What's keeping you from starting a side hustle? Overwhelmingly, 73% of you said you don’t know where to start. So, let me help you right now! I’ve identified the top five most popular work-from-home online side hustles and outlined the first steps to get each one going.
Advice for All Side Hustles
None of these side hustles are get-rich-quick schemes. They all require time and effort. Expect to start making money after three months and good money after six months. A side hustle is about being your own boss and making extra money from a skill or talent you have. For example, one of my side hustles made me $32,200 in one year, but it took three months to start earning anything and six months to see substantial income.
1. Freelance Work
Take a skill you already have and monetize it. Writing, design, programming, and virtual assistance are all popular freelance fields. Start by creating profiles on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.
Tips to Get Started:
Build a Portfolio: Showcase your work, even if it's projects you've done for free or personal endeavors. A strong portfolio can set you apart.
Set Competitive Rates: Research what others in your field are charging and set your rates accordingly. Consider starting lower to build reviews and then increasing your rates as you gain more clients.
Network: Join freelance groups on social media, attend virtual networking events, and connect with other freelancers. Referrals can be a great source of clients.
Learn to Pitch: Create a compelling pitch for potential clients. Highlight your skills, experience, and how you can solve their problems.
Resources:
2. Selling Products
You can sell physical or digital products through an ecommerce store or on various platforms. Instead of Etsy, consider these alternatives:
Tips to Get Started:
Identify Your Niche: Focus on a specific type of product to make it easier to target your audience.
Source Quality Materials: Whether you're making products or curating them, quality is key to customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Create Compelling Listings: Write detailed descriptions, use high-quality images, and include keywords to help your products appear in searches.
Market Your Store: Use social media, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO) to drive traffic to your store.
Resource:
3. Affiliate Marketing
Earn commissions by promoting other companies' products. You don't need a YouTube channel; a website or blog can work just as well. Social media can help you reach a larger audience, but it’s not necessary. Start with mass affiliates like Amazon and then move on to partnership styles once you gain experience.
Tips to Get Started:
Choose a Niche: Focus on a specific topic or product category to build a targeted audience.
Create Quality Content: Write reviews, create tutorials, and provide valuable information that encourages readers to click on your affiliate links.
Build an Email List: Collect emails from visitors and send them regular updates with affiliate links and promotions.
Analyze and Optimize: Track your affiliate links to see what works and optimize your strategies accordingly.
4. Stock Video
Selling stock video can be a lucrative side hustle. Websites to start with include:
Tips to Get Started:
Shoot High-Quality Footage: Use good lighting and a stable camera. Even smartphones can produce great video if used properly.
Follow Trends: Research what types of footage are in demand and create content that fits those trends.
Edit Professionally: Use video editing software to enhance your footage and make it more appealing to buyers.
Upload Consistently: The more videos you have available, the higher your chances of making sales.
Inspirational YouTube Channels:
5. YouTube
This platform has incredible potential. My children’s channel, for example, made me $32,000 in the past year. If you’re not comfortable showing your face, consider a niche like children’s content or evergreen topics. For starting a YouTube channel, follow experts like Nick Nimmin, VidIQ, TubeBuddy, Vanessa Lau, and Creator Booth.
Tips to Get Started:
Identify Your Niche: Focus on a specific topic you are passionate about and can consistently create content for.
Invest in Equipment: Good audio and video quality can make a big difference. You don't need the most expensive gear, but invest in a decent microphone and camera.
Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and create content that addresses your viewers' interests and questions.
Learn SEO: Use keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags to help your videos get discovered.
Monetization Requirements: You need 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours to start earning on YouTube.
Ready to take the plunge? Choose a hustle that fits your skills and interests, and start your journey today!
Hi Renee Glad to discover your portal , seems like i have got what i was actually looking for from past few months. I am a totallly a newbie in this platform and i need your mentorship training or doubts clearing session which will help me to build up my side hustle . I will wait for your kind response :) , keep thriving :)