The Digital Hustle: Online & Remote Gigs

These hustles are perfect for anyone with a computer and a reliable internet connection. They offer flexibility and can often be done from the comfort of your own home.

1. Virtual Assistant (VA)

  • What it is: You’ll handle administrative, creative, or technical tasks for clients remotely. This could include email management, scheduling appointments, posting to social media, or basic customer service.
  • Potential Earnings: $15 – $35+ per hour, depending on the tasks.
  • “Experience” Needed: Organization, good communication, and reliability. If you can manage your own life, you can help someone else manage theirs.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Identify Your Skills: Are you great at organizing, writing emails, or navigating social media? List it out.
    2. Create a Profile: Sign up on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or specialized VA sites like Belay.
    3. Set Your Rate: Start with a competitive rate to build your portfolio and gather testimonials.
    4. Pro Tip: As you gain clients, a simple one-page website can make you look incredibly professional. You can build a clean, effective site in an afternoon with a tool like Elementor to list your services, showcase testimonials, and provide a clear way for potential clients to contact you.

2. Data Entry

  • What it is: The digital equivalent of filing paperwork. You’ll take information from one source (like a scanned document or audio file) and input it into another (like a spreadsheet or database).
  • Potential Earnings: $12 – $20 per hour.
  • “Experience” Needed: A fast and accurate typing speed, attention to detail, and focus.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Test Your Speed: Use a free online typing test to find your words-per-minute (WPM).
    2. Find Gigs: Look for data entry projects on platforms like Clickworker, Amazon Mechanical Turk, or general freelance sites.
    3. Be Reliable: Meeting deadlines and ensuring accuracy is how you get repeat business.

3. Social Media Support

  • What it is: You’re not a full-blown social media manager, but you can help one. Tasks include scheduling posts, responding to comments, creating simple graphics using templates (like in Canva), and engaging with followers.
  • Potential Earnings: $15 – $25 per hour.
  • “Experience” Needed: Familiarity with major social platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.) and a friendly, professional communication style.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Choose Your Platform: Focus on one or two platforms you know best.
    2. Network: Reach out to small local businesses or entrepreneurs. Many need help but don’t have the budget for a full-time manager.
    3. Build a Portfolio: Offer to manage a friend’s business page for a short time at a discount to get a case study under your belt.

4. Website and App Testing

  • What it is: Companies pay you to use their websites and apps and give feedback on your experience. You’ll follow a set of instructions and speak your thoughts aloud as you navigate the site.
  • Potential Earnings: $10 for a 20-minute test is standard, with longer interviews paying $60 or more.
  • “Experience” Needed: Clear verbal communication, access to a computer with a microphone, and the ability to follow directions.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Sign Up: Create profiles on sites like UserTesting, TryMyUI, and Userlytics.
    2. Take the Practice Test: You’ll need to complete a sample test to be approved. Speak clearly and provide detailed, honest feedback.
    3. Act Fast: New test opportunities are often first-come, first-served. Keep your email notifications on.

5. Taking Online Surveys

  • What it is: Share your opinions with market research companies and get paid for your time. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, but it’s an easy way to make a few extra bucks during downtime.
  • Potential Earnings: $1 – $5 per survey, with some longer ones paying more.
  • “Experience” Needed: Honesty and a bit of patience.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Join Reputable Sites: Sign up for Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars.
    2. Be Consistent: The key is to fill out your profile completely and check for new surveys regularly.
    3. Use a Separate Email: This helps keep your primary inbox from getting cluttered.

The Gig Economy: Your Car, Your Schedule

If you have a reliable vehicle and a smartphone, the gig economy is waiting for you.

6. Rideshare Driving

  • What it is: Driving people from point A to point B using apps like Uber and Lyft.
  • Potential Earnings: $15 – $30+ per hour, heavily dependent on your location, time of day, and tips.
  • “Experience” Needed: A clean driving record, a qualifying vehicle, and good customer service skills.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Check Requirements: Visit the Uber and Lyft websites to see the specific driver and vehicle requirements for your city.
    2. Apply: The application process involves a background check and vehicle inspection.
    3. Learn Your City: Knowing the best times and locations to drive (like rush hour, weekends, and event venues) is key to maximizing your earnings.

7. Food and Grocery Delivery

  • What it is: Delivering takeout from restaurants or groceries from local stores to customers’ homes.
  • Potential Earnings: $15 – $25 per hour, including tips.
  • “Experience” Needed: A reliable vehicle (car, scooter, or even a bike in some areas), and the ability to manage your time effectively.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Sign Up: Apply for services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Instacart.
    2. Get the Gear: You’ll usually need an insulated bag to keep food at the right temperature.
    3. Work Smart: Focus on peak meal times (lunch and dinner) and be friendly to customers to increase your chances of getting good tips.

8. Task-Based Gigs

  • What it is: Helping people with everyday tasks and errands. This could be anything from waiting in line for a product launch to picking up dry cleaning.
  • Potential Earnings: Varies wildly by task, from $20 for a simple delivery to over $100 for more involved jobs.
  • “Experience” Needed: Reliability, resourcefulness, and good communication.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Create a Profile: Sign up on TaskRabbit.
    2. Highlight Your Skills: Be specific about what you’re good at. Are you strong? Great at following shopping lists? Mention it.
    3. Build Your Reputation: Start with smaller, simpler tasks to get good reviews, which will help you land bigger, higher-paying gigs.

Creative & Content Side Gigs

If you have a creative spark, you can turn it into income without any formal training.

9. User-Generated Content (UGC) Creator

  • What it is: Brands pay you to create authentic-looking photos and videos featuring their products. They use this content in their social media ads. You don’t need a huge following; you just need a smartphone and a good eye.
  • Potential Earnings: $100 – $500+ per video, depending on the brand and complexity.
  • “Experience” Needed: Creativity, a modern smartphone with a good camera, and basic video editing skills (using apps like CapCut or InShot).
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Create a Portfolio: Make a few sample videos with products you already own.
    2. Build a Professional Showcase: This is where a simple website is a game-changer. Use a drag-and-drop builder like Elementor to create a clean, visual portfolio. You can embed your best videos and create a “services” page outlining your rates. It instantly makes you look more credible than just having a social media profile.
    3. Find Clients: Join UGC creator groups on Facebook, create a profile on platforms like #paid or Billo, or even pitch brands directly on TikTok and Instagram.

10. Selling Printables on Etsy

  • What it is: Designing digital products that customers buy and print themselves. Think planners, checklists, wall art, budget trackers, and party games.
  • Potential Earnings: Highly passive. You can make $50 – $1,000+ per month once you have a good portfolio of products.
  • “Experience” Needed: Basic design sense and knowledge of a free tool like Canva.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Research Niches: Look for popular but underserved niches on Etsy. “Bachelorette party games” is broad; “Minimalist bachelorette party games” is a niche.
    2. Create Your Products: Use Canva to design your printables. Focus on clean, attractive layouts.
    3. Open an Etsy Shop: Listing products is straightforward. Use clear photos and descriptive keywords to help buyers find you.

11. Voiceover Work

  • What it is: Lending your voice to commercials, YouTube videos, audiobooks, or corporate training videos.
  • Potential Earnings: $50 for a short radio spot to thousands for an audiobook.
  • “Experience” Needed: A clear, pleasant speaking voice and a quiet place to record.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Get a Decent Mic: A quality USB microphone (like a Blue Yeti) is a crucial starting investment.
    2. Record a Demo: Read a few different types of scripts (commercial, narrative, etc.) to showcase your range.
    3. Sign Up: Create profiles on sites like Voices.com or Fiverr.

12. Pet Photography

  • What it is: Taking high-quality, charming photos of people’s beloved pets.
  • Potential Earnings: $100 – $300 per session.
  • “Experience” Needed: Patience, a love for animals, and a good smartphone camera or a basic DSLR.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Practice: Take photos of your own pets or friends’ pets in good natural light.
    2. Create a Portfolio: A visual portfolio is non-negotiable. Build a simple, elegant gallery website with Elementor to display your best shots and list your package prices. It’s the perfect way to look professional and attract clients.
    3. Market Yourself: Post your best photos on local Facebook groups and Instagram, and put up flyers at local dog parks, vets, and pet stores.

13. Writing Greeting Cards

  • What it is: Submitting short, witty, or heartfelt verses and ideas to greeting card companies.
  • Potential Earnings: $50 – $300 per accepted submission.
  • “Experience” Needed: A way with words and the ability to follow submission guidelines precisely.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Study the Market: Go to a card shop and read the cards. Get a feel for the tone and style of different brands.
    2. Find Companies: Search for “greeting card writer submissions.” Companies like American Greetings or Blue Mountain Arts often have guidelines on their websites.
    3. Submit Your Best Work: Follow their rules to the letter.

14. Creating YouTube Shorts or TikToks

  • What it is: Creating short, engaging videos. You can earn money through creator funds, brand deals, or by promoting affiliate products.
  • Potential Earnings: Varies from a few dollars to thousands per month, depending on views and engagement.
  • “Experience” Needed: A smartphone, creativity, and an understanding of what’s trending.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Pick a Niche: Focus on a topic you enjoy (e.g., cooking, cleaning hacks, tech tips, comedy).
    2. Be Consistent: Post regularly to build an audience.
    3. Engage: Respond to comments and participate in trends to grow your channel.

Hands-On & Local Services

These hustles require you to be physically present but offer great earning potential by serving your local community.

15. House Sitting & Pet Sitting

  • What it is: Staying at someone’s home to watch their house and/or pets while they’re on vacation.
  • Potential Earnings: $25 – $75 per night, depending on the number of pets and responsibilities.
  • “Experience” Needed: Trustworthiness, reliability, and a love for animals.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Sign Up: Create a detailed profile on sites like Rover, TrustedHousesitters, or Care.com.
    2. Get Reviews: Offer to sit for friends or family in exchange for a testimonial to build your profile’s credibility.
    3. Be Professional: During your first meeting with a potential client, be prepared with questions about the pet’s routine, emergency contacts, and house rules.

16. Mobile Car Wash & Detailing

  • What it is: You travel to the client’s home or office to wash and detail their car.
  • Potential Earnings: $50 for a basic wash, $150 – $300+ for a full detail.
  • “Experience” Needed: A strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the physical ability to do the work.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Get Supplies: Start with the basics: high-quality soap, microfiber towels, a shop-vac, and some interior cleaning products.
    2. Practice on Your Own Car: Perfect your process before you charge for it.
    3. Market Locally: Post before-and-after pictures on local Facebook groups. A simple website with your service packages and a booking form, which you can easily create with Elementor, can make scheduling clients a breeze.

17. Junk Hauling

  • What it is: Removing and disposing of unwanted items for homeowners and businesses. People need this service when they’re moving, cleaning out a garage, or after a renovation.
  • Potential Earnings: $75 – $500+ per job, depending on the volume of junk.
  • “Experience” Needed: A truck or trailer, physical strength, and knowledge of your local disposal/recycling centers.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Check Local Regulations: Understand the rules and fees for dumping different types of materials.
    2. Advertise: Post on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and put up flyers at local hardware stores.
    3. Price by Volume: Charge based on how much space the junk takes up in your truck (e.g., quarter load, half load, full load).

18. Furniture Assembly

  • What it is: Assembling flat-pack furniture from places like IKEA, Wayfair, or Amazon.
  • Potential Earnings: $40 – $100+ per item.
  • “Experience” Needed: Patience, the ability to follow visual instructions, and a basic set of tools (screwdriver, Allen keys, hammer).
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Get on TaskRabbit: This is the go-to platform for furniture assembly gigs.
    2. Highlight Your Experience: Even if it’s just assembling your own furniture, mention your familiarity with major brands like IKEA.
    3. Work Efficiently: The faster you get, the more jobs you can do in a day, increasing your hourly rate.

19. Holiday Decorating

  • What it is: Designing and installing holiday decorations (especially Christmas lights) for homes and businesses.
  • Potential Earnings: $200 – $1,000+ per house, depending on the complexity.
  • “Experience” Needed: A good eye for design, comfort working on a ladder, and basic electrical knowledge (how not to overload a circuit).
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Build a Portfolio: Decorate your own home or a friend’s home and take high-quality photos.
    2. Create a Flyer: List your services (e.g., light installation, design, takedown, and storage).
    3. Start Early: Begin advertising in October to book clients before the season gets busy.

20. Local Tour Guide

  • What it is: Showing tourists the hidden gems and famous landmarks of your city.
  • Potential Earnings: $20 – $50 per person for a 2-3 hour tour.
  • “Experience” Needed: A passion for your city, good storytelling skills, and a friendly personality.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Develop a Niche Tour: Instead of a general tour, what about a “Best Street Art Tour,” “Historic Pub Crawl,” or “Most Instagrammable Spots Tour”?
    2. List Your Tour: Post your experience on Airbnb Experiences.
    3. Practice Your Script: Walk the route and time it. Have interesting facts and personal stories ready to share.

21. Pooper-Scooper Service

  • What it is: It’s exactly what it sounds like. You visit clients’ yards weekly to clean up dog waste.
  • Potential Earnings: $15 – $25 per yard, per week. With enough clients, this can be very lucrative.
  • “Experience” Needed: A strong stomach and reliability.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Get Supplies: You’ll need a good scooper and plenty of bags.
    2. Set Your Routes: Plan your clients geographically to save time and gas.
    3. Advertise: Target neighborhoods with lots of single-family homes and dogs.

Reselling & E-commerce for Beginners

The classic model of “buy low, sell high” is more accessible than ever.

22. Retail & Online Arbitrage

  • What it is: Buying products from retail stores (like Walmart’s clearance aisle) or online sites and reselling them for a profit on platforms like Amazon or eBay.
  • Potential Earnings: Highly variable, but dedicated resellers can make thousands per month.
  • “Experience” Needed: An eye for a good deal and a smartphone for on-the-spot research.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Download the Amazon Seller or eBay App: Use them to scan barcodes in stores to see what items are selling for online.
    2. Start Small: Begin with a small budget ($100) and focus on one category, like toys or home goods.
    3. Learn the Fees: Understand the selling fees, shipping costs, and Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) fees to ensure you’ll make a profit.

23. Thrift Store & Flea Market Flipping

  • What it is: Finding undervalued items at thrift stores, garage sales, or flea markets and reselling them online.
  • Potential Earnings: Can be very profitable. A $5 vintage jacket could sell for $50.
  • “Experience” Needed: Patience to search for treasures and knowledge of what’s currently popular or collectible.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Pick a Niche: Focus on something you know or can learn about, like vintage t-shirts, mid-century modern decor, or brand-name clothing.
    2. Take Great Photos: Good lighting and clear pictures are essential for selling online.
    3. List on Multiple Platforms: Use eBay for collectibles, Poshmark or Depop for clothing, and Facebook Marketplace for furniture and larger items.

24. Dropshipping

  • What it is: You set up an online store, but you don’t hold any inventory. When a customer buys a product, you order it from a third-party supplier (like AliExpress) who ships it directly to the customer.
  • Potential Earnings: The profit margins can be thin, but the potential for scale is huge.
  • “Experience” Needed: Basic marketing sense and customer service skills.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Choose a Niche: Find a product category you’re interested in.
    2. Build a Store: Use a platform like Shopify, which integrates seamlessly with dropshipping apps.
    3. Market Your Products: This is the most important step. Run ads on Facebook or TikTok to drive traffic to your store.

25. Facebook Marketplace Flipping

  • What it is: Finding free or cheap items on Facebook Marketplace, cleaning them up, and relisting them for a higher price.
  • Potential Earnings: $50 – $200+ per week.
  • “Experience” Needed: A good eye for potential and the ability to write a compelling listing.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Search the “Free” Section: Look for solid wood furniture that just needs a coat of paint or items that people are giving away because they’re moving.
    2. Add Value: Clean the item thoroughly, take flattering photos, and write a descriptive title.
    3. Price Fairly and Be Responsive: Respond to messages quickly to make the sale.

Sharing & Renting Your Assets

Put your existing assets to work and earn passive or semi-passive income.

26. Rent Out a Spare Room

  • What it is: Listing your spare bedroom, basement suite, or entire home for short-term rentals.
  • Potential Earnings: $50 – $200+ per night, depending on your location and space.
  • “Experience” Needed: A clean and welcoming space, and good hospitality skills.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Check Local Laws: Make sure short-term rentals are permitted in your area.
    2. Create a Listing: Post your space on Airbnb or VRBO. Take bright, high-quality photos.
    3. Focus on the Details: Cleanliness is paramount. Providing small amenities like coffee, snacks, and a local guide can lead to great reviews.

27. Rent Out Your Car

  • What it is: When you’re not using your car, you can rent it out to others.
  • Potential Earnings: $30 – $80+ per day, depending on the car model and location.
  • “Experience” Needed: A well-maintained, qualifying vehicle.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Sign Up: List your car on platforms like Turo or Getaround.
    2. Be Transparent: Be honest about your car’s condition and features.
    3. Manage Bookings: The app handles insurance and payments, but you’ll need to coordinate pickup and drop-off with renters.

28. Rent Out Your Gear

  • What it is: Renting out items you own but don’t use every day. This could be anything from high-end camera equipment and drones to paddleboards, power tools, or even baby gear for traveling families.
  • Potential Earnings: Varies by item. A drone could rent for $50/day; a set of power tools could fetch $40/day.
  • “Experience” Needed: Owning in-demand items.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Find a Platform: Use sites like FriendWithA or local rental platforms.
    2. List Your Items: Take clear photos and write detailed descriptions, including the model and condition.
    3. Set Your Price: See what similar items are renting for and price yours competitively.

29. Become a Notary Public

  • What it is: You act as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. Mobile notaries can travel to clients and charge a premium.
  • Potential Earnings: Regulated by the state, but you can charge travel fees. Mobile notaries can make $50 – $150 per appointment.
  • “Experience” Needed: You must meet your state’s eligibility requirements (e.g., be over 18, have no criminal record).
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Check State Requirements: The process is governed by your Secretary of State’s office.
    2. Take the Training/Exam: Most states require a short training course and an exam.
    3. Market Your Services: Network with real estate agents, lawyers, and hospitals who frequently need notary services.

30. Officiate Weddings

  • What it is: Legally officiating wedding ceremonies.
  • Potential Earnings: $100 – $500+ per ceremony.
  • “Experience” Needed: Public speaking skills and a professional, calming presence.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Get Ordained Online: This is surprisingly easy and often free through organizations like the Universal Life Church.
    2. Check Local Laws: Ensure you register properly with the local county clerk’s office.
    3. Create a Simple Website: This is another perfect use case for a tool like Elementor. You can create a warm, inviting website with your photo, your philosophy on ceremonies, and testimonials from happy couples.

31. Personal Shopper or Stylist

  • What it is: Helping people who dislike shopping or don’t know what to buy. You could help them find a specific outfit, build a new wardrobe, or even do their holiday gift shopping.
  • Potential Earnings: $25 – $75+ per hour.
  • “Experience” Needed: A good sense of style and knowledge of different stores and brands.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Define Your Niche: Do you specialize in professional workwear, sustainable fashion, or budget-friendly finds?
    2. Build a Lookbook: Create a digital portfolio of outfits you’ve styled.
    3. Offer a Free Consultation: This helps build trust and show potential clients you understand their needs.

32. Referee or Umpire for Youth Sports

  • What it is: Officiating local youth sports games like soccer, baseball, or basketball.
  • Potential Earnings: $20 – $50 per game.
  • “Experience” Needed: A good understanding of the game’s rules and the ability to be decisive and handle pressure from parents.
  • How to Get Started:
    1. Contact Local Leagues: Reach out to your town’s parks and recreation department or local youth sports leagues.
    2. Get Certified: There is often a required training and certification process, but it’s designed for beginners.
    3. Be Reliable: Leagues are always in need of dependable officials who show up on time.

Your Next Step: Just Start

The hardest part of any new venture is getting started. Don’t get stuck in “analysis paralysis” trying to pick the perfect hustle. Choose one from this list that sounds genuinely interesting and give it a try. The beauty of a side hustle is that it’s not a lifelong commitment. It’s a low-risk way to explore new skills, build your confidence, and—most importantly—put more money in your pocket. You have the ability; now all you need is to take that first step.