14 of the Best Ways to Make Money on the Side

Are you looking for ways to make some extra money on the side but don’t want to commit to a full-time job? Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make extra money on the side, from online gigs to local opportunities. Follow along and we’ll explore some of the best ways to make money on the side, including both traditional and unconventional methods.

best ways to make money on the side - Lady working at her laptop holding a handful of cash she made on the side

No matter whether you need to supplement your income to save up for a big purchase, achieve financial stability or simply want to pay off some debts, there are many opportunities out there to make extra cash. We will explore some of the good ways to make money on the side, so you can start earning more today. In fact, with the rise of the gig economy and the availability of technology it has never been easier to find side jobs that fit your skills and interests.

Making extra money on the side can be a great way to earn a little extra cash or build a side hustle into a full-time business. Many of these “side hustles” take little or no money to start and can be done from home in your spare time. The question becomes: Which of these side hustles is the best for you?

And, that will depend on you, your experiences, abilities, skills and life situation. So, let’s take a look at some of the different ways to make money on the side and see if any are a good fit for you.

The Best Ways to Make Money on the Side


There are many ways to make money on the side. The following are some of the best ways to earn money on the side. This list is by no means exclusive as there are many and varied ways of making money on the side.

Freelancing

If you have a skill or talent, such as writing, graphic design, or programming, freelancing can be a great way to make money on the side. Websites like Upwork, Freelancer.com and Fiverr allow you to create a profile and bid on jobs posted by clients from all over the world. You can set your own rates and work on projects that interest you and there are many opportunities to find freelance work online.

Online Surveys and Market Research

Online surveys can be a quick and easy way to make some extra cash. Many companies pay people to take surveys and willing to pay for your opinion on their products or services in order to gather market research data. While you won’t get rich taking online surveys, it can be a fun and easy way to earn some extra spending money. Websites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie offer cash rewards for completing online surveys or participating in market research studies. While the pay may not be high, it can be a great way to make a little extra money in your spare time and it’s free!

Selling Products Online

If you have a talent for crafting or an eye for finding great deals, you can make money by selling products online. Websites like Etsy and eBay allow you to set up a store and sell handmade or vintage items. You can also consider dropshipping or selling products on Amazon.

Also, If you have items that you no longer need or want, selling them online can be a great way to make some extra cash. Websites like eBay and Craigslist allow you to list your items for sale and connect with potential buyers in your area.

Renting Out Your Property

If you have a spare room, you can make money by listing it for rent on websites like Airbnb or VRBO and connect with travelers who are looking for a place to stay. You can also rent out your entire home while you are away on vacation. Just be sure to check your local regulations and obtain any necessary permits.

Teaching and Tutoring

If you have expertise in a particular subject, tutoring can be a great way to make some extra money. You can make money by sharing your expertise, experience with others. Websites like Chegg and VIPKid allow you to create a profile and start connecting with students who need help in your area of expertise from all over the world. You can also consider offering private tutoring services in your local community.

Delivery and Ridesharing Services

If you have a car and a clean driving record, you can make money by delivering food or driving for ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft.

Or food delivery companies, like Uber Eats and DoorDash, will allow you to sign up as a driver and start making deliveries in your area.

These jobs offer flexible schedules and can be a great way to make extra money on the side.

best ways to make money on the side - Uber driver side hustle

You will need to have a reliable car, insurance and some spare time, but delivery driving can be a great way to earn some extra income without costing you money.

Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

If you love animals, you can make money by offering pet sitting or dog walking services. Websites like Rover and Wag! allow you to create a profile and start connecting with pet owners in your area who are in need of your services. You can also consider advertising your services in your neighborhood or on social media. If you love animals, pet sitting and dog walking can be a fun way to earn some extra cash. Another great way to make money on the side without spending money.

best ways to make money on the side - dog with his head out the car window

Event Staffing

If you enjoy working with people and don’t mind working on weekends, you can make money by staffing events such as weddings, festivals, and concerts. Companies like Eventbrite and StaffMeUp offer temporary staffing opportunities for a variety of events. You can work as a greeter, ticket scanner, bartender, or server, among other roles. These are temporary part-time jobs that you can do on the side to earn extra money without spending money.

Renting Out Your Vehicle

If you have a car that you’re not using frequently, you can make money by renting it out on websites like Turo or Getaround. They allow you to list your car for rent and connect with people in your area who need a vehicle for a short period of time. These websites allow you to set your own rates and choose when to make your vehicle available for rental. If you don’t have money to invest in a side hustle, this could be another great way to earn money on the side without spending money. Check with your insurance agent to make sure you’re covered for other drivers.

Participating in Focus Groups

Focus groups are a great way to provide feedback on new products or services while earning money. Websites like FindFocusGroups and Consumer Opinion Services allow you to sign up for focus groups in your local area. These are limited opportunities and you will have to meet the respective focus groups requirements, but they can be a good source of extra money on the side and are free to join.

House Cleaning and Organization Services

If you’re a neat freak, you can make money by offering house cleaning or organization services. Websites like TaskRabbit and Thumbtack allow you to advertise your services and connect with clients in your local area. As long as people have homes, there will be a need for house cleaning services. You may need to invest a few dollars in cleaning supplies to get started, but the income potential can be great.

Photography and Videography

If you have a talent for photography or videography, you can make money by offering your services for events, real estate listings, or businesses. Websites like Shutterstock and Getty Images allow you to sell your photos and videos to clients around the world. If you are into drones, you will find your services much in demand for aerial photography services. This can be an expensive side hustle if you don’t already have the equipment, but if you do, you can get started for near zero additional cost.

Selling Your Services on Fiverr or Upwork

home-based business - Lady at her desk with multiple arms for all the different tasks she has to do as a home business owner

In addition to freelancing, you can also sell your services on websites like Fiverr or Upwork. These websites allow you to create a profile and offer a variety of services, such as virtual assistance, social media management, and content writing.

If you have a talent for writing, freelance writing can be a great way to make some extra cash. Many websites and blogs are in need of high-quality content, and they are willing to pay for it. Websites like Contena and ProBlogger allow you to find freelance writing opportunities and connect with clients in need of your services.

Affiliate Marketing

If you have a website or social media following, affiliate marketing can be a great way to earn some extra income.

By promoting other peoples products or services on your website or social media accounts, you can earn a commission for every sale that is made through your unique affiliate link.

You don’t need to worry about inventory, shipping, returns, customer service or collecting payments.

Affiliate marketing is one of the best ways to make money on the side since you can do it from home or anywhere you can get an internet connection. And, with very little investment upfront.

What is the Best Way to Make Money on the Side for You?


And, that is the important question. After all, there may be many ways to make money on the side, but not all of them will be suitable to you and your skills and situation. So, how do you determine which side hustle or business is best for you? First, I would suggest you make a personal assessment.

You should make an honest evaluation of your skills, experiences, hobbies, interests and time limitations. Then you can match your skills and interests with the side hustle that best fits with you and your abilities and life situation. If you will take the time to complete these steps, you will have a far better chance of finding a successful, and profitable, way to make money on the side.

Otherwise, you may end up like the majority of people looking to make money on the side who start something without assessing their needs, skills and abilities. Most of these people end up frustrated, discouraged and make little or no money. Many, in fact, lose money making their situation only worse.

I have put together a free personal assessment tool for you, just click on the picture and download your free copy. Fill it out and then look for those opportunities that match you and your particular needs and skills and interests.

Only you know what best fits you. If you find something that fits with your skills, interests and time restrictions that will also produce the extra income you need, you will have found a winner.

The Best Ways to Make Money on the Side: My #1 Recommendation


My #1 recommendation for the best way to make money on the side, is affiliate marketing. You can get started with little to no investment and can take literally any interest, hobby or passion and turn it into a side, or full time, income. With affiliate marketing, you will be promoting the products and services of others so you don’t have the expense of inventory or the hassle of shipping, billing, customer service or returns.

Affiliate marketing is also one of the best ways to make money on the side from home, or anywhere you can get an internet connection. And, with the growth of the internet, you can promote products worldwide and earn commissions 24/7/365.

affiliate marketing diagram

Anyone can start an affiliate marketing business, the skills and techniques are not complicated but you will need some tools, training and support to maximize your potential income and success.

The platform I use for tools and training, for this very website in fact, is the Wealthy Affiliate platform. I have reviewed hundreds of make money online, at home, on the side, programs and have found Wealthy Affiliate to be the best make money online platform, by far.

I have been a Wealthy Affiliate member for over four years now and use it to run all of my online businesses (I am up to four currently). The tools, training, support and community at Wealthy Affiliate provide everything you need to build a successful online business. And, the best part is, they will allow you to try it before you buy it.

They offer a free “starter” membership where you can take a tour of the platform and sample the first 5 lessons in their Online Entreprenuer Certification training. You can see check it out and, see for yourself it is a good fit for you and if it would be a good way to make money on the side. It’s completely free to try, just enter your email address and your in, no credit card needed. Just click the button below and get your FREE starter account, you have nothing to lose and perhaps everything to gain.

Wealthy Affiliate Review - Real People with real testimonials about Wealthy Affiliate

FAQs on The Best Ways to Make Money on the Side


frequently asked questions - cartoon character leaning on a big red question mark.

What are the best online survey websites to make money?

Some popular online survey websites include Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Vindale Research.

How much money can I make with freelancing?

The amount of money you can make with freelancing depends on your skills and experience, as well as the demand for your services. You can set your own rates and work on projects that fit your schedule.

Can I rent out my property on Airbnb if I don’t own it?

No, you cannot rent out a property on Airbnb if you don’t own it. However, you can sublet your apartment if your lease allows it.

Are delivery and ridesharing services safe?

Delivery and ridesharing services have safety features in place, such as background checks and rating systems. However, it’s important to use caution when accepting rides or deliveries from strangers.

How much can I make by renting out my car on Turo?

The amount of money you can make by renting out your car on Turo depends on your location, the make and model of your car, and the demand for rental cars in your area.

The Best Ways to Make Money on the Side: Final Thoughts


There are many ways to make money on the side, whether you’re looking to supplement your income save up for a big purchase, or start a new business. The key is to find opportunities that fit your skills and interests, and to be willing to put in the time and effort to make them successful.

There are opportunities out there for everyone. By exploring the options listed above, and taking the time to do an honest personal evaluation of your skills, abilities, interests and time limitations, you can start earning money on the side as soon as today.

young lady holding her smart phone and running her online business with it

Affiliate marketing is my #1 recommendation for best way to make money on the side due to the fact you can get started with little or no money, get started in your spare time, and can work from home or anywhere you can get an internet connection.

I’m Looking forward to working with you,

Rex

Dotcom Dinero - How to make dinero online
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P.S. Again, Wealthy Affiliate is COMPLETELY FREE to get started. No catch, no obligation, no bait and switch. I will personally be in touch with you upon joining to offer my support and guidance to help you get up and running online.

P.P.S. If you have any questions or are unsure of anything, I am here and I promise I will get back to you on all of your questions and comments. Just leave them below in the comment section. Follow me on Twitter: @onlinebenjamin1, Instagram: dotcomdinero, Facebook: Online Benjamins and YouTube: Rex McMahon

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