The financial challenges of today can feel overwhelming. Bills keep adding up, making it hard to get ahead. But, there’s a way to change that – side hustles. These can be the key to financial freedom and reaching your goals.
I know how powerful side hustles can be. When I started, making ends meet was tough. But then I found freelancing, online tutoring, and selling handmade goods. This changed everything for me. I could work on my terms and increase my income. It was a big change, and it can be for you too.
In this article, we’ll explore the best side hustles for 2023. You’ll learn about everything from classic options like rideshare driving and affiliate marketing to new chances in virtual assistance and social media management. If you want to pay off debt, save for a big purchase, or just have more money, keep reading. Let’s unlock your financial potential together.
Key Takeaways
- Side hustles offer a flexible way to supplement your income and achieve financial goals.
- Freelance writing, online tutoring, and selling handmade products are among the top side hustles to consider.
- Rideshare driving, affiliate marketing, and renting out space or assets can also be lucrative side gigs.
- Virtual assistant services and social media management are emerging as promising side hustle opportunities.
- The key is to find a side hustle that aligns with your skills, interests, and schedule.
Introduction to Side Hustles
In today’s fast-paced economy, side hustles are a key way to increase your extra income and gain more financial freedom. A side hustle is a part-time job you do besides your main job. It lets you explore business ideas and work on your own terms.
What are Side Hustles?
Side hustles can be many things, like freelancing, selling things online, renting out things, or being a virtual assistant. They let you use your skills, interests, and things you already have to make more money. If you want to pay off debt, save money, or fund a project, a side hustle can really help.
Benefits of Having a Side Hustle
- Increased extra income to reach your financial goals
- Flexibility to work when and how you want
- Chance to try out business ideas and maybe start your own business
- Opportunity to learn new skills and grow your career
- More job security and financial stability
Side hustles open up a world of extra income and flexible work chances. They let you take charge of your financial future.
Freelancing Opportunities
Freelancing is now a top choice for making extra money. It lets people use their skills when they want and as much as they want. Freelancers like writers, editors, graphic designers, and web developers are in demand. They help with content, branding, and websites.
Freelancers can find clients through their networks or use sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com. These platforms help them find and manage projects.
Writing and Content Creation
Writing and making content are great freelance options. You can write blog posts, articles, marketing stuff, and copy. If you’re good at writing and telling stories, there’s a lot of work out there.
The average hourly pay for writers and editors is $19 to $20. This makes it a good way to earn extra.
Graphic Design and Web Development
Graphic design and web development are in high demand today. Freelance graphic designers can make logos, branding, and visual stuff. They earn about $17 an hour.
Freelance web developers work on websites, maintenance, and updates. They make about $59 an hour.
“Freelancing offers the flexibility to work on your own schedule and build a portfolio of diverse clients.”
The gig economy and remote work have made freelancing more popular. It lets people earn extra and gain experience while working when they want. If you’re good at writing, making content, designing, or developing websites, freelancing can help you make more money in 2023 and beyond.
good side hustles to make money
In today’s economy, many people find it hard to make ends meet. Side hustles offer a way to earn extra cash. You can choose from various options based on your skills and time. This extra money can help pay off debt, save for the future, or fund your hobbies.
Rideshare driving for Uber or Lyft is a popular side job in big cities. You can make up to $22 an hour. Online tutoring is also a good choice, with TutorMe paying at least $16 an hour for experts.
If you’re good at writing or design, freelancing on Upwork could be for you. Transcriptionists can earn $20 to $45 an hour. Renting out your space or items on Airbnb can also bring in a lot of money, with some hosts making over $4,221 a month.
Here are more great side hustles to think about:
- Selling handmade products on Etsy, where you set your prices and schedule
- Participating in online surveys and user testing, earning $10 per test
- Providing pet care services through Rover and Wag
- Selling or flipping used products on eBay and Amazon
- Driving for delivery services like DoorDash or Instacart
Looking for a way to make extra money or achieve financial freedom? The side hustle world has many opportunities. Take time to find the best fit for your skills and lifestyle. Start your journey to a more secure financial future.
“The key to financial freedom is finding a side hustle that aligns with your skills, interests, and available time.”
Online Tutoring and Teaching
If you know a lot about certain subjects, online tutoring and teaching can be a great side job. Sites like VIPKid, Chegg Tutors, and Varsity Tutors help tutors find students who need help in areas like math, science, and languages. You can work from home and choose when you’re available.
Virtual Tutoring Platforms
Some online tutoring sites, like Varsity Tutors and Outschool, give you the tools to teach online well. Glassdoor says Varsity Tutors pays about $20 an hour. Outschool teachers make $40 to $100 an hour, with an average of $50.
Other sites like Tutor.com, Skooli, and TutorMe also offer tutoring jobs. They pay between $11.75 and $26 an hour, based on what you know. The online tutoring market is growing fast, reaching about $7.69 billion in 2022. This makes it a good choice for a side job.
| Platform | Average Hourly Pay |
|---|---|
| Varsity Tutors | $20 |
| Outschool | $50 |
| Tutor.com | $11.75 – $35 |
| Skooli | $15 – $25 |
| TutorMe | $16 |
| Yup | $26 |
The online tutoring and virtual teaching world has grown a lot in the last five years. It’s grown even more since the pandemic. This makes online teaching a top side hustle for teachers in 2023. It offers flexible hours and could turn into a full-time job.
Selling Handmade Products
If you’re good at making unique, handmade items, you can make money from it. Platforms like Etsy let you sell your special items to many people.
To do well in the craft business, make sure your products are top-notch. Take great photos and always provide great service. This will help you gain loyal customers and stand out in the selling handmade products market.
Think about focusing on popular areas like wedding decor, pet accessories, or home decor. Knowing what your customers like can really help your Etsy shop do well.
“The craft industry has experienced a surge, with an increasing number of people selling handmade products as a side hustle.”
Setting the right prices for your items is key. Calculate the cost of materials, your time, and other expenses to figure out wholesale and retail prices. Don’t sell too cheap, as it might make people think your products aren’t worth much.
Good photos of your products are as important as the products themselves. Spend on good lighting and photography to make your crafts look their best. This will help draw in customers.
By making high-quality, unique handmade products, offering great service, and marketing well, you can make your craft hobby into a successful side job.
Affiliate Marketing
If you want to make more money and find new ways to earn, affiliate marketing is a great choice. This way, you can make money by sharing links to other companies’ products or services. When someone buys through your link, you get a part of the sale.
How Affiliate Marketing Works
Affiliate marketing is great for making passive income. You can keep earning even after you’ve done the work. The trick is to share products that your audience likes.
Did you know that 81% of brands use affiliate marketing? It’s a top way to sell online and make money. You can join programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, CJ Affiliate, and ClickBank. Each has its own way of paying you back.
| Affiliate Program | Payment Scheme | Typical Commission Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Associates | Pay Per Sale (PPS) | Around 5-10% |
| ShareASale | Pay Per Sale (PPS) | Varies, often 20-50% |
| CJ Affiliate | Pay Per Sale (PPS), Pay Per Click (PPC), Pay Per Lead (PPL) | Ranges from 5% to 50% |
| ClickBank | Pay Per Sale (PPS) | Typically 50-75% |
To do well in affiliate marketing, make sure your content is top-notch and speaks to your readers. Using SEO helps your content get found by more people. This way, you can reach more people and boost your online marketing success.
“Affiliate marketing provides a unique opportunity to earn passive income by promoting products and services that align with your audience’s interests. With the right strategy and content, it can be a rewarding side hustle.”
Rideshare Driving
Looking to make some extra money? Consider rideshare driving with Uber or Lyft. It’s a flexible way to earn cash on your own time. You just need a reliable car and a clean driving record.
This job fits easily around your other commitments. You can work when you want, like evenings or weekends. Industry data shows you can make $500 to $2,000+ a month working 10 hours a week.
Getting started with rideshare driving is easy. It’s a popular choice for making extra money in the gig economy. If you want to save up or just earn more, rideshare driving is a good option.
| Side Hustle | Potential Earnings | Minimum Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|
| Rideshare Driving | $500 to $2,000+ per month | 10 hours per week |
| Food Delivery | $400 to $1,500+ per month | 10 hours per week |
| Grocery Delivery | $300 to $1,000+ per month | 8 hours per week |
| Courier Services | $500 to $2,000+ per month | 10 hours per week |
Rideshare driving is a top choice for making money with flexible hours. It lets you increase your income with little time spent. This side job is worth considering.
“Rideshare driving is a great way to earn extra cash on your own schedule. It’s flexible, convenient, and can provide a significant boost to your monthly income.”
Online Surveys and Market Research
Make extra cash by taking online surveys and joining market research studies in your free time. Companies want to know what consumers think and pay for their opinions. It’s a simple way to earn money from home.
Join trusted sites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, or Respondent for paid studies. You’ll find many surveys and studies to choose from. They pay between $50 to $150 per hour on average.
| Platform | Ratings | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Branded Surveys | 4.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot (82,000+ reviews) | Up to $0.50 per survey completion, $5 minimum payout |
| Swagbucks | 4.4 on App Store (112,000+ reviews), 4.2 on Google Play (139,000+ reviews) | Variety of paid online activities, including surveys |
| InboxDollars | Established in 2006, over $80 million paid to members | Cash rewards for completing tasks, not points |
For bigger rewards, try focus groups or product testing studies. These can pay up to $75 per hour or more for specialized research. Use sites like Respondent, Rare Patient Voice, and Maven to find these opportunities.
Online surveys and market research won’t make you rich, but they’re easy ways to earn extra. By joining reputable sites and looking for better-paying studies, you can make your opinions pay off.
Renting Out Space or Assets
If you have extra room, an apartment, or your whole home, you can make money by listing it on Airbnb or VRBO. This is a great side hustle if you live in a place many tourists visit. Renting out your space can give you extra money, but you must follow local laws and make sure guests are happy.
Airbnb and Vacation Rentals: Unlock Earning Potential
The rental market has grown a lot in the last ten years. Now, you can rent out more than just space. Things like power tools, party tents, RVs, and solar panels are in high demand. Starting a rental business is easier now, with costs starting at $29 a month.
Some things, like power tools, photobooths, laptops, and cameras, are very popular for short-term rentals. Rentals for events, like party tents and furniture, and special items like Starlink dishes, also offer good opportunities.
| Rental Category | Potential for High Demand |
|---|---|
| Power Tools | ✓ |
| Photobooths | ✓ |
| Laptops | ✓ |
| Cameras | ✓ |
| Party Tents and Furniture | ✓ |
| Starlink Dishes | ✓ |
Even expensive items like RVs, campervans, and solar panels are becoming popular for rent. You can also make money by renting out things like LED lighting, sofas, artwork, suits, breast pumps, and camera lenses.
Julz Maleno’s story is a great example of success in the rental market. Since 2020, she has earned over $26,700 by renting out spaces for RVs and trailers. Each spot in her yard makes $40 to $200 a month.
“Renting out your space can provide a passive income stream, though you’ll need to ensure you comply with local regulations and provide a comfortable experience for your guests.”
Whether you have a spare room, a whole home, or something unique to offer, there are many chances in the renting out space and vacation rental market. By using new technology and finding the right rental niches, you can start a profitable side hustle that adds to your main income.
Virtual Assistant Services
In today’s fast-paced world, virtual assistant services are very popular. Many busy professionals and small business owners need help with tasks like scheduling and customer service. As a virtual assistant, you can offer your skills from home, setting your own hours. This makes it a great way to earn extra money.
Brassie says general virtual assistants can earn $20-$25 an hour at first. Those with special skills, like graphic design, can make more, up to $40 an hour or more.
To start, sign up on sites like Upwork, Fiverr, Time etc, Randstad, Prialto, Virtual Coworker, Wing Assistant, Great Assistant, Virtual Employee, and VaVa Virtual Assistants. But remember, some companies overseas offer very low rates, making it hard for US freelancers to compete.
| Hourly Rates for Virtual Assistants | Description |
|---|---|
| $10 – $25 per hour | Beginner virtual assistants without specialization |
| $40 per hour or more | New virtual assistants with specialized skills |
| $50 – $100 per hour | Experienced virtual assistants |
| $10 – $20 per hour | Rates paid by VA companies |
When setting your rates, think about your costs like furniture, supplies, and internet. Virtual assistants can also use marketing like making professional profiles and asking for referrals. The goal is to set prices that are competitive yet support a good income.
Being a virtual assistant lets you have a flexible and rewarding career. With the right skills, marketing, and pricing, you can meet the growing need for remote support. This can help increase your income in 2023 and beyond.
Social Media Management
In today’s world, social media is key for any marketing plan. But, many small businesses and entrepreneurs don’t have the time or know-how to manage their social media well. That’s where a side hustle in social media management can be very helpful.
As a social media manager, you can help your clients with content creation, scheduling, and talking to their followers on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You use your digital marketing skills to give great value to small businesses and entrepreneurs. This helps them reach their audience and meet their marketing goals.
The global digital marketing industry was worth $780 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a 11.1% annual rate from 2024 to 2030. With over half of the world’s people using social media, there’s a big need for skilled social media managers. Glassdoor says the average pay for a freelance social media marketing manager in the U.S. is $48,439. This shows the potential earnings in this field.
If you’re an experienced marketer or just love social media, offering social media management services can be a profitable side job. By using your skills and the growing need for these services, you can make extra money and help small businesses succeed online.
“Social media is not just a buzzword – it’s a powerful tool that can transform the way businesses connect with their customers. As a social media manager, you have the opportunity to be a driving force behind this digital revolution.”
Blogging and Podcasting
Blogging and podcasting can be great side hustles if you know a lot about a topic and like making content. You can make money by building an audience and using ads, sponsorships, or selling digital products. This way, you can earn passive income. The main thing is to keep making content that your audience finds useful and interesting.
Monetization Strategies
Look into different ways to make money from your blog or podcast. You could use ads, affiliate marketing, or sell special content or services. For instance, one blogger didn’t put ads on their site to keep it real and easy to use. They made money through affiliate links, sponsored posts, and donations.
As the blog gets more popular, the blogger might make more from their blog than their regular job. This shows how blogging and podcasting can be profitable. With hard work and trying different ways to make money, you can earn from your creative efforts.