65 side business ideas for 2025: How to make up to $10,000 a month

Struggling to keep up with rising costs? A side hustle could be your smartest move this year. Zapier reports that 36% of Americans are planning to start one — on top of the 40% who already have.

If you're looking to boost your income without quitting your day job, you're in the right place.

We've rounded up 65 side business ideas you can start today — whether it's selling digital products, delivering food, or anything in between, there's something here for everyone.

Why should you start a side business?

The best part about side hustles is flexibility — there’s truly something for everyone.

Whether you want to build a passive income stream, turn a passion project into a business, or just make extra money in your spare time, you can choose what fits your lifestyle.

Side businesses let you decide how much time and effort you want to put in without needing to quit your job or take huge risks. They’re often low-cost to start and easy to test, so even if one idea doesn’t work out, you haven’t lost much — and you can always try something new.

Plus, side hustles are a great way to build skills, gain experience, and maybe even discover a new passion.

What starts small could turn into something big — but you’ll only know if you give it a shot.

65 side business ideas for 2025

These side business ideas will give you an opportunity to be your own boss while making extra cash.

Home-based businesses

1. Make bank with your extra room

Got a spare room? Rent it out with Airbnb. Not only can you earn extra money from this side hustle, but you can also connect with people from all over the world!

This side business is great because it is very flexible — meaning you can rent it out when you want, and have your space to yourself when you don't. Easy money, cultural exchange, and new friends? Yes, please!

• Who it's for: Anyone with a spare room
• How to start: Go to a house share website (like Air BnB or Vrbo) and follow the steps to sign up as a host
• How much you can make: $100-$500 per night depending on the room and location

2. Launch a paid newsletter

If you have content that people are willing to pay for — maybe expertise in a niche market, unique insights, or creative storytelling — then this is for you. It's all about building a community of subscribers who are interested in what you have to say.

Here's a tip on how you can go about it. Be consistent in releasing quality content that your readers find valuable enough to pay for.

If you want to learn more, check out our How to sell subscriptions online guide.

• Who it's for: Anyone with knowledge or insights they can package into a newsletter
• How to start: Start by offering a free version to attract subscribers, then upsell a premium, paid subscription using platforms like Whop and Beehiiv
• How much you can make: $5-30 per subscriber, per month

3. Create a paid community

Don't want to share your skills in a newsletter? Start a paid online community instead.

Rather than the one-way street of a newsletter, with an online community you can share your skills, advice, and expertise in real-time conversation with a group of paying members.

When done right, a paid community can be an excellent way to earn recurring revenue and grow your income stream.

• Who it's for: Anyone with a common interest or skills to share
• How to start: Create a whop, add the chat app, and market your community on socials
• How much you can make: $10-$500 per member, per month

4. Host foreign exchange students

Hosting foreign exchange students is a sweet way to score some extra cash, and learn about cultures straight from the source.

Schools and programs are always looking for welcoming families, providing stipends to help cover the costs. So if you're up for it, get ready for international dinners and possibly picking up phrases in another language.

• Who it's for: Anyone with a spare room in their home and time to dedicate to caring for an extra person
• How to start: Ask around local schools if they are in need of hosts for foreign exchange programs, or look online for programs to take part in.
• How much you can make: $700–$1,200 per student per month

5. Create and sell an online course

Another option where you can share your skills or knowledge — online courses.

Whether you’re teaching graphic design, guitar, or anything in between, you can build step-by-step modules that help others learn from you.

If your course is well-structured and valuable, it can position you as a trusted expert in your field. Best of all, once it’s built, an online course can generate passive income for months — or even years — to come.

• Who it's for: Anyone with knowledge and skills to package up
• How to start: Create a whop, add the courses app, and start building
• How much you can make: $50-$5000 per course sale

6. Sell access to a virtual book club

Book clubs used to be a big thing, but they’ve kind of fizzled out. It’s hard to get people to actually read the book and show up for an in-person event. Plus, you need someone to run the thing and keep it interesting.

So, if you love books but can’t find people IRL to join you, take it online. When you go virtual, it’s way easier to find fellow book lovers who are actually down to read and chat.

If you’re the type who always has a book in hand and can spark good conversations, hosting a virtual book club could be your niche. And yes—people will totally pay for a well-run club. You’re putting in time, creating community, and making it fun. Bonus points if you sell the books directly so members don’t have to hunt them down.

• Who it's for: Avid readers who can host events
• How to start: Create a space for your online book club, and make sure you can charge for access to it (hint: a whop is great for this)
• How much you can make: $5-20 per month per member

7. Create a niche blog

Blogs are still a great way to make money online. If you want something that combines both hobbies and money-making, running a blog could be a good idea.

To have success with a blog, you need to be willing to put in effort even when no money is coming in. The type of blogs that are easiest to monetize are often review blogs for niche products. 

By becoming a source of trustworthy information and recommendations in a niche area, you can build a loyal following and get the attention of companies willing to sponsor you. 

• Who it's for: Anyone with a niche interest or hobby, and writing skills
• How to start: Find a place to host your blog, plan your content, and start writing
• How much you can make: $0 as a beginner, but upwards of $10k a month when you are an established blog

8. Start an online curation business

The internet is packed with content, but finding the right stuff can be frustrating. Between scammy websites, AI-generated junk, and outdated info, even basic searches can feel like a dead end.

That’s why curated shopping and content services are on the rise.

Whether someone’s hunting for rare books, vintage clothes, hard-to-find antiques, or niche video content, they’ll gladly pay someone who can find it fast. If you’re great at digging through the web and spotting legit sources, this could be a unique and valuable side gig.

• Who it's for: Anyone with strong search skills, research instincts, and the patience to navigate messy corners of the internet
• How to start: Use a platform like Whop, Etsy (for niche products), or even a personal website to offer your sourcing services. Promote through Reddit, niche forums, or TikTok
• How much you can make: $25–$200+ per request depending on complexity, or charge a flat monthly fee for ongoing curation services

9. Join marketing focus groups

Have something to say? Your two cents on new products could help shape their future, and companies are willing to pay for that insight.

This side business idea involves bringing about six to ten people together to give feedback on a product or concept.

It typically takes 30-90 minutes with a moderator on board. If you are one of those involved in the focus group, then you get to trial new products and get paid for it.

The good thing about this gig is you can find both in-person and digital focus groups — meaning that you can still participate from home. Some pay in cash, others in gift cards, so make sure that you read the fine print before committing to anything.

• Who it's for: Anyone with time and opinions to spare
• How to start: Sign up for focus groups on platforms like Respondent and User Interviews
• How much you can make: Depends on the focus group — some pay in cash, others in gift cards, so make sure that you read the fine print before committing to anything

10. Start a meal service

If you're a good cook, then why not make money cooking for other people?

Your potential customers are bodybuilders needing protein-packed meals, or busy parents who just want wholesome weeknight dinners.

To make it easier on yourself, you can even batch-cook and freeze healthy, delicious meals so that you only have to cook once a week.

Bon appétit.

• Who it's for: People with cooking and organization skills
• How to start: Create a social media page and post images of your dishes, highlighting the quality of ingredients that you use
• How much you can make: $15-$30 per meal

11. Take part in paid online surveys

Similar to focus groups, brands and market research firms often pay people to complete surveys to understand customer views and preferences better.

Companies value consumer feedback, and paid online surveys are a simple way to earn extra cash from your couch.

And while it isn't likely to give you a full-time income, if you are consistent, it can be a simple, flexible way to earn some additional cash on the side.

• Who it's for: Anyone with a few minutes to spare in their week
• How to start: Look for well-paid online survey websites and sign up as a participant
• How much you can make: $1-$100 per survey depending on niche and length

Local and in-person side hustles

12. Start a local transport service

This side business idea earns you cash while you drive around town with music on blast (not too loud though — consider your clients).

It's similar to an Uber or Lyft service and perfect for anyone who loves driving and flexibility. You get to work your own hours, meet a bunch of interesting people, and know parts of your city you probably didn't even know existed.

Plus, because of the flexibility of this role, you can work around your full-time gig.

• Who it's for: People with a suitable car and spare evenings or weekends
• How to start: Create your social media pages, put up some flyers, and start advertising around your local community. Alternatively, sign up as a driver on Uber or Lyft to access an existing client base
• How much you can make: $10-$100 per trip

13. Deliver groceries

Delivering groceries is a side business is an easy way to make some extra money. You'll be helping those who depend on delivery services for their basic needs — maybe due to health, age, or personal circumstances.

There are many different ways that you can offer grocery delivery - like DoorDash, Instacart, and Shipt.

• Who it's for: People who can lift heavy goods and deliver around town
• How to start: Sign up with a delivery app, pick your hours, and get moving
• How much you can make: Varies, but read out guide to how much Instacart shoppers make

14. Mow lawns for cash

Go outside, get some sun, and keep the neighborhood looking sharp.

This side business idea is one that's always in demand through the warmer months. Plus, the great thing about mowing is that the grass keeps growing, meaning that you can create regular, recurring revenue for your business!

You just need a lawn mower and discipline, and you'll have a satisfying side job that'll also get you acquainted with the neighbors. It's something that you can do before work, after work, or on the weekends.

• Who it's for: Active people with the right equipment
• How to start: Start by creating some flyers to post through mailboxes and advertising in local online community groups
• How much you can make: $25-$150 per lawn

15. Start a mobile car wash

If seeing a shiny, clean car gives you pure joy, then starting a mobile car wash business is the ideal side gig for you.

Instead of having customers come to you, you take your services to them — brilliant, right? You'll be able to attract car owners who are either too busy or are always postponing taking their cars for a wash.

You just need cleaning supplies, some elbow grease, and a full smile, and you're good to go.

• Who it's for: People with a passion for cleaning
• How to start: Get your supplies and start advertising around your neighborhood
• How much you can make: $20-$250, depending on whether you're doing a quick exterior wash or full service detailing

16. Take on house sitting gigs

Now this is a side business idea that gets you paid to just live rent-free in someone else's house for a while.

While the owners are on vacation, you get to keep the house safe, water some plants, and feed Mr. Whiskers. The place could also double up as a retreat or a temporary workspace while you visit new neighborhoods or even countries.

One issue with this side hustle is that it would not work alongside a full-time in-office role. To truly make money by house-sitting on the side, your regular income stream would need to be remote and flexible.

• Who it's for: Remote workers who can be flexible in their location
• How to start: You can use house-sitting directories or simply post your services in local (and global!) community groups
• How much you can make: Some house sitting gigs are unpaid (but you save on rent), others pay a few hundred dollars per stay

17. Rent out your clothes

Now here's an easy side business idea with practically zero initial costs.

If you have a wardrobe with items that are in good condition, especially if they are high-end or unique, you could rent them out. Plenty of people want to wear something special without the commitment of buying.

Special occasion wear like gowns, suits, or even costumes for a themed party, can fit this side hustle. Platforms specializing in clothes rental make the process a breeze, ensuring your beloved pieces are protected.

• Who it's for: People with a great wardrobe full of high-quality pieces
• How to start: Look up clothing rental platforms in your area, or post your clothes for rent on community pages and marketplaces
• How much you can make: Typically you can rent an outfit for 4 days for one-third of the cost of purchasing it outright

18. Make money as a food delivery driver

As a delivery driver, you'll collect meals from local restaurants and deliver them to customers in your area. Food delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats can be your starting point.

The beauty of this side gig is that you get to pick your hours, hit the road, and deliver happiness to people's doorsteps. It's an easy way to earn extra dough (pun intended) while exploring your city.

Oh, and let's not forget about those sweet, sweet tips! This is a very popular and simple side hustle for many - just

• Who it's for: Anyone with a clean driving license and working car
• How to start: Join the platform of your choice and get started. You can even join multiple platforms to service more customers
• How much you can make: Varies by state, but expect base rate of $10-$30 an hour plus tips

19. Become a driving instructor

Okay, so you're a smooth operator behind the wheel? Then make some cash teaching how to drive.

Becoming a driving instructor provides a rarely recognized opportunity to provide important life skills to youngsters — responsibility, confidence, and respect for others on the road.

You'll be teaching the mechanics of driving as you secure the safety of future generations on the road.

• Who it's for: Good drivers with a clean record and car
• How to start: Get your driving licence and sign up to instructor platforms, or advertise your services on community platforms
• How much you can make: $25-45 per hour

20. Work as a local tour guide

If you know your area's history and culture very well, and have charisma to engage and entertain a crowd, then you can become a local tour guide.

Knowing the creepy legends of that old mansion or where to get the best burger, will now work in your favor for this side gig. You'll be cultivating a deeper appreciation of your locality as you earn some extra bucks.

You can start your tour guide side business by creating a website (or even just a social media page) and advertising your services. After you have your first few customers, word-of-mouth will help to grow your business.

• Who it's for: Anyone with good local knowledge and an engaging personality
• How to start: Create a website (or even just a social media page) and advertising your services
• How much you can make: $15-$100 per person, per tour

21. Provide handyperson services

Are you the friend who gets called every time a shelf falls or a cabinet door swings loose? Congrats — it means you're handy!

If you're good at repairs and love problem-solving, offering handyperson services can fill a need in your neighborhood that's always in demand. In this side business idea, you'll have a range of tasks, including home repairs, installations, and maintenance work.

So roll up your sleeves, grab that toolbox, and take your DIY talent to another level.

• Who it's for: Anyone handy with tools
• How to start: Begin by advertising your services in local community groups and posting flyers around your neighborhood
• How much you can make: $25-$150 per hour

22. Distribute leaflets

Do you have a pair of sneakers and don't mind stretching your legs? Leaflet distribution could be right up your alley.

Local businesses love a good old-fashioned flyer spread to get the word out, and they need people like you to make it happen. It might not be glamorous, but it's straightforward, gets you outside, and pays for those steps.

If you can find a way to do this after work or on the weekend, then this could be a great way to earn an extra income alongside your day job without having to start your own business.

• Who it's for: People who can walk for miles and don't mind repetitive work
• How to start: Look for ads on local community sites
• How much you can make: $10-$25 per hour

23. Have a garage sale

Garage sales are a quick and local way to turn your clutter into cash.

Clear out those closets, attics, and wherever else your unused stuff is hiding. It could be furniture that's no longer needed, toys the kids have outgrown, or clothing you haven't worn in years.

Whatever the case, it's a great way to bond with neighbors, earn extra cash, and practice your haggling skills while you're at it.

• Who it's for: People who have lots of unwanted or unused goods to sell
• How to start: Clear out your house, decide what you're going to sell, and advertise your garage sale
• How much you can make: Depends on what you're selling

24. Provide personal shopping services

Being a personal shopper is basically about understanding your clients' tastes and needs — maybe even better than they do.

You'll be finding the perfect wardrobe pieces or picking the freshest food items, either in person or online. With this side business idea, you shop on behalf of someone else — usually someone with a busy lifestyle or specific requirements they're struggling to meet.

• Who it's for: People with an eye for style
• How to start: Create an online social media profile or website and offer discounted services to begin with in exchange for photos and reviews
• How much you can make: $30-$150 per hour

Make extra cash with education and tutoring

25. Get into remote tech tutoring

Let’s face it—tech is part of everyday life now, and not everyone keeps up, especially older folks. Many seniors struggle with smartphones, laptops, and online accounts—and they’re often the ones most at risk of online scams.

That’s where you come in. If you’re patient and know your way around tech, offering tech lessons can be a great way to help others and make some money.

Even people with kids or grandkids often don’t get help—because their relatives are too busy or don’t know how to explain things clearly.

You can teach simple things like how to use email, browse the internet safely, set up apps, or avoid scams. Some lessons might happen in person, but many seniors who are already using Zoom or FaceTime can learn virtually too.

• Who it's for: Patient, tech-savvy people who enjoy helping others — especially beginners and seniors
• How to start: Offer your services locally (libraries, community boards, Nextdoor) or virtually through platforms like Whop, Thumbtack, or even Facebook groups
• How much you can make: $15–$50/hour depending on your experience and whether the sessions are local or online

26. Start tutoring

Not tech inclined? You can still tutor other subjects.

Tutoring is a way to make money by teaching others what you're knowledgeable about. It's mostly used in academic subjects, but you can also teach languages, or any other area you're an expert at.

A bonus with this side business idea is that besides helping kids ace their tests (though that's pretty great), you'll also be sharing your passion for learning.

• Who it's for: People with academic knowledge and skills to share
• How to start: Go the independent route and set up your own socials, website, and marketing, or sign up to an existing tutoring site and work as a contractor through them
• How much you can make: $20-$80 an hour

27. Create personalized workout plans

All those hours you’ve spent at the gym or crushing home workouts? They can actually fuel your next side hustle. If you’ve got fitness know-how, why not start designing personalized workout plans for people who need a little guidance?

These days, plenty of people want to get healthier, but most don’t know where to begin. That’s where you come in.

With your expertise, you can create routines tailored to their goals, whether it's building muscle, losing weight, or just feeling better day-to-day.

• Who it's for: Fitness fanatics
• How to start: Use Canva or Notion to create personalized fitness routines
• How much you can make: $25-$100 per plan

28. Offer music lessons

Anyone who loves music will appreciate some good music lessons — especially from someone who's actually passionate about it.

You could be into the classical oldies or shred guitar. Whatever the case, as long as you have music knowledge and can teach, there's someone out there looking for you. Music lessons can be hosted in person or through video calls, meaning you can reach students from far and wide.

• Who it's for: Skilled musicians
• How to start: Decide what you want to offer, then set up your business profile (whether through social media or your own website) and start marketing in your local area
• How much you can make: $20-$50 per lesson

29. Flex your skills as a personal trainer

If fitness is your lifestyle and you just love motivating others to reach their goals, it's time to flex your expertise as a personal trainer. You can offer one-on-one coaching, group classes, or virtual sessions to reach more clients.

This side hustle is incredibly flexible, as most of your clients will want to see you outside of their 9-5, meaning that you can work around yours.

• Who it's for: People with a passion for fitness
• How to start: Complete training, get licensed, and start advertising your services
• How much you can make: $60-$100 per client per hour

Digital and freelance side hustles

30. Transcribing and translating

Your fluency in another language or your lightning-fast typing skills can literally pay off.

Businesses are constantly searching for talented people to help break language barriers and make their content universally understood. You can do this by translating texts or transcribing audio.

The good thing about this side business idea is that you can get into freelance projects - simply create your resume and website and start applying for roles.

• Who it's for: Anyone who can type fast, speak another language, or both
• How to start: Create a resume to apply for online gigs or create a whop (or other online platform) to sell your services
• How much you can make: $10-$50 per hour

31. Offer virtual assistant services

If you can communicate efficiently and can juggle emails, schedules, and tasks like a pro — then you should have considered being a virtual assistant a long time ago.

This field is wide. You work remotely and provide support in administrative, technical, or creative tasks for businesses and entrepreneurs.

Many people have gotten used to remote work, so the demand for virtual assistants has also soared. You now have a chance to work with a diverse clientele, on your own time.

• Who it's for: People who communicate well and are organized
• How to start: Set up your own business or join a virtual assistant agency and find work through them
• How much you can make: $5-$50 per hour

32. Social media management

Loves memes? Expert hashtag user? Can't get enough of your daily Insta-scroll? Now you can get paid for it!

Managing a brand's social media means designing marketing strategies, coming up with engaging content, tracking analytics, and interacting with followers.

This role is important for businesses trying to expand their digital footprint and connect more with their target audience.

• Who it's for: Anyone who is chronically online and can spot an emerging trend
• How to start: Set up your website and put together a portfolio to demonstrate how you can transform a client's online profile
• How much you can make: $30-$75 per hour

33. Offer IT support services

Almost everyone has experienced some form of tech trouble, and we can't stress enough how much IT support comes through for us during such moments.

From troubleshooting hardware or software problems to setting up and maintaining networks and databases — your services will always be needed in this digital era.

As an IT professional, you can offer your services either as a freelancer or through professional agencies. You also have the option to work remotely or on-site, meaning you have all the flexibility you need.

• Who it's for: Tech-savvy people
• How to start: Create a website, whop, or landing page to sell your services, then start marketing it online
• How much you can make: Depends on the size of the job

34. Plan and organize events

Loves organizing, problem-solving, and making things run smoothly? Then you can make money planning and organizing events.

Colorful birthdays and baby showers, and successful business launches are all waiting for your creativity and skills to make them memorable.

The whole idea of this business is selecting a venue, collaborating with vendors, and creating design concepts. You will manage invites and oversee the event on the day itself.

And if you need inspiration for a particular event, you can browse through social media or Pinterest.

• Who it's for: Party-planners and lovers
• How to start: Build a solid portfolio, create your website, and start advertising locally
• How much you can make: $25-$100 per hour

35. Do data entry work

Data entry means transferring or converting information into a digital format, like databases or spreadsheets.

This side business idea is perfect if it's flexibility you want and can handle a bit of monotony. It's also an easy way to earn money and understand different industries at the same time.

All you need is a computer, reliable internet, fast typing skills, and maybe a good playlist to keep things interesting.

• Who it's for: Anyone with an eye for detail and organizational skills
• How to start: Search on freelancer sites like Fiverr and Upwork to find remote Data Entry roles
• How much you can make: $8-$40 per hour

36. Offer a digital decluttering service

Over the years, most people have built up a mess of digital clutter — old files scattered across devices, photos saved in random folders, forgotten downloads, and a long list of logins with no password manager in sight.

If you’re organized and tech-savvy, this is where you come in. You can help clients sort their digital lives by:

• Organizing files into folders
• Removing duplicates
• Setting up cloud backups
• Installing and explaining password managers
• Tidying up their desktop and device settings

Even though this is a digital service, it's best done in person. Most people won’t want someone halfway across the world poking around in their files remotely.

• Who it's for: Organized, tech-savvy people who are good at explaining things and working with clients face-to-face, especially older adults.
• How to start: Advertise locally (Nextdoor, Facebook groups, flyers at community centers), or build a simple landing page with your services
• How much you can make: $25-$75 per hour

37. Become a freelance voiceover artist

If you’ve got a good microphone and a passion for acting, there’s actually a lot of voiceover gigs out there.

They’re not all glamorous and exciting but considering that all you have to do is sit at home and say some words from a script—it can be a pretty chill way to make money. 

As long as you are good with your voice, anyone can do this job.

• Who it's for: Anyone with a good voice
• How to start: Look on online gig sites to find work
• How much you can make: $25-$200 per hour

38. Become a virtual interior design consultant

Everyone wants to live in a nice house but hiring an interior designer is usually way out of people’s budgets. You don’t have to be a super-posh curator of designer items with a degree in something artsy to help people plan a better room layout.

Jjust have discussions, give ideas, and send plenty of links to good stores and interesting products.

It’s all about decreasing the amount of research, effort, and money people need to spend to get a decent result.

• Who it's for: Anyone with an eye for interior design
• How to start: Create a portfolio, set up a landing page, and start advertsiting online
• How much you can make: $100-$500 per room

39. Work as a graphic designer

People need a little bit of design help for so many reasons—a logo for a podcast, a header for a new storefront, a cover for an ebook, thumbnails for YouTube videos or blog posts, and so much more.

One of the best parts about this gig is that it’s easy to just start from nothing. Learn how to use some software, do a few practice projects, and then start helping people for a small fee to build up experience.

There are so many newbies out there with barely any cash to spare who still need your help—and that means you can get experience quickly.

• Who it's for: Experienced graphic designers
• How to start: Build up a portfolio (you can offer discounted services to do this) and start applying on gig platforms, or create your own whop to sell your services
• How much you can make: $25-$500 per design

40. Offer programming services

Working as a freelance programmer can be a real money maker — especially if you’ve got some legitimate skills. One of the best parts is that you don’t have to care about the success of the product. 

It might sound a little cutthroat, but it doesn’t matter if the project is doomed or the idea is no good. All that matters is that they pay you upfront and you deliver on your side of the deal. If things start to get annoying, you can walk away with no further commitments to worry about.

Okay, that definitely sounds cutthroat — but it’s a legitimate business model. Just give the people what they want, even if it doesn’t make any sense.

• Who it's for: Anyone with coding knowledge
• How to start: Put together a resume and examples of previous projects, then start applying on gig sites. Make sure you are sharing your work across socials too
• How much you can make: $50-$200 per hour

Pet and child care side jobs

41. Get paid to walk pooches

You're strolling through the park, a pack of happy pups in tow, and yes, you're actually on the clock. So if you just adore dogs, dog walking could be your next side hustle.

Needless to say, it's a good way to stay active, soak up some vitamin D, and play a fantastic role in your local furry community.

Flexible hours mean you can make it work on your own time, making those doggy smiles (and yours) wider.

• Who it's for: Animal lovers who live an active lifestyle
• How to start: Start your own dog-walking business, or signing up to an existing service like 'Rover' as a pet sitter or dog walker
• How much you can make: $10-$20 per dog per hour

42. Babysitting: Not just for teens

If you've been thinking that babysitting is just for high schoolers, think again. Offering babysitting services as a reliable adult can also net you some nice side income.

Babysitting is a profession that requires a high level of responsibility and trust, and who better to take on these roles than an adult?

Games, cartoons, and crafts — what's not to love? Plus with this side business idea, you get to feel like a kid again yourself. Enjoy some extra cash for playing with Legos? That's what you'll be getting from this gig.

• Who it's for: People who are good with kids and have a clean background check
• How to start: Either set yourself up as your own business, or go through a babysitting agency to access their existing client base
• How much you can make: $25-40 per hour

43. Pet grooming on the go

A pet grooming service that comes to the pet owner's doorstep? Now that's what we call a mobile spa! If you have spare time on the weekend and evenings, you can travel to client's homes and groom their pets for a fee.

To get started with this side business idea, you will need to purchase specific supplies and get a little training to perfect that skill.

The happy faces of pet owners and their furry best friends will definitely be worth it (and so will your paycheck!).

• Who it's for: Experienced pet groomers (or people willing to get a qualification)
• How to start: Set up your own business or join a larger service as a contractor
• How much you can make: $60-$150 per dog

Content creation and media

44. Monetize your YouTube channel

In this side gig, it's you, your camera, and multiple viewers ready to see what you're all about.

Monetizing your YouTube channel might start off slow — with ad revenue, maybe a sponsored deal here and there — but it can grow into something big, especially if you create a paid community for your followers.

What's more, you'll have an amazing time sharing your love for gaming, makeup, or daily lifestyle vlogs. Get in on this side business idea and start cashing in on the creator economy.

• Who it's for: People with personality and great on-screen presence
• How to start: Map out your journey, create your content, and engage with your online fans
• How much you can make: Nothing to start but the potential to make thousands of dollars per month, if not more

45. Get paying subscribers for your podcast

Do you love a good chat and have stories or knowledge that the world needs to hear? Time to let your voice be heard and make your some money.

Start a podcast, talk about what you love, and get dedicated fans to pay for premium content.

Depending on the topic you've decided on, you can create themed episodes, hold interesting interviews, and build a loyal community of listeners.

You can then start earning money through paid subscriptions, donations, sponsored content, or selling complementary products/services.

• Who it's for: People with a good voice, a niche interest, and who love to talk
• How to start: Map out your content journey, get your channels ready, and start creating your podcast
• How much you can make: Nothing to start, then make money with subscribers, sponsorships, and tips

46. DJ for events

If music is your language and you live for that moment when a beat drop unites the crowd, being an event DJ should be your next side gig. You'll get money and personal euphoria at the same time.

Turn weddings into dance-offs, and make corporate events less about stiff collars and more about just having a good time with your colleagues.

This is the perfect side business to complement a 9-5, as the majority of your clients will be looking for a DJ on weekends, with the occasional weeknight event. You can even expand on your services by offering extras like lights, decor, and an MC.

• Who it's for: Big personalities with excellent music knowledge
• How to start: Make your online presence and then start advertising your services on local event pages
• How much you can make: $250-$2500 per event

47. Become a virtual event host

Ever notice how popular TED Talks are? People love tuning in to experts who break down big ideas—especially on practical topics like entrepreneurship, crypto, trading, or self-improvement.

If you’ve got valuable knowledge and can explain it well, you can host paid virtual events where people pay to learn directly from you.

The key? Keep them small, interactive, and personal. Focus on live Q&A, real-time feedback, and engagement—not just a lecture.

• Who it's for: People who love teaching, have strong communication skills, and know a subject that others want to learn
• How to start: Use a platform like Whop to host your virtual event, then promote your events on social media, Reddit, or through your own content
• How much you can make: $20-$100+ per attendee

Online business and tech ideas

48. Dive into affiliate marketing

The idea of earning money while catching Z's might seem like a fantasy, but with affiliate marketing, it's 100% real.

You promote or recommend products/ services you love and earn a commission for each sale made through your link. Meaning your bank account grows even when you're offline.

You can benefit from affiliate networks through your blog or YouTube. A little help from platforms like Whop also gives you the advantage of affiliate systems for paid communities.

Watch your efforts multiply as your recommendations turn into passive income — all in your sleep.

If you're interested in learning more about affiliate marketing, take a look at our Affiliate marketing 101: How to start affiliate marketing guide.

• Who it's for: Bets for people with online presence, but anyone can start
• How to start: Sign up to referral programs or grab affiliate links from online platforms and marketplaces
• How much you can make: Varies widely based on the commission of the link, but done well, can bring in hundreds of thousands a year

49. Start hosting online language exchanges

If you know how to teach a language, you can tutor people online—but you can also help people learn languages without knowing anything about teaching or knowing any extra languages yourself. 

How? By being a conversation practice partner.

It’s never easy for language learners to find people to chat with in their target language because, in most situations, people don’t have the patience. They will just switch to a language you have in common or end the interaction as quickly as they can.

So what do language learners do? They pay for people to talk to them. Combine your natural conversational abilities with some organizational skills and you can set up online language exchanges where everyone pays a fee to join and chat with others.  

• Who it's for: People who speak more than one language
• How to start: Create an online space for your language exchange, market the service, and start charging
• How much you can make: Typically low earnings due to the 'exchange' aspect, but if you host for others, perhaps $5-$15 per attendee

50. Launch a dropshipping business

If you want to sell products online without worrying about inventory, then dropshipping is the answer.

When you start a dropshipping business, you'll be getting into ecommerce. But with this method, you market and sell the products, and a third-party supplier handles the stock and shipping details.

But, to successfully manage this kind of business, you'll need to do good research into consumer trends to identify profitable products. You also need to build strong relationships with reliable suppliers and have effective strategies in place, to drive traffic to your online store.

If you want to learn more about dropshipping, take a look at our What is Dropshipping guide.

• Who it's for: Self-starters who are willing to learn digital marketing, especially Facebook/TikTok ads
• How to start: Research consumer trends to identify profitable products, build strong relationships with reliable suppliers, and create your online store
• How much you can make: Typically $50-$1000 per month as a beginner, then $5000-$25,000 once you're experienced

51. Develop a SaaS product

Software as a Service (SaaS) is a fast-growing sector in the IT industry, as more businesses are leaning towards cloud-based software solutions.

To develop a SaaS product, you should have a solid technical understanding. You also need to research user needs and have business perspective so your software can be viable in the marketplace.

So, if you've got an idea that can solve a problem through software, building a SaaS product should probably be your next side business choice.

You can also choose a subscription-based sale of a SaaS product to help you generate recurring revenue.

• Who it's for: Developers or product managers with a good understanding of software architecture
• How to start: Identify a niche problem, validate the idea with real users, build an MVP using no-code or code tools, launch
• How much you can make: Early stage $0-$1000 per month, advanced stage $10k-$100k per month

52. Try trading

For all lovers of finance, money, and the stock market, trading might just spark your interest.

This side business idea is about analyzing market patterns and making data-driven decisions to earn extra income. You buy and sell stocks, currencies, commodities, or other financial instruments, hoping to profit from the price changes.

However, you should know that while you can get some good money from it, it also comes with risks.

So make sure to educate yourself about market trends, understand risk management, and have a sound trading strategy.

Trading apps and platforms like trading Discord servers can keep you in the loop on topics like crypto, stocks, investor tips, and more.

• Who it's for: People with an interest in trading and money they can afford to lose
• How to start: Start by educating yourself with trading ebooks, trading courses, and trading groups
• How much you can make: Trading is risky — you could make thousands, but you could lose the same

53. Start a print-on-demand business

Get your designs out in the world with print-on-demand. Upload your artwork onto items like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases, and sell them online.

When orders come in, your products get printed and shipped directly to customers. No inventory headaches here — you just need to focus on producing amazing designs.

It's a creative way to make money and let your art be seen (and worn) by people worldwide. Find a POD supplier, create your designs, and start promoting your work on social media!

• Who it's for: Creative people who want to sell art or designs without handling inventory
• How to start: Choose a POD platform (like Printful or Gelato), upload your designs, and promote on social media or marketplaces
• How much you can make: 200–$2,000+/month depending on sales volume, pricing, and marketing effort

54. Sell Notion templates

If you're practically an expert at organizing on Notion, there's a whole crowd out there in need of your templates.

Consider selling your Notion templates on Whop for some extra cash to supplement your day job income.

This side business idea entails creating something sleek and functional that makes others think, "Why didn't I come up with that?". It is a super simple side hustle, and one that can earn you passive income.

• Who it's for: Notion power users with a knack for building clean, functional templates
• How to start: Design useful templates, set up a whop, and share your creations on social media or Reddit
• How much you can make: 200–$5,000+/month depending on niche, pricing, and audience size

55. Sell Figma templates

Figma's collaborative interface and ease of use make it a go-to for web designers and UI/UX professionals. So if you create unique designs on Figma that friends (or even strangers) are always drooling over, consider selling them.

Those sleek website layouts or app designs can help others fast-track their projects as you cash in on those digital design skills.

Keep your templates user-friendly, the updates rolling, and watch your side hustle grow as you sell your Figma templates on Whop.

• Who it's for: UI/UX designers or Figma pros who create clean, high-quality layouts others want to use
• How to start: Design polished templates, list them on marketplaces, and promote to design communities and indie builders
• How much you can make: $300–$5,000+/month depending on template quality, demand, and marketing

Arts, crafts, and creative side business ideas

56. Clothing repairs and alterations

This side business idea just needs you to have a sewing machine and skills.

Today's generation prefers revamping rather than replacing. So your needlework can definitely come in handy. You'll also be playing a part in protecting the environment and contributing to the circular economy.

So if you have the skills and the time to take on clothing alterations and repairs, create a social media page, put together some flyers, and advertise in your neighborhood.

• Who it's for: Skilled sewers or hobbyists who enjoy fixing or customizing clothes
• How to start: Offer alteration services locally, promote on social media, and spread the word with flyers or community boards
• How much you can make: $200–$2,000+/month depending on workload and pricing

57. Sell your photography

Those stunning snaps you've captured before can give you cold, hard cash with this side business idea.

Your photos could be the perfect fit for stock websites, magazines, advertising agencies, or businesses wanting unique visual content. You can also sell directly to customers.

Digital platforms have also made selling photos easy. You'll make money while increasing your visibility and reputation. This may also get you more freelance photography assignments or collabs.

• Who it's for: Photographers with a collection of high-quality images and an eye for visual storytelling
• How to start: Upload your best shots to stock platforms (like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock) or sell directly via your own site or Whop
• How much you can make: $0.25–$10+ per photo download, with potential for recurring passive income

58. Sell art online

Visual creators nowadays have endless possibilities to showcase and sell their art online.

Online platforms give artists an avenue to reach a global audience through paintings, digital art, or photography, without having to leave their studios. Artists have also begun selling digital art through NFTs.

This side business idea is all about reaching the right audience and letting your work shine. Though it is a side business idea, it does require a lot of commitment to create and market your artwork.

• Who it's for: Visual artists who want to monetize their work digitally and reach a global audience
• How to start: Create a digital portfolio, sell on platforms like Whop, Etsy, or OpenSea (for NFTs), and promote through social media
• How much you can make: $10–$1,000+ per piece, depending on medium, style, and audience reach

59. Publish and sell ebooks

This side business idea is for those who are expert creative writers or simply have knowledge or stories to share.

Thanks to the internet, anyone can write an ebook. You could write on various topics, such as how-to guides, cookbooks, science fiction, romance novels, or personal development books.

Another perk is that ebooks remove the need for printing costs and can be sold to anyone with an internet connection. And once it's up, it's a passive income generator!

This side hustle requires you to invest a lot of time up-front to create your product, but after that, it's all about marketing and selling your eBook.

• Who it's for: Writers, storytellers, or experts with knowledge to share in a clear, engaging format
• How to start: Write and format your eBook, publish it on platforms like Amazon Kindle or Whop, and promote it through social media or email lists
• How much you can make: $2–$20+ per sale, with potential for hundreds to thousands in passive income over time

60. Bake and sell cakes

If turning flour into flourishes of art sounds like your kind of weekend, then cake-making is for you.

Birthdays, weddings, Tuesday nights — there's always a reason for a cake. And when it's your masterpiece slicing through the celebrations, well, that's just the cherry on top.

Flex those creative muscles, get social with your marketing, and watch as your hobby turns into a bustling side hustle.

• Who it's for: Creative bakers who love decorating cakes and want to turn their hobby into cash
• How to start: Share your work on Instagram or Facebook, list your services and pricing in local parent or community groups, and offer seasonal specials
• How much you can make: $40–$200+ per cake depending on size, design, and occasion

61. Sell custom digital illustrations

If you’re an artist, selling your own digital work can make money — but commissions can make even more. From pet portraits to pixel art, clients will pay well for custom pieces, and you’ll know exactly how much you’re earning before you start.

Unlike waiting for personal art to sell, commissions bring predictable income, plus the bonus of creating something meaningful for someone else. Most clients are thrilled to see their vision come to life, and that makes the work extra rewarding.

All you need is your creative setup, an online storefront, and a way to communicate with clients — ideally all in one place (hint: Whop does that)

• Who it's for: Digital artists who enjoy creating custom pieces and want reliable, paid work
• How to start: Set up a storefront, share commission examples, and promote on social media and forums
• How much you can make: $20–$500+ per piece depending on style, complexity, and client demand

62. Sell DIY craft kits

Ever wish you could buy a ready-to-go box with everything you need for a recipe or hobby — no waste, no hassle? That’s exactly the idea behind DIY craft kits.

From felting to crochet to clay sculpting, people want to try new hobbies without the overwhelm of buying tools, sourcing materials, or figuring out what to get. A well-designed kit solves all that, making crafting simple, fun, and accessible.

There’s real demand for these kits, but quality options are still hard to find. If you can create and package beginner-friendly projects with clear instructions, you could build a side hustle that’s both creative and profitable.

• Who it's for: Crafters and makers who enjoy putting together beginner-friendly projects
• How to start: Choose a niche, design a project with all materials included, and sell kits online
• How much you can make: $15–$100+ per kit depending on materials, complexity, and packaging

63. Sell handmade jewelry

Jewelry doesn’t have to mean gold and diamonds. Handmade jewelry pieces with personality are what buyers are really after.

From beaded designs to clay charms and quirky themes, fashion jewelry is thriving because people want pieces that feel unique, not traditional.

You don’t need to be a professional jeweler to get started. With basic materials and a creative spark, you can craft one-of-a-kind items that stand out, and people are happy to pay for that kind of originality.

Take your time, perfect your designs, and sell through platforms that support creators.

• Who it's for: Creatives who love making things by hand and want to turn their style into wearable art
• How to start: Make a few standout pieces, photograph them well, and start selling on Etsy, or at local markets
• How much you can make: $10–$100+ per piece

64. Put together subscription boxes

If you don’t mind packing and shipping, subscription boxes are a fun and profitable way to sell curated products. Since you're selling the experience and the surprise, you can charge more than the individual item value.

You can build boxes around almost anything — snacks, stationery, books, coffee, toys, games, or niche hobbies. Some sellers even offer virtual boxes with digital goodies like ebooks, recipes, or downloads.

Offering themed boxes for different age groups or family members can boost average order value and make fulfillment more efficient

• Who it's for: Creators or curators who enjoy sourcing cool products or designing themed collections
• How to start: Pick a niche, curate products or digital goods, set up a subscription storefront
• How much you can make: $10–$100+ per subscriber/month

65. Make money with retail arbitrage

Here's an easy side business idea - be a smart shopper. You can get discounted products from stores — either online or offline — and then flip them for a profit through platforms like Amazon or eBay.

That's retail arbitrage in a nutshell, and it's a great way to earn cash on the side. You can hunt for big-ticket items with significant discounts and resell these, or go for smaller, lower-cost items and sell them easily through places like Facebook marketplace.

If you want to leverage this business idea, check out our Retail arbitrage explained guide to learn more.

• Who it's for: Deal hunters and savvy shoppers who enjoy finding bargains and flipping them for profit
• How to start: Source discounted items from retail stores or online, list them on platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace, and track what sells best
• How much you can make: $100–$5,000+ per month

How to start a side business selling digital products

From paid newsletters to online tutoring and niche blogs to online courses, there are a lot of ways to make a side business with digital products.

Why? They have a low barrier to entry and high earning potential.

If you've chosen to make money online with digital products, heres how to get started:

1. Decide on your digital product

Time to pick your champion. This could be an ebook, an online course, some unique software, or your own digital artwork. Or, it could be an online service, like tutoring, coaching, mentoring, or community access.

The important thing here is to play to your passions because it will help you stay motivated.

2. Set up your whop and create your digital product

Once you've decided on your product, the next step is to find a platform to sell it on.

Whop is the number one choice for creating and selling digital products. It's designed to be user-friendly and makes it easy for entrepreneurs to get their businesses off the ground.

We also handle a lot of the heavy lifting — from secure payments to helping you reach potential buyers.

Watch this video and learn how to create your business with Whop:

3. Start selling

Product made and platform set up, its time to start selling.

Market your digital products across your social platforms, get listed on Whop Discover, and start making money.

Launch your side business today with Whop

With Whop, you can turn your passion into income, growth, and something you’re truly proud of.

Whop’s easy-to-use platform gives you everything you need to launch, manage, and scale your digital product or service, so you can focus on creating while we handle the rest.

Whether you’re just starting or ready to grow, we’re here to support your journey every step of the way.

Ready to go from idea to income? Launch your business with Whop today.

Side business FAQs

How do I choose a side hustle?

Now that you’ve seen a bunch of great side hustle ideas, how do you choose the right one for you? Here are 6 things to consider:

1. What are you good at?

Start with your strengths and interests. Are you a great writer, designer, or fitness buff? The best side hustle is one that matches your skills.

From eBooks and courses to fitness guides and apps—there’s a place for everyone in the digital world.

2. What’s trending right now?

Check platforms like Google Trends to see what people are searching for. If coding is hot and you’ve got the skills, create a course. If mindfulness is booming, try guided meditation audios. Ride the wave of current demand.

3. What resources will you need?

Some side hustles need gear, like lawn mowers or baking tools. Others, like digital products, need only a computer, internet, and platforms like Whop to get started. Choose something you can realistically afford and access.

4. How much time do you have?

Be honest about your schedule. Physical side hustles can eat up your weekends, while digital ones (like eBooks or online templates) require upfront effort but can earn passively over time. Less time? Lean digital.

5. Where are you located?

Location matters. If you’re shipping physical products or hosting real-time events, being near your audience helps. But for digital products, you can work from anywhere, anytime, with no timezone stress or shipping costs.

6. Can it grow?

Think long-term. Can you scale this? Can a digital product turn into a full course, or a service become a monthly subscription? Look for ideas that have room to grow without drastically increasing your workload.

How do I balance my full-time job and my side business?

To strike a balance between your full-time job and side business, you'll need to be intentional about your scheduling and time management.

You can use time blocking for your side business tasks and stick to those blocks.

Can I turn my hobby into a side business?

Absolutely! Many successful side businesses start as hobbies. It could be baking, woodwork, designing jewelry or even gardening.

Once you've confirmed that there's demand for your product or service, you can start thinking about turning your hobby into something profitable.

How do I know if my side business is profitable?

Knowing if you are making profit sometimes isn't always as straightforward as it seems. It involves deducting all your associated costs (materials, platform fees, advertising, shipping, etc.) from your income.

If you make more than you spend, your side hustle is profitable. It's also important to factor in the time you spend on it, as your time is valuable.

How can I ensure my side business stands out?

Standing out in your side business mostly comes down to two things: uniqueness and quality. Whether you're selling a product or service, make sure it has a unique purpose or serves a niche audience.

Quality is also important. Customers are more likely to come back or recommend you if you provide a superior product or service.

Do I need to register my side business legally?

This depends on the country, state/province you're in, and the size and nature of your side business. There are also required licenses and permits to make sure you're in line with the law.

Check with local tax laws or consult a business advisor to make sure that you're compliant.

Can my side business interfere with my primary employment?

Some employers may have stipulations prohibiting employees from running businesses that could be seen as a conflict of interest, or that interfere with your job performance.

Review your employment contract or talk to your HR department to clarify these rules before starting a side business.

How can I scale my side business?

To scale a side business, you need strategic planning and investment. You might have to hire part-time staff, advertise, or upgrade your equipment to increase production. Scaling should be a gradual process that goes hand in hand with your revenue growth and customer demand.

What are the possible tax deductions I can claim for side businesses?

There are a number of tax deductions available for side businesses, such ass home office deductions, internet and phone bills, advertising and promotion, and car and travel expenses, among others.

How can I market my side business?

You'll need to combine various tactics if you want your marketing to be successful. It could be improving your social media presence, optimizing your website for search engines (SEO), email marketing, or even good old-fashioned word-of-mouth.

What if I have limited skills or a low starting budget for my side business?

The internet has plenty of flexible and low-cost side hustles that require little to no formal training. Check out the list we've just mentioned above, for example. Side business ideas like reselling or delivering groceries can be budget-friendly starters.