If you’re juggling your life’s expenses—I can’t emphasize enough how stressful this can be—and needing extra cash, starting a side hustle might be your saving grace.
Right off the bat, I’d like to tell you that this blog is all about side hustle ideas and how to earn money online. I have tons of experience with it and am more than willing to share them with you.
You see, according to Upwork, about 59 million Americans do freelancing, especially during when the COVID pandemic peaked. This suggests that many have turned to this side hustle due to the financial storms brought on by the pandemic.
We can say that more people realize the financial potential of turning a side hustle into a reliable secondary income source.
As someone who’s been scouring the internet for effective side hustle ideas (I do this almost daily), I’ve seen promising options, hundreds of them, from completing online surveys to starting an online business.
However, freelancing is one side hustle idea that stands out due to its viability and adaptability.
Here, we will venture deeper into this idea, exploring why freelancing is currently considered the number 1 side hustle.
So, let’s dive into the world of side hustles and uncover why freelancing might be the best fit for you.
Short Summary
- The top 1 side hustle you can do this year is freelancing.
- There are many freelancing jobs, but most can revolve around selling items online, doing freelance writing, and even pet sitting or dog walking.
- You can have your own schedule when you freelance.
- Having an online portfolio is a great edge when doing freelancing since most clients will be looking for your sample works.
- The only downside of freelancing is that it’s not a stable job. However, this still depends since you can build trust with clients or companies over time.
The Number 1 Side Hustle Is Freelancing
Freelancing has long been one of the top side hustle ideas, enabling countless people to make money online.
It has surged in popularity, particularly in these trying times, making it a viable contender as the best side hustle.
Why Is Freelancing the Top Side Hustle This Year?
Now, there are deeper reasons as to why many seek freelancing.
Financial Potential of Freelancing
The financial perk of a side hustle is naturally the extra cash. Therefore, the financial potential of a hustle idea often determines its popularity.
As a freelance professional, you have the power to determine your charges based on your skills and experience. This lends a fantastic opportunity to earn more than what a traditional 9-5 job might offer.
The Benefit of Flexible Schedules
One of the best side hustle ideas is one that offers flexibility.
Freelancing brings you the chance to decide your own working hours. You can have your own schedule. Having control over when to hustle and when to relax is a benefit no side hustle idea can match.
You can work on your side hustle whenever you have availability, thereby making the most efficient use of your time.
The Option for Remote Work
With more businesses being open to remote workers, freelancing as a side hustle has become even more appealing, especially in the aspect of having your own schedule.
The chance to earn money online from the comfort of your own home is a massive perk for many who are looking for a side hustle.
Diverse Opportunities in Various Industries
The great thing about freelancing as a side hustle is the variety of opportunities it presents. Be it writing, graphic designing, consulting, or even completing online surveys, the options for finding side hustle ideas in freelancing are diverse.
This lets you find a side hustle that aligns with your skills and interests.
How to Get Started in Freelancing
So, you’re sold on the idea of freelancing as your side hustle this year, and you’re raring to start earning some extra cash. Below are concrete steps on how to transition smoothly into the gig economy.
Finding Your Niche
Diving into the world of freelancing can be as broad or as specialized as you make it. Among the wealth of hustle ideas, it’s crucial to find your niche.
This first step is determining what skills or passions you have that can be translated into a sellable service.
Keep in mind that the more unique your offering, the less competition you’ll have. Be it photography, writing, programming, or even completing online surveys, there’s a side hustle idea out there for you.
From my personal experience, finding your niche involves a bit of introspection and market research.
Analyze your strengths and consider how you can leverage them to earn some extra money.
Furthermore, I’ve learned that specializing in a certain area of your choice can make your side hustle more profitable.
Setting Up Your Online Profile
After choosing your hustle idea, it’s time to set up an online profile.
In the digital age, an online presence is crucial for any type of side hustle, and freelancing is no exception. Your online profile is your chance to showcase your skills to potential clients, and an impressive one can attract new side hustle opportunities to make extra money.
In creating your online profile, pay attention to details like a clear, professional photo of yourself, a strong, authentic bio, and evidence of your skills (such as portfolio pieces or customer testimonials).
You’re setting up the online face of your side hustle. It’s important to make a positive first impression.
Where to Find Freelance Jobs
Now that you’ve identified what you can offer and have set up your online profile, where can you find jobs to start this promising side hustle?
The internet abounds with platforms catering to freelancers looking to engage in a profitable side hustle.
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn are an excellent place to start. These platforms offer ample opportunities for side hustle ideas, from advertising expertise to writing prowess.
If you’re still exploring your hustle ideas, these platforms can offer a good scope of the kind of work that’s currently in demand.
Getting started on these platforms can involve a bit of legwork at first, but it pays off.
Having a presence on these online business hubs increases your visibility to potential clients. Combining this with a proactive approach in applying for gigs matching your skills can result in a stream of extra income in no time.
Taking up freelancing as a side hustle doesn’t mean you will start making extra cash immediately. It requires patience and perseverance.
However, the journey of exploring side hustle ideas, establishing your niche, creating your online profile and finding the right freelance job opportunities can be extremely rewarding as you build your path toward financial freedom.
Building Your Freelance Business
Alright, once you’ve got your foot into the vast world of freelancing, the journey to building a successful freelance business truly begins.
Here, I’ll share from personal experience the steps you can take to grow your chosen side hustle into a steady stream of extra income.
Marketing Your Services
Marketing is the engine that propels any business, and your freelancing side hustle is no different! A key hustle idea is to highlight your skills and services for potential clients effectively.
Start by establishing a strong online presence. It’s not enough to simply have a LinkedIn or Upwork profile; it’s also essential to be active and engaging.
Share relevant content, participate in discussions, and get involved in communities related to your freelance services. This strategy can go a long way in making sure your side hustle garners attention.
Also, remember word-of-mouth marketing, arguably one of the best side hustle ideas when it comes to promotion.
Let your friends, family, and previous clients know about your hustle so they can recommend you to others. Nothing beats a recommendation from a satisfied client!
Continuous Learning and Skills Improvement
I always tell this to my colleagues and friends: maintaining a successful side hustle idea involves consistently improving your skills. This can significantly benefit your ability to deliver high-quality services and make extra money.
You, I’ve seen many people who have done freelancing that got so relaxed to the point that they already think they’re the best version of themselves. For some reason, they’re too arrogant to be better.
That’s not the case in freelancing. It should be a never-ending learning journey. Times are changing, and so are your skill sets. You need to adapt.
And you know what? You can easily take advantage of the abundance of online courses available today.
If you’re in the graphic design industry, for example, you might wish to explore advanced design courses.
Alternatively, if your side hustle is dog walking, you could consider an online course in animal behavior or pet first aid.
Remember, the more skilled you are, the higher the rates you can command and the more extra income you can earn from your side hustle.
Managing Your Finances
As exhilarating as it is to build your side hustle and see extra money flowing in, managing the financial aspect of your freelance business might not seem a walk in the park at all.
However, following these simple hustle ideas can help you navigate this area:
- Keep a clear record of all your freelance income and expenses. This will not only aid in tax preparation but also give you a clear picture of your financial status.
- Understand how much extra money you bring in from your side hustle versus the costs associated with it. It can help you make smart, informed decisions.
- Don’t undervalue your services. One tricky aspect of a side hustle idea like freelancing is establishing a sensible pricing strategy.
- Set a fair rate for your services that reflects your expertise. Remember, your side hustle is not merely a hobby; it’s a business you’re running to earn extra cash.
- With extra income from your side hustle, plan on how to spend it wisely. Whether you’re using your side hustle earnings to clear debt, save for future goals, or reinvest in your freelance business, prudent financial management will ensure your side hustle brings about lasting positive change in your financial life.
Other Side Hustles You Can Consider
While freelancing is an excellent path to extra income, there’s a world of other side hustle ideas awaiting exploration.
Each person is unique, and a side hustle that works wonderfully for one individual may not suit another.
Therefore, expanding your list of side hustle opportunities for generating extra income can be a fantastic move.
Here are some viable side hustle idea options that you might consider.
Selling Items Online
Whether it’s handcrafted jewelry, vintage clothing, or even the old items you no longer need, there’s a market for everything online.
Setting up an online store can be a lucrative side hustle that not only helps you declutter but also brings in some extra money.
In my experience, selling items online involves initial setup work but can be quite automated after that.
Platforms like eBay or Etsy can be great places to start your online store.
Just remember to take clear photographs, write compelling product descriptions, include precise measurements where applicable, and price reasonably!
Tutoring or Teaching Online
If you have a knack for teaching, tutoring or conducting an online course might just be the side hustle idea for you.
With many people resorting to online learning, there’s currently a high demand for skilled online tutors or course instructors.
From teaching languages to conducting an art course, you can virtually teach anything online that people are willing to learn. This side hustle allows you to share your knowledge and passion while making some extra money on the side.
Doing Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
For all animal lovers out there, pet sitting or dog walking could be the ideal side hustle.
Spending time with animals not only offers you the joy of companionship but also generates a hefty hustle income, especially if you live in a pet-dense neighborhood.
There are online platforms that provide easy access to clients who require dog walking or pet-sitting services.
Once you start establishing loyal clients, your side hustle will flourish through word-of-mouth recommendations.
Renting Properties on Airbnb
If you have some extra space in your home or own a property that you’re not currently using, renting it out can be a great side hustle.
Platforms like Airbnb make it easier than ever to generate extra income from your space.
There’s certainly work involved in maintaining the property and providing good customer service to your guests.
But overall, if you’re okay with strangers being in your space, this can be one of the most rewarding side hustles to consider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Top Side Hustle This Year?
It’s freelancing. There are numerous industries that offer freelance roles.
Can I Take More Than One Freelance Job?
It depends. However, most companies won’t really care whether or not you get another role as long as it won’t be a conflict of interest.
Can I Start Freelancing Without Any Prior Experience?
Technically, yes. However, having some experience is an edge in the freelance world. This can also be a determinant of how much companies or clients will pay you.
Can I Sell Online and Earn a Side Hustle Income?
Yes, you can. Keep in mind, though, that it’s not an easy job. You may need to display extraordinary grit and patience in order to profit or get more money.
Is Freelancing a Stable Job?
Honestly, it depends. However, most of the time, it’s not since most freelance jobs won’t have contracts. Basically, clients or companies can withdraw the employment, project, or task anytime they see fit.
Final Thoughts
It’s clear that there’s no shortage of opportunities when it comes to finding the right side hustle ideas to make extra money. Whether you aim to start your own business selling items online, teaching an online course, doing dog walking, or renting out your property, the potential to earn extra income is immense.
The key here is to find the right hustle that matches your skills, interests, and lifestyle. And remember, everyone has to start somewhere. Happy hustling!
#Side #Hustle #Year
