Side businesses have become increasingly popular among Americans, with about 40% of the population engaging in some form of side hustle, according to a recent Bankrate survey. The survey also revealed that 28% of individuals view their side business as an ongoing financial necessity, highlighting the importance of these additional income streams. Nearly 30% of those with a side hustle reported making more than $500 a month from their business, showcasing the potential for significant earnings.
Aside from the financial benefits, pursuing side business ideas also provides individuals with the opportunity to build new skill sets and explore their passions. Entrepreneurs who embark on side businesses often find satisfaction in creating a business from scratch and forging a new career path that offers greater security amid economic uncertainties such as layoffs.
If you’re considering starting a side business but aren’t sure where to begin, we’ve compiled a list of 22 best side business ideas that you can kick off today. These ideas range from photography and clothing lines to virtual assisting and teaching classes, offering a diverse array of options for individuals with varying interests and skills.
-
Start a photography business: Turn your passion for photography into a lucrative side business by offering your services for events, portraits, or commercial projects. You can also sell your photos online through stock photography websites to expand your reach and income potential.
-
Start a clothing line: Utilize the print-on-demand model to create custom apparel and accessories without the need for upfront investment in inventory. Platforms like Printful and Printify allow you to design and sell products with your unique branding.
-
Sell your skills: Monetize your existing skills by offering services such as content consulting, freelance writing, or graphic design. Identify high-demand skills in your industry and market your services to potential clients.
-
Become a virtual assistant: Leverage your organizational and administrative skills to provide remote support to businesses and entrepreneurs. Virtual assistants handle tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing emails, and coordinating travel arrangements.
-
Teach a language: Tap into the growing online language learning market by offering virtual language classes to students worldwide. Platforms like Skooli and VIPKid provide opportunities for language tutors to earn income by teaching English and other languages.
-
Start a cleaning business: Launch a cleaning service catering to residential or commercial clients in your local area. With minimal investment in cleaning supplies, you can quickly establish a profitable business that meets the demand for professional cleaning services.
-
Become an event planner: Capitalize on the thriving event planning industry by offering your expertise in organizing weddings, parties, and corporate events. Develop a niche in the market and build a reputation for delivering memorable and seamless events.
-
Start a house- or pet-sitting business: Cater to pet owners and travelers by offering house-sitting or pet-sitting services. With the pet industry booming, there is a growing demand for reliable caretakers who can provide quality care for pets in their owners’ absence.
-
Be a usability tester: Earn money by providing feedback on websites, apps, and products as a usability tester. Platforms like UserTesting and Userlytics connect testers with companies seeking user feedback to improve their products.
-
Become a dropshipper: Launch an ecommerce business with minimal startup costs by dropshipping products from suppliers directly to customers. Platforms like DSers and Spocket enable you to source products, create an online store, and fulfill orders without holding inventory.
-
Rent your space: Monetize your unused space by listing it on platforms like Airbnb or Peerspace for short-term rentals or events. Whether you have a spare room, vacation home, or commercial space, renting it out can generate passive income.
-
Sell thrift store finds: Hunt for valuable items at thrift stores and resell them online for a profit. Popular items to flip include antiques, vintage clothing, and collectibles that appeal to a niche market of buyers.
-
Become an influencer: Build a following on social media and collaborate with brands to promote products and services to your audience. Influencers with varying follower counts can earn money through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and brand partnerships.
-
Teach a class: Share your expertise by offering classes or workshops on a subject you’re passionate about. Whether it’s music lessons, cooking classes, or fitness training, teaching can be a rewarding way to earn extra income while helping others learn new skills.
-
Start affiliate marketing: Promote products and earn commission through affiliate marketing programs offered by companies like ShareASale and Awin. By creating content around products you recommend, you can generate passive income through affiliate links.
-
Become a rideshare driver: Join popular rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft to earn money by providing transportation services to passengers. As a rideshare driver, you have the flexibility to set your own schedule and work when it’s convenient for you.
-
Deliver food: Work as a food delivery driver for services like Uber Eats, Postmates, or Deliveroo to earn money by delivering meals to customers. With the rise of food delivery apps, there is a growing demand for drivers to fulfill orders and provide timely service.
-
Write an ebook: Self-publish your own ebook on platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing to share your knowledge and expertise with readers. Ebooks can be a profitable way to generate passive income and establish yourself as an author in your niche.
-
Sell online courses: Create and sell online courses on topics you’re knowledgeable about, such as photography, marketing, or fitness. Online learning platforms like Teachable and Udemy allow you to reach a global audience and monetize your expertise.
-
Sell your art: Showcase and sell your artwork online through platforms like Etsy or your own ecommerce store. Whether you create paintings, prints, or digital art, selling your art can be a rewarding way to earn income from your creative talents.
-
Private label your own products: Partner with manufacturers to create custom-branded products in niche markets like pet supplies, beauty products, or supplements. Private labeling allows you to sell unique products under your brand without the need for manufacturing or inventory management.
- Sell handmade goods: Turn your crafting skills into a profitable business by selling handmade goods online. Whether you create jewelry, home decor, or skincare products, there is a market for unique handmade items that appeal to consumers seeking artisanal products.
Starting a side business offers a range of benefits, from earning extra income to developing new skills and exploring your passions. By choosing a side business idea that aligns with your interests and expertise, you can create a successful venture that complements your full-time job and provides a pathway to financial independence. Whether you’re a photographer, virtual assistant, or pet sitter, there are endless opportunities to launch a side business and achieve your entrepreneurial goals.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1239398282-cf7876b901c44b83a4a42cbd7a5a7c0e.jpg "Potential Impact of New Worker Classification Rule on U.S. Gig Economy")
