distance, time, and surge pricing during high-demand periods. Tips from passengers can also contribute to your earnings.
On the other hand, here is what you should do if you want to be a delivery person.
- Join a delivery platform
Sign up with popular delivery platforms such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, or Instacart. Complete the registration process, including providing necessary documentation and undergoing background checks.
- Choose your delivery type
Decide whether you want to deliver food, groceries, packages, or a combination. Different platforms offer various delivery options, so choose the one that aligns with your preferences and local demand.
- Set your availability
Determine the hours and days you want to be available for deliveries. Consider working during peak times like meal hours or weekends to maximize your earning potential.
- Follow delivery guidelines
Adhere to platform-specific guidelines, including delivery procedures, customer communication, and handling special requests or instructions. You should also provide a reliable and timely delivery service to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Earn through delivery fees and tips
Delivery drivers earn income through fees, typically based on distance and order size. Additionally, customers have the option to give you a tip, which can significantly boost your earnings.
You can maximize your earnings by being available during peak hours or in high demand. In addition, weekends, evenings, and holidays often have increased demand, resulting in more rides or delivery requests.
Furthermore, the demand for ride-sharing and delivery services varies by location. Urban areas with high population density have more opportunities and earning potential than rural or less populated areas.
One important thing to remember as a ride-share or delivery driver, you’ll have operating expenses such as fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and taxes. Therefore, consider these costs before starting these online side hustles to make money.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, online side hustles provide incredible opportunities to make money while leveraging the power of the internet. Whether you’re seeking additional income or exploring your passions, the world of online side hustles offers many options.
From virtual assisting and e-commerce stores to content creation, freelancing, online tutoring, social media management, online surveys, app or website development, ride-sharing, delivery services, and even creating and selling online courses, there’s a side hustle to suit every interest and skill set.
By diving into online side hustles to make money, you can unlock the potential to achieve financial freedom and explore new avenues of personal and professional growth. These opportunities allow you to set your own schedule, be your boss, and work from the comfort of your home. Begin your journey into the realm of online side hustles to make money today!
Online Side Hustles To Make Money: Frequently Asked Questions
- How to make $100 a day side hustle?
To make $100 a day with a side hustle, consider options like freelancing, online tutoring, or e-commerce. Determine your skills, set competitive rates, market your services effectively, and maximize your productivity. Seek multiple clients or customers, leverage online platforms, and provide high-quality service to reach your daily income goal.
- How can I make an extra $2000 a month?
To make an extra $2000 a month, consider side hustles such as freelance work, content creation, online tutoring, or starting an e-commerce store. Set realistic income goals, actively seek clients or customers, optimize your time management, and explore multiple income streams to achieve your desired monthly earnings.
- How do I start a side hustle with no money?
To start a side hustle with no money, leverage your existing skills or talents, offer services online, utilize free platforms for promotion, network with friends and family, and barter services. Start small, reinvest earnings, and gradually grow your side hustle while minimizing initial financial investments.
- What are the most profitable side hustles to make money?
The most profitable side hustles to make money vary based on individual skills and interests, but options like freelance web development, digital marketing, online tutoring, e-commerce, and investing in stocks or real estate have the potential for high earnings. Research market demand, acquire relevant skills, and focus on delivering value to maximize profitability.