Best Online Side Hustles for 2024: Start Making Money
With the rise of the gig economy and remote work, more people than ever are looking for ways to supplement their income through online side hustles. These opportunities provide the flexibility to work from anywhere, at any time, and are perfect for those looking to earn extra money or even replace their full-time job income.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best online side hustles for 2024, ranging from well-established ideas like freelance writing to newer ventures like using AI tools for profit. Whether you’re looking to make an extra $100 a day or build a $100k side hustle, there’s something here for everyone.
Top Online Side Hustles for 2024
| Side Hustle | Startup Costs | Time Commitment | Skill Level Required | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freelance Writing | Low | Medium to High | Medium | $50-$1,000 per project |
| Virtual Assistant | Low | Medium | Low to Medium | $15-$50 per hour |
| Online Tutoring | Low | High | Medium to High | $20-$60 per hour |
| Affiliate Marketing | Low to Medium | Medium to High | Medium | Varies widely |
| Selling Digital Products | Low to Medium | Medium | Medium | $10-$500 per sale |
| Dropshipping | Medium | High | Medium | $100+ per day |
| Making Money with AI | Low to Medium | Medium | Medium to High | Varies widely |
| Online Surveys | None | Low | Low | $5-$20 per survey |
1. Freelance Writing and Content Creation
Freelance writing remains a popular and lucrative side hustle. With the growth of digital content, companies and individuals constantly seek skilled writers to produce blog posts, website content, SEO articles, and more. If you have a knack for writing and a good grasp of SEO, you can quickly start earning money by offering your services on various platforms.
How to Get Started: Begin by building a portfolio that showcases your writing skills and niche expertise. Choose a specific niche—such as technology, health, or finance—where you can establish yourself as an authority. Then, create profiles on freelance platforms and start pitching your services to potential clients.
Platforms to Use: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, ProBlogger
Earning Potential: Freelance writers can earn anywhere from $0.05 to $1 per word, depending on their experience and the project’s complexity. With consistent work, it's possible to turn this into a $100k side hustle over time.
2. Virtual Assistant Services
Virtual assistants (VAs) provide administrative support to businesses and entrepreneurs, handling tasks such as email management, scheduling, social media management, and customer service. As more companies go remote, the demand for VAs continues to grow.
How to Get Started: To become a virtual assistant, start by identifying your skills and the services you can offer. Set up a professional profile on relevant platforms and begin networking in online communities where potential clients might be.
Platforms to Use: TaskRabbit, Upwork, Zirtual, Fiverr
Earning Potential: Virtual assistants typically charge between $15 to $50 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of tasks. This side hustle can easily make $100 a day or more with regular clients.
3. Online Tutoring and Teaching
The demand for online education has surged, making tutoring a highly profitable side hustle. Whether you're skilled in math, science, languages, or music, there’s likely a market for your expertise.
How to Get Started: Choose a subject you’re passionate about and look for tutoring platforms to connect with students. Getting certified in your subject area can also increase your credibility and earning potential.
Platforms to Use: VIPKid, Chegg Tutors, Tutor.com, iTalki
Earning Potential: Online tutors can make between $20 to $60 per hour, depending on their subject expertise and experience level. With consistent work, you can make an extra $100 a day or more.
4. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission for each sale made through your referral link. This side hustle is ideal for bloggers, influencers, and website owners who want to monetize their audience.
How to Get Started: Start by selecting a niche that aligns with your interests and expertise. Build a platform—such as a blog, YouTube channel, or social media profile—where you can promote affiliate products. Join affiliate programs to access products you can promote.
Platforms to Use: Amazon Associates, ClickBank, ShareASale, Rakuten Marketing
Earning Potential: Earnings in affiliate marketing can vary widely, from a few dollars a month to a six-figure income. Successful affiliates often use SEO, content marketing, and social media to drive traffic and conversions, making it a potential $100k side hustle.
5. Selling Digital Products
Selling digital products—like eBooks, courses, printables, or stock photos—can be a highly profitable online side hustle. Digital products have low overhead costs and can be sold repeatedly, generating passive income.
How to Get Started: Decide on a product that aligns with your skills and interests. Create the product using tools like Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or course creation platforms. Then, set up an online store to start selling.
Platforms to Use: Shopify (Shopify side hustle), Etsy, Gumroad, Teachable
Earning Potential: Depending on the product type and your marketing efforts, you can earn anywhere from $10 to $500 per sale. With the right strategy, this can easily turn into a $100 a day side hustle.
6. Dropshipping and E-commerce
Dropshipping is a form of e-commerce where you sell products directly to customers without holding inventory. Instead, when a customer makes a purchase, you order the product from a supplier, who ships it directly to the customer.
How to Get Started: To start a dropshipping business, choose a profitable niche and set up an online store. Find reliable suppliers through platforms like AliExpress or Oberlo, and start marketing your products through social media, Google Ads, or SEO.
Platforms to Use: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Oberlo
Earning Potential: With the right niche and marketing strategy, a dropshipping business can generate significant income, with some entrepreneurs reaching $100 a day or more within a few months.
7. Making Money with AI
Artificial intelligence offers several opportunities to create new side hustles. You can use AI tools to automate repetitive tasks, generate content, analyze data, and even build AI-powered apps or services.
How to Get Started: Start by exploring popular AI tools for content creation or AI-powered customer service tools to provide automated support. You could also consider learning AI and machine learning basics to offer consulting or development services.
Platforms to Use: ChatGPT, Jasper, Writesonic, OpenAI, Google AI
Earning Potential: Depending on the type of AI services you offer, earnings can range from $20 per task to hundreds of dollars for more complex projects. AI-driven side hustles can also provide passive income through automation.
8. Online Surveys and Market Research
Participating in online surveys and market research can be an easy way to earn extra cash. Companies pay for consumer opinions to help shape their products and marketing strategies.
How to Get Started: Sign up for survey sites and complete surveys, watch videos, or participate in focus groups to start earning.
Platforms to Use: Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, Vindale Research, Pinecone Research
Earning Potential: While survey payouts can vary, consistent participation can help you make an extra $100 a day. However, it's best combined with other side hustles for higher earnings.
Tips for Success with Online Side Hustles
- Time Management: Balance your side hustle with full-time work or other commitments by setting aside specific hours each week dedicated to your hustle.
- Building Skills: Invest in learning new skills related to your side hustle to stay competitive and increase your earning potential. Online courses, webinars, and workshops can be valuable resources.
- Leveraging Online Tools: Utilize tools like task management apps, invoicing software, and productivity tools to streamline your side hustle and increase efficiency.
Starting an online side hustle in 2024 can be a great way to achieve financial independence, supplement your income, or even transition to a new career. Whether you’re looking to make an extra $100 a day or build a $100k side hustle, there’s a wide range of opportunities to suit different skills and interests. Take the first step today by choosing a side hustle that aligns with your strengths and passions.