Today, I’m excited to share with you five side hustles that you can start and scale to an extra $1,000 a month. These are all hustles I’ve done myself or am currently paying someone else to do. Plus, I’ll provide examples of others who have succeeded with these side hustles and how much they are making.
The Purpose of a Side Hustle
Before diving into the specifics, let’s talk about the purpose of a side hustle and how to approach one. There are two main ways to think about side hustles:
- Immediate Second Income: This includes jobs like babysitting, part-time retail, or dog walking—essentially, taking on a second job. While this provides a quick income boost, it often requires constant work and might not be fulfilling or scalable.
- Personal Passion Projects: These are side hustles that align with your interests and skills, offering flexibility and the potential to scale into a full-time income. This approach is more about finding something you enjoy that others are willing to pay for.
For me, the second approach is ideal. It’s how I started this blog, blending what I enjoy with what pays. Now, let’s explore five side hustle ideas you can start today.
1. Writing
Remember the saying “Content is King”? It originated from a 1996 essay by Bill Gates, predicting the internet as a content marketplace. Today, nearly all content begins with writing, whether it’s scripts for videos, website content, product descriptions, or social media posts.
Example: Laura Belgray started as a fact-checker and eventually created a copywriting agency, charging up to $950 an hour for Instagram posts. Some days, she earned up to $6,000 writing inspirational quotes.
To get started, showcase your writing skills on social media or platforms like Medium. Build a personal website with a “Hire Me” section to attract clients. I found a copywriter on Twitter who was posting his work and reviewing others’ copy, making it easy to see his skills.
2. Website Building
A good website is essential for any business, but many small business owners find it intimidating. Thanks to website builders and AI, creating a site is now much more accessible.
Example: A girl with no prior experience started designing websites as a side hustle. She launched an Etsy shop offering web design services for $580, eventually turning it into a six-figure business.
Tip: Use website builders like Hostinger, which offers no-coding solutions, AI tools for SEO-friendly content, and e-commerce setup. It’s affordable and user-friendly, perfect for starting a side hustle in web design.
3. Video Editing
The creator economy is booming, and video content is king. With platforms like YouTube, Instagram Reels, and TikTok driving sales, there’s a growing demand for skilled video editors.
Short Form Content is growing and is especially popular with the likes of TikTok and Instagram Reels fueling the growth. Since this is an in demand skill. alot of people would be looking for short form video editors.
Example: A Youtuber I know received a cold email from someone who re-edited one of their videos to showcase his skills. This direct approach helped him stand out and land the job.
Earnings: According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for freelance video editors is $31. By dedicating just two hours each weekday, you can earn up to $1,360 a month.
Tip: Post your services on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, but also reach out directly to creators whose style you admire and offer to add value immediately.
4. Community Manager
Online communities are growing, and many businesses and creators need someone to manage them. This role involves monitoring posts, encouraging discussions, and ensuring the community guidelines are followed.
Earnings: As of March 2024, the average hourly pay for a freelance community manager is $28.
Tip: Find a community that aligns with your interests—whether it’s a book club, gaming group, or DIY forum—and offer your services. This way, you’re getting paid to talk about things you love.
5. Virtual Assistant/Operations Manager
Solopreneurs often need help with tasks like project planning, email management, and calendar scheduling. Becoming a virtual assistant can provide valuable experience and insights into running a business.
Example: I heard about a creator who received a cold email from someone offering VA services. She showcased her previous work and offered to help with tasks they were struggling to manage, eventually becoming an integral part of their team.
Tip: Reach out to someone you admire in your field, offering to assist with specific tasks. This not only helps you gain experience but also opens up new opportunities for learning and growth.
Final Thoughts
These five side hustles—writing, website building, video editing, community management, and virtual assisting—offer flexible and scalable ways to earn extra income. The key is to find something that aligns with your interests and skills, making it enjoyable and sustainable.
If you try any of these out or are already working on a side hustle, I’d love to hear from you.