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Let me just say, I’ve dabbled in so many side hustles over the years, and I’ve learned a few things the hard way.
These 30 side hustles that actually work are a mix of things that worked for me, stuff I’ve seen others do, and a couple that I wish I’d started sooner. Grab a cup of coffee, and let's have a look at the list.
Side Hustles That Actually Work!
Freelance Writing
Turns out, writing for other people is a lot different than writing for yourself. My first gig was a blog post about cats (I knew nothing about cats), and I got paid peanuts for it. But over time, I got better, and the gigs got better, too.
If you love writing or even just like it, freelance writing can be a solid side hustle. You can find gigs on places like Upwork or Fiverr, but don’t expect to get rich overnight. It takes some work, but once you build a portfolio and get repeat clients, the money starts coming in. My tip: find a niche! Whether it’s tech, health, or even pet care, it helps to be the go-to writer in a specific area.
Graphic Design
I tried to design a logo once, and let’s just say it looked like a toddler’s art project. But if you’ve got an eye for design, you can make a killing doing logos, social media graphics, or even custom wedding invites.
Canva is your best friend when you're just starting. It's easy to use, and no one needs to know you’re not a “professional.” Once you get the hang of it, consider investing in Adobe Illustrator or something more robust. My neighbor actually started a design business from her kitchen table and now she’s making more than her full-time job. So yeah, it's definitely doable.
Social Media Management
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably lost hours scrolling through Instagram or TikTok. Why not make money doing it? Businesses are dying for people to help them with their social media accounts, and you don’t need a fancy degree to get started. I was pretty overwhelmed by the sheer amount of content planning that goes into it. But once I got the hang of scheduling posts and using tools like Buffer, it became almost second nature.
Start by offering to manage social media for a friend’s business, or find a small business owner who’s too busy to deal with it themselves. Before you know it, you’ll be crafting posts, analysing metrics, and helping businesses grow their online presence.
Dropshipping
Oh, dropshipping… the “get rich quick” side hustle that’s not really quick or easy at all. Don’t get me wrong, dropshipping can be great, but it’s not the passive income dream some people make it out to be. If you don’t know how to get traffic to your store, you’ll be dead in the water.
That said, if you have an eye for trending products and a knack for marketing, dropshipping can work. Just remember that your real focus should be on customer service and marketing—because the products and shipping are out of your control.
Virtual Assistance
Being a virtual assistant is like being a behind-the-scenes superhero. You’re handling emails, scheduling appointments, maybe even booking flights, and all while sitting in your pyjamas.
If you’ve got a knack for being organised and like the idea of making someone else’s life easier, virtual assistance might be perfect for you. And guess what? You can charge anywhere from £15 to £50 an hour, depending on the complexity of the tasks!
Affiliate Marketing
It took a while for me to understand that, yes, people really make money by promoting products. If you’ve got a blog or a social media following, you can add affiliate links to products you already use and love. I started by adding Amazon affiliate links to a blog I was writing for fun. Imagine my surprise when I got my first £40 from commissions!
Pro tip: don’t just promote anything for the sake of making money. Be authentic. Only recommend products you’d actually use. People can smell fake from a mile away, and you’ll lose credibility fast.
Print-on-Demand Business
You know those cute custom t-shirts and mugs you see everywhere? That’s print-on-demand in action, and it’s actually a fantastic way to make money without ever touching inventory. I tried my hand at it a while back with a line of motivational quote t-shirts. Was it a hit? No. But it could have been if I’d done more research on what designs people were actually searching for.
My advice? Niche down. If you create designs that are too generic, you’ll get lost in the sea of other sellers. Do your homework, figure out what’s trending, and then go all in.
Tutoring
If there’s one thing I learned the hard way about tutoring, it’s that patience is key. Tutoring can be a super rewarding side hustle, both emotionally and financially. You don’t need to be a certified teacher either; as long as you’re good at a subject and can explain it well, there’s a student out there who needs your help.
Sites like Preply and Tutor.com make it easy to find students. Whether it’s helping kids ace their algebra tests or teaching adults how to speak English, tutoring can be a flexible way to make extra cash.
Selling Handmade Products on Etsy
I have a friend who started selling her handmade jewellery on Etsy, and now it’s practically a full-time job for her. If you’re the crafty type, Etsy can be a goldmine. But fair warning, it’s not as simple as “make stuff, list stuff, sell stuff.” There’s a lot of marketing, SEO, and customer service involved. When I tried selling handmade cards, I quickly learned that getting eyeballs on your shop is half the battle.
If you’ve got a unique product, and you’re willing to put in the time to learn how to market it, Etsy can be a great side hustle. Just make sure you’re pricing your items right—don’t undersell yourself!
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
This might be the most fun side hustle. I mean, who doesn’t love hanging out with dogs all day? Pet sitting and dog walking are in high demand, especially in urban areas where people are too busy to give their pets the attention they need.
Pro tip: Go above and beyond with customer service. Send pics of the pets to their owners while they’re away—it makes a huge difference. You’ll get repeat clients and some pretty sweet reviews!
Photography Services
If you love photography, it makes sense to turn it into a side hustle. Start small, taking family portraits for friends, and then eventually branch out into events and even product photography. One thing I learned fast is that photography isn’t just about taking pretty pictures—it’s about building relationships. People want to trust that you’ll capture their special moments.
If you’ve got a decent camera and an eye for detail, photography can be a lucrative side hustle. Start small, build a portfolio, and don’t be afraid to ask for referrals. Word-of-mouth is everything in this business.
Blogging
Blogging is one of those side hustles that takes a lot of upfront work but can pay off in the long run. I’ve been blogging for a while, and I can tell you, it’s not as simple as “write a post, get traffic, make money.” It took me a solid year before I started seeing any real income, and that was after learning a ton about SEO, affiliate marketing, and creating content that people actually care about.
If you’re passionate about a topic, and you’ve got the time to put into building a blog, it can turn into a great passive income stream. Just be prepared to hustle in the beginning and write a lot of content before you see results.
TikTok Shop Affiliate Marketing
You don’t even need to create your own products; instead, you can promote existing ones and earn a commission every time someone buys through your TikTok Shop affiliate link. What I’ve learned is that the more authentic you are, the better it works. People don’t want a hard sell, they want to know how a product really fits into their lives.
My tip? Make your videos super relatable. Share a funny or personal story about how you use the product. The more genuine you are, the more likely you’ll see those commissions roll in. Plus, TikTok’s algorithm rewards creativity and engagement, so keep things fun!
Selling Prints of Your Own Artwork
If you’ve got a creative bone in your body and love art, selling prints of your own creations can be a lucrative side hustle.
A word of advice: invest in good-quality printing. Only use high-quality materials, it makes a world of difference. People appreciate quality, especially when they’re buying something to hang on their walls.
Gaming Streaming
If you love gaming and spend hours playing anyway, why not turn that into a side hustle? I know a few gamers who started streaming on Twitch, YouTube, or even TikTok, and now they’re making money from it. I’ve dabbled in gaming streaming, and while it’s not easy to build an audience overnight, it’s definitely rewarding once you do. Plus, it’s fun!
Streaming can bring in money through ads, sponsorships, and donations. The key is consistency. Show up for your audience regularly, and they’ll keep coming back. Also, don’t be afraid to show your personality—people want to feel like they’re hanging out with a friend while watching you play.
Creating an Instagram Faceless Page
It's amazing how much you can grow without ever showing your face. The trick here is to focus on valuable content—whether that’s motivational quotes, niche tips, or even beautiful photography. I tried it with a niche account, and while it took a bit to figure out the rhythm, once I did, it was a fun way to build an audience.
Monetisation can come through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or even selling your own digital products. The best part? You don’t need to worry about being camera-ready!
Creating a TikTok Page for the Creativity Program
Now, if you’re on TikTok already, you’ve probably heard about the creativity program. I’ve been experimenting with this myself, creating content that’s a bit outside the box. The idea is to get rewarded for making highly creative, engaging content. It’s an awesome way to take what you’re already doing on TikTok to the next level.
What I’ve found works best is being super interactive with your audience. Respond to comments, ask questions, and create content that encourages people to come back for more. Not only could this help you get into the beta program, but it also grows your audience—and, in turn, opens up more opportunities for sponsorships and brand deals.
Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)
Self-publishing on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is one of the most accessible side hustles out there. I’ve published a couple of e-books through KDP, and the passive income is nice! The beauty of this platform is that you can write and publish on almost any topic—fiction, non-fiction, how-to guides, you name it. The hardest part? Actually sitting down to write.
What I’ve learned is that quality matters. My first e-book didn’t sell much because I rushed through it. But with my second one, I spent more time on editing, formatting, and even cover design, and it paid off. Once your book is live, you can earn royalties for years, making this a great long-term side hustle.
Website Development
I wish I had the patience for website development because this side hustle can really rake in the cash.
If you're tech-savvy or willing to learn, this is one of those side hustles that can turn into a serious business. You don’t even need to know how to code to start; platforms like WordPress and Wix make it easier than ever to build beautiful, functional websites without all the technical know-how. But if you do have coding skills, you'll stand out even more.
YouTube Channel Creation
YouTube is a beast of a platform, and it's one that I wish I had found sooner. I remember starting a small YouTube channel for fun, talking about random hobbies, and thinking it would be a breeze to grow. Spoiler: it wasn’t. It takes consistent uploads, good SEO practices, and understanding your audience to really gain traction. But once you do? The sky's the limit.
A friend of mine runs a YouTube channel focused on DIY crafts, and she’s pulling in steady passive income from ad revenue and sponsored videos. If you have something you're passionate about—whether it's cooking, gaming, or even reviewing products—YouTube can be a goldmine.
Online Course Creation
Whether it’s fitness, graphic design, or marketing strategies, there’s someone out there who wants to learn it.
Platforms like Udemy or Teachable make it super simple to create and sell courses. The upfront work is a lot—you’ve got to create all the content—but once it’s live, it can bring in money long after you’ve done the work. Plus, it’s a great feeling knowing you’re helping others learn something new.
Personal Coaching or Consulting
This one’s a bit more personal because I’ve dabbled in coaching myself. If you’re really good at something—whether it’s business, life management, fitness, or even relationships—you can turn that into a side hustle. Personal coaching is all about helping people reach their goals, and trust me, it’s a rewarding way to make extra income. I started doing business consulting for small startups, helping them streamline operations, and it felt great to see them succeed with my advice.
You can start by offering free sessions to build a portfolio and get testimonials, then move into paid gigs. My advice? Always listen more than you talk. People are paying for your expertise, but they also want to feel heard.
Event Planning
I’ve had the pleasure of helping out with a few family events, and I’ve learned that event planning is both exciting and stressful. But, if you’re organised and can handle high-pressure situations, event planning can be a fantastic side hustle. From weddings to corporate events, there’s always a demand for someone who can handle all the details.
If you’ve got a knack for organisation and a love for logistics, this might be your thing.
Airbnb Host
I know a lot of people who’ve turned their extra space into cash by renting it out on Airbnb. I gave it a go a while back when I had a spare room, and it was a pretty easy way to make money. You just have to make sure you're ready for the occasional last-minute booking or the odd request from a guest.
If you live in a popular area, or even if you’ve got a spare room in a quiet neighbourhood, you can make a decent chunk of change by hosting travellers. The key to success is maintaining a clean, welcoming space and being super responsive to guests.
Virtual Bookkeeping
I’m no numbers person, but if you are, virtual bookkeeping can be a great way to earn steady, reliable income. With everything going digital, more and more businesses are outsourcing their bookkeeping, making it a prime opportunity.
All you need is an understanding of basic accounting software like QuickBooks, and you’re good to go. Plus, since it’s a virtual job, you can do it from anywhere—which is always a bonus!
Podcasting
I love talking, and podcasting gives you the chance to do just that while making money. Whether it’s through ad placements, sponsorships, or listener support, there’s potential to make a steady stream of income if you’re consistent.
If you’ve got something to say, whether it’s on pop culture, mental health, or even conspiracy theories, podcasting can be a rewarding (and fun) side hustle. Just be prepared for the upfront work—recording, editing, and promoting take time!
Proofreading and Editing
Proofreading was one of my first side gigs, and it was surprisingly lucrative! If you’ve got a sharp eye for grammar and typos, you can make decent money correcting people’s writing. I started by offering my services to fellow bloggers and quickly found that there’s a huge demand for proofreading, especially with so many businesses creating online content these days.
It’s a side hustle that you can do in your spare time, and you can charge anywhere from £15 to £30 an hour, depending on the complexity of the work. Trust me, once people know you’re good at catching those pesky errors, they’ll keep coming back.
Flipping Items for Profit
Flipping items is probably one of the most exciting side hustles I’ve tried. There’s a real thrill in finding something undervalued, fixing it up, and selling it for a profit. I used to spend weekends going to car boot sales and charity shops, and you’d be amazed at what you can find for cheap. I’ve flipped everything from vintage furniture to old cameras.
The trick is knowing what’s worth buying and what’s just junk. If you’ve got an eye for valuable items and don’t mind a bit of research, flipping can be a highly profitable side hustle.
Car Detailing Business
The great thing about car detailing is that it’s relatively low-cost to start—just some cleaning supplies and a little elbow grease.
If you love working with your hands and making cars shine like new, this side hustle could be a great fit. Plus, people are willing to pay good money for convenience, so mobile detailing services can really set you apart.
Babysitting or Nannying
Parents are always on the lookout for reliable babysitters, and if you’re good with kids, this could be a perfect side gig.
The flexibility is a big bonus—you can take on jobs whenever you have free time, and the pay is usually pretty decent. If you enjoy working with kids, this one’s a no brainer.
Personal Chef or Meal Prep Service
I love cooking, so this side hustle is right up my alley. If you enjoy spending time in the kitchen, you could offer meal prep services or even work as a personal chef. You don’t need a fancy culinary degree—just a passion for food and a knack for cooking up delicious meals.
Start small by offering your services to friends or family, and if you’ve got a speciality (like vegan or keto meals), you’ll find a loyal client base fast.
Fitness Coaching or Personal Training
If you’re into fitness, becoming a personal trainer or fitness coach can be a fantastic side hustle. I’ve got a buddy who started offering virtual fitness coaching during the pandemic, and now he’s got clients all over the country. Whether you’re doing in-person sessions or creating personalised workout plans online, there’s a huge demand for fitness expertise.
Get certified if you can, but even if you’re just starting out, you can offer advice and guidance based on your own fitness journey. Plus, the satisfaction of helping people reach their goals? That’s priceless.
Renting Out Equipment
Last but definitely not least, renting out equipment is one of those side hustles that requires almost no effort. If you’ve got stuff like tools, photography equipment, or even outdoor gear, you can rent it out on platforms like Fat Llama.
It’s a set-it-and-forget-it type of hustle. As long as you’ve got quality items, there’s someone out there willing to pay to use them.
So....
I could go on forever about side hustles because there are so many ways to make extra cash in 2024. The key is finding something that fits your lifestyle and interests.
Don’t be afraid to try a few different ones before you land on something that clicks. Whether you’re looking for side hustles from home in the UK or something online, I hope this list has given you some inspiration to get started.
If you have any ideas that have worked for you please share in the comments below.
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