Side gigs continue to be a popular means of supplementing one’s income. According to a Bankrate survey conducted in April 2023, which included 2,505 American adults, nearly 39% of respondents reported having a side hustle. On average, these individuals generate an additional $810 per month from their various side jobs.
If you find yourself in search of an additional income stream but are uncertain about where to commence or what skills to bring to the table, rest assured that there are numerous opportunities readily available for you to explore right away. Some of these may only require a computer and an internet connection.
Here are four side hustles that you can engage in even if you lack prior experience.
House sitting
House sitters assume the responsibility of looking after someone’s home while they are away, which entails tasks such as collecting mail, tending to plants, performing cleaning duties, and potentially caring for pets, as explained by Latasha Peterson, the author of the side hustle blog Arts and Budgets.
House sitters can earn hourly rates that reach up to $39, as reported by Care.com, with the exact amount dependent on their location and the specific tasks involved.
To find house sitting opportunities, you can explore websites like Rover, TrustedHousesitters, and Care.com, or you can advertise your services within local community groups on platforms such as Facebook and Nextdoor.
Online focus groups
Another straightforward option to consider is participating in focus groups and surveys, which involve companies conducting market research related to their products to gauge potential customer interests. These research activities can be conducted online or in-person, individually or as part of a group.
Latasha Peterson offers an illustrative example of her experience with a sandal survey conducted through the Mindswarms survey platform. She explains that they asked her questions about various shoes and sandals, and she recorded video responses. The entire survey took approximately 20 minutes, and once it was approved, she received a payment of $50 through PayPal.
To get started with surveys and focus groups, you can register on platforms like Mindswarms, Find Focus Groups, Respondent, or Fieldwork.
Affiliate marketing
If you’re skilled in using social media, affiliate marketing could be a lucrative option for you. As explained by side hustle expert Julie Berninger, you can create content showcasing popular products you genuinely use. In your social media posts, include affiliate links that direct your audience to the products for purchase.
To get started, consider the items you regularly use and truly appreciate. You can then craft Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube videos explaining why you endorse these products. To monetize your efforts, search for affiliate opportunities on the official websites of these products, major online retailers like Amazon and Target, or affiliate marketing platforms like ShareASale. These platforms will provide you with unique affiliate links that you can incorporate into your video descriptions or social media profiles. When someone clicks on your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission.
For instance, Latasha Peterson earned nearly $100 in July through her affiliate marketing efforts on ShareASale.
Selling printables on Etsy
Lastly, Julie Berninger suggests exploring the option of selling printables on Etsy.
Printables encompass a wide range of digital products, including lists, spreadsheets, e-cards, and more, which people purchase on Etsy to either print at home or send electronically. To get started, consider upcoming holidays or significant events and conduct research on platforms like Pinterest to identify popular digital products related to these occasions. Then, brainstorm and create your own unique product ideas.
Berninger recommends using a user-friendly platform like Canva.com, which is free, to design your printables. Once your product is ready, list it on Etsy, ensuring you use relevant keywords in the title, description, and tags to enhance its discoverability. You can find suitable keywords with the help of Chrome plugins like Ubersuggest.
Selling on Etsy is particularly appealing due to its low cost, according to Berninger. She herself generates approximately $1,000 per month in passive income through her Etsy printables shop.
Source: cnbc.com