As a full-time salesperson who’s been in the trenches of the 9-to-5 grind, I know firsthand the allure of a good side hustle. Over the years, I’ve dabbled in various gigs to pad my bank account and explore new skills. From freelance writing on weekends to driving for rideshare apps after work, I’ve tried my fair share of side hustles. And let me tell you, not all are created equal – especially when you’re just starting out.
That’s why I’m excited to share this list of 15 side hustle ideas based on the Side Hustle Database that are perfect for beginners. These are gigs I’ve either tried myself or have seen colleagues succeed with, even while juggling a demanding sales career. Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, save for a vacation, or just want some extra spending money, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Start a Blog or Newsletter
Starting a blog or newsletter allows you to share your expertise, passion, or unique perspective with an audience while potentially earning money. This side hustle involves creating regular content on a specific topic or niche, building an engaged readership, and monetizing your platform through various methods.
The earning potential for blogs and newsletters can vary widely. Successful bloggers can earn anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands per month. For newsletters, earnings can range from $100 to $10,000+ per month, depending on the size and engagement of your subscriber base.
How to Get Started
- Choose a niche or topic you’re passionate about and knowledgeable in
- Select a platform (e.g., WordPress for blogs, Substack for newsletters)
- Create high-quality, consistent content
- Build an email list to engage with your audience
- Implement monetization strategies (e.g., ads, sponsored content, affiliate marketing)
- Promote your blog or newsletter on social media and other platforms
2. Sell Print-on-Demand (POD) Products
Print-on-Demand (POD) is a business model where you design custom products (like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases) and sell them through a third-party service that handles printing and shipping. This side hustle allows you to be creative without the need for inventory or upfront costs.
POD sellers can earn anywhere from $100 to $10,000+ per month, depending on the popularity of their designs, marketing efforts, and sales volume.
How to Get Started
- Choose a POD platform (e.g., Printful, Redbubble, or Teespring)
- Create unique designs or source them from designers
- Set up an online store or integrate with existing marketplaces
- Price your products competitively
- Market your products through social media and other channels
- Continuously analyze sales data and adjust your strategy
3. Do Makeup for Special Events
If you have a talent for makeup artistry, offering your services for special events like weddings, proms, or photoshoots can be a lucrative side hustle. This job allows you to be creative, work flexible hours, and potentially build a strong personal brand in the beauty industry.
According to Side Hustles Database, makeup artists for special events can earn between $50 to $300+ per client, with potential for higher rates as you gain experience and reputation. Annual earnings can range from $20,000 to $100,000+ for those who turn it into a full-time career.
How to Get Started
- Develop your makeup skills through practice and online tutorials
- Build a portfolio of your work (before and after photos)
- Invest in quality makeup products and tools
- Create social media accounts to showcase your work
- Network with wedding planners, photographers, and event organizers
- Set competitive rates and create service packages
- Consider getting certified or taking professional courses to enhance your credibility
4. Become an Affiliate Marketer
Affiliate marketing involves promoting other companies’ products or services and earning a commission for each sale made through your unique referral link. This side hustle can be integrated with blogging, social media influencing, or content creation.
Affiliate marketing income can vary greatly, from a few dollars to thousands per month. Top affiliate marketers can earn six or seven-figure incomes annually. However, it typically takes time to build up to significant earnings.
How to Get Started
- Choose a niche that aligns with your interests and has good monetization potential
- Create a platform (blog, YouTube channel, or social media account) to share content
- Sign up for affiliate programs relevant to your niche
- Create valuable content that naturally incorporates affiliate products
- Disclose your affiliate relationships to maintain transparency
- Track your performance and optimize your strategies
- Stay updated on industry trends and new affiliate opportunities
Learn more about how to make money with Affiliate marketing here.
5. Clean Houses
House cleaning is a flexible and in-demand side hustle that involves providing cleaning services to homeowners or renters. This can include regular maintenance cleaning, deep cleaning, or specialized services like move-out cleaning. It’s a great option for those who are detail-oriented and don’t mind physical work.
House cleaners can earn between $20 to $50 per hour, depending on location, experience, and the type of cleaning services offered. Full-time cleaners can potentially earn $30,000 to $50,000 per year, while part-time cleaners can make $10,000 to $30,000 annually as a side hustle.
How to Get Started
- Invest in quality cleaning supplies and equipment
- Decide on your service offerings and pricing structure
- Create a basic business plan and consider insurance
- Market your services through word-of-mouth, social media, and local advertising
- Build a client base by offering introductory rates or referral discounts
- Consider joining a cleaning service platform to find clients more easily
6. Monetize a YouTube Channel
Creating and monetizing a YouTube channel involves producing engaging video content, building an audience, and leveraging various revenue streams available on the platform. This side hustle allows for creative expression and can potentially reach a global audience.
YouTube earnings can vary widely, from a few dollars to millions per year. On average, YouTubers can earn $3 to $5 per 1,000 video views once they’re eligible for monetization. Successful channels with 1 million subscribers can potentially earn $60,000 to $150,000 per year.
How to Get Started
- Choose a niche or topic for your channel
- Invest in basic video equipment (camera, microphone, editing software)
- Create and consistently upload high-quality, engaging content
- Optimize your videos for search with good titles, descriptions, and tags
- Engage with your audience through comments and community posts
- Apply for YouTube monetization once you meet the requirements (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months)
- Explore additional revenue streams like sponsorships, merchandise, and affiliate marketing
7. Refereeing
Refereeing involves officiating sports games at various levels, from youth leagues to professional matches. This side hustle is ideal for sports enthusiasts who have a good understanding of game rules and can maintain composure under pressure.
Referee earnings vary based on the sport, level of competition, and location. Youth sports referees can earn $30 to $50 per game, while high school referees might make $50 to $100 per game. Professional referees can earn significantly more, with NFL referees making an average of $205,000 per year.
How to Get Started
- Choose a sport you’re knowledgeable about and passionate for
- Research the requirements for becoming a referee in your chosen sport
- Complete any necessary training or certification programs
- Start officiating at lower levels (youth or recreational leagues) to gain experience
- Join local referee associations for networking and job opportunities
- Continuously improve your skills and knowledge of the game
- Gradually work your way up to higher-level competitions
8. Mow Lawns and Do Other Landscaping Tasks
Lawn mowing and landscaping services involve maintaining and beautifying outdoor spaces for homeowners and businesses. This side hustle can include tasks such as mowing, trimming, planting, and general yard maintenance.
Lawn care professionals can earn between $30 to $60 per hour on average. With a growing client base, annual earnings can range from $20,000 to $50,000 for part-time work, while full-time landscapers can potentially earn $50,000 to $100,000 or more per year.
How to Get Started
- Invest in essential equipment (lawn mower, trimmer, leaf blower, etc.)
- Determine your service offerings and pricing structure
- Create a basic business plan and consider insurance
- Market your services through local advertising, social media, and word-of-mouth
- Start with a small client base and gradually expand
- Consider offering seasonal services to maintain income year-round
- Stay updated on landscaping trends and techniques to improve your services
9. Sell Your Photography
Selling photography involves capturing high-quality images and monetizing them through various channels. This can include stock photography websites, print sales, or offering photography services for events and portraits. It’s an ideal side hustle for those with a keen eye for composition and technical photography skills.
Photography earnings can vary widely. Stock photographers might earn $0.25 to $0.45 per image download, with potential for higher earnings on exclusive images. Event photographers can charge $100 to $300 per hour. Successful photographers can earn anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000+ annually, depending on their niche, client base, and marketing efforts.
How to Get Started
- Invest in quality camera equipment and editing software
- Develop your photography skills through practice and online courses
- Choose a niche (e.g., landscapes, portraits, events)
- Create a portfolio showcasing your best work
- Set up accounts on stock photography websites
- Market your services on social media and photography platforms
- Network with potential clients and other photographers
10. Becoming a Brand Ambassador
Brand ambassadors represent and promote companies or products, often through social media and in-person events. This role involves creating content, engaging with potential customers, and embodying the brand’s values. It’s well-suited for individuals with strong communication skills and an established social media presence.
Brand ambassador earnings can range from $20 to $100+ per hour for event work. Social media brand ambassadors might earn $100 to $500+ per post, depending on their follower count and engagement rates. Some top-tier influencers can earn thousands per post or campaign. Annual earnings can vary from $20,000 to $100,000+ for successful brand ambassadors.
How to Get Started
- Build a strong social media presence with engaged followers
- Define your personal brand and target audience
- Engage with brands you genuinely like and use
- Create high-quality content that showcases your personality and style
- Network with other influencers and brand representatives
- Apply for brand ambassador programs or reach out to companies directly
- Be professional and reliable in your interactions with brands
11. Become a Transcriber or Translator
Transcription involves converting audio or video content into written text, while translation requires converting text from one language to another. These side hustles are ideal for those with strong language skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.
Transcriptionists can earn $15 to $30 per hour, with specialized fields like medical or legal transcription paying more. Translators typically earn $20 to $50 per hour, with rates varying based on language pair and specialization. Annual earnings can range from $20,000 to $60,000+ for part-time work, with potential for higher earnings in specialized fields or for full-time professionals.
How to Get Started
- Assess your language skills and choose your niche (general, medical, legal)
- Complete online courses or certifications in transcription or translation
- Invest in necessary equipment (quality headphones, foot pedal for transcription)
- Practice with free online resources to improve speed and accuracy
- Create profiles on freelance platforms like Upwork or TranscribeMe
- Apply to transcription or translation companies
- Build a portfolio of work samples
- Network with other professionals in the field
12. Become a Freelance Writer or Proofreader
Freelance writing involves creating content for various clients, including articles, blog posts, and marketing materials. Proofreading requires reviewing and correcting written content for grammar, spelling, and clarity. These side hustles are perfect for those with strong language skills and attention to detail.
Freelance writers can earn anywhere from $0.05 to $1+ per word, depending on their experience and niche. Proofreaders typically charge $20 to $50 per hour. Annual earnings can range from $20,000 to $100,000+ for full-time freelancers, with part-time earnings proportionally less. Specialized or technical writing can command higher rates.
How to Get Started
- Identify your niche (e.g., tech writing, creative writing, academic proofreading)
- Create a portfolio of writing samples or proofread documents
- Set up profiles on freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or ProBlogger
- Create a professional website showcasing your services and portfolio
- Network with other writers and potential clients on social media
- Consider taking courses to improve your skills or gain certifications
- Start with lower-paying jobs to build experience and reviews
- Gradually increase your rates as you gain more experience and positive feedback
13. Start a Podcast
Starting a podcast involves creating audio content on a specific topic or theme and distributing it to listeners through various platforms. This side hustle allows you to share your knowledge, opinions, or stories with a potentially global audience. Podcasts can cover a wide range of subjects, from entertainment and education to business and personal development.
Podcast earnings can vary significantly. While many podcasters start with little to no income, successful podcasts can generate substantial revenue. Earnings typically come from sponsorships, advertising, listener donations, and merchandise sales. Popular podcasts can earn anywhere from $500 to $10,000+ per episode, with top podcasters making millions annually.
How to Get Started
- Choose a niche or topic for your podcast
- Invest in basic recording equipment (microphone, headphones, editing software)
- Plan your podcast format and content structure
- Record and edit your first few episodes
- Create cover art and write compelling descriptions for your podcast
- Choose a hosting platform (e.g., Libsyn, Buzzsprout, Anchor)
- Submit your podcast to major directories (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts)
- Promote your podcast on social media and other channels
- Consistently produce high-quality content to grow your audience
14. Create and Sell Your Own Handmade Goods
This side hustle involves crafting unique, handmade items and selling them to customers. Products can range from jewelry and clothing to home decor and artisanal foods. This business allows you to turn your creative hobbies into a source of income while providing customers with one-of-a-kind items.
Earnings from selling handmade goods can vary widely depending on the type of products, pricing strategy, and sales volume. Some crafters make a few hundred dollars per month, while others turn their side hustle into a full-time business earning $50,000 to $100,000+ annually. Profit margins typically range from 20% to 60%, depending on materials costs and pricing.
How to Get Started
- Decide on the type of handmade goods you want to create
- Develop your skills and perfect your craft
- Source materials and calculate your costs
- Create a range of products to sell
- Take high-quality photos of your items
- Set up an online store (e.g., Etsy, Shopify) or sell at local craft fairs
- Price your items competitively while ensuring profitability
- Develop a brand identity for your handmade business
- Market your products on social media and to your network
- Continuously refine your products based on customer feedback
15. Give Tours of Your Neighborhood
This side hustle involves leading guided tours of your local area, showcasing its history, culture, or unique attractions. It’s an excellent opportunity for those who are knowledgeable about their community and enjoy interacting with people. Tours can focus on various themes such as food, architecture, history, or local secrets.
Earnings from local tours can vary based on location, tour length, and group size. Tour guides typically charge $20 to $75 per person for a 2-3 hour tour. With regular bookings, you could earn $200 to $500+ per week as a part-time tour guide. Popular tours in high-traffic tourist areas have the potential to earn more.
How to Get Started
- Research your neighborhood’s history, attractions, and unique features
- Develop a compelling tour theme or narrative
- Create a detailed itinerary for your tour
- Practice your tour and refine your storytelling skills
- Set your pricing based on tour length and local competition
- Consider any necessary permits or insurance for operating tours
- Create a website or social media presence to promote your tours
- List your tour on platforms like Airbnb Experiences or TripAdvisor
- Network with local hotels, tourist information centers, and businesses
- Collect and showcase positive reviews from tour participants
