13 Best Side Hustles to Make Money

best side hustles to make money

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Best side hustles to make money? Heck yeah, they do exist. Discover how you can make money with a side hustle.

What are the best ways to make some extra cash?

You could sell your old clothes online, offer up your dog walking services, or rent out your spare room on Airbnb to earn more cash. These are just a few ideas for what you can do with your free time and if you’re looking for more ways to expand your income, this article has plenty of tips for you!

Wondering…

What are the best side hustles to make money?

How can I make some extra cash?

What are the best ways you’ve found to make some extra money?

Here are 13 of the best side hustles you can start for yourself this week.

best side hustles to make money

13 Best Side Hustles to Make Money

Before we kick off the list, if you’re looking for ways to make extra money, here are some websites/resources to check out:

  • Cliqly: Make money emailing. You sign up for free and get access to 5,000 emails to send pre-written emails to, from the start. You’ll earn money for each person that clicks a link in those emails. Easy! I’ve heard of newbies making upt o$2,500 in their first 2 weeks with this! I made just under $600 in a few weeks, when I started. They also have a referral program.
  • Free Affiliate Marketing Ebook: Affiliate marketing is something that can make you passive income. It can make you a full-time income, working part-time but, it’s not instant money and takes some hard work and effort with. I make a full-time income with affiliate marketing, a big chunk of which is passive. There are affiliates that start making up to $10K to $20K per month within a few months of starting affiliate marketing but, everyone’s experience is different and these results are not typical. Check out my free ebook to learn more about how affiliate marketing works and how to get started with it.
  • Neighbor: This is a chance to earn income passively by monetizing your unused storage space. If you’ve got extra closet space, a spare bedroom, attic, garage, or other space in your home, you can rent it out and store other people’s goods there for passive income every month.

1. Sell your old clothes online

2. Offer up your dog walking services

3. Rent out your spare room on Airbnb to earn more cash

4. Flipping

5. Freelance writing

6. Blogging

7. Social media management

8. Virtual assistance

9. Scopist

10.Proofreading

11. Short-term car rental

12. Surveys

13. Ebooks

These are just a few ideas for what you can do with your free time and if you’re looking for more ways to expand your income, this article has plenty of tips for you!

If you’re looking for a way to make some extra cash, you might want to consider one of these side hustles.

1. Sell your old clothes online

where to sell clothes

You could sell your old clothes online.

Go through your dressers and closets to find clothes you can sell for profit. This can include t-shirts, jeans, shoes, dresses, blazers, jackets, and coats, etc.

Then, collect them and map out your plan to either sell them online or in-person. I used to do this every winter to raise some extra Christmas cash.

A few winters back I sold my Guess peacoat on Mercari in just a few days. It was so easy.

It doesn’t stop at clothes, either. You can sell:

  • Small appliances
  • Home goods
  • Power tools
  • Gardening supplies
  • Toys

Here are 14 places you can sell your clothes.

2. Offer up your dog walking services

make money dog walking

The number of pet owners in many cities is increasing rapidly because of the revival in the canine population. There is a high demand for people to offer dog walking services.

The growing popularity of this trend can be attributed to two factors: some people are not able to take care of their pets due to their busy schedules.

Others live in small apartments or are away from home for longer periods of time when they need someone to take care of their pets.

Offer up your dog walking services and you will get a steady stream of clients who will trust you with their precious animals. You can customize your rates based on the time and distance that you are willing to travel, and if you have any special training or certification when it comes to dogs, you can charge a premium.

Check out Rover or Wag to find dog walking opportunities.

3. Rent out your spare room on Airbnb to earn more cash

make money airbnb

If you’re looking for side hustles, you might want to consider renting your spare room on Airbnb. This is one of the most passive ways to make money.

You can rent out your spare rooms (or even the whole house) for different lengths of time, and prices vary depending on when you have availability and how desirable it is to potential guests.

People even rent apartments for the sole purpose of putting them up on Airbnb. So, you can dip your toes into this income stream without having to own property.

3. Flipping

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Flipping is a type of investing that can also be seen as the process of buying and then quickly selling a property, business, or other asset.

The goal of flipping is to make money from both the sales price and the profit on the purchase. Flipping can be done with any type of commodity or asset.

Some examples:

  • Clothes
  • Appliances
  • Houses
  • Cars
  • Home decor
  • Furniture
  • Toys
  • Electronics
  • Websites
  • Domains

I enjoy website flipping because the startup budget is low and this is a business you can run on your own, without a team or staff.

Read how you can make $2,500/month website flipping here.

4. Freelance writing

Freelance writing is one of the best side hustles to do if you’re looking to make money on the side. You can find jobs with platforms like Upwork, Guru, and Freelancer.

You may also be able to get a job from a publication or blog that you enjoy reading.

Just be sure to set your rates and stick with them so that you don’t end up giving away your work for free!

This website pays you to write local content for them (I write restaurant reviews).

5. Blogging

money surveys in your spare time

Blogging is a side hustle that can provide a lot of additional income in many different ways.

I started blogging around 6-7 years ago and since then have built over a dozen different blogs. It’s fun and can be very lucrative. My first blog earned me $20,000 in my 9th month!

Here’s how you can start a money-making blog.

With blogging, you could focus on writing about topics that are in high demand, like video games or fashion, and get sponsored posts. You can also create your own product reviews and offer affiliate links for some quick cash. Just make sure to do your research and find something you’re passionate about!

7. Social Media Management

A social media manager is someone who is responsible for managing a company’s social media presence. This means they create and curate content for platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn. They also monitor and engage with the audience, analyze performance metrics, and create strategies to increase engagement and grow the brand’s social media following.

So, for example, if you follow your favorite clothing brand on Instagram and see cool posts about their new collection, sales, or giveaways, chances are a social media manager was behind it. They also respond to comments and direct messages, so if you ever asked a question or got a reply from the brand, you might have talked to a social media manager!

In summary, a social media manager is the person who helps companies build and maintain their online presence through social media platforms, ultimately driving more traffic and sales to the business.

8. Virtual Assistance

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A virtual assistant is someone who provides administrative and other support services to individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses remotely. They typically work from home and communicate with their clients through email, phone, and video conferencing.

As a virtual assistant, some of the tasks you might be responsible for include managing emails, scheduling appointments, making travel arrangements, conducting research, creating reports and presentations, and managing social media accounts. Basically, anything that can be done remotely and doesn’t require a physical presence can be handled by a virtual assistant.

One of the benefits of being a virtual assistant is the flexibility it provides. You can work from anywhere in the world, and you have control over your schedule. It’s a great option for those who want to work from home or those who have other commitments, like school or family.

9. Scopist

investors in websites

A scopist is someone who works with court reporters to create accurate transcripts of legal proceedings. When a court reporter types up what is being said during a deposition, trial, or hearing, it can be fast-paced and difficult to capture everything. That’s where a scopist comes in!

A scopist reviews and edits the transcript to ensure accuracy and completeness. They may also do research to verify spellings, technical terms, and other details. Essentially, they work to ensure that the transcript is error-free and ready to be used in court.

So, if you have a sharp eye for detail, making money and getting work as a scopist might be what you’re seeking.

10. Proofreading

invest in websites

A proofreader is someone who checks written material for errors before it is published or printed. This can include books, articles, essays, blog posts, and other written content. As a proofreader, your job is to make sure the text is free of grammatical, spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors.

Proofreaders often work on the final draft of a document, after it has been edited for content and structure. They read through the text carefully, looking for any mistakes or inconsistencies. They may also check for accuracy, making sure that any facts or figures in the text are correct.

Proofreading is an essential part of the writing process, as it helps ensure that the final product is polished and professional. It can be done for a variety of industries, including publishing, marketing, and academia.

11. Short-term car rental

mobile car wash business

Short-term car rentals are a convenient way to rent a car for a brief period, typically ranging from a few hours to a few days or weeks. Here’s how it generally works:

  1. Choose a rental company: There are several rental companies that offer short-term car rentals, including big names like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise, as well as smaller local companies. Do some research to find the best option for your needs and budget.
  2. Make a reservation: Once you’ve chosen a rental company, you’ll need to make a reservation. This can usually be done online or by phone. You’ll need to provide some basic information, such as your name, contact information, and driver’s license number.
  3. Choose a car: When you arrive at the rental location, you’ll be able to choose a car from the available options. The rental company will typically have a range of vehicles to choose from, including economy cars, SUVs, and luxury cars.
  4. Provide payment: You’ll need to provide payment for the rental, which can usually be done with a credit or debit card. Some companies may also accept cash or checks.
  5. Sign a rental agreement: Before you can take the car, you’ll need to sign a rental agreement. This will outline the terms and conditions of the rental, including the rental period, fees, and any restrictions or limitations.
  6. Drive the car: Once you’ve completed all the necessary paperwork, you can take the car and drive it for the duration of the rental period.
  7. Return the car: When the rental period is over, you’ll need to return the car to the rental location. The rental company will inspect the car to make sure it’s in good condition, and you’ll be responsible for any damages or other issues that occurred during the rental period.

You can make money with short-term car rentals as the host or car owner. You’ll lend your vehicle to short term renters and earn money passively. Companies like Turo and GetAround are examples of short term car rental companies you can look into for this.

12. Take surveys

Surveys can be a great way to make some extra cash on the side. Here’s how it works:

  1. Sign up for survey sites: The first step is to sign up for survey sites that offer paid surveys. There are many websites out there that pay you to take surveys, such as Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Vindale Research.
  2. Fill out your profile: Once you sign up for a survey site, you’ll need to fill out your profile. This will include information about your demographic, interests, and lifestyle. This information will help match you with surveys that are relevant to you.
  3. Take surveys: When there’s a survey available that matches your profile, you’ll be notified by the survey site. You can take the survey at your convenience, usually from your computer or mobile device. Surveys can range from a few minutes to an hour or more, and the pay varies depending on the length and complexity of the survey.
  4. Get paid: Once you complete a survey, you’ll usually receive payment in the form of cash, gift cards, or other rewards. Some survey sites may have a minimum payout threshold, so you’ll need to accumulate a certain amount of earnings before you can cash out.
  5. Keep taking surveys: The key to making money with surveys is to keep taking them regularly. You may not qualify for every survey, but the more you take, the more you’ll earn.

Surveys can be a simple and flexible way to make some extra money on the side.

Examples of survey companies

Companies like Swagbucks, Inbox Dollars, and Pinecone are examples of places where to find online surveys to make money online. There are even high-paying $50+ surveys you can take for extra cash.

13. Sell ebooks

Selling ebooks can be an excellent side hustle to take up. Once you put in the work upfront to create the book and publish it, you can earn passive income from it in the future.

Here are some of my ebooks I sell on various topics around content creation, money, and side hustles:

  1. Write your own ebook: The first step is to write your own ebook. Think about your passions, interests, or expertise, and write an ebook that speaks to that niche. You can publish your ebook on platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, Apple’s iBooks, or Barnes & Noble’s Nook Press.
  2. Edit and format your ebook: Once you’ve written your ebook, you’ll need to edit and format it properly. This can be done with software like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Scrivener. You’ll want to make sure your ebook is easy to read and visually appealing.
  3. Create a cover design: Your ebook’s cover is the first thing potential buyers will see, so it’s important to create a design that catches their attention. You can hire a freelance designer on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, or use design tools like Canva or Adobe Spark to create your own.
  4. Set a price: When you publish your ebook, you’ll need to set a price. Consider the length, quality, and competition when determining your price point. You can adjust your price over time based on sales and feedback.
  5. Promote your ebook: Once your ebook is published, you’ll need to promote it to reach potential buyers. You can use social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to share your ebook with your followers. You can also create ads on platforms like Facebook or Google Ads to reach a wider audience.
  6. Collect your earnings: As your ebook sells, you’ll earn royalties from the platforms where you published it. Keep track of your sales and earnings, and adjust your marketing strategy as needed.

Selling ebooks can be a great way to make extra money on the side, and it can even turn into a full-time business with dedication and hard work. Good luck, and happy writing!

Tips for Starting Your Side Hustle Business

This is the part where most people lose their motivation.  It takes effort to leave your 9-to-5 job and start working for yourself – or even just on your own projects.

There are a few key things that you should do in order to keep yourself motivated:

Take regular breaks.

You’re going to be working hard on this project, so give yourself a short break every so often so that you don’t find yourself completely burned out later on (when it’s harder to get back into the swing of things).

Be realistic.

Have fun.

These are great options for ongoing side hustles or summer side hustles. You make the rules here so take it as far as you wish.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re looking for ways to make some extra cash or just want to try something new, these side hustles are worth considering.

The article provides a few great ideas and even gives tips on how to keep yourself motivated. If the idea of starting your own business is too intimidating right now, consider trying one of these side hustles instead!

The best side hustles that make money The best side hustles that make money

Recommended Resources to Increase Your Income and Save Money

Legendary Marketer

This online training program shows you how to start an online business. You can join free then, take their 15-day business builder challenge to learn how to start an online business. Business owner Amalie Lund made $100K in 6 months, after going through this program!

Swagbucks

If you’re in a pickle and looking to make some extra money, look at paid online surveys. Swagbucks is one of the best survey companies to use. They offer a multifaceted site with many ways to earn:
  • Surveys
  • Watch videos
  • Listen to music
  • Online shopping
  • Discovering stuff online
It’s free to join and you can start making money sharing your opinion and through other ways as soon as you’re sign up.

Arrived Homes

If you’re looking for a way to earn passive income with no work, look at rental home investing with Arrived Homes. You’ll invest in rental properties with a little as $100 and entirely online. This is a way to make your money work for you and earn passively with rental income.

Jenn Leach, MBA

Jenn Leach is a Houston-based MBA with over a decade of experience in the banking industry. She writes at Millennial Nextdoor where she writes finance, money, business, and lifestyle content to help millennials create additional income streams online. Join her on Substack at https://jennleach.substack.com.

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