💰 5 Popular Side Hustles That Actually Make Money

Looking to boost your income? Side hustles are a great way to bring in extra cash, but with so many options out there, it can be tough to figure out where to start.

If you’re wondering which side hustles actually make money, you’re not alone.

5 Popular Side Hustles That Actually Make Money

Here are five popular side hustles that have been shown to earn people real income—plus practical tips to help you get started.

1. Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is one of the most accessible side hustles for people who enjoy writing and have a strong command of language.

Companies, blogs, and content creators are constantly looking for writers to create blog posts, web content, newsletters, and more. This can be very lucrative – food bloggers also need people to create, write, make, and photograph recipes – same for craft bloggers.

How to Get Started:

• Sign up for freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer to start finding clients.
• Create a portfolio of writing samples—if you don’t have any, start writing blog posts or articles on your own blog or LinkedIn to showcase your skills.
• Pitch your services to businesses or bloggers who may need writing help.
• A good place to find bloggers who will buy what you’ve done or hire you to do specific things is in Facebook groups, Look for groups that talk about Buy Or Sell Content, VA’s for hire – that sort of thing

2. Online Tutoring

If you’re good at a particular subject or have teaching experience, online tutoring can be a rewarding side hustle.

Whether it’s helping students prepare for tests or tutoring in a subject like math, English, or science, there’s a high demand for tutors—especially with the rise of online education.

How to Get Started:

• Register on popular tutoring websites like VIPKid, Chegg, and Tutor.com.
• You can also offer private tutoring services through social media platforms, local community groups, or even through educational apps.
• For specialized subjects like SAT prep or language tutoring, you can advertise directly to your niche market.

3. Selling Handmade Products or Crafts

If you have a creative flair, selling handmade goods could be a profitable side hustle. Whether it’s jewelry, art, home decor, or knitted scarves, there’s a growing market for unique, handcrafted items.

How to Get Started:

• Set up an Etsy shop or use other online marketplaces like Handmade at Amazon or Shopify. I have 2 Etsy shops that sell while I sleep… I make money every week from my shops.
• Build your brand by showcasing your creations on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to reach a larger audience.
• Focus on quality photos and great descriptions to stand out from the competition.

4. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing allows you to make money by promoting products and earning a commission for each sale made through your referral link.

It’s perfect for people with blogs, websites, or social media following who want to monetize their audience.

How to Get Started:

• Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or Commission Junction to find products to promote.
• Write reviews, create tutorials, or share recommendations on your blog or social media channels.
• Be transparent with your audience about affiliate links to maintain trust (and to be inline with the FTC… lol), and focus on products that genuinely align with your values and interests.

5. Virtual Assistant (VA)

Many small business owners and entrepreneurs need help with administrative tasks, from scheduling appointments to managing emails, social media accounts, or customer service inquiries.

Virtual assistants can provide these services remotely, and the demand for VA services is growing.

How to Get Started:

• Sign up on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Virtual Assistant forums to find clients.
• Offer specialized services (e.g., social media management, bookkeeping, or customer support) to stand out.
• Build your skillset by learning new tools (like Trello, Google Suite, or CRM systems) that can help you provide more value to clients.

The Bottom Line

There are plenty of side hustles that can help you earn money on your own terms. Whether it’s using your writing skills, teaching what you know, creating something special, promoting products, or assisting entrepreneurs, these five side hustles are proven to bring in real income.

Pick the one that best fits your skills, interests, and schedule—and start earning extra cash today.