15 Profitable Ideas to Make Extra Money on the Side

1. Sell Items Online

We all have a hoard of possessions we no longer need or use. Whether it’s old clothes, household appliances, or collectibles, listing them online could earn you a few extra dollars. Take a look around and sell anything collecting dust. It’s relatively low effort and commitment, an excellent way to get cash fast.

2. Drive for Uber or Lyft

Consider taking on a second job if you want a more long-term solution to your cash flow problems. Driving for Uber or Lyft, or signing up for delivery services, are excellent ways to earn more money. Just make sure you have the right insurance and a valid driving license. The best bit? You can turn off your availability when you need to, so don’t worry about committing too many hours.

3. Rent Your Spare Room 

Renting your spare room on Airbnb or a lodger is an excellent way to earn passive income. You’ll get paid within 24 hours of check-in. You might also consider renting your home out while you’re on holiday. It’s a great way to install a house sitter and earn a few dollars.

4. Freelance Your Skills

Do you have any in-demand skills? For example, you might know something about writing, marketing, or graphic design. Freelance services like Fiverr and Upwork allow users to list their services on a freelance basis. As you get more and more clients, you can turn your side hustle into a permanent job. 

5. Tutor Online

You can tutor people via video services wherever you live. You can sign up to tutoring platforms or take the initiative and advertise your services yourself. It’s a low-cost start to earn a bit more money.

6. Start a Blog

Starting a blog won’t result in immediate cash. However, if you put the time and effort in, you could set yourself up with a passive income platform that will continue to grow. You need a domain name, a website, and consistent posts. With a few hours of work a week, you could quickly build your blog.

7. Walk Dogs

Would you rather get outside? Walking local dogs is a fun and easy way to make extra money. Post a few flyers around your neighborhood or advertise your services online. You can set your price and schedule.

8. Babysit or Become a Nanny

Babysitting is another quick, easy way to earn some money. Or you could even become a part-time nanny. You’ll need to provide strong references, but it’s a fast way to make some immediate cash. There are various sites to find nanny work, or you can post about your business on social media.

9. Clean Houses

Many families hire weekly cleaners to keep on top of the mess. Pitching in a few hours a week is an excellent way to earn money without a hefty cost basis or commitment. There are numerous housekeeping sites where you can promote your services.

10. Focus Groups

Marketing companies often hold focus groups to review consumer responses. You don’t need any special training to participate. All you need to do is keep an eye out for calls from marketing companies, turn up and offer your opinion, and walk away with your earnings.

11. Have a Garage Sale

If you’re listing all your unwanted possessions online and find you have quite a lot to sell, you could consider hosting a garage sale. It’s a perfect idea if you have kids’ toys your family has outgrown. Post signs around town and advertises your sale online.

12. Create YouTube Videos

As with blog writing, creating YouTube videos isn’t the quickest path to earning money. Plus, it has higher start-up costs (e.g., camera and editing software) than other hustles; it can be highly profitable in the long run. You can create videos on anything, from tutorials to vlogs.

13. Sell Things Online

Designing artistic products and selling them on Etsy or setting up your own site is a good way to put your talents to use. You could also set up an online store to buy and sell. 

If you have a female dog and love taking care of puppies, you may want to consider selling puppies. You could register as a dog breeder and sell your puppies online. 

14. Personal Training

If you’re into sports, can you find clients who wish to hire a personal trainer? Design training and nutrition programs for willing clients. Be careful; you might need to research health and safety guidelines if you’re helping clients with their fitness.

15. Become a House Sitter

Many homeowners don’t like to leave their property empty while they jet off on holiday. Offering to house sit for a fee is a great way to earn money. It’s a relatively low effort on your part. All you need to do is live in someone else’s house for a time.

Bottom Line

Earning money on the side can be relatively easy and low-effort. If you’re strapped for cash, consider inventive ways you can monetize your talents.