In today’s ever-changing, ever-evolving economy, having an idea to supplement your income might become necessary for most of us. Finding creative ideas to earn extra money on the side may be as easy as transforming your passions into a profit-making side business.
By utilizing popular online platforms or marketing services on your website, identifying your talent or skill and honing in on selling it can be beneficial.
If you have a creative talent like painting, graphic design, or writing, the gig economy, and several specialty websites provide a place for freelance services and a means to get in front of potential clients.
You can do most all services from the comfort of your home after your full-time job and for minimal start-up costs. If you are still searching or looking for ways to make some money on the side or turn into a full-time gig, we have listed 20 creative ideas to earn extra money. With a bit of creativity, endless opportunities exist to enhance your earnings and achieve considerable financial gain.
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Sell Custom T-shirts and Apparel
Selling custom T-shirts and apparel with print-on-demand services is easier than ever. And you don’t have to be a graphic designer. There are quite a few Etsy stores that offer nothing but shirts with “text” or creative phrases. You can easily create your own clothing line using Canva to create designs and showcase your creativity on your website or platforms like Etsy.
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Create and Sell Your Own Digital Products
Create and sell digital products like e-books, templates, digital art, personal planners, and even fonts! There are no limits, just your imagination. Platforms like Etsy and Sellfy make showing off and selling your goods easy. Once again, Canva is a great place to create many different materials. I’ve created images for mugs and e-books, and you are only limited to your determination and will.
Self-publish an E-book
Thinking of being the next Kindle author? Start your journey into self-publishing and exercise your storytelling ability. Gone are the days of the mainstream gatekeepers. It is easier than ever to self-publish a book via platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). They make it easy to share your thoughts with the world. Compile your material, design a cover, set a price, and publish. You could legitimately be an author in no time.
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Sell Your Own Stock Videos and Images
Don’t let those camera skills go to waste. Turn those camera shots and awesome videos into cash. Selling stock images and videos is a passive way to profit from your passion. And in some cases, your smartphone will suffice. Platforms like Getty Images and Shutterstock offer a way to add your media to their collections of images and videos. As a contributor, you can access numerous people who visit their site looking for cool pictures and stock videos. So, if you’re shooting sunsets or strolling downtown to catch a view of the city, each sale is extra money in your pocket.
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Design Niche Websites
Do you know how to code or design websites? Or are you proficient in using a drag-and-drop website builder? Platforms like WordPress and Wix can allow you to make niche websites that can attract potential viewers. If you have a passion for a subject, can write well, or at least subcontract the work, then making a niche website can help you earn some extra money. Whether it’s smart home tech or teaching people how to use a MIG welder, turning your passion into a successful website can produce some serious cash.
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Launch a YouTube Channel
a Washington Post article stated, “Nearly 30 percent of kids ages 8 to 12 listed “YouTuber” as their top career choice in a global survey conducted in 2019 by the Harris Poll and toymaker Lego“. At one point, stating that you were a YouTuber was an odd thing to say, but now, the tide is turning. The platform’s popularity is growing, and many are getting on board. It is more than just being a YouTuber, though. YouTube is the 2nd most frequented search engine and can bring you a lot of evergreen traffic to your videos for years. That is why so many businesses love being on the platform. You can use YouTube to turn your hobbies into income, and networking opportunities. No fancy equipment is needed to get started. Your smartphone, internet, good lighting source (a sunny window), and inexpensive Lavalier mic can get the ball rolling. With hard work, you can join the YouTube Partner Program to earn ad revenue, get sponsorships, and promote affiliate links and your products. The sky is the limit.
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Sell Your Own Art
Ready to turn your creativity into extra money? Sell your own art online and allow your creations to get in front of the right buyers! Several online platforms make posting your material and finding potential buyers to purchase your works of art simple. Whether paintings, handmade crafts, or other works, a market awaits your style; no gallery is needed.
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Edit Videos for People
With the creator economy cranking up and videos at an all-time popularity, video editing for some creators can be daunting. If you have the talent and the skill, video editing videos for people can be a way to make money on the side. You don’t have to have a Hollywood studio; just a good desktop or laptop and an editing program will do. You can always promote your services on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Or you can go the route where you start your own company like Vid Chops.
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Examples That You Can Make Yourself
Create Custom Greeting Cards
Are those basic greeting cards in your local Walmart too basic or not funny? Turn your knack for crafting and creating into an opportunity to sell. Create custom greeting cards for birthdays, special occasions, or any niche you want to fill a need. Making custom greeting cards is easier than ever, not due to print-on-demand services, and you can not only share your catchy phrases and quips but also make some extra money on the side.
Design Graphics and Logos for People
If you are skilled at design, plenty of business owners- well, anyone with a need, for that matter- need your services. Although programs like DALL·E 3 can make some amazing images, I believe graphic designs from real people will always be in demand. There are a ton of platforms that can put you in front of the right people who are looking to buy. Some websites offer designer contests for people to see and bid on your work; others have dedicated sections where people can directly seek you out. Have a unique angle, and check out several different platforms for more exposure.
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Create and Sell Handmade Products
Are you crafty? Then, you can create and sell your unique, handmade products to people for extra money! Whether you are a knitter, make jewelry or ceramics, or anything in between, people are constantly searching for handmade goods.
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Produce an Audiobook
There is a massive market for audiobooks. In fact, some people prefer listening to an audiobook to reading one. Producing or creating an audiobook can turn into some consistent side money.
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Create and Promote an Online Course
Packaging up your knowledge and skills in an online course can be a profitable way to make some extra money. E-learning is rising, and the demand for alternative education has significantly increased. This is an excellent opportunity to share your story, expertise, and knowledge. Online courses offer flexible learning options for students and can be created using various online platforms like Udemy and Teachable. You can complete a course that can generate passive income for years.
Sell Stickers
Selling stickers is a fun and creative way to earn some extra money. Today, people love to express themselves with unique and eye-catching stickers. Whether you design your own or source them from a supplier, there are plenty of online marketplaces where you can sell your stickers. Platforms like Etsy, Instagram, or your website can help you reach a wider audience and turn your passion for stickers into a profitable side hustle.
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Sell Your Lesson Plans
If you’re a teacher or an educator, you can make extra money by selling your lesson plans. If you put your materials up or sell them online, you can help other teachers and earn some extra money at the same time. Several websites, like Teachers Pay Teachers, allow you to upload your materials and sell your lesson plans. If you have some quality lesson plans just sitting around, consider selling them online and sitting around, putting them to good use, and making some extra money in the process.
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Create and Sell Sound Effects, Audio or Music
If you’re musically inclined, you can make extra money by selling sound effects, audio, and your music online. Several websites, like AudioJungle, allow you to upload and sell your digital audio creations. You can create and sell anything from sound effects to background music for videos, podcasts, or games. With some creativity and effort, you can turn your passion for music and sound into a decent side hustle. If you have some quality audio files or music compositions, consider selling them online for others to enjoy.
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Offer Your Voice Acting Skills
If you have a great voice and some decent acting skills, you can make extra money by offering voice acting services online. Commercials, video games, animators, and other entities constantly seek talent. You can earn a decent income over time by lending your voice to different projects. Many websites, like Voices.com, allow you to create a profile and start auditioning for various voice-acting gigs. Work from the comfort of your own home with a few alterations for sound efficiency, and set your own rates. Check out some of the links below for resources and ideas.
Refurbish and Flip Furniture and Antiques
If you have a knack for refurbishing and flipping furniture, you can make extra money by selling your creations online or in your local market. By restoring and updating old, worn-out furniture, you can turn them into beautiful, unique pieces that people are willing to pay for. With a bit of elbow grease and creativity, you can transform old items into something valuable and profitable.
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- Facebook Marketplace
- Local Consignment Shops
- Etsy
- Craigslist
- OfferUp
- Facebook Page
- Flea Markets
- Craft Markets
- Your own Physical Store
- Your Personal Website
Freelance Your Writing Skills
Even though services like ChatGPT are prevalent, writing is still very sought-after. If you have a writing talent, you can make extra money by freelancing your writing skills. By offering your writing services to blogs, websites, or businesses, you can earn money for creating content that people want to read and engage with. Several online platforms, like Upwork and Problogger, allow you to create a profile, start bidding on writing projects, or find a writing job outright. If you have a gift for words, consider offering your writing skills to make extra money.
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Develop and Promote an App
If you have a cool idea for an app, you can make extra money by developing and promoting it. Or you can make apps for local businesses and organizations. Creating an app that solves a problem or provides a unique service can attract a large user base and monetize it through ads or in-app purchases. Many online platforms, like Apple’s App Store and Google Play, allow you to publish and promote your app to millions of people. With some coding and marketing skills, you can turn your app idea into a profitable venture. But other services provide a more drag-and-drop approach as an alternative option.
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