At the moment, living costs are always on the rise. So having a side Hustle can provide that much-needed extra income. Whether you’re a student, a full-time employee, or a stay-at-home parent, there are many opportunities for you to boost your earnings. Here are 12 great side hustle ideas that can help you generate additional income in your spare time, right from the comfort of your own home. I started my own side hustle in 2012 – blogging! And now it’s my full-time job.

Please remember, if you earn more than £1000 in a tax year, even after expenses, you must register as self-employed and complete a tax return. 

1. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a fantastic side hustle that allows you to earn a commission by promoting other people’s products or services. You can start by signing up for an affiliate program related to your interests or expertise. Then, use your social Media accounts, blog posts, or even a YouTube channel to share affiliate links. Each time a purchase is made through your link, you earn a commission. This is an excellent way to generate passive income and requires little to no startup cost.

This is a good side hustle if you already have a following on a website or social media platforms. If you don’t, it’s still possible to make money with affiliate marketing, but it will take much longer. 

2. Freelance Writing

If you possess a knack for writing, offering your services as a freelance writer can be a highly profitable side hustle. From blog posts and articles to product descriptions and press releases, businesses and individuals are constantly in need of quality written content. Websites like Fiverr and Upwork are great platforms for starting your freelance writing journey.

3. Virtual Assist

As a Virtual Assistant (VA), you can provide administrative services to clients remotely. Tasks can range from managing emails and scheduling appointments to social media management and customer service. The best part is that you can work from anywhere and choose your own hours, making it a very flexible side hustle. Websites like Upwork and PeoplePerHour connect VAs with potential clients.

4. Online Tutoring

If you’re skilled in a particular subject, consider offering your services as an online tutor. This can be a highly rewarding side hustle, both financially and personally. From maths and English to programming and music, there’s always someone looking to learn. Websites like Tutorful and MyTutor can help you connect with students in need of tutoring.

5. Private Tutor

​You don’t have to tutor online if you prefer face-to-face when you can offer private in-person tutoring. This could be music lessons or help for students doing GCSE and A Level

6. Start a Blog

Blogging is not only a great way to share your passion, but it can also be a lucrative side hustle. Whether you’re into fashion, food, travel, or personal finance, there’s an audience for almost every niche. You can monetise your blog through advertising, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing. Starting a blog does require some hard work and patience, but the payoff can be worth it. I make a full-time income blogging and I think it’s one of the best side hustles out there. It does take some time now but some people are making money online within a year. 

7. Sell Handmade Goods on Etsy

If you’re into arts and crafts, you could turn your hobby into a side business by selling your handmade goods on platforms like Etsy. From handmade jewellery and clothing to art prints and home decor, there’s a market for unique, handmade items. Remember, good product photos and descriptions can significantly boost your sales. You can even expand and get your own website with its own online store. 

8. Dog Walking

Being a dog walker is a great side hustle, especially if you love animals. Many pet owners are willing to pay someone reliable to walk their dogs during the day. You can start by offering your services to neighbours and friends or sign up for an app like Pawshake that connects dog walkers with dog owners.

9. Rent Out Your Spare Room

If you have a spare room in your house, consider renting it out for some extra income. Websites like Airbnb make it easy to list your room and connect with potential renters. Just ensure that you’re comfortable with the idea of sharing your home with strangers, and check with your landlord or homeowner’s association if you’re allowed to sublet.

10. Participate in Online Surveys

Filling out online surveys is an easy way to make some extra cash in your spare time. Websites like YouGov and Swagbucks pay users to answer surveys and provide their feedback on different products and services. PanelBase is also a good one.

11. Social Media Management

With the rise of social media, individuals who can manage a business’s social media accounts are in high demand. If you’re well-versed with platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, this could be a great side hustle for you. As a social media manager, you’ll be responsible for creating content, scheduling posts, and interacting with followers.

12. YouTube Channel

Starting a YouTube channel can be a fun and rewarding side hustle. If you have a knack for creating engaging content, you could earn a substantial income from ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate links. From beauty tutorials and fitness tips to cooking and tech reviews, there’s a wide range of content you can create. You do have to meet certain criteria before you can monetise, so you’ll have to put some time and effort into your YouTube videos to see results 

13. Sell Unwanted Items

Finally, one of the easiest ways to make some extra cash is by selling your unwanted items. Websites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace make it easy to list your items for sale. Whether you’re decluttering your house or selling handmade items, there’s potential to make a decent income.

14. Rent Your Parking Space

You can rent your space, garage or driveway out if you are not using it. There is a growing demand for parking spaces so it is a great way to earn a little extra money if you live in a popular city or near a train station. You can charge people to park in your space – it’s a low-effort bit of passive income! 

15. Sell Online Courses

​If you are an expert in a particular field, consider selling your knowledge in the form of an online course. You may need to set up a website and social media and start building an audience, but there are many ways you can create and sell an online course. You can do webinars, pre-recorded videos or oft for an e-book or web-based course. 

16. Create And Sell Digital Products

If you’re a graphic designer, or know how to create digital products then you can do sell and sell them on places like Etsy. These may be things like social media templates, Pinterest templates, online journals and trackers – the best thing about digital products is that you only need to create it once and you can sell it over and over again. 

17. Mystery Shopper

Why not have a go at mystery shopping? There are a few websites that offer this, but why not start with Mystery Shoppers? Anyone can sign up and then apply for assignments in your area. 

18. Car Boot Sales

Car boot sales are the perfect side hustle for those with lots of stuff to sell. You can even buy bundles of clothing or other things from Facebook Market Place to try and make a profit. 

19. Uber Eats

Become an Uber Eats driver to earn money on a flexible schedule. 

20. Evri Delivery Driver

Become a self-employed Everi Delivery Driver and deliver parcels when it suits you. You’ll even get paid holidays doing this. There’s no experience needed so if you’re stuck on what side hustles you can do, being a delivery driver is a good way of earning some extra cash. 

There you have it – 20 side hustles to make extra money in the UK. Remember, the key to a successful side hustle is to choose something you enjoy and are good at. The extra income is just the icing on the cake! Good luck with your side hustle journey.

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