Want to earn money online to pay down debt or simply afford a more comfortable lifestyle? Side hustles and gigs offer a flexible solution for diversifying your income streams. They can be your ticket to beefing up your earnings on your own terms.
From tapping into the power of freelancer websites to using the best money making apps, we’re here to guide you through the hottest side hustles around. We’ll cover how you can get started and what you might earn from each.
1. Freelance Web Developer
Potential Earnings: Entry-level developers can earn between $20 and $50 per hour, while experienced developers can ask for $100 per hour or more.
Skills Required: Proficiency in front-end and/or back-end programming languages, debugging, database management, and web performance optimization.
As businesses continue to move online, the demand for skilled web developers has skyrocketed. A freelance web developer works with the programming and development side of web creation.
They use coding languages (like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and back-end languages) to build and maintain websites or web applications. Their work includes:
- Creating site structures.
- Ensuring site functionality and responsiveness.
- Integrating databases or other technologies.
Getting Started: Working as a freelance web developer could be a lucrative side hustle if you have a knack for coding and web design. Start by building a portfolio of your work and sign up on freelancer websites like Upwork or Freelancer.com.
2. Freelance Web Designer
Potential Earnings: A freelance designer typically earns between $30-$80 per hour.
Skills Required: As a freelance web designer, you’ll create visually appealing and user-friendly websites. You need graphic design skills, proficiency in design software (like Adobe Creative Suite), an understanding of UX/UI principles, and basic HTML and CSS knowledge.
If you have a keen eye for aesthetics and usability, freelance web design offers a creative outlet that pays. Freelance designers blend visual design principles with user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design to create websites that are both aesthetically pleasing and easy to use. They’re responsible for the look and feel of a website, including layout, color schemes, typography, and user flow.
Getting Started: Freelancer websites and platforms such as Behance or Dribbble are great for showcasing your work, while Fiverr and Toptal can help you find clients.
3. Freelance Graphic Designer
Potential Earnings: Rates vary widely, with many designers earning $25-$85 per hour.
Skills Required: Strong artistic ability, proficiency in graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), creativity, and a good understanding of color theory, typography, and composition.
The digital world is visual, and businesses constantly seek talented graphic designers to create engaging content. Freelance graphic designers specialize in creating visual content to communicate messages.
While some graphic designers may work on web projects, their scope is broader and can include branding, advertising, and art direction. Using images, typography, and color, they develop graphics for a wide range of mediums, including websites, print materials (like brochures and business cards), product packaging, and more.
Getting Started: Utilize social media and freelancer websites to display your portfolio and connect with potential clients.
4. Best Money Making Apps
Potential Earnings: Earnings vary based on the app and your level of engagement, but it’s possible to earn an extra few hundred dollars a month.
Skills Required: Using money-making apps, especially those focused on taking surveys, doesn’t require advanced skills, making them accessible to a wide audience looking to earn extra cash. However, a few qualities and basic skills, such as time management, attention to detail, and reading and comprehension, can enhance your experience and potentially increase your earnings.
Numerous apps can help you earn money online if you can’t or don’t want to invest in a freelance gig. Each offers various pathways to bolster your income. Some pay for your opinions, while others return a portion of your spending. You can even find ones that allow you to sell goods, old belongings, and your services (hello, gig economy!).
Getting Started: If you’re looking to make money using apps, it’s all about being smart and savvy:
- First, know which apps are best for what you’re good at, like taking surveys, selling stuff, or doing small tasks.
- Then, be consistent and spend some time on these apps regularly to see your earnings grow.
- Lastly, stay organized by keeping track of what you earn and learn from what works best for you to make even more money.
The best money making apps not only provide a flexible and accessible means to earn extra cash but also offer the convenience of making money from virtually anywhere. They can be a practical approach to leverage your time and efforts into tangible rewards.
5. Pet Sitting
Potential Earnings: Pet sitters can make $15-$30 per visit or walk, with overnight stays earning more.
Skills Required: Being fit and dependable helps you take care of different kinds of pets and keep up with them on walks. It’s also important to talk well with pet owners and know some basic first aid for pets, just in case.
Dog sitting offers animal lovers a way to earn money from home while doing something you love. It’s a great way to earn extra money if you really love and understand animals.
Getting Started: Apps like Rover and Wag connect pet sitters with pet owners in need. This gig pays and provides the joy of spending time with furry friends.
6. Remote Customer Service
Potential Earnings: Remote customer service representatives can earn between $10 to $20 per hour, depending on the company, industry, and experience level. Some positions may also offer bonuses or performance incentives.
Skills Required: Successful remote customer service reps need excellent written and verbal communication skills. Patience, a positive attitude, and problem-solving skills are crucial. Familiarity with customer service software and comfort with multitasking are often required. Knowledge of the company’s products or services you’re supporting will also be necessary for providing effective assistance.
Getting Started: To kick off a career in remote customer service, search for job opportunities on online job boards, company websites, and through professional networking. Tailor your applications to highlight your customer service abilities and remote work readiness, and prepare for interviews by demonstrating your proficiency in handling customer queries and working independently.
