12 Hobbies You Can Start Today to Make Extra Money
Want to make extra cash but don’t want to go back to school?
It’s much easier than you think!
As inflation continues to eat into paychecks, more than 50 percent of Americans have a side hustle to supplement their income.
While younger generations like Gen Z and millennials are more likely to take additional gigs to make extra money, baby boomers are also joining the ranks.
The good news is that in today’s digital world, taking on a gig is incredibly easy. In many cases, all you need to do is convert your hobby into a reliable source of income. Although, you might think there’s not enough demand for what you offer, there could be people who need your expertise and help.
If you are at the point in your life where you are thinking about monetizing your hobby, this article is for you. Keep reading to learn about profitable hobbies and how to turn your passion into a thriving business.
1. Blogging
Blogging is one of the most profitable side hustles, and top bloggers command upwards of 6 figures in display ads alone.
Among the most profitable blogging niches are personal finance, digital marketing, lifestyle, personal development, self-care, and technology. Truth is, in today’s day and age, you can blog about many things – as long as your topic has demand and earning potential.
Creating a profitable blog requires a strategic approach that involves knowing your target audience, its needs, and pain points, among many other things.
Blogging is more than throwing text with pretty pictures on the Internet. You need to write targeted content that your audience finds helpful and informative, so you can become a trusted source on your subject matter and build a following.
Bloggers who establish an audience, often become coaches and consultants or build their online courses. But regardless of your topic, you can monetize your website in different ways from affiliate revenue, and display ads, to sponsored posts.
But blogging is a long-term game, and you shouldn’t expect a financial windfall in the first couple of months if you are new to it.
In addition to a content plan, you also need to have technological know-how. Before your blog goes live, you’ll need to choose your hosting plan, and website design, and learn about SEO, so that your content ranks in search engines and drives organic traffic.
2. Social Media
Social media is a very lucrative field. With many people increasingly using Instagram as a search engine, good content is becoming paramount for businesses that want to get their message across to their target customers.
While you can become an influencer and be the boss, you can also offer social media services to other businesses. Companies always look for people who can help them manage their social media profiles, write about engaging topics, and interact with their audiences.
The demand for skilled social media managers is projected to grow, as company brands spent almost $220 billion on social media advertising in 2024.
Social media management requires a thorough understanding of the platforms that you work on, including tracking its analytics, staying on top of recent trends, and analyzing what works and what doesn’t. Knowing how to nurture and grow an audience on social media is a valuable skill, for which many companies can offer handsome rewards.
If you are good at photography or videography, you can also offer content creation packages where you create weekly content for your clients’ social media. Start with local businesses and build a portfolio of your best work before pitching to bigger clients.
3. Photography
There are tons of ways to make money with photography. In today’s digitized world where an average American spends 4.5 hours per day on their phone, content is the king.
While the most obvious way to make money as a photographer is to do photo shoots, there are plenty of other ways to make a buck with video content. You can also sell photos on websites like Shutterstock, Alamy, and Getty Images or apps like EyeEm, Dreamsite, and Foap.
Another great way to make money with digital images is by creating phonebooks, guides, e-books, and other visual products that you can sell through your website, social media, or through creative marketplaces like Stan or Etsy.
4. Writing
Although writing is not an easy way to carve out a living, you can still make good money, if you stay organized and carefully choose your clients.
Becoming a good writer is hard, but not impossible if you stay on top of your game and strive to perfect your game. Over the last few years, many websites have reported an issue with AI content, which has become increasingly pervasive.
Some platforms for freelance writers like Upwork and Fiverr are also notorious for driving down prices, as they allow companies to post projects and choose from many bidders, some of which can offer rates that are below industry standards.
The good news is that the demand for quality content is still there, and plenty of companies, big and small are willing to pay for quality content.
Learning SEO could help you bump your rates because many businesses need blog writers to help create search engine-friendly content that can drive traffic and bring new leads.
5. Interior Design
Interior design has become all the rage, with many artists and home designers selling their goods and services through Etsy, Pinterest, and Fiverr.
If you are passionate about interior design, you can create a unique portfolio that will showcase some of the best examples of your work, as well as your rates and customer testimonials (if you have any).
Use your home to create a unique portfolio that clearly articulates what separates you from other designers. Use eye-catching interiors and designs to pique your potential clients’ interest and make them hire you.
As in other creative fields, interior design is saturated, and developing your unique style and voice can separate you from the rest. Start by offering free services to your friends and family and once you have some experience and work samples, you can start advertising your services on creative platforms and social media.
6. Graphic Design
You can make a pretty penny if you know how to create a cool graphic design. You can create logos and visual elements for companies in InDesign and Illustrator does video graphics in AfterEffects.
More simplified graphic design software like Canva and CorelDRAW are great alternatives to Adobe because they have a smaller learning curve and a more simplified interface.
Graphic design is an exciting and versatile niche because it encompasses an abundance of sub-niches including print, social media, videos, and branding, so you have a lot to choose from.
Another popular niche is web design, a separate niche that has the potential to generate over 6 figures.
Although learning graphic design could take some time and effort, you can later enjoy a fun side gig that will never feel dull. If you already have experience you can start looking for clients through 99Designs, Dribble, and Behance.
7. Caring for Pets
If you enjoy spending time with furry friends, consider offering pet sitting, grooming, and walking services. Some pet owners have busy schedules, so you can easily fill the void and care for their four-legged companions while they are gone.
If you’re interested in pet care but don’t have any friends or family with pets, join pet-sitting platforms like Rover, Care.com, and Mind My House.
All you need to do is create a profile, list your services and availability, and look for listings. If you find a person who is working or traveling and needs someone to look after their four-legged friend, contact them with an offer.
Love travel?
Check out Trusted House Sitters, a global platform that connects pet owners with pet sitters in many countries. This platform offers a great way to generate some cash while you travel – all you need to do is look if there’s anybody in need of pet sitters in the destination you plan to visit.
8. Crafts
Whether you like to knit, make jewelry, or draw in your free time, you can find many potential buyers through social media or specialized websites.
Well-known artists with established audiences can gross over $100,000 annually, but getting in the top tier of your game requires dedication, grit, and diversifying your income streams.
Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are powerful tools for showcasing your craft because they are visual. As video is becoming a dominant media format, TikTok and Instagram are also increasingly popular for showing behind-the-scene and how-to videos that are less scripted.
You can also supplement your income by creating digital guides, posters, and printables related to your craft and selling them through online marketplaces.
9. Gardening
You can make a decent living by creating beautiful outdoor spaces, selling plants, and offering consultations to people who want to spruce up their yards.
While not all destinations are conducive to year-round gardening, people need help with their home plants, even in a cold climate.
You can grow and sell seedlings and flowers year-round at your local market or share your knowledge through in-person or online lessons. You can also offer consultations to people with their home plants or rehabilitate plants struggling with growth or have parasites.
Start by offering your services locally to gauge interest. When you know what areas have the most demand, you can adjust your offerings to accommodate it, and, if you see a specific niche – try to branch out.
10. Cooking
Cooking is a giant industry, and while it might seem like too many people are jumping into it these days, there is enough space for everybody.
Whether you specialize in baking, desserts, or specific types of cuisine, like Italian or Asian, cooking is a hobby with tons of potential if you have solid culinary skills and a passion for teaching.
From selling your food at local markets to running a food-themed website and YouTube channel, you can easily monetize your passion for cooking and have an easier audience because let’s admit it – everyone likes good food.
11. Shopping
Another easy side hustle that can make you side money is shopping. If spending time in stores and comparing prices on different products sounds fun, you can sign up for Shipt, InstaCart, or Postmates.
These platforms give you a chance to work on your terms. All you need to do is, get groceries in-store and deliver them to your customer’s door on time.
12. Video Gaming
Although video gaming is not known for its money-making potential because of its iffy reputation, it has some opportunities to make money with minimal effort from the comfort of your home.
Among apps that pay cash for playing video games are KashKick, Misplay, and Swagbucks, but there are plenty of others where you can turn your passion for gaming into real money.
GarmerSaloon is another popular app for making money. Most require you to create an account, enter your information, and connect your PayPal. And Voila! You are on your way to earning a few extra bucks while enjoying your favorite time.
Pro gamers can monetize by having subscribers and advertisers run ads during their sessions.
Final Word
While passion and good knowledge are essential to making money from your hobby, creating a viable business requires a more strategic approach.
Before you dive into the nitty gritty of making money from your hobby, create a detailed business plan, with product prices, expenses, profits, and the channels to promote your offerings. Carefully research your target audience and competition, to see if there are any gaps that you can fill.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep your full-time job, before you start generating a steady income. Turning your hobby into a thriving business could take some time depending on your niche. The last thing you want to do is to ditch your regular employment before that happens.
Turning your hobby into a full-time job is not easy, but it’s not impossible. With the right mindset, plan, and techniques, your hobby can easily replace your full-time income.
Be patient and don’t quit even if you don’t start making money within the first few months. Remember, your perseverance could pay off in big ways.
