As the new year begins, many people aim to improve their financial situation by taking on a side hustle. If you’re one of them, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve carefully selected and ranked the top 10 side hustles based on the time and effort they require, as well as the amount of extra money they can bring in—all without needing to quit your full-time job.
We’ve estimated potential earnings for each option based on working at least two days a week. Keep in mind, however, that your actual income will depend on your skills, experience, and how much effort you put into marketing yourself.
To get the best results, consider trying out multiple options to see which ones work best for you. Once you find the right fit, you can focus on maximizing your earnings.
Let’s explore the best ways to boost your income in 2025!
1. Sell Digital Products
Potential Earnings: $100 to $5,000 per month
Create and sell digital products like artwork, music, online courses, e-books, or printables in your free time. This is an excellent long-term source of passive income because you can sell your creations repeatedly without additional effort.
Use tools like Canva, PicMonkey, Waveform, or Adobe Express to make high-quality products. You can sell them on platforms like Etsy or Amazon, or create your own online store for greater control over pricing and branding.
“Building your own website is now easier than ever. Tools like Hostinger’s AI Website Builder can create a personalized site in seconds, giving you full control over your business,” says Auksė Žirgulė, head of Website Builder at Hostinger.
2. Start a Drop-Shipping Business
Potential Earnings: $50 to $3,000 per month
With drop-shipping, you can sell products online without keeping inventory or paying upfront costs. Work with suppliers like Spocket or AliExpress to handle shipping, and focus on marketing your store through social media, SEO, and search ads.
Set up your store on platforms like WooCommerce and choose popular items in niches like fashion, beauty, or home decor to attract more customers.
3. Manage Social Media
Potential Earnings: $300 to $3,500 per month
Put your digital marketing skills to use by managing social media accounts for small businesses or influencers. Start by creating a portfolio on freelancing platforms or reaching out to local businesses directly.
Your tasks might include creating posts, running ads, and analyzing performance. With a growing demand for social media managers, this is a flexible and rewarding way to earn extra income.
4. Sell Handmade Crafts
Potential Earnings: $200 to $2,500 per month
If you enjoy making handmade items like jewelry, candles, or artwork, you can turn your hobby into a business. Use platforms like Amazon Handmade or Facebook Marketplace to sell your creations.
If you have a wide variety of products, consider starting your own online store to avoid platform fees and keep more of your profits.
5. Become a Virtual Assistant
Potential Earnings: $300 to $1,700 per month
Help businesses or busy professionals with administrative tasks like email management, scheduling, and data entry. This role is highly flexible, allowing you to work from anywhere on your own schedule.
Promote your services on LinkedIn, freelance websites, or by contacting potential clients directly.
6. Write a Blog
Potential Earnings: $50 to $2,000 per month
Share your knowledge or passion about topics like travel, food, or technology by starting a blog. You can earn money through ads, affiliate marketing, or sponsored posts.
WordPress is a popular platform for bloggers, and tools like Hostinger’s Managed Hosting for WordPress make it easy to build and maintain a website. While it may take time to see significant earnings, blogging can become a reliable source of income with persistence.
7. Become an Online Tutor
Potential Earnings: $200 to $2,000 per month
If you have expertise in a subject like math, music, or language, online tutoring can be a rewarding side hustle. Platforms like Preply, Teachable, or VIPKid connect you with students from around the world.
You can also create and sell online courses on sites like Skillshare or Udemy. According to Ricky Wallace, a Udemy course creator, “Teaching online has allowed me to turn my skills into a digital product that generates income on autopilot.”
8. Join Affiliate Marketing Programs
Potential Earnings: $50 to $3,000 per month
Promote products or services you love and earn a commission for each sale through affiliate marketing. Start by choosing a niche you enjoy and joining programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale.
You can share affiliate links on social media, YouTube, or your own website. While it takes time to build an audience, this method can eventually provide a steady stream of passive income.
9. Become a Local Tour Guide
Potential Earnings: $100 to $1,500 per month
If you love your city and enjoy meeting new people, consider becoming a tour guide. Highlight unique attractions, hidden gems, or food hotspots that tourists would enjoy.
You can offer your services through platforms like Airbnb Experiences or build your own website to attract clients.
10. Start a Print-on-Demand Business
Potential Earnings: $50 to $2,500 per month
Design custom products like clothing, mugs, or home goods without worrying about inventory. Use platforms like Printful or Redbubble to handle production and shipping.
“Print-on-demand is a great side hustle because it offers flexibility and high-profit potential,” says Stacy La, a YouTuber and entrepreneur.
Whether you enjoy crafting, teaching, or writing, there’s a side hustle for everyone. Success comes from choosing something you love, staying consistent, and using the right tools to grow your business. With effort and dedication, you can achieve your financial goals in 2025!