best ideas for side jobs
A side business, also known as a side-hustle, is a business that you run in addition to your regular full-time job. It's similar to getting a second job, except you're working for yourself.
A side business can be a great way to supplement your income and may even replace your primary job in the future.
One of the most difficult aspects of starting a side hustle is deciding what to do. In this guide, we'll look at some potential side business ideas and offer advice on how to decide which one to pursue.
Which of the following is the best side business to start?
The best side business to start is one in which you are knowledgeable and enthusiastic. There's a good chance that something you already know about can be turned into a side hustle.
That means you won't have to spend as much time and effort learning about a new subject, allowing you to start your new business sooner.
Of course, it is possible to start a side business in an area about which you know nothing, but keep in mind that there will almost certainly be unexpected stumbling blocks along the way.
Create and sell products on the internet
If you have the ability to make something, you can supplement your income by selling your creations online.
Clothes, candles, decorative art, or anything else comes to mind! You could begin by selling on a specialized craft marketplace such as Etsy, or you could open your own online store and sell directly to customers. (Tip: Do both to increase your reach!)
This side business idea isn't for everyone, but if you already have a craft hobby, it could start earning you money.
Online selling of someone else's products
To sell something online, you don't have to make your own products. It is entirely possible to buy items wholesale and then resell them for a profit through your own online store. You don't have to sell a wide variety of products, but you must understand what you're selling and to whom you're selling it.
The disadvantage of this side business idea is that it can be quite complex. You'll need to consider overheads such as how much the products you're selling cost you, shipping costs, advertising costs, and so on. You'll also need to make sure your pricing is competitive while still high enough to ensure a decent profit.
Start a food truck business.
Food trucks are becoming increasingly popular, so you could use your culinary skills to start your own. The disadvantage of this side business idea is that you will need to invest a significant amount of money upfront to purchase the truck, so it may not be suitable for everyone.
You could even consider starting home deliveries once your food truck is up and running, you can use Appily App Builder to create an App that allows food ordering directly from your customers' devices.
Go freelance in your current position.
If you work in a creative field, you may be able to start a side business simply by taking on extra freelance work outside of your full-time job.
It's not the most exciting side business idea, but if you enjoy what you do, it's a good place to start.
Create and market online courses.
Are you an expert in any field? Then you can develop and market an online course about it. There will be a market for your knowledge, whether you are a digital marketing expert or a master baker.
It will take time and effort to put together your course, and you may need to update it from time to time, so you won't be able to earn money right away. You'll also need to learn about online course marketing.
However, you can supplement your income by selling online courses alongside another side hustle (such as freelance work).
Begin a baking business.
If you're a talented baker, consider turning your talent into a business. There is a high demand for bespoke cakes and luxury teas, so if you have the skills, this could be a profitable side business.
Train to be a tutor.
If you have a qualification in an academic subject, you could work as a tutor. You could take on just one or two students and tutor them a couple of evenings a week, or you could go so far as to establish your own independent tutoring agency.
Provide classes in an area where you excel.
Yoga, dance, and cooking are all possibilities. Almost any skill you have can be taught in a class. If you intend to teach people in person, you'll need a suitable location to hold your classes.
However, keep in mind that you could always hold your classes online. This eliminates the need for you to rent a venue and gives you access to a larger customer base.
Once again, you can combine this side business idea with others that are relevant.
Marketing through affiliates
When you use affiliate marketing, you earn money every time someone buys a product or service after finding it through you.
Creating a website with relevant affiliate links is the most common way to earn money through affiliate marketing. There are numerous affiliate programs available from tech behemoths, so there are plenty to choose from.
The most significant disadvantage of this side business idea is that it can take a long time to start earning money from affiliate marketing.
Dog walker on the job
If you like dogs, you could work as a professional dog walker. Many people have a pet dog but are unable to walk it during the day due to work commitments. That's where you come into play.
Earn money from online advertising.
If you have a blog or want to start one, you can monetize it with online advertising.
The disadvantage of this idea, as with affiliate marketing, is that it can take a long time to start making money. Furthermore, the amount advertisers pay per click is very low, so you'll need a lot of traffic to make a decent living.
Wedding preparations
If you enjoy a good wedding and have the organizational skills to plan one, this side business idea can make you a lot of money.
Handyman services
Can you erect a set of shelves in a record amount of time? Someone who cannot do it will pay you to do it for them.
This side business idea could be combined with others, such as a moving service.
Clothing alterations and repairs
If you have the ability to mend or alter clothing, you will undoubtedly find people who are interested in this side business idea.
Services for gardening
People who have gardens do not always enjoy gardening. There is money to be made if you do.
This is a more time-consuming side hustle idea. You'll most likely need to devote at least one full day per week to it.
Moving service on a small scale
While doing whole house moves as a side business is not practical, if you have access to a van, you could move individual items for people.
IT support and maintenance
Are you good with computers and electronics? Because most people aren't, you could start a side business assisting those who struggle with technology.
Photos can be sold.
You could sell your photos if you're a talented photographer. You could sell prints as wall art or stock photos or news photographs.
Produce and sell ebooks
As with an online course, if you have the knowledge, you can turn it into a side business.
You could sell educational ebooks in digital print, similar to an online course. If you have the imagination, you could also sell fiction ebooks.
Begin vlogging
People make a lot of money on YouTube, and while you shouldn't expect to reach those levels overnight, there's no reason you can't start a profitable YouTube side business.
You should probably focus on educational content, but if you're passionate about something else, you could always give it a shot to see if there's an audience for it.
Produce online content
Do you have a gift for words? Then convert it to cash. People and businesses are always willing to pay for written content.
You could start your own copywriting agency and direct potential clients to your website, or you could join a service like Upwork and apply for jobs there.
One of the best aspects of part-time content writing is that it is one of the most adaptable side hustles available.
Personal fitness instructor
Fitness is big business these days, so if you enjoy working out, you could work as a personal trainer.
Before you start your side business, you'll need to find at least a few clients. Check out this beginner's guide to personal training.
Consultant
Do you know your current position like the back of your hand? Businesses may be willing to pay you for your knowledge.
Running a consultancy can be a profitable way to put an existing skill to use. Because of the risk of a conflict of interest, it is better suited to people who are not currently employed full-time.
instructor of driving
To become a driving instructor, you must first qualify, but once qualified, you can begin teaching.
This is the type of side business that you'll need to be able to devote at least a couple of days a week to, so it's a great option if you already have a part-time job and want to supplement your income.
An influencer with a small following
Do people pay attention to what you say on social media? You might then be able to make money as a micro-influencer.
Micro-influencers typically have a few thousand social media followers and earn less than big-league influencers.
However, if you want to earn some extra money from your social skills, this could be an option. You can begin by registering with a micro-influencer agency, which will connect you with brands willing to pay to work with people like you.
App Designer
Building business Apps remains a lucrative business niche, so if you have App design skills, it's an ideal area for a side business.
Manager of social media
Have you amassed a sizable number of social media followers across multiple profiles? If so, you could be paid to do it for businesses all over the internet.
As a social media manager, you will be in charge of creating content, increasing follower numbers, and possibly even controlling ad spending.
It's a great side hustle for people who enjoy interacting with others on social media.
A Photographer who works professionally
It could be weddings, birthdays, Christenings, or any number of other occasions. If something is going on, it's likely that people will want a professional photographer to document their special day.
If you have the necessary equipment and skills (or are willing to learn them), this is an excellent side business opportunity.
Graphic Designer
Graphic design skills are also in high demand. Businesses are always willing to pay to get their message across in the best way possible, whether it's as simple as a logo or as complex as a series of 3D videos.
Become a Translator
Language skills are in high demand, so if you're multilingual, you may find a high demand for translation services.
Whether it's assisting local businesses in communicating with clients all over the world or translating website content for an overseas company launching in the UK, you'll find that there's a high demand for such services.
DJ for an event
The days of a DJ needing a massive stack of records are long gone. Of course, you'll still need appropriate sound equipment. And a vehicle to transport it in.
However, if you enjoy parties and music, becoming an event DJ could be the perfect side hustle for you.
Cleaning
Many people despise cleaning, so if you enjoy it (or at least tolerate it), you could start a side business as a cleaner.
What exactly will you be cleaning? It could be houses, cars, windows, or anything else with high demand.
Purchase an existing company
If you have the capital to invest in a business, you may be able to purchase an existing one and use it as a side hustle.
If you go this route, make sure you do your homework so you know what you're getting for your money.
Event organizer
There's more to life than weddings, so if you have a knack for event planning, you could start a side business as an event planner.
It can be quite demanding, so it may not work well with a full-time job, but it may help you earn extra money if you work part-time.
What you should know before starting a side business
Starting a side business can be simple, but there are some things you should do before you begin.
Examine your employment situation
If you want to start a side business to supplement your income, you don't want to risk losing your full-time job as a result.
It could be a requirement of your contract that you notify your employer if you start your own business.
You will almost certainly not be permitted to start a business that competes with your employer.
Even if your side business has no direct impact on your current job, it can have a negative impact on your ability to carry out your normal duties.
Examine your tax situation.
It should go without saying that if you start making extra money from a side business, you must report it and pay taxes on it. Check with the HMRC to see what's going on.
Examine your mortgage/rent situation.
If you have a mortgage or rent your home, you may have signed an agreement that says you can't run a business from there.
Check with your mortgage lender or landlord to see if any restrictions apply. If there are, you might be able to reach an agreement.
Examine your insurance situation.
If you start your own business, your home insurance may no longer be valid, so check with your provider before you begin. You may also require additional insurance if you intend to have clients visit your home.
If you are unsure, contact your insurance provider.
Examine any other potential legal or financial issues.
We've covered the areas that are most likely to cause problems when starting a side business, but depending on where you live and what you plan to do, there may be other factors to consider.
Putting your new side hustle on the internet
An App is essential for any side business, so launch an App as soon as possible.
You'll have a hub to use as the focal point for your digital marketing and brand-building efforts if you build a website.
The type of App you require will be determined by the type of side business you are launching. If you intend to sell products, you will require an eCommerce App. If you’re planning on launching an appointment-based service, your App will need to handle bookings.
Appily App Builder's App Maker includes a number of features, such as eCommerce and appointment booking.
Next Steps:
This guide contains a plethora of side business ideas; the key is to find something you're passionate about. Remember that great business ideas aren't always new business ideas; instead, you need to find the right side business idea for you.
After that, you can look for ways to turn it into a side hustle. Remember that you don't have to have everything perfect before you launch your new side business; sometimes it's just as important to take the plunge and get started.
