Creative Side Hustle Ideas: 15 Ways to Make Extra Money

As a serial side hustler and Internet entrepreneur, I’ve tried my fair share of gigs to make extra cash over the years. From online surveys to flipping items for profit, I’ve done it all. And let me tell you, not all side hustles are created equal.

Many of the “get-rich-quick” schemes out there are nothing more than hype and empty promises. But there are also plenty of legitimate, proven ways to generate a solid side income if you’re willing to put in the work. The key is finding opportunities that align with your skills, interests and lifestyle.

That’s why I’m excited to share with you my top best side gigs based on a side hustles database. These are the same side hustles I’ve personally had success with and recommend to friends and family members who are just starting out.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a college student, or a 9-to-5 employee looking to boost your income, there’s something on this list for you. The beauty of these side gigs is that many of them can be done on your own schedule, from the comfort of your own home.

So if you’re ready to take control of your financial future and start building wealth, keep reading to discover the best side hustles to make money.

1. Online Surveys

Online surveys are a popular side hustle that allows individuals to earn extra cash by sharing their opinions on various topics. Companies pay for consumer feedback to improve their products and services, making this an accessible and flexible way to generate income in your spare time. While it won’t make you rich, it can provide a modest supplemental income.

How to Get Started

To start taking online surveys, follow these steps:

Choose Reputable Survey Sites: Sign up for trusted platforms like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or Toluna. These sites have a proven track record of paying users for their feedback.
Create Your Profile: Fill out your profile accurately to receive surveys that match your demographics. This increases your chances of qualifying for more surveys.
Set Aside Time: Dedicate specific times to complete surveys. This helps you stay organized and maximize your earnings.
Stay Honest: Provide truthful answers to avoid being disqualified from future surveys.

Earning Potential

According to Side Hustles Database, earnings from online surveys typically range from $0.25 to $5 per survey, with some specialized surveys paying up to $50. However, such high payouts are rare. On average, users can expect to earn between $1 to $5 a day, translating to approximately $365 to $1,825 annually, depending on the number of surveys completed and the time invested.

2. Flipping Items for Profit

Flipping items for profit involves buying undervalued or second-hand goods and reselling them at a higher price. This side hustle leverages market demand and can be done through various platforms such as eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. It requires some market knowledge and a keen eye for deals.

How to Get Started

Research the Market: Identify items that are in demand and can be bought at a lower price. Popular categories include electronics, furniture, and collectibles.
Source Items: Look for items at garage sales, thrift stores, or online marketplaces. Always check the condition and ensure they can be resold for a profit.
List for Sale: Create appealing listings with clear photos and descriptions. Use platforms like eBay or local classifieds to reach potential buyers.
Negotiate and Sell: Be prepared to negotiate with buyers. Once sold, ensure a smooth transaction and consider shipping options if selling online.

Earning Potential

The earning potential in flipping items can vary widely. Successful flippers can make hundreds to thousands of dollars per month, depending on the volume of items sold and the profit margins. Some individuals report making $1,000 or more monthly by flipping items consistently.

3. Freelance Your Skills

Freelancing allows individuals to offer their skills and services on a project basis, providing flexibility and the potential for significant earnings. Common freelance services include writing, graphic design, web development, and consulting.

How to Get Started

Identify Your Skills: Determine what services you can offer based on your expertise and interests.
Create a Portfolio: Build a portfolio showcasing your work to attract potential clients. This could include samples, case studies, or testimonials.
Join Freelance Platforms: Sign up for platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to connect with clients looking for your services.
Market Yourself: Promote your services through social media, networking, and personal branding to attract clients.

Earning Potential

Freelancers can earn anywhere from $10 to over $100 per hour, depending on their skills and experience. Many freelancers report earning a full-time income through freelancing alone, with some making $50,000 to $100,000 annually or more, especially in high-demand fields like tech and design.

4. Selling Printables and Spreadsheets

Creating and selling digital products like printables and spreadsheets is an excellent side hustle that requires minimal upfront investment. These products can be easily created using tools like Canva, Microsoft Office, or Google Sheets and then sold through online marketplaces or your own website. Popular categories include planners, checklists, budget templates, and educational materials.

How to Get Started

Identify a Niche: Choose a niche where you can provide value and that aligns with your skills and interests. Research popular categories and look for gaps in the market.
Create Your Products: Design eye-catching, high-quality printables and spreadsheets using your chosen tools. Focus on creating templates that are easy to customize and use.
Set Up Your Shop: Open an account on a platform like Etsy, Creative Market, or Gumroad to sell your digital products. Optimize your listings with relevant keywords, clear descriptions, and attractive images.
Market Your Products: Promote your products through social media, blogging, and email marketing. Engage with your target audience and provide excellent customer service to encourage repeat business and positive reviews.

Earning Potential

The earning potential for selling printables and spreadsheets can be significant, with successful sellers reporting thousands of dollars in monthly revenue. Prices typically range from $1 to $20 per product, depending on the complexity and niche. With minimal overhead costs and the ability to create and sell multiple products simultaneously, this side hustle can provide a steady stream of passive income.

5. Local Service Business

Starting a local service business is a low-cost way to earn extra income by providing in-demand services to your community. Examples include window cleaning, pressure washing, lawn care, pet waste removal, and mobile car detailing. These businesses often have low startup costs and can be easily scaled as demand grows.

How to Get Started

Identify Your Service: Choose a service that aligns with your skills, interests, and market demand in your local area. Research the competition and look for opportunities to differentiate your offering.
Gather Equipment and Supplies: Invest in the necessary equipment and supplies to provide your service efficiently. This may include tools, cleaning products, or a reliable vehicle, depending on your chosen service.
Market Your Business: Utilize local networking, online marketing, and promotions to attract customers. Offer promotions or discounts to incentivize new clients and encourage referrals from satisfied customers.
Deliver Exceptional Service: Prioritize customer satisfaction by providing high-quality service, communicating effectively, and going above and beyond to meet client needs. Encourage positive reviews and testimonials to build your reputation and attract new business.

Earning Potential

The earning potential for a local service business can vary widely depending on the service, location, and scale of the operation. Many successful local service businesses report generating thousands of dollars in monthly revenue. For example, a window cleaning business can earn $3,000 to $4,000 per month, while a lawn care service can generate $70,000 in annual profit. With low overhead costs and the ability to work around your schedule, a local service business can provide a lucrative and flexible side income.

6. Niche Newsletter

Creating a niche newsletter is an engaging side hustle that allows you to share your expertise and passion with a targeted audience. By curating and delivering high-quality content on a specific topic, you can provide value to your subscribers and establish yourself as an authority in your niche. Newsletters can be monetized through advertising, affiliate marketing, or by offering premium content or services.

How to Get Started

Choose a Niche: Select a niche that aligns with your interests and expertise. Research popular topics and look for underserved niches where you can provide unique value.
Create Valuable Content: Curate and create engaging content that addresses the needs and interests of your target audience. This may include original articles, interviews, product reviews, or industry insights.
Build Your Subscriber Base: Promote your newsletter through social media, guest posts, and partnerships to attract subscribers. Offer incentives like exclusive content or discounts to encourage sign-ups.
Monetize Your Newsletter: Explore revenue streams such as advertising, affiliate marketing, or premium content to monetize your newsletter. Engage with your audience and gather feedback to refine your offerings and maximize revenue.

Earning Potential

The earning potential for a niche newsletter can be significant, with successful newsletters generating thousands of dollars in monthly revenue. Factors such as the size of your subscriber base, engagement rates, and monetization strategies can impact your earnings. While building a successful newsletter takes time and effort, it can provide a steady stream of passive income once established.

7. Tutoring

Tutoring is a flexible side hustle that allows individuals to leverage their knowledge and skills to help students improve their academic performance or learn new subjects. This can be done in-person or online, making it accessible to a wide audience. Tutors can specialize in various subjects, from mathematics and science to languages and test preparation, catering to different educational needs.

How to Get Started

Identify Your Niche: Determine the subjects or skills you are most knowledgeable about and assess their demand in your area. Consider your qualifications and experience to find a suitable niche.
Set Up Your Business: Create a profile on tutoring platforms like Wyzant, Tutor.com, or local community boards. Alternatively, you can establish your own website to market your services.
Market Yourself: Utilize word-of-mouth referrals, social media, and local community groups to promote your tutoring services. Consider offering introductory discounts to attract new clients.
Deliver Quality Service: Focus on providing excellent tutoring sessions that cater to individual learning styles. Collect feedback and testimonials to enhance your reputation and attract more students.

Earning Potential

Tutoring rates can vary significantly based on location, subject matter, and experience. On average, tutors can earn between $20 to $50 per hour, with specialized subjects or test preparation potentially commanding higher rates. Successful tutors can earn upwards of $1,000 per week, especially during peak tutoring seasons like exam periods.

8. Teaching an Online Course

Creating and teaching an online course is a lucrative side hustle that allows individuals to share their expertise with a global audience. Online courses can cover a wide range of topics, from professional skills and personal development to hobbies and creative arts. This model can generate passive income as courses remain available for purchase after initial creation.

How to Get Started

Choose a Topic: Select a subject you are knowledgeable about and passionate about teaching. Ensure there is demand for the topic by conducting market research.
Create Course Content: Develop engaging and informative course materials, including videos, slides, quizzes, and supplementary resources. Platforms like Teachable, Udemy, or Thinkific can help you host and sell your course.
Market Your Course: Promote your course through social media, email marketing, and content marketing strategies. Consider offering free webinars or introductory lessons to attract potential students.
Engage with Students: Provide support and feedback to your students throughout the course. Building a community around your course can enhance student satisfaction and encourage referrals.

Earning Potential

The earning potential for online courses can be substantial. Prices for courses typically range from $20 to several hundred dollars, depending on the content and target audience. Successful course creators can earn thousands of dollars per month, especially if their course gains traction and receives positive reviews.

9. Delivery and Rideshare Apps

Delivery and rideshare apps offer flexible opportunities to earn extra income by providing transportation or delivering goods. Popular platforms include Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Postmates, allowing individuals to work on their own schedules and choose how much they want to work.

How to Get Started

Choose a Platform: Decide whether you want to drive passengers or deliver food and goods. Sign up for the relevant app and complete the registration process, which may include background checks and vehicle inspections.
Set Up Your Profile: Create a compelling profile that highlights your reliability and customer service skills. This can help you attract more clients.
Start Driving or Delivering: Once approved, you can begin accepting rides or delivery requests. Familiarize yourself with the app’s features and best practices for maximizing earnings.
Optimize Your Earnings: Take advantage of peak hours, bonuses, and promotions offered by the platforms. Providing excellent service can lead to higher tips and better ratings.

Earning Potential

Earnings for delivery and rideshare drivers can vary based on location, demand, and hours worked. On average, drivers can earn between $15 to $25 per hour, including tips. During busy times or special promotions, earnings can increase significantly, with some drivers reporting monthly earnings of $1,000 to $3,000 or more.

10. Get Paid to Play Mobile Games

Getting paid to play mobile games is a unique side hustle that allows individuals to earn money or rewards by engaging with various gaming apps. These apps typically pay users to download and play games, complete specific tasks, or reach certain milestones. The earnings come from game developers who pay these platforms to attract new users, sharing a portion of that revenue with players.

How to Get Started

Choose Reputable Apps: Sign up for trusted platforms like Swagbucks, Mistplay, or Freecash. Each of these apps has different ways to earn, such as completing surveys or playing games.
Create an Account: Download the app and create an account. Make sure to provide accurate information to receive relevant offers.
Download Games: Browse through the available games and download those that interest you. Follow the instructions to earn rewards, which may include reaching certain levels or playing for a specified amount of time.
Engage and Earn: Actively play the games and complete the required tasks to accumulate points or cash rewards. Be prepared to watch ads, as many of these apps are ad-supported.

Earning Potential

The earning potential from playing mobile games is generally modest. Users can expect to earn between $10 to $25 a month, depending on the time spent and the specific apps used. Some high-performing apps like Swagbucks can yield between $730 to $1,825 annually for dedicated users, but this often requires significant time investment.

11. Child Care or Caregiving

Child care or caregiving is a rewarding side hustle that involves providing care for children or assisting elderly individuals. This role can range from babysitting to more specialized caregiving services, such as helping with daily activities for seniors. The demand for reliable caregivers is high, making this a viable option for those looking to earn extra income while making a positive impact.

How to Get Started

Assess Your Skills: Determine your qualifications and the type of care you want to provide, whether it’s child care, elder care, or both.
Register on Platforms: Sign up on caregiving platforms like Care.com or Sittercity, where you can create a profile and connect with families in need of services.
Background Checks: Be prepared to undergo background checks, as many families require this for safety reasons.
Market Your Services: Use social media, local community boards, and word-of-mouth to promote your services. Highlight any relevant experience or certifications you may have.

Earning Potential

Caregivers can earn between $15 to $30 per hour, depending on location, experience, and the specific needs of the clients. For example, specialized services like school transportation through platforms such as HopSkipDrive can yield $20 to $35 per trip, allowing caregivers to earn a substantial income by completing multiple trips per week.

12. Personal Chef Service

A personal chef service allows individuals to monetize their cooking skills by preparing meals for clients in their homes or delivering pre-prepared meals. This side hustle caters to busy families, individuals with dietary restrictions, or those looking for convenient meal options without the hassle of cooking themselves.

How to Get Started

Define Your Services: Decide what type of meals you want to prepare and whether you’ll focus on meal prep, catering for events, or both.
Create a Menu: Develop a menu that showcases your culinary skills and caters to various dietary preferences. Consider offering sample meals to attract initial clients.
Market Your Services: Use social media, local advertising, and platforms like HireaChef.com to promote your services. Networking within your community can also help you find clients.
Set Up Logistics: Determine how you will handle food sourcing, preparation, and delivery. Establish clear pricing structures and payment methods.

Earning Potential

Personal chefs can earn between $180 to $200 per week per family, depending on the number of meals prepared and the complexity of the menu. For those who expand their services to multiple clients or events, earnings can significantly increase, with some personal chefs making upwards of $1,000 per week during busy periods.

13. Sports Coaching or Officiating

Sports coaching or officiating is a rewarding side hustle that allows individuals to share their passion for sports while earning extra income. Coaches can work with youth or adult teams, focusing on skill development, strategy, and fitness, while officials ensure fair play and enforce rules during games. This role is ideal for those with a background in sports or a strong understanding of game mechanics.

How to Get Started

Identify Your Specialty: Choose a sport you are knowledgeable about and passionate about coaching or officiating. This could range from soccer and basketball to gymnastics or martial arts.
Get Certified: Depending on the sport and level, you may need to obtain certifications or licenses. Many sports organizations offer training programs for coaches and officials.
Market Your Services: Promote your coaching or officiating services through local schools, community centers, or sports clubs. Utilize social media and word-of-mouth to attract clients.
Network: Attend local sports events and connect with coaches, players, and parents to build relationships and find opportunities.

Earning Potential

Earnings for sports coaches and officials can vary widely based on experience, location, and the level of competition. Coaches can earn between $20 to $100 per hour, while officials typically earn $25 to $50 per game. With regular engagements, coaches can potentially earn $1,000 to $3,000 monthly, especially during peak sports seasons.

14. Mobile Laundry Service

A mobile laundry service provides convenience to customers by picking up, washing, and delivering laundry directly to their homes or offices. This service caters to busy individuals or families who may lack the time or facilities to do laundry themselves. It can include washing, drying, folding, and even dry cleaning services.

How to Get Started

Research Local Demand: Assess the demand for laundry services in your area. Identify your target market, such as busy professionals, families, or students.
Set Up Your Business: Decide on your service offerings, pricing structure, and operational logistics. Invest in necessary equipment and supplies, such as washing machines, detergents, and transportation.
Create a Marketing Plan: Use social media, local advertising, and word-of-mouth to promote your mobile laundry service. Consider offering introductory discounts to attract initial customers.
Establish a Booking System: Use apps or a simple website to allow customers to schedule pickups and deliveries easily. Ensure clear communication regarding service times and pricing.

Earning Potential

The earning potential for a mobile laundry service can be significant, with prices typically ranging from $1 to $3 per pound of laundry. Depending on the volume of clients, a mobile laundry service can generate $1,000 to $5,000 monthly. Successful operators who establish a loyal customer base may see even higher earnings.

15. Pallet Flipping

Pallet flipping involves purchasing surplus or returned goods from retailers or wholesalers, then reselling them for a profit. This side hustle capitalizes on the resale market, allowing individuals to buy pallets of items at a low cost and sell them individually or in bulk. Products can range from electronics and home goods to clothing and toys.

How to Get Started

Research the Market: Understand which products are in demand and profitable. Look for local auctions, liquidation sales, or online marketplaces that sell pallets of goods.
Source Pallets: Purchase pallets from reputable suppliers or liquidation companies. Ensure you know the potential resale value of the items in the pallet before buying.
Sort and Assess: Once you receive the pallet, sort through the items, assess their condition, and determine which items can be resold. Clean and repair items as needed to maximize their value.
Sell the Items: Use platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local classifieds to sell the items. Create appealing listings with clear descriptions and photos to attract buyers.

Earning Potential

The earning potential in pallet flipping can vary greatly based on the types of items purchased and sold. Profit margins can range from 20% to 50% per item. Some individuals report making $1,000 to $5,000 monthly, especially if they can consistently source high-demand products and sell them quickly.