As per the BBB research people lost $840K in the first quarter of 2023 in fake jobs with an increase of 250%. That is a red flag for the side hustle aspirants. So you need to look for legit side hustles that can become a steady source of income.
Scammers use quick rich schemes and lucrative offers to make people financially independent. But remember the fact that most of the overnight success conceptions will land you into scams.
Whether it is a stay-at-home hustle or physical employment in the extra time, here are 9 legit side hustles for aspiring entrepreneurs to earn money with minimum risks.
9 Legit Side Hustles To Make Real Money
1. Uber Driver
Uber is a popular ride-sharing app that offers opportunities for drivers to generate cash. Offer your services if you own a car and get paid for each ride completion.
This legitimate side hustle comes with flexibility in working hours and chosen areas of operations. You can make good money in extra time with Uber drives.
What You Need To Start?
A registered vehicle with fitness certification and a valid driving license are a must to sign up on the Uber app. You need to submit all the required documents to get the approval.
2. Airbnb Host
Airbnb connects the property owners with the renting seekers on a part-time or full-time basis. You can make good money by renting your space.
Sign up as a host and list your property with flexible pricing, availability, and conditions. However, it can be a time-consuming task while dealing with interested renters.
What Things Can Be Rented?
You can rent out a garage, extra room, or parking lot. People also share their living spaces to cut down their rent and living expenses. However, it may not work for those who are privacy-sensitive.
What Challenges You May Face?
There should be a clear agreement about the property you want to rent out. Including maintenance, cleaning, and property damage conditions. They usually don’t offer insurance so you should be ready to face such issues.
3. Flip Furniture
Flipping furniture can be a good side hustle for crafters and design lovers. First, you need to find used furniture in your neighborhoods, then comes renovation and reselling.
You can check out OLX, Craiglist, Facebook Marketplace, and other classified platforms. Check the posted listings regularly, negotiate with the owners, and make purchases.
What You Need To Get Started?
You should have a good understanding of furniture evaluation and cost ideas with strong negotiation skills. This side hustle also requires a good upfront investment for purchase and renovation.
4. Lawn Mowing And Landscaping
If you are physically strong then lawn mowing and landscaping can be a good side hustle for additional income. Offer lawn care services including edging, mowing, and hedge trimming to keep up the yards.
You can offer your services in residential and business spaces in your neighborhood. However, it can be a demanding hustle with physical work and an understanding of the client’s requirements.
What You Need To Get Started?
This legit side hustle requires mowing equipment and landscaping techniques. You should have an in-depth knowledge of the subject with practical exposure.
Where To Find Clients?
Check out the local communities, social media platforms, and native job boards to find clients. Use local advertising to grab the attention of residents in your vicinity.
5. Start A Dropshipping Business
Dropshipping has gained massive popularity in recent times due to its flexibility and easy business model. You can start your e-commerce store without having the inventory.
It works as a medium connecting the whole seller with customers. Get your profit or commission from each qualified sale without any shipping headaches.
What You Need To Get Started?
Do product research you want to outsource and sell on your store. Analyze the market gap and profit margins. Then shortlist the suppliers you will use for product sourcing.
Create your store on Shopify, Etsy, and SquareSpace platforms. List your products with all the necessary details with SEO standpoints.
How To Get Sales?
Increase sales through paid advertising on Facebook, Pinterest, and other social media platforms. Create your YouTube channel and create content around your products. Promote your store within your video description and e-commerce integration methods.
6. Create A Niche Blog
Niche blogging is still relevant for someone who has good investment and time to generate passive income. However, it takes time to grow your blog and establish it as a steady income resource.
Instead of starting your blog from scratch, you can buy established ones on platforms like Filppa, Empire Flippers, and Motion Invest. Evaluate the blogs with reasonable pricing and negotiate with the owners.
What You Need To Get Started?
You can use platforms like WordPress for free, Podia, and Ghost for paid blog creation. Here are some things you need to start your niche blog:
- Domain
- Hosting
- SEO Tools
Things To Consider
Find out the less competitive and micro niches for your blog. Do the in-depth keyword research and income potential with SEO tools like Semrush for free.
7. Start A YouTube Channel
YouTube is a free platform for visual content creation and monetization. You can start your channel as per your interest and desired category like informational, educational, lifestyle, etc.
Use engaging content for more subscribers and viewership. Do value addition in the lives of your viewers for sustainability and growth.
What You Need?
A smartphone, good quality laptop/PC, and an internet connection. Pick a unique channel name and customize it with all the details to establish credibility.
Use Veed.io for video editing work and utilize the power of AI in your content creation process. Publish with SEO understanding and a clickable thumbnail.
How To Monetize?
Use AdSense by Google to monetize your videos, create sponsored videos, and use affiliate links of the partner products in the video description to get the commission.
8. Become A Local Tour Guide
Tourism is a leading industry that also creates massive job opportunities for those living around the tourist spots. Offer your services as a local tour guide to foreigners and people visiting for the first time.
Create a printed tour plan and cover all the necessary details of the destination. Guide tourists and visitors about historical details and untapped natural places.
What You Need?
A valid tour guide permit is a must from the local authorities. Create an engaging tour itinerary to become successful as a tour guide.
9. Give Removal Services
Help people in removing bulky products and furniture from one place to the other. If you have your truck then it can be more profitable. Get paid for house shifting and house essentials delivery.
This legitimate side hustle is recommended for people with good physiques. Use personal protection gear while moving heavy items during loading and unloading.
What To Consider?
You must have a registered vehicle and an understanding of state laws for transporting heavy items. Offer competitive pricing in comparison to the moving companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Side hustle aspirants usually get inspired by the average influencers who claim of making million dollars from their easy side hustles. But they never tell the time and effort invested over the time to build such businesses.
You should have a better understanding of how things work. Pick the best option that carries good income potential and aligns with your interests. Put consistent efforts into scaling your side hustle for long-term rewards.