As a mompreneur who ventured into the world of remote side hustles with a spark of ambition and a bucket load of dreams six years ago, I can tell you that it’s been a ride!
Balancing diaper changes with client calls and nap times with crunch times, my humble beginning with a small digital agency has blossomed into a thriving business serving Fortune 500 clients – making 3x my full time income in 18 months. This fascinating journey has been powered by the freedom and flexibility of online side hustles.
Now, I’m here to share the lessons I’ve learned and guide you through the best options out there so you too can embrace the empowering world of working from home.
Stepping into the World of Online Side Hustles and Work-from-Home Jobs
As we find ourselves in the midst of a work-from-home revolution, online side hustles have blossomed from just pocket change generators into full-fledged careers. Tackling side jobs from the comfort of your own home, your favored café, or even the coziness of your bed has transformed into the new norm.
As reported by Business Insider, the recent years have witnessed a significant rise in remote job postings, unfurling a universe of opportunities for those seeking a more flexible work life balance.
Balancing the Work-From-Home Life
Embracing home jobs comes with an impressive roster of perks – flexible hours, zero commute, the liberty to work in your PJs, and most importantly, a better work-life balance. As a mompreneur, the value of this flexibility is immeasurable. It accorded me the ability to juggle my day job, my side gig, and still find time to relish those precious family moments.
But let’s not sideline the financial gains. The extra income from these side hustle jobs plays a pivotal role in fortifying your financial security. Diversifying income streams, an approach endorsed by many millionaires, paves the way to financial independence.
In fact, a study by Thomas C. Corley revealed that a staggering 65% of self-made millionaires had three streams, 45% had four streams, and 29% had five or more streams.
So, are you ready to join the ranks of the remote working cohort and find that perfect side hustle that fits neatly into your schedule? Let’s dive in and uncover some of the most lucrative online side hustles the digital world has to offer.
#1 Creative Freelancing Through Creative Brokers
I still remember my initial plunge into creative freelancing, the first spark that kindled into my thriving digital agency today. It’s the gateway to online side hustles that fill your bank account every week and can be a goldmine for those with a knack for creativity, just like us.
Unpacking the Concept of ‘Creative Brokers’
Picture creative brokers as your professional fairy godmothers, connecting your unique skills with clients who are on the lookout for them. This presents consistent money-making opportunities. They essentially function as staffing agencies, but instead of connecting full-time employees to companies, they link freelancers or contractors with clients.
Prominent examples of these talent-brokering sites include the heavyweights like Creative Circle, Aquent, and Vitamin T. They allow skilled individuals to chart their own course and engage in side hustles that offer weekly payouts.
Creative talent brokers work to match a wide range of creative professionals to various job opportunities based on their unique skills. This includes, but is not limited to:
Graphic Designers: Designers who create visually stunning graphics for websites, print media, logos, branding materials, and more.
Web Designers: These professionals are responsible for creating and managing the layout, visual aesthetics, and usability of a website.
Copywriters: Professionals who write compelling and persuasive text for advertising, websites, emails, and other types of marketing communications.
Content Writers: They create engaging, informative content for blogs, articles, social media posts, newsletters, etc.
Illustrators: Artists who create original drawings for books, magazines, digital media, advertising, and more.
Animators: These creative folks create animations for television, movies, video games, and digital platforms.
Video Editors: Professionals who assemble recorded footage into a finished project for broadcasting or online platforms.
Photographers: Specialists in creating still images for a variety of clients in sectors like fashion, food, travel, and portrait photography.
Voice Actors: Individuals who provide the voices for animated characters, commercials, video games, etc.
Social Media Managers: Experts who manage a company’s online presence on various social media platforms.
UX/UI Designers: Professionals responsible for improving the user’s satisfaction level by making a product more user-friendly and interactive.
SEO Specialists: Experts who work to improve a website’s presence in search engine results pages, aiming to increase website traffic.
Brand Strategists: They work to define, maintain, and manage a brand’s identity.
Music Composers: Talented individuals who write and arrange original music in a variety of musical styles.
Fashion Designers: Professionals who create original clothing, accessories, and footwear.
These are just a few examples; the world of creative freelancing is vast and constantly evolving, creating a wide array of opportunities for creative individuals.
Get the full scoop on how I built a thriving agency with creative brokers here.
My Journey to Half a Mil
My journey started with graphic design and freelance writing as my side hustle. With each project, my skills grew, and my portfolio diversified. Over time, I found myself drawn into the world of web design.
My clientele grew alongside my growing portfolio, and my side hustle morphed into a full-fledged digital agency, tripling my full time job income after about 18 months and eventually bringing in half a million dollars!
Learn more about my journey and how you can replicate it here.
#2 Become a Virtual Assistant
Ever entertained the thought of becoming an administrative superhero from your living room? If you’re the type that gets a thrill from organization, communication, and a touch of variety, then the role of a virtual assistant might just be the perfect remote side hustle for you.
Virtual Assistant: The Power Behind Modern Businesses
So, what is a virtual assistant? Imagine a super-efficient administrative professional, capable of handling a myriad of tasks from any location, as long as they have an internet connection. That’s a VA in a nutshell!
They are the backbone of many businesses, entrepreneurs, and busy professionals who need to delegate tasks but perhaps don’t have the resources or need for a full-time, in-office assistant.
VAs offer support in managing day-to-day administrative tasks, tackling email inboxes, scheduling meetings, and a lot more. However, their role extends beyond basic administration – the beauty of this remote job lies in its scope and adaptability.
Diverse Duties and Responsibilities
The spectrum of services that a VA can provide is broad, as expansive as the internet itself. From standard administrative tasks like data entry jobs and managing calendars to more specialized roles like social media manager and content creator, the opportunities are vast.
Picture spending part of your day crafting engaging social media posts, another segment conducting research for a blog post, and a few hours managing an inbox and orchestrating meetings. That’s a side job with a flavor of variety!
Moreover, as a VA, you get to choose the services you offer based on your skills and interests. Got a knack for graphic design? Offer it as a service! Love devising engaging content for social media channels? There’s a market for that. Your role as a VA can be as unique as you are.
Your Journey to Becoming a Virtual Assistant: The Starting Line
To jumpstart your journey as a VA, begin by pinpointing your skills and areas of interest. Think about tasks you enjoy and excel at, and those that you’re keen to learn. Remember, the best side hustle jobs are those that not only aid in making extra money but also contribute to your professional and personal growth.
Next, establish your online presence. This could include setting up a professional website, enhancing your LinkedIn profile, and joining online communities for virtual assistants. These platforms won’t only assist you in landing your initial gigs, but also offer invaluable learning resources and a sense of community.
To gain visibility and credibility, consider offering your services on freelance job sites like Upwork. While these sites can be competitive, they provide an excellent platform for beginners to gain experience and build a portfolio.
Finally, be a lifelong learner. The digital world is always in flux, and keeping abreast with new tools and trends will keep your services current and in-demand.
So, whether you’re searching for a full-time job that offers a better work-life balance or a side job to bring in that extra income, becoming a virtual assistant could be your golden ticket. With flexible hours and the opportunity to set your own schedule, this side hustle could provide the perfect solution to earning money online without sacrificing your free time.
#3 Start a Lucrative Blog
Do you have a voice that you want to amplify, a story to share, or a deep well of knowledge on a specific subject? Well, then my friend, blogging could be your next best side hustle.
Your First Step into Blogging
Starting a blog doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or an extensive background in writing. All you need is a passion for a topic, reliable internet access, and a platform to share your words. Whether it’s on WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace, the process is simple: pick your platform, select your domain name, and start creating!
Making Money Online Through Blogging
While writing for pleasure is a joy in itself, getting paid for your craft is the cherry on top. Monetization strategies for bloggers vary from ads, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, to offering services or selling products. You could also use your blog as a platform to advertise your bookkeeping business or to promote the handmade crafts you sell on Etsy.
For instance, let’s talk about affiliate networks. These programs allow you to earn a commission by promoting other people’s (or company’s) products. You find a product you like, promote it to your readers, and earn a piece of the profit for each sale that comes through your site.
Potential Income: Sky’s the Limit
Blogging isn’t a ‘get rich quick’ scheme. Like any other side hustle, it requires hard work and consistency. But, with the right approach, it can replace your day job and become a full-time income stream. It all depends on the effort you put in, the strategies you adopt, and, yes, a bit of patience.
#4 Become a Digital Product Mogul
Ever considered sharing your expertise in a more formal, comprehensive manner? Creating online courses and eBooks could be your ticket to establishing passive income.
Benefits of Creating Online Courses and eBooks
E-products allow you to invest time and effort upfront to reap the benefits long-term. You create the product once, then sell it over and over again. It’s an amazing way to share your knowledge, help others, and generate an extra income that isn’t tied to your time.
From Idea to Sale: Creating and Selling E-Products
Getting started with creating an online course or eBook involves brainstorming your knowledge areas, determining what your audience is interested in, and then shaping that into a valuable, cohesive product.
Once created, you can sell these e-products on many sites like Udemy for courses or Amazon for eBooks. Better still, you can sell directly from your own website or blog. This not only allows you to keep all the profit but also helps in building an engaged audience right on your platform.
Success Stories and Potential Income
The potential income from e-products can range from a few dollars to several thousand per month. I’ve seen many bloggers turn their passion into profitable eCourses or eBooks, making more money than they ever did in their regular jobs. Take Regina Anaejionu, for instance. She earned six figures in her first year of selling eCourses!
#5 Build Your YouTube Empire
The internet has been transformative, and with it comes the potential for some truly rewarding online side hustles. Let’s dive into one such rewarding prospect, the YouTube universe, brimming with opportunities for creative entrepreneurs like you and me.
Tapping into YouTube’s Potential
Do you know that YouTube is the second most visited website globally? That’s a whopping 2 billion logged-in monthly users! What does this tell us? That there’s a vast audience waiting to engage with content that resonates with them. And guess what? You can seize a slice of this audience by setting up your YouTube channel. It’s a creative, flexible, and profitable side gig that’s increasingly gaining traction in the gig economy.
Crafting Content That Captures
Creating engaging content is crucial to ensure your YouTube channel’s success. However, what does ‘engaging content’ entail? It’s content that’s authentic, relatable, and offers value to your viewers. It could be entertaining, informative, or ideally, both.
The secret to creating engaging content lies in knowing your audience. Understand their preferences, their pains, and what tickles their interest. Once you’ve cracked that code, tailor your content to meet their expectations.
For instance, if you’re a marketing maestro, create content around marketing strategies, tips, and tricks, or decode successful marketing campaigns. If you’re a travel enthusiast, your audience would love to see travel vlogs, tips for budget travel, or recommendations for must-visit destinations. The key is to communicate your passion through your content genuinely, as authenticity is the currency in the world of content creation.
Monetization Strategies on YouTube
Now, let’s talk about the ‘moolah’. How do you monetize your YouTube empire? Here are a few strategies:
1. Ad Revenue: Once you’re a part of the YouTube Partner Program (you need at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the previous 12 months), you can start earning from ads displayed on your videos.
2. Channel Memberships: Your loyal fans can opt to pay a monthly recurring fee to get unique badges, new emojis, and access to exclusive perks like bonus videos.
3. Merchandise Shelf: YouTube allows you to showcase your official branded merchandise on your video watch pages, leading to additional income.
4. Super Chat & Super Stickers: During live chats, viewers have the option to purchase Super Chats or Super Stickers to highlight their messages, contributing to your earnings.
5. YouTube Premium Revenue: You get a part of the fee when a YouTube Premium subscriber watches your content.
Remember, success on YouTube isn’t overnight. It’s a consistent journey of creating, learning, and growing. But once the momentum is gained, it can be one of the most rewarding remote side jobs, offering both creative satisfaction and financial independence.
#5 Social Media Management: A Profitable Side Hustle
Social media – that ever-evolving digital universe where individuals and businesses engage, connect, and brand themselves. If you’re someone who can whip up catchy tweets, curate compelling Instagram posts, or make LinkedIn updates that demand attention, it’s time to turn your social media prowess into a lucrative remote side hustle!
The Growing Demand for Social Media Managers
Today, every business, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, recognizes the power of a robust online presence. This recognition opens doors to the role of social media managers – the digital maestros who know the perfect balance of what to post, when, and how to engage with followers to elevate brand visibility. The demand for savvy social media managers is soaring, making it one of the perfect side hustles to generate a substantial income.
How to Become a Social Media Manager?
So, you’re wondering, how do I jump onto this bandwagon? It’s all about mastering the nuances of various social media platforms, understanding the target audience, and crafting content that resonates. There’s a myriad of online courses to help you with just that. From deciphering complex algorithms to creating high-quality content, these courses can help you become a social media maestro.
Potential Earnings and Scouting for Gigs
The potential income from social media management is as diverse as the job itself. It hinges on factors such as your level of expertise and the client’s budget. Consistency and a pool of satisfied clients can pave the way for a significant income, all from the comfort of your home. Explore job listings on platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and even Facebook groups dedicated to social media jobs to get started.
#6 Join Upwork: A Freelancer’s Paradise
The advent of platforms like Upwork has made the dream of freelancing a reality for many. It’s a platform that facilitates connections between clients and freelancers across the globe, spanning a plethora of domains, from graphic design and content writing to social media management and more.
Crafting an Upwork Profile That Stands Out
Securing projects on Upwork hinges on a standout profile that demonstrates your skills, experience, and portfolio. Don’t forget to showcase past work samples, maintain a high response rate, and garner positive reviews from clients.
Success Stories and Earning Potential on Upwork
On Upwork, the earning potential is virtually limitless. Some freelancers make a comfortable full-time living, while others appreciate the supplemental income from these remote side jobs. Case in point: Meet Amanda, a freelance writer who started on Upwork with zero experience and now boasts an annual income exceeding $100,000! It all boils down to finding your niche, delivering quality work, and nurturing robust relationships with clients.
#7 Virtual Coaching and Consulting: Capitalize on Your Expertise
Now, let’s delve into the realm of virtual coaching and B2B consulting. Got a knack for coaching or an arsenal of industry-specific knowledge? Your expertise is valuable and can pave the way to a successful remote side hustle.
Kicking off Your Journey as a Virtual Coach or B2B Consultant
Starting might seem daunting, but fear not. Identify your core skills and potential clientele who could benefit from them. Establish your online presence – a website, a LinkedIn profile, or even a Facebook page. Network both online and offline, and start offering your services.
Earning Potential and Success Stories
The earning potential in virtual coaching or B2B consulting varies greatly, depending on your specific skills, target demographic, and pricing model. However, the financial returns can be substantial.
#8 Star Your Own Remote Bookkeeping Business: A Reliable Side Hustle
One of the most sought-after remote side hustles that deserves a spot on our list is starting your own bookkeeping business. It’s an excellent choice for anyone with a knack for numbers, an eye for detail, and an ability to keep things organized.
Unraveling the Bookkeeping Realm
Bookkeeping involves recording and organizing a company’s financial transactions, helping them keep track of their income, expenses, and overall financial health. As a bookkeeper, you’ll be managing tasks like documenting financial transactions, reconciling bank statements, producing income statements, and balance sheets, to name a few.
In this digital age, with access to top-notch bookkeeping software and tools, it’s possible to manage all of this remotely, making bookkeeping an attractive remote side hustle.
Establishing Your Bookkeeping Business
First and foremost, you need to understand the basics of bookkeeping. While a formal accounting degree isn’t mandatory, having a solid grasp of concepts like debits and credits, balance sheets, cash flow, and income statements is vital. There are numerous online courses available that can help you build these skills.
Next, get familiar with bookkeeping software. QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks are a few popular ones, and they often offer tutorials and certifications.
Once you’re equipped with knowledge and tools, it’s time to set up your business. Establish a legal business entity, create a professional website detailing your services, and get your hands on a reliable internet connection and a dedicated workspace.
Navigating the Road to Success
Finding clients might seem daunting, but with the right strategies, it’s manageable. Networking is key. Leverage your existing connections and social media platforms like LinkedIn to spread the word about your services. Joining professional organizations or online communities of entrepreneurs and small businesses can also open avenues to potential clients.
Pricing your services correctly is another critical aspect. You can either charge an hourly rate or offer packages tailored to different business needs. Researching market rates and understanding the value you bring can help you price your services effectively.
The Potential Earnings
A bookkeeping business can be a rewarding side hustle, both in terms of job satisfaction and financial gains. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bookkeepers earn a median annual wage of about $41,230, and experienced, in-demand bookkeepers can command significantly higher earnings. If you’re balancing this gig with a full-time job, it can add a substantial boost to your income.
Starting a bookkeeping business as a remote side hustle might involve a learning curve, but with dedication, it can be a steady source of income and a step towards financial freedom.
#9 Become an Affiliate Marketing Maverick
If you’ve been surfing the online wave for a while, you might have stumbled upon the term ‘Affiliate Marketing’. In simple terms, affiliate marketing is promoting others’ products or services and earning a commission for any sales made through your referral. It’s a way of earning passive income that’s been picking up momentum with the rise of online shopping and remote work culture.
Where Do You Fit in The Affiliate Marketing Landscape?
As an affiliate marketer, you are the connection between the buyer and the seller. You’re the influencer who convinces your audience that the product or service you’re promoting is worth their investment.
You’re essentially a salesperson, but the beauty of it is that you can sell without making it feel like a pitch. Whether you have a popular blog, a YouTube channel, or a large social media following, you can become an affiliate marketer.
How to Get Started with Affiliate Marketing
Start by identifying your niche – the more specific, the better. This can be anything you’re passionate about and have a good knowledge of. It could be photography, beauty products, fitness equipment, digital marketing tools, books, or anything in between.
Once you’ve identified your niche, it’s time to select a product or service you’d like to promote. Join affiliate programs that align with your niche. A few popular ones include Amazon Associates, ClickBank, and Commission Junction. They offer a wide range of products to choose from, and joining is typically free.
Once you’re approved as an affiliate, you’ll receive a unique affiliate link. Your job is to weave this link naturally into your content – blog posts, YouTube videos, social media posts, or wherever your audience is.
Make Money while You Sleep – Literally!
The truly enticing aspect of affiliate marketing as a remote side hustle is the potential for passive income. Once you’ve embedded your affiliate links into your content, you could be earning money day and night, even while you’re sleeping. Every time someone makes a purchase through your referral link, you earn a commission.
It’s important to remember, however, that successful affiliate marketing requires time and effort. It’s about building trust with your audience, offering them real value, and promoting products you truly believe in.
With time, patience, and a strategic approach, you can develop a robust stream of income from affiliate marketing, making it a standout contender in the realm of lucrative remote side hustles.
#10 Flex Your Fitness Expertise: Online Fitness Training
Have you been praised for your impeccable form at the gym? Or perhaps you’re the one your friends turn to for advice on their fitness journey? If so, online fitness training might just be your ideal remote side hustle.
With an increasing number of people looking to stay fit from the comfort of their homes, there’s a growing demand for virtual fitness trainers who can guide them on their path to wellness.
The Role of an Online Fitness Trainer
As an online fitness trainer, your role extends beyond just designing workout routines. You become a mentor, a motivator, and a guide to your clients as they embark on their health and fitness journeys.
You’re there to provide nutritional advice, to help them set achievable goals, and to encourage them when the going gets tough.
Getting Started in Online Fitness Training
Firstly, having a professional certification in personal training or a related field can give you an edge in the industry. These certifications, available from organizations like the American Council on Exercise (ACE) or the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), equip you with the necessary knowledge to guide your clients effectively.
However, even without certification, you can still make a mark in the field. What’s important is that you have a deep understanding of fitness principles, a keen eye for correct form and technique, and a genuine desire to help others achieve their goals.
Your next step is to establish your online presence. Create a professional website that showcases your skills, services, and client testimonials. Utilize social media platforms to reach a wider audience. YouTube, for instance, can be a great platform for sharing workout videos and fitness tips, while Instagram can help you showcase before-and-after transformations of your clients.
Transforming Passion into Profit
With an established online presence, you can start offering personalized training plans, live workout sessions, and even group classes. You can also create pre-recorded workout videos that clients can purchase for their convenience.
The beauty of online fitness training is that it offers flexibility for both you and your clients. You can work from anywhere, anytime, while your clients can workout at their own pace.
As for the income potential, it’s vast and depends on factors such as the number of clients, the services you offer, and the pricing structure. However, with dedication and consistency, online fitness training can not only fulfill your passion but also become a fruitful remote side hustle.
Remember, in the realm of online fitness training, your success is defined not just by the income you earn, but by the positive impact you make in your clients’ lives. As you help others sculpt their bodies, you’ll be sculpting your own dream career – one rep at a time!
Wrapping Up Our Journey Through Remote Side Hustles
And there we have it, folks! From freelance writing to virtual coaching, social media management to starting your own YouTube channel, we’ve covered the broad spectrum of online side hustles waiting for your exploration.
There’s no better time than now to jump in, harness your unique skills, and start diversifying your income from the comfort of your home. As we’ve seen, all it takes is a good internet connection, a pinch of perseverance, and a healthy dose of creativity. So, ready to take that leap into the exciting world of remote side jobs? Go ahead, the digital world is your oyster. Happy hustling!
FAQs
1. What are the best remote side hustles?
There’s a plethora of lucrative online side hustles based on your skillset and passions. Some of the most sought-after include creative freelancing, offering virtual assistance, managing social media accounts, and constructing e-products such as digital courses and eBooks.
Additionally, setting up a personal blog, initiating a YouTube channel, and providing virtual coaching or B2B consulting services have shown promising outcomes.
2. How to make $100,000 on the side?
Generating $100,000 from a side hustle demands perseverance, expertise, and smart entrepreneurial moves. Many prosperous entrepreneurs began their journey with online side hustles, like offering consulting services, freelancing via platforms like Upwork, or creating and selling online courses or eBooks.
As your venture expands, so does your revenue. The key lies in constantly enhancing your services, expanding your clientele, and diversifying your income streams.
3. How to make $1,000 side hustle?
Adding an extra $1,000 from a side hustle could be as straightforward as undertaking a few freelance gigs, becoming a virtual assistant, or offering online tutoring services. Once you’ve established a steady client base, it becomes easier to estimate your monthly income and strategize ways to amplify it.
4. How can I make $2000 on the side?
Making $2000 on the side is a viable target for various side hustles. Strategies might encompass writing and selling an eBook, providing a specialized online course, or escalating your freelance endeavors. Remember, the more valuable your skills are and the higher the demand for your services, the greater your earning potential.
5. What side job can you do from home?
There’s an abundance of side jobs you can embark on from the comfort of your home! Writing, graphic design, virtual assistance, social media management, and online tutoring are just a few to mention.
Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr can be fantastic venues to discover these remote side gigs.
6. Are there any legitimate online side hustles?
Absolutely! There’s a broad spectrum of legitimate online side hustles. From becoming a virtual assistant, freelancing, managing social media, blogging, to creating YouTube content, the opportunities are immense. Always ensure to conduct thorough research before investing your resources.
7. What is the best side gig to make money?
The best side gig for earning money varies individually and depends on one’s skills, interests, and available time. However, gigs like freelance writing, virtual assistance, online teaching, and blogging have demonstrated remarkable income potential.
8. How to make $100 a day side hustle?
Earning $100 a day with a side hustle is attainable with a properly formulated strategy and commitment. You might consider charging hourly rates for your services as a freelancer or consultant, creating a successful blog and monetizing it, or selling digital products. The trick is to offer high-quality, in-demand services and find effective methods to deliver them.
Leave a Reply