50 Best Side Hustles: Ideas to Make Extra Money in 2023

Looking to start a side hustle this year to earn more money? With the rise of the gig economy, there are endless opportunities to launch a profitable side business that fits your skills and interests.

This article covers unique and creative side hustles you can begin in your spare time to reach your financial goals faster. Whether you want to work from home, tap into your technical skills, or just make a little extra cash, these side hustles can supplement your regular income.

Easy Weekend Side Hustles

For those short on time, these flexible gigs allow you to make money in your downtime:

Online Surveys

Taking online surveys in your spare time is an easy way to make extra money from home. Companies use surveys to get consumer opinions and feedback on products, services, brands, advertisements, and more.

Popular survey sites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and SurveyJunkie pay you to complete surveys. Each one takes 5-20 minutes generally. The pay per survey ranges from $0.50 to $5.00 typically.

These sites also offer other ways to earn like playing games, watching videos, shopping online, and more. Earnings can be redeemed for gift cards or cash. Many users make $100-200 per month in their downtime with online surveys and rewards programs.

Product Testing

You can earn money by testing new products, apps, websites, and doing usability studies. Companies like UserTesting and TryMyUI pay everyday people to provide feedback that helps them improve their products before launch.

As a tester, you may be asked to complete tasks on a website, navigate an app, or try out new software and report your honest thoughts. Sessions take about 10-20 minutes. Pay ranges from $5 to $60 per test depending on the client. Experienced testers can make up to $30 per hour.

Enter Giveaways

Sweepstakes and giveaways provide the opportunity to win extra prizes and cash simply by entering. Sites like Swagbucks have regular giveaways with prizes like free gift cards, points, and entries into larger sweepstakes.

There are online directories like Online-Sweepstakes.com and GiveawayListing.com that aggregate hundreds of active contests with cash jackpots up to $5,000-10,000. Many require just a simple form fill or email entry.

Entering giveaways in your spare time costs nothing but a few minutes and you could win big. Set up email alerts so you never miss a good opportunity.

Get Cash Back

Cash back apps and browser extensions give you money back on purchases you’d make anyway just by shopping online through their portals.

Popular platforms like Rakuten, Drop, Dosh, and CouponCabin partner with hundreds of major retailers and brands. You’ll earn 2-20% cash back when you click through their sites first before buying. The cash earnings quickly add up and can be redeemed via PayPal or gift cards.

This takes almost no extra effort and the earnings can really add up, especially around the holidays. Make sure to have these cash back services enabled whenever you shop online.

Rent Your Car

Renting your car out when you aren’t using it is an easy way to earn hundreds or even thousands per year. Platforms like Turo and HyreCar connect car owners with travelers looking to rent vehicles.

As an owner, you list your car availability on the platform and set your own rental terms like pricing, trip minimums, pickup/dropoff options, and more. You make money each time your car is rented out. Owners typically earn $500-800 per month.

The platforms provide insurance coverage and handle maintenance reimbursement. You simply need to clean and deliver the car to the renter. It’s a more passive way to earn from an asset you already own when it would otherwise be sitting idle.

Review Music

Slicethepie is a website that pays regular people to review new music. As a reviewer, you’ll listen to short song clips and provide your feedback on aspects like melody, beat, vocals, and more.

Each review takes just a few minutes for about $0.05-0.20 per song. The more detailed feedback you provide, the higher your earnings. Experienced reviewers can make $10-20 per hour.

It’s an easy gig for music lovers to do in their free time. You sharpen your listening skills while making a bit of extra money from home.

Participate in Focus Groups

Focus groups are small group discussions led by a moderator that companies use to get feedback on products, services, concepts, ads, and more. Sites like FocusGroup.com connect focus group companies with consumers interested in participating.

As a selected participant, you may discuss topics like smart home technology, food packaging, electric vehicles, or anything a client wants opinions on. Focus groups last 1-2 hours typically and pay $50-150 per session.

Participants are screened for demographic factors the client is targeting like age, ethnicity, profession, tech savviness, etc. The discussions provide valuable insights to brands and give you an easy way to make extra money in your downtime by sharing your thoughts.

Deliver Groceries

Sign up to deliver groceries for services like Instacart or Shipt. Follow orders through the app, shop and pay for groceries, then deliver to customers. Ideal for those who enjoy grocery shopping. Schedule shifts based on your availability.

Deliver Food

Become a delivery driver for food delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub. Use your own vehicle to pick up orders from restaurants and deliver to homes or offices. Earn per delivery fees plus tips. Boost earnings during peak meal times.

Drive for Uber

Provide rides through the Uber app as an independent contractor. Use your own qualifying vehicle. Choose your own schedule. Earnings vary based on ride demand, surge pricing, and hourly guarantees or quest promotions.

Drive for Lyft

Sign up to give Lyft passengers rides using your personal car. Operate similarly to Uber – accept rides via the app, earn based on demand, work flexible hours. Ideal for outgoing drivers.

Amazon Flex

Make deliveries as an Amazon Flex independent contractor. Use your car or bike to deliver Prime Now and Amazon Fresh packages. Blocks are 2-6 hours for $18-25/hr. Instant pay available.

Skill-Based Best Side Hustles

Use your specialized skills, certifications, or industry knowledge to earn higher pay:

Freelance Writing

Offer your writing skills to a variety of clients. Find work on sites like FlexJobs, SolidGigs, Contena, or Problogger. Look for opportunities in diverse niches like technology, healthcare, business, or travel that match your interests and background. Build a portfolio highlighting your past writing experience.

Virtual Bookkeeping

Manage billing, invoices, taxes, and other financial records for clients as a freelance bookkeeper. Obtain a bookkeeping certification like the QuickBooks Certified User credential. Use bookkeeping software like QuickBooks Online to efficiently manage accounts. Market your services to small businesses and entrepreneurs who need part-time accounting help.

Consulting

Share your industry insights through consulting gigs in your field. Offer your expertise to startups and businesses looking to develop new products, improve operations, or overcome challenges. Having at least 5 years of work experience in your specialty is ideal to demonstrate your qualifications. Promote your consulting services through your professional network and sites like LinkedIn.

Teach a Class

Create an online course teaching your skill, like photography, marketing, floral design, or interior decorating through platforms like Skillshare or Udemy. Break down your class into clear sections with individual video lessons. Take high-quality photos and videos to showcase techniques and examples. Set reasonable prices for your course and promote through social media.

Resume Writing

Assist clients with getting hired by writing or optimizing their resumes. Read up on current resume best practices and trends. Offer different resume packages at various price points. Build relationships with recruiters and HR pros who can refer clients. Promote your services through local networking events.

Proofreading

Leverage your exceptional grammar and editing skills to proofread all types of documents for individuals and companies. Obtain certification as a proofreader from organizations like the Council of Science Editors or Board of Editors in the Life Sciences. Focus on proofreading in your niche like medical, technical, legal, or creative writing fields. Build a profile highlighting your experience on sites like Upwork to connect with clients.

Translate Documents

Get paid for translating documents to and from English if you’re fluent in another language. Take translation certification courses to hone your skills. Specialize in document translation for industries like IT, legal, or healthcare based on your interests. Join translator associations to network and find clients. Promote your services to multinational corporations in need of translation support.

Sell Lesson Plans

Create educational lesson plans and teacher resources and sell them through online marketplaces like Teachers Pay Teachers. Develop specialized plans focusing on your best topics and grade levels. Include detailed teaching instructions, worksheets, assignments, assessments, and multimedia. Promote your lesson plans through social media and blogging. Reach out to fellow educators to get testimonials and reviews on your products. Stay organized by using a lesson plan template.

Artsy Side Hustle Ideas

Capitalize on your creative talents with these artistic side hustles:

Sell Photos Online

Take high-quality photos, edit them, and sell them through stock sites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock. Build a portfolio of diverse, compelling photos covering categories like nature, travel, business, technology, and more. Use keywords and titles strategically. Promote your work on social media to build your audience.

Create YouTube Videos

Build an audience by regularly posting videos on YouTube about any topic you enjoy, from cooking to gaming. Create video content that educates, entertains or inspires viewers. Use YouTube analytics to optimize content. Monetize your channel once eligible through ads, sponsorships, etc.

Voiceover Work

Use your unique vocal talents to record custom voiceovers for videos, podcasts, radio ads, and more through a site like Fiverr. Highlight your experience, vocal range, accents, and language skills. Invest in a professional microphone and audio editing software. Reach out to production companies with samples of your work.

Design T-Shirts

Upload your custom t-shirt designs on print-on-demand sites like Teespring and Redbubble. Create designs using trending themes, funny sayings, unique illustrations, and viral topics tailored to your audience. Promote your products heavily on social media and niche communities.

Sell Handmade Crafts

Have a knack for crafting? Sell your handmade jewelry, candles, quilts, soaps, and other homemade items on Etsy. Beautiful product photos are key. Write compelling product descriptions highlighting your creative process and materials used. Promote your shop on social media and join Etsy seller communities.

Draw Digital Art

Create digital drawings, paintings, or other artwork using programs like Procreate, Photoshop, or Illustrator. Sell digital files, prints, and merchandise with your designs on sites like Redbubble. Explore trending themes and pop culture for inspiration. Offer commissions for custom artwork as well.

Calligraphy Services

Offer custom calligraphy for event signs, invitations, logos, and more. List your services on freelance, local service, and small business listing sites. Build a portfolio showcasing your calligraphy styles, lettering, and project examples. Reach out to local event planners, wedding vendors, and stationery shops as potential clients

Technical Side Hustles

Use your tech skills to make money with these technical side gigs:

Affiliate Marketing

Earn commissions promoting other companies’ products and services on your website or social platforms as an affiliate marketer. Find affiliate programs related to your niche and apply to join. Strategically incorporate text links, banner ads, product reviews and comparisons into your content. Track traffic and sales with affiliate management software.

App Development

Build and design mobile apps for clients as a freelance developer. Specialize in Android, iOS, web, or cross-platform app development. Offer ongoing app updates, maintenance, and support for recurring income. Stay up-to-date on languages like Java, Swift, React Native. Use GitHub to showcase examples of your work.

Tech Support

Work remotely providing technical support to customers in need of computer and device assistance through companies like Support.com. Obtain relevant certifications like CompTIA A+. Build expertise in troubleshooting common issues like connectivity, hardware, passwords. Develop patient customer service skills.

Web Design

Build, design, and manage websites for small businesses, startups, and individuals wanting an online presence. Learn HTML/CSS or use platforms like WordPress. Register as a freelancer on sites like Upwork and Fiverr and highlight your web design experience. Offer ancillary services like SEO and content creation.

IT Support

Offer computer, network, and general IT support to residential and commercial clients needing technical help and troubleshooting. Get certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Microsoft Certified IT Professional to showcase your expertise. Provide services like computer repairs, WiFi setup, printer issues, virus removal.

Graphic Design

Freelance graphic design services creating logos, ads, marketing materials, infographics, and more for diverse clients. Build a portfolio website showcasing your best work. Master design software like Adobe Creative Suite. Offer packages for needs like branding, social media, website graphics.

SEO Services

Assist clients with growing their organic search visibility through search engine optimization and digital marketing skills. Stay updated on Google algorithm changes and SEO best practices. Provide services like keyword research, content optimization, link building, site audits.

Edit Videos

Offer video editing services creating visually appealing marketing, social media, and other videos for companies and clients. Invest in editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro. Take courses on video production to refine your skills. Cater to small businesses, vloggers, YouTubers as ideal clients.

Data Entry

Provide data entry services like transferring info from paper forms to digital databases and spreadsheets. Develop speed and accuracy in typing and computer skills. Look for contract data entry jobs on sites like Upwork. Offer services to law firms, healthcare providers, and others with data needs.

Lucrative Full-Time Side Gigs

These side hustles can become highly profitable with time and hard work:

Start a Blog

Build a blog around your interests and monetize it through advertising, affiliate marketing, digital products, and coaching/consulting services. Choose a profitable niche you enjoy like travel, food, business, etc. Create useful, engaging content regularly. Promote your blog extensively. Offer paid services once you build a loyal audience.

Real Estate Investing

Invest in rental properties to generate monthly passive income through rental payments and property appreciation over time. Start small with a single investment property. Use a property manager to handle maintenance and tenants. Leverage appreciation to buy more properties.

Selling on Amazon

Launch your own Amazon selling business by identifying profitable products to sell and managing product listings. Use tools to analyze market demand. Differentiate with competitive pricing, promotions, and customer service. Reinvest profits to grow your Amazon presence.

Freelance Programming

Offer your programming and development skills to clients needing website development, app creation, database management, and more. Specialize in languages like JavaScript, Python, Java. Bid on projects on sites like Upwork and Toptal. Continually expand your skills and portfolio.

Social Media Management

Help businesses strategize, post content, grow followers, and promote brands on social media as a freelancer. Get certified in social media marketing. Offer packages tailored to client goals like improved engagement or conversions. Use tools like Hootsuite to efficiently manage multiple accounts.

Virtual Assistant Services

Provide administrative, technical, or creative support to busy entrepreneurs as a VA. Offer services like calendar management, email handling, research, data entry, writing, and more. Join sites like Belay or Fancy Hands to find clients. Set competitive hourly rates based on your expertise.

Marketing Consulting

Share your marketing skills with startups and small businesses needing help with social media, SEO, content, and advertising. Stay on top of digital marketing trends and techniques. Offer tailored monthly retainer packages. Develop results-driven strategies to support business growth.

Photography Services

Offer professional headshots, product photography, event/wedding photography, editing, and more locally or online. Invest in quality camera equipment and editing software. Build a website portfolio to attract clients. Offer flexibility for clients on budgets.

Interior Design Consulting

Provide eDesign consulting or in-person interior design services to residential and commercial clients. Gain accredited certification in an interior design specialty. Consult on paint colors, furniture placement, decorating, renovations and more. Promote your services through local means or on Houzz.

Actionable Tips for Side Hustle Success

Follow these tips to start and grow a profitable side business:

• Pick a gig that utilizes your natural skills and interests – This makes your side hustle enjoyable and sustainable.
• Set a revenue goal – Determine how much money you want to make monthly through your side gig. Track your progress.
• Create a workload/schedule that works for you – Give yourself flexibility but also dedicate regular time to hustling.
• Promote your services actively – Tell friends, utilize social media, pitch clients, etc. Marketing is key.
• Provide excellent service – Positive reviews and word-of-mouth lead to more business. Deliver value.
• Reinvest earnings to grow – Buy tools, equipment, services to scale your hustle over time.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to launching a rewarding and lucrative side hustle in 2023. Choose an idea that gets you excited and start making more money on the side this year!