Looking to make some extra money this year? Whether you want to save up for something special or just need a little extra cash, there are plenty of options out there. From using your skills online to getting out and about in your community, you can find a side hustle that fits your lifestyle. Here are ten great ways to earn extra income this year.

Key Takeaways

• Starting a YouTube channel can be a fun way to share your interests and make money through ads and sponsorships.
• Selling digital products like eBooks or printables can bring in passive income once the initial work is done.
• Tutoring, whether in person or online, is a great way to use your knowledge to help others and earn money.
• Delivering packages or groceries is a flexible job that you can fit into your schedule.
• Renting out a spare room or your entire home can provide a significant income boost, especially if you live in a popular area.

Monetize a YouTube Channel

YouTube has a huge audience of 2.7 billion users who watch a billion hours of videos every day. You can tap into those views by joining the YouTube Partner Program, which lets you earn money from ads shown during your videos.

Keep in mind that it takes time to gather enough viewers to earn a lot from ads. That’s why many YouTubers look for other ways to monetize their content. Here are some ideas:

• Team up with brands to promote their products in your videos. They’ll pay you a fee or give you a cut of the sales.
• Direct viewers to buy products from your own online store.
• Use Google’s AdSense to put relevant ads on your blog or website for extra earning potential.

YouTube side hustles are a great way to make money in your spare time by sharing what you know, discussing current events, or providing entertainment. YouTube is free to use, and you can monetize YouTube videos once you’ve reached at least 1,000 subscribers and average over 4,000 video watch hours per year. This can take a while to achieve, but with work, it’s possible to earn many thousands each month. Many dedicated side hustlers have turned their YouTube channel into a highly profitable full-time gig.

Sell Digital Products

Selling digital products is a fantastic way to earn extra income with minimal overhead costs. You can create and sell items like e-books, music, graphics, and templates. Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose Your Niche: Decide what type of digital product you want to create. This could be anything from educational e-books to custom music tracks.
2. Create Your Product: Use tools like Canva, PhotoPea, or Garageband to design your product. These platforms offer free and paid options to help you create high-quality digital goods.
3. Set Up a Store: You can sell your products on your own website or use platforms like Etsy, Envato Market, and Creative Fabrica.
4. Market Your Product: Promote your digital products on social media and other online marketplaces to reach a wider audience.

Selling digital products allows you to leverage your existing skills and creativity to generate income. It’s a flexible and scalable way to make money on the side.

By following these steps, you can turn your creative talents into a profitable side hustle.

Become an IRL or Online Tutor

Teaching can be a very rewarding way to earn extra income. Thanks to online platforms like Cambly, TutorOcean, Preply, and Learn to Be, it’s easier than ever to become an online tutor. Even students are getting into the tutoring business, offering services like test prep and homework help. This market is expected to grow at a rate of 5.2% annually until 2027.

To get started, see what types of tutors are needed on Craigslist or create a profile on sites like Tutor.com or Care.com. You can also advertise your services at local schools and community centers. What you charge can depend on your experience, expertise, and what’s in demand.

If you speak a second language, are good at math, or enjoyed writing essays back in school, there are many online tutoring organizations looking for tutors to help elementary, high school, and college students with their studies.

Consider creating an online course to make your tutoring side hustle extra profitable. Building an online course takes effort at the start, but once it’s set up, it can generate passive income continuously.

Identify the subject or skills you are most knowledgeable about, then look for students on tutoring platforms or at local educational institutions.

Deliver Packages

If you have some free time and a vehicle, you can start a side hustle as a delivery driver. What’s great about this gig is the flexible schedule. Most delivery drivers choose when they want to work and only receive delivery assignments when they’re available.

Next steps: To get started, sign up with a service like Amazon Flex. Once you’re registered, you can start picking the time blocks that suit your schedule.

Start a Podcast

Starting a podcast is a great way to share your thoughts and ideas with the world. Podcast audiences have grown consistently each year, making it a popular way to earn extra income. Plus, it's relatively cheap to get started. You can buy a good USB microphone for less than $100, and there are free recording platforms like Audacity that are easy to use.

To start, find a theme or subject that resonates with a target audience. Record a few episodes in advance and plan your launch campaign. As you grow, you can incorporate ads or sponsorships to turn your podcast into a side hustle.

Podcasting is a low-cost way to create content and reach a wide audience. With the right approach, it can become a profitable venture.

Design and Sell Your Own T-Shirts

If you love creating designs, selling custom t-shirts can be a fun and low-risk way to earn extra income. Print-on-demand (POD) services like Printful, Printify, and Gelato let you upload your designs, which are then printed and shipped when someone buys them. This means you don't need to buy a lot of inventory upfront.

Steps to Get Started

1. Create unique and appealing designs.
2. Choose a POD service to work with.
3. Set up an online store using platforms like Shopify.
4. Upload your designs to the POD service and link them to your store.
5. Promote your t-shirts on social media and other channels.

With POD services handling the printing and shipping, you can focus on what you do best: designing awesome t-shirts.

Tips for Success

• Research current trends to create designs that people will love.
• Offer a variety of sizes and colors to appeal to more customers.
• Use high-quality images and descriptions to showcase your products.

By following these steps and tips, you can turn your creativity into a profitable side hustle.

Offer Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Services

Are you an animal lover? You can make extra money by walking dogs or pet sitting. This is a great way to earn while spending time with pets. You can advertise your services on social media, put up signs in your neighborhood, or use websites like Rover and Wag. These platforms let you set your schedule and fees, but they do take a small cut of your earnings.

Here are some steps to get started:

1. Decide if you want to offer in-home care or visit pets in their homes.
2. Research any permits or licenses needed in your area.
3. Create profiles on pet-sitting websites or apps.
4. Advertise your services locally and online.

Pet sitting and dog walking can be a fun and rewarding way to make extra income. Plus, you get to spend time with furry friends!

Become a Rideshare Driver

Driving for a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft can be a flexible way to earn extra income. You can choose your own hours, making it easy to fit into your schedule. Whether you prefer early mornings, late nights, or weekends, there's always a demand for rides.

Steps to Get Started

1. Choose a rideshare platform that fits your needs.
2. Ensure your vehicle meets the platform's requirements.
3. Complete the application process, including a background check and driving history review.
4. Start driving and earning money.

Tips for Success

• Keep your car clean and well-maintained.
• Be polite and professional with passengers.
• Use a GPS to find the best routes and avoid traffic.

Driving for a rideshare service can be a great way to make money on your own terms. Just remember to factor in the costs of gas and vehicle maintenance.

Deliver Groceries and Other Items

Delivering groceries and other items has become a popular way to earn extra income. With many delivery platforms available, you can choose the one that fits you best. You can work for well-known apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates. In some countries, you can also use apps like SkipTheDishes in Canada or Menulog in Australia and New Zealand.

Getting Started

1. Choose a Platform: Decide which delivery service you want to work for. Options include Instacart, Spark Driver (Walmart’s delivery app), and Amazon Flex.
2. Sign Up: Register on the app and complete the necessary background checks.
3. Start Delivering: Once approved, you can start accepting delivery requests and earning money.

Tips for Success

• Be Prompt: Deliver items quickly to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Stay Organized: Keep track of orders and delivery addresses to avoid mistakes.
• Use a Reliable Vehicle: Make sure your car, bike, or scooter is in good condition to handle deliveries.

Delivering groceries and other items is a flexible way to make extra money. You can set your own schedule and work as much or as little as you want.

Rent Out Your Home or a Spare Room

Renting out your home or a spare room can be a great way to earn extra income. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo make it easy to list your space for short-term rentals. Whether you have a spare bedroom or an entire home, you can find travelers looking for a place to stay.

Here are some steps to get started:

1. Prepare Your Space: Clean and declutter the area you plan to rent out. Make it inviting for guests.
2. Take Quality Photos: Good pictures can attract more guests. Make sure your photos show the best features of your space.
3. Set Your Price: Research similar listings in your area to set a competitive price.
4. Create a Listing: Write a detailed description of your space and upload your photos to the rental platform.
5. Establish House Rules: Clearly state what is and isn't allowed in your home to avoid any misunderstandings.
6. Communicate with Guests: Be responsive to inquiries and provide clear instructions for check-in and check-out.

Renting out your space not only helps you earn extra money but also allows you to meet new people from different places. Just make sure to check your local regulations and any homeowner association rules before you start.

Conclusion

Finding ways to earn extra income can be a game-changer for your financial situation. Whether you choose to start a side hustle, sell products online, or offer services in your community, there are plenty of opportunities to boost your earnings. Remember, the key is to pick something that fits your skills and interests so you can stay motivated. Don't be afraid to try out a few different ideas to see what works best for you. With a bit of effort and creativity, you can make this year your most profitable one yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I start a YouTube channel?

To start a YouTube channel, sign in to YouTube, click on your profile picture, and create a new channel. Pick a name, upload a profile picture, and start making videos.

What types of digital products can I sell?

You can sell eBooks, printables, music, software, courses, and more. Think about what you are good at and what people might need.

How do I become a tutor?

You can become a tutor by signing up on tutoring websites, offering your services at local schools, or advertising online. You need to be good at the subject you want to teach.

What do I need to deliver packages?

To deliver packages, you usually need a reliable vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and sometimes a background check. Sign up with delivery companies like Amazon Flex or UPS.

How can I start a podcast?

Start a podcast by choosing a topic, getting a good microphone, and recording software. Plan your episodes, record them, and upload them to podcast platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

What do I need to rent out my home or a spare room?

To rent out your home or a room, you need a clean and safe space. Sign up on rental websites like Airbnb, take good photos, write a nice description, and set your price.