15 Creative Side Hustles You Can Start Today

In today’s fast-paced world, finding ways to supplement your income has become more important than ever. Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, save for a big purchase, or simply increase your financial security, side hustles offer a flexible and often lucrative solution. The beauty of side hustles lies in their diversity; there are countless opportunities to match your skills, interests, and schedule. From leveraging the power of the internet to tapping into local gig economies, the possibilities are endless.

Based on the Side Hustle Ideas Database, we’ll explore 15 side hustle ideas that can help you make extra money, providing you with the insights and steps needed to get started. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a full-time employee, or a student, there’s a side hustle out there for you.

Let’s dive in and discover the perfect side hustle to boost your income and achieve your financial goals.

1. Get Paid to Test Apps and Websites

Companies are always looking for people to test their apps and websites before launch. As a tester, you’ll provide valuable feedback on usability, functionality, and user experience.

According to UserTesting.com, testers can earn $10 for a 20-minute test. Dedicated testers could potentially earn $100-$200 per month doing multiple tests.

How to Get Started:

Sign up on platforms like UserTesting, TestingTime, or Testbirds
Complete your profile and any required sample tests
Check regularly for available tests that match your demographics
Provide thorough, honest feedback to increase your chances of being selected for future tests

2. Offer Car Washing and Detailing Services

Providing car washing and detailing services is a great way to earn extra income, especially if you enjoy working with cars.

According to MobileTechRX, a one-person detailing business can bring in as much as $90,000 per year. This is based on an average of three jobs per day for five days at $120 per job.

How to Get Started:

Invest in quality cleaning supplies and equipment
Learn proper detailing techniques through online tutorials or courses
Set competitive prices based on your local market
Advertise your services on social media, local forums, and through word-of-mouth
Consider offering mobile services for added convenience to customers

3. Monetize a YouTube Channel

Creating and monetizing a YouTube channel allows you to earn money by sharing content you’re passionate about.

According to Side Hustles Database, monetized YouTubers make an average of $18 per 1,000 video ad views. Top YouTubers can earn millions annually through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.

How to Get Started:

Choose a niche that interests you and has audience potential
Create and optimize your YouTube channel
Consistently produce high-quality, engaging content
Build your audience and engage with viewers
Once you reach 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, apply for the YouTube Partner Program to start monetizing through ads
Explore additional revenue streams like sponsorships and merchandise

4. Give Tours of Your Neighborhood

If you’re knowledgeable about your local area, you can earn money by offering guided tours to tourists or newcomers.

Earnings can vary widely depending on your location and the type of tours you offer. Some tour guides charge $20-$50 per person for group tours.

How to Get Started:

Research your area’s history, landmarks, and interesting facts
Develop a unique tour concept (e.g., food tours, historical walks, ghost tours)
Create a detailed itinerary and script
Set your prices and determine group sizes
Advertise your tours on platforms like Airbnb Experiences, TripAdvisor, or local tourism websites
Consider getting licensed if required in your area

5. Start a Dropshipping Business

Dropshipping allows you to sell products online without holding inventory. When a customer places an order, you purchase the item from a third-party supplier who ships it directly to the customer.

Profit margins in dropshipping typically range from 15% to 45%. Many dropshippers earn $1,000 to $5,000 per month, with some successful stores generating $10,000+ monthly. However, earnings can be inconsistent, especially when starting out.

How to Get Started:

Choose a niche and research potential products
Select an e-commerce platform (e.g. Shopify, WooCommerce)
Find reliable suppliers (e.g. through AliExpress, Oberlo)
Set up your online store and add products
Develop a marketing strategy (social media, paid ads, content marketing)
Process orders and manage customer service
Continuously optimize your product selection and marketing

Learn more about how to make money with dropshipping here.

6. Sell Your Photography

Selling photography can be a rewarding way to turn a passion into profit. Photographers can sell their work as stock photos, prints, or even offer freelance services for events and portraits. This side hustle allows for creative expression while generating income.

The earning potential varies widely depending on the quality of the work and the market. Stock photo websites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock can provide passive income, while selling prints or offering freelance services can bring in more substantial earnings. On average, photographers can earn anywhere from a few dollars per photo on stock sites to hundreds or even thousands of dollars for commissioned work.

How to Get Started:

Build a Portfolio: Start by creating a portfolio of your best work. This can be hosted on a personal website or platforms like Instagram.
Choose a Niche: Decide whether you want to focus on stock photography, prints, or freelance work.
List Your Work: Upload your photos to stock photo websites or create an online store using platforms like Etsy or your own website.
Market Yourself: Use social media and networking to promote your work and attract clients.

7. Start a Podcast

Podcasting involves creating audio content on specific topics of interest. It can be an enjoyable and engaging way to share knowledge, entertain, or build a community around a particular niche.

Podcasts can be monetized through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, listener donations, and merchandise sales. While it might take time to build a substantial audience, successful podcasts can earn thousands of dollars per month.

How to Get Started:

Define Your Niche: Choose a topic that you are passionate about and that has a potential audience.
Get Equipment: Invest in a good quality microphone and editing software like Audacity or GarageBand.
Create Content: Plan your episodes, record, and edit them.
Publish and Promote: Use platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and social media to distribute and promote your podcast.
Monetize: Once you have a steady audience, explore monetization options like sponsorships and affiliate marketing.

8. Start a Blog or Newsletter

Blogging or creating a newsletter involves writing content on topics you are passionate about. This can range from personal experiences to professional advice, and it allows you to build a dedicated readership.

Blogs and newsletters can be monetized through ads, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and selling products or services. Successful bloggers can earn from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, depending on traffic and engagement.

How to Get Started:

Choose a Platform: Use platforms like WordPress for blogs or Substack for newsletters.
Select a Niche: Focus on a specific topic that you are knowledgeable about and that has an audience.
Create Content: Write high-quality, engaging content regularly.
Promote Your Work: Use social media, SEO, and networking to grow your audience.
Monetize: Implement ads, affiliate links, and offer premium content or services.

9. Sell Digital Products

Digital products include items like eBooks, online courses, printables, software, and more. These products can be created once and sold repeatedly, making them a scalable source of income.

The earning potential for digital products is significant due to their scalability. Depending on the product and market, creators can earn from a few dollars per sale to thousands of dollars for high-ticket items like comprehensive online courses.

How to Get Started:

Identify a Need: Find a problem that your digital product can solve.
Create the Product: Use tools like Canva for printables, Teachable for courses, or Word for eBooks.
Set Up a Sales Platform: Use platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or your own website to sell your products.
Market Your Product: Promote through social media, email marketing, and collaborations.
Optimize and Scale: Gather feedback, improve your product, and expand your offerings.

10. Mow Lawns and Do Other Landscaping Tasks

Offering lawn care and landscaping services can be a lucrative side hustle, especially in residential areas. This involves tasks like mowing lawns, trimming bushes, weeding, and other garden maintenance.

The earning potential depends on the number of clients and the scope of services offered. On average, lawn care professionals can earn between $30 to $50 per hour, with potential for more with additional services like landscaping design.

How to Get Started:

Acquire Equipment: Invest in basic lawn care equipment like a mower, trimmer, and gardening tools.
Set Up a Business: Create a business plan, register your business, and get any necessary licenses.
Find Clients: Start by offering services to neighbors and expand through word-of-mouth, flyers, and online listings.
Provide Quality Service: Ensure high-quality work to build a good reputation and get repeat business.
Expand Services: As you grow, consider offering additional services like seasonal clean-ups or landscaping design.

11. Become an IRL or Online Tutor

Tutoring allows you to leverage your knowledge and skills to help students learn, either in-person or online. You can tutor in academic subjects, test prep, music, languages, or any area where you have expertise. Online tutoring platforms have made it easier than ever to connect with students globally.

Tutors can earn anywhere from $15 to $100+ per hour, depending on their subject expertise, experience, and whether they tutor online or in-person. Online tutoring platforms typically pay $15-$25 per hour, while private tutoring can command higher rates of $50-$100+ per hour for specialized subjects.

How to Get Started:

Identify your areas of expertise and target student age groups
Create a profile on tutoring websites like Chegg, TutorMe, or Skooli for online tutoring
Register with local tutoring agencies or advertise your services on community boards for in-person tutoring
Prepare sample lesson plans and materials
Set your rates and availability
Start taking on students and building your reputation through positive reviews

12. Become an Affiliate Marketer

Affiliate marketing involves promoting other companies’ products or services and earning a commission on any resulting sales. You can do this through a blog, YouTube channel, social media, or other online platforms where you have an audience.

Earnings vary widely, from a few hundred dollars per month for beginners to $10,000+ per month for established affiliate marketers with large audiences. Commission rates typically range from 5% to 50%, depending on the product and program.

How to Get Started:

Choose a niche you’re passionate about
Start a blog, YouTube channel, or build a social media following in that niche
Sign up for affiliate programs relevant to your niche (e.g. Amazon Associates, ShareASale)
Create valuable content that incorporates affiliate product recommendations naturally
Disclose affiliate relationships to your audience
Track your results and optimize your strategies

13. Create a Clothing Line

Starting a clothing line allows you to express your creativity while potentially earning a significant income.

According to industry data, a clothing brand can make profits between $23,751 and $140,935 annually, depending on various factors.

How to Get Started:

Define your brand identity and target audience
Decide on your product range (e.g., t-shirts, dresses, accessories)
Create designs or hire a designer
Choose between manufacturing your products or using print-on-demand services
Set up an online store using platforms like Shopify or Etsy
Develop a marketing strategy, focusing on social media and influencer partnerships
Start small and scale as you gain traction

14. Deliver Groceries and Other Items

With the rise of on-demand delivery apps, there’s increasing opportunity to earn money by shopping for and delivering groceries, meals, and other items to customers.

Delivery drivers typically earn $15 to $25 per hour, including tips. Earnings can vary based on location, time of day, and number of deliveries completed. Some drivers report earning up to $25-$30 per hour during peak times.

How to Get Started:

Sign up as a delivery driver on apps like Instacart, DoorDash, or Uber Eats
Complete any required background checks and training
Ensure you have a reliable vehicle and smartphone
Set your availability in the app
Start accepting and completing delivery orders
Provide excellent customer service to maximize tips and ratings

15. Deliver Packages

Package delivery involves transporting parcels from businesses or distribution centers to customers’ homes or offices. This can be done through established courier services or gig economy apps.

Package delivery drivers typically earn $15 to $25 per hour. With services like Amazon Flex, drivers report earning $18 to $25 per hour, with the potential for higher earnings during peak seasons.

How to Get Started: