As a photographer, I’ve always been drawn to creative pursuits, but like many of us, I’ve also faced the challenge of finding ways to make extra money on the side. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various side hustles—some that aligned with my artistic passions and others that were completely outside my comfort zone. Through trial and error, I’ve discovered which side gigs are beginner-friendly, flexible, and genuinely worth your time.
Whether you’re saving for a big goal, trying to pay off debt, or just looking for a way to turn your free time into something productive, there’s a side hustle out there for you.
In this article, I’ve compiled 15 side hustle ideas based on the Side Hustle Database that are perfect for beginners and adaptable to different skills and interests. From creative ventures like selling handmade goods or starting a YouTube channel to practical options like tutoring or testing websites, these ideas can help you boost your income without feeling overwhelmed.
No matter where you’re starting from, I hope this list inspires you to take the leap into earning extra money in a way that works for you. Let’s dive in!
1. Do Makeup for Special Events
Offering makeup services for special events is a creative and flexible side hustle. Makeup artists cater to weddings, proms, photoshoots, and other occasions where clients want to look their best. This side hustle allows you to express your artistic skills while helping people feel confident. It can also extend to offering makeup tutorials or consultations online.
Makeup artists typically charge $32-$100 per hour depending on their experience and location. Bridal makeup can cost around $140 per session, with additional charges for the bridal party. Experienced artists in high-demand areas can earn over $74,000 annually, and top-tier professionals may exceed $181,000 per year.
How to Get Started
- Invest in a high-quality makeup kit suitable for various skin types.
- Take professional courses or certifications to enhance your credibility.
- Build a portfolio showcasing your work through photos and testimonials.
- Promote your services on social media platforms like Instagram or YouTube.
- Network with event planners, photographers, and hairstylists to find clients.
- Register on platforms like Thumbtack or local directories for exposure.
2. Sell Print-on-Demand (POD) Products
Print-on-demand (POD) is a low-risk e-commerce model where custom designs are printed on products like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases only after a customer places an order. POD eliminates the need for inventory management and allows you to focus on creating unique designs and marketing them. Popular platforms like Printful or Printify handle production and shipping.
Profit margins in POD can reach up to 50% depending on pricing strategies. For example, if it costs $12 to produce a t-shirt and you sell it for $24, you earn $12 per sale. With consistent marketing and trending designs, POD sellers can generate significant passive income.
How to Get Started
- Choose a niche (e.g., pet lovers, fitness enthusiasts) to target specific audiences.
- Create unique designs using tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator.
- Partner with reliable POD platforms such as Printful or Redbubble.
- Set up an online store using Shopify or Etsy.
- Market your products through social media ads, SEO strategies, and influencer collaborations.
- Order samples to ensure product quality and use them for promotional photos.
3. Online Courses and Coaching
Sharing your expertise through online courses or coaching is a scalable side hustle. Whether you’re skilled in fitness, cooking, graphic design, or business strategy, you can create digital content that helps others learn. Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Zoom make it easy to deliver courses or host one-on-one coaching sessions.
According to Side Hustles Database, online course creators can earn anywhere from $1,000 to over $100,000 annually depending on the course’s quality and marketing efforts. Coaching rates vary widely but often range from $50-$200 per hour based on niche expertise.
How to Get Started
- Identify a topic you’re knowledgeable about and passionate about teaching.
- Research your target audience’s pain points and learning needs.
- Create structured content using tools like PowerPoint or video editing software.
- Choose a platform like Udemy for courses or Zoom for live coaching sessions.
- Market your offerings via email campaigns, social media ads, or free webinars.
- Collect testimonials from early participants to build credibility.
4. Create and Sell Your Own Handmade Goods
Selling handmade goods is a rewarding way to monetize your creativity. From jewelry and candles to knitted items or custom artwork, handmade products have a personal touch that appeals to buyers seeking unique items. Platforms like Etsy are ideal for showcasing such products.
The earning potential depends on the type of product and its demand. Many sellers earn between $500-$5,000 monthly by scaling their operations through effective marketing and consistent quality.
How to Get Started
- Decide on the type of handmade products you want to create based on your skills.
- Source high-quality materials at affordable prices.
- Set up an online shop on platforms like Etsy or Shopify.
- Take professional photos of your products for listings.
- Price items competitively by factoring in material costs, labor time, and market trends.
- Promote your shop via Instagram, Pinterest boards, or craft fairs.
5. Get Paid to Test Apps and Websites
User testing involves evaluating apps and websites for usability, design, and functionality. Companies pay for honest feedback from real users to improve their digital products. As a tester, you’ll perform tasks like navigating a website or app and providing feedback through written responses or video recordings.
Testers typically earn $10-$20 per test, which usually takes 10-20 minutes. Experienced testers or those participating in specialized usability studies can earn up to $60 per hour. With consistent work, you can make $100-$500 monthly as a side income.
How to Get Started
- Sign up on platforms like UserTesting, TryMyUI, or Userlytics.
- Ensure you have a reliable internet connection, a computer or smartphone, and a microphone.
- Complete sample tests to qualify for paid opportunities.
- Check for available tests regularly and apply quickly as they fill up fast.
- Provide detailed and constructive feedback to increase your chances of getting more assignments.
6. Participate in Paid Online Surveys
Paid online surveys are a simple way to earn extra money by sharing your opinions on products, services, or market trends. Companies use survey data for research and development purposes. This side hustle is flexible and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for filling spare time.
Survey payouts range from $0.50 to $5 per survey, with some longer surveys offering up to $50. While not a high-income option, dedicated participants can earn $50-$300 monthly by signing up for multiple survey platforms.
How to Get Started
- Register on reputable survey websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or Toluna.
- Create a detailed profile to match with relevant surveys.
- Check your email or dashboard frequently for new survey opportunities.
- Use multiple platforms simultaneously to maximize earnings.
- Redeem earnings through PayPal, gift cards, or other available options.
7. Start a Podcast
Podcasting allows you to share your thoughts, expertise, or stories with an audience through audio episodes. With topics ranging from true crime to personal development, podcasts cater to diverse interests. It’s a creative side hustle that can generate income through sponsorships, ads, and listener support.
Podcasters typically earn between $500-$2,000 per month once they build an audience. Top podcasters with large followings can make six figures annually through sponsorships and premium content subscriptions.
How to Get Started
- Choose a niche topic that aligns with your interests and expertise.
- Invest in basic equipment like a quality microphone and editing software.
- Plan your episodes and create engaging content consistently.
- Host your podcast on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Buzzsprout.
- Promote your podcast through social media and collaborations with other creators.
- Monetize by partnering with sponsors or setting up listener donation platforms like Patreon.
8. Selling Old Clothes
Selling old clothes is an easy way to declutter your wardrobe while earning extra cash. Pre-loved fashion is increasingly popular due to sustainability trends. You can sell items online or at local thrift stores for quick profits.
Earnings depend on the brand, condition, and demand for the clothes you sell. High-quality or designer items can fetch $20-$200 each. Casual sellers can make $100-$500 monthly by selling unwanted clothes consistently.
How to Get Started
- Sort through your wardrobe and select gently used items in good condition.
- Clean and iron the clothes to make them look presentable.
- List items on platforms like Poshmark, Depop, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace.
- Take clear photos of the items from multiple angles.
- Write detailed descriptions including size, brand, and condition.
- Price competitively based on market trends and item quality.
9. IT Consulting
IT consulting involves helping businesses or individuals solve technical challenges, improve IT systems, or implement new technologies. This side hustle is ideal for professionals with expertise in areas like cybersecurity, network management, software development, or cloud computing. IT consultants can work remotely or on-site, depending on the client’s needs.
IT consultants typically charge $50-$150 per hour, depending on their expertise and the complexity of the project. Experienced consultants specializing in high-demand areas like cybersecurity or cloud solutions can earn upwards of $200 per hour. Monthly earnings can range from $1,000 to over $10,000 based on workload and client base.
How to Get Started
- Identify your area of expertise (e.g., cybersecurity, software development).
- Build a professional portfolio showcasing your skills and past projects.
- Network with potential clients through LinkedIn or local business groups.
- Create a website or online profile to advertise your services.
- Join freelance platforms like Upwork or Toptal to find consulting gigs.
- Offer free consultations initially to build credibility and attract clients.
10. Give Tours of Your Neighborhood
If you know your neighborhood well and enjoy meeting new people, offering guided tours can be a fun and profitable side hustle. You can focus on history, food, culture, or hidden gems in your area. Platforms like Airbnb Experiences make it easy to connect with tourists looking for personalized tours.
Tour guides typically earn $20-$50 per person for a 1-3 hour tour. With group tours of 5-10 people, you could make $100-$500 per session. Popular guides in tourist-heavy areas can earn several thousand dollars monthly.
How to Get Started
- Research your neighborhood’s history, landmarks, and unique attractions.
- Design a themed tour (e.g., historical sites, food tours).
- Test your route to ensure it’s engaging and manageable within the time frame.
- Sign up on platforms like Airbnb Experiences or ToursByLocals.
- Promote your tours through social media and local tourism boards.
- Gather reviews from early participants to boost credibility.
11. Monetize a YouTube Channel
Creating and monetizing a YouTube channel allows you to share content on topics you’re passionate about while earning income through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. Popular niches include tutorials, vlogs, gaming, fitness, and educational content. With consistency and quality content, YouTube can become a lucrative side hustle.
YouTubers earn an average of $3-$5 per 1,000 views through ads (AdSense). Channels with 100,000 subscribers can make $2,000-$5,000 monthly from ads alone. Additional income streams like sponsorships or merchandise sales can significantly increase earnings.
How to Get Started
- Choose a niche you’re passionate about and that has audience demand.
- Invest in basic equipment like a camera, microphone, and editing software.
- Create engaging content consistently and optimize videos for SEO (titles, tags).
- Apply for the YouTube Partner Program once you meet the eligibility criteria (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours).
- Explore other revenue streams like sponsorships or affiliate marketing.
- Promote your channel through social media and collaborations with other creators.
12. Rent Out Your Home or a Spare Room
Renting out your home or spare room through platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo is an excellent way to generate passive income. Whether it’s a short-term rental for tourists or a long-term lease for tenants, this side hustle leverages unused space to earn money.
The earning potential depends on location, property size, and demand. Hosts on Airbnb typically earn $900-$2,000 per month for renting out a spare room in urban areas. Entire homes in popular tourist destinations can generate $3,000+ monthly during peak seasons.
How to Get Started
- Assess your property’s suitability for short-term rentals (cleanliness, amenities).
- Take high-quality photos of the space to create an appealing listing.
- List your property on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo with detailed descriptions.
- Set competitive pricing based on local market rates.
- Ensure compliance with local rental regulations and taxes.
- Provide excellent customer service to earn positive reviews.
13. Become a Freelance Writer or Proofreader
Freelance writing involves creating content for blogs, websites, magazines, or businesses, while proofreading focuses on reviewing written material for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors. Both roles are flexible and ideal for individuals with strong writing and language skills. Freelance writers often specialize in niches like travel, finance, or technology, while proofreaders work across various industries.
Freelance writers typically earn $0.10-$1 per word or $20-$100 per hour, depending on experience and niche. Proofreaders can earn $15-$45 per hour. Established professionals in either field can make $1,000-$5,000+ monthly by taking on multiple projects.
How to Get Started
- Identify your area of expertise (e.g., blog writing, technical writing).
- Build a portfolio with samples of your work (even if they’re self-created).
- Sign up on freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or ProBlogger.
- Network with potential clients through LinkedIn or online writing communities.
- Consider taking courses to improve your skills (e.g., SEO writing or editing).
- Pitch your services to blogs, businesses, or publishers directly.
14. Become a Transcriber or Translator
Transcribers convert audio or video recordings into written text, while translators work on converting written content from one language to another. These side hustles are perfect for detail-oriented individuals with excellent listening or language skills. Transcription is common in industries like legal, medical, and media, whereas translators are needed for documents, books, and websites.
Transcribers can earn $15-$30 per hour, with specialized fields like legal or medical transcription paying more. Translators typically charge $0.10-$0.30 per word or $20-$50 per hour. Monthly earnings can range from $500 to over $3,000 depending on workload and specialization.
How to Get Started
- For transcription:
- Invest in transcription software and a good pair of headphones.
- Practice typing speed and accuracy using free tools online.
- Sign up on platforms like Rev, TranscribeMe, or Scribie.
- Consider certifications for specialized fields like medical transcription.
- For translation:
- Identify your language pairs and areas of expertise (e.g., legal documents).
- Build a portfolio showcasing your translation skills.
- Join freelance platforms like Gengo or TranslatorsCafe.
- Obtain certifications such as ATA (American Translators Association) to boost credibility.
15. Become an IRL or Online Tutor
Tutoring is a rewarding side hustle where you help students improve their understanding of academic subjects or develop new skills. In-person (IRL) tutoring works well for local clients, while online tutoring allows you to reach a global audience through platforms like Zoom or dedicated tutoring websites.
Tutors typically earn $20-$50 per hour depending on the subject and level of expertise. Specialized tutors in areas like test preparation (e.g., SAT/ACT) or advanced subjects (e.g., calculus) can charge $60-$100+ per hour. Monthly earnings range from $500 to over $3,000 depending on the number of sessions.
How to Get Started
- Identify your area of expertise (e.g., math, languages, music).
- Create lesson plans tailored to different learning styles.
- Sign up on tutoring platforms like Wyzant, Preply, or TutorMe.
- Advertise locally through flyers or community boards for IRL tutoring.
- Use social media to promote your services and attract clients.
- Gather testimonials from students to build credibility.
