7 Profitable Side Hustle Ideas To Earn More Money (2024)

In 2016, I was a fresh graduate who had just returned from NYSC in Delta State and was managing a cyber cafe in Surulere. The job was predictable, and I found solace in the routine, but I was restless and craved something more meaningful. Each idle moment reminded me that I had some potential that was left untapped. I will never forget the night it all clicked for me. I was scrolling through Nairaland and saw an article that listed people who make money online from home. It had success stories that seemed too good to be true then. 

As I read about a woman who made her first thousand dollars by freelance writing that night, a spark ignited within me. I realized that my writing skills could go beyond writing emails and cybercafe reports; it could be a source of income. I decided to try writing and streaming on Twitch, and it was a great decision. But my story isn't unique. Take Shalom, a graphic designer who used to offer his services for free until he discovered online marketplaces. He now designs for Heroshe and creates logos and branding materials for companies worldwide. Now, it is your turn. 

In this article, I am excited to walk you through the top 7 profitable side hustle ideas to earn more money in 2024. Whether you are a recent graduate or want a side hustle in addition to your 9-5, these ideas can offer you a roadmap to financial independence. And the best part is that you can do all this from your home. Let us get started!

Launch A Dropshipping Business

Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products to customers without holding inventory. Instead, when a customer buys an item from your online store, you purchase it directly from a third-party supplier, who then ships it to the customer. You don't have to look for money to invest in inventory upfront. You don’t also have to worry about handling shipping and storage logistics. All you need is an online store, a supplier or suppliers, and a marketing strategy to drive traffic to your site. According to Lachlan Delchau-Jones, dropshipping is the entry point for many people in business, e-commerce, and entrepreneurship. It is the perfect first business.

Select a niche market with high demand but low competition to make money with dropshipping. Research trending products within that niche and find reliable suppliers who offer competitive prices. Next, set up your online store using an e-commerce platform like Shopify or WooCommerce, and optimize it for conversions. Once your store is live, focus on driving traffic through various marketing channels such as social media advertising, influencer partnerships, and search engine optimization (SEO). You can build a profitable dropshipping business with minimal upfront investment by providing excellent customer service and continuously optimizing your product offerings and marketing efforts.

If this catches your attention, I have good news for you. The Heroshe website has many helpful resources for new and seasoned dropshippers. Visit the dropshipping category now to tap into a wealth of knowledge and take your dropshipping game to the next level!

RELATED: How to Start A Dropshipping Business

Become A Social Media Influencer

A social media influencer uses platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to impact followers' purchasing decisions. They provide value through specialized knowledge or entertainment within a niche topic. Influencers can range from individuals posting detailed how-to videos to those entertaining with dance on TikTok, showing that one does not need to be a celebrity or talented to succeed in this field. No shade.

There are three major categories of influencers based on the size of their audience:

• Macro Influencers: 500,000 to 1 million followers.
• Micro Influencers: 10,000 to 50,000 followers.
• Nano Influencers: Up to 10,000 followers.

Before diving into social media influencing, you should test yourself to know whether your passions, personality, and dedication align with this career path. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Are there topics you are passionate about? Successful influencers often focus on niche topics they are genuinely passionate about. Consider what topics you could discuss for hours without losing interest. It could be about sports, fashion or even a game you are moderately good at.

Are you comfortable being in the spotlight? Being a social media influencer means putting yourself out there for the world to see. If you are comfortable sharing your life, thoughts, vulnerabilities, and expertise with an audience, you may have what it takes.

Do you have a unique flair to add to your content? Do you know how people say content is king and distribution is queen? Well, originality is the rook! There are hundreds of other creators in your field, so why should people visit your page if your content gets reshared on Krakts TV or Tunde Ednut? What sets your content apart? Do you have a style that can captivate and make people your fans? Some people get noticed by saying controversial stuff on podcasts, while others, like Mr. Macaroni or Don Ifeski, have their unique style and personality that fans love. Neither approach is bad and will help you stand out from the crowd so long as you are original.

Are you willing to invest time and effort into creating content? I will be honest; achieving overnight success in social media isn't common. Take Mr Macaroni, for instance. It took him a year of consistent content creation before gaining substantial traction, especially after introducing his iconic Agbada. Building a thriving social media presence demands a lot of dedication and a consistent stream of high-quality content. Are you ready to invest the time and energy needed to create high-quality content regularly?

How do you handle criticism and feedback? As an influencer, you will likely encounter praise and criticism from your audience, much like what you have seen on your Twitter timeline. I have come across harsh reviews on artistic and musical pieces that made me wince even though they weren’t directed at me. Can you handle that?

Offer Freelance Services on Platforms Like Upwork

Upwork is a leading platform that connects freelancers with clients who need professional services. It offers various services, from graphic design and web development to writing and virtual assistance. As a freelancer on Upwork, you can leverage your skills and expertise to find paid opportunities from clients across the globe. Upwork’s past industry research has shown that 60% of freelancers who left a full-time job to become freelancers make more money than they did in their previous jobs.

Aspiring freelancers can start by creating a profile highlighting their skills, experience, and portfolio to start making money on Upwork. Create a compelling profile showcasing expertise, which will help attract and convert potential clients. Treat it as meticulously as you would your dating profile on… Oh, look, a bee!

Once the profile is set up, you can browse through available projects or wait for clients to reach out with job invitations. Building a solid reputation through positive reviews and delivering high-quality work on time is crucial for long-term success on the platform. Dedicate yourself to excellence in your tasks, and satisfied clients will naturally leave glowing reviews and help you succeed on the platform.

Become An Online Tutor

Online tutoring offers significant earning potential, with some tutors making over $100K annually. This makes it a highly lucrative option for those looking to make money online. The demand for online tutors has increased, especially with the increased adoption of remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

You will use digital platforms as an online tutor to connect with students seeking assistance in various subjects or skills. These can range from academic subjects like Mathematics and Physics to language learning, IELTS preparation, or digital marketing. There are many platforms to choose from, including TeacherOn, TutorMe, Skillshare, and Prepclass. Each has different pay rates and job requirements, allowing you to find the best fit for your skills and financial goals.

Virtual Assistance

Making money online as a virtual assistant involves providing businesses or individuals remote administrative, creative, or technical support. Virtual assistants handle tasks such as email management, scheduling, social media management, data entry, graphic design, and more, allowing clients to focus on their core activities while delegating time-consuming tasks.  According to Statista, the industry's revenue is projected to hit $134 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow beyond $152 billion by 2028.

To start earning as a virtual assistant, first, identify your skills and strengths. Then, create a professional online presence by building a website showcasing your services, expertise, and testimonials. Use freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to find clients or reach out directly to businesses or entrepreneurs in your niche. You can also network on social media platforms like LinkedIn to help you connect with potential clients. As you gain experience and build a solid reputation, you can increase your rates and expand your services to grow your online income as a virtual assistant.

Write And Publish E-books

Writing and publishing e-books involves creating digital books that can be sold online. These e-books can cover various topics, from fiction to non-fiction, self-help to instructional guides. Once written, these e-books can be formatted into various digital file types and uploaded to online platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Apple Books, or Barnes & Noble Press, where they are made available for purchase and download by readers worldwide.

You can follow several steps to make money online from writing and publishing e-books. Firstly, you need to identify a niche or topic you are passionate about and conduct market research to understand the demand for such content. Next, you should write high-quality, engaging content that provides value to readers within that niche. After formatting your e-book for digital distribution, upload it to one or more online platforms and set a competitive price. Sha remember me when your dollars start rolling in.

Start Social Selling

Social selling, a modern approach to sales, uses the power of social media platforms to connect with potential customers, build relationships, and drive sales. Unlike traditional sales methods, social selling prioritizes authenticity, engagement, and value creation over direct promotion. It involves leveraging social media platforms to identify better prospects, build stronger relationships, and achieve sales goals. This strategy is particularly effective because it allows you to connect with buyers in their natural digital habitats, establishing credibility and trust. By engaging directly on social media, you can outperform your competitors who do not use these platforms by 78%.

According to Rebecca, CEO of Shoes by Becky, here are some best practices to follow:

• Build a Strong Personal Brand: Your online presence should reflect your expertise and reliability, making you a thought leader.
• Engage with Your Audience: Regular interaction with your prospects through comments, messages, and posts helps you understand their needs and build relationships.

• Provide Value: Focus on creating useful and informative content rather than overtly promotional content. This approach helps build trust and establish your credibility as a helpful resource rather than just another salesperson.

Conclusion

I hope these ideas have given you good thoughts about making money online from home. Just like I once wanted something more than my regular job, you can imagine a future where you earn a living doing something you love. Whether starting a dropshipping business, becoming a social media influencer, or doing freelance work, the internet has many opportunities for people like us. 

So, take this chance to imagine the life you want. With hard work and dedication, you can find success online while enjoying the comfort of your home. And hey, if you want more tips and insights on how to make it happen, why not subscribe to the Heroshe blog? We have loads of helpful resources waiting for you!

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