In today’s digital age, making extra income online has never been easier. Whether you’re looking for a part-time gig, a side business, or a way to turn your passion into profit, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. Here are 20 online side hustles you can try today.

Why Start an Online Side Hustle?

Starting an online side hustle offers flexibility, additional income, and the potential to transition into a full-time business. Many online ventures require little to no upfront investment, making them accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Plus, the demand for digital services continues to grow, providing ample opportunities for success.

1. Freelance Writing

If you have a knack for words, freelance writing can be a lucrative side hustle. Companies, bloggers, and websites constantly need quality content. You can offer services such as blog writing, copywriting, technical writing, or ghostwriting.

How to Get Started:

• Sign up on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.
• Create a portfolio showcasing your best writing samples.
• Pitch clients via LinkedIn.

Pros:

• High earning potential.
• Flexible work schedule.
• No startup cost.

Cons:

• Competitive field.
• Requires strong writing skills.
• Income may be inconsistent initially.

2. Virtual Assistance

Businesses and entrepreneurs need help with administrative tasks, customer support, email management, and social media management. Virtual assistants (VAs) can work from anywhere and set their schedules.

Platforms to Find Work:

• Belay
• Fancy Hands
• Time Etc.

Pros:

• No specialized skills required.
• Work from anywhere.
• High demand for services.

Cons:

• Can be repetitive.
• Requires multitasking skills.
• May involve inconsistent workload.

For more information on getting started as a virtual assistant, check out this article here.

3. Online Tutoring

If you’re an expert in a subject, online tutoring can be a rewarding way to earn extra income. Students worldwide seek tutors for subjects like math, science, languages, and test preparation.

Top Platforms:

• VIPKid (English tutoring for Chinese students)
• Wyzant
• Chegg Tutors

Pros:

• Good earning potential.
• Flexible hours.
• High demand for subjects like math and science.

Cons:

• Requires subject matter expertise.
• Some platforms have strict requirements.
• Can be time-consuming.

4. Graphic Design

If you’re skilled in design, you can create logos, social media graphics, and marketing materials for businesses and influencers.

Tools to Use:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Canva
• Figma

Pros:

• Creative and flexible work.
• High-income potential.
• Many niches available.

Cons:

• Requires design skills.
• Can be competitive.
• Need to build a strong portfolio.

5. Dropshipping

Dropshipping allows you to sell products without handling inventory. You list products on your online store, and when a customer makes a purchase, the supplier ships the product directly to them.

How to Start:

• Use Shopify to build your store.
• Source products from AliExpress or Spocket.

Pros:

• No need for inventory storage.
• Scalable business model.
• Can be automated.

Cons:

• Profit margins can be low.
• Shipping times can be long.
• High competition.

6. Print on Demand

Sell custom-designed merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases using print-on-demand services.

Best Platforms:

• Printful
• Redbubble
• Spring

Pros:

• No upfront inventory costs.
• Passive income potential.
• Many design options.

Cons:

• Requires marketing efforts.
• Profit margins can be low.
• Dependent on platform policies.

For more information on print on demand t-shirts, check out this article here.

7. Affiliate Marketing

Earn commissions by promoting products through your blog, YouTube, or social media.

Networks to Join:

• Amazon Associates
• ShareASale
• CJ Affiliate

Pros:

• Passive income potential.
• No need for inventory.
• Scalable income.

Cons:

• Can take time to generate income.
• Requires an audience or traffic.
• Some programs have strict requirements.

Check out a great guide on getting started with affiliate marketing here.

8. Social Media Management

Businesses need social media managers to create content, engage with followers, and analyze performance.

Where to Find Clients:

• Upwork
• PeoplePerHour
• Direct outreach to small businesses

Pros:

• High demand for services.
• Creative work.
• Can be done remotely.

Cons:

• Requires understanding of algorithms.
• Can be time-consuming.
• Clients may have unrealistic expectations.

9. Website Flipping

Buy, improve, and sell websites for a profit.

Where to Flip Websites:

• Flippa
• Empire Flippers

Pros:

• High-profit potential.
• Can be done part-time.
• No need for physical inventory.

Cons:

• Requires website management skills.
• Can take time to sell.
• Some risk involved.

10. Online Surveys and Market Research

Earn money by sharing your opinions on survey sites.

Best Survey Sites:

• Swagbucks
• InboxDollars
• Survey Junkie

Pros:

• Easy to start.
• No special skills required.
• Flexible schedule.

Cons:

• Low earning potential.
• Can be repetitive.
• Some sites have payout minimums.

Check out my experience with paid surveys here.

11. Stock Photography

Sell high-quality images on stock photo platforms.

Where to Sell:

• Shutterstock
• Adobe Stock
• iStock

Pros:

• Passive income potential.
• No need for client work.
• Can be done alongside photography hobby.

Cons:

• Requires high-quality images.
• Can take time to generate sales as it appears to be a ‘numbers game’ with the amount of photos you can have in your portfolio.
• Competition is high- especially now with AI.

Read about my experience with Shutterstock.

12. Transcription Services

Convert audio recordings into text for companies and content creators.

Where to Work:

• Rev
• TranscribeMe

Pros:

• No special skills needed.
• Flexible hours.
• Steady demand.

Cons:

• Can be tedious.
• Pay varies by accuracy and speed.
• Requires patience and good listening skills.

13. Video Editing

With the rise of video content, video editors are in high demand.

Tools to Use:

• Adobe Premiere Pro
• Final Cut Pro

Pros:

• High-income potential.
• Creative and in-demand skill.
• Many niches available.

Cons:

• Requires software knowledge.
• Can be time-consuming.
• Competitive field.

14. E-book Publishing

Write and sell e-books on platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing.

Tips for Success:

• Research profitable niches.
• Use professional cover designs.

Pros:

• Passive income potential.
• Low startup cost.
• Scalable business model.

Cons:

• Requires writing and formatting skills.
• Can take time to market.
• Success depends on niche selection.

Check out my experience with digital colouring books on Etsy.

15. App Testing

Help companies test apps for usability and functionality.

Platforms:

• UserTesting
• Testbirds
• TryMyUI

Pros:

• Simple work.
• No special skills required.
• Flexible hours.

Cons:

• Can be inconsistent.
• Requires attention to detail.
• May have strict deadlines.

16. Voice Acting

Lend your voice to commercials, audiobooks, or video games.

Platforms:

• Voices.com
• Fiverr
• ACX (for audiobooks)

Pros:

• High earning potential.
• Work from home.
• Can be a fun creative outlet.

Cons:

• Requires a good microphone and setup.
• Competitive industry.
• Needs voice training for better opportunities.

17. Coding and Software Development

Develop apps, websites, or software for businesses or personal projects.

Platforms:

• Upwork
• GitHub (to showcase projects)
• Toptal

Pros:

• High-paying industry.
• Strong job demand.
• Scalable income.

Cons:

• Requires technical knowledge.
• Can be time-consuming.
• Need to constantly update skills.

18. Data Entry

Simple online jobs entering data for businesses.

Platforms:

• Clickworker
• Axion Data Services
• Smart Crowd

Pros:

• No experience required.
• Easy to start.
• Flexible schedule.

Cons:

• Low pay.
• Repetitive tasks.
• Can be boring.

19. Selling Digital Products

Create and sell digital items like printables, planners, and templates.

Platforms:

• Etsy
• Gumroad
• Shopify

Pros:

• Passive income.
• No shipping involved.
• Scalable business.

Cons:

• Requires marketing.
• Takes time to gain traction.
• Needs good design skills.

20. Podcasting

Start a podcast and monetize it with sponsorships and ads.

Platforms:

• Anchor
• Buzzsprout
• Spotify

Pros:

• Creative and flexible.
• Passive income potential.
• Growing industry.

Cons:

• Requires consistent content.
• Takes time to grow audience.
• Needs audio editing skills.

Final Thoughts

These online side hustles provide flexible income opportunities that can grow into full-time businesses. Choose a side hustle that aligns with your skills and interests, and start building your online income today!