Reading Time: 6 minutes Side Hustle Guide For Beginner’s: How To Earn Money On The Side
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Earning money on the side is a great way to earn extra income. By working your side hustle, you can have more freedom with your time and make some money while doing it.
When you think about a side hustle, your mind probably conjures up images of a job that pays you to work from home or in your spare time. A side hustle doesn’t have to be a full-time job.
You can also make money on the side as an amateur photographer, barista, musician, actor, etc. Whatever it is you love doing and want to do more of; there are ways to earn money on the side.
Whether you’re looking for a way to make some quick cash or want to start an income-generating business that you can scale, this guide has all the information you need to get started.
Table of Contents
What Is A Side Hustle?
A side hustle is any work you do outside of your day job to make money. The money can come from a single project, or it can be part of a larger income-generating business.
A side hustle is typically something you do in your spare time and can be anything from an extra job at a coffee shop to participating in an online market research study.
You can also earn money as an amateur photographer taking pictures for your friends and selling them on stock photography sites.
Try Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is a great way to make some money on the side. You can freelance for a variety of websites and publications, or you can write for yourself.
This is an excellent option if you’re looking to start working from home. Freelance writing jobs are easy to find online, but if you want more control over your time, consider starting your own blog or website.
If you’re looking for a way to advance your skills as a writer and have an income-generating business, consider taking on freelance writing projects.
Do you want to make money online simply by searching, shopping, surveys, or playing games?
- Account creation is free
- Big bonus on sign up
- Many ways to earn free money
- Mobile-friendly rewards site and apps
- Simple to complete tasks
- $10 to sign up
- Not exactly passive income
- Redeeming SB points sometimes takes awhile
- It isn't easy to qualify for all surveys
- Customer service isn't the greatest (or fastest)
You’ll be able to hone your skills and build up an audience through these opportunities, in addition to making money on the side.
Take Up Dog Walker
One way to earn money on the side is by becoming a dog walker. For example, if someone has a dog and doesn’t have time to take it for a walk, they can sign up for one of the many apps or online websites that pairs them with dog walkers in the area.
Dog walking is also a fun way to get out and exercise, but it also gives you a chance to play with some furry friends.
Pets are great companions that often become integral to our lives, but we sometimes forget about the work they require. For those who want to earn some extra cash without having to do anything too strenuous or risky, this side hustle is perfect.
Become A Mystery Shopper
If you’re wondering how to earn money on the side, becoming a mystery shopper could be your answer. In this job, you’ll be assigned different tasks to perform at a shop, such as purchasing specific items or asking sales assistants for help.
Afterwards, you’ll write a report of your experience, and you’ll not only be paid for items you purchased, but you’d also be paid for your time.
In some cases, you may be paid in cash, but in others, you could receive gift cards instead.
It’s not difficult to find companies that will hire mystery shoppers because it’s such a popular field. It might take some time before you start earning good money from this side hustle, but it can definitely help supplement your income, at least temporarily.
Use Refer A Friend Schemes
An excellent way to make money on the side is to use a referral scheme. Referral schemes work where you sign up for a service and recommend your friend to do the same, then you both receive a gift in exchange.
These gifts can range from gift cards, cash, or discounts on other services, but they’re a great way to earn money from home.
The most popular schemes offer money in exchange for referrals, and there’s typically no limit to the number of friends you can sign up.
Related: What Is Side Hustle Stack? Side Hustle Stack Explained Simply.
Consider House Cleaning
If you’re looking for something that can pay its way, consider house cleaning. House cleaning can be lucrative if done the right way.
House cleaning is another option when considering a side hustle because you don’t have to invest in expensive equipment. You can leverage what you already have as your business starts out and make a few dollars here and there.
If you are considering starting a home-based business, this is an easy way to earn some cash without investing too much time or money into it.
Related: Experts Warn: These 13 Things Around Your House Impact Your Health
Sell Stock Photos
One of the most popular ways to make money on the side is selling stock photos. Stock photography is a type of photography that someone pays for when they need an image for a business or website.
This can include images of people, events, places, and things. You would simply shoot your own pictures and then post them on the website where businesses can purchase them.
Make And Sell Your Crafts
If you have any skills or hobbies, you can easily make extra money by selling your crafts. A lot of people sell their crafts on online marketplaces, but you can also sell crafts in person at art fairs for a commission or even local markets.
You have to be creative when it comes to making and selling crafts because there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
But, you don’t need to fear this step. If you find it hard to come up with ideas of what you’d want to make and sell on the side, then try brainstorming ideas with friends and family members.
Chances are they will have some good suggestions and want to help you out by helping test your creations.
Work As A Virtual Assistant
If you’re looking for a side hustle that doesn’t require much time, consider working as a virtual assistant. It’s an easy way to make money without the hassle of an office job.
As a virtual assistant, you can help businesses with administrative tasks and projects that they don’t have time for, and you can set your own hours for when you’re willing to work.
It’s a great way to be your own boss while earning extra cash.
Sell Your Baked Goods
The easiest way to earn money on the side is by selling your baked goods or other local products.
Whether you’re baking cakes, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, pies, muffins, or anything else that’s considered a sweet treat, there are many ways you can sell your homemade goodies.Â
You don’t need a shop or bakery to sell your baked goods either. You can get creative and sell them at someone’s home or even at a local market.
There are also plenty of websites where people buy homemade treats, so it’s easy for you to set up your own online store. Just take some time to research what websites are popular and start selling now. Feel free to use some of our recipes!
Wrapping Up
Side hustles are not just a way to earn extra income, they can also be a powerful tool to fuel your passion, build new skills, and potentially even lead to a full-time career.
The key to a successful side hustle is choosing something you love and are good at. With dedication, perseverance, and a bit of creativity, you can turn your spare time into a profitable venture. So why wait?
Take the leap and start your side hustle journey today!
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Greg is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 22+ years experience in Financial Services. He has held numerous FINRA Securities licenses (series 7, 63, 65, and 66), and is an expert on Investment Products and Financial Planning. Greg has 22+ years experience as a real estate investor and degrees in Psychology and Philosophy.
Greg has been quoted/interviewed in Yahoo Money, Yahoo Finance, USA Today, Authority Magazine, Realtor.com, Business Insider, and others.
Greg is an avid runner, and the father to identical twin girls and their awesome brother. His love of budgeting and his kids led him to join The Great Resignation in 2021.
Disclaimer: Any Financial Tips on ChaChingQueen are general and informational. Speak with a professional about your specific situation.