12 Flexible Side Hustles for Extra Income

As a digital nomad who has traversed the globe while juggling various side hustles, I can confidently say that the quest for extra income can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. 

With countless opportunities available, it can be challenging to determine which side gigs are not only profitable but also suitable for beginners. Whether you’re looking to supplement your travel budget, pay off student loans, or simply explore your passions, the right side hustle can provide the perfect balance of flexibility and financial reward.

Over the years, I’ve dabbled in everything from freelance writing and graphic design to ecommerce reselling and virtual assistance. Each experience has taught me valuable lessons about what works, what doesn’t, and what you need to get started. 

In this article, I’ll share my top picks for the best side gigs to make money based on a side hustles database. So, grab your laptop, and let’s dive into the exciting world of side hustles that can help you fund your adventures and achieve your financial goals!

1. House Sitting

House sitting involves taking care of someone’s home and pets while they are away, often in exchange for free accommodation. This side hustle is particularly appealing to travelers, digital nomads, and retirees seeking to reduce living costs while exploring new places. 

House sitters typically enjoy the benefits of free lodging, the opportunity to experience different cultures, and the companionship of pets, as many assignments include pet care. According to Side Hustles Database, house sitters can typically earn between $25 to $45 per day for basic house sitting duties, such as watering plants, collecting mail, and ensuring the home remains secure.

How to Get Started

1. Choose a Platform: Sign up on reputable house sitting websites such as Trusted House Sitters or MindMyHouse. These platforms connect sitters with homeowners looking for reliable care for their properties and pets.
2. Create a Strong Profile: Your profile should highlight your experience, reliability, and love for animals. Include photos and references to build trust with potential clients.
3. Market Your Services: Utilize social media, local community boards, and word-of-mouth referrals to promote your services. Consider networking at local events to meet potential clients.
4. Communicate Clearly: Establish clear expectations with homeowners regarding your responsibilities, rates, and any additional services you may offer. A written agreement can help formalize this.
5. Provide Excellent Service: Go above and beyond in your duties to ensure client satisfaction. Regular updates and maintaining the property well can lead to repeat business and referrals.

2. Pet Grooming

Pet grooming is a service-oriented side hustle that involves cleaning, styling, and caring for pets, primarily dogs and cats. This can include bathing, brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. Pet grooming can be a lucrative business, especially for those who love animals and have an eye for detail. It can be operated from home or as a mobile service, allowing flexibility in hours and locations. As pet ownership continues to rise, so does the demand for grooming services, making it a viable option for side income.

How to Get Started

1. Gain Experience: If you’re new to grooming, consider volunteering at a local animal shelter or working with a professional groomer to learn the basics of pet care and grooming techniques.
2. Obtain Necessary Equipment: Invest in quality grooming tools, such as clippers, brushes, and bathing supplies. A mobile grooming setup may require additional equipment for convenience.
3. Set Up Your Business: Decide whether you want to operate from home or as a mobile groomer. Create a business plan that outlines your services, pricing, and marketing strategies.
4. Market Your Services: Use social media, local pet shops, and veterinary clinics to advertise your grooming services. Offering promotions or discounts for first-time clients can help attract business.
5. Build a Client Base: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and refer friends. Consistent quality service will help establish a loyal clientele over time.

3. Blogging

Blogging is a popular side hustle that allows individuals to express their thoughts, share knowledge, and potentially earn income by creating content online. It involves writing articles or posts on various topics, which can range from personal experiences to niche subjects. 

Successful bloggers can monetize their platforms through methods such as affiliate marketing, sponsored content, display ads, and selling digital or physical products. While it requires dedication and time to build an audience, blogging can become a lucrative venture for those who are persistent and strategic in their approach.

How to Get Started

1. Choose a Niche: Identify a specific topic or area of interest that you are passionate about and that has an audience. This could be anything from travel to personal finance or health and wellness.
2. Select a Blogging Platform: Choose a platform to host your blog, such as WordPress, Blogger, or Wix. These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and customizable templates.
3. Create Quality Content: Start writing posts that provide value to your readers. Focus on high-quality, engaging content that addresses the needs and interests of your target audience. Consistency is key; aim to publish regularly.
4. Promote Your Blog: Use social media, email marketing, and SEO strategies to drive traffic to your blog. Engage with your audience through comments and social media interactions to build a community around your content.
5. Monetize Your Blog: Once you have an established audience, explore monetization options such as affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling digital products. Research various methods to find the best fit for your blog.

4. Selling Domains

Selling domains involves purchasing web domain names and reselling them at a profit. This side hustle capitalizes on the demand for unique and memorable domain names, especially as businesses and individuals seek to establish an online presence. 

Successful domain sellers often identify trending keywords or phrases and acquire domains that may appeal to potential buyers. The market can be competitive, but with research and strategic purchases, it can yield significant profits for those who understand the nuances of domain valuation and marketing.

How to Get Started

1. Research Domain Trends: Stay informed about current trends and popular keywords. Use tools like Google Trends or domain name generators to identify potential domain names that could attract buyers.
2. Purchase Domains: Use domain registrars like GoDaddy or Namecheap to buy domain names. Look for domains that are short, memorable, and easy to spell. Consider investing in premium domains that are already established.
3. Set Competitive Prices: Determine the value of your domains based on factors like length, keywords, and market demand. Research similar domains to set competitive prices.
4. List Your Domains for Sale: Use platforms like Flippa or Sedo to list your domains for sale. Create appealing listings that highlight the benefits and potential uses of the domains.
5. Market Your Domains: Promote your domains through social media, online forums, and networking with potential buyers. Building relationships within the industry can help you find interested parties and close sales.

5. Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is a flexible side hustle that allows individuals to earn income by creating written content for various clients and platforms. This can include writing articles, blog posts, website copy, product descriptions, social media content, and more. Freelance writers can work with businesses, publications, or individuals, offering their expertise in a specific niche or a diverse range of topics. 

The benefits of freelance writing include the ability to work remotely, set your own schedule, and build a portfolio of published work. As more companies recognize the importance of content marketing, the demand for skilled freelance writers continues to grow.

How to Get Started

1. Identify Your Niche: Determine the specific areas of writing you excel in or are passionate about, such as travel, technology, or health and wellness. This will help you stand out in a competitive market.
2. Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your best writing samples. If you’re just starting, consider writing guest posts for blogs or creating your own blog to demonstrate your skills.
3. Create a Professional Online Presence: Build a website or an online profile highlighting your writing services, experience, and areas of expertise. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, or Fiverr to connect with potential clients.
4. Network and Pitch: Attend local writing events, join online writing communities, and reach out to potential clients directly. Pitch your services to businesses, publications, or individuals who may need a writer.
5. Deliver High-Quality Work: Consistently produce well-researched, engaging, and error-free content for your clients. Maintain open communication, meet deadlines, and strive for client satisfaction to build a positive reputation and secure repeat business.

6. Virtual Assistant Service

A virtual assistant (VA) service is a side hustle that involves providing administrative, social media, or specialized support to clients remotely. VAs can assist with tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing email inboxes, creating presentations, conducting research, and even providing customer service. 

This side hustle is appealing because it allows individuals to leverage their existing skills and experience to help busy professionals and entrepreneurs. As more businesses adopt remote work practices, the need for reliable and skilled virtual assistants has increased, making it a viable option for those seeking flexible side income.

How to Get Started

1. Assess Your Skills: Identify your strengths and the tasks you are most comfortable performing, such as administrative work, social media management, or data entry. This will help you determine the services you can offer.
2. Set Up Your Home Office: Ensure you have a quiet, distraction-free workspace with a reliable internet connection and necessary equipment, such as a computer and headset.
3. Create a Professional Online Presence: Build a website or an online profile showcasing your services, experience, and areas of expertise. Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or VA-specific websites to connect with potential clients.
4. Network and Pitch: Attend virtual assistant networking events, join online communities, and reach out to potential clients directly. Pitch your services to businesses or individuals who may need a virtual assistant.
5. Deliver Excellent Service: Provide prompt, reliable, and professional support to your clients. Maintain open communication, meet deadlines, and strive for client satisfaction to build a positive reputation and secure repeat business.

7. Designing Websites

Website design is a sought-after side hustle that involves creating visually appealing and user-friendly websites for individuals, businesses, or organizations. As the digital landscape continues to expand, the demand for well-designed websites has surged, making this an excellent opportunity for those with a flair for creativity and technical skills. 

Website designers can work on various projects, from simple personal blogs to complex e-commerce sites. This side hustle allows for flexibility in working hours and locations, enabling designers to take on multiple clients and projects simultaneously.

How to Get Started

1. Learn the Basics: Familiarize yourself with essential web design concepts, tools, and technologies. Consider taking online courses in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and popular design software like Adobe XD or Figma.
2. Build Your Portfolio: Create a few sample websites to showcase your skills. You can design personal projects, volunteer for non-profits, or offer discounted services to friends and family to build your portfolio.
3. Choose a Niche: Identify a specific market or type of website you want to focus on, such as e-commerce, blogs, or portfolio sites. Specializing can help you target your marketing efforts and attract specific clients.
4. Set Up Your Online Presence: Create a professional website to showcase your portfolio, services, and testimonials. Use social media platforms to promote your work and connect with potential clients.
5. Network and Market Your Services: Attend local networking events, join online communities, and utilize freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find clients. Building relationships with other professionals can lead to referrals and collaborations.

8. Life Coaching

Life coaching is a rewarding side hustle that focuses on helping individuals achieve personal and professional goals through guidance, support, and accountability. Life coaches work with clients to identify their aspirations, overcome obstacles, and develop actionable plans to improve their lives. 

This profession appeals to those with strong interpersonal skills and a passion for helping others. As more people seek personal development and work-life balance, the demand for life coaching services continues to grow, making it a viable and fulfilling side hustle.

How to Get Started

1. Assess Your Skills and Passion: Reflect on your strengths, experiences, and the areas of life coaching that resonate with you. This could include career coaching, wellness coaching, or relationship coaching.
2. Get Certified: While certification is not mandatory, obtaining a coaching certification from a reputable organization (such as the International Coach Federation) can enhance your credibility and provide you with essential coaching skills.
3. Define Your Coaching Niche: Identify your target audience and the specific coaching services you want to offer. This will help you tailor your marketing efforts and attract the right clients.
4. Create an Online Presence: Develop a professional website that outlines your coaching services, background, and testimonials. Use social media to share valuable content, engage with your audience, and promote your services.
5. Network and Build Client Relationships: Attend workshops, seminars, and networking events to connect with potential clients and other coaches. Offer free introductory sessions or workshops to showcase your coaching style and attract clients. Building strong relationships and providing value will help you grow your coaching practice.

9. Ecommerce Reselling

Ecommerce reselling involves purchasing products in bulk from wholesalers, liquidators, or manufacturers and then reselling them individually online for a profit. This side hustle allows you to start an online business without the need to develop your own products or provide a unique service. 

Successful resellers find niche markets, offer excellent customer service, and leverage multiple sales channels like their own website and online marketplaces. While competition is high, ecommerce reselling can be a lucrative venture for those willing to put in the work to find reliable suppliers and build a customer base.

How to Get Started

1. Identify a Niche: Choose a product category you are knowledgeable about and that has demand but limited competition. Specializing helps you stand out in a crowded market.
2. Find Reliable Suppliers: Research wholesalers, liquidators, or manufacturers to source your products at wholesale prices. Build relationships with suppliers to ensure consistent inventory and competitive pricing.
3. Create an Online Presence: Set up your own ecommerce website to showcase your products and provide a branded customer experience. Utilize online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay to reach a wider audience.
4. Market Your Business: Promote your products through social media, email marketing, and targeted advertising to attract customers. Offer excellent customer service and fast shipping to build a loyal customer base.
5. Diversify Your Offerings: Expand your product selection over time to appeal to a broader range of customers and reduce reliance on a single product. Monitor trends and customer feedback to identify new opportunities.

10. Delivering Food

Food delivery is a popular side hustle that involves picking up food orders from restaurants and delivering them to customers using your own vehicle. Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and GrubHub connect drivers with hungry customers, allowing you to work on your own schedule. 

While the pay per delivery is often low, the flexibility and ability to earn tips make this an attractive option for those looking for a side income. Food delivery also allows you to get paid for driving, which you may already do for other purposes.

How to Get Started

1. Sign Up with Delivery Apps: Download the apps for services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or GrubHub and complete the registration process, which typically includes a background check.
2. Ensure Your Vehicle is Ready: Make sure your car is clean, well-maintained, and has enough gas to complete deliveries. Consider investing in a thermal bag to keep food at the proper temperature.
3. Set Your Schedule: Choose when and where you want to work based on your availability and the busiest times for food delivery in your area. Many drivers find weekends and mealtimes to be the most profitable.
4. Accept Delivery Requests: When you are ready to start, log into the app and wait for delivery requests to come in. Accept orders that are convenient for you and allow enough time to pick up and drop off the food.
5. Provide Excellent Service: Deliver food quickly and safely, maintain good communication with customers, and provide a positive experience to earn tips and positive reviews. Positive feedback can lead to more orders and higher earnings.

11. Photographing Portraits

Photographing portraits is a creative side hustle that allows individuals to capture the essence of people through photography. This can include family portraits, professional headshots, senior pictures, or lifestyle photography. 

With the rise of social media and the demand for high-quality images, portrait photographers can find a steady stream of clients looking to immortalize special moments or enhance their personal branding. 

This side hustle not only offers the opportunity to express artistic vision but also provides flexibility in scheduling and the potential for significant income based on skill and reputation.

How to Get Started

1. Develop Your Skills: Invest time in learning photography techniques, including composition, lighting, and post-processing. Consider taking online courses or attending workshops to enhance your skills.
2. Gather Equipment: Acquire the necessary photography equipment, including a good quality camera, lenses, lighting, and editing software. A tripod and reflectors can also be helpful for portrait photography.
3. Build a Portfolio: Start by photographing friends and family to create a diverse portfolio that showcases your style and range. Use these initial sessions to experiment with different settings, poses, and lighting techniques.
4. Create an Online Presence: Set up a professional website or social media profiles to display your portfolio and attract potential clients. Use platforms like Instagram to share your work and engage with your audience.
5. Market Your Services: Promote your portrait photography services through social media, local community boards, and word-of-mouth referrals. Consider offering special promotions or discounts for first-time clients to build your clientele.

12. Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping is a vital side hustle that involves managing financial records for businesses or individuals. This includes tracking income and expenses, reconciling bank statements, and preparing financial reports. As more small businesses and freelancers seek to streamline their financial processes, the demand for skilled bookkeepers is on the rise. 

This side hustle is ideal for those with a knack for numbers and organization, offering the flexibility to work from home or remotely. With the right tools and knowledge, bookkeeping can provide a steady income stream while allowing you to help others manage their finances effectively.

How to Get Started

1. Learn the Basics: Familiarize yourself with fundamental bookkeeping concepts and practices. Online courses, webinars, and resources like the IRS website can provide valuable information for beginners.
2. Choose Your Tools: Decide on the bookkeeping software you will use, such as QuickBooks, Xero, or FreshBooks. Many of these platforms offer free trials, allowing you to explore their features before committing.
3. Define Your Services: Determine the specific bookkeeping services you want to offer, such as monthly reconciliations, payroll processing, or tax preparation. Specializing in a niche can help you attract specific clients.
4. Create an Online Presence: Develop a professional website or social media profiles to showcase your services and expertise. Consider writing blog posts or sharing tips on financial management to establish yourself as a knowledgeable resource.
5. Network and Find Clients: Join local business groups, attend networking events, and utilize freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find clients. Building relationships with small business owners can lead to long-term contracts and referrals.

Clare Louise