42 Ways to Start Your Own Side Business and Make Extra Money
Introduction
Side hustles are all the rage lately. With more flexibility to work remotely or set our hours, many people are looking for ways to make extra money with a side business. The great news is you don’t need fancy business plans or huge startup costs to get something off the ground. There are dozens of potential ideas out there you can try out without a big commitment.
In this post, I’ll cover 42 clever ways you can start your own side business even with limited time and money. I’ll provide tips to get each business idea going, tools and resources you can use, and alternative approaches. My goal is to inspire you to take action and start your first (or next) side hustle this year!
Let’s dive in!
Side Business Ideas
1. Wholesale Real Estate Deals
The first idea is wholesaling real estate. This involves finding great deals on properties and getting them under contract before passing them off to rehabbers or investors for a fee. You can market yourself as someone who can dig up deals others may miss.
Tips to get started:
- Search for “for sale by owner” listings
- Build a network of investors who buy deals
- Focus on off-market properties
Helpful tools/sites:
- Craigslist
- Local real estate forums
- Direct mail campaigns
Alternative approach:
- Become a licensed realtor to represent buyers/sellers
2. Consulting
Take the skills from your 9–5 and turn them into a lucrative consulting side business. Get paid for your specialized knowledge and expertise.
Tips to get started:
- Identify your niche area of expertise
- Research rates for consultants in your field
- Build your credibility through a website, LinkedIn profile, etc.
Helpful tools/sites:
- LinkedIn ProFinder
- Upwork
- Freelancer
Alternative approach:
- Create online courses teaching your skills through Udemy or Skillshare
3. Flipping Domain Names
Snag domain names that could be valuable to businesses and sell them for a profit. It’s fairly passive once you have names listed for sale.
Tips to get started:
- Brainstorm niche keywords and business names
- Search domain registrars to find available domains
- List domains for sale on exchanges like Afternic
Helpful tools/sites:
- GoDaddy Auctions
- Afternic
- Flippa
Alternative approach:
- Buy undervalued existing websites, improve them, and resell them for more
4. Reselling Arbitrage
Find items at garage sales, thrift stores, or discounted retail items and resell them for more online. You keep the profit margin between what you paid and the online sales price.
Tips to get started:
- Check apps like Craigslist and OfferUp for deals
- Focus on items you know well so you can spot values
- List items for sale on eBay, FB Marketplace, etc.
Helpful tools/sites:
- Yard sale apps and Craigslist for sourcing
- eBay and Amazon for listings
- Spreadsheets to track your inventory
Alternative approach:
- Retail arbitrage by buying discounted store items and reselling online
5. Real Estate Referral Agent
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of getting a real estate license, consider being a referral agent instead. Earn commissions by referring prospects to agents.
Tips to get started:
- Network with realtors and build relationships
- Create partnerships with agents to refer leads
- Focus on your sphere of influence first
Helpful tools/sites:
- Local real estate investment meetups
- Real estate agent forums
- Your personal and professional network
Alternative approach:
- Become a licensed real estate agent yourself
6. Freelance Writing
Offer your writing skills to a global market through freelance platforms. There’s a high demand for writers across nearly every niche and industry.
Tips to get started:
- Build a portfolio of sample writing gigs
- Create profiles on Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer to bid for jobs
- Reach out to past employers and clients who may need writing help
Helpful tools/sites:
- Grammarly for editing
- ProBlogger job board
- LinkedIn ProFinder
Alternative approach:
- Start a niche website and earn ad revenue from traffic
7. Rank and Rent Websites
Build niche websites aimed at ranking well for local keywords. Once they rank, rent out advertising space.
Tips to get started:
- Research profitable niche keywords in your region
- Produce high-quality content for local audiences
- Be patient and focus on organic search rankings
Helpful tools/sites:
- SEO tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush
- Income School for affiliate website training
- Local business directories
Alternative approach:
- Build niche affiliate websites and earn commissions promoting products
8. Business Brokering
Help business owners sell their companies by finding motivated buyers and facilitating deals. Earn commissions from the sales.
Tips to get started:
- Network with business owners in your area
- Partner with business brokers to bring them acquisitions
- Understand valuation methods and listing platforms
Helpful tools/sites:
- BizBuySell
- LoopNet
- Local Chamber of Commerce events
Alternative approach:
- Start your own business coaching and consulting firm
9. Lending Money
Lend your cash out to real estate investors or businesses at attractive interest rates to generate solid returns. You get your principal back plus recurring revenue.
Tips to get started:
- Vet deals carefully and works with experienced sponsors
- Use legal documents to protect your capital
- Diversify across multiple loans as you scale
Helpful tools/sites:
- Local real estate network events
- Legal counsel for securing loans
- Broker relationships
Alternative approach:
- Invest through real estate crowdfunding or peer-to-peer lending platforms
10. Real Estate Management
Manage properties for busy owners — everything from collecting rent to handling maintenance and repairs. Get paid handsomely for your oversight.
Tips to get started:
- Network with distressed property owners
- Learn property management best practices
- Start with a smaller number of units
Helpful tools/sites:
- Property management software like Buildium
- Local apartment association meetings
- Licensing if required in your state
Alternative approach:
- Become a home inspector to evaluate properties for buyers
11. Referral Fees
Get paid for referring clients and customers to other businesses. Set up arrangements with service providers and potentially earn commissions.
Tips to get started:
- Identify businesses offering referrals
- Promote your referral partnerships
- Focus on providers who pay ongoing trials
Helpful tools/sites:
- Sales outreach software like Outreach
- Referral fee tracking programs
- Your professional and personal network
Alternative approach:
- Become an affiliate marketer and earn referral fees promoting products
12. Factoring
Provide businesses with working capital by buying their accounts receivable invoices at a discounted rate. Collect payments from their customers for a profit.
Tips to get started:
- Take courses on the factoring model and industry
- Start locally and build trust with businesses
- Focus on stable industries like contractors
Helpful tools/sites:
- Accounting software for tracking
- The International Factoring Association
- Local small business bankers
Alternative approach:
- Lend money directly to businesses at higher interest rates
13. Placing ATMs
Place ATMs in ideal high-traffic locations and earn fees from withdrawals. You keep a cut of the surcharge amount each time someone uses the machine.
Tips to get started:
- Research ATM supplier companies
- Scout locations like convenience stores
- Strike revenue share deals with business owners
Helpful tools/sites:
- USATMPlacement.com
- ATM distributors
- Google Maps for scouting locations
Alternative approach:
- Seek to become a franchisee of a major ATM brand
14. Auto Title Lending
Provide loans to individuals with clear auto titles. Secure the loans against their vehicles and charge maximum legal interest rates in your state. Manage payment collection.
Tips to get started:
- Understand laws and max rates in your state
- Partner with a title loan processing company
- Develop relationships with auto dealers
Helpful tools/sites:
- Auto title loan software
- Local attorneys
- Networking events for lenders
Alternative approach:
- Lend in other asset-backed areas like jewelry, art, wine collections or receivables
15. Sports Ticket Broker
Buy tickets to popular events at discounted prices and resell them with markups as demand increases. Prime opportunity for huge sporting events or concerts.
Tips to get started:
- Follow sports schedules and track fan demand
- Buy at off-peak times and hold for spikes
- Leverage sites like StubHub and VividSeats
Helpful tools/sites:
- Season ticket holders looking to sell seats
- Sites like Craigslist for deals
- Waitlist for hot ticket releases
Alternative approach:
- Speculate on memorabilia tied to star athletes and popular teams
16. Offer Pool Cleaning
Offer weekly or monthly pool cleaning and maintenance services. Simple to get up and going. Recurring revenue opportunity.
Tips to get started:
- Buy basic equipment — nets, vacuums, etc.
- Print flyers and promote them locally
- Start small with friends and family
Helpful tools/sites:
- NextDoor and Facebook groups
- Local pool supply stores
- Your neighborhood
Alternative approach:
- Expand into a full landscaping company over time
17. Start a Lawn Care Business
Cheap startup costs and recurring revenue. Mow lawns and provide lawn care services like edging and weeding to residences and businesses.
Tips to get started:
- Buy or rent basic lawn equipment
- Print flyers and business cards
- Knock on doors in neighborhoods
Helpful tools/sites:
- Thumbtack to find clients
- Lawn care marketing guides
- Angie’s List
Alternative approach:
- Become a landscaper and offer full-service designs and installations
18. Makeup Artist/Stylist
Provide your makeup artistry and styling services for weddings, photo shoots, corporate events, and more.
Tips to get started:
- Build a portfolio of your work
- Create packages with pricing
- Partner with wedding photographers
Helpful tools/sites:
- Local Facebook wedding groups
- Modeling agency events
- Freelance makeup artist job boards
Alternative approach:
- Sell your own makeup or beauty products
19. YouTube Ad Revenue
Publish videos on YouTube and monetize them through the Partner Program. Get paid for ads displayed on your videos.
Tips to get started:
- Identify popular niches and trends
- Create search-friendly content
- Focus on watch time and viewer retention
Helpful tools/sites:
- VidIQ for keyword research
- TubeBuddy for optimizing videos
- YouTube Creator Academy
Alternative approach:
- Become an influencer on Instagram or TikTok
20. Fiverr Services
Offer your skills and services globally through Fiverr. Provide freelance services like graphic design, writing, voiceovers, programming, and more.
Tips to get started:
- Set up an attractive gig profile
- Price competitively starting at $5
- Focus on quick delivery and great reviews
Helpful tools/sites:
- Fiverr Pro for premium gigs
- Fiverr Forum for tips
- Online skill development
Alternative approach:
- Sell products instead of services by dropshipping or private labeling
21. Amazon/eCommerce Selling
Sell products through your e-commerce site or on Amazon as a third-party seller. Choose between FBA and self-fulfillment.
Tips to get started:
- Find a niche product to sell
- Set up seller accounts
- Learn product research and listing best practices
Helpful tools/sites:
- Jungle Scout for research
- Helium 10 for optimization
- Amazon Seller University tutorials
Alternative approach:
- Dropship products instead of holding inventory
22. Etsy Shop
Open your own Etsy shop selling handmade goods, vintage items or crafting supplies. Tap into their built-in audience.
Tips to get started:
- Find untapped handmade niches
- Create Etsy SEO product listings
- Run occasional Etsy ads
Helpful tools/sites:
- Etsy seller guides and community
- Marmalead for research and listing tools
- Creative small business podcasts
Alternative approach:
- Sell printable digital products on Etsy like templates, planners, art etc.
23. Local Craft Fairs
Booth rental at weekend craft fairs and flea markets is fairly inexpensive. Sell your specialty items locally.
Tips to get started:
- Find your unique niche product
- Test demand before investing in inventory
- Bring business cards and follow up with customers
Helpful tools/sites:
- Local event calendars
- Craft fair directories like Faire.com
- Small business marketing podcasts
Alternative approach:
- Rent a kiosk or set up a pop-up in a local mall
24. TaskRabbit
Offer your time and skills through TaskRabbit. Assemble furniture, mount TVs, clean homes, run errands, and more as tasks come in. Flexible gig.
Tips to get started:
- Set competitive hourly rates
- Highlight your relevant skills
- Respond quickly and provide great service
Helpful tools/sites:
- The TaskRabbit app
- TaskRabbit virtual orientation
- Reviews from happy clients
Alternative approach:
- List your services on Craigslist instead for local cash jobs
25. Outsource Arbitrage
Act as a middleman — sell freelance services online you outsource to cheaper contractors. Keep the profit margin.
Tips to get started:
- Identify high-margin skills like web design
- Find freelancers charging low rates
- Mark up and sell jobs through Upwork, Fiverr etc.
Helpful tools/sites:
- Online freelancer platforms worldwide
- Communication tools like Slack
- Time-tracking software
Alternative approach:
- Start a niche agency in an area you can outsource like SEO or web development
26. Rent Your Car
Rent your car out for extra cash when you aren’t using it. List on platforms like Turo and HyreCar. Earn passive income.
Tips to get started:
- Clean your car thoroughly
- Competitively price your rental
- Require security deposits from renters
Helpful tools/sites:
- Spare cleaning supplies
- Insurance coverage
- Dashcam for renter accountability
Alternative approach:
- Lease your car then sublease it on car-sharing marketplaces.
27. Airbnb Hosting
Rent a room or your entire home on Airbnb for short-term stays. Pocket the nightly rental income from guests.
Tips to get started:
- Consult local regulations
- Block calendar strategically
- Provide hotel-like amenities
Helpful tools/sites:
- Digital lock boxes like LockState
- Remote security cameras
- Airbnb co-hosting services
Alternative approach:
- List your property on VRBO instead of Airbnb
28. Pet Sitting
Offer pet sitting or dog walking services. Feed and care for pets while owners are away. Flexible opportunity.
Tips to get started:
- Get bonded and insured
- Offer competitive rates
- Collect reviews and testimonials
Helpful tools/sites:
- Rover.com for listings
- Pet-sitting marketing guides
- Google My Business listing
Alternative approach:
- House sit instead of just pet sit to attract more clients
29. Freelance Copywriting
Get hired to write marketing copy, website content, product descriptions, ad campaigns, and more for businesses big and small.
Tips to get started:
- Build a portfolio website showcasing your past work
- Reach out to past employers or clients who may need writing
- Offer intro packages at a discount to win projects
Helpful tools/sites:
- Job boards like ProBlogger
- LinkedIn ProFinder
- Grammarly for editing and proofing
Alternative approach:
- Expand into other freelance skills like graphic design, virtual assisting etc.
30. Life and Business Coaching
Help people accomplish their goals as a life, career, or business coach. Provide strategies, accountability, and motivation.
Tips to get started:
- Get certified through a program
- Offer free intro sessions
- Join local business networking groups
Helpful tools/sites:
- Video chat for remote sessions
- CRM for managing your clients
- Psychology and coaching books and courses
Alternative approach:
- Teach your expertise through in-person or online classes and workshops
31. Sports Coaching
Offer private and small group coaching in youth, adult rec, or competitive club sports like soccer, tennis, golf etc.
Tips to get started:
- Play up any relevant experience
- Start by assisting established coaches
- Use social media marketing
Helpful tools/sites:
- Insurance like K&K
- Online lesson plans
- Fields/courts for training sessions
Alternative approach:
- Create sports instructional videos on YouTube
32. Graphic Design
Offer graphic design services to businesses and entrepreneurs. Design logos, marketing materials, website assets, and more.
Tips to get started:
- Build a portfolio website to showcase work
- Offer discounted intro packages
- Reach out to local businesses directly
Helpful tools/sites:
- Graphic design software like Canva
- Fiverr and Upwork for freelance gigs
- Print shops for collateral
Alternative approach:
- Sell printable templates and graphics through Etsy
33. Virtual Assistant
Provide administrative support services virtually to busy entrepreneurs. Schedule calls, enter data, manage tasks, handle research projects, and anything else that can be done remotely.
Tips to get started:
- Take a VA course to learn the ropes
- Offer niche specialty services
- Join local networking groups
Helpful tools/sites:
- Zoom or Google Hangouts for meetings
- Trello for task lists
- Time-tracking software
Alternative approach:
- Provide more specialized services like bookkeeping or social media management
34. Task Running
Get paid to complete random tasks that people don’t want to or don’t have time to do themselves. Grocery shopping, waiting in lines, paperwork, and much more.
Tips to get started:
- Sign up for TaskRabbit
- Promote yourself locally
- Provide excellent customer service
Helpful tools/sites:
- TaskRabbit app
- Flyers up around town
- Google My Business listing
Alternative approach:
- Focus specifically on on-demand local delivery services for restaurants and other businesses
35. Voice Acting
Use your vocal talents to record custom voiceovers, radio ads, cartoons, audiobooks, and more. Huge demand for professional voice actors.
Tips to get started:
- Take voice acting classes
- Build a home recording studio
- Set up profiles on voice-acting sites
Helpful tools/sites:
- Coaching from experienced voice actors
- Recording and editing software
- Fiverr and Voices.com gigs
Alternative approach:
- Become a phone actress for commercials and infomercials
36. Workamping
Work seasonal jobs with free RV site accommodations included. Park your RV and get paid. Common roles are campground hosting, theme park staff, and Amazon fulfillment work.
Tips to get started:
- Get an RV (buy used or rent)
- Apply for jobs on Workamper News
- Downsize and get comfortable RV living
Helpful tools/sites:
- Workamper News job board
- RV rental companies
- Mail forwarding services
Alternative approach:
- “Liveaboard” and work on cruise ships
37. Garage Sale Flipping
Find garage sale listings and scout for undervalued items you can resell for much more online. Some focus on books, vintage items, or electronics.
Tips to get started:
- Follow garage sale groups and listings
- Learn how to spot valuable finds
- Stick to niches you know well
Helpful tools/sites:
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for deals
- eBay sold listings to gauge pricing
- Spreadsheets for inventory
Alternative approach:
- Flip thrift store finds instead of garage sales
38. Become a Tour Guide
Get paid to lead tours showcasing your town or city for tourists and locals looking to explore. Flexible opportunity.
Tips to get started:
- Study to ace any required licensing exams
- Offer niche specialty tours
- Partner with hotels and tourism bureaus
Helpful tools/sites:
- Local tourism board
- Groupon for discounted tours
- Portable speaker systems
Alternative approach:
- Record guided walking tours people can do on their own with an app
39. Rent Textbooks
Establish relationships with university students to rent them the textbooks they need each semester. Provide cheaper access to expensive books.
Tips to get started:
- Buy used textbooks at wholesale rates
- Set competitive rental pricing
- Market to students on campus
Helpful tools/sites:
- Student and university Facebook groups
- Chegg for sourcing inventory
- Campus bulletin boards
Alternative approach:
- Buy and resell textbooks each semester for profit
40. Court Reporting
Get paid to produce official stenographic transcripts for legal proceedings, depositions, government hearings and more.
Tips to get started:
- Complete court reporter training
- Invest in professional equipment
- Apprentice with a court reporting firm
Helpful tools/sites:
- Online training at schools like Bryan University
- Professional associations like NCRA
- Transcription software like Express Scribe
Alternative approach:
- Do general transcription instead of court reporting
41. Become a Notary
Get commissioned as a notary public. Provide document notarization services to individuals and businesses in your state.
Tips to get started:
- Check requirements to become a notary where you live
- Advertise your services locally
- Offer mobile notary services
Helpful tools/sites:
- Notary classes and training
- Notary insurance providers
- Office equipment for notarizations
Alternative approach:
- Offer mobile document signing services using electronic platforms
42. Rent Your Parking Space
Rent out parking spaces you aren’t using, like your driveway or garage stall, to locals needing more parking.
Tips to get started:
- List your space on apps like JustPark
- Set hourly, daily and monthly pricing
- Provide clear instructions for access
Helpful tools/sites:
- Apps like JustPark and ParqEx
- Craigslist parking classifieds
- Extra liability insurance
Alternative approach:
- Rent storage space on your property instead of parking spots
Conclusion
There you have it — 42 clever side business ideas spanning many industries and interest areas. From real estate and consulting to writing and coaching, sitting to voice acting, Amazon selling to textbook rentals — there are so many potential ways to earn extra money in your spare time.
The best part is that you can get many of these ideas off the ground without huge capital investments or taking big risks. Start small while you keep your day job, then scale up the ideas that prove successful. Do your research, find your niche passions, and take that first step toward an exciting side hustle. The opportunity is right in front of you — now go make it happen!
Let me know in the comments which side hustle ideas resonated most with you and I’ll be sure to create more in-depth guides on how to launch your top choices successfully!
