If you’re looking for opportunities to earn extra money but worry you don’t have the right skills or experience, this article is for you.
Many of us face this challenge, especially when starting from scratch seems daunting.
In this article, I’ll guide you through 12 top side hustles perfect for beginners. They’re doable ways to kickstart earning extra cash right away!
1. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a cool side hustle where you sell products online without keeping them in stock.
Basically, when someone buys from you, the supplier sends the product directly to the customer.
This means you don’t need a lot of money to start because you’re not buying the products upfront.
Dropshippers act like the middleman between the supplier and the customer. They create online stores that display products.
When a sale is made, they order the product from the supplier at a lower price and sell it at a higher price to the customer.
To be clear, the dropshipper’s profit comes from the difference between these two prices.
Since they don’t handle the products directly, they spend most of their time promoting the products and managing the online store and customer service.
Dropshippers typically make between $12,000 and $25,000 a year.
Note: Some months might see higher sales due to holidays or special events.
How to Get Started as a Dropshipper
To succeed in dropshipping, start by identifying a need in the market that you can meet with a product.
In short, research to find out what products customers are looking for, and where these customers usually shop.
After that, you can then set up your store on platforms like Shopify to sell these products.
Pro Tip: Focus on finding reliable suppliers and trending products to boost your chances of success. You can check out Spocket to find trustworthy distributors!
2. Selling Print-On-Demand Products
Selling print-on-demand products is a great side hustle if you want to start with zero dollars.
You design items like t-shirts or mugs, and they only get made when someone buys them. This means no upfront costs for inventory.
From my own experience, I make a couple hundred dollars each month with just a few hours of work.
Of course, while it’s not enough to quit a day job, it sure helps fund our family’s yearly vacation to Europe!
Print-on-demand sellers earn money by designing items and listing them on various platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, or Merch by Amazon.
When a customer purchases a product, the platform handles the production and shipping directly.
The seller pays for the product at a base price and sets their selling price higher to make a profit.
Successful sellers can typically expect to earn around $1,000 a month.
And this amount can increase depending on how much time and effort you put into creating unique designs and promoting your shop.
How to Get Started as a Print-On-Demand Seller
The first step is to find your niche. When finding your niche for print-on-demand, start by identifying your interests and passions.
Consider topics, hobbies, or industries that genuinely excite you, as this will help you create designs and products that resonate with your target audience.
Then, you’ll have to design special items that appeal to specific audiences. In addition, you can list your designs on multiple platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, or Merch by Amazon to maximize your reach.
Pro Tip: Engage with online communities on Facebook and Reddit to learn from other sellers and keep improving your strategy.
3. Delivery Services
Delivery services are a terrific side hustle for beginners because everyone needs to eat and shop!
You can deliver food from restaurants or groceries from stores.
But what’s great about this job is you can choose your hours and start quickly. All you need is a reliable vehicle and a smartphone to manage deliveries.
As a delivery driver, you make money by picking up food or groceries and bringing them to customers.
You get paid per delivery, and you can earn tips for great service.
On top of your regular pay, working during busy times like dinner hours or weekends can really boost your earnings.
In addition, most drivers handle multiple deliveries in one trip to maximize their income.
Delivery drivers can earn between $500 and $600 weekly.
However, the money you make can depend on how many orders you deliver, the tips you receive, and how well you manage your time and routes.
How to Get Started as a Delivery Driver
First, sign up with a delivery service app like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub. They’ll need some basic info and might check your driving record.
Once you’re approved, you can start accepting delivery gigs right away.
Pro Tip: Always double-check orders before leaving the restaurant to avoid mix-ups, and keep your phone charged to stay in touch with customers or navigate delivery routes.
4. Virtual Assistance
Becoming a virtual assistant (VA) is a good side hustle for beginners.
VAs help with tasks like scheduling appointments, managing emails, and updating websites, which can all be done from their own homes.
To be specific, VAs make money by completing tasks for businesses or busy individuals who need assistance with administrative duties.
Imagine you are helping an entrepreneur manage their schedule by setting up meetings and reminding them of important tasks.
This support allows them to focus more on their business while you handle the day-to-day details.
Virtual assistants can make anywhere from $22,000 to $60,000 per year.
How to Get Started as a Virtual Assistant
Decide what services you’ll offer and how much you’ll charge. Also, make sure you have a good computer and internet connection.
If you’re not sure where to start, I recommend checking out platforms like Upwork. It’s where I began, and I found it user-friendly for newbies.
Pro Tip: When setting up your profile, focus on any administrative skills you have, even from non-office jobs, as these are often transferable to VA tasks.
For example, if you have experience in social media from any previous jobs, use that as a selling point in your profile.
5. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a good side gig for sharing your favorite products online!
You can start with no money by creating a free account on platforms like Twitter, YouTube, or Instagram.
Affiliate marketers make money by promoting products and earning a commission on sales.
Basically, you find a product you like, promote it to others, and earn a piece of the profit for each sale that you make.
This means if you have a blog, a social media page, or a YouTube channel, you can post affiliate links there.
When your followers click on these links and buy products, you get paid.
Some affiliate marketers start earning about $100 per month after working on it for six months, while others could eventually make up to $10,000 monthly.
How to Get Started as an Affiliate Marketer
You’ll need a platform like a blog, social media account, or YouTube channel where you can post and promote products.
Then, you’ll have to choose a niche that you’re passionate about.
This is crucial because it will be more enjoyable and authentic for you to promote products related to what you love.
Next, sign up for affiliate programs that offer products in your niche. Companies like Amazon, eBay, and others have affiliate programs that you can join.
Once you’re signed up, you’ll receive affiliate links for products to promote.
6. Flipping Items From Thrift Stores
Flipping items from thrift stores is a simple way to make extra money without any experience.
Here’s how it works: You buy low-priced items from thrift stores, then sell them at a higher price online.
Flippers earn money by buying items at a low cost and selling them for a higher price.
The process starts with scouting for items that are undervalued and in demand.
You might visit a local thrift store or garage sale and find an old vase for a dollar, which you know has a market value of twenty dollars.
After purchasing the item, you take it home, clean it up, perhaps make minor repairs, and then photograph it for listing on platforms.
The income potential for flippers can be surprisingly lucrative! It can range from $40,000 to over $100,000 yearly.
How to Get Started as a Flipper
The first step in becoming a successful flipper is simply to start.
Many people hesitate, but the key is to just begin by listing items you already own but don’t use anymore.
As you get more comfortable, you can expand to sourcing items from sales.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to take small risks on inexpensive items to see what works. The more you learn, the better your flipping instincts will become.
Note: Platforms like Poshmark, ThredUp, and Facebook Marketplace are excellent for selling your finds.
7. Remote Customer Service
Remote customer service is an excellent side gig where you help customers over the phone or online from your own home.
You answer questions, solve problems, and make sure customers are happy.
In other words, it’s just like being a customer service rep in an office, but you get to do it in your pajamas!
Generally, remote customer service reps work for companies that need extra help with their customer care.
You might be answering calls, responding to emails, or chatting live with customers online.
Your main job is to help solve problems they might have with a product or service.
This could mean helping a customer return an item they bought, explaining how something works, or updating account information.
The pay for remote customer service jobs can vary, but typically, you can earn between $30 and $50 per hour.
How to Get Started as a Customer Service Representative
Look for job postings online, particularly on job boards or company websites that advertise remote positions.
When applying, highlight any previous experience you have with customer service, even if it was not a remote position.
Most importantly, maintain a professional attitude and be ready to learn from your mistakes.
Pro Tip: Companies value agents who can remain calm and helpful, so show that you can be a soothing presence for customers.
8. Pet Sitting
Essentially, pet sitting is taking care of pets while their owners are away.
This can involve feeding, walking, and playing with pets, and sometimes staying overnight.
Pet sitters make money by charging for each visit to a pet’s home.
Tasks include giving food and water, taking dogs for walks, providing playtime, and ensuring the pets are safe and happy.
However, consider your personal commitments first, as this job requires flexibility and availability during peak holiday seasons.
Note: Because many people travel during holidays and weekends, these times can be particularly busy and profitable for pet sitters.
Pet sitters can charge around $10 to $20 per visit, and the earnings add up as you build a base of regular clients.
Some pet sitters also offer grooming or administering medication, which can increase the charge per visit.
How to Get Started as a Pet Sitter
Starting as a pet sitter is best done by initially offering your services to friends and family.
This helps you gain valuable references without too much pressure.
After building your confidence and experience, you can then expand your reach by joining online platforms or local pet care communities.
Pro Tip: Create a profile on pet care platforms like Rover or PetBacker to reach pet owners in your area!
Make sure to also include a friendly photo and positive testimonials from any pet care you’ve provided!
9. Selling Handcrafted Items
If you’re crafty, selling handcrafted items on Etsy is a perfect side job.
This platform lets you reach buyers all over the world who love unique, handmade goods, such as jewelry, scarves, or custom art paintings!
A friend of mine started selling handmade candles on Etsy and, within a few months, was making steady sales each week.
She loves how it lets her turn a hobby into a profit.
When you run an online handicraft shop, you handle many things!
You’ll spend time designing and crafting your products, then photographing them to be listed online.
When someone buys your item, you handle the packaging and shipping.
You also set your own prices, so how much you earn depends on how many items you can make and sell.
Some crafters might just make a few hundred dollars a year as a fun hobby. Meanwhile, others turn it into a full-time job, earning over $52,000 annually.
How to Get Started as a Handcraft Seller
To start, create your Etsy shop and fill out all the details about your store and policies.
You should aim to have a good number of listings, as more listings can help increase your shop’s visibility on the site.
Pro Tip: Use all 13 tags that Etsy allows for each item to help potential buyers find your products.
Additionally, upload five high-quality pictures per item to show off your craftsmanship and attract buyers.
10. Freelance Writing/Blogging
Freelance writing and blogging are great ways for newbies to start a side hustle, especially if you enjoy expressing yourself through words.
Essentially, freelance writers get paid to write content for different websites, magazines, or blogs.
On the other hand, blogging involves writing regular posts for your own website.
Bloggers have several ways to earn money.
First, they can display ads on their blog. These ads generate revenue based on how many people see or click on them.
Another way is through affiliate marketing, where they earn a commission for promoting products and linking to them.
Moreover, many bloggers sell their own products like ebooks or courses. They also offer coaching services in their area of expertise.
Bloggers’ earnings can vary greatly. Some rake in a few hundred dollars monthly, while others make up to $200,000.
How to Get Started as a Freelance Writer or Blogger
First, pick a niche that interests you and that you know about.
Then, set up a blog by purchasing a domain name and hosting it on WordPress using hosting providers like Hostinger.
Make sure to also use attractive themes and start creating content that’s engaging and informative.
Pro Tip: To grow your audience, utilize Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques, share your posts, and engage with your readers through comments.
Most importantly, market yourself by writing guest posts on other blogs, applying for freelance writing jobs, and optimizing your LinkedIn profile.
Note: I personally kicked off my freelance writing career on Fiverr with a gig for writing biographies!
11. Social Media Management
As a social media manager (SMM), your task is to help influencers or companies manage their social media accounts.
You have to keep their social media accounts active by posting content, responding to comments, and engaging with followers.
This job is all about keeping the conversation going on venues like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
I once managed social media for a local cafe and helped them grow their follower count by posting regularly and interacting with their audience.
Social media managers make money by handling the social media accounts of companies, small businesses, or public figures.
They create content that fits the brand’s voice, plan when to post for the best engagement, and communicate with followers to build a strong online presence.
SMMs can earn roughly $44,000 yearly on average. But this can vary based on whether you work part-time, full-time, or freelance.
How to Get Started as a Social Media Manager
If you’re interested in becoming a social media manager, start by learning all you can about each platform’s tools and features.
You can practice this by managing your own social media pages to understand what draws people to interact and share content.
Once you’re comfortable, you can use your skills to help local businesses or start advertising your services online.
12. Language Teaching Online
Online language teaching is an excellent way for bilinguals or multilinguals to earn money from home.
Basically, it involves teaching a language to students via the internet, using video calls, chat, and educational platforms.
Online language teachers earn money by providing lessons to students who want to learn a new language.
My cousin, for one, used her fluency in Spanish to start teaching online. She spends just a few hours each week on this.
She also said that aside from the financial benefits, teaching online has allowed her to make connections with people from various backgrounds and cultures.
Typically, online language teachers can expect to earn between $2,000 and $2,500 per month if they teach about 30 hours a week.
How to Get Started as an Online Language Teacher
Since you’re still new to teaching, starting with an online TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course is a great idea.
Courses like those offered by the Asian College of Teachers provide the basic skills needed for teaching languages online and are quite affordable.
Then, once you’re ready, platforms like iTalki or Lingoda make it easy to set up a profile and start teaching.
Note: When setting up, think about what age group suits you best!
If you prefer not to work with very young children, focusing on teenagers or adults might be better for you.
What Is the Easiest and Most Profitable Side Hustle for Beginners?
The easiest and most profitable side hustles are often those that don’t need any special skills or a lot of money to begin.
Take pet sitting, for example. People love their pets and need someone trustworthy to look after them when they’re away.
You just need to be responsible and love animals!
Another great option is freelance writing. Websites and businesses always need content, and if you can write clearly, you can start earning money.
Then, there’s selling items online. You can sell things you no longer need or buy items at a low price and resell them for a profit.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn from a Beginner Side Hustle?
Generally, you can expect to earn anywhere from $10 to $50 per hour, depending on what beginner side hustle you choose to do.
For instance, if you start a dog walking service, you could earn around $15 to $25 per hour.
Freelance graphic design might bring in $20 to $50 per hour as you gain more experience and reputation.
Personally, when I started my blog, I didn’t earn much at first.
But over time, as I learned more about what my readers liked and how to reach more people, my earnings then grew.
What Are the Risks Involved With Starting a Side Hustle?
Undoubtedly, starting a side hustle is not without its risks. One big concern is dealing with scammers.
These are people who promise big money fast but often ask you to pay upfront or give personal information.
So, always be cautious and do your research before jumping into anything that sounds too good to be true.
Another risk is overcommitting your time. It’s easy to get excited and try to do too much at once, which can lead to burnout.
Still, don’t be afraid to try different things until you find the right fit that works with your schedule and skills!
How Do I Know Which Side Hustle Is Right for Me?
Start by thinking about what you already know how to do. If you’re great at organizing, consider a side job like virtual assisting.
If you love pets, dog walking might be perfect for you. Basically, using skills you already have makes it easier to get started.
If you’re eager to go into something new, however, the possibilities are endless! The willingness to learn can turn any interest into a potential income.
What do you think about these ideas? Do you have any other tips or questions about starting a side hustle with no experience?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
