Last Updated on April 26, 2024 by Dennis

Turn Your Spare Time into Cash: 6 Side Hustles You Can Start Today

Want to boost your income? Putting an extra $500 in your pocket each week can change your life.

Here are six side hustles you can start in your spare time to make that happen:

1. Affiliate Marketing

Partner with brands to promote their products or services.
Earn a commission whenever someone buys through your unique affiliate link.
Choose a niche you’re interested in (e.g., technology, sports, fitness, make money online).
Find relevant affiliate programs (Amazon Associates, CJ Affiliate, WarriorPlus, etc.)

How to Succeed:

Build an Audience: You need people to share your links with! Create great content through a blog, social media, email list, etc.
Be Trustworthy: Only promote products you genuinely believe in.
Provide Value: Don’t just spam links. Share helpful reviews and insights.

Example: A tech blogger might write a review of the latest laptop and include their affiliate link. If someone reads the review and buys the laptop, they earn a commission.

2. Sales Funnel with Info Products

Offer a free lead magnet to attract potential buyers.
Promote a low-priced “tripwire” product (~$10).
Guide customers through a funnel with higher-priced offers ($100+).
Sell multiple products at different price points throughout.

How to Succeed

Solve a Real Problem: Create products that address your audience’s needs.
Create High-Value Lead Magnet: Offer something enticing for free.
Nurture Leads: Build trust with your follow-up emails.

3. Fixed-Term Membership (FTM) Site

Set up a limited-time membership site (e.g., 3 or 6 months).
Members pay a monthly fee.
Deliver content in an automated way.
Earn additional income by promoting products and services to your members.

How to Succeed:

Choose a Profitable Niche: Focus on a topic with a paying audience.
Provide High-Quality Content: Offer members real value.
Promote Your Site: Use social media, guest posts, and paid ads.

Example: Sell 100 memberships at $20/month for $2000 in monthly income.

4. Online Shop

Sell physical products on platforms like Etsy, CafePress, or Zazzle.
Design merchandise related to a niche (e.g., dogs, humor, inspiration).
Set your own prices, while the platform handles the rest.

How to Succeed:

Focus on a Niche: Don’t try to sell everything. Specialize!
Create Eye-Catching Designs: Make your products stand out.
Market Your Shop: Use social media and consider targeted ads.

Example: Sell a mix of products weekly, such as t-shirts, stickers, and mugs, to reach your income goal.

5. Flip Physical Products

Find discounted items at sales, thrift stores, Craigslist, etc.
Resell these items quickly for a profit on eBay or Craigslist.
Look for in-demand items around holidays or doorbuster sales.

How to Succeed

Know Your Market: Understand what sells well and at what price.
Find Reliable Sources: Build relationships with discount/resell stores.
Price Competitively: Don’t try to charge more than the market allows.

6. Offer a Service

Use your skills (writing, design, development, etc.) to freelance.
Find gigs on platforms like Elance or Upwork.
Build a sample portfolio and try offering discounts to your first clients.

How to Succeed:

Specialize: Focus on a specific skill set.
Build a Portfolio: Showcase your work, even if it’s pro-bono at first.
Network: Connect with potential clients on and offline.

It’s Possible!

An extra $500 a week can be life-changing. Pick a strategy that interests you and start taking steps to make it happen.

Check out this free training that will help you get started.