15 Profitable Side Hustle Ideas for Extra Income

You’ve probably noticed many people around you doing something a little extra these days. Your neighbor walks dogs on her spare time, your co-worker sells crafts online, and your cousin somehow became a weekend photographer. This is the beauty of the side hustle. 

With rising costs and economic uncertainty, having multiple income streams just makes sense. Small or medium-sized business (SMB) owners know this better than anyone. When main revenue dips during slow seasons, side hustles can keep the lights on. Side hustles have become popular for good reason. They provide extra income and create a financial safety net. Some people even discover passions that grow into something bigger.

If you’re thinking about picking up a side gig or trying something new, now is a great time to start. The right tools and a bit of creativity can create real opportunities that fit into your life, not the other way around.

What we’ll cover:

What is a side hustle?

A side hustle, slang for a side job, is any money-making activity you do outside your regular job. It’s different from getting a second job because you’re in control — you decide when to work, what to charge, and which projects to take‌ on. It can take on many forms, making it a great way to bring in supplemental income.

Some people use side hustles to explore business ideas without quitting their day job. Some have passions that they want to carry out. Others just want extra cash for vacations or to pay down debt faster.

The real question everyone asks is, “How do people find the time?” Here’s the truth — ‌they don’t find time; they make it. (And technology helps. A lot.) You can now schedule social media posts while watching TV, answer client emails from your phone during lunch, or let artificial intelligence (AI) handle your appointment bookings automatically.

What’s even better is how accessible side hustles have become. Technology has taken down many of the old barriers. You don’t need expensive equipment or complex setups anymore. AI tools can help you write better content, handle customer support 24/7, and even manage your schedule.

Why start a side hustle

The obvious answer is to earn extra money. But there’s more to it than that. Maybe you’re already running a small business and know how unpredictable income can be. A side hustle gives you something to fall back on during any slow months as well. Or perhaps you’re curious about a different industry but don’t want to abandon your current career just yet.

The thing about side hustles is they’re surprisingly flexible. You might start tutoring math because you’re good at it, then discover you actually love creating educational content. Or begin flipping furniture for extra cash and end up with a thriving restoration business.

And, every new skill you pick up — whether it’s learning digital marketing for your dog-walking side gig or basic graphic design for your consulting work — makes you more valuable in your main career, too.

How to choose the right side hustle

Before you jump into selling non-fungible tokens (NFTs) because your neighbor made $5,000 last month, let’s talk about finding something that actually works for you. 

Start with what you already know. Teaching, designing, caring for pets — your everyday skills can go a long way. Be realistic about your time. Choose something that fits your schedule, not the other way around. Do a little research. Some ideas need tools or gear, others just need Wi-Fi and a bit of creativity.

Here’s a reality check, the most sustainable side hustles are usually service-based or digital. Things like consulting, online courses, or digital products tend to stick around longer than trendy one-off gigs. But you’re here to pave your own way, so let’s dig into the top side gigs you can start, today.

Top side hustle ideas that make money

We compiled the top side hustle ideas to make extra money while still running your business — and you’d be surprised at how easy some of them are. These ideas can easily fit into your schedule and help you earn more, fast. Here are ten real ways to get started on your side job.

1. Freelance writing

Are you good with words? Freelance writing involves creating content for businesses, blogs, websites, and marketing materials. It offers a flexible schedule, lets you work from anywhere, and provides income that scales with your expertise.

Popular types of freelance writing that pay well:

• Technical and medical writing: Translate complex information into a language people understand. Companies need this badly and pay well for it.
• SEO copywriting: Help websites show up on search engines with optimized content across multiple channels. Businesses love it because it brings in customers without paying for advertising.
• Grant writing: Prepare a request for funding for a grant-making organization by demonstrating why the project is important and worthy of support.. When you win them funding, they’re happy to pay you well.
• Ghostwriting: Write content anonymously for other businesses or entrepreneurs.. From memoirs to speeches, those who can’t write well but need content will pay good money.
• Academic writing: Formally write educational and scholarly contexts like well-researched arguments, analysis, and information, often following specific citation guidelines. If you have the background knowledge, there’s steady work here.
• Scriptwriting: Create a written script that outlines the dialogue, actions, and scenes for a video, podcast, resource, or other audio content.. Start with smaller projects, build a portfolio, and rates improve quickly.
• Financial writing: Write about financial information, analysis, and advice, including creating reports, articles, and documents that explain financial data, market trends, and investment strategies for growth purposes.. The more you know about finance, the more valuable your writing becomes.
• Corporate and legal writing: Create documents (like contracts) that are used in business and legal contexts, characterized by formal tone, precision, and adherence to specific legal and corporate standards.The stakes are high, so the pay matches the responsibility.

Ways to start: Start by creating a portfolio of your best writing samples. You can write for free or for lower paying contracts initially to build up your portfolio. Consider writing blog posts, articles, or even creating sample pieces that showcase your skills in different writing styles and industries. 

Create a professional website or use a platform like LinkedIn to showcase your writing skills and portfolio. Make sure your online presence is polished and includes a clear list of your services, rates, and contact information. You can also join freelance writing platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr to find clients.

AI assist: Use AI writing tools like Writer to research topics faster, generate article outlines, and check grammar. Be sure to always add your unique insights and edit thoroughly.

2. Dropshipping

Dropshipping lets you sell products online without holding inventory — suppliers ship directly to your customers. This approach requires minimal startup costs, eliminates inventory management hassles, and allows you to test multiple products quickly. Pick a niche you actually care about so you stay interested when things get tough. Make sure your products have enough profit margin to be worth your time after advertising costs.

Many successful ecommerce dropshippers begin with trending, niche items like eco-friendly phone accessories, testing different products until finding their bestsellers.

Here are dropshipping products that actually sell well:

• Luxury accessories: Find reputable suppliers of high-end watches and electronics. Create a visually appealing online store with detailed descriptions and high-quality images. High-end items offer better profit margins.
• Fitness equipment: Source specialized workout gear not found in local stores. Build a niche website or social media presence for fitness enthusiasts. Provide detailed descriptions and customer reviews to build trust. Specialized equipment can command higher prices.
• Tech accessories: Find reliable suppliers of tech accessories like phone cases and gadgets. Set up a user-friendly online store with clear categories. Use social media and influencer marketing to reach tech-savvy customers. Tech accessories are lightweight and easy to ship, attracting a wide customer base.
• Premium pet products: Find suppliers of high-quality pet supplies and create a dedicated online store. Develop a content marketing strategy with blog posts and social media content about pet care. Offer subscription services for regular deliveries. 
• Home decor: Source unique and visually appealing home decor items. Create a visually stunning online store with high-quality images and detailed descriptions. Use social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your products. Home decor items that photograph well can attract a large audience and justify premium pricing.
• Natural skincare: Partner with suppliers of clean beauty products with trending ingredients. Create a website that emphasizes the natural and organic aspects. Use content marketing to educate customers about the benefits. The growing clean beauty market ensures ongoing sales and a loyal customer base.

Ways to start: Start by researching trending products on Google Trends and social media, setting up an online store with a professional theme, and finding reliable suppliers on platforms like AliExpress or Spocket.

Set up or optimize your online store to get more reach. Keep a professional look with  quality product photos and clear product descriptions (with the help of AI!) make a huge difference in whether people trust you enough to buy.

Take time finding reliable suppliers on platforms like AliExpress or Spocket. Poor suppliers mean unhappy customers and refunds, so be sure to do your research. Message potential suppliers with questions before partnering to build a business rapport, and expand as needed.

AI assist: Use AI to craft product descriptions that stand out. You can also offer smarter payment options or recommendations with AI-powered tools that personalize the checkout experience.

3. Online tutoring

Online tutoring involves teaching academic subjects or skills to students remotely. This side hustle lets you make the most of your skills and expertise, work flexible hours, and help others succeed — it also requires the education to back it up. Here are online tutoring subjects that pay well:

• STEM subjects: Teach math, physics, and coding to students who find these subjects challenging. Provide clear explanations, practice problems, and real-world examples to help them understand and succeed.
• Test prep: Help students prepare for exams like the SAT and GMAT. Create study plans, provide practice tests, and offer tips to manage test anxiety and improve scores. Help anxious students develop effective learning strategies. 
• Languages: Teach English to international students. Focus on grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills to help them communicate effectively and build confidence.
• Programming: Teach coding skills like Python to career-changers. Provide step-by-step guidance, coding exercises, and projects to help them learn and apply new skills.
• Business topics: Tutor college students in accounting, finance, and economics. Explain complex concepts, help with homework, and prepare them for exams in their required courses.
• Music: Offer instrument lessons to students who want to learn or improve their skills. Provide regular practice sessions, feedback, and encouragement to help them progress and stay motivated.

Ways to start: Choose a subject you know well and enjoy teaching. It’s easier to find students when you focus on something specific like calculus or Spanish rather than “general tutoring.”

Create a simple website that shows your qualifications and teaching style. Many tutors also join established platforms like TutorMe or Chegg, where students are already looking for help.

Attract your first students by offering free 30-minute sessions so they can see how you teach. Then, build your tutoring database, while building your own expertise. You can study online or take courses in your free time. And, when you’ve built up a solid tutoring database, ask everyone who likes your tutoring to tell friends or leave a review.

Connect with other teachers and join online groups where your potential students hang out. This builds your reputation faster than trying to advertise to everyone.

AI assist: Use AI to generate practice problems, create study guides, and provide instant feedback on student work.

4. Content creation

Creating videos, blogs, podcasts, or social media content can be an effective side hustle that builds an audience and generates income through advertising, sponsorships, or product sales.Here are content types that build loyal audiences:

• How-to videos: Create practical tutorials for videos online, solving specific problems for viewers
• Product reviews: Honest assessments from genuine personal experience
• Industry insights: Behind-the-scenes looks at interesting professions and processes
• Information curation: Simplified explanations of complex or technical topics
• Storytelling content: Entertaining narratives about relatable experiences
• Skill-building content: Educational materials teaching practical abilities
• Financial guidance: Money advice customized for specific age groups or situations

Ways to start: Start by focusing on topics you enjoy and platforms that match your strengths — YouTube for video tutorials, Instagram for visual content; TikTok for short-form videos, Substack for newsletters, or WordPress for blogging. Publish consistently, study what works with your audience, and gradually introduce ways to monetize as your following grows.

Begin by selecting topics you’re passionate about and then developing a content calendar, and focusing on quality and consistency. The path typically begins with content creation first, then monetization follows naturally once you’ve established a consistent audience.

AI assist: AI tools can help identify trending topics, generate content ideas, and optimize your posts for better visibility without sacrificing your authentic voice.

5. Consulting 

Consulting involves offering specialized advice and solutions based on your professional experience. This type of role typically commands high hourly rates, lets you leverage existing knowledge, and offers flexible scheduling.

Consulting can take many forms. You might help small businesses with hiring and HR policies, support startups with their marketing strategy, or offer coaching in areas like career development or wellness. Many consultants start by working with people they know and grow through word of mouth. Here are consulting niches with strong demand:

• Digital marketing: Create strategy development assets for local businesses seeking online growth
• HR compliance: Guidance for small companies without dedicated personnel staff
• Process optimization: Efficiency improvements for growing businesses
• Technology integration: Implementation support for non-tech companies
• Sales training: Skill development for service-based business teams
• Financial planning: Specialized advice for specific professions or situations
• Social media strategy: Platform guidance for traditional businesses entering digital spaces

Ways to start: Define a specific consulting niche where you solve particular problems for a precise audience. This clarity helps clients immediately understand your value.

Create a website showcasing case studies, brand results, and client testimonials. Include your working ethics and process so clients know what to expect.

Network at industry events where your potential clients gather. Prepare marketing assets, business cards, and flyers to share while you connect. 

Develop a signature framework that makes your approach memorable and relatable — especially on your social channels. This gives clients something specific to grasp about your methods. Start with smaller projects to build impressive case studies before pursuing larger contracts.

AI assist: Use AI to create proposals, quickly, analyze data, and generate professional reports that showcase your value.

6. Affiliate marketing

Earn money by recommending products that you already love. When someone buys through your affiliate marketing is a way to earn money by promoting products you believe in. When someone purchases through your unique referral link, you receive a commission without handling any inventory, shipping, or customer service.

The best part is you can add affiliate links to content you’re creating anyway, like blog posts, videos, or social media posts. Once set up, these links can generate income for months or years. Here are affiliate marketing categories that convert well:

• Software subscriptions: Online tools offering recurring commission structures
• Technology products: High-value electronics with competitive commission rates
• Online courses: Educational products solving specific problems for buyers
• Fitness equipment: Home workout gear with visual appeal and demonstration potential
• Travel services: Booking platforms with competitive rates and tracking capabilities
• Financial products: Services with long-term commission structures and high values
• Beauty products: Skincare and cosmetics with loyal customer bases and repurchasing

Ways to start: Start with products you actually use and trust. Join programs like Amazon Associates or look for “affiliate program” on websites of brands you like. Sign up and get your unique affiliate link — that’s how you earn commissions. Then, create helpful content that solves real problems for your audience, and naturally mention products that might help them.

Always be upfront about affiliate links. People appreciate honesty, and it builds trust. Most successful affiliate marketers focus on being genuinely helpful first, with commissions as a bonus rather than the main goal.

AI assist: Use an AI-powered customer relationship management (CRM) to support your affiliate marketing efforts. It helps you stay organized, track product performance, manage affiliate links, and even surface trends or top-earning items based on your audience’s behavior.

7. Selling digital products

Creating and selling digital products involves developing downloadable items like ebooks, courses, templates, software, music, or design assets that customers can purchase and use immediately. This approach lets you create once and sell repeatedly, offers passive income potential, and eliminates shipping hassles. Here are digital products people readily purchase:

• Financial templates: Budget planners and money management spreadsheets
• Career resources: Resume templates and job search materials
• Social media tools: Content calendars and post planning templates
• Event planning: Wedding and event management organizational tools
• Meal organization: Recipe collections and meal planning systems
• Educational materials: Learning downloadables for children and students
• Business presentations: professional templates for meetings and pitches

Ways to start: Notice repetitive tasks people struggle with — teachers making worksheets, businesses creating invoices, or hobbyists tracking progress. These pain points make perfect digital products.

Create one polished template that solves a specific problem. Make it visually appealing with consistent design elements and test it thoroughly to ensure it works well.

Salesforce’s Starter Suite offers a simple, scalable solution for small businesses to set up and manage their online store. Once you’re up and running, you can also explore beginner-friendly platforms like Etsy or use Gumroad for premium digital products. Show your product in action and write SEO-friendly descriptions that highlight key benefits, using templates and built-in tools to make the process easier.

AI assist: Smart AI tools simplify store management. They help you quickly identify what customers are searching for, highlight top-selling products, and create marketing copy that gets results.

8. Virtual assistant services

Virtual assistants provide remote administrative, technical, or creative support to businesses and entrepreneurs who need help but aren’t ready to hire full-time employees. This side gig uses skills you already have with organization, communication, and technical areas. 

You can work flexible hours from anywhere with internet access. Most virtual assistant relationships grow stable over time, giving you reliable income instead of constantly chasing new customers. Here are virtual assistant services in high demand:

• Email management: Stay on top of your inbox by organizing emails and responding to customer inquiries efficiently.
• Calendar coordination: Keep your schedule organized by easily booking appointments and managing your time.
• Social media handling: Plan your posts, schedule content, and engage with your audience to keep your social presence active.
• Basic bookkeeping: Manage invoices, track expenses, and keep your finances organized without the stress.
• Travel coordination: Take the hassle out of business trips by handling travel arrangements and logistics.
• Research support: Gather important data and compile valuable insights to support your business decisions.
• Project assistance: Keep projects on track by managing timelines and coordinating tasks with your team.

Ways to start: Assistant professionals often start by handling email management and scheduling for a business owner or sole proprietor, gradually expanding their client base.

You can start by listing your skills on a simple website, LinkedIn profile, or freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Think about what you’re good at, such as scheduling, email management, or social media. Turn those into service packages with clear deliverables. Then reach out to local businesses or explore virtual assistant platforms for more opportunities.

AI assist: Use AI automation tools to schedule social posts, sort emails, and create client reports automatically.

9. Event planning

Event planning helps people organize special occasions from weddings to corporate meetings when they don’t have time or know how to handle it themselves. This hustle lets you be creative, grow your network, and earn good money, mostly working evenings and weekends. Here are events that need professional planners:

• Corporate events: Plan and coordinate company retreats and team-building activities that bring your team closer together.
• Weddings: Handle every detail of the ceremony and reception, ensuring the big day goes off without a hitch.
• Milestone celebrations: Organize unforgettable birthday and anniversary events that celebrate life’s big moments.
• Nonprofit functions: Manage fundraisers and awareness galas that make an impact and help raise support for a cause.
• Product launches: Coordinate brand and promotional events to generate excitement and boost awareness of your new products.
• Educational gatherings: Plan and organize workshops and conferences that educate, inspire, and engage attendees.
• Seasonal parties: Create fun holiday or themed parties that everyone will enjoy and remember.

Ways to start: Most planners start small with friends’ events, build a portfolio of successful gatherings, then move to bigger paid jobs.

To begin, research to see what type of training you may need, decide what events interest you, document events you’ve already organized, connect with local vendors, and create clear packages at different price points.

Consider event insurance. It’s important to have protection when you’re managing an event. Join professional associations like the International Live Events Association for networking and education opportunities. Create a detailed client questionnaire that helps you understand expectations upfront, which prevents misunderstandings and ensures successful events.AI assist: Use AI tools to manage project timelines, generate theme ideas, and keep track of guest lists and vendor details.

10. Real estate investing

Real estate investing as a side hustle involves purchasing property to generate rental income or profit through appreciation and resale.

This approach builds long-term wealth through property appreciation, provides regular income from rentals, offers valuable tax advantages, and can be scaled gradually as you build capital and experience. Here are real estate investments that work as side hustles:

• Single-family rentals: Invest in homes in up-and-coming neighborhoods to earn steady rental income.
• Multi-unit properties: Buy small apartment buildings like duplexes or triplexes for multiple streams of rental income.
• Vacation rentals: Rent out properties in popular tourist spots for short-term stays and higher returns.
• House hacking: Live in one part of a property and rent out the other units to cover your mortgage and expenses.
• REITs: Invest in real estate through REITs for passive income without the hassle of property management.
• Property flipping: Buy homes in need of renovation, fix them up, and sell them for a profit.
• Commercial shares: Invest in fractional ownership of commercial properties to diversify your portfolio.

Ways to start: To get started with real estate investing, the first step is to educate yourself about local markets and decide what type of property you want to invest in. You’ll need to save for a down payment, connect with experienced real estate agents and property managers, and evaluate potential properties for cash flow and appreciation.

When you’re ready, you’ll typically need to complete some paperwork, including registering your business or setting up an LLC for liability protection. Depending on your location, you may also need a real estate license to buy and manage properties. If you’re not planning to manage the properties yourself, hiring a property manager can help with day-to-day operations.

AI assist: Use advanced financial AI solutions to analyze investment opportunities, forecast potential returns, manage tenant communications, and automate property management tasks. These tools can help you simplify operations and generate a more passive income stream, giving you more time to focus on growing your portfolio.

Starting a side hustle is one thing; running it efficiently is another challenge entirely. The right tools can make all the difference between hustling harder and barely keeping afloat.

Essential tech for any side hustle

No matter which hustle you choose, certain technologies make managing it easier. The right tools don’t need to be complicated or expensive. 

Start with a quiet place and reliable Wi-Fi as your foundation — it’s the lifeline that keeps your hustle connected to clients and opportunities. For content creation hustles, basic equipment makes a big difference — a decent microphone improves audio quality dramatically, and a working camera with good lighting helps you reflect professionalism online.

You’ll also need a central place to organize and run your business. A digital storefront is a great place to start — it gives customers a way to browse, buy, and engage. Consider using a website builder or a CRM with commerce capabilities to manage your products or services in one place.Social media management tools round out the essentials that most side hustlers rely on daily.

Marketing tools can help you expand your reach and grow sales — platforms like email marketing and social media schedulers allow you to easily promote your work and attract clients without overwhelming your schedule. Depending on your gig, tools like project management software, email marketing platforms, and even AI for content generation can shave hours off your day. Keep things simple at first, then add tools as your gigs grow.

How CRM helps side-hustlers

A simple customer relationship management (CRM) tool like Starter Suite gives side hustlers and small business owners powerful tools without the complexity. You can keep track of all prospects and leads in one organized place, making follow-ups simple. It helps you track all sales interactions and conversions, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to close a deal. It also lets you prioritize customers, so you’re always focusing on the most promising prospects.

CRM tools also support your marketing efforts. You can send polished, professional emails that feel personal, not spammy. It’s easy to group your contacts by interest or behavior, so your messages feel relevant. Set up email sequences, time your outreach, and even run small campaigns that keep your audience engaged — all without adding more to your plate. 

When your sales and marketing efforts are organized in one place, it’s easier to grow without burning out. And, Starter Suite connects you with the tools you already use, so it fits right into your workflow. It all starts with a CRM.

AI-powered productivity

AI is becoming an essential ally for side-hustlers and small business owners. Tasks that once needed a team — like scheduling, content creation, and customer support — can now be handled with easy-to-use AI tools.

Tools like Agentforce can help you stay on top of customer communication without having to be online 24/7. AI chatbots make it possible to:

• Answer customer questions any time of day
• Support leads instantly, even while you’re offline
• Save hours on repetitive replies so you can focus on actual work

What matters most isn’t having every possible tool, but identifying which ones directly support your specific side gig. The goal is to simplify your processes so you can focus on the work that‌ generates income. Beware of spreading yourself too thin, and make sure you balance your time, but other than that — earn as much as you want.

Turn your side hustle ideas into reality

Starting a side hustle isn’t about getting rich overnight. It’s about building something sustainable that fits around your life and potentially grows into something bigger. The ideas we’ve covered range from creative to technical, hands-on to digital. The perfect hustle combines three things: Skills you have (or can learn quickly), problems people will pay to solve, and something you can reasonably fit into your schedule.

The right tools make this all possible in ways that weren’t available even five years ago. Tasks that used to take days now take minutes. What used to require an office can now happen from your phone.

Ready to organize your side hustle for success? Starter Suite provides the  business tools you need. As your side hustle grows, you can easily upgrade to Pro Suite. Already a Salesforce customer? Activate Foundations and try out Agentforce today.

AI supported the writers and editors of this article.