The world is rapidly evolving, and the internet is playing a role larger than ever before. If you’re reading this, that means you might want to potentially jump on the online-business bandwagon. As you should! There is still so much untapped potential. I’ve curated a list here for you of what are the newest, up and coming “side hustles” to get you started.
1. Blogging
This online business requires a lot of technical stamina. However, there are now lots of easy-to-use website platforms willing to help you along your way, such as WordPress or Wix. If you have lots of ideas and you’re interested in becoming a blogger, to be successful, you tend to have to be very niche specific. This is mainly because companies who seek out bloggers to promote their products and/or services, and will reach out to relevant types of bloggers. The number one way to making money from blogging is to monetize your blog with ads. Therefore, you really have to put the time effort into making your blog really engaging.
2. Errand Service
This is a great option for people who want simplicity. It’s fairly easy to get a website set up these days, and from there, a tiny bit of marketing, and your whole community can end up with your number in hand. This option I might recommend to the entrepreneurial spirit who has a vehicle. It’s not a necessity, but considering that most errands might require one, you could be limiting yourself. It might also would be beneficial, and fun, to get some friends involved!
3. Tutoring
Are you blessed with above average intellectual talents? Can you explain a topic in heavy detail? In 2020, online schooling has become the norm, and people are happy to pay to get some help. There’s different websites you can consider when applying, dependant on what topic you might be good at. You can teach English, answer biology questions, and you can even teach a person to play piano – digitally! If you’re bilingual, that is probably the most sought after type of tutoring. If you’re well versed, then even better for you to dabble in different areas to earn more money dependant on your free time.
4. Virtual Assisting
This category is more suitable for the previously experienced administrative types, as it can deal with accounting, data entry, customer support, etc. Almost anything an assistant might do. But don’t limit yourself because of that. There are so many exclusive job offers that people are looking to outsource. All you might require could be some basic social media, photo/video editing, proofreading, or Word document skills. What’s seriously great about this, is that you can do this job remotely and get paid. Like some of the few other options listed here, you can be sipping a margarita in Mexico, and all you’d need is your laptop and some wifi. Sold? I thought so.
5. Selling Services
Similar to virtual assisting, this online alternative is seeking people to complete tasks by clients. Let’s say you have a background in graphic design, and you can create a logo. It’s not a very time consuming task, but people will still pay you for you to do it for them. Web and mobile development, design, writing, marketing, translating, animation. These are a few of the things that people are willing to outsource, simply because they don’t have the time or capabilities. The difference is that you’re not hired as an employee, you’re a freelancer bidding on a job posting. They then pick their favourite based on what’s provided to them. Two websites I’d recommend are Upwork ad Fiverr to check out if you haven’t already.
6. Youtube
The competition is a bit more fierce, than let’s say, five years ago. But as long as you find a niche that’s appealing to you, and provide valuable content, you can most likely make some money on this renowned social media. However, this is probably going to take a lot of effort and time to be successful. Viral videos certainly do come about, but it’s not as frequent as you’d think. You have to keep people interested, as well as be visually appealing – in whatever it is you’re creating content for. This category requires much passion and determination. Nonetheless, can be extremely lucrative once you do gain traction amongst the Youtube community.
7. Sell Online Courses
This one involves in depth knowledge as well, but the options as to what you can teach, are not limited. Any one of these topics that I’m listing, can have a course available. How to change a tire. Parenting tips. Knife skills to learn(Youtube, anyone?). Think of what you are best at, what your capabilities are, and break it down so the world can learn from your wisdom and experience. Skillshare is a great app to get you started as well.
8. Freelance Writing
As a freelance writer, you’re typically already feeling independant; so creating your own website to promote yourself is a great way to reach clientele. You will probably just have to do a lot of online marketing for yourself, and cold pitch to as many potential clients as possible. Or you also can join the above named apps, and bid your examples to those types of job postings.
9. Affiliate Marketing
Most big chain retailers, have an affiliate program. What that means is, commission on sales, based on what we’ll call, your marketing techniques. They sometimes can simply offer you an affiliate link, and depending on where you post it and who becomes interested, if you make a sale, there’s a percentage for you to take home. It gets a bit confusing, so I’d highly recommend taking a course on this subject. There’s lots of ways you can go about this, but as long as your comfortable with the word ‘revenue-shared’ and are motivated, then it’s worth looking into.
10. Graphic Design
If you have a previous education that helps to make you know how to captivate a consumer, you’re in luck. Marketing is such a large part of the online world we know today, and understanding graphic design is a huge advantage. People will pay you to help create imaging for their brand, their website, their logo, product packaging, etc. There’s an array of options out there if you have the skills and experience to tackle these projects. There is huge demand for it, so even if you lack the education but are interested, you can always begin to teach yourself!
I hope these ideas shed some light for the possible opportunities that can be yours. I wish you all the best with your online success! Good luck.
