Most Popular online side hustles can earn up to $10,000 a month

Pradeep Kothari | SoulScribed
16 min readSep 17, 2023

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The No 1 thing you should know before starting.

Imagine a world where you have the financial freedom to live life on your terms. Picture yourself traveling to exotic destinations, indulging in your favorite hobbies, or simply spending more quality time with your loved ones — all while earning a substantial income. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s time to turn that dream into a reality!

In today’s fast-paced digital age, there’s a wealth of opportunities waiting for those willing to explore the world of online side hustles. Whether you’re looking to supplement your current income, quit your 9-to-5 job, or simply pursue your passions while making money, this guide is your roadmap to success.

1. The Online Side Hustle Revolution

The internet has revolutionized the way we work and earn. With the advent of digital platforms, the opportunities to generate income online have grown exponentially. So, what exactly is an online side hustle? It’s a flexible, part-time gig that you can pursue alongside your regular job or commitments. These hustles have the potential to turn into full-fledged businesses, making them a gateway to financial independence.

2. The No-1 Thing You Must Know

Before you dive headfirst into the world of online side hustles, there’s a crucial aspect you need to understand: the ever-changing nature of algorithms.

Platforms like Google and social media giants like Facebook and Instagram frequently update their algorithms, which can significantly impact your online presence and earnings.

Riding the Algorithmic Rollercoaster

Picture this: you’ve just launched your e-commerce store or started a blog. You’re excited about the prospects, and then suddenly, your website’s traffic takes a nosedive. What happened? Chances are, it’s an algorithm update.

Pro Tip: To stay ahead of algorithm changes, always focus on providing high-quality content and engaging with your audience. Diversify your income streams to mitigate the risks associated with algorithmic fluctuations.

3. The Power of Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a tried-and-true online side hustle that can put a substantial amount of money in your pocket. Here’s how it works: you promote products or services from other companies, and when someone makes a purchase through your unique affiliate link, you earn a commission.

But here’s the kicker: success in affiliate marketing requires more than just slapping up affiliate links and hoping for the best. It’s about building trust with your audience, offering valuable insights, and genuinely recommending products or services that you believe in.

Your Affiliate Marketing Action Plan

  1. Niche Selection: Choose a niche you’re passionate about or knowledgeable in.
  2. Product Research: Identify products or services that align with your niche.
  3. Content Creation: Create compelling content that educates and informs your audience.
  4. Building Relationships: Engage with your audience and foster trust.
  5. Monetize Wisely: Promote products strategically, and don’t overwhelm your audience with ads.

Absolutely, here are the top 5 tools and websites for each of the 22 online side hustles mentioned in the article:

Amazon Associates: One of the largest affiliate programs with a wide range of products to promote.

ShareASale: A popular affiliate marketing network connecting affiliates with various merchants.

CJ Affiliate: Formerly known as Commission Junction, it offers a vast network of advertisers.

ClickBank: Specializes in digital products, making it great for niche affiliate marketing.

Rakuten Advertising: Known for its global reach and various advertising options.

4. Blogging: Turn Your Passion into Profit

Are you passionate about a particular subject? Maybe it’s travel, food, fashion, or technology. If so, blogging could be your ticket to financial freedom. Blogging allows you to share your expertise, connect with like-minded individuals, and earn money through various channels, including advertising, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.

Crafting a Successful Blog

  1. Find Your Niche: Choose a niche that resonates with you and has an audience.
  2. Create High-Quality Content: Consistently publish valuable and well-researched articles.
  3. Build an Audience: Promote your blog on social media and engage with your readers.
  4. Monetize Strategically: Explore advertising, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.
  5. Stay Persistent: Blogging success often takes time, so don’t give up too soon.

WordPress.org: A widely used platform for creating and managing blogs.

Bluehost: A popular web hosting service that’s WordPress-friendly.

Yoast SEO: A plugin to optimize your blog posts for search engines.

Google Analytics: Track your blog’s performance and audience.

Canva: Design eye-catching graphics for your blog.

5. Dropshipping: Your Gateway to E-Commerce

If you’ve ever dreamt of running your own online store but hesitated due to inventory and shipping concerns, dropshipping might be your answer. In a nutshell, dropshipping allows you to sell products without holding any inventory. You simply partner with suppliers who handle everything from stocking products to shipping them directly to your customers.

Your Dropshipping Journey

  1. Product Research: Identify profitable niches and products with high demand.
  2. Build Your Online Store: Create an e-commerce website or use platforms like Shopify.
  3. Connect with Suppliers: Find reliable suppliers who offer dropshipping services.
  4. Marketing Matters: Develop a marketing strategy to attract customers.
  5. Customer Service Excellence: Provide exceptional customer service to build trust.

Shopify: A leading e-commerce platform for setting up your dropshipping store.

AliExpress: A popular platform for sourcing dropshipping products.

Oberlo: A Shopify app for easy product import and order fulfillment.

SaleHoo: A directory of trusted dropshipping suppliers and wholesalers.

Spocket: A platform that connects you with EU and US-based dropshipping suppliers.

6. Freelancing: Monetize Your Skills

Do you possess a particular skill set, such as writing, graphic design, programming, or digital marketing? Freelancing allows you to turn those skills into a lucrative online side hustle. You can offer your services to clients worldwide, work on projects you’re passionate about, and enjoy the flexibility of setting your own rates and schedule.

Launching Your Freelance Career

  1. Identify Your Skills: Determine your strengths and areas of expertise.
  2. Create a Portfolio: Showcase your work and build an online presence.
  3. Find Clients: Utilize freelancing platforms or reach out to potential clients.
  4. Deliver Exceptional Work: Exceed client expectations to secure repeat business.
  5. Manage Your Finances: Keep track of earnings and expenses as a freelancer.

Upwork: A large freelancing platform where you can find a variety of freelance jobs.

Freelancer: Offers a range of freelance opportunities across different industries.

Fiverr: A platform where you can offer your freelance services and skills.

Toptal: A network for top freelancers and clients seeking high-quality talent.

Guru: A platform for freelancers to find work in fields like web development, design, and more.

7. Online Tutoring: Share Your Knowledge

Are you a subject matter expert or have a knack for explaining complex concepts? Online tutoring is a rewarding side hustle that allows you to share your knowledge while earning a substantial income. Whether it’s academic subjects, languages, or even music lessons, there’s a demand for online tutors in various fields.

Your Path to Online Tutoring Success

  1. Identify Your Expertise: Determine the subjects or skills you can teach effectively.
  2. Choose a Platform: Join online tutoring platforms or create your website.
  3. Set Competitive Rates: Research pricing in your niche and set competitive rates.
  4. Engage with Students: Build a strong rapport with your students for better results.
  5. Market Yourself: Promote your tutoring services to reach a wider audience.

VIPKid: A platform connecting English teachers with Chinese students.

Chegg Tutors: Offers tutoring opportunities in a wide range of subjects.

Wyzant: A platform for connecting tutors with students in various subjects.

Tutor.com: Provides tutoring opportunities for a variety of subjects and test preparation.

Italki: Connects language learners with language teachers and tutors.

8. Content Creation: Be the Next YouTube Sensation

If you have a passion for video creation and an engaging personality, consider venturing into the world of content creation on platforms like YouTube. You can cover a wide range of topics, from gaming and tech reviews to cooking and lifestyle vlogs. With a dedicated audience, you can monetize your channel through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.

Becoming a YouTube Star

  1. Find Your Niche: Choose a niche that aligns with your interests and has an audience.
  2. Create High-Quality Videos: Invest in good equipment and editing skills.
  3. Consistency is Key: Stick to a regular posting schedule to keep your audience engaged.
  4. Engage with Viewers: Respond to comments and build a community around your channel.
  5. Monetize Strategically: Explore revenue streams like ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.\

YouTube: The leading video-sharing platform where you can create and upload your content.

Adobe Premiere Pro: A professional video editing software for enhancing your videos.

Canva: Create eye-catching thumbnails and channel art for your YouTube channel.

Tubebuddy: A browser extension that helps with video optimization and analytics.

Google AdSense: Monetize your YouTube channel through ad revenue.

9. Influencer Marketing: Leverage Your Social Media Presence

If you’ve built a substantial following on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter, you have the potential to become an influencer and monetize your social media presence. Brands are eager to collaborate with influencers to promote their products or services to a wider audience.

Your Journey to Influencer Stardom

  1. Build Your Brand: Define your niche and establish a unique online persona.
  2. Grow Your Following: Consistently create and share engaging content.
  3. Collaborate with Brands: Reach out to brands or wait for sponsorship offers.
  4. Authenticity Matters: Only promote products or services that align with your brand.
  5. Measure Your Impact: Analyze your performance and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Instagram: A popular platform for building your influence through photos and videos.

TikTok: A short-form video platform known for its viral trends and challenges.

Twitter: Engage with your audience and share your insights or recommendations.

Influence.co: A platform to connect with brands and other influencers for collaborations.

AspireIQ: A platform that helps influencers find partnership opportunities with brands.

10. Podcasting: Share Your Voice

Podcasting has gained immense popularity in recent years, making it a lucrative online side hustle for those with a passion for audio storytelling. You can create podcasts on a wide range of topics, from true crime and self-improvement to niche interests like knitting or urban gardening. Monetization options include sponsorships, ads, and listener support.

Launching Your Podcasting Journey

  1. Choose Your Niche: Select a niche that resonates with you and your target audience.
  2. Invest in Equipment: Ensure you have quality audio recording and editing tools.
  3. Create Engaging Content: Plan your episodes and engage with your listeners.
  4. Promote Your Podcast: Share it on podcast platforms and social media.
  5. Monetize Strategically: Explore sponsorship deals, ads, and listener donations.

Anchor: A free platform for creating and distributing your podcast episodes.

Libsyn: A podcast hosting and distribution service.

Audacity: A free, open-source audio editing software for podcast production.

Apple Podcasts: A prominent platform for listing your podcast.

Podbean: A podcast hosting and monetization platform with built-in promotion tools.

11. Print on Demand: Design Your Way to Profits

If you’re a creative soul with a talent for design, print on demand can be a lucrative side hustle. You can create custom designs for apparel, accessories, and home decor items. When customers place orders, the products are printed and shipped by a third-party provider, leaving you with a profit.

Steps to Print on Demand Success

  1. Design Unique Products: Create eye-catching and original designs.
  2. Choose a Platform: Sign up on print-on-demand platforms like Printful or Printify.
  3. Market Your Products: Use social media and e-commerce platforms to reach customers.
  4. Optimize for Conversions: Create compelling product listings and optimize for sales.
  5. Quality Control: Ensure the quality of your products and customer satisfaction.

Printful: A popular print-on-demand and dropshipping platform.

Printify: Create and sell custom products with print-on-demand services.

Etsy: A marketplace to showcase and sell your custom-designed products.

Shopify: Set up an online store with print-on-demand integrations.

Redbubble: A platform for artists to sell their artwork on various products.

12. Stock Photography: Turn Your Photos into Profits

If you’re a photography enthusiast, your passion can become a lucrative online side hustle. Stock photography allows you to sell your photos to individuals and businesses looking for high-quality images for websites, advertisements, and publications.

Your Journey as a Stock Photographer

  1. Build Your Portfolio: Capture a diverse range of high-quality photos.
  2. Choose Stock Photo Platforms: Sign up on stock photo websites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.
  3. Keyword Optimization: Use relevant keywords to make your photos discoverable.
  4. Market Your Portfolio: Promote your portfolio on social media and photography communities.
  5. Track Sales and Trends: Analyze which photos perform best and adjust your portfolio accordingly.

Shutterstock: A leading platform for selling stock photos and videos.

Adobe Stock: A marketplace for photographers and designers to sell their work.

Getty Images: A renowned platform for licensing and purchasing high-quality images.

iStock: A subsidiary of Getty Images, offering affordable stock photography.

Depositphotos: A platform for contributors to sell their photos and vector images.

13. Online Surveys and Market Research

While not a full-fledged side hustle, participating in online surveys and market research can provide some extra cash or gift cards. Companies are willing to pay for your opinions and insights, and you can do this from the comfort of your home during your free time.

Maximizing Your Earnings

  1. Join Multiple Survey Sites: Sign up for multiple reputable survey websites.
  2. Complete Surveys Consistently: Dedicate some time each day or week to take surveys.
  3. Refer Friends: Some sites offer referral bonuses for bringing in new participants.
  4. Cash Out Strategically: Choose the right time to redeem your rewards for maximum value.
  5. Avoid Scams: Be cautious of websites that promise unrealistic earnings.

Survey Junkie: Participate in paid surveys and earn rewards.

Swagbucks: Earn points (Swagbucks) for various online activities, including surveys.

Vindale Research: Get paid for taking surveys and participating in product evaluations.

Pinecone Research: Join a survey panel known for high payouts.

SurveyMonkey: Create and distribute surveys for market research purposes.

14. Virtual Assistance: Support Businesses Remotely

Businesses and entrepreneurs often require administrative support, but they may not want to hire a full-time assistant. That’s where virtual assistants come in. You can offer a wide range of services, from email management and scheduling to social media management and data entry.

Starting Your Virtual Assistance Career

  1. Identify Your Skills: Determine the services you can offer.
  2. Set Your Rates: Research market rates and set competitive pricing.
  3. Build an Online Presence: Create a professional website and social media profiles.
  4. Market Your Services: Reach out to potential clients and network within your niche.
  5. Deliver Exceptional Service: Provide reliable and high-quality support.

Trello: Organize tasks and projects for clients and yourself.

LastPass: Securely manage and share passwords for client accounts.

Grammarly: Ensure error-free communication and content.

Slack: Communicate with clients and teams in real-time.

Time Doctor: Track time spent on client projects for accurate billing.

15. App Development: Turn Ideas into Apps

If you have coding skills or a brilliant app idea, app development can be a highly profitable side hustle. You can create mobile apps or software solutions for businesses or consumers. With the right app and marketing strategy, you can generate substantial income.

Steps to App Development Success

  1. Ideation and Research: Identify a niche or problem to solve with your app.
  2. Development and Testing: Build and test your app thoroughly for functionality and user experience.
  3. Launch and Marketing: Release your app on app stores and promote it effectively.
  4. Monetization Strategy: Decide on a pricing model or use in-app advertising and purchases.
  5. User Feedback: Continuously gather user feedback to improve your app.

GitHub: A platform for version control and collaboration on software development projects.

Stack Overflow: A community-driven Q&A platform for developers.

Xcode: Apple’s integrated development environment for creating iOS and macOS apps.

Android Studio: Google’s official IDE for Android app development.

Firebase: A platform for building and managing mobile and web applications.

16. Remote Consulting: Share Your Expertise

If you’re an expert in a particular field, consider offering remote consulting services. Whether you’re a business consultant, health expert, or career coach, you can provide valuable guidance to clients worldwide through video calls, webinars, or written reports.

Building Your Consulting Business

  1. Define Your Niche: Identify your area of expertise and target audience.
  2. Set Consultation Rates: Research industry standards and determine your pricing.
  3. Create a Professional Image: Build a website and online presence to showcase your expertise.
  4. Market Your Services: Use social media and networking to reach potential clients.
  5. Deliver Exceptional Value: Provide actionable insights and solutions to your clients.

Zoom: A widely used platform for hosting online consultations and webinars.

Calendly: Schedule and manage appointments with clients seamlessly.

LinkedIn: Build a professional profile and network to attract consulting clients.

Google Workspace: Use tools like Google Meet and Google Docs for collaboration and communication.

FreshBooks: An invoicing and accounting software to manage payments and finances for your consulting services.

17. E-Book Publishing: Become an Author

Have you ever dreamt of becoming a published author? With the rise of e-books and self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, you can turn your writing talents into a profitable online side hustle.

Your Journey as an E-Book Author

  1. Write Your Book: Start writing your e-book in your chosen genre or niche.
  2. Editing and Formatting: Edit and format your e-book for a professional look.
  3. Publishing: Upload your e-book to self-publishing platforms and set a price.
  4. Marketing Your E-Book: Promote your book through social media and book marketing strategies.
  5. Engage with Readers: Connect with your readers and gather feedback for future works.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing /KDP: Publish and sell your e-books on Amazon’s Kindle platform.

Draft2Digital: Distribute your e-books to various online retailers like Apple Books and Barnes & Noble.

Smashwords: Publish and distribute e-books to multiple platforms, including libraries.

Reedsy: Connect with professional editors and designers to create polished e-books.

BookBub: Promote your e-books to a wide audience through BookBub’s marketing services.

18. Online Coaching: Inspire and Transform Lives

If you have expertise in areas like fitness, life coaching, or personal development, online coaching can be a fulfilling side hustle. You can offer one-on-one coaching sessions or group coaching programs to help clients achieve their goals.

Starting Your Coaching Journey

  1. Choose Your Niche: Define the area you want to coach in and identify your target clients.
  2. Certification and Training: Consider getting certified in your coaching field for credibility.
  3. Set Coaching Rates: Determine your pricing structure and payment methods.
  4. Online Presence: Build a professional website and social media profiles.
  5. Attracting Clients: Use content marketing and networking to attract clients.

Zoom: A widely used platform for hosting online coaching sessions and webinars.

Calendly: Schedule and manage coaching appointments with clients efficiently.

LinkedIn: Build a professional profile and network to attract coaching clients.

Facebook Groups: Create private groups for your coaching community.

CoachAccountable: A platform designed for coaches to manage clients and coaching programs.

19. Niche Subscription Box: Curate Unique Experiences

Subscription boxes have taken the e-commerce world by storm. If you’re passionate about a specific niche, consider curating and selling subscription boxes that cater to enthusiasts in that niche. It could be anything from gourmet food to pet products.

Steps to Launching a Subscription Box

  1. Choose Your Niche: Select a niche with a dedicated and passionate audience.
  2. Product Sourcing: Find unique and high-quality products to include in your boxes.
  3. Pricing and Subscriptions: Determine subscription pricing and intervals (monthly, quarterly, etc.).
  4. Marketing and Branding: Create a compelling brand and market your subscription box.
  5. Customer Experience: Focus on delivering an exceptional unboxing experience.

Cratejoy: A platform for launching and selling subscription box services.

Subscription Boxer: Provides resources and guides for subscription box entrepreneurs.

Packlane: Design custom packaging for your subscription box.

ShipStation: Streamline shipping and fulfillment for your subscription box.

Subbly: Subscription commerce software to manage your subscription box business.

20. Printables and Digital Products

Creating and selling printables and digital products online is a side hustle that requires creativity and design skills. You can develop a range of digital products such as planners, templates, artwork, or educational materials and sell them on platforms like Etsy or your website.

Your Digital Product Journey

  1. Create Digital Products: Design and create your digital products using software tools.
  2. Set Prices: Determine competitive pricing for your products.
  3. Online Store Setup: Create an online store on platforms like Etsy or Gumroad.
  4. Marketing and Promotion: Use social media and online advertising to reach your target audience.
  5. Customer Support: Offer responsive customer support for inquiries and issues.

Etsy: A marketplace to showcase and sell your custom-designed printables and digital products.

Gumroad: An e-commerce platform for selling digital products directly to your audience.

Sellfy: Create an online store to sell digital products and subscriptions.

Printful: A print-on-demand platform that also supports selling digital products.

Canva: Design and create printable templates and digital products.

21. Remote Data Entry and Virtual Assistance

Data entry and virtual assistance are versatile online side hustles that can fit various skill sets. If you’re detail-oriented and organized, you can offer data entry or virtual assistant services to businesses in need of administrative support.

Launching Your Data Entry or Virtual Assistance Side Hustle

  1. Assess Your Skills: Identify your strengths in data entry, organization, or administrative tasks.
  2. Market Your Services: Create a professional profile on freelancing platforms or your website.
  3. Networking: Connect with potential clients and businesses seeking virtual support.
  4. Setting Rates: Determine competitive rates for your services based on your expertise.
  5. Delivering Quality: Provide accurate and timely data entry or virtual assistance services.

Upwork: A freelancing platform where you can offer data entry and virtual assistance services.

Freelancer: Find data entry and virtual assistant projects across various industries.

HubStaff Talent: A platform to offer your virtual assistance services.

Time Doctor: Track your time spent on client projects accurately.

LinkedIn ProFinder: Connect with clients seeking virtual assistance and data entry services.

22. Online Real Estate: Invest and Profit

Investing in online real estate, such as domain names and websites, can be a unique and lucrative side hustle. You can purchase valuable domain names, develop websites, or flip existing websites for a profit.

Your Path to Online Real Estate Success

  1. Domain Name Acquisition: Research and purchase domain names with potential value.
  2. Website Development: Create or enhance websites to attract buyers or users.
  3. Website Flipping: Buy low and sell high by identifying undervalued websites.
  4. Market Your Properties: Use online platforms and marketplaces to sell or lease domain names and websites.
  5. Stay Informed: Continuously monitor trends and developments in the online real estate market.

Namecheap: A domain registrar where you can purchase domain names for online real estate.

Flippa: A marketplace for buying and selling websites, domains, and online businesses.

Empire Flippers: A platform specializing in the sale of profitable online businesses.

Sedo: A domain marketplace where you can buy and sell domain names.

GoDaddy Auctions: Explore auctions for domain names and online properties.

The Road to Side Hustle Success

Congratulations! You’ve just embarked on a journey to discover 22 exciting online side hustles that can potentially earn you up to $10,000 a month.

But remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape.

As you venture into the world of online side hustles, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on industry trends, algorithm changes, and emerging opportunities.
  • Build a Strong Online Presence: Your online presence is your brand. Invest in creating a professional and engaging image.
  • Diversify Your Income Streams: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Explore multiple side hustles to reduce risk.
  • Learn from Others: Seek advice and mentorship from those who have succeeded in your chosen side hustle.
  • Stay Persistent: Building a successful online side hustle takes time and effort. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks.

Now, armed with knowledge and determination, it’s time to take the first step towards your financial freedom. Dive into the world of online side hustles, follow your passions, and watch as your income soars to new heights.

But remember, the №1 thing you should always keep in mind is this: Embrace change, adapt, and keep hustling!

Happy hustling, and may your side hustle journey be filled with prosperity and fulfillment.

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Pradeep Kothari | SoulScribed
Pradeep Kothari | SoulScribed

Written by Pradeep Kothari | SoulScribed

Passionate Writer ✍️🔥 | Self-Improvement Advocate 🌱📈 | Explorer of New Ideas 🚀💡 | Intelligent Earning 🧠💲💸| AI Hacks & Prompts🤖 | Earning Online 💻💰

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