Creative ways to make money: examples and tips for getting started

Published • 26/11/2024 | Updated • 26/11/2024

Business ideas

Creative ways to make money: examples and tips for getting started

Published • 26/11/2024 | Updated • 26/11/2024

Business ideas

Exploring creative ways to make money is easier than ever these days. Whether you want to turn a hobby into a side hustle or try something new, there are plenty of tools at your disposal to help make it happen.

From hands-on work, like crafting things to make and sell, to online gigs like freelance writing or starting a YouTube channel, you can monetise your imagination in numerous ways. You don’t need a huge budget – just a creative streak and a bit of motivation.

Wondering where to start, and how to handle practical considerations like pricing strategies and how to organise your small business finances? We’ve put together this guide to present a range of creative money-making ideas, and provide tips to help get your new venture going.

20 creative ways to make money

Whether you’re considering how to make money on the side of a regular job or hoping to earn a full-time income with your creative skills, there’s a few things you’ll need to think about before you get started.

We’ll get to the practical stuff, like sorting out taxes and how to separate personal and business finances later. For now, let’s focus on getting inspired.

We’ve split our ideas into two sections, so you can quickly hop to what fits you best:

  • Hands-on creative ventures

  • Digital creative ventures

Hands-on creative ventures

Love working with your hands and enjoy bringing products or services to life? These ventures can be great ways to turn your creativity into cash. 

1. Sell artwork

If you’re a keen artist – whether you paint, sculpt, or make quirky crafts – selling your pieces gives you the chance to make money while doing what you love.

There are different ways to get your work in front of customers. Many artistic businesses thrive on marketplaces like Etsy, but you could also sell at local craft markets. Setting up a little retail stall of your own lets people see your creations in person, which can really help with sales.

To grab attention, consider offering custom pieces, like adding a client’s name or favourite colours to your designs. And don’t worry if you’ve only got a limited small business budget; start with prints or mini-sculptures and expand your range as you go.

Looking for craft fairs? The Makers Market hosts 20 artisan markets each month, making it a good choice for makers in the North West. UK Craft Fairs lists events for most regions, while Stallfinder covers a wider range of events, like baby fairs and pet shows, which could be ideal if your artwork caters to a specific niche.

2. Sell homeware

Handmade homeware, whether it’s pottery, rugs, or cushion covers, is an increasingly popular alternative to mass-produced high street fare. Like artwork such as paintings and sculptures, you can sell online or at craft fairs – both are great ways to connect with customers who appreciate unique, practical pieces. 

When selling online, be sure to use high-quality photos in your listings to show off all the little details buyers can’t see in person. At markets, focus on setting up an eye-catching display that pulls people in. Either way, don’t be afraid to go with bold, unique designs that will stand apart from what’s available elsewhere.

To help your homeware stand out even more, you could try offering limited-edition or seasonal versions of your bestsellers. People love items that feel special, and it can encourage repeat business too.

3. Sell knitted baby products

If knitting cute baby items is your thing, it can easily become one of those hobbies that make money. Whether it’s blankets, beanies, or cardigans, there’s always a market for high-quality hand knits for tiny humans.

Finding a unique selling point (USP) can help with sales. For example, using sustainable wool will attract eco-conscious parents. You could also offer personalisation options, like adding a baby’s name or initials – parents love that extra special touch.

The usual sales routes, like online marketplaces and craft fairs, work well. But to reach even more parents, consider contacting local antenatal groups or baby classes to explore partnerships. Offering to donate a small percentage of your sales to a baby charity could be a nice way to build relationships.

Tap into easy payments

Selling in person? SumUp’s Tap to Pay on iPhone or Tap to Pay on Android makes accepting cashless payments simple. There’s no need for extra hardware; just use your phone to process transactions on the go, keeping things quick, easy, and secure.

Learn more about Tap to Pay

4. Sell homemade bakes

If your skills are more culinary than crafts-based, baking could be the perfect creative money-making opportunity. Whether it’s cakes for special occasions, gluten-free goodies, or freshly baked bread, handmade treats are always a big hit.

You don’t need a full catering setup – just your home kitchen, some basic tools, and a knack for great flavours. Offering seasonal products, like Halloween cupcakes, can help with getting clients on your books. Custom bakes for birthdays or events are another smart move – those little extras can really help your business grow.

A good place to start is close to home. Your neighbours might love a regular delivery of fresh bakes. Farmers markets are another great option, or you could talk to local shops about stocking your products. Don’t forget about packaging either – investing in attractive, eco-friendly options will help your business stand out.

5. Become a private chef

Offering private chef services is another option for a creative small business, especially if you’ve got some professional kitchen experience. But even if you don’t, starting with small events or custom meal prep can be a great entry point for hospitality-style gigs.

Like many creative side hustles and small business ideas,finding a niche gives you an edge. Whether you focus on plant-based meals or fine dining, specialising can really help you make your mark, and developing a few signature dishes will ensure your name stays on everyone’s lips.

Online listing sites like Yhangry can be a good way to advertise your services, but word-of-mouth is key in this sector, so delivering an unforgettable dining experience will help build customer loyalty and keep clients coming back.

As your business grows, catering for larger events may require extra help, like wait staff or kitchen assistants. Expanding your team can be a natural way to scale a business, and our guide on how to hire employees can help with that step.

6. Get into children’s facepainting

As creative money-making ideas go, turning kids into butterflies, tigers, and superheroes has to be one of the most fun options out there. You don’t need to be a professional artist to get started, though courses are available and you can hone your skills using online instructional videos.

To stand out, you could offer themed packages like pirate parties or princess-themed events. Having a variety of options can help you book more gigs – just be sure to use high-quality, hypoallergenic paints to keep sensitive skin safe, and have public liability insurance in place.

Local events and fairs are great for offering your services, but teaming up with party planners can help boost your bookings too. Once you’re up and running, keep things quick and tidy – reliable, safe service will get parents talking and help spread the word.

7. Become a makeup artist

If you’ve got a knack for makeup, becoming a freelance makeup artist working on everything from bridal makeup to prom looks could be a fulfilling creative path.

Qualifications gained through a formal diploma or degree aren’t always necessary – though they can improve your chances of getting into specialist fields like theatrical makeup – but building a strong online portfolio is a must. To get started, practice on family and friends to showcase a variety of looks, from natural to full-on glam.

One big plus is that you don’t need your own salon. Customers often love the convenience of you coming to them, so offering mobile services can be a huge selling point. As you grow, you might consider renting a chair at a local salon on weekends to broaden your reach.

Breaking into this industry can be challenging, but don’t underestimate the power of positive feedback and word-of-mouth advertising. Offering clients before-and-after photos is another good move, giving them something to share on social media and spreading the word further.

8. Decorate events

Another great way to indulge your creativity and make money at the same time is through event decorating. Whether it’s weddings, birthday parties, or corporate events, people are always after that “wow” factor to make their celebration unforgettable.

Specialising in specific themes or colour palettes is a great way to stand out, but if you really want to add something special, offer extras like balloon artistry or photo backdrops. Clients love fun add-ons like balloon arches, and they’re often willing to pay more for these custom touches.

Whether you cater to private and corporate clients or both, investing in high-quality supplies helps ensure your decorations last throughout the event. And as word spreads about your setups, you’ll likely find yourself booking even bigger and more exciting projects.

9. Upcycle furniture

If you’ve got an eye for good design and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, upcycling furniture could be your ideal creative money maker. Taking old, worn-out pieces and giving them a fresh look – whether with a new coat of paint or a full-on transformation – isn’t just satisfying; it can be profitable too.

Etsy, Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are great spots to sell your revamped creations and also to find unwanted items that need a new lease of life. You can often score pieces at bargain prices or even for free, leaving plenty of room for profit once they’ve been spruced up.

Start small with manageable items like chairs or coffee tables to build your confidence and test which styles sell best. Once you’ve completed a few projects, you might be surprised by the interest you’ll generate – and the extra cash that comes your way.

Simplify payments for your creations

If you’re selling pieces to local people in person, you can provide greater convenience by accepting payments with a card reader. SumUp’s devices are simple to set up and equally straightforward to use.

Order a card reader

10. Use your photography skills

If you have a talent for capturing great shots, there are plenty of ways to turn that skill into extra cash. Online platforms like Shutterstock and Alamy are great venues for selling high-quality stock photos, though a good camera and some experience are usually needed.

If you’re a beginner, you might want to explore FOAP, which can allow you to start selling photos straight from your smartphone, with no need for expensive gear. As you earn, you can invest in better equipment, like a DSLR, to unlock more opportunities. Specialising in areas like pet or food photography could be a good option since these are always in demand.

As you gain experience, you could branch out into event photography or portrait sessions. Offering custom packages with prints or digital albums can increase your income while giving clients a polished final product they’ll love to share or display.

Digital creative ventures

We’ve been looking at creative ways to make money which involve manual work, going out and about, and meeting customers face to face. But what if you’re more interested in how to start a business from home? This is where being creative in the purely digital realm comes into play.

1. Start a niche website

If you’re good at writing and know your stuff on a specific topic, launching a niche website peppered with affiliate links could be a great answer to how to make money from home in a creative way.

Niche sites deliver content that helps readers solve problems or find answers. You can go broad with something like makeup reviews or get specific with a micro-niche, like vegan cosmetics.

Start with keyword research to find low-competition topics with decent demand. Once that’s sorted, brainstorm some catchy business name ideas, pick a matching domain name, and set up hosting. Amazon Associates is a great affiliate program to kick things off, and MediaVine, an ad network, works well once you’re hitting 50,000 page views per month.

Remember, niche sites aren’t a quick way to make money online – it can take 6 months to a year or more before seeing an income, depending on your traffic. Focusing on SEO and creating evergreen content can help you steadily build your visitor numbers and earnings.

2. Write a Substack

If you want to focus on your writing without having to pay heed to the obligations of affiliate links, Substack could be for you. 

Popular with journalists, commentators and even prize-winning authors, the platform lets you publish newsletters, blogs, or even podcasts, and gives you the option of offering paid subscriptions to your readers. It’s free to get started, with Substack taking a percentage cut only once you start earning.

To kick things off, pick a subject you’re passionate about – whether it’s business insights, lifestyle hacks, or fiction. A mix of free and paid posts can help attract more readers, while publishing consistently builds trust with your audience. Substack’s built-in network also helps new writers connect with potential subscribers.

Here’s an impressive stat: the most successful Substack, “Letters from an American” by history professor Heather Cox Richardson, reportedly earns $5 million annually. Most writers won’t hit these kinds of numbers, but with steady effort and valuable content, you can definitely build a loyal, paying subscriber base over time.

3. Become a freelance writer

Freelance writing for clients is another creative way to earn money from your words. Whether you want to compose blog posts, articles, or product descriptions, platforms like Fiverr and PeoplePerHour are great for landing your first paid projects and building your reputation.

As you gain experience, it’s also helpful to add skills like SEO writing or email marketing for small businesses – both are in high demand. These additional services can set you apart from other writers and open doors to more valuable opportunities. The more services you offer, the easier it becomes to attract clients and negotiate better rates.

Once you’re established, finding clients directly – whether it’s through small business networking, pitching to businesses, or using social media – can give you more control over your projects and lead to higher-paying work.

4. Get into graphic design

Graphic design is another freelancing option that lets you put your creativity to work. From designing logos and brochures to website layouts, there’s always demand for high-quality creations whether for personal or commercial use. 

Just like with freelance writing, platforms like Fiverr and PeoplePerHour are great for picking up small gigs to build your initial portfolio. As you start to get your name out there, improving your skills with tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or even Canva can unlock more opportunities. 

To attract more clients, sharing your work on platforms like Behance or Dribbble can be very effective. You can also reach out directly to local businesses or startups in need of fresh branding or web design. As your reputation grows, you should start landing projects with greater creative freedom and better pay too.

Make getting paid simple

No matter your creative venture, SumUp Invoices makes it easy to pursue and receive payments. Create and send compliant invoices in seconds from your mobile, offer trusted payment options, and get notified when you’re paid.

Start invoicing for free

5. Create digital courses

Creating digital courses lets you make money from sharing what you know – whether that’s crafts, languages, business skills or virtually anything else. 

Platforms like Udemy and Teachable allow you to reach people worldwide, though costs vary. Teachable offers monthly plans (paid annually), while Udemy takes a percentage of your sales.

If you’re comfortable on camera, you can get creative with video lessons. If not, you could add quizzes and downloadable resources like worksheets or templates. The key is to offer valuable and enjoyable content that keeps your students engaged.

Once your courses are live, they can generate passive income as students continue to enrol. However, don’t overlook the potential of adding new courses. This can encourage existing students to return for more, boosting your long-term income potential.

6. Start a print-on-demand business

Printing on demand lets you turn your creative skills into custom products like t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags. To get started, all you need to do is create the designs and upload your artwork to platforms like Redbubble and Printify. These sites handle the printing and shipping, making it simple to sell a variety of retail products.

One of the biggest perks of print-on-demand is that you only produce what you sell, so there are no upfront costs or wasted stock. This means you can focus on creating eye-catching designs that really stand out. As with many creative ways to make money,niche products tend to perform best.

Of course, it’s up to you to get the word out. Like always, setting up an Etsy shop is a popular option, but launching your own online store gives you more flexibility in how you present your products and lets you connect directly with customers. It also opens up additional ways to sell, such as gift cards.

Take control with an online store

Ready to launch your own online store? With SumUp, you can create a bespoke storefront in minutes and start selling directly to customers. Plus, you’ll get tools for secure online payments and order management – all in one place.

Open your free store

7. Monetise a YouTube channel

YouTube is a pretty cool way to turn your creativity into cash. Whether you’re making short videos, live streams, or longer content, you can apply for YouTube’s Partner Programme once you hit 500 subscribers and 3,000 watch hours (or three million Shorts views) in 90 days. This opens up fan funding and the option to sell products.

Once your channel hits 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours (or 10 million Shorts views), you’ll unlock even more perks, like earning from ads and YouTube Premium. These features give you more opportunities to grow your income.

If you’re exploring online business ideas, YouTube is a low-cost way to get started. Just remember to focus on creating engaging videos, post regularly, and connect with your audience. The more your channel grows, the faster you can start earning.

8. Sell stock music and sound affects

Skilled at making music or sound effects? Selling stock audio could be a creatively satisfying answer to how to make money online. Platforms like AudioJungle and Pond5 let you upload your tracks and earn whenever someone uses them in their videos, podcasts, or ads.

You don’t need a ton of fancy gear to get started – many creators begin with basic equipment and upgrade later. It helps to focus on versatile tracks like ambient music or catchy jingles since they work well for various projects. And don’t overlook sound effects – things like swooshes and clicks are always in demand among video editors.

If you enjoy creating audio, this is a solid option for earning some extra cash from home. Just remember, the more you upload, the better your chances of earning regularly.

9. Self-publish a book

If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book, self-publishing is a straightforward way to make it happen without relying on a traditional publisher. Amazon KDP allows you to publish and sell eBooks, paperbacks, or even hardcovers to a global audience. 

Whether you’re diving into fiction, non-fiction, or guides, you’ll have complete control over your content and design.

The process is really simple: write your book, format it, and upload it to your chosen platform. With KDP Select, you can also include your book in Kindle Unlimited, giving subscribers access. Plus, you’ll unlock promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and free book promotions to help boost your sales.

For anyone exploring low cost business ideas, self-publishing is an excellent choice. It’s affordable to start, and with the right promotion, you can build an audience and drive sales over time.

10. Create your own app

The idea of creating and selling your own app may seem like a pipe dream, but these days you don’t need coding skills to do exactly that. 

With platforms like Adalo, Glide, and Bubble, anyone can create an app without writing a single line of code. Whether you want to develop a business tool, a game, or a lifestyle app, these no-code solutions make it easy to turn your creative ideas into reality.

Getting started is simple. The platforms use drag-and-drop tools, so you can design and customise your app to fit your vision. With templates available, you can quickly whip up something functional. Best of all, no-code apps can be launched on the App Store or Google Play, just like traditionally coded ones.

Building a no-code app is an affordable way to test out new creative ideas. With minimal upfront costs and easy access to app marketplaces, it’s a fantastic option if you’re looking to create something innovative without technical expertise.

Practical tips for launching creative ideas to make money

Once you’ve found the right creative money-making idea, it’s important to think about the practical side of things too. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind.

HMRC and taxes

As you start making money from your creative business, remember you can only earn up to £1,000 a year under the annual trading allowance before needing to register as self-employed with HMRC.

Once you exceed that threshold – even if only from side hustle ideas – you’ll need to register and track your income and small business expenses. You might also find that setting up a limited company is more tax efficient, depending on your business goals.

To avoid surprises, it’s wise to set aside money for taxes and National Insurance as you go. Accounting tools like QuickBooks or Xero can help keep your finances organised.

If you’re feeling unsure, chatting with a small business accountant can be beneficial. They will be able to guide you through the process, ensure you’re on track, and help you take advantage of any small business tax deductions available.

Insurance and registrations

The legal requirements for starting a small business don’t stop at taxes. Depending on what you’re doing, you’ll likely need certain types of insurance to protect yourself. For instance, if you’re working with the public, public liability insurance is essential. If you’re offering freelance B2B services, professional indemnity insurance can cover you if something goes wrong.

On top of that, some industries require you to register with the appropriate authorities before you can officially start. For example, if you’re venturing into the food and drink business by selling home-baked treats, you’ll need to register with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) at least 28 days before opening.

Social media and promotion

If you’re exploring creative ways to make money, learning how to use social media for small business is a must. It can be a real game-changer for any enterprise.

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are perfect for showcasing your designs, products, or services, with Instagram Stories and TikTok clips providing a personal touch through behind-the-scenes content. Meanwhile, Pinterest is especially useful if you’re selling print-on-demand products like custom mugs or t-shirts.

Whichever platform you choose, consistency is key – remember to post regularly, use the right hashtags, and engage with your followers to build a loyal community.

Pricing and value

Figuring out how to price a product or service can be tricky, especially when you’re just starting out. Whether you’re doing freelance writing, crafting things to make and sell, or selling custom products, it’s easy to feel tempted to undercharge.

Remember though, your time, skills, and expertise are valuable – don’t undersell yourself. Research what others are charging in your field to understand the going market rates.

As your business grows, you can adjust your prices to reflect your growing expertise. Knowing how to price your work fairly helps you maintain a healthy balance between competitive rates and earning what you’re worth.

Payment options

Right from the start, it’s important to have the right payment methods set up for your creative venture. 

If you’re using platforms like Etsy or Fiverr, they’ll typically handle payments for you. But if you’re running your own online store or taking payments directly, whether in person or remotely, you’ll need some reliable solutions.

For in-person sales at markets or pop-up events, consider a card reader or even a simple point-of-sale app on your phone. This way, you can accept contactless payments on the spot. If you plan to work remotely or are thinking about how to start an online business, using payment links or a payment gateway lets clients pay from anywhere.

And if you’re selling high-ticket items, you could also look into offering Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL). Supporting a variety of small business payment options makes your business attractive by upping the convenience factor for customers, no matter how they prefer to shop.

Keep your finances organised

Once you start accepting payments from customers, it’s smart to keep business and personal finances separate. A free SumUp business account allows you to do that, and brings additional benefits like a free Mastercard for hassle-free spending.

Open your account

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