Ok, I can’t be the only one getting tired of all those finance gurus who tell you to ‘just take online surveys‘ or ‘start dropshipping, mate, it’s ez money‘.
The sad truth is that you won’t get rich by watching ads or telling a company that you like your tea black rather than green.
Yes, it may be possible to earn some money by doing that (even though you’ll probably make less than factory workers in Asia), but I’d consider that wasting time.
After all, you could use that time to start learning some new skills that will make you way more money.
“But what about dropshipping and day trading?” I hear you ask. “Have you seen those ‘I made 5k in a week doing Shopify dropshipping‘ videos on YouTube? This will make me a lot more money than doing surveys.”
Yes, dropshipping and day trading may work really well for some people if they have a lot of experience and money to experiment with. But if you’re just a newbie going all-in and investing a few hundred into a Shopify store or into stocks, you’d better be prepared to lose that money.
So, what does work?
Getting creative. Learning new high-demand skills. Investing your time instead of your money.
In my years of hustling, I have found quite a few great ways that I can earn extra money by trading either my time or skill.
“Ok yeah-yeah, shall we get to the point now? I didn’t come here to learn that I need to get creative in order to make money…”
Absolutely.
Here are some legit ways to make money with $0 (aka side hustles I’ve actually made money with).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Graphic Design
2. Translation and Proofreading
3. Website and App Testing
4. Writing content
5. Social Media Manager
6. Helping out
7. Video Editing
8. Food Courier
9. Flipping (buying and reselling stuff)
CONCLUSION
1. Graphic Design
Let’s start with one of my favorite ways to make money with zero dollars.
Graphic design.
The beauty of graphic design is that not many (especially older) people have the eye to make appealing designs.
And that fact, my friend, is an awesome opportunity for you.
Because the chances are that if you’re reading this post, you use the internet and social media daily. You know what looks good and what doesn’t.
No matter where you are in the world, you can find local businesses and entrepreneurs who want to market themselves, but just don’t know how to create designs that appeal to their clients.
That’s where you come in.
You can take advantage of the fact that by using Canva, creating logos, business cards, ads, posts for social media, etc. is really easy!
You just need to have some creativity and a sense of beauty.
I started off by designing logos for my Pinterest accounts and Instagram theme pages.
A little while later, I registered on a local freelance website and listed my graphic design services.
Soon enough, I started getting requests from companies to create logos, business cards, and ads for them, and I actually started making some money!
I was so proud when I made my first bucks from my designs:
The key thing is to price your services lower (or even offer them for free) when you’re just starting out – that way you will get your first clients quicker which will allow you to grow your portfolio.
If I’ve got you interested in starting graphic design to earn some money, here are some tips:
- Learn from YouTube! YouTube is a goldmine. If you want to learn graphic design, just search up something like “how to create a logo for a business on Canva” or “how to create a business card on Canva“.
- You don’t have to be a pro to start landing clients. Even if you’re just starting out, most small businesses aren’t going to ask you for a huge portfolio. Just have some examples of your best designs (you can create designs for made up businesses as well) ready, and price your services lower in the beginning.
- Getting clients: you can list your graphic design services on freelancing websites like Fiverr, or search up and contact local businesses whose logo or social media posts could use some improvement, and reach out to them.
Is graphic design for you?
If you’re artsy, tech-savvy, and like getting creative, then graphic design is definitely something for you!
(Even if you don’t meet those criteria, you can still try it out – it’s free, and you may be better at it than you think. Also, there are maaany templates on Canva that you can use.)
2. Translation and Proofreading
Where are my non-native English speakers at?🙋🙋
If, like me, you weren’t born in a country where people mostly only speak English, you’re in for a treat!
Businesses are constantly in need of people to translate their sales texts from English to other languages of areas in which they operate.
Just by being born in Estonia and knowing how to speak Estonian, I have made over $2000 on Fiverr doing translation and proofreading.
What I like most about translating and proofreading as a freelancer is a) it’s flexible, I get to do it whenever and wherever I want, and b) the pay is actually quite good, usually about $15 per hour of my time.
Now, if English is your mother tongue and you can’t speak any other languages, worry not!
You can still proofread texts in English. Provided that you’re excellent at grammar and all that good stuff, of course.😊
Or, you could become a transcriptionist on a site like rev.com. (I haven’t tried this out myself, but thought I’d still include it, just to give you even more ideas!)
Is translation/proofreading for you?
I would say, if you’re bilingual then YES, give translation and proofreading a go!
Keep in mind though that the more native speakers there are, the harder it will probably be for you to stand out on Fiverr.
Also, if you don’t like reading, writing, or grammar in general, you should probably look at another side hustle.
3. Website and App Testing
Are you tech-savvy?
Are you one to instantly go “damn, that’s a beautiful website” when visiting a fresh-looking online store, or one who gets triggered when there’s a dysfunctional button in that app you just downloaded?
Then here’s a side hustle that could suit you well.
Companies usually want to test their websites and apps before launching them and making them available to their clients.
This is pretty self-explanatory – it’s better for businesses to invest some money into making sure that their stuff works rather than have complaints from customers later on.
Now, how awesome would it be to get paid for your opinions on a website or app? Pretty damn awesome if you ask me.
So far, I haven’t done too many website tests: about 5 in total.
But what I can say so far is that it pays pretty well, and it almost doesn’t feel like work – I’m just checking out a new website and taking screenshots and writing comments on what I like and what I don’t like.
If you want to start getting paid to test websites and apps, I recommend starting out on Fiverr (that’s where I’ve got my website testing clients from so far).
How hard is it to land a client?
Now, I would say that it’s relatively easy to get a website/app testing client on Fiverr, mainly because every business narrows their search down and looks for a specific group of people (e.g. ‘teens’, or ‘women over 50’).
This makes it easier for you to stand out than in many other categories of Fiverr gigs, in which you have to compete with all the people who offer the same service you do.
Some tips to help you out:
- Gig description and image. Make sure that your gig description is good and detailed (be sure to also point out what makes you stand out from the others), and that your gig image looks attractive.
- Video or report? Choose whether you want to give your feedback to businesses in form of a video (you record your screen and voice while testing out the website) or a report (you take screenshots of the website, chuck them into a Word/Docs file, and write your comments there). You could, of course, do both as well.
- Be detailed. When you land a client, don’t be afraid to point out even the smallest positives/negatives that you find when reviewing the website – this will make you stand out from the other testers!
Is website/app testing for me?
Well, if you know how websites and apps should work, have good attention to detail, and like to share your opinion with others – this will suit you well!
You also have to be ready to learn how to make yourself stand out from other people on Fiverr if you want to actually get clients.😉
4. Writing content
Love reading and writing?
Content writing may be something for you.
There are honestly so many ways you can write content: you can be a freelance writer on Fiverr, write and publish Amazon kindle books, create your own blog, etc.
See? You’ll definitely find something.
I myself have written content for my own blog (huh, really?), as well as for some local businesses who asked me to write a few blog posts for them (yeah, once I had to write on a topic I didn’t know anything about – parquet installation. After some research, though, I managed to write a full guide on how to choose the right parquet.)
Key thing to content writing is always knowing how to write content that is intriguing to the target audience.
If you know how connect with the readers, you’ll become a great content writer!
Now, a little bit more of the aforementioned ways to write content:
Freelance writer on Fiverr. You can offer services such as writing blog posts, product descriptions, ads, emails, texts for social media posts, website content, YouTube video scripts, and much more!
If you want to learn more, check out this guide on how to make $3000 per month as a Fiverr copywriter (but be realistic – it takes time and effort to really earn $3000 per month).
Publishing Amazon Kindle books. Ok, I am a bit skeptical of this one (like I am about anything that I haven’t tried out myself), but publishing (e)books on Amazon could be a lucrative side hustle. Plus, if you’re able to get your book business going then it’s kind of passive income – you create the book once and sell it again and again.
You need a few skills to do this, though – aside from writing an engaging story, you need to make a book cover, maybe create some illustrations, format the book, and market it. Here’s more info on how to sell books on Amazon.
Writing content for your own blog. Yeah, as you can tell, this is by far my favorite one. By writing about something you’re passionate about, or have experience with, you can turn your hobby into a way of making money!
You do need loads of patience with this one, though – don’t expect your blog to start making you money for at least the first year. Also, it’s a big plus if you know how (or are willing to learn) to create a WordPress website. Here’s more info: step-by-step guide to start blogging.
Is content writing for me?
As I said before – if you like writing then this is probably your dream side hustle!
Now it’s time to make that dream a reality and start writing. (Ok, this might’ve sounded a bit cheesy, but I’m serious. Get to work!)
5. Social Media Manager
This one is for all my guys and gals who are infamous for spending too much time on social media.
You probably already know a little bit about how Instagram and TikTok algorithms work, how to get likes and followers, and what type of content is likely to go viral.
If that’s the case, you can help out other people by managing their social media accounts (and earning some sweet cash for doing so!).
There are many businesses, entrepreneurs, and influencers who can’t manage their social media accounts themselves – be it due to lack of time or not knowing what they should post to increase their audience.
So, if you think social media managing might be your new side hustle then here’s what I recommend you to do: create theme pages on Instagram and/or TikTok (and maybe some other social media platforms you might need to get familiar with) and try growing them!
This way, you will naturally learn what works and what doesn’t, when to post, what to post, etc.
Plus, if you’re successful in growing an audience, you can monetize that account by recommending products (aka affiliate marketing) and selling promos, or selling the account!
Once you know how to grow a theme page and build a following, you’re ready to start looking for clients!
In my opinion, the best way to do that is by reaching out to your local small businesses who look like they could use better social media management, and asking if they need help with their accounts.
You can also offer your services to your first clients free of charge – that way, you’re more likely to get your first client, and gain some experience.
Is social media managing for me?
If you know all the latest trends on the hottest social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, then yes, you could definitely make money by doing social media management.
You just have to be willing to learn and not be afraid of communicating with clients.
6. Helping out
Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!
If you want to make a quick buck on the side, you can help out people with their chores.
I started out helping people mow their lawns, clean the house, and assemble some cheap Ikea furniture, but you could also offer services like babysitting, garden work, etc.
Yeah, it may not be ‘the ideal side hustle‘, because you’re not really developing new skills – you’re just trading your time in exchange for money.
However, if you don’t really have many skills and you’re too lazy to learn any, then yeah, it’s an easy way to make money.
Look up some websites like TaskRabbit or Thumbtack that connect people in need of help with helpers. And if you want to petsit or walk doggies, you can check out Rover.com.
Is helping out for me?
If you don’t mind doing tedious chores like cleaning, mowing the lawn, etc. then give it a go!
It’s a tried-and-true way of making money by trading your time for money.
But, in the long term I highly recommend also trying out other side hustles that help you develop high-demand skills and thus make you more money for your time!
7. Video Editing
I mean damn, who wouldn’t want to be able to make cool edits like these:
Right??
No?
Well anyways, now let’s break some myths.
Video editing isn’t actually too hard to learn, and you don’t need an expensive MacBook and Adobe Premier Pro in order to get started.
Yeah, I said it.
You can start editing videos on your crappy laptop (or even your phone!) with a free to use video editing software.
That said, being a tech-savvy person who can quickly learn the basics of the video editing sure helps!
There are manyyy categories of videos you can edit: travel vlogs, YouTube videos and shorts, wedding footage, TikToks, etc.
The steps I recommend for you to take to start making money by video editing are fairly simple:
- Pick a category of videos that you’d like to edit (e.g. YouTube shorts). Then, find a video editor that edits in that category – so that you can take inspiration from them!
- Choose a video editing software and watch YouTube tutorials on how to use it.
- Find raw clips that you can edit for practice.
- Once you feel comfortable editing videos in your chosen category, you can start looking for clients!
This is just the way I started!
“Ok, and where can I get clients?” I hear you ask.
You can list your video editing services on Fiverr, or reach out to people who may be in need of a video editor and offer your services to them (e.g. if you edit YouTube shorts, reach out to YouTubers who post shorts, and send them your porftolio.)
Is video editing for me?
Do you have a working laptop/PC and access to the internet?
Then you’re all set!
Video editing is, of course, something you need to have a passion for in order to make amazing edits – if you love watching beautifully edited movies or YouTube videos, chances are you already know a few nice editing techniques.
8. Food Courier
Time to play god by delivering burgers to people!
I have been a bicycle courier for two years now (I mostly work in the summer, because that’s pretty much the only time that the weather is warm enough to actually ride a bike) and I can say it’s a pretty decent way to make money.
I get to choose when I work, and how many deliveries I want to make. And the pay is definitely higher than working in customer service at a clothing store, or something of the sort.
This side hustle (just like helping out with chores) isn’t the perfect side hustle, because you don’t really learn much.
You just do the job and deliver burgers.
So, might not be something to opt for in the long run, but if you want to make quick bucks on the side, it’s good enough.
Is being a food courier for me?
Do you own a bicycle (in case you choose to deliver food with a bike, make sure you’re in a good physical condition, because it can be quite tiring) or a car?
Then you can start delivering food!
It’s a great side hustle for those who need extra work, but can only work during the evening.
9. Flipping (buying and reselling stuff)
Yup, I saved the best for the last!
My absolute favorite, the bread and butter of side hustles – flipping.
For those of you who don’t know what flipping is, it simply means buying stuff at a low price and reselling it for profit.
Buy low, sell high.
What’s awesome is, anyone can do it. There are different ‘levels’ of items to flip, so to speak, for flippers who are just starting out to those who have been making money flipping things for years.
You can flip anything from clothes and toys to cars and houses!
This is probably the first side hustle I ever did – I started out selling my old clothes on a local website, and that turned into me going to thrift shops and buying clothes for cheap and reselling them on that website for profit.
By now, I’ve made over 3000 bucks flipping clothes by doing minimal work.
If you want to learn more about flipping (it’s basically what my blog is all about) then be sure to check out some of my posts:
Is flipping for me?
I highly recommend flipping to anyone!
It’s a great way to develop many essential life skills – knowing where to find good deals on items, taking appealing photos, marketing your stuff, and communicating with buyers.
CONCLUSION
Holy-moly, this blog post is long.
But, those of you that stayed and read through the whole thing (you’re awesome!), I’m sure you got some ideas on what side hustle you could start next.
Also, a little tip for you: remember that it’s better to start one side hustle at a time and focus on that. If you’re bouncing between different income streams, and constantly trying to do more, you’ll do more harm than good for yourself.
I’m saying this because when I started my own money-making journey, I was always jumping between my ideas, wanting to learn video editing, coding, affiliate marketing, all in one day.
So, take time to learn to do one thing well, and then you can move on to new things.
Alright, that’s all, I think.
Cya in the next post, my awesome hustlers!