How to make money on the side: examples and tips

If you like the idea of increasing your income without quitting your day job, you’re in good company. Lots of people are using their free time to make extra cash, whether it’s to save for something big, clear debts, or just feel a bit more secure. A side hustle can help you do all of that without messing up your nine to five.

There are plenty of ways to get started. You could offer freelance services, learn how to start an online business,or upcycle unwanted goods. As most side hustles are flexible, you’ll be able to make money in the hours that suit you, while doing something you enjoy.

But it’s not just about the added income. Side gigs give you a chance to pick up new skills, meet interesting people, and maybe even turn a passion into profit. Whether you’re dusting off old hobbies that make money or trying something new, there are lots of opportunities out there.

In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best ways to make money on the side and how to get started. Whether you’re after a little extra cash or something more substantial, you should get plenty of inspiration from our list of examples.

Ways to make money on the side

Whether you’re interested in how to make money from home or are happy to get out and about, the first step is figuring out what kind of work fits your tastes and your schedule.

Later in this guide, we’ll cover how to decide if an idea is worth your time. But before we get into that, let’s give you some inspiration. Here are some of the best ideas for how to make money on the side, UK wide.

1. Sell your skills on freelancing platforms

If you’re already skilled in areas like writing or coding, freelancing can be an effective and convenient way to bring in extra cash. Since you know your stuff, you can focus on how to get clients. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour are great for showcasing your work and landing jobs quickly.

These sites work in a similar way: you browse job listings and submit proposals for gigs that interest you. Many also allow you to offer services at set prices. For example, a graphic designer might charge £100 for a logo design, making it easy for clients to order without needing a custom quote.

Most platforms don’t charge to set up a portfolio or submit a certain number of proposals each month, but they do take a percentage of your earnings when you get paid. The percentage varies, but it’s typically reasonable – Upwork, for example, charges 10%. Just be sure to factor these fees into your pricing strategies.

And while you can start with the skills you already have; freelancing is a great opportunity to build on them. Expanding into areas like SEO or email marketing alongside copywriting, for example, could help your freelancing income really take off.

2. Offer business support

If you’re organised and good at multitasking, business support roles like virtual assistance or customer service could be a great fit. These jobs don’t need much upfront investment and are often remote, so they’re a good option if you’re looking into how to make money on the side from home.

As a virtual assistant (VA), you might handle tasks like scheduling meetings, managing emails, or booking travel. It’s work that can easily fit around your other commitments, and you can take on multiple clients if your schedule allows.

Customer service is another popular option, especially for small businesses that need help handling inquiries or processing orders. Many companies outsource this kind of support, so it can be a steady way to earn extra money on the side.

Data entry is also worth a look. It’s simple stuff like entering data into spreadsheets or databases, and since it doesn’t need specialised skills, it’s an easy way to get started.

As with freelancing, you’ll find plenty of these roles listed on platforms like Upwork and PeoplePerHour. Just remember to factor in the platform fees we talked about.

3. Start a blog

If you’re knowledgeable about a particular topic, blogging can help you turn that knowledge into income. Platforms like WordPress and Wix make it easy to get started, with plenty of free and paid themes to customise your blog just the way you want. Even if you’re not super tech-savvy, it’s simple to set up and get going.

But with over 600 million blogs out there, standing out takes effort. To drive traffic, focus on consistent posting, creating valuable content, and optimising for SEO. Joining blogging networks like Get Blogged and Bloggers Required can also help you reach new readers and offer opportunities to land sponsored posts.

Once you’ve built an audience, you can start monetising in other ways too. Affiliate marketing– where you recommend products or services and earn a commission when your readers make a purchase – is one of the most popular methods.

The Amazon Associates program is a great place to start with affiliate marketing because it’s flexible – you earn commissions on items people buy after clicking your links, not just the products you promoted. Other programs like ShareASale and Awin might offer additional opportunities depending on your blog’s niche.

4. Get into self-publishing

Thanks to online platforms, becoming a self-published author is now a feasible approach to making money. With Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), you have full control over your book, whether it’s an eBook, paperback, or hard copy. You can even choose between colour or black and white, giving you total creative freedom.

Amazon handles the printing and shipping, and you can earn up to 70% royalties on eBooks.

To help your book stand out, you can use tools like Canva for basic design, but it’s worth investing in a professional cover to give it a polished look. Fiverr is a great place to find affordable freelancers who can help with that final touch.

Remember, while Amazon makes publishing easy, promoting your work – through social media, an author website, or even a book launch – is really important for landing sales and building a loyal following.

Self-publishing doesn’t stop with books either. You can also create and sell digital content like how-to guides or workbooks. Gumroad is a great platform for selling downloadable products directly to your audience, giving you more flexibility over what you offer and where.

5. Earn from social media

Social media can be a great way to earn extra income if you know how to engage an audience on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. While building that audience takes time, the earning potential can be impressive once you’ve got a solid following.

You can monetise through ads, affiliate marketing, or even sponsored posts. Brands are always on the lookout for influencers to help reach new customers, often offering paid promotions or product deals in return for exposure.

If being in the spotlight isn’t your thing, social media management is another option. Many small businesses need help keeping up with their social media – creating posts, replying to comments, and growing their audience. 

You don’t need a huge personal following; it’s more about understanding how to use social media for small business and helping clients connect with theirs.

You can find social media work on freelancing platforms or by reaching out to businesses directly. Whether you’re focused on building your own platform or managing social media for others, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

6. Launch an online store

Starting an online store is one of the most popular ways to make more money on the side. Thanks to dropshipping sites like Avasam, you don’t even need your own products to sell. When a customer places an order for anything from food and drink to fashion, your supplier handles packing and delivery, making it a low risk, low cost business idea.

If you’re looking for creative ways to make money, print-on-demand might be a better fit. Platforms like Redbubble and Printify let you design custom products like T-shirts, mugs, or posters, while they take care of printing and postage. It means you can focus on creating your designs without worrying about storing stock or handling logistics.

No matter which route you take, finding reliable suppliers for your online business ideas will help you build a good reputation. Poor quality or delayed shipping can lead to unhappy customers, so it’s worth taking the time to check out different options carefully.

To grow your store, be sure to stay on top of trends in your niche. Whether you’re dropshipping, doing print-on-demand or selling your own handmade products, combining an understanding of what customers want with a solid marketing strategy for small business can set you up to start bringing in extra money quickly.

7. Sell subscription boxes

More than a quarter of Brits are signed up for a subscription box, and the marketis set to grow to £1.8 billion by 2025. The concept is simple: customers receive a themed collection of items on a regular basis, whether monthly, quarterly, or whatever schedule works best.

While popular boxes like Graze and Birchbox lead the way, there’s still room to create and sell your own. To stand out, you’ll need a niche that keeps customers excited for each delivery.

Partnering with small brands or sourcing products wholesale can offer variety without stretching your small business budget. Having a clear theme, like self-care or pets, will also help grab attention.

Remember, you’ll likely need to handle your own logistics, from sourcing and packing to shipping, and it all needs to run smoothly. And presentation matters too. Custom-printed boxes from local suppliers can make the unboxing experience more memorable for your customers.

Platforms like Subbly work well for managing subscriptions, but you should also think about having your own website and social media presence. Offering early bird discounts or exclusive items can build up your customer base, and promoting your boxes across different channels should help you sell more of them.

8. Try network marketing

With network marketing companies like Utility Warehouse, Avon, and Usborne Books, you can build an extra income by selling products and services alongside your main career. It’s among the business opportunities that can fit neatly into most lifestyles.

For example, a mobile beautician could use Avon products during appointments and recommend them to clients. Or, if you have young children, you could sell Usborne Books to other parents at school. The key is choosing a product you genuinely like, which makes it easier to share with others.

Another benefit of network marketing is the support you get. Most companies offer training and resources to help you succeed. Small business networking can also help you get ahead in this industry; many like-minded entrepreneurs are happy to receive recommendations, as long as they get to share theirs in return.

It’s important to note that network marketing is different from pyramid selling. Pyramid schemes focus on recruiting people instead of selling real products. Sticking with reputable companies ensures your income comes from actual sales, not just adding people to the network.

9. Resell goods

Reselling can be a great way to make extra money if you know where to find low-cost products and sell them for a profit.

You can pick up stock from charity shops, car boot sales, and retail clearance events. Items like vintage clothing and collectibles are always popular, but finding a niche that matches your interests can make the whole process more enjoyable and successful.

Once you’ve got your stock, platforms like Depop, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay are perfect for selling. Depop is ideal for fashion and vintage goods, while Facebook Marketplace helps you connect with a local audience for quicker, in-person sales.

To succeed as a reseller, it’s not just about spotting deals – you’ll also need to focus on presenting your items well with quality photos and clear descriptions. Understanding what’s in demand, knowing how to price a product competitively, and keeping up with trends are all key to staying ahead.

Building strong supplier relationships and being consistent with sourcing and listing can also help you turn reselling into a reliable source of extra money on the side.

10. Rent out assets

If you’ve got assets that aren’t being used – like a spare room, car, or driveway – renting them out can really help with making extra money.

Airbnb is the obvious choice for renting out a room or property to short-term guests, while platforms like Turo allow you to rent out your car when it’s not in use. JustPark is great for renting out your driveway, especially if you live in a busy area or near a major city where parking is in high demand.

But you’re not limited to renting out your space or vehicle. Everything from drones to dresses can bring in extra cash. Platforms like HURR allow you to rent out high-end or special occasion dresses to people who’d rather borrow than buy. And if you have tech items sitting around, there’s likely a market for it on Fat Llama.

Once you’ve set everything up, this side hustle requires minimal effort. Maintenance and cleaning are important, but after that, it’s mostly passive income with perhaps the odd trip to the Post Office. Set fair prices, present your items well, and you’ll be more likely to attract renters.

11. Upcycle items

Whether it’s furniture or clothing, giving old or unwanted items a fresh look and selling them for a profit can be a solid way to make money on the side. If you enjoy DIY, crafting, or working with your hands, upcycling could be a perfect fit as your side hustle.

You can source materials from charity shops, car boot sales, or even skips (with permission), often for little to no cost. The real potential lies in finding pieces that can be transformed into something functional or stylish without spending much.

Selling your upcycled creations on platforms like Etsy or eBay can help you reach a wide audience, while local markets let you connect with customers face-to-face. And if you want to take things further, offering custom orders is a great way to build customer loyalty and secure repeat business.

As with blogging or selling online, success in upcycling isn’t just about the product – you need to understand what people are looking for. So, research trends, price your products based on time and materials, and focus on creating pieces that stand out. With some effort, upcycling can grow into a reliable second income stream.

12. Host craft workshops

Upcycling isn’t the only way to use a creative streak to make extra money. If you love making things, hosting craft workshops could be the perfect side gig. Whether it’s knitting, pottery, or DIY decorations, running workshops lets you share your skills and earn some cash along the way.

You can teach others about things to make and sell for a profit or simply help them learn for fun. Classes can be held in-person or online, with options for group sessions or one-on-one workshops, and you can typically get started fairly easily by promoting your workshops on social media or local community boards.

Offering a few trial sessions can help generate interest. Depending on your craft, you might provide materials or ask participants to bring their own. Partnering with local craft shops can be a great way to buy supplies in bulk and you could even sell them during your workshops for extra income.

13. Carry out local tasks

There’s always demand for help with odd jobs, so offering your services locally can become a steady additional income stream.

You don’t need specialist skills to get started – just the willingness and ability to help out. Platforms like TaskRabbit and Nextdoor are great for connecting with people who need a helping hand.

While jobs can range from home repairs and gardening to pet sitting or helping someone move, this type of side hustle offers plenty of leeway – allowing you to pick tasks that suit both your schedule and your skills.

You don’t have to rely on platforms alone, as learning how to advertise your business and find clients directly can be a great way to grow. Posting flyers in local shops, advertising in community groups, and word-of-mouth recommendations are all effective ways to reach more people.

The more visible you are in your community, the easier it becomes to attract new clients and build relationships. These connections can lead to repeat business and referrals, helping you grow your side hustle as you establish yourself as a go-to person for odd jobs.

14. Do deliveries

When it comes to how to make money on the side,delivery work offers several ways to cash in, as you can deliver everything from meals and groceries to parcels and business documents. 

Companies like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Amazon Flex and CitySprint provide platforms where you can easily get started and begin working in your local area.

Aside from the freedom to set your own schedule, one of the big perks of delivery work is that there are options for different types of vehicles depending on the job. Just keep in mind that in some cases, you’ll need special insurance.

If you’d rather go it alone, offering a local delivery service could also pay off. If you have a van, you could pick up business by helping people move bulky items they’ve bought or sold through local buy-and-sell groups on Facebook. This type of service can be in high demand, particularly in busy neighbourhoods.

15. Run a mobile food and drink cart

Running a mobile food and drink cart can be an enjoyable, if rather intense, way to earn extra money. Whether you’re serving coffee, ice cream, or street food, a cart lets you bring your business directly to customers at events, festivals, or markets.

To get started, you’ll need to inform the Food Standards Agency (FSA) at least 28 days before you begin trading. And while a food hygiene certificate isn’t mandatory, it’s worth getting as it adds credibility and can help you secure more business.

When setting up, keep your menu simple but high-quality, and remember, offering something unique like gourmet coffee can help your business stand out. Make sure you consider how you’ll manage stock, food prep, and storage efficiently, especially if you’re moving between different areas.

How to start making more money on the side

Having a clear plan will help things run smoothly from the start. Here’s a quick overview of how to start a side hustle:

Define your goal

When brainstorming ways to make money on the side, it helps to define your ideal overall objective. Are you looking to cover monthly expenses, save for a big purchase, or just have a bit of extra cash? 

Having a clear goal will help you figure out how much you need to earn each month and guide you towards the right option.

Consider what suits you

Asking “What makes a good business idea?” is about more than what will generate enough income to be viable. It’s also about what you can actually see yourself doing, long term.

Think about the kind of pursuits which bring you pleasure, or at least a gut-level sense of satisfaction. This doesn’t necessarily mean the business has to be inherently creative. For example, you might genuinely derive satisfaction from carrying out DIY or cleaning tasks, and you can take that as a green flag to proceed.

If, on the other hand, you spot a way to make money which doesn’t inspire any real excitement or interest, then it’s best to steer clear. 

Plan it out

Once you’ve chosen how to make more money on the side, map out how it’s going to work in practical terms. 

What hours will you put in, and how does it fit with your schedule? Do you need equipment, insurance, or other resources? Understanding how to write a business plan can help you stay organised and avoid surprises.

Get started

With everything in place, it’s time to take the leap. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. The beauty of making money on the side is that it’s unlikely to be an expensive or risky endeavour, so you can hit the ground running, make mistakes and learn as you go.

How to know if you’ve found the right opportunity

It’s not always easy to know if you’ve picked the right way to make extra money on the side. But if your idea ticks the following boxes, you’re likely onto a good thing. 

• Enjoyment – Are you actually enjoying the prospect of this work?

• Profitability – Is it likely to bring in the money you need, after you cover any running costs?

• Consistency – Does it have the potential to bring in consistent earnings, rather than rely too much on particular seasonal peaks?

• Scalability – Does it realistically have the potential to grow over time, generating even more revenue on the side

• Flexibility – Does it fit into your lifestyle without distracting you too much from your main source of income?