Side businesses have become increasingly popular among Americans looking to earn extra income outside of their regular day jobs. According to a recent Bankrate survey, about 40% of Americans have a side business, with 28% expecting it to be an ongoing financial necessity. Nearly 30% of those with a side hustle made more than $500 a month from their business. The financial benefits of a side business are clear, as the extra money earned can be used to pay off debt, invest, or treat oneself.
However, the benefits of a side business go beyond just financial gain. Pursuing side business ideas also provides individuals with the opportunity to build new skill sets and explore their passions. Entrepreneurs who start side businesses often find satisfaction in creating a business from scratch and forging a new career path that offers greater security amid layoffs and economic uncertainties.
If you’re considering starting a side business but aren’t sure where to begin, here is a list of 22 best side business ideas that you can kick off today:
1. Start a photography business: Turn your passion for photography into a profitable side business by offering photography services in your local area or selling your photos online through platforms like Stocksy, Shutterstock, and Alamy.
2. Start a clothing line: Utilize the print-on-demand model to create and sell custom-designed clothing items without the need to hold inventory.
3. Sell your skills: Monetize your existing skills by offering services or advice in high-demand areas such as content consulting or freelance writing.
4. Become a virtual assistant: Use your organizational and management skills to offer remote administrative support to businesses and individuals.
5. Teach a language: Capitalize on the growing online language learning market by offering virtual language classes to students worldwide.
6. Start a cleaning business: Launch a low-cost cleaning service that can quickly generate income with a small client base.
7. Become an event planner: Tap into the lucrative event planning industry by offering your organizational skills to plan weddings, parties, and corporate events.
8. Start a house- or pet-sitting business: Cater to pet owners and travelers by offering house-sitting or pet-sitting services in your local area.
9. Be a usability tester: Provide feedback on websites, apps, and products to help companies improve user experience and earn compensation for your time.
10. Become a dropshipper: Start an ecommerce business with minimal startup costs by finding products to sell through dropshipping apps and platforms.
11. Rent your space: Generate passive income by renting out spare rooms, homes, or commercial spaces on platforms like Airbnb or Peerspace.
12. Sell thrift store finds: Flip second-hand items for a profit by sourcing unique and valuable items from thrift stores and selling them online.
13. Become an influencer: Build a social media following and monetize your influence by partnering with brands for sponsored posts and collaborations.
14. Teach a class: Share your expertise by offering classes or workshops in your area of expertise, either in person or online.
15. Start affiliate marketing: Promote products from other companies and earn commission on sales made through your affiliate links.
16. Become a rideshare driver: Join popular rideshare platforms like Uber to earn money by transporting passengers in your spare time.
17. Deliver food: Work as a food delivery driver for platforms like Uber Eats, Postmates, or Deliveroo to earn money delivering meals to customers.
18. Write an ebook: Self-publish your own ebook on platforms like Barnes & Noble Press or Kindle Direct Publishing to earn passive income from book sales.
19. Sell online courses: Create and sell online courses on topics you’re knowledgeable about to earn money teaching others.
20. Sell your art: Monetize your artistic talents by selling handmade goods, prints, or digital downloads of your artwork online.
21. Private label your own products: Outsource production of a product to a manufacturer and sell it under your own brand to generate income.
22. Sell handmade goods: Turn raw materials into valuable products like clothing, jewelry, or skincare items to sell online through platforms like Etsy.
Starting a side business is a great way to earn extra income, explore new skills, and potentially transition into a full-time entrepreneurial venture. By choosing a side business idea that aligns with your interests and skills, you can create a profitable and fulfilling business that complements your day job. Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, save for the future, or simply pursue your passions, starting a side business can be a rewarding and lucrative endeavor.
