10 Little Business Ideas to Make Extra Money on the Side

Starting a side business is a fantastic way to generate extra income without leaving your full-time job. Whether you're looking to monetize a hobby, expand your skills, or test the waters before transitioning to entrepreneurship full-time, there are numerous opportunities that require low investment and are relatively easy to manage. Here are 10 little business ideas you can start today to make extra money on the side.

1. Social Media Management

In today’s digital world, having an online presence is crucial for every business, yet many small businesses lack the time, expertise, or resources to manage their social media accounts effectively. That’s where you come in.

Alex Hormozi, entrepreneur and investor, highlights the growing need for digital marketing services:

"In today's digital age, every business needs a strong social media presence. Many small business owners lack the time or skills to manage their accounts effectively, creating a perfect opportunity for side hustlers."

As a social media manager, you can help businesses with content creation, social media strategy, and audience engagement. Since many of these tasks can be automated or scheduled in advance, it's an ideal side business for those with limited time. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are essential for building brand visibility, and offering your expertise in these areas could be both profitable and fulfilling.

Startup Costs:

• Low-cost tools for scheduling (such as Buffer or Hootsuite) and basic graphic design (like Canva) may cost you around $100 initially.

Potential Earnings:

• $500–$2,000 per month per client, depending on the scope of services.

2. Virtual Assistant Services

As remote work becomes increasingly popular, the demand for virtual assistants (VAs) is surging. VAs perform a variety of tasks, from email management and scheduling to customer service and social media management, all from the comfort of their own homes.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, mentions the flexibility of such roles:

"As more businesses embrace remote work, the need for virtual assistants has skyrocketed. It's a flexible option that allows you to work from anywhere."

Offering virtual assistant services allows you to manage your hours while helping busy entrepreneurs and businesses streamline their operations.

Startup Costs:

• Virtually none if you already have a computer and internet connection.

Potential Earnings:

• $500–$5,000 per month depending on the services offered and hours worked.

3. Print-on-Demand Store

If you're creative and love design, starting a print-on-demand (POD) store could be a low-risk way to enter the e-commerce market. POD services let you create custom products like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases without the need for inventory.

Paul Graham, co-founder of Y Combinator, advises:

"The best businesses start as side projects. Print-on-demand allows you to test designs and products without upfront inventory costs."

By partnering with POD companies, you can focus on designing and marketing your products while the fulfillment company handles the printing, packaging, and shipping.

Startup Costs:

• Around $100 for website hosting and basic design software like Adobe Photoshop or Canva.

Potential Earnings:

• $500–$3,000+ per month depending on sales volume.

4. Online Tutoring

With the rise of e-learning and online education, offering online tutoring services is a great way to earn extra money, especially if you excel in a particular subject. Whether it’s math, science, or test preparation, online tutoring allows you to teach students virtually from your home.

Platforms like Zoom or Google Meet make it easy to set up sessions, and sites like Wyzant or TutorMe can help you find students.

Startup Costs:

• None if you have a computer, webcam, and internet access.

Potential Earnings:

• $20–$100 per hour depending on the subject and experience level.

5. Freelance Writing

Content is king, especially in today’s digital economy. Businesses, blogs, and websites constantly need fresh, engaging content, making freelance writing a lucrative side business.

Ann Handley, digital marketing pioneer, recommends:

"Focus on a specific niche or industry to become an expert. Build a portfolio with guest posts and volunteer work initially."

Once you’ve built a portfolio, you can expand your client base by offering specialized writing services such as blog posts, web copy, or product descriptions.

Startup Costs:

• None beyond your computer and internet connection.

Potential Earnings:

• $0.10–$0.50 per word, with potential for higher rates in specialized niches.

6. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

If you’re an animal lover, offering pet-sitting or dog-walking services can be a fun and rewarding way to make extra money. Apps like Rover or Wag make it easy to connect with pet owners in your area, and you can tailor your availability to fit your schedule.

Startup Costs:

• Minimal, typically the cost of business cards or marketing materials.

Potential Earnings:

• $15–$25 per hour for dog walking; $50–$100 per night for pet sitting.

7. Handmade Crafts

If you’re creative and enjoy making things by hand, selling crafts on platforms like Etsy or at local markets can be a great side business. Handmade jewelry, candles, home decor, or personalized gifts are always in demand.

You can start small by creating a few products and gradually expand your offerings as you see what sells best.

Startup Costs:

• $50–$500 for materials, depending on the type of crafts you create.

Potential Earnings:

• $500–$5,000+ per month depending on the products and market demand.

8. Mobile Car Detailing

Offering mobile car detailing services allows you to meet customers at their homes or workplaces, providing a high level of convenience. With minimal equipment—such as cleaning supplies and a vacuum—you can get started quickly.

Startup Costs:

• $200–$500 for cleaning supplies and equipment.

Potential Earnings:

• $50–$200 per vehicle, with the potential for recurring business from satisfied clients.

9. Personal Shopping or Styling

If you have a flair for fashion and love helping others find their style, consider offering personal shopping or styling services. This can be done in-person or virtually, and you can tailor your services to busy professionals or those looking to update their wardrobe.

Startup Costs:

• Minimal if done virtually; you may need a website or marketing materials.

Potential Earnings:

• $50–$100 per hour depending on your client base.

10. Meal Prep Services

Catering to the growing demand for convenience and health, offering meal prep services can be a lucrative side business. You can specialize in catering to specific dietary needs (such as keto, vegan, or gluten-free) and prepare meals for busy individuals or families.

This business can easily scale up or down based on your availability and customer demand.

Startup Costs:

• $100–$500 for cooking equipment and initial ingredients.

Potential Earnings:

• $10–$20 per meal, with many clients purchasing multiple meals per week.

Tips for Success

1. Start Small and Scale Gradually: Many of these business ideas can be started with minimal investment. Focus on getting your first few clients and then expand as you gain experience.
2. Leverage Social Media: Use social media platforms to market your services at little to no cost. Showcase your work, share client testimonials, and engage with potential customers online.
3. Prioritize Customer Service: Building a loyal client base depends on delivering excellent customer service. Happy clients are more likely to refer you to others, helping you grow your business without additional marketing costs.
4. Be Adaptable: Pay attention to customer feedback and be willing to adjust your services or pricing as you learn more about your target market.
5. Stay Organized: Managing your time and clients is critical, especially if you’re juggling a full-time job and a side business. Use project management tools or scheduling apps to stay on top of tasks.

Conclusion

There are countless opportunities to make extra money on the side by starting a small business with low overhead and flexible hours. From offering virtual assistant services to setting up an e-commerce store or providing meal prep services, these little business ideas can help you generate additional income without requiring a significant upfront investment.

With a clear focus, dedication, and the right tools, you can turn one of these side hustles into a thriving business. The key is to start with something you're passionate about, learn as you go, and scale gradually.