Top Online Side Hustles in 2023: Find the Perfect Gig for Extra Income

 


As the world evolves, more people are seeking new ways to make extra cash. Online side hustles have become popular because they offer a flexible way to earn extra income without leaving your current job. With the vast range of options available, it's possible to find the perfect gig that matches your skills and interests. In this article, we'll discuss the top online side hustles you can engage in to earn extra income.

What Are Online Side Hustles?

Online side hustles refer to jobs or gigs that people engage in to earn extra income outside their regular jobs. They usually require minimal effort and can be done remotely, making them ideal for people with busy schedules. Online side hustles are an excellent way to make money, and some people have even turned them into full-time jobs.

Top Online Side Hustles to Consider

Here are some of the top online side hustles you can engage in to earn extra income:

1. Virtual Assistant

As a virtual assistant, you'll be responsible for completing tasks like email management, scheduling appointments, data entry, social media management, and more. Virtual assistants can make anywhere between $15-$50 per hour, depending on the job's complexity and your experience.

To find virtual assistant jobs, check out websites like Upwork, Zirtual, and Remote.co. To learn more about becoming a virtual assistant, check out the Virtual Assistant Guide.

Skills: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, excellent communication skills, ability to multitask, familiarity with administrative tasks.

Tools: Computer, high-speed internet, Microsoft Office or G Suite, project management software, scheduling software, and communication tools like Skype or Slack.

Real-world example: Gina Horkey is a successful virtual assistant who now teaches others how to start their own VA businesses through her website Horkey Handbook. She started out as a freelance writer, but eventually found more success as a virtual assistant.

Success story: Abbey Ashley started her VA business as a way to stay home with her kids and has since grown it into a multiple six-figure business. She now teaches others how to become successful virtual assistants through her course, The Virtual Savvy.

2. Online Tutoring

If you have a passion for teaching, online tutoring is an excellent way to make extra cash. You can teach anything from English to math, science, or even a musical instrument. Online tutors can make up to $40 per hour.

To find online tutoring jobs, check out websites like Chegg, TutorMe, and VIPKid. To learn more about becoming an online tutor, check out the Online Tutoring Guide.

Skills: Strong knowledge in a particular subject area, excellent communication skills, ability to explain complex concepts in an easy-to-understand way, familiarity with online teaching tools.

Tools: Computer, high-speed internet, webcam, microphone, online teaching platform like Zoom or Skype.

Real-world example: VIPKid is an online tutoring company that connects English-speaking tutors with children in China. Tutors must have a bachelor's degree and some teaching experience.

Success story: Kim Hinkle is a former teacher who now works as an online tutor for VIPKid. She has found great success with the company and enjoys the flexibility it provides her.

3. Freelance Writing

If you're a talented writer, you can make extra cash by writing for blogs, websites, or companies that need content. Freelance writers can earn between $0.05 to $0.50 per word, depending on their experience.

To find freelance writing jobs, check out websites like ProBlogger, Freelancer, and Contena. To learn more about becoming a freelance writer, check out the Freelance Writing Guide.

Skills: Strong writing skills, ability to meet deadlines, research skills, knowledge of grammar and style, creativity.

Tools: Computer, writing software like Grammarly or Hemingway, online research tools like Google Scholar or JSTOR.

Real-world example: Carol Tice is a successful freelance writer who has written for a variety of publications including Forbes and Entrepreneur. She now teaches others how to become successful freelance writers through her website, Make a Living Writing.

Success story: Holly Johnson started her freelance writing career while she was still working full-time as a nurse. She has since grown her writing business into a multiple six-figure income and now teaches others how to do the same through her course, Earn More Writing.

4. Online Surveys

Companies pay people to take surveys and give feedback on their products or services. Online survey takers can earn anywhere between $1-$50 per survey, depending on the length and complexity of the survey.

To earn money through online surveys, check out websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Vindale Research. To learn more about taking online surveys for money, check out the Online Surveys Guide.

Skills: Ability to provide honest feedback, attention to detail, time management skills.

Tools: Computer, high-speed internet, online survey platforms like SurveyMonkey or Qualtrics.

Real-world example: Swagbucks is a popular online survey company that rewards users for taking surveys, watching videos, and completing other tasks.

Success story: Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, the founder of personal finance blog Making Sense of Cents, has used Swagbucks as a way to earn extra money for years. She has found it to be a simple and easy way to earn a few extra dollars each month.

5. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is an online business model that involves selling products without holding any inventory. You list the products on your online store, and when someone buys, the supplier ships the product directly to the customer. Dropshipping can be very profitable, with some people earning up to six figures per year.

To start a dropshipping business, check out websites like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. To learn more about dropshipping, check out the Dropshipping Guide.

Skills: Understanding of ecommerce, product research skills, marketing skills, customer service skills.

Tools: Computer, high-speed internet, ecommerce platform like Shopify or WooCommerce, product research tools like Google Trends or Jungle Scout.

Real-world example: Sarah Titus is a successful dropshipper who has created a successful online store selling a variety of products. She now teaches others how to become successful dropshippers through her website, Wholesale Ted.

Success story: Emma Lee Bates is a stay-at-home mom who started her own dropshipping business as a way to earn extra income for her family. She has since grown her business into a full-time income and now teaches others how to start their own businesses through her course, Dropshipping Simplified.

6. Social Media Management

If you have experience managing social media platforms, you can offer your services to small businesses or entrepreneurs who need help with their social media marketing. Social media managers can make up to $50 per hour.

To find social media management jobs, check out websites like Hootsuite, Buffer, and Sprout Social. To learn more about becoming a social media manager, check out the Social Media Management Guide.

Skills: Familiarity with social media platforms, ability to create engaging content, knowledge of social media marketing techniques, communication skills.

Tools: Computer, high-speed internet, social media management tools like Hootsuite or Buffer, graphic design tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.

Real-world example: Jenn Herman is a successful social media manager and consultant who has written a book on Instagram marketing. She now teaches others how to become successful social media managers through her website, Jenn's Trends.

Success story: Taylor Loren is a successful social media manager who has worked with a variety of clients including small businesses and influencers. She now teaches others how to become successful social media managers through her course, Social Media Management Simplified.

7. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting a company's product or service and earning a commission for every sale made through your unique referral link. Affiliates can earn between 5%-50% of the sale price, depending on the company and product.

To start an affiliate marketing business, check out websites like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and ClickBank. To learn more about affiliate marketing, check out the Affiliate Marketing Guide.

Skills: Knowledge of digital marketing, ability to identify and promote products, familiarity with affiliate marketing networks.

Tools: Computer, high-speed internet, affiliate marketing networks like Amazon Associates or ShareASale, website or blog.

Real-world example: Pat Flynn is a successful affiliate marketer who has earned millions of dollars through his website, Smart Passive Income. He now teaches others how to become successful affiliate marketers through his course, Affiliate Marketing the Smart Way.

Success story: Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, the founder of personal finance blog Making Sense of Cents, earns a significant portion of her income through affiliate marketing. She has found success by promoting products and services that she uses and loves.

8. Online Store

If you're good at creating products or have a passion for a particular product, you can sell them on your online store. You can use platforms like Etsy, Amazon, or Shopify to create your online store and start selling your products.

To start an online store, check out websites like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Squarespace. To learn more about starting an online store, check out the Ecommerce Guide.

Skills: Understanding of ecommerce, marketing skills, product research skills, customer service skills.

Tools: Computer, high-speed internet, ecommerce platform like Shopify or WooCommerce, product research tools like Google Trends or Jungle Scout.

Real-world example: Jenna Kutcher is a successful online store owner who sells a variety of products including digital courses and physical products. She now teaches others how to become successful online store owners through her course, The Instagram Lab.

Success story: Melyssa Griffin is another successful online store owner who sells digital products including courses, e-books, and workbooks. She has grown her business into a multi-million dollar empire and now teaches others how to do the same through her website, MelyssaGriffin.com.

9. Graphic Design

If you're creative and skilled in graphic design, you can offer your services to people who need logos, banners, or any other graphic design work. Graphic designers can make up to $50 per hour.

To find graphic design jobs, check out websites like 99designs, Fiverr, and DesignCrowd. To learn more about becoming a graphic designer, check out the Graphic Design Guide.

Skills: Knowledge of graphic design principles, proficiency in design software, creativity, attention to detail.

Tools: Computer, graphic design software like Adobe Creative Suite, online portfolio website like Behance or Dribbble.

Real-world example: Peggy Dean is a successful graphic designer who sells her designs on a variety of platforms including Etsy and Creative Market. She now teaches others how to become successful graphic designers through her courses and books.

Success story: Kristin Wilson is a graphic designer who has found success selling her designs on Etsy. She has grown her business to the point where she now employs a team of designers and has her own website, Inkwell Press.

10. Online Transcription

Transcription involves listening to audio recordings and typing them out into text documents. Online transcriptionists can earn up to $25 per hour.

To find online transcription jobs, check out websites like TranscribeMe, GoTranscript, and Rev. To learn more about becoming an online transcriptionist, check out the Online Transcription Guide.

Skills: Excellent typing skills, strong listening skills, attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines.

Tools: Computer, high-speed internet, online transcription software like Express Scribe or InqScribe.

Real-world example: Janet Shaughnessy is a successful transcriptionist who now teaches others how to become successful transcriptionists through her website, Transcribe Anywhere. She offers courses and training programs for those interested in starting their own transcription business.

Success story: Lisa Mills is a successful transcriptionist who has worked with a variety of clients including law firms and doctors. She now teaches others how to become successful transcriptionists through her website, Work at Home Mom Revolution.

How to Choose the Perfect Online Side Hustle

With so many online side hustles available, choosing the perfect one can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect online side hustle

1. Assess Your Skills and Interests

The first step in choosing the perfect online side hustle is to assess your skills and interests. Consider what you're good at and what you enjoy doing. This will help you choose a gig that you're passionate about and that you can excel in.

2. Research the Market

Before you settle on a particular online side hustle, do some research to see if there's a demand for it. Look for job postings, freelance gigs, and other opportunities to get a sense of what the market looks like. This will help you determine if the gig is worth pursuing.

3. Consider the Time and Effort Required

Some online side hustles require more time and effort than others. Consider how much time you have to dedicate to the gig and how much effort it will take to complete the tasks. Make sure you choose a gig that fits your schedule and that you're capable of completing.

4. Look for Flexibility

One of the biggest benefits of online side hustles is their flexibility. Look for gigs that allow you to work on your own schedule and from anywhere. This will give you the freedom to work when it's convenient for you and to balance your side hustle with your other commitments.

Tips for Succeeding in Your Online Side Hustle

Once you've chosen the perfect online side hustle, here are some tips to help you succeed:

1. Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic goals is essential for success in any online side hustle. Determine how much time you can dedicate to the gig, how much money you want to make, and what you need to do to achieve those goals.

2. Be Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to online side hustles. Set a schedule and stick to it, even if you're only able to work a few hours a week. Consistency will help you build momentum and achieve your goals.

3. Market Yourself

Marketing yourself is essential if you want to succeed in any online side hustle. Use social media, create a website, and network with others in your industry to promote your skills and services.

4. Continue Learning

The world of online side hustles is constantly evolving, and it's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques. Attend webinars, read industry blogs, and take courses to continue learning and growing in your chosen field.

Conclusion

Online side hustles offer a flexible way to earn extra income and can even turn into full-time jobs. By choosing the perfect online side hustle and following these tips, you can achieve your financial goals and enjoy the freedom that comes with working on your own terms.

FAQs

  1. Do I need any special skills to engage in online side hustles? While some online side hustles require specialized skills, many gigs are accessible to anyone with a computer and an internet connection. Assess your skills and interests to find the perfect gig that matches your abilities.
  2. How much money can I make from online side hustles? The amount of money you can make from online side hustles varies depending on the gig and your level of experience. Some gigs pay as little as a few dollars per hour, while others can earn you six figures per year.
  3. Are online side hustles safe? Most online side hustles are safe, but it's essential to do your research and be cautious when accepting jobs or gigs. Look for reputable companies and avoid any offers that seem too good to be true.
  4. Can I turn my online side hustle into a full-time job? Yes, many people have turned their online side hustle into a full-time job. By consistently putting in the time and effort, marketing yourself, and building your skills, you can turn your side hustle into a successful business.
  5. How can I balance my online side hustle with my other commitments? Balancing your online side hustle with other commitments can be a challenge, but it's important to set realistic goals and create a schedule that works for you. You may need to make sacrifices or adjust your schedule to make time for your side hustle, but the rewards can be worth it in the end.
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