Need some extra cash in 2024? Who doesn’t?
Searching for the best side hustles to make extra money from home?
Well, with the rising costs of just about everything these days, we could all use a few more dollars in our pockets.
The good news is, there are tons of side hustle ideas out there just waiting for you to take advantage of them.
Whether you want to launch a side business from home or pick up a gig job for some quick cash, the possibilities are endless.
In this blog, we have put together a list of 13 side hustles that will help you earn money from home in 2024.
Are you ready? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- What is a Side Hustle?
- 13 Best Side Hustles to Boost Your Income in 2024
- 1. Start a blog
- 2. Social Media Manager
- 3. Virtual Assistant
- 4. Create an Online Course
- 5. Start a YouTube Channel
- 6. Start an E-commerce Store
- 7. Dropshipping Business
- 8. Affiliate Marketing
- 9. Print on Demand
- 10. Become a Crypto Trader
- 11. Provide Freelance Services
- 12. Start a Podcast Channel
- 13. Take Online Surveys
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts on Side Hustles 2024
What is a Side Hustle?
A side hustle is a part-time job or small business you can start while keeping your regular full-time job.
Launching a side business can be an excellent opportunity to:
- Earn extra money to supplement your income
- Explore new career options, and
- Gain more financial stability
Having a side hustle provides a safety net if you run into problems with your main job. You won’t lose all your income if you get laid off or have your hours cut.
Side hustles also allow you to turn a hobby or passion into extra cash. You can pursue your interests without worrying about losing the stability of your full-time job. Any extra money from a side gig is like a bonus!
Top benefits of side hustles:
- Flexibility – You can work around your full-time job and schedule.
- More fulfillment – You can do something you genuinely enjoy.
- Financial protection – Extra income acts as a safeguard.
- Passion project – Turn hobbies and interests into profits.
Overall, side hustles provide a path to extra income and more financial freedom. They allow you to supplement your full-time income on your own terms.
13 Best Side Hustles to Boost Your Income in 2024
1. Start a blog
Starting a blog as a side hustle idea can be a great way to earn extra income while pursuing your passion.
It’s a flexible and low-risk way to explore your interests and turn them into a profitable venture.
To start a blog, you’ll first need to choose a web hosting provider. One popular option is Bluehost, which provides optimized WordPress hosting starting at just $2.95 per month.
They offer a 1-click WordPress installation that makes it super easy for everyone to launch their blogs. Added to that, you get a free domain name as well which is another essential to set up a blog.
Once your Bluehost account is ready, you can choose a niche that you’re passionate about and has the potential to attract an audience.
As soon as your blog goes live, you can start publishing content that’s relevant to your niche and provides value to your readers.
To monetize your blog, you can use various strategies such as affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, display ads, and selling digital and physical products.
However, building a successful blog takes time and effort.
You’ll need to create high-quality content consistently, engage with your audience, and promote your blog on social media and other platforms.
If you’re interested in starting a blog as a side hustle, there are plenty of resources available online that can help you get started.
You can find tutorials on how to create a blog, how to drive traffic to your blog, how to monetize your blog, and so on.
So now the question comes How much money can you make by blogging?
The amount of money you can make by blogging varies widely depending on several factors such as;
- Your niche,
- Audience size, and
- Monetization strategy.
According to Glassdoor, the average monthly salary for a blogger in India is ₹81,935/month.
Indian bloggers also receive an average additional cash compensation of ₹63,998 per month. This means Indian bloggers earn approximately ₹1,45,933 per month on average when combining salary and additional compensation.
For blog writers specifically, the average monthly salary in India is ₹46,701.
Indian blog writers receive an average additional monthly cash compensation of ₹30,778.
So the total average monthly earnings for Indian blog writers is ₹77,479 when combining salary and extra compensation.
Overall, blogging appears to be a lucrative side hustle or career option for writers and content creators.
Social media management is a great side hustle idea to make money while working on projects you are passionate about.
As a freelance social media manager, you can work with multiple companies and clients at a time, providing them with your services.
If you’re looking to start your career as a freelance social media manager in 2024, here are some tips to get started:
Build your skills
Develop your entrepreneurial skills in addition to your knowledge of managing social media.
Even if you excel at delivering results for your clients, if your company processes aren’t solid, you can find yourself in trouble.
Here are nine skills you should hone if you want to become a successful social media manager;
1. Strong writing and editing skills
You need to be able to craft engaging posts, tweets, captions, etc. for different platforms.
2. Creativity
Coming up with fresh, innovative content ideas is key to standing out on social platforms. Brainstorming and thinking outside the box are important creative skills.
3. Strategic thinking
Having a strategy for each social platform and campaign is crucial. You need analytical skills to set goals, target audiences, and determine optimal posting schedules.
4. Project management
Juggling multiple social channels, campaigns, clients, and deadlines takes top-notch organizational skills. Staying on top of everything is essential.
5. Data analysis
Analyzing engagement rates, follower growth, clicks, conversions, etc. allows you to see what content resonates. Strong data skills help optimize efforts.
6. Visual communication
Images and video content tend to perform best on social. Design skills like photo/video editing and infographic creation are extremely valuable.
7. Collaboration
You’ll work with teammates, clients, influencers, and more. Teamwork and relationship-building skills make you a better partner.
8. Tech savviness
Staying current on new social media platforms and features is paramount. Curiosity to learn new technologies is a plus.
9. Flexibility
Social media evolves quickly. Being adaptable, open to new ideas, and able to pivot approaches is important for success.
Best practices
Here are six best practices for freelance social media managers;
- Establish clear communication with clients
- Set realistic expectations
- Create a contract or agreement with clients
- Stay organized and track your time
- Be proactive in your approach
- Always keep learning and upskilling
Where can you find SMM jobs?
There are many websites where you can find social media marketing (SMM) jobs. Some of them are;
- Indeed
- Jooble
- Shine.com
- Naukri.com
How much money can you earn as a social media manager?
The salary of a social media manager varies depending on the country, region, and level of experience.
According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for a social media manager in India is ₹36,000 per month.
The average additional cash compensation for a social media manager in India is ₹11,000, with a range from ₹1,600 – ₹1,66,560.
3. Virtual Assistant
Becoming a virtual assistant is an excellent way to earn some extra cash on the side while working on projects you like.
The duties of a VA can vary depending on the client’s needs, but they typically include tasks such as:
- Answering emails and phone calls
- Scheduling appointments
- Making travel arrangements
- Conducting online research
- Managing social media accounts, and
- Preparing presentations.
Skill set required to become a VA
Here is a list of the basic skills required to become a virtual assistant (VA);
1. Administrative skills
Excellent organizational abilities and task management are crucial for a VA role to effectively handle multiple priorities and responsibilities.
2. Communication skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential. You’ll communicate frequently with clients and team members via email, chat, phone, etc
3. Technical skills
Proficiency with computers, software programs, online tools, and mobile apps is a must.
4. Research skills
VAs often need to research and compile information for clients. Knowing how to quickly and efficiently find what you need online is important.
5. Time management
Effective time management, including calendaring and scheduling, allows you to complete work on time for clients. Meeting deadlines is critical.
6. Multitasking
The ability to juggle multiple tasks and context switch between different client projects throughout the day is critical.
7. Problem-solving
When issues inevitably arise, you’ll need to troubleshoot and find solutions on your own. Critical thinking skills are invaluable.
9. Flexibility
Social media evolves quickly. Being adaptable, open to new ideas, and able to pivot approaches is important for success.
How much can you make as a VA?
Once you have honed your skills, you can set your rates based on your experience and the services you offer.
According to Payscale, the salary of a virtual assistant (VA) in India, the average base pay for an executive assistant in India is ₹246.81 per hour.
4. Create an Online Course
Creating an online course can be a great way to share your knowledge and expertise with others while earning some extra income on the side.
It has been one of the best side hustle ideas for 2024.
Here are the steps to get started:
1. Choose your topic: Choose a topic you feel genuinely passionate and knowledgeable about. By doing this, you’ll be able to produce material that appeals to your audience.
2. Conduct research: Research your topic extensively to ensure that you have a deep understanding of it. This will help you create comprehensive and informative content for your course.
3. Create an outline: Write a course outline that includes the main topics and subtopics that you want to cover in your course. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you cover all the necessary information.
4. Create your content: Create the content for your course, including videos, slideshows, quizzes, and other materials.
You can use tools like;
- Canva,
- Camtasia, or
- Articulate Storyline to create engaging and interactive content.
5. Choose a platform: Select an online course platform to host and deliver your course content.
- YouTube,
- Udemy,
- Teachable, or
- Thinkific
These platforms provide tools for creating and hosting courses, as well as marketing and selling them.
6. Market your course: Promote your course through social media, email marketing, and other channels to attract students.
How much can you earn by Creating a Course Online?
The amount of money you can earn by creating and selling online courses varies widely depending on the size of your audience, your conversion rate, and the price of your course.
According to SellCoursesOnline, most successful course creators earn $1,000 to $10,000 per month.
However, your actual course revenue will depend on a few different factors, and it’s important to estimate a realistic revenue figure for your online course business.
To calculate your estimated earnings from your online courses based on the size of your audience, conversion rate, and price of your course, you can use any online course earnings calculator.
5. Start a YouTube Channel
Starting a YouTube channel is one of the best ideas for side hustle. It can be an excellent way to earn some extra income while pursuing your passion.
With over 2.7 billion monthly active users, YouTube is the second most visited website in the world, making it an ideal platform to showcase your talent and reach a global audience.
To start a YouTube channel, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to create content about.
Here is a list of potential money-making niches for you to pick from:
- Gaming and Streaming
- Beauty and Fashion
- Make Money Online
- Finance and Investing
- Lifestyle
- Tech and Gadgets
- Fitness
- Clothing and Swimsuit Hauls
- ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response)
One of the best things about starting a YouTube channel is that it requires minimal investment.
All you need is a smartphone or camera, a microphone, and an internet connection.
You can create videos from the comfort of your home and upload them to YouTube for free.
How much can a YouTuber make?
The amount of money a YouTuber can make varies depending on various factors such as the number of views, ad clicks, sponsorships, endorsements, products, and services.
According to CreditDonkey, the average YouTube pay rate ranges from $0.01 to $0.03 for an ad view and from $3 to $5 for every 1,000 video views.
A YouTuber with a million subscribers can make around $60,000 per year through video views and ad clicks, and more through other sources of revenue.
A YouTuber with 100,000 views per video can earn $100-200 per video from AdSense, and up to $1,500 or more with a high RPM.
6. Start an E-commerce Store
With the rise of online shopping, e-commerce has become a popular way to sell products and services.
They allow customers to browse, order, and pay for goods and services using electronic devices.
E-commerce stores have benefits such as:
- Lower costs
- More flexibility, and
- Wider reach than traditional businesses.
E-commerce stores usually have a virtual storefront with a title, picture, and description for each product.
Here are the 4 major e-commerce business models:
- Business-To-Consumer (B2C)
- Business-To-Business (B2B)
- Consumer-To-Business (C2B)
- Consumer-To-Consumer (C2C)
Besides, Direct-To-Consumer (D2C) is another “Fast-Growing” business model that cuts out the middleman and allows a manufacturer to sell directly to a consumer.
You can choose an e-commerce model based on your business goals, target market, products or services, budget, and technical expertise.
7. Dropshipping Business
Starting a dropshipping business is one of the best side hustle ideas for 2024 to earn some extra income.
Dropshipping is a business model that allows you to sell products without ever maintaining an inventory of the products.
Once a customer places an order, the business notifies the product manufacturer or distributor. The manufacturer or distributor then ships the product directly to the customer on behalf of the drop shipping company. This allows the drop shipper to sell products without having to keep inventory or handle fulfillment.
How to start a dropshipping company?
You must do the following actions in order to launch a dropshipping business:
1. Figure out the Logistics
The first step to starting a dropshipping business is getting through the paperwork and other necessary steps to start a business.
You need to register your business with your state and get the required permits and licenses.
2. Identify a market and choose a niche
The next step is to identify a market and choose a niche. You should research a market sector that interests you and make decisions on how profitable it might be.
3. Find the right supplier
It’s time to locate a supplier who provides that product once you’ve decided which niche you want to target with it.
You can use platforms like;
- AliExpress,
- Oberlo, or
- SaleHoo to find suppliers
4. Build your E-commerce website
At this point, you’ve identified a market and aligned with a supplier. The next step is to create your online store.
Platforms like;
- Shopify,
- WooCommerce, or
- BigCommerce can be used to build your online store.
5. Optimize and market your site
The final phase will be to make every effort to attract clients. You can use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to promote your products and reach out to potential customers.
How much can you earn from a dropshipping business?
Top-earning dropshippers are able to generate impressive income of $100,000 or more within just the first 12 months of launching their businesses.
The size and level of competition in the segment they service, as well as their capacity to market their storefront, all have a significant role in the dropshipping compensation.
Profits are maximized since there is no financial commitment to inventory, safety stock, or warehousing.
After a year, you can expect to make between $1,000 – $3,000 per month dropshipping once you factor in the 10–30% margins.
8. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a marketing strategy where individuals or businesses earn commissions by promoting the products or services of others.
Through referral links, affiliates generate traffic or sales, and when a sale is made, they are paid a commission. Typically, the result is a sale.
Affiliate marketing is one of the best side gigs to make money. You can build an affiliate program to start advertising your own established business or you can become an affiliate marketer and recommend other brands.
You can enroll in a wide variety of affiliate marketing programs. Popular choices comprise:
1. Pay Per Click (PPC): You get paid for every click on your affiliate link.
2. Pay Per Lead (PPL): You get paid for every lead generated through your affiliate link.
3. Pay Per Sale (PPS): You get paid for every sale made through your affiliate link.
Affiliate marketing programs are free to join.
Done right, an effective affiliate marketing strategy can go from earning you a healthy income.
Cast your eyes on our most recent affiliate earnings, totaling $3500, derived from just one affiliate network.
It’s quite a noteworthy achievement, isn’t it?
How much commission can you make from affiliate marketing?
The firm and the offer all affect the commission rates for affiliate sales.
Affiliate commissions typically range from 5% to 50% of each sale, depending on the program.
Some affiliates earn a percentage commission, while others get a flat rate per sale.
Higher commissions around 50% are common when promoting online courses or events. The compensation structure depends on the individual affiliate program.
For example, the Semrush affiliate program offers $200 per qualified sale, Bluehost affiliates get a minimum of $65 per sale, and Hostinger gives a 60% commission of the total sale amount.
9. Print on Demand
Print on demand is a business model where you design custom products like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases and then sell them on your online store.
The products are printed only when an order is placed, so there is no need to maintain an inventory of the products.
One of the great things about starting a print-on-demand business is that it requires a very basic investment.
All you need is a laptop, an internet connection, and some basic knowledge of e-commerce.
You can use tools like
- Shopify,
- WooCommerce, or
- BigCommerce to build your online store.
While it may take some time to build an audience and start earning money from your store, the rewards can be significant.
You can earn money through advertising revenue, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and more.
How much can you make from print-on-demand?
The amount of money you can make from a print-on-demand business varies depending on various factors such as the niche, the quality of your products, your marketing strategy, and more.
The average profit margin for print-on-demand products is around 30%.
10. Become a Crypto Trader
Crypto Trading enables traders to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies with ease.
It offers a range of features such as Price Alerts, Recurring Buy, and On-chain Staking that make it easy for beginners to get started with crypto trading.
Besides, the number of users is expected to hit 994.30 million by 2027 in the Cryptocurrencies market.
How To Start Crypto Trading?
Here are some steps to get started in Crypto trading:
1. Do your research
Before you start trading, it’s important to do your research and understand the market and the assets you want to invest in. This will help you make informed decisions and minimize risks.
2. Choose a crypto exchange
There are many crypto exchanges available, but not all of them are created equal. Select an exchange that is reputable, safe, and reliable.
3. Buy crypto
Once you have chosen an exchange, you can buy the cryptocurrency of your choice using fiat currency or other cryptocurrencies.
4. Trade crypto for profit
Trading cryptocurrencies involves buying low and selling high. You can use technical analysis tools to identify trends and make informed decisions about when to buy or sell. It’s crucial to have and follow a trading strategy.
5. Withdraw profits or reinvest
Once you have made a profit, you can withdraw your funds or reinvest them to grow your portfolio.
11. Provide Freelance Services
With the rise of remote work and the gig economy, more and more people are turning to freelancing as a side hustle.
There are many different types of freelance jobs available, ranging from social media management to content writing.
What are the different freelancing jobs?
Some of the top freelancing jobs that are expected to be in high demand in 2024 are:
- Web developer
- Graphic designer
- Social media specialist
- Copywriter
- Event manager
- Journalist
- Business Consultant
- Internet research specialist
If you’re interested in freelancing, there are many websites available that can help you find work.
Some of the best freelance websites to find work in 2024 include;
A major benefit of freelancing is the flexibility to set your own schedule and work remotely from anywhere.
However, it’s important to remember that freelancing requires hard work and dedication.
You’ll need to be able to manage your time effectively and market yourself to potential clients.
With the right skills and mindset, freelancing can be a rewarding way to earn extra income on the side.
12. Start a Podcast Channel
Podcasting is a great way to share your knowledge and expertise with the world while earning some extra income.
It’s also an excellent way to learn new skills and expand your knowledge in other areas.
Podcasts come in a wide variety of formats, from talk shows to instructive classes.
If you want to build an audience of people who can connect with you personally, creating a podcast is worth considering.
Starting a podcast channel requires podcast hosting and maybe some podcast software. Podbean and Buzzsprout are the two most popular options to create, promote, and monetize your podcast.
On top of that, it demands time, effort, and dedication. However, it can be a rewarding experience if done right.
Here are some benefits of podcasting that can help you get started:
- Flexibility
- Low cost
- Builds authority
- Connect with your audience
13. Take Online Surveys
Online surveys are the best side hustle ideas to earn some extra income.
Online surveys are used by businesses and organizations to gain input from their target market or clients.
They use this feedback to improve their products, services, or marketing strategies.
As a survey taker, you can earn money by participating in online surveys.
You can sign up for top survey websites like;
- Swagbucks,
- Survey Junkie, or
- Toluna and start taking surveys.
Online surveys are a low-risk way to earn some extra cash. They require minimal investment and can be done from the comfort of your home.
However, it’s important to note that online surveys are a kind of micro job and may not be the most profitable side hustle.
The amount of money you can earn from online surveys is usually small, and it may take some time to accumulate a significant amount of money.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on side hustles to make money in 2024.
A side job is a means to earn additional income in addition to your normal income. It’s a flexible and low-risk way to earn additional income by doing something you enjoy. Side hustles can range from selling products online to providing freelance services like writing, graphic design, or tutoring.
There are many online side hustles that you can pursue in 2024. Here is the list of the best side hustles:
— Freelance Services
— Affiliate Marketing
— Social Media Marketing and Advertising
— Crypto Trading
— E-commerce Store
Some of the cheapest side business ideas are:
— Freelance Writing
— Pet Sitting
— Tutoring
— Social Media Management
— Photography
— Blogging
The most profitable side hustle is one that aligns with your passions and skills and allows you to earn some extra income while pursuing your goals.
There are many businesses that you can start with 1 lakh. Here are some of the best ones:
— Online Tutoring
— Content Writing
— Social Media Management
— Graphic Design
— Photography
— Blogging
— Web Development
Also Read:
Final Thoughts on Side Hustles 2024
I hope these side hustle ideas helped you!
Starting a successful side hustle takes commitment and effort, but the rewards can be significant.
You can earn money doing something you love and gain valuable experience that can help you in your career.
With minimal investment required and the potential for significant rewards, there’s no reason not to give it a try!
I encourage you to pursue your passion and start a side hustle today. With the right mindset and work ethic, you can turn your side hustle into a successful business and achieve financial freedom.
