20 Easy Side Hustle Ideas

In today’s fast-paced world, when dearness is just walking upward, every one of us seeks to have an extra income to supplement our regular earnings. This quest to earn some extra cash has boosted the search for “easy side hustle”, as people want small gigs out of their primary jobs.

The boost of side hustles is so much so that 39% of working Americans have a side hustle, and 44% say they’ll always need one to support their living style. This statistic underscores the fact that people are getting appealed to side hustles to diversify income streams and achieve their financial goals. 

So, to help you unlock the potential of side hustle, we have listed 20 proven, easy side hustles that can help you make more money, pad your savings account, pay off those debts, or simply enjoy a little extra spending cash. 

The list of side hustles is diverse. So, you need to find one that aligns well with your skills, interests, and schedule. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or just looking to earn a few bucks on the side apart from your job, read the following ideas to discover the possibilities.

Start Drop Servicing 

Drop servicing is a business model where you act as a middleman between clients seeking specific services (e.g., web design, social media marketing, content writing) and freelance professionals seeking opportunities to provide those services.

You can list these services in an outsourcing platform, like Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn job, and more, where you can attract clients. Then, on the other side, you use the same or another outsourcing platform like Indeed, freelancer.com or more, where you can hire skilled freelancers at relatively lower prices and get your work done. 

For example, let’s say you have a client on your platform who requests a website design. You find a talented web designer on another outsourcing platform to complete the project. You charge the client $1,000 for the design, and you pay the freelance web designer $500. The $500 difference between what you charge the client and what you pay the freelancer becomes your profit, and this is how you monetise with this drop-servicing business model.

Dropshipping

Dropshipping is among the most popular eCommerce side hustles and even the mainstream business of many. It involves setting up an online store, using platforms like Shopify or more, and selling products without investing in inventory and storing them. 

To bring this service into practice, you partner with manufacturers or the suppliers of the goods who handle all the product goods, storage, packaging, and shipping. When the customer purchases from your store, you forward the order to the partnered company so that they can process the order and ship it directly to the customer. 

Your role in this entire process is marketing, being a silent bridge between the customer and the supplier, and managing the whole of the online store.

For example, let’s say you run an online store that sells niche-specific sports equipment. When a customer orders a football from your store for Rs.1000, you relay the order details to your trusted football supplier, who takes Rs. 700 from you. You earn Rs. 300 as profit, acting as the intermediary between the customer and the supplier.

Dropshipping as a side hustle can pay you immensely if you choose the right niche and products. Besides, it requires a relatively low upfront investment compared to traditional retail.

Get Into Freelance Writing 

Freelance writing is a versatile and accessible side hustle that involves creating written content for various clients or publications. Many businesses and websites constantly need content, such as blog posts, articles, marketing materials, and more. So there’s an opportunity for sure.

Even though we have the generative AI and tools that are performing the writing tasks, the writers are still in demand to develop the original content. 

You can access this side hustle to earn money if you have writing skills. You can offer your writing services to clients who need blog posts, articles, or website content. For instance, a business might hire you to write blog posts on gardening tips. You’ll research, write, and deliver these articles to the client.

You can create a profile on freelance platforms like PeoplePerHour, Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.com or pitch your services directly to companies and websites in your niche through your connections on LinkedIn. Finding a company might take a few days, but it will surely pay you enough.

Besides, Freelance writing is a flexible and easy side hustle as it allows you to work when and where you want, making it an excellent option for those with busy schedules.

On average, as a freelance writer, you can make $24 per hour.

Take Online Surveys 

Taking online surveys is a type of market research activity conducted by companies, market research firms or brands, where they reach out to individuals to ask them to provide their opinions and feedback on various products, services, or topics through online questionnaires or forms. 

You sign up with survey websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, Chegg, LifePoints, or InboxDollars. These platforms are connected to market research companies keen to get consumer opinions. You can participate in surveys on these platforms, which typically take 10-12 minutes, and get paid for providing feedback. 

For instance, you might be asked about your preferences for a new snack product.

While taking these surveys would not make you rich, they can be a convenient way to earn pocket money or gift cards. Survey payouts are typically anywhere between $0.50 and $5 per survey. The more surveys you can complete daily, the more money you can make. 

Be cautious and choose reputable and secure survey websites to ensure you’re not wasting your time. 

Become A Data Entry Clerk 

Becoming a data entry clerk involves the KRAs, including inputting and arranging the data and information into spreadsheets, databases, or other digital systems for the companies.

For example, you might be hired as a freelance data entry clerk for a company that wants to compile a list of customer information from handwritten forms into a digital database. Your role in this would be accurately transcribing the data from the documents into the computer system.

If you have an eye for detail and your fingers work well with typing, data entry is a suitable and easy side hustle for you.

You can find data entry opportunities on job search websites, freelancing platforms, or by reaching out to local businesses. While data entry may not be the most glamorous job, it offers a straightforward and steady source of income. So you can consider it to make it your side hustle.

You can make $10-$30 per hour as a Data Entry Clerk.

Be A Customer Service Representative

As a customer service representative, you will typically be expected to handle phone calls, emails, or chat messages from customers and provide them with support and information. 

Not all companies have customer service representatives in their in-house teams. Instead, they seek to hire remote customer service representatives to assist them with this recurring task. 

You are a good fit for this job if you are good at solving problems, talking to people, and handling force situations calmly. 

Your good communication skills and having a quiet workspace can help you grab this excellent side hustle. Often, when working remotely as a freelancer, you are paid per call or chat that you handle. At least, that is what Barbeque Nation and other companies do. 

Look for remote customer service job listings on job boards like Indeed, Hirect, and LinkedIn, or check with companies like Amazon, Walmart, or others directly, especially during peak seasons like holidays when they often hire extra help.

As a Customer Service Representative, you can make $10-$15 per hour. 

Become A Bookkeeper 

As a bookkeeper, you help small businesses, new entrepreneurs, and freelancers manage their finances, keep track of expenses, and help them prepare for tax season. 

If you have a background in finance or accounting, you can become a freelance bookkeeper for companies or set up your own bookkeeping business. 

Bookkeeping can be a lucrative side hustle if you especially own the financial skills, as many businesses prefer to outsource this function to save time and ensure accuracy in their financial records. So, there can be immense opportunity for you in this field. 

You can create a Fiverr profile to show off your services and attract clients, take courses if you want to upgrade your skills, become a certified bookkeeper, and take up on your business to take it to new heights.

You can make $11-$25 per hour as a bookkeeper. 

Become A Virtual Assistant 

Virtual assistants are more like virtual personal assistants who offer services in this agile digital world. As a VA, you provide remote support to businesses or entrepreneurs and handle tasks like email management, scheduling appointments, data entry, and more.

For example, you can be a VA for a new entrepreneur who handles everything independently, helping her manage her mailbox and appointments, reminding her of the important dates and meetings, helping her with the tasks, and doing more. 

If you want to leverage your administrative and organisational skills, this hustle is really for you. You can find virtual assistant gigs on Upwork, Fiverr, Wishup, and more platforms. If you are not a trained VA, you need not worry, as many companies that require VAs offer training sessions of a few days, which is uncertain, but you can always check for the training option. As a VA, you can make $18-35 per hour.

Start Tutoring 

Starring tutoring means sharing your expertise and knowledge with others by offering classes. If you excel in a particular skill or subject, you can provide tutoring classes for students of all ages online or offline. There are school-going kids, undergraduates, or other students willing to take up different courses related to different subjects or skills from the subject matter experts. 

For example, suppose you excel at classical music, Chemistry, Maths, or other skills and subjects and have a diploma or expertise. In that case, you can offer the classes to the interested group, online or offline. 

To attract students, you can head to platforms like Wyzant or Chegg Tutors, create your tutoring website, use word of mouth in your city, or join other tutoring websites as a tutor to find students and build your tutoring business.

Sell Handmade Crafts

Selling handmade crafts means encashing your passion for painting, crafts, knitting, creating pottery, custom candles, jewellery, or other handmade goodies by selling your products in your spare time. 

For example, if you have the passion and talent to create unique and beautiful scented candles, you can make them and list them online for sale. You can head to different platforms that allow you to sell handmade goodies, including Etsy or Amazon. However, you can also create your own website, sell your handcrafted goods online, or take them to the local fair and market.

Initially, you can create a balance between the costs involved in the making of the candles and the sales prices. And later, when you have a slight hold on the market, you can refine your pricing and eventually earn more.

Run An Etsy Store 

To run an Etsy store, you must create an online one on the platform to sell anything you make under different categories, including handmade or vintage goods, digital assets, or craft supplies.

For example, even if apart from handmade aesthetics like jewellery, candles, books, calendars or other stuff, you are good with resting online graphics, you can list different templates, logos, or more, and the sky is the limit. 

You can list everything under different categories and pricing depending on the average market price and the quality of your product. If your Etsy store takes up, you can earn $200-500 monthly or more. 

Become A Travel Agent

Suppose you like planning trips for your peers. In that case, you can become a professional travel agent who will plan and organise travel itineraries and experiences for clients, helping them find the best deals and experiences for their trips.

For example, if you enjoy exploring travel destinations and have good organisational skills, becoming a travel agent can be a rewarding and easy side hustle. You can either work independently or join a travel agency. Or if you choose to be a travel agent, as a travel agent, you earn commissions from bookings and may charge service fees for your expertise. 

Your earnings as a travel agent will solely depend on the kind of trips you plan, your destinations, and your client base. 

Social Media Management

As a social media manager, you’ll be expected to help businesses and individuals create and maintain a strong online presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Your responsibilities may include creating and scheduling posts, responding to comments, and analysing performance metrics.

So, if you can search for industry-specific posts, create trends, or market the products in the social setup well, you can offer your services as a social media manager to businesses looking to improve their online marketing.

You’ll receive monthly payments for each client whose social media profiles you manage under your care. This means that as you expand your client base and take charge of more social media accounts, to grow your monthly income accordingly.

Go For Babysitting Or Child Care 

Being a babysitter to provide babysitting or child care would involve looking after children when their parents or guardians are unavailable to ensure their safety, well-being, and entertainment. Parents might hire you to watch their children during evenings, weekends, or special occasions. Your role would include keeping the children safe, preparing meals, and engaging them in activities.

You can offer your services as a babysitter or childcare provider to families in your community. You can also head to websites like Bark.com to register as a babysitter and attract parents who live near you. 

This is one of the easy side hustles for those who love spending time with budding buddies. And the average rate to babysit starts at $20 per hour, which is great for a side income. 

Sell Print-On-Demand Products

 If you have the talent to create illustrations or good photography skills that you know people like on their goodies, including t-shirts, mugs, books, pens, or other products, you can get started with a print-on-demand business. You can create custom designs or get unique pictures for merchandise such as T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more, get them printed and then sell those products online.

If you are a talented and quirky graphic designer, you can create unique designs and upload them to print-on-demand platforms like Printful or Teespring. These platforms handle product production, printing, and shipping with your designs. So, when a customer orders items featuring your designs, you earn a commission for each sale.

This is an easy side hustle for those who already love designing. You can earn as much from this business as possible by uploading the maximum designs.

Become A Pet-Sitter Or Per-Day Care

Pet-sitting or taking care of dogs is an easy side hustle for all the dog lovers out there. You’ll be responsible for caring for the pet or dog while their owners are at work or vacationing. You can also opt to provide small dog walking services in your area if you have limited time. 

You can approach the pet owners in your area, market yourself on your social media, or head to relevant local websites that offer different local services on call. 

So, if you take care of the dogs for a few days, you can set your pricing or go for the $20-30 per visit or day payout. 

Rent Out Your Space 

If you have a room empty in your house, a spare apartment, or a retail space, you can rent it out and enjoy a passive income. Plus, you can also potentially see its value appreciated over time.

If you have a separate house, you can rent it on Airbnb or other platforms like Vrbo or Booking.com.

You can also rent your floors or apartment to immigrants or students looking to rent a flat or room in your area. 

As you already spend a lot on maintaining and taking care of your house, you can use that space to rent and generate income by doing nothing but just renting out the space. 

Work As A Transcriptionist

As a transcriptionist, you’ll get content files from the clients and be responsible for writing what you hear from these content assets. The content assets can include audio, videos, phone calls, recordings of the meetings, or maybe even legal proceedings. 

If you have a good ear that listens to all the details and quick fingers, you can be a transcriptionist for clients. If you consistently deliver accurate transcription, you can surely build a client base and earn a regular income as a freelancer with this easy side hustle idea.

Register yourself with websites, including Rev, TranscribeMe, GoTranscript, and others, to attract clients and work for them. You can make $15- $25 an hour as a transcriptionist.

Share The Rides 

Sharing a ride means, if you have a car or even a two-wheeler with you, you can register with Rideshare apps like Uber, Lyft, OlaShare, or BlaBlaCar, and more, and provide transportation in exchange for a fare. 

Ride-sharing is a convenient way to earn money by using your vehicle. You have the flexibility to set your own schedule and work when it suits you. You can attract repeat passengers and generate income as a driver by providing safe and reliable rides.

Even though you cannot keep all the fare to yourself, as there’ll be a company cut, just a few rides a day can help you earn moderately a day. 

Work As A Translator 

If you are bilingual, trilingual, or a polyglot, you can be a translator and help many businesses or companies convert written or spoken content from one language to another. Your primary key area of work will be to convert any content asset into a different language with all its essence and cultural nuances intact. 

Translation is a valuable skill in an increasingly globalised world. Even though there are several AI tools available these days, the opportunity for a human translator has continued, as they are the only ones who provide intact accuracy. So, you can find translation opportunities on freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com, where you can work with international clients or collaborate with agencies specialising in language services. 

You can build a reputation by maintaining linguistic accuracy and delivering high-quality translations. And even though it would not be an easy side hustle, you’ll still earn a hefty income as a freelance translator per project.

Wrapping Up

The world of side hustles offers a plethora of opportunities for individuals looking to boost their income and achieve financial goals. So, whether you’re exploring drop servicing, dropshipping, freelance writing, or venturing into any of the other easy side hustles we’ve discussed, the key is finding a gig that aligns with your interest, skills set, schedule and favourable and suitable circumstances.

Side hustles are not just that extra cushion for your wallet but also offer you the potential for personal growth and financial stability. With dedication, creativity, and a willingness to put in the effort, you can unlock the doors to a world of financial freedom through these proven side hustle ideas.