7 Best Online Side Hustles To Make $1000/Month
Gaurav Upreti 01 August, 2024
Money is the favorite piece of paper of all time. Nobody says no to it, especially when it only requires little effort and time to earn.
However, we are not talking about day jobs nor suggesting scamming schemes. Instead, we are talking about passive income streams, better known as side hustles.
In this digital age, you will find many ways to make side cash and turn your life around. The best part is that most of these methods are conducted from the comforts of your couch.
Yes, the internet is filled with these online side hustle ideas!
But, not all of them are worth the catch. Some are just fluffy one-timers, while others have numerous pre-requisites attached.
So how do you find the right hustle that pays well amongst the plethora of wanna-be options?
The good news is we have done all the hard work for you.
We tried and tested dozens of online side hustles and filtered the 7 best ones for you.
The online hustles mentioned below have the most earning potential, and the best part is they require little effort.
Online Side Hustles: The Knight in Shining Armor
Before we dive deep into the 7 amazing online side hustles we came across. Let us first tell you what they are and why we choose them and not others?
Online side hustles are earning ways that supplement your 9 – 5 job. Thus the name ‘Side’ hustle. The truth is that with unpredictability and inflation surrounding us, it has become tough to pay the bills with one source of income.
So online side hustles have become essential. 41% of people do it to meet ends, while others do it to pursue their passion. No matter the reason, online side hustles have become a source of freedom from financial worries for many.
Image Source: Bankrate
Especially for those who have just started their career, side hustles are a knight in shining armor. Adding up food, rent, transport, and other bills, there is barely anything left to save which is a bummer!
And the only way to uncap financial growth is online side hustles.
They are way better than waiting for that meager year-end bonus or that petty bank interest on deposits. An online side hustle can help you generate a second income every month. It can help you today or save money for tomorrow or a decade from now.
Who Can Start an Online Side Hustle?
You don’t have to fit any criteria to start a side hustle online. It’s open to anyone and everyone. The best part is that you only need a good internet connection and a small investment to ready your cash cow.
So here are some people who can benefit from a side hustle:
- Someone who faced an unexpected job loss.
- Individuals saving for a down payment of a house or a car
- Students with loans and other debts to pay off
- Cautious people who put money aside for a rainy day
- Someone who desires a more posh life which their day job cannot afford
- Parents saving for their child’s future, such as tuitions fee and weddings
- People who want to boost their retirement funds and pension plans
The gist is that from paying for essentials and saving for retirement to backing your travel and other luxuries, a side hustle from home is beneficial for all. It is a game-changer that will give you the freedom to enjoy life without burning holes in your wallet.
Without further ado, let’s dive into how you can make money online from the remits of your home.
9 Best Online Side Hustles
1. Start Freelancing
What is Freelancing?
Freelancing is a form of self-employment, as opposed to working for someone else. Freelancers, unlike employees, work on a contract or project basis and do not always operate under the supervision of an employer.
There are so many ways to make money on online freelancing. Whether you’re just a newbie or an expert, as long as you can read, write, make videos, program, graphic design, and photograph, then you may have what it takes to get hired.
There are also opportunities in the field of teaching, virtual assistance, or open to learn a variety of skills. And best of all, some platforms let you set your rate.
Some areas that are easy to take and can earn money are online transcription works, online virtual assistant services, and social media management.
The best side of freelancing is that mostly, it can be done online, making it a flexible option so you can work into your regular schedule. Fiverr, Upwork and freelancer, and even traditional job sites are some of the best marketplaces for those who are willing to try.
What are the benefits of freelancing?
- You can be your own boss -You can choose the projects you work on
- You choose your own client
- You can set your own hours
- You can work from anywhere
- You keep all the profits
- You can make more money than working a traditional job
The earning potential:
Depending on the niche, a general freelancer can typically expect to earn $40 per hour or charge per project. However, an expert can charge way more, even in thousands.
Skills or expertise required:
- Knowledge of the niche
- Freelance account
- Internet connection and gadgets
Platforms that facilitate:
- Fiverr
- Upwork
- Freelancer.com
- Craigslist
Freelance gigs are not like the other income sources mentioned above. They do require an effort but only when you choose to take them on.
So when you see a considerable expense coming your way or wish to buy something new, you can pick up a freelance project and earn extra cash for that month only.
There are no requirements, and anyone can make an account on a freelancing site and try their skills there. From content writing and graphic designing to bookkeeping and website building, you can find a plethora of projects.
The best part is that you can shift categories if you cannot find work in one niche. For example, you might be creating T-shirt mockups one day and designing a logo the next day.
But once you get the hang of these freelancing platforms, your reputation can build up, and you can find consistent work.
You will have to link a payment gateway to cash out earnings from these platforms and pay a small commission. The earning potential of a freelancer varies drastically depending on the projects you undertake and your communication skills.
So if you love variety and want to upsell your services, this online side hustle is perfect for you. You can easily make anywhere from $100 to $5,000 per month and even more if you take things seriously. Just don’t sell yourself short.
Many freelancers turned their freelance accounts into their primary source of income. The secret to their success was not underestimating themselves and charging clients based on the value they create rather than the meager market rates set.
Remember, if you have good marketing skills, you can make big bucks by working less. Unfortunately, most amateurs undercharge; refrain from doing that, or it will lead to fast burnout and little payoffs.
What’s not good with freelancing
Freelancers are responsible for paying their own taxes, health insurance, pension and other personal contributions. Since they work for themselves, freelancers must also cover their own holiday costs and sick pay.
Make your first $5 now. Join Fiverr
Read: How to make money on Fiverr
Start A Blog
Blogging is one of the side hustle with the highest earning potential, but it’s not an immediately income-producing opportunity. Starting and making it grow does take time.
However, the work potential of a blog is limitless. Starting a simple blog can be such a profitable side hustle.
Write about your niche, then monetize it through affiliate links, display ads, product sales, and more. So if you’re looking for a long-term side hustle, then this could be it.
Blogging is one of the best side hustles because it allows you to make money while sharing your passion with the world. You can start a blog for free with platforms like WordPress or Blogger, Wix, etc and if you build a large enough following, you can make money through advertising, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.
Learn how to start a blog from scratch
Start A Dropshipping Business
Dropshipping is one of the best side hustle job ideas. If you like the automated aspects of print-on-demand, this time, if you are interested in marketing and operations over creating designs, then you might want to consider a dropshipping business.
It allows you to sell a product directly to a customer without having to buy any inventory, you will serve as the third party of the company and customer.
Why is that so great?
You don’t need to have a big amount of budget for starting.
The manufacturer or the company carries the inventory for you and also ships the product directly to the customer. Your main focus for this is your marketing skills and good customer service, this will be the bloodline of the business.
All you have to do is set up your store, price your products, and market business.
Dropshipping is a low-risk opportunity, so this is great for beginners because products are only shipped when they are purchased.
With a third party for shipping and manufacturing, dropshipping will free you plenty of time.
You can also drop-ship on different marketplaces like Amazon and any other online shops to reach more customers.
Social Media Influencer
The earning potential:
$100 to $1000 per post depending on following
Skills or expertise required:
- Creative and consistent content
- Good collaboration skills
- Internet connectivity
Platforms that facilitate:
- Snapchat
Who says social media is just for connections? Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter have much untapped earning potential too.
And the most significant way to earn passively through them is by becoming an Influencer, as influencer marketing holds the value of 13.8 billion dollars.
For Gen Z, these social media channels are not only a quick way to become famous but also a source of good income. You no longer need to act or sing to attract people and get sponsorship deals.
Fortunately, the users of these platforms value all sorts of skills. So you can cash in on any niche, such as becoming a fashionista or running a travel guide account. Once you build a robust fan base, watch brands and agencies approach you to promote their product or services.
That being said, all you need to do to become an influencer is make an account on your favorite social media platform and build a personal brand in the field you love or are skilled in. Then keep publishing creative content and increase your followers.
Initially, you will receive free goodies to promote. However, once your words and visuals establish their authority, you will get paid deals as well.
Depending on audience size, niche type, and content quality, you can earn based on each promotional content you post.
Sell Photography Online
The earning potential:
A couple of hundred to thousands of dollars depending on image quality and the number of images sold.
Skills or expertise required:
- Good camera
- Online connection and accounts where you can sell
- Intermediate-level photography knowledge
Platforms that facilitate:
- Alamy.
- 500px
- Shutterstock
- Etsy
- Getty Images
- Fiver
- Stocksy
For photography lovers, now is the chance to earn their money while clicking photos by becoming a part of this online side hustle.
Even if you are an amateur photographer, you can manage to sell your images online for a pretty good sum.
As many digital businesses require visuals but cannot hire costly photographers, stock photo selling has become a booming business. So all you need is a camera and some basic photography knowledge to join this hustle.
Just like professional photographer sell their images to newspapers and magazines, you can sell your clicked shots to online publications, blogs, and digital agencies.
If you have no direct contacts, you can upload your work on sites like Shutterstock, which lets you sell your pictures to their users.
The earning potential of this online side hustle depends on what you charge per photo and the number of photos you end up selling. The platforms on which you upload your image also play a crucial role.
However, this online hustle is not just a number game; its earnings also depend on quality. Technically the better photos you click, the more clients will approach you, and they will be willing to pay more.
So if you plan on taking up this side hustle, invest in a good camera and take impressive pictures.
Start a Channel on Youtube
The earning potential:
This depends on the number of subscribers you have, the country you are operating from, and the content you upload. In general, a youtube account that allows the running of ads can make $18 per 1,000 views.
Skills or expertise required:
- Good content
- Quality videography
- Monetized Youtube channel
Platforms that facilitate:
- Youtube
YouTube is not just for viewing; you can earn a lot via it. By running a successful channel, you can make money via your video content in many ways.
Once you reach 1000 subscribers, you can monetize your account on this popular video streaming platform.
Many V-loggers prefer this online side hustle as it allows them to earn money while pursuing their passion for creating videos. All you have to do is manage an account and keep posting quality content on it.
Once your videos are published and reach your target audience, they can subscribe to your channel and help you earn money on every view. You can also make money by posting affiliate links and allowing ads to be run in between your videos.
The earning potential on this platform depends on how you monetize it and how well you market your channel. From paid partnerships to advertisements, you can make money via many sources. All you need are viewers and subscribers who can help your channel grow and get noticed.
Create Online Courses
The earning potential:
You can price your online course from $5 to $500, depending on the knowledge it provides. But, of course, the total earnings will depend on how many users purchase it.
Skills or expertise required:
- Knowledge of the subject
- Recording video lessons
- Basic workings of online course publication
Platforms that facilitate:
- Udemy
- Masterclass
- Coursera
If you are looking for a recurring income stream without incurring expenses, then selling online courses is the answer. Once created and uploaded, digital courses can keep generating money over the long run without any extra effort.
As per Statista, this online side hustle has a vast market that continues to grow. It is perfect for those who wish to impart their knowledge in one go. So pre-recording your experience and knowledge and then selling it on platforms like Udemy and Coursera holds a lot of potential.
Image source: Statista
These courses you sell come under informational products and are delivered digitally without hassles. So you keep earning every time someone makes a purchase. The best part is that time and hard work is only required at the beginning.
After the initial research and recordings, all you need to do is market your courses and watch them flourish. Not only will it help your bank account grow, but you will be haloing others too by spreading knowledge. So it’s a win-win for everyone.
The earning potential of this online side hustle depends on what subject you cover. Is there a demand for that niche? If it’s a trending course, you can earn a lot. So before creating a course, check the market for what’s popular and monetize that.
Moreover, the total earnings will also depend on your marketing execution. For example, sometimes your course content is top-notch, but you cannot sell it as it fails to reach your target audience. Thus, if you wish to earn more, work on spreading the word.
Lastly, you can create courses on anything, and they don’t necessarily have to be educational.
If you are a fitness expert, you can sell a diet plan or a fitness routine; if you are a digital marketer, you can teach others how to become one, and so on. It’s all about helping people solve problems and make money while doing it.
Become a Virtual Assistant
The earning potential:
You can cap your hourly rate from as low as $5 to as high as $5000 depending on the company you work for, the projects you complete, and the level of complexity
Skills or expertise required:
- Basic know-how
- Strong internet connection
- Hour’s availability
Platforms that facilitate:
- Upwork
- Freelancer.com
- Fiver
Not all side hustles require you to do everything on your own. Sometimes helping others out can help you earn much more money if you know how to upsell and communicate well.
Yes, we are talking about virtual assistants.
So if you enjoy solving the problems of others, then why not get paid to do it. There is a high demand for virtual assistance and practically no cost attached. Moreover, the opportunities are vast as you can virtually assist with anything from anywhere.
From social media management and bookkeeping to conducting administrative tasks, you can do various projects from a remote location. All you need is robust internet connectivity and some basic know-how of the field you wish to pursue.
Moreover, there is no need for specialization as virtual assistance help digital businesses with basic tasks which require little time and effort.
Just by sparing a few hours a day, you can earn a pretty handsome amount. Countless companies are looking for assistants so you will never face a shortage of work.
You can choose to work with numerous clients or focus on just one organization and grow with it. The money you can make will depend on the hours you work and the type of work you perform.
Coming on to the best part, you can start today, as in right now. By applying on popular sites like Upwork and Fiver, you can land a job within days.
Initially, the pay is less as these platforms charge a commission based on total earnings. However, the chances of growth are considerable, especially if you manage to branch out independently.
Online consulting
The earning potential:
Beginners usually charge $50 per hour for their time, while professionals with high rankings can charge as much as $1000 and above on an hourly basis.
Skills or expertise required:
- Expert knowledge and credentials in the required subject
- Good internet connection
- Available hours
Platforms that facilitate:
- Build your website
- Third-party platforms like Comatch
Statista states that in 2022 the online training industry will surpass $243 billion. This is different from selling courses mentioned above.
Online consulting is done on one on one basis with direct communication. Instead of selling prerecorded content to mass users, this niche narrows down to live training to a specific audience on specialized topics.
If you have great knowledge or experience in a particular industry, you can help others by providing them consultations and advice on that topic. You can turn your expertise into a source of side income by distributing it to others,
Pretty much like physical consultation, online consulting can be done in any field. From construction and investment to law and entertainment, internet users are looking for recommendations and education everywhere.
By being their guide, you can charge them on an hourly or a project basis. The best part is you can have clients from all across the globe, yet you won’t have to leave your home as the internet bring them to your virtual doorstep.
So you will be earning while still being a couch potato, and this online side hustle recurrently generates revenue.
That being said, you can start your consulting business anywhere from scratch.
There is little investment required as there is no need for a brick-and-mortar setup, nor do you have to hire anyone. You can start by listing yourself on other 3rd party platforms like Comatch, but they charge commissions.
Once you think you have carved enough name and fame, you can create your website and begin selling directly. What’s exciting is that each consulting gig pays well, and if you can get direct contacts, you can easily earn $30,000 to $40,000 per year.
So if you already have a skill, share it, if you don’t, get certified now and get paid to spread knowledge.
Tips on Starting an Online Side Hustle
After you have decided which side hustle to pursue, it’s time to act. No matter which one you pick, these are some general tips that can help you succeed at an exponential rate:
Start Now
Stop waiting for the right time as it isn’t going to come. All the methods mentioned above barely require any significant planning. So instead of worrying about where and how to start, just do it.
Look no further, and stop taking advice from every tom dick and harry or you will only end up getting confused. There isn’t much to lose, so take the leap of faith and let the hustle do the rest.
Make a List
If you are interested in more than one hustle, try narrowing it down. It is never a good idea to be a jack of all trades. By making a list of the pros and cons of each passive income source mentioned above, you can select one that benefits you the most.
Then focus on it. Instead of opening many streams of small income sources, it is best to make one large dam. Try to excel at one online side hustle and only transit to others if you succeed or fail miserably!
Moonlight with Passion
It’s not necessary to love your job when it pays the bills. However, most people pick a side hustle that is their passion as it improves their chances of success. As you can see in the diagram below, side hustles are not just about the money but also depend on personal freedom.
Image Source: Side Hustle Nation
So our advice will be to choose something you are passionate about. For example, if you wish to be an Influencer, select a niche you love. Don’t just follow the herd and get blinded by fads and short-lived trends.
Remember, side hustles require double motivation as you do them after your main job with little energy left. So if you are passionate about it, it will be easy to pursue, and the probability of succeeding also increases.
Plan Expenses Wisely
Online side hustles don’t require much investment. Initially, there can be some expenditures. But most people have little to spare. So don’t go overboard and build your hustle slowly.
If upfront payments are required for things like hosting, tools, and training, take them one at a time. Try to cut down expenses or delay them if possible.
Measure your chances of success before going all in, as one failure can set you back a long way.
Avoid Conflicts of Interest
Never ignore your day job for a side hustle. We cannot emphasize this enough. Most people earn a few bucks online and, in their pride, resign from their employment position. And in a few months, the side hustle just sizzles away, leaving them jobless.
So until and unless your online hustle is a consistent success and generates a robust income, don’t prioritize it over your current career.
Suppose there is a conflict of interest between your primary source of income and passive income; it’s better to shelf the latter to prevent regrets.
However, remember your day job is what you rely on for a steady cheque, so give it 100%. After that, take time out for online earnings.
Trying to juggle them both simultaneously is a recipe for disaster. Thus, plan your side hustle in a way that doesn’t interfere with your main working hours.
Side Hustle = Good Money
Reading this far, you must have realized, side hustles are no joke. They may run on the side and require little time and effort, but the earning potential is no chump change. You can churn quite a lot of cash if you are consistent and creative with them.
There are many success stories of those who have turned side hustles into substantial income streams.
In most cases, you will discover that these famous side hustlers all carved their journey by learning new things. So follow their lead and earn extra cash along with acquiring skills!
Lastly, earning online is an iterative process. So, you cannot expect your first side hustle to be a big bang. But, keep trying, and don’t lose hope.
Remember, even small side hustles can improve your financial position if conducted for a long time.
What are you waiting for?
Start brainstorming and take the first step of pursuing a new hobby that pays well too. There is no one stopping you from chasing your dreams while having fun.
We pray that the odds remain in your favor and that your online side hustle adds a lot of money to your pocket.
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