Are you looking for ways to make some extra cash? With the cost of living rising, it’s no surprise that many people are turning to side hustles to make ends meet.

Whether you’re a student trying to pay off debt, a stay-at-home parent looking for an additional income stream, or just interested in earning some extra money on the side, there are plenty of ways to make money with a side hustle.

If you’re worrying about keeping your side hustle compliant with state and federal regulations, you can set up a legal business entity for your side hustle with doola’s business formation services.

32 Side Hustles to Make Fast Money

Here are some of the best side hustles to consider for quick cash:

1. Do Online Surveys

Doing online surveys is a great way to earn extra money without having to commit to a full-time job.

Many websites and platforms offer users the opportunity to take part in paid surveys, which can range from product reviews to opinion polls.

Payment for completing surveys can vary depending on the platform, but it usually takes a few days or weeks for the funds to be released.

2. Pet Sitting

Pet sitting is an increasingly popular side gig for anyone looking to make some quick cash.

To get started, you’ll need to research pet-sitting services in your area and consider setting up an online profile.

Your profile should include information about yourself, such as your experience with animals, as well as the types of services you offer.

You’ll also need to contact potential clients and figure out a rate that works for both parties. With pet sitting, the sky’s the limit!

3. Home Repairs and Maintenance

If you have a knack for fixing things around the house, then why not offer your services to people in your area?

You can charge by the job or even offer a monthly service plan where customers pay you for regular maintenance and repairs.

This is great if you’re looking to establish yourself as an expert in home repair and maintenance.

4. Personal Shopping

Do you have an eye for fashion and a knack for finding the best deals?

If so, then consider becoming a personal shopper. You can offer your services to individuals or businesses who need help finding the perfect items for their needs.

5. Deliver Groceries

With a rise in online grocery shopping, more and more people are turning to delivery services to get their groceries delivered straight to their doorstep.

This has created a great opportunity for individuals who are looking to make some extra money on the side.

All that is needed is a reliable vehicle and access to grocery stores. You can even set your own hours and rates.

Payment is usually released within a few days after each delivery is completed.

6. Sell Items Online

Do you have items lying around the house that you no longer need? If so, why not make some quick cash by selling items online?

This is a great way to declutter your home and earn extra money at the same time.

You can list your items on popular sites like eBay or Craigslist or use specialized marketplaces like Mercari to get the most out of your items.

Payment is usually released within a few days or weeks after each sold item.

7. Babysitting

If you’re looking for a side gig for quick cash, babysitting can be a great option. Not only is it fairly easy to do, but it pays well too!

The best thing about babysitting is that it’s flexible – you can control when and how often you take on jobs, so you can work around your other commitments.

To get started, the first step is to create a profile on a babysitting website or app. This will allow you to list your availability, services, and rates so potential customers can contact you.

8. Test Apps and Websites

As a tester, you can get paid to provide feedback on usability, user experience, bugs, and more.

The process of testing apps and websites is simple: after signing up with a platform like UserTesting or Apperwall, you’ll be sent a task that needs to be completed within a given time frame.

You’ll record your screen and voice as you navigate through the app or website and then provide your feedback through written comments and video recordings.

Payment is usually released within a few days or weeks after the task has been successfully completed.

9. Become a Transcriptionist

Transcriptionists take audio recordings and turn them into written documents. It is an excellent side hustle that can be done remotely, so you can work from the comfort of your home.

However, you will need internet access and a reliable computer to get started. You’ll need to sign up with a transcription platform or website.

A few of the more popular sites include Rev, TranscribeMe, and GoTranscript. Once you’ve registered, you can start looking for jobs that fit your availability and skill level.

Payment is usually released within a few days or weeks after the task has been successfully completed.

10. Clean Houses

The best part about cleaning houses is that numerous opportunities are available, and you don’t need any special skills or training.

All you need is an eye for detail, a good work ethic, and the ability to do the job efficiently.

To get started, it’s important to create a profile on sites like TaskRabbit or Handy so that potential clients can find and book you for jobs.

Payment is usually released within a few days after each job is completed.

11. Become a Rideshare Driver

By becoming a rideshare driver, you can work flexible hours and make money by providing transportation services to customers.

Plus, you can earn extra income from tips, depending on the rideshare company you work with.

Rideshare driving is relatively straightforward; all you need to do is sign up with a platform like Uber or Lyft, pass the background check, and start driving.

Payment is usually released within a few days after each ride is completed.

12. Sell Baked Goods

Selling baked goods is a type of business that can be especially profitable in areas where there are few options or when special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and holidays come around.

You don’t necessarily need to have a culinary degree or even much baking experience to get started. Many communities allow you to sell homemade food out of your home with a simple permit or license.

13. Freelance Writing

With the rise of blogging and online content, freelance writing is one of the most popular side gigs out there.

You can write for websites and magazines or even create content for businesses that need help with their marketing efforts.

As a freelancer, you charge by the word or hour, so you can quickly make money depending on how much work you want.

14. Tutoring

If you excel in a subject, why not tutor others? Depending on your area of expertise and availability, you can offer tutoring services online or even locally.

While some students may be willing to pay higher rates, you can also lower your rate and still make money if you’re willing to tutor a larger group of students.

15. Virtual Assistant

If you’re a master of organization, then consider becoming a virtual assistant.

You can work with individuals or businesses to help them manage their day-to-day tasks so that they can focus on the bigger picture.

This could involve anything from scheduling appointments and organizing emails to data entry and customer service.

16. Social Media Management

If you have a knack for curating content and understanding the nuances of different platforms, then this could be a great side hustle for you.

You can offer your services hourly or even a retainer basis so that clients can pay you for monthly services.

If your expected earnings are at least $600, you should anticipate receiving a 1099 form. You can then consider forming an LLC to cut costs.

Speak with a specialist right away to learn more about this.

17. Blogging

Have something to say? Why not start your own blog and make money from it?

You can monetize your blog with advertising, affiliate links, sponsored posts, or selling digital products.

This side gig requires a bit of commitment upfront, but the rewards can be worth it in the end.

18. Offer Your Space for Rent

Do you have extra space in your home that you’re not using? You can easily make some extra money by renting it out on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.

This is a great option for those who are looking to make some quick cash, as you can set your own rates and availability.

Plus, with the popularity of Airbnb increasing, there’s a good chance that your space will be rented out quickly.

19. Become an Affiliate Marketer

As an affiliate marketer, you can earn a commission from selling other people’s products or services.

You don’t need any particular skill or experience; you only need a willingness to promote and sell products or services online.

Plus, you can do it from anywhere and earn a decent income.

20. Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping involves tracking and organizing financial information such as income, expenses, profits, and losses.

As a bookkeeper, you are usually responsible for creating financial statements, reconciling accounts, preparing tax returns, and more.

This is a great side hustle for those who are detail-oriented and have a good understanding of accounting principles.

21. Resume Help

With the job market so competitive, many people are looking to stand out from the competition and need help crafting their resumes to make an impact.

You could create customized templates or build resumes from scratch. You could also offer services such as proofreading and editing resumes for accuracy.

22. Become a Photographer

As a photographer, you don’t necessarily need to invest in expensive equipment to get started, but having a good camera and some basic photography knowledge helps.

Depending on your specialty, you can then offer your services to local people or even online.

23. Provide Music Lessons

If you have a passion for music and a knack for teaching, giving music lessons can be an excellent way to make some extra money on the side.

Before getting started, it’s important to understand what you’ll be teaching and what type of students you’d like to focus on.

You’ll also need to create a profile on sites like TakeLessons or Musika so that potential clients can find and book you for lessons.

24. Do Makeup for Special Events

Doing makeup for special events can be a fantastic side gig to earn some quick cash.

Whether it’s weddings, proms, birthdays, or other celebrations, people will always be looking for someone to do their makeup, and you could be the one they turn to.

You’ll need some basic qualifications to get started as a makeup artist for special events. You’ll need to be up to date on the latest makeup trends and have the skills to apply them. 

25. Sell Stock Photos

Stock photography is in high demand; from magazines and newspapers to websites and blogs, people are often looking for visually appealing images to enhance their content.

This can be an especially great option if you enjoy taking photos and have a knack for capturing stunning pictures.

Once your images are approved, you’ll be able to start selling them on sites like Shutterstock or iStockPhoto. Payment is usually released within a few days after each sale is completed.

26. Mystery Shopping

Mystery shopping is a way to get paid for evaluating businesses, their products, and services.

As a mystery shopper, you will visit stores, restaurants, or hotels and report back on your experience.

You can get paid for the time that you spend in the store plus any additional fees associated with the assignment.

27. Join a Research or Focus Group

Research and focus groups are often conducted by organizations seeking insight into how people think and feel about certain products and services.

Participating in these groups can generate quick cash with minimal effort. However, you’ll want to ensure that you’re working with a legitimate organization.

After all, there are scammers out there looking to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals.

28. Online Coaching or Consulting

Online coaching or consulting is a great side hustle for those who have experience in a particular field, such as marketing, fitness, relationships, business, or technology.

As an online coach or consultant, you can leverage your skills and knowledge to help others achieve their goals.

If you earn at least $600, you should expect to receive a 1099 form. However, establishing an LLC can potentially help reduce your expenses. Consult a professional for further details on this topic.

29. Create an Online Course

Creating an online course allows you to share your knowledge and skills with others while making some extra money.

The first step is deciding on a topic that you can teach. This can be anything from cooking to photography.

Once you’ve decided on a topic, you must create videos or written content for your course and upload it on sites like Udemy or Skillshare.

30. Catering

With the growing demand for convenient meal options, there’s never been a better time to get into catering.

All you need to get started is a few pieces of equipment, some good recipes, and a few creative ideas.

One of the most popular ways to make money through catering is by providing meals for events like weddings, birthdays, and corporate functions.

You can also offer meal delivery services to customers who are looking for quick, convenient meals without the hassle of cooking.

31. Gardening Service

A gardening service provides a much-needed service to local communities and can be incredibly lucrative, depending on the size of your operation.

To start a gardening service, you’ll need some basic tools like shovels, rakes, and hoes. Depending on the size of the properties you’ll be servicing, you may also need to invest in a lawnmower or two.

32. Modeling

Modeling can be done part-time or full-time, depending on your availability and skill set.

To become a model, it’s important to have good physical attributes such as a symmetrical face, perfect proportions, and a healthy physique.

These will help you get noticed by modelling agents and employers. Payment is usually released within a few days after each job is completed.

7 Steps to Start a Side Hustle

Starting a side hustle can be a great way to earn quick cash and explore your entrepreneurial spirit. Here are seven steps to help you get started:

1. Identify Your Skills and Passions

Start by assessing your skills, interests, and passions. Consider what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing. This will help you identify potential side gig ideas that align with your strengths and interests.

2. Research Profitable Side Hustle Ideas

Once you have a list of your skills and interests, research potential side hustle ideas to generate quick cash. Look for opportunities with low startup costs, high demand, and the potential for quick returns.

Consider online platforms, local market needs, and trends in your area.

3. Validate Your Idea

Before diving in, validate your side gig idea. Talk to potential customers or conduct market research to ensure there is a demand for your product or service. Consider creating a minimum viable product (MVP) or offering your service to a few test customers to gather feedback.

4. Set Clear Goals and Plan Your Time 

Define your financial goals for the side hustle and set realistic expectations. Determine how much time you can dedicate to your side gig and create a schedule that allows for consistent effort. Proper time management is essential to balance your side hustle with other responsibilities.

5. Create a Budget and Track Expenses

Develop a budget to understand your startup costs and ongoing expenses. Consider any investments you must make, such as purchasing equipment or setting up a website. Track your income and expenses carefully to ensure you’re making progress toward your financial goals.

6. Market Your Side Hustle

Establish an online presence through social media platforms, a website, or an online marketplace. Leverage your network by spreading the word to friends, family, and colleagues.

Utilize cost-effective marketing strategies like word-of-mouth referrals, online advertising, and targeted outreach to attract customers.

7. Provide Excellent Customer Service

Delivering exceptional customer service is crucial to the success of your side hustle. Strive to exceed customer expectations, provide timely responses, and address any issues promptly. Happy customers are more likely to refer others and become repeat clients, helping you grow your side hustle.

Unlock Potential Financial Freedom with doola

No matter what your skill set or availability is, there are plenty of side hustles that you can do to make extra money. With a little bit of research, creativity, and patience, you can easily find the perfect side gig to make quick cash.

However, if you plan to turn your side hustle into a full-fledged business, then you should set up a legal business entity for liability protection and flexible taxation.

Get started with doola to establish a business structure like an LLC to separate your personal and business finances and streamline the bookkeeping process for seamless tax filing.

It will also help you apply for tax deductions and credits, which can reduce expenses and increase savings.

Book a consultation with our Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) to learn how to maximize your side hustle.

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