Starting a side business: 30 side hustle ideas

Let’s be honest: everyone wants to make more money.

And thanks to the internet, that’s more doable than ever.

You don’t need to quit your job or drop everything to start a profitable side business. You can ease in, build up your skills, and make serious cash — on your terms.

Whether you're after extra income, more freedom, or just something different, here are 30 solid side business ideas (plus advice to help you actually make them work).

Is is better to start a side hustle or get a second job?

Okay, sure. You could always pick up a second job. You’d make more money than you would with just one job, that’s true.

But there’d be downsides too: low hourly wage, travel time, scheduling issues with your first job.

On the flip side, side hustles are flexible money-making methods that put you in charge of how you work and how much you make (can I get a cheer?)

Fit them around full-time work, school, or even parenting without having to make sacrifices to your existing schedule. Basically, compare them to a second job that sucks your time and energy, and it’s a no-brainer.

Doesn’t matter who you are, how old you are, your experience, or your passions: side hustles come in all shapes and sizes, from selling handmade goods on Etsy to freelance programming. There are offline options too, like gardening or dog walking in your local area.

Nearly 8.4 million Americans were working multiple jobs last year, and that speaks volumes. But it's so much better to be your own boss than to work under multiple.

You can even turn a steady side business into your only job over time, especially if you come to enjoy it more than your regular work.

30 best side business ideas that you can cash in on

Let's start with the what before moving on to the how.

One of the best things about side hustles is your options. From things you can pick up right away to new skills to learn, this list is full of flexible, scalable side business ideas.

1. Clip content for money

If you’ve got a phone, access to social media, and an internet connection, you’re in luck.

Clipping is one of the easiest side businesses to start, requiring little time or experience, and offering potentially huge rewards.

Via Whop’s Content Rewards, you can sign up today and start clipping content for huge creators.

Payouts vary anywhere from 0.50 to $5 per 1K views, so if you’re consistently posting, you’re gonna cash in. Plus, all the content you need is usually provided, and there are even faceless opportunities.

AJ Banks started clipping and one month later, quit his job and bought a Tesla. We’re just saying. And he’s not alone:

Listen: if you’re already chronically online, you may as well cash in on it.

What do I need to start?
Phone, internet connection, Whop account
How easy is it? Seriously easy
How much can I make? Depends, but top creators earn 5-figures a month

2. Sell online courses

Got a skill people always ask you about? Package it into a course and get paid every time someone signs up.

From fitness to finance to TikTok affiliate marketing, there’s a niche for everything. And with the rise of bite-sized learning, you don’t need to create some 10-hour epic. In fact, for your first? You shouldn’t. Even a mini course can pull serious income.

Whop makes it easy to set up and sell your course, with built-in tools for payments, access control, forum posting (which can be sent out as EDM updates), community chat features, and more.

No tech headaches, no upfront costs — just upload your content and start selling.

If you’re comfortable on camera (or even just voice-over and slides), this one’s easy.

What do I need to start? A teachable skill, a course outline, Whop account
How easy is it? Medium (prep + filming, marketing)
How much can I make? $100 to $10,000+ per month

3. Make money as a UGC creator

You don’t need a big following to make brand deals. User-generated content (UGC) is all about creating ads and testimonials as a regular person, not an influencer.

Brands pay UGC creators to make TikToks, Reels, YouTube videos, X posts, and anything else they can use organically or run as paid ads.

Think “real person energy,” not polished or fake vibes. Seriously, if you’re decent on camera, the bar to entry is low.

Some creators charge $150–$500 per project, and once you have a few samples, landing gigs gets way easier. You can even offer your services directly on Whop.

What do I need to start? Phone, decent lighting, internet connection
How easy is it? Easy
How much can I make? $150 to $5,000+ per month

4. Start dropshipping

Dropshipping is one of the OG online side hustles, and it still works if you do it right.

You sell products through your own store, but a third-party supplier handles the inventory and shipping.

No stock. No packing boxes in your bedroom. Just marketing, sales, and customer service on your end.

It’s not totally passive, you’ll need to test products, run ads, and set up a store (try Shopify or Big Cartel). But when you find a product that hits? You can scale fast.

Creators are using Whop to sell custom tools and templates that help other dropshippers, so even if you’re just starting, there are resources to shortcut the learning curve.

What do I need to start? A product, a storefront, a supplier, and an ad budget
How easy is it? Medium (learning curve but low overhead)
How much can I make? $500 to 5-figures monthly

5. Digital dropshipping (PLR)

Same concept as regular dropshipping, but instead of shipping physical stuff, you sell digital products someone else made.

It’s also known as PLR (private label rights), and it can cover basically any digital product.

Think ebooks, templates, Notion dashboards, AI tools, even pre-made courses. You sell them under your own brand, keep a cut (or all of it), and never touch a single file manually.

The margins? Way better than physical products. No shipping costs, no returns, no inventory drama. And platforms like Whop make it super easy to list, automate delivery, and get paid.

What do I need to start? Digital product(s), a Whop account, traffic (TikTok, Reddit, Discord, wherever your niche hangs out)
How easy is it? Pretty easy once you find what sells
How much can I make? $100 to $10,000+ a month

6. Amazon FBA

Amazon FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) is like dropshipping’s big cousin, but with the power of Amazon’s massive customer base behind you.

You find a product to sell (usually via Alibaba or a local supplier), ship your stock to Amazon’s warehouse, and they handle the rest: storage, packing, shipping, customer service, even returns.

You focus on branding and getting sales.

It’s not the cheapest to start (you'll need to buy inventory up front), but FBA sellers can make serious profits once things are rolling.

Some creators (like Jas) use Whop to sell Amazon FBA starter guides, tools, or niche research templates to help newbies get a leg up.

What do I need to start? A product, Amazon seller account, supplier, upfront investment
How easy is it? Harder: more risk, more reward
How much can I make? $1,000 to $100,000+ depending on your niche, margins, and scale

7. Start an ecommerce store

Want more control than dropshipping but still love selling online? Launch your ecommerce store with products you design, source, or make yourself.

From print-on-demand tees to handmade candles or niche gear, you choose what you sell and how you brand it. Unlike dropshipping, you hold inventory or work with a fulfilment partner so that margins can be higher.

Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce make setup easy. And you can use Whop to sell digital add-ons like product templates or marketing kits to boost your income.

What do I need to start? Products to sell, website, and fulfilment plan
How easy is it? Medium: takes upfront work, but you control everything
How much can I make? $500 to $20,000+ per month

Ecommerce marketing strategies to increase your sales

8. Set up a paid community

Got expertise or able to curate a vibe people need to be part of?

Create a paid community where members get exclusive content, live Q&As, coaching, or networking.

Whether it’s fitness, investing, gaming, or side hustles, paid communities bring steady, recurring income (and loyal fans who actually want to support you).

Platforms like Discord, Circle, or Mighty Networks work great — but Whop is perfect for managing subscriptions, payments, and member access all in one place.

Some communities on Whop make over $250k per month, btw.

What do I need to start? A clear niche, community platform, and skills to market
How easy is it? Medium, you need to create ongoing value
How much can I make? $100 to $10,000+ per month

9. Become an online coach

If you’re skilled at something (anything, think career advice, social media marketing, mindset), coaching not only pays well but feels super rewarding.

Clients pay for your time, expertise, and accountability. You can run sessions over Zoom, message support, or even group coaching programs. Easy.

Take it from Diego Monroy. He’s worked with thousands of creators, and he reckons coaching is the sauce:

"I've seen coaching offers from drum courses where someone teaches you how to play the drums, all the way to cake decorating with courses and coaching services as well as light-saber dojos where they teach you martial arts with Lightsabers.

I've seen it all — it doesn't have to be trading, reselling, or ecommerce offers — it could literally be anything you're passionate about and knowledgeable in."

FYI: Whop makes it easy to manage bookings, payments, and client access in one place, so you spend less time on admin and more on coaching.

What do I need to start? Expertise in anything, coaching plan, Whop account
How easy is it? Medium (prep and marketing)
How much can I make? $500 to $15,000+ per month

10. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing means promoting other people’s products and earning a commission when someone buys through your link.

No product creation, no shipping. Just promoting on your blog, socials, email list, Reddit forums, or communities.

The key? Pick products your audience actually wants (and brands they trust).

You can learn from the top successful affiliate marketers on Whop, and even sell your own affiliate guides, funnels, or email templates.

What do I need to start? Platform (blog, TikTok, email), affiliate accounts, marketing skills
How easy is it? Easy/medium
How much can I make? $100 to $20,000+ per month

11. Sell digital files

Digital files are an incredibly flexible way to make money online. Ebooks, templates, planners, widgets, AI prompt packs, social media content prompts, data packs, and more – you can cash in on a lot here.

Once you create your digital product, you upload it online and sell it repeatedly without worrying about inventory or shipping.

You can start on platforms like Etsy or Gumroad, but using Whop gives you even more control to list products, manage customers, and automate delivery, all in one place.

What do I need to start? Digital files (design skills help but not required), sales platform (Whop)
How easy is it? Easy. Create once, sell forever
How much can I make? $100 to $10,000+ per month

12. Become a consultant

Consulting is all about solving problems, guiding strategy, and helping others avoid mistakes you’ve already figured out. You can offer 1:1 sessions, audits, or ongoing advisory retainers.

Btw, Whop makes it super simple to run a consulting biz. You can set up bookings, offer paid community access, livestream trainings, and even share assets or templates with your clients without juggling multiple platforms (groan).

What do I need to start? Solid experience in your field, proof of results, Whop seller account
How easy is it? Medium, need to gain trust and visibility
How much can I make? $500 to $20,000+ per month

13. Become a freelance creative

Freelancing is one of the most direct ways to turn your skills into cash. You offer a service like writing, editing, design, video, coding, marketing, whatever, and get paid per project or hour.

Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Contra, or even Twitter/X can help you land your first few clients.

Then, you can scale from side income to full-time freelance life.

With Whop, you can go even further and package your services, sell digital add-ons, offer coaching, or build a subscriber-only content hub for your clients.

What do I need to start? A monetizable skill, portfolio or proof of work, place to find clients
How easy is it? Medium (easier if you’re already good at something)
How much can I make? $300 to $15,000+ per month

14. Become a content creator

Making content isn’t just for influencers anymore. You can build an audience around literally anything from food to fashion, finance to fitness, gaming to just memes, social and political commentary, the list goes on (and on).

Money comes from multiple streams: brand deals, ad revenue, affiliate links, merch, and your own digital products. And if you’re strategic, you can scale fast.

Creators use Whop to monetize their audience through paid communities, exclusive content drops, subscriber perks, and digital asset bundles — all under one roof.

What do I need to start? A niche, consistency, decent content (and some patience)
How easy is it? Medium, the grind is real, but the upside is huge
How much can I make? $100 to $50,000+ per month

15. Sell your art

Whether you draw, paint, design, or illustrate digitally, there’s a market for your art. You can sell original pieces, prints, stickers, merch, or digital downloads.

Platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, and InPrnt are solid for print-on-demand or physical sales.

But if you want more control (and way better profit margins), you can use Whop to sell digital art packs, commissions, wallpapers, or even tutorials.

Many artists also build paid communities or offer behind-the-scenes content on Whop to connect with fans and earn recurring income.

What do I need to start? Your art (physical or digital), a storefront, and a way to promote it
How easy is it? Easy if you’re already creating (the hard part is visibility)
How much can I make? $200 to $10,000+ per month

16. Become a virtual assistant

Businesses, creators, and busy professionals are always looking for help, and that’s where VAs come in.

You could be scheduling meetings, replying to emails, managing social media, doing research, or handling admin tasks.

You don’t need a degree or fancy background, just reliability, communication skills, and the ability to stay organised.

Plenty of VAs go solo — finding clients through TikTok, job boards, or referrals — and build packages through Whop, where they can also offer templates, digital planners, or even run a VA training community.

What do I need to start? Laptop, internet, organizational skills, basic tools like Google Workspace
How easy is it? Easy to start, great for beginners
How much can I make? $500 to $8,000+ per month

Read this guide to starting a VA business on Whop

17. Try user testing

User testing is one of the easiest ways to earn money online with no special skills needed.

Companies pay real people to test websites, apps, and products, then give honest feedback.

You’ll usually be asked to record your screen and talk through your experience. Most tests take 5–20 minutes and pay anywhere from $5 to $60, depending on complexity.

What do I need to start? Laptop or phone, microphone, clear communication
How easy is it? Very easy
How much can I make? $50 to $1,000+ per month

18. Sell SaaS

SaaS is short for Software as a Service — apps or tools people pay to use on a subscription.

Think: schedulers, dashboards, AI tools, or niche automations.

You don’t need to be a developer to build one either. No-code platforms like Lovable, Bolt, and Cursor make it possible to launch a working app without writing a single line.

Plenty of indie builders are already doing this. They build and sell lightweight SaaS tools, and also manage support, updates, and digital add-ons.

Tim Konieczny — freelance software engineer — says creating SaaS solo is the way to go.

As a solopreneur software engineer you have two major advantages over big companies: First, if you talk to customers a lot and early on, then you can figure out what people actually need and build a great product without any bureaucracy.

Second — you can ship features fast. If you can ship what people want quickly, like a week or a few days, you're instantly ahead of the game.

You can now sell your SaaS on the Whop App Store too, and be paid for life.

What do I need to start? A niche idea, no-code tools (or dev help), landing page
How easy is it? Medium to hard, but easier than ever with AI
How much can I make? $500 to $50,000+ per month

19. Use AI to make money

Actually, while I’m at it, you can use AI to make money in general.

Generating content, building tools, creating digital products, or streamlining services, AI can seriously boost your output (and your income).

Here’s how people are cashing in:

Selling AI prompt packs (for ChatGPT, Midjourney, etc.)
Building AI-powered tools and SaaS apps
Offering AI-generated designs, art, or videos
Using AI to speed up freelance work like writing, coding, or research

You can also package what you know — like how to use AI for productivity or automation — into ebooks, mini-courses, or tutorials and sell them on Whop.

What do I need to start? Free tools and time
How easy is it? Medium
How much can I make? $200 to $20,000+ per month

20. Try trading

Trading isn’t a get-rich-quick thing, but it can be a legit side business if you take the time to learn.

From crypto and stocks to forex and even sneakers, trading is just buying low and selling high.

There’s risk involved (obviously), but smart traders use strategy, research, and patience to grow their profits over time.

Plenty of traders build communities on Whop, where they sell signals, tools, and daily market breakdowns — or offer mentorship and courses for beginners looking to learn the ropes.

If you’re already deep in a niche, you could package your knowledge into a group, guide, or alert system and monetize it.

What do I need to start? Small capital, trading platform, and willingness to learn
How easy is it? Medium to hard
How much can I make? $0 to $10,000+/month depending on skill and market

21. Sell handmade goods

If you’re creative and love making things by hand, selling your crafts can be a rewarding side business.

Start by figuring out what you enjoy making most and what people might want to buy. Test your products with friends, family, or small online groups. Once you’re confident, set up shop on platforms like Etsy, eBay, or even Instagram and Facebook Marketplace.

Local craft fairs and markets are also great places to get direct customer feedback and build a loyal following.

Many sellers scale by offering custom orders, gift bundles, or seasonal products, which can boost sales without drastically increasing workload.

As your brand grows, you might consider expanding into digital products, like DIY kits or tutorials.

What do I need to start? Craft supplies, a workspace, and a platform to sell on
How easy is it? Easy to start, but growing sales takes time and effort
How much can I make? $200 to $8,000+ per month

22. Flip on Facebook Marketplace

Buy low, sell high. Find deals on thrift stores, garage sales, or clearance racks, then resell on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Gumtree.

It’s simple, flexible, and can turn a quick profit if you know what’s in demand.

BTW: 1 in 5 Gen A Gen Z hustlers earn money by trading new or vintage clothes online – this is the most common digital side hustle.

What do I need to start? An eye for bargains, a phone for photos, and a selling account
How easy is it? Easy to medium
How much can I make? $100 to $5,000+ per month

23. Tutor online

Math, languages, music, coding: online tutoring can be a solid side business.

With Whop, you can offer live tutoring sessions via livestream, set up paid 1:1 video chats for personalized help, and sell downloadable study guides, templates, or other digital assets.

You can even build a tutoring community for ongoing support and growth.

What do I need to start? Knowledge, internet, Whop account to manage live sessions and sales
How easy is it? Medium
How much can I make? $15 to $60+ per hour, potentially $500–$4,000+ per month

24. Sell your photography

If you have a good eye and a decent camera (even a smartphone), photography can be a great side business.

You can sell your photos as stock images on platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock, where businesses and creators pay to use your work.

Beyond stock sites, you can offer custom shoots — portraits, events, product photography — or sell prints and digital downloads directly to customers.

Building a portfolio online and sharing your work on social media helps attract clients. Over time, you can specialize in niches like real estate, food, or travel photography, which often pay better.

What do I need to start? Camera or smartphone, photo editing software
How easy is it? Medium
How much can I make? $100 to $5,000+ per month

25. Sell assets and services to creators

Creators need more than just ideas: they need tools and support to bring their projects to life.

If you’ve got skills in design, writing, video editing, or coding, selling digital assets (like templates, presets, fonts) or services (like editing, copywriting, website setup) can be a lucrative side business.

With Whop, you can easily sell digital assets, manage subscriptions or bundles, offer one-off services, and build a community around your work (as well as target the top creators on our leaderboards).

As the creator economy grows, the demand for high-quality, ready-to-use resources and expert help keeps rising.

What do I need to start? Skills, software tools, social media presence
How easy is it? Medium (depends on skill level and marketing)
How much can I make? $200 to $10,000+ per month

26. Become a rideshare driver

Got a car and some spare time? Driving for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft can bring in extra cash on your schedule.

It’s straightforward: sign up, pass background checks, and start accepting rides. You control when and how much you work, making it a flexible side gig.

Keep in mind, expenses like fuel, maintenance, and insurance add up, so factor those in when pricing your time.

FYI: Uber drivers in the US earn about $3,325 per month on average, not bad.

What do I need to start? A qualifying vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and a smartphone
How easy is it? Easy to medium
How much can I make? $200 to $3,000+ per month

27. Try delivery work

If you have a bike, scooter, or car, delivery gigs with companies like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Deliveroo can be a solid side hustle.

You pick when you want to work, making it easy to fit around your schedule.

Delivery work usually pays per order, sometimes with tips, so earnings depend on how many deliveries you make and when you work (peak times pay more).

It’s active work that gets you out and about, but does mean some wear and tear on your vehicle or bike.

What do I need to start? Reliable vehicle or bike, smartphone, and a delivery app account
How easy is it? Easy to medium
How much can I make? $200 to $2,500+ per month based on effort and area

28. Become a dog walker

If you love animals, dog walking is an easy way to make extra cash while getting some fresh air and exercise. Many pet owners need reliable walkers, especially during busy workdays.

You can start by advertising locally through flyers, community groups, or apps like Rover and Wag. Building trust with pet owners is key, so being punctual and caring goes a long way.

What do I need to start? A love for dogs, reliable transport if needed, and basic pet care knowledge
How easy is it? Easy (and fun, duh)
How much can I make? $200 to $1,500+ per month

Got a niche or topic you’re passionate about? Starting a paid newsletter lets you share exclusive insights, tips, or stories directly with subscribers who value your content.

With Whop’s forums app, you can easily build and manage your newsletter community. As an admin, your newsletters are sent automatically via email to your subscribers, keeping engagement smooth and effortless.

Finance, fitness, art, or anything in between – newsletters create a reliable monthly income and a loyal audience.

What do I need to start? A topic you know well, writing skills, and a Whop account to manage subscribers and send newsletters
How easy is it? Medium: requires constant content and promotion
How much can I make? $100 to $5,000+ per month

30. Become a streamer

If you love gaming, chatting, or sharing your skills live, streaming is a great way to make money while doing what you enjoy.

Streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube Live, and Whop let you broadcast to an audience, earn through subscriptions, donations, sponsorships, and selling access or extras like merch and digital products.

It takes time to grow your audience, but consistent streaming and engaging with viewers can turn your passion into serious income.

What do I need to start? A good internet connection, webcam, microphone, and streaming software
How easy is it? Medium: building an audience takes time and effort
How much can I make? $100 to $10,000+ per month

How to start a side business in 9 easy steps

Let’s get this sh*t started, shall we?

Knowing exactly what you need to achieve and what order to do it in is a major hack.

1. Figure out what you want to do

The crucial first step is picking out something you want to do.

If you're struggling to think of something, it's okay to start off simple. Using your existing skills for consulting, getting into copywriting, or starting a local gardening or cleaning business are all great ideas that will suit many people.

Remember, the more passionate you are about your side hustle, the less like work it will feel (and the better success you’ll naturally have).

2. Do some market research

It's time to think about marketability.

Market research pretty much refers to jumping on Google, social media, Reddit, and anywhere else to see what people’s pain points are.

You can also look at other people or companies that offer the goods and services you want to provide, and how they go about business.

Look at how many competitors there are, how well they seem to be doing, how much they charge, and even how they advertise themselves.

Here are a few market research tools you might be able to make use of:

SimilarWeb
Glimpse
Answer the Public
Statista
Google Trends
Think With Google

3. Check the legal side of things

Depending on where you are and what kind of side hustle you start, there can be legal responsibilities.

You might need to register your business with the federal or local government, and you might need licenses or permits to do business.

It's also important to set up a business bank account so you can keep your personal and business transactions separate.

This will help make it easier to stay on top of accounting and filing taxes.

4. Create a business plan

Business plans are a must if your side hustle will involve investment, funding, or a partnership, but they’re also good practice for all situations.

For small, casual businesses, it's totally okay if you don't want to go all out with a full-on business plan like this. I’ve never had one for freelancing, but if I was starting dropshipping, for example, I would.

You can cover just about every aspect of your business idea, from the overall vision to the products, marketing, and financial plans. Here's a more detailed list of the things you can cover:

Executive summary: Introduces the plan to readers
Business description: Details of what your business will be and how it will work:
- Mission statement
- Revenue streams
- Legal structure
- Leadership
Competitor analysis: Results of your market research
Products and services: Overview of your products and services, what value you deliver, and how you compare to competitors
Marketing strategies: Plans you have for social media marketing, paid ads, and general strategies for growth.
Financial planning

5. Prepare your products and services

I get it, you’re excited to start making money.

But first, you need to make sure that what you're offering reaches a certain standard of quality.

The specifics of what you need to do will depend on the kind of side hustle you've chosen.

Maybe you've got ebooks to write or online courses to make. You might be making handmade products or setting up a freelance portfolio website. You know the drill: the sky's the limit.

If you're selling products, physical or digital, you'll also need to write up descriptions, take screenshots or photos, and choose product names.

Everything needs to look appealing on your storefront and provide potential customers with all the information they need to click that "buy" button.

Knowing some basic SEO is going to help you massively here.

6. Pick a platform

Each marketplace and platform has its strengths and drawbacks.

For instance, platforms like Etsy specialize in handmade products, while Shopify offers scalability for growing stores and dropshippers, and Whop is perfect for selling digital products and online services.

Prices and fee structures differ too, so it's important to look into the right type for you.

If you're looking for a quick and inexpensive start, platforms like Whop work well because it's free to sign up and you won't pay a dime until you start making money.

Use social media to both reach out to new customers and interact with your current ones.

Even if the ecommerce platform you choose has its own customer service tools, many online shoppers will instinctively go to a brand's social media if they want to get in touch with you.

It's also one of the most popular methods for discovering new products and learning more about what a brand has to offer.

Your marketing strategy can develop over time, but just remember to post a whole lot, make everything look as nice as possible, and have fun with trends to draw attention.

8. Start advertising

Alongside social media, you can also try out other forms of advertising. You can keep the expense low with email marketing and SEO, and eventually look into paid advertisements when you're ready.

While advertising is important, there are a lot of worthwhile things you can do that don't require a big investment.

If you're starting small and trying to avoid upfront costs, spending too much on advertising from the get-go might not have the best results.

Digital product marketing: Strategies to grow your sales

9. Review and reassess

Look, it’s rare to get everything right the first time around.

It's okay to get things wrong, but reviewing and reassessing your progress and strategies is a must.

Keep an eye on your analytics so you can see how much you're selling and how much you're making.

Monitor which services or products your customers like best and which products receive the most complaints.

When you find something that's not going as well as you want, try to come up with a way to improve it.

There's no need to panic or rush the process; just give some thought to how it could be better and take the steps to make it happen.

Start making f*ck you money with Whop

A side hustle isn’t just about making extra cash. It’s about doing it on your terms, fitting work around your life, and not the other way around.

And look, not every hustle fits everyone. Some demand too much time, others don’t pay enough.

But Whop gives you the freedom to choose what works for you, when you want to work, and how you get paid.

Set up your own whop and start selling ebooks, courses, digital products, coaching, memberships, and more, all from one place.

Your hustle, your rules.

Ready to make money your way? Start your side business with Whop today.

Make money with Whop

FAQs

Side hustles are a sick way to earn money on your terms, but alas, there are still things to think about before jumping in.

How to start a side business?

First up, get the legal stuff sorted — taxes, permits, all that boring but necessary paperwork.

Then, keep it simple. Don’t overinvest time or money. Plenty of side hustles need little upfront and still pay off big.

Start small, learn as you go, and build from there.

What's the best side business to start?

Ecommerce usually tops the list for profits. It can scale big if you find the right niche and enjoy the work — but there are barriers to entry (cost, time).

Clipping is one of the easiest and fastest ways to start making real money online: no upfront costs or special skills needed.

It’s flexible, low effort, and can scale quickly if you’re consistent.

What side businesses can I start from home?

Loads.

Sell your skills — writing, design, coding, consulting — through platforms like Whop.

Use AI in your spare time to vibe code.

Launch an ecommerce store from your living room.

Basically: anything you can do online and deliver digitally works perfectly from home.

Can I start a side business while employed?

Yes, but check your contract first.

To find out if your employer has set any restrictions, you'll need to look at your employment contract.

The first thing to look out for is an NDA (non-disclosure agreement). If your side hustle idea involves information or intellectual property from your day job, an NDA will stop you from going through with it.

There are also non-compete and exclusivity clauses.

Non-compete clauses stop you from engaging in a side hustle that could compete with your employer's business or put it at a disadvantage.

Exclusivity clauses stop you from starting a side hustle completely because they forbid you from being paid outside work while you're employed.

Lastly, more creative jobs like programming can have IP ownership clauses. These pesky clauses state that any intellectual property you create while employed belongs to the company.

Luckily, it's often possible to have this clause removed if you request it, so set up a chat with your boss and see if you can work it out.

Do I pay tax on a side hustle?

Yes, you must pay tax on a side hustle.

If you've only worked full-time jobs until now, you'll have to learn about self-employment tax. I know, collective groan.

But honestly, it’s pretty simple:

In the United States, as soon as you earn more than $400 in self-employment income, you need to file taxes for it.

This is usually done through Form 1040 Schedule C, as part of your personal tax return, but please double- and triple-check before you file anything in your state.

Like anything tax-related, it will seem bothersome and complicated at first but once you've got the hang of it, it will just become another part of your tax routine!

How do I manage my side hustle and my job?

Side hustles are more flexible than getting a second full-time job, but they still take time.

Before you start, you need to think about how much time you can realistically put aside and what kind of side hustle you can manage within that amount of time.

If you don't have that much time, a part-time job or a passive income source might be a better fit for you.

What you need to start a side business

They say you have to spend money to make money, but that's not always true.

For some hustles, though, like FBA or dropshipping, there is an upfront cost, which can add a new element of risk to the project.

Luckily, loads of the side hustle ideas we've covered don't require any investments.

Online freelance work, paid communities, clipping, UGC, selling digital products—you can start all of these projects for free.

Starting a side business: 30 side hustle ideas and step-by-step launch blueprint