Creative Ideas For The Gal Who Wants to Start a Side Hustle
Side hustles are the new thing, y’all. Side hustles have boomed even before the COVID-19 pandemic, but with the pandemic and everyone staying at home for the past year and a half, more and more people have started a passion project. Now that the world is opening back up, people continue to work on their side hustles and some even make it their full-time job. However, it’s not too late for you! You can start today. So, here are a few side hustle ideas to get you started and gain you some extra cash.
Start an Etsy store.
Polymer clay earrings are a huge trend that started in the last couple of years, and they’re super fun! Turns out, clay earrings aren’t too difficult to make—but it does take time and only a little bit of money. The best part is that you can make them while you’re watching TV or listening to music! Other Etsy store ideas include making bookmarks, T-shirts, and art pieces. Start an Etsy store today!
Start a blog or YouTube channel.
I know you’re probably thinking, “how can I make money off my blog?” That’s what I asked myself whenever I would read, “start a blog to make money.” I don’t want to say start a blog for the sole purpose of making money. However, I do think that you can earn extra cash on your blog by ads, affiliate marketing/links, sponsored posts, and selling digital and physical products like an ebook. With a blog, outline what you can sell using affiliate links. Do you like to recommend beauty and skincare products to your friends? Are you a frequent Amazon shopper Do you have all the great book recs? Find out what you are good at, what you ask on a daily basis (mid-size business casual outfits), and write about it.
My advice to anyone wanting to start a blog? Just start. That advice probably applies to all of these other side hustles, but with blogging, you can start any day, any time. With the right intentions, the basic (and I do mean basic) level of knowledge, and a passion for any subject, you can begin blogging today.
The same goes with a YouTube channel—if you want to, just start. Start by bringing a video camera (or your phone!) around your daily life, i.e. running errands, making dinner, etc.
Freelance Writing!
There are publications and magazines that pay freelance writers. Maybe you love writing but don’t want your own website. Find a list of publications and magazines that pay for articles. Browse through sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Ed2010 for any businesses or brands looking for content writing/articles. You could even review your favorite new TV show (Never Have I Ever, anyone?) for some extra cash.
Be a Virtual Assistant.
Okay, answering emails or inputting data into spreadsheets might not be the glamorous option, but for some, it’s a great way to earn some extra cash. (And VAs do a lot more than just answer emails and input data, btw.) Check out sites like Upwork and Fiverr to see who is hiring a virtual assistant and also, join a Facebook group for virtual assistants.
Resell Clothes on Poshmark, Depop, or ebay.
Turn your thrifting powers into cash! Or, clean out your closet and list some items on Poshmark, Depop, or eBay. This may not be a small business, but it can bring in some cash for the clothes that you want to get rid of. And hey—you might be a super thrifter and create your own Instagram page for reselling clothes!
Offer services online for local businesses.
Millennials and Generation Z are the two most social media, tech-savvy generations. Use that to your advantage! Reach out to local businesses around your town and offer your skills like social media management, content creation, and even how to create a Tik Tok video. Even if you have no experience, you can always help them out on the side. You most likely have a social media presence and hey—Skillshare offers tons of classes for you to brush up on your skills.
That coffee shop owned by an elderly retired couple that makes the best cup of coffee, even better than Starbucks? Offer social media services to them. Even if you don’t have any experience yet, offer your help. They probably are looking for an expert like you who happens to be a fan of their products.
Pro tip: even if you don’t have that much experience, create a “spec” portfolio that includes content that you would make for different businesses and brands.
Graphic Design.
Are you an artist? Do you like to draw? Do you have access to apps like Procreate and Adobe Illustrator? Try your hand at freelance graphic design and create some cool graphics. Start an Instagram page to showcase your graphics, and network in that community. You never know who may be looking for a cool graphic like yours. Try it today!
Bloggers, podcast hosts, and small business owners are always looking for graphic design. Go to Instagram or the sites mentioned above to see if they need any services. Not advertising for service needs? Slide into their DMs and ask anyway.
Be a Doordash or Shipt driver.
This may not be creative or glamorous, but with a reliable car, you can earn some good cash making food and/or grocery deliveries. With this one, remember to stay safe and check your surroundings. Deliver in neighborhoods and towns that you are familiar with. Doordash and Shipt allow you to see where you are delivering ahead of taking the order. Besides safety, I’ve heard this can be a great way to earn some extra cash.
Do you have any other side hustles that weren’t featured? Comment down below what you do!