Top 10 Best Online Side Hustles to Try in 2024
As we enter 2024, more people are looking for ways to earn extra income from the comfort of their homes. With the rise of remote work and the increasing reliance on digital platforms, online side hustles are more accessible than ever.
Of course, remote work can make you feel as though you're stuck in a rut constantly being at home. Nevertheless, it’s a fantastic opportunity to conveniently juggle your regular job with various online side hustles that'll spice up your routine and boost your bank balance. Not only do they offer flexibility, but many online side jobs require minimal startup costs, making them perfect for those seeking additional income streams. It's an excellent way to make extra money from your home in your free time!
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 best online side hustles to try this year. From freelance work to passive income apps, there’s a digital side gig for everyone, regardless of skill level or experience. Whether the income from your side job goes to paying for groceries or putting money on the side, check out these best online side hustle ideas to make extra money online.
Why Online Side Hustles Are Perfect for 2024
The shift to remote work and the rise of digital tools have made side hustles easier to manage. With just a computer and an internet connection, you can begin earning from anywhere. Here’s why online side hustles are especially relevant this year:
- Growing remote work trend: The pandemic accelerated the shift to remote work, and now, companies and individuals alike are embracing its flexibility. This makes online side gigs a perfect fit for today’s work culture.
- Low startup costs: Many side hustles require little to no upfront investment, making them accessible to everyone. With platforms that cater to freelancing, e-commerce, and passive income, you can get started with just a few clicks.
- Flexible working time: Side hustle usually means you're your own boss, responsible for setting your working hours. Decide when you want to work, how long you'll work, and when you'll rest. In essence, your success depends on the amount of hours you work, but at least you'll be the one who decides those hours. Online side hustles from home can help earn income without the traditional way of working.
- No initial investment is needed: Most side jobs online allow you to get paid without much upfront investment. The only actual expenses you can anticipate would be your internet bills and the money required to maintain your own website if you own one.
- Expand your personal network: Side hustles mean you have to hunt for opportunities yourself, leading to a more extensive network of professionals in the same industry or like-minded individuals looking for financial freedom without a regular job.
- Improves your social media presence: After your portfolio expands by showcasing your past projects, your social media profiles will help you attract new clients. It's a cycle of highlighting your skills, someone hiring you for your skills, and then you showcasing them again.
- Unlimited earning possibilities: Side hustles rarely come with pre-established contracts. This means you're in control of how much money you can make. You can earn thousands of dollars if you feel like a busy bee. But if you need some downtime, you can take control of that while earning a little less money.
Digital tools and platforms have made it easier than ever to launch an online side gig. From freelance websites to e-commerce platforms, these resources provide the tools and opportunities to help you succeed. Now, let’s explore the top online side hustles to try in 2024.
1. Freelancing (Writing, Graphic Design, Web Development)
Freelancing is one of the best side hustles online to leverage your skills while earning a side income. Popular freelance jobs include writing, graphic design, and web development.
For example, if you don't have a problem expressing your thoughts on paper, writing can be one of your best freelance gigs. Freelance writers write articles, blog posts, or longer texts, which can be a lucrative side hustle!
Also, you can start a blog to earn extra income from sponsored posts or ads on your personalized website to earn even more money. Becoming a freelance writer is a great side hustle for anyone with a creative spark!
Whether you're a master at syntax or just someone who enjoys putting their thoughts down on paper, freelance writing can be a satisfying and profitable side job to make money.
You can also earn money as a graphic designer in your free time. It's a great way to earn extra cash and let your imagination shine while completing client projects!
Many start-ups dedicate their graphic design tasks to external specialists. All you have to do is find clients, complete their requests, and get paid! Several designers make thousands of dollars every month by doing freelance side gigs.
Why don't you try it out? Who knows – maybe you'll turn this money-making opportunity into a full-time job!
What's more, platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect freelancers with clients seeking various services.
Getting started with freelancing:
- Choose your niche: Whether you’re skilled in web development, digital marketing, or content creation, focusing on a niche helps you stand out in a crowded marketplace.
- Create a strong portfolio: Showcasing samples of your work can help clients visualize the value you bring to their projects.
- Set competitive rates: Starting with competitive pricing can help you attract clients initially; as you gain more experience, you can increase your rates.
Freelancing is a scalable side hustle; as you gain more experience, you can raise your rates and work on more complex projects.
2. Online Surveys and Passive Income Apps (Featuring Honeygain)
One of the simplest ways to earn extra cash is by completing online surveys and using passive income apps. Platforms like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars pay you to complete tasks like answering surveys, watching videos, and shopping online.
All you need is a computer or a phone and a few spare minutes. Completing short questionnaires on various topics can earn you around $7 per hour.
Companies are always looking for honest feedback from consumers. The best part? They'll gladly pay for it. You can share your opinion about toothpaste, hair brushes, pizza, car wash, etc. In most cases, you can sign up to survey sites for free and earn money immediately.
You could also participate in focus groups, where a company invites a group of regular consumers to share their opinions on a particular product or a service that the company is planning to launch.
Honeygain: passive income app
Honeygain is a unique passive income app that allows you to earn by sharing your unused internet bandwidth. All you have to do is install the app, let it run in the background, and start earning. The app doesn’t require any active work, making it an ideal way to earn while you focus on other tasks.
Maximize earnings with Honeygain:
- Use multiple devices: You can use Honeygain on several devices, which increases your earning potential.
- Invite friends: Honeygain’s referral program lets you earn 25% of what your friends earn when they join through your referral link.
- Earn passively: The app doesn’t require constant attention, allowing you to earn while working on other side hustles.
Survey tips to increase earnings:
- Join multiple platforms: This increases the availability of surveys.
- Complete your profile: Survey platforms use profiles to match users with surveys, so accuracy is key.
3. Virtual Assistant
Being a virtual assistant is one of today’s most popular online side hustle ideas. You can earn income by helping others with administrative tasks like email management, meeting scheduling, virtual calendar organization, etc. This is one of the best side jobs from home online for organized individuals with strong communication and multitasking skills. Businesses, especially small ones, often seek VAs to help manage tasks, streamline processes, and maintain productivity.
The amount of money you earn from this side gig depends on how many services you offer and whether they're in high demand. Virtual assistants can make anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars monthly.
You don't need any specialized skills to become a virtual assistant. Just make sure you're proficient in basic computer skills and get started! If you enjoy this side hustle job, you could turn it into a full-time gig or keep it as freelance work – it's all up to you!
But still, we've got a couple of tips on how to succeed as a VA:
- Build specialized skills: Some VAs focus on social media management, content scheduling, or project management.
- Use VA job platforms: Sites like Belay, Fancy Hands, and Upwork are good resources for finding VA roles.
- Create a portfolio: Include any relevant work experience, tools you’re proficient in (like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or Asana), and any specialized skills that can attract clients.
Being a VA offers flexibility, as many tasks can be completed on your own schedule. As you gain experience, you can niche down to specific industries or services to increase your rates.
4. E-commerce: Selling Products or Dropshipping
E-commerce is a booming industry, and you can start an online store or a dropshipping business with minimal investment. Etsy is a popular platform for handmade goods, while Shopify and BigCommerce allow you to create your own online store. Dropshipping, which involves selling products without holding inventory, is another low-cost option.
Steps to get started:
- Choose a niche: Decide on a specific category, such as fashion, beauty, or tech gadgets.
- Set up your store: Use platforms like Shopify to create your store.
- Source products: For dropshipping, find reliable suppliers on websites like AliExpress or SaleHoo.
With dedication, an e-commerce side hustle idea can grow into a profitable business. Many drop shippers and Etsy sellers have turned their side gigs into full-time incomes.
5. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a popular digital side hustle where you earn commissions by promoting other companies' products. When someone makes a purchase through your unique referral link, you receive a percentage of the sale. Affiliate programs can be found on platforms like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and CJ Affiliate.
Tips to succeed in affiliate marketing:
- Choose products you believe in: Promote products that align with your interests or expertise.
- Build an online presence: Use a blog, YouTube channel, or social media platform to share affiliate links.
- Create valuable content: Write honest reviews or tutorials to help your audience make informed purchasing decisions.
Affiliate marketing is scalable, and once you build a steady audience, you can earn passive income consistently.
6. Content Creation (YouTube, Blogging, TikTok)
Content creation has become a booming industry, with platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and blogging offering side hustlers various ways to earn, especially for young adults. Content creators can monetize through ads, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and even merchandise. Content creation requires patience, as it often takes time to grow an audience, but the long-term rewards can be substantial.
Monetization strategies for content creators:
- Adsense for blogs and YouTube: Both YouTube and blogs offer ad placements that generate revenue per view or click. But as a regular content consumer, you can also earn money simply by clicking ads.
- Sponsorships and partnerships: As you build an audience, brands may sponsor your content, creating additional income.
- Merchandising and courses: Use platforms like Teespring or Udemy to sell products or courses to your followers.
Successful content creators emphasize the importance of consistency, audience engagement, and authenticity to build a loyal following and monetize effectively.
On the same topic, you could boost your bank account with your editing skills, too, by creating compelling visual content for clients ranging from YouTubers to corporate businesses. Video editors can charge per project or offer packages based on the complexity and duration of the work.
By mastering editing software and understanding storytelling techniques, editor side hustlers can offer services such as cutting, merging, and enhancing video footage, adding effects, and ensuring the final product aligns with the client's vision.
Finally, you can earn money online by watching movies from the comfort of your home and turn your hobby into a successful side hustle!
7. Online Tutoring and Course Creation
Another great way to make money online is to create an online course. You can create a course on just about any topic, and numerous online learning platforms will allow you to sell your courses, such as Udemy and Teachable.
If you're unsure what course to create for your side hustle, consider teaching something you're passionate about or have experience with. You can make online courses about food photography, coding, using Google Adsense, graphic design, knitting, and anything else you find interesting!
Also, this side hustle idea allows you to work on your time and earn money easily. Once you film, edit, and upload the videos, people will spend money on your courses, and you'll get paid!
Creating online courses is a great way to reach people worldwide, and you can make money doing something you love. Consider this opportunity if you like working in education, helping others, and having many hobbies!
Steps to start teaching online:
- Identify skills in demand: Subjects like coding, business, language, and digital marketing are popular.
- Create high-quality content: Clear, well-organized material helps engage students.
- Promote your courses: Use social media, blogging, or email marketing to attract students.
Tutoring can pay hourly, while courses generate passive income as they’re sold to multiple students.
8. Digital Product Sales (E-books, Printables, Templates)
Selling digital products is one of the digital side hustles with low overhead costs. You can create items like e-books, printables, or templates and sell them on Gumroad, Etsy, or Amazon Kindle. Digital products are convenient because they can be sold repeatedly without additional work.
By leveraging online platforms and e-commerce tools, you can reach a global customer base and generate income through sales or subscription-based models. If you find a high demand for your services or products, you can establish an online store on your own website and earn extra money from advertising on your website and the products you sell.
Why digital products are great:
- No inventory: Digital products are instantly delivered to the customer.
- Scalability: Once created, you can sell the same product an unlimited number of times.
- Automation: Set up an automated sales funnel so the product sells itself.
This side hustle is ideal if you enjoy designing, writing, or creating tools that others can use.
9. Social Media Management
With social media being crucial for business success, many companies look for social media managers to maintain their online presence. Social media management involves planning content, engaging with followers, analyzing metrics, and creating strategies to grow an audience. This side hustle is perfect for anyone with social media experience who enjoys building online communities.
If you keep up with the trends and know how algorithms work, a social media manager position might be your perfect side hustle! You can earn money in your free time as you create videos, manage paid sponsorships, schedule posts, leave comments, and enjoy the dynamic workflow!
Steps to start as a social media manager:
- Develop a portfolio: Showcase your skills by managing accounts for friends, family, or local businesses.
- Use tools to simplify workflow: Tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, and Canva make social media management more efficient.
- Focus on business growth: Understanding brand voice, marketing trends, and user engagement is essential.
Social media management is a dynamic side job with steady demand as businesses increase their digital presence.
10. Remote Customer Service Jobs
Customer service roles have become more remote, allowing you to assist customers from the comfort of your home. Remote customer service positions are available with companies like Amazon, Apple, and Liveops. These roles often include answering calls, responding to emails, and helping customers troubleshoot issues.
Requirements for success:
- Excellent communication skills
- Basic computer skills and customer service experience
- Access to a quiet workspace
Customer service is one of the best online side hustles for those who enjoy helping others. It provides steady work hours and reliable income.
Conclusion
There’s never been a better time to explore easy online side hustle ideas, especially with the increasing number of platforms and resources available. From freelancing and affiliate marketing to teaching online and selling digital products, the options are endless. Each of these side gigs offers flexibility, low startup costs, and the potential to grow into a more substantial income source.
If you’re ready to get started, consider Honeygain for an easy and passive way to earn money online. Find the side hustle that aligns with your skills and lifestyle, and start building your online income today!
