Did you know that roughly one out of every three Americans have a side hustle? Did you know that this number is likely to increase by the end of 2021?
There’s no shortage of reasons to take on a side hustle or even start a business. Some people do so as a means of earning additional income. Others go down this path because they want to eventually turn their passion into a full-time job.
There are many challenges associated with starting a side hustle. For example, deciding on the best opportunity has the potential to slow you down.
If you’re on the fence and wondering what to do next, take a closer look at these five side hustles.
1. Start an Online Store
Online shopping is more popular than ever before. So, the potential for success with an online store is high.
Maybe you launch a zero waste shop that sells the best bamboo toilet paper the market has ever seen. Or perhaps your store doesn’t sell physical goods, but instead ebooks and other digital products.
With platforms such as Shopify, launching an online store isn’t nearly as complicated as it sounds.
2. Become a Freelance Writer
If you have a way with words, becoming a freelance writer is one of the best career paths to follow.
Companies often hire freelancers, as opposed to employees, as a means of saving money.
As long as you can provide high-quality content, there are clients out there who are willing to work with you. And best of all, you only need a computer and internet connection to get started.
3. Mow Lawns
You don’t have to focus all your time online. There are “offline” side hustles that have just as much potential, if not more.
Mowing lawns — among other landscaping services — is something to strongly consider.
Once you have all the equipment you need, the next step is marketing your services to local clients. You can do this online, via postcards, and on billboards.
Over time, your work will speak for itself and you’ll begin to secure referral business. And that’s when your side hustle will really take off.
4. Affiliate Marketing
You don’t need your own store to make money selling goods online. As an affiliate, you can sell other company’s products and/or services in exchange for a commission.
For instance, if you sell a $100 product and the commission is 10 percent, you’ll receive $10 for every sale attributed to you.
Affiliate marketing is a good jumping-off point for those who one day want to open their own online store. It gives you the opportunity to learn while you earn, which is invaluable to your future success.
5. Start a Blog
A blog is more than a place to share your thoughts with the world. It’s a way for you to make money, too.
There are many ways to turn your blog into a revenue-generating machine, such as through affiliate marketing and advertising sales.
If you’re passionate about your blog, you’ll find it easy to create high-quality content that engages your audience. And when you do that, your chance of making money is much greater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you have some ideas to consider, it’s time to dig into the finer details. Here are some frequently asked questions to address as you compare ideas with hopes of making the right decision:
- What type of side hustle would you enjoy?
- What are your goals, both short and long-term?
- How much money are you comfortable spending to get your side hustle off the ground?
- Do you have a mentor to show you the way?
- What challenges do you expect to face? Do you have a plan for dealing with them?
- What tools do you need to manage your side hustle?
- How will you effectively manage your side hustle while also working a full-time job?
Final Thoughts
In addition to these side hustles, there are thousands upon thousands of other ideas to consider. Keep an open mind as you conduct your search.
Regardless of your reason for pursuing a side hustle, 2021 is a great year for it. Don’t let anything hold you back!