The Truth About Side Hustles That Lack Easy Success
Ever feel bombarded with the idea that side hustles are the golden ticket to easy money? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. But before you dive headfirst into the side hustle craze, let’s take a closer look at what’s really going on behind the scenes. Sure, side hustles are all the rage these days. But let’s be honest: not all of them live up to the hype. From the promise of quick cash to the allure of minimal effort, it’s easy to get caught up in the fantasy. But here’s the reality check you’ve been waiting for: making serious dough on the side takes more than just a couple of spare hours here and there.
Now, don’t get me wrong! I’m not here to rain on anyone’s parade. After all, I’ve dabbled in my fair share of side hustle ventures myself. But after some trial and error, I’ve come to realize that success in the side hustle game requires grit, determination, and a whole lot of hustle.
Whether you’re considering dropshipping, affiliate marketing, or any other side hustle du jour, it’s time to cut through the hype and get down to brass tacks. Because let’s face it: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Get ready to separate fact from fiction and hustle smarter, not harder!
20 Side Hustles That Require More Effort Than You Think
1. Selling Print-on-Demand Products (POD) – The concept of uploading your designs and letting a vendor handle the rest sounds enticing. However, building a successful print-on-demand business requires careful planning and persistence. From selecting the right products to designing eye-catching artwork, every step demands attention to detail and a willingness to put in the work. And don’t forget about marketing! Everybody these days is selling t-shirts. Attracting customers to your online store takes time and effort. That being said, the payoff can be well worth it if you can find your niche.
Costs and Platforms: Setting up a print-on-demand business requires an e-commerce platform that seamlessly integrates with POD vendors. Popular platforms include Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. When it comes to selecting a POD vendor, there are several options such as Printify, Printful, CustomCat, Gooten and many more. These vendors offer a variety of customizable products and competitive pricing, allowing you to diversify your product offerings and cater to different customer preferences. You can also create an Etsy seller account.
2. Freelancing – Freelancing on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork can be both a blessing and a challenge. On one hand, these platforms offer a gateway to a vast pool of potential clients and projects without any upfront costs. However, it’s essential to recognize that these markets are flooded with talented freelancers all fighting for attention. While it costs nothing to get started, breaking through the noise and getting noticed can be daunting. With countless freelancers offering the same services, standing out requires not only exceptional skills but also strategic marketing and networking efforts. Building a strong profile, showcasing your expertise, and consistently delivering high-quality work are crucial steps towards carving out a niche and attracting clients.
Costs and Platforms: While there is no upfront charge on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, it’s important to note the fees they charge. Upwork’s fees vary from 20% for smaller projects to 5% for larger ones, with an additional processing fee. Fiverr takes a flat 20% commission on all transactions. While these fees may seem high, they provide access to a global client base and convenient project management tools. Freelancers should factor these costs into their pricing strategies.
3. Blogging – While blogging may seem like a glamorous endeavor, the reality is that building a loyal audience takes time and effort. Whether you’re sharing travel tales or fashion tips, consistency and quality content are key to attracting readers. Remember, monetizing your blog with ads or affiliate sales requires a substantial following, which won’t happen overnight. Expect to invest not just money, but also countless hours into crafting compelling posts and engaging with your audience. Blogging is not dead. It remains a potent weapon in the arsenal of those who understand its power. While it’s true that blogging can yield fantastic results with a sizable audience, the key lies in understanding how to grow that audience in the first place.
Costs and Platforms: Budget around $120 annually for running a simple blog. Bluehost is a reliable option for hosting. You can purchase a domain and set up your blog using a WordPress hosting service or a user-friendly web builder platform like Wix or Squarespace. These platforms provide intuitive design tools and appealing templates, eliminating the need to hire a designer or developer. You can advertise for free on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
4. Selling Digital Products – Yet another flooded market. Prepare to invest considerable time and effort. Finding customers will require strategic planning and potentially running ads to stand out from the crowd. If you possess a creative streak, selling digital products can be a rewarding side hustle with minimal to no upfront costs. From digital artwork to logos, music, photography, video, and website design templates, there’s a high demand for quality digital goods. You can capitalize on this demand by creating and selling your products through various channels, including your own website, social media platforms, and numerous digital product marketplaces.
Costs and Platforms: You can create digital products using your own graphic, photo, video or music software, or tap free online platforms such as Canva, PhotoPea and the Garageband app for creation. Monetize your creations on your own website or an Etsy store, and by uploading to creative marketplaces including Canva, Envato Market, Creative Fabrica, Shutterstock, iTunes, SoundCloud and many more. You can sell your digital products on your own website or set up shop on platforms like Etsy.
5. Affiliate Marketing – Affiliate marketing sounds like a dream gig – earning passive income by promoting products or services and earning a commission for each sale made through your unique affiliate link. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. One of the biggest challenges with affiliate marketing is fierce competition. With low entry barriers, the market is saturated with affiliates promoting the same products, making it challenging to stand out in a crowd of potential buyers. Success in affiliate marketing requires more than just slapping a few links on your website or social media profile. Additionally, navigating the complexities of affiliate programs, including commission structures, cookie durations, and payout thresholds, can be overwhelming for newbies. Affiliate marketing can be really profitable if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, but let’s face it, it’s not a two-hour-a-day kind of gig.
Costs and Platforms: Getting started in affiliate marketing doesn’t have to break the bank, especially since most affiliate programs are free to join. You can leverage social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Pinterest to promote products without spending a dime. Plus, don’t forget about Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Snapchat, which are also great channels for reaching potential customers organically. While investing in tools and resources can enhance your efforts, remember that you can kickstart your affiliate journey without a hefty upfront investment by tapping into the power of social media. However, if you decide to set up a website or invest in tools to boost your marketing efforts, expenses like domain registration, web hosting, and software subscriptions might come into play.
6. Creating Online Courses – With the market flooded with offerings, standing out requires considerable effort. You’ll need to invest time and resources in growing an audience or running targeted advertisements to attract potential students. If you’re an expert in a particular field, monetizing your knowledge through online courses and coaching programs can be super lucrative. However, don’t be fooled by the idea that it’s easy money. Building a successful online course business demands dedication and planning.
Costs and Platforms: Thankfully, a plethora of user-friendly and budget-friendly online course platforms are available to kickstart your journey. Platforms like Teachable, Thinkific, LearnWorlds, and Kajabi are popular choices, guiding you through the course creation process and providing tools to integrate personalized coaching. However, keep in mind that while these platforms offer accessibility, they often come with monthly fees or revenue-sharing models when you start selling your courses. You also have the option to incorporate online courses and exclusive members-only content into website platforms such as your own website.
7. Faceless Instagram or Instagram Theme Page – Creating a faceless Instagram or theme page can be an enticing venture, but it’s essential to recognize that the market is saturated with similar accounts. To succeed in this space, you’ll need to master the art of audience growth. This involves not only attracting followers but also engaging them with compelling content. Crafting high-quality content is key to capturing the attention of your audience. Your posts should be so captivating that they entice viewers to explore your profile further and ultimately click on your external links to purchase your products or services. By delivering value through your content and fostering meaningful connections with your followers, you can differentiate your page and cultivate a loyal community of engaged users who are eager to support your brand.
Costs and Platforms: Launching a faceless Instagram or theme page typically involves minimal upfront costs, but success often hinges on strategic planning and effective execution. While basic content creation can be done using your smartphone or on Canva, investing in quality editing tools and software can enhance the visual appeal of your posts. Consider apps like Adobe Lightroom or VSCO for photo editing, and Adobe Premiere Rush or InShot for video editing. To drive traffic to your external links (such as your website or online store), you’ll need to utilize the “link in bio” strategy. This involves regularly updating the link in your Instagram bio to direct followers to your desired destination. Consider using a link management tool like Linktree. Allocating a budget for paid advertising can help accelerate audience growth and increase visibility.
8. YouTube – With millions of videos flooding the platform daily, getting noticed might feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Consistency is key, but even with top-notch content, building a loyal fanbase takes time – think months or even years. Some of my favorite youtubers specifically say expect to stay consistent for 2-3 years before you really break ground. Don’t forget about the ever-elusive YouTube algorithm, which can make or break your success. Staying relevant in a sea of changing trends and tastes requires serious hustle. With passion, persistence, and a sprinkle of luck, anything’s possible in the world of YouTube. There are many who many thousands – MILLIONS of dollars on youtube. Look at Logan Paul and Mr. Beast.
Costs and Platforms: Joining YouTube is free, and you can upload unlimited videos at no cost. Creating videos can be budget-friendly; you can use a smartphone with a good camera and free editing apps like iMovie, Loom, Canva, and AdobeSpark. To grow your channel, consider low-cost YouTube ads and sharing videos on your blog and social media. Keep in mind that most successful YouTubers put a lot of money into their channels. Things like filming equipment, microphones, a lighting setup, editing software, backdrops, thumbnails, the list of things you could buy for better videos is long.
9. Self-publish an e-book – While the process of writing and formatting an e-book may seem straightforward, the real hurdles often come after publication. With millions of ebooks available on platforms like Amazon Kindle, standing out from the crowd and attracting readers can be hard. Building visibility and credibility as an author takes time and effort. Without a strong marketing strategy, your ebook may get lost in the sea of digital content. Competition from traditionally published books and established authors can make it difficult to capture readers’ attention. It’s essential to understand that success in self-publishing often comes with persistence.
Costs and Platforms: While the actual act of publishing on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or Smashwords is typically free, there may be optional costs for services like professional editing, cover design, and formatting. These costs can vary depending on the complexity of your project and the quality of services you choose. Some platforms may charge a commission on sales or require an ISBN for certain distribution channels. Overall, while self-publishing platforms offer accessible avenues for sharing your work, it’s essential to budget for potential expenses and invest in quality to maximize your ebook’s success.
10. Business Coach, Fitness Coach, and Other Coaching – Entering fields like business coaching, fitness coaching, and similar areas can feel like diving into a sea of competition. With countless coaches fighting for attention, success often hinges on having a substantial audience or mastering audience growth strategies. The beauty of these ventures lies in their accessibility – the costs are minimal. All you really need is a compelling landing page and a strategy to attract customers. With the right approach, you can leverage social media, content marketing, and networking to grow your client base and stand out in a crowded market. The potential rewards for those who carve out their niche and build a loyal following are limitless. However, do not let these smucks fool you into thinking success will come overnight. Chances are you will not make $10,000 your first month.
Costs and Platforms: Getting started doesn’t require a hefty investment. Typically, all you need is a platform to showcase your expertise and attract clients. A basic website or landing page can serve as your online presence, allowing potential clients to learn about your services and contact you. Platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix offer user-friendly tools to create professional-looking websites without breaking the bank. Additionally, social media platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook provide free avenues to showcase your knowledge, engage with your audience, and attract clients. While there may be additional costs for advanced website features or advertising campaigns, getting started as a business or fitness coach is relatively affordable, making it accessible to anyone with a passion for helping others achieve their goals.
11. Selling on Platforms like Etsy, eBay, Walmart Marketplace, Amazon – Selling on platforms like Etsy, eBay, Walmart Marketplace, and Amazon can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, you’ve got access to an enormous audience just waiting to discover your amazing products. The potential for exposure is off the charts! However, standing out in this bustling marketplace can be a bit of a puzzle. With so many sellers vying for attention, you need to have a killer product or a unique selling proposition to capture the spotlight and winning over customers. sellers on these platforms must contend with the risk of sudden account suspensions or bans Despite playing by the rules, sellers can find themselves in hot water with the platform gods faster than you can say “oops” which leads to lost sales and potential reputational damage.
Costs and Plaforms: When it comes to setting up shop on platforms like Etsy, eBay, Walmart Marketplace, and Amazon, the cost of entry is surprisingly low. You will encounter listing and selling fees, each of which vary depending on the platform. Let’s not forget the cost of your products. Whether you’re selling handmade crafts, vintage items, or brand-new products – there is a cost associated with your offerings.
12. Become a Virtual Assistant – Becoming a virtual assistant can be a fantastic way to earn money from the comfort of your home, especially if you’re organized and tech-savvy. Virtual assistants provide a wide range of personal assistant services in the digital realm. From scheduling appointments and handling customer emails to booking travel and managing data entry tasks. However, with platforms like Fiverr and Upwork allowing freelancers from around the world to compete for jobs, the market can be highly competitive. While rates for virtual assistant services in the US may be higher compared to other countries where $5 per hour is acceptable, there are still plenty of opportunities for skilled individuals to thrive.
Costs and Platforms: To get started as a virtual assistant, all you need is a reliable computer and internet connection – no other costs required! You can market your services and manage gigs and payments using virtual assistant apps like TaskRabbit, ChatterBoss, and Upwork. Alternatively, you can streamline your bookings and payments using platforms like Square. With the right tools and dedication, becoming a virtual assistant can be a lucrative side hustle that allows you to work on your own terms and earn money from anywhere in the world.
13. Dropshipping – Dropshipping can be an enticing business model – minimal upfront investment, no need to manage inventory, and the potential to reach customers worldwide. However, it’s not all smooth sailing. One of the biggest challenges with dropshipping is fierce competition. With low barriers to entry, the market is saturated with sellers offering similar products, making it difficult to stand out and capture customers’ attention. Moreover, relying on third-party suppliers for product fulfillment can lead to issues like delayed shipping times, product quality concerns, and inventory shortages, all of which can negatively impact the customer experience and damage your reputation. Despite these challenges, many entrepreneurs find success with dropshipping by focusing on niche markets. With perseverance and a willingness to overcome obstacles, dropshipping can be a rewarding venture that offers the potential for long-term success.
Costs and Platforms: To start dropshipping, you’ll need an online store, which means purchasing a domain name and subscribing to an e-commerce platform like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce. These platforms provide user-friendly tools for store design, management, and integration with dropshipping suppliers. With dropshipping, you won’t hold inventory upfront; instead, you’ll pay for products as they’re ordered from your supplier. This can impact profit margins due to costs of goods sold and shipping fees. Marketing expenses are crucial for driving traffic and sales, including investments in platforms like Facebook Ads or Google Ads. Selecting reliable dropshipping suppliers is key, with marketplaces such as Doba, Spocket, and SaleHoo offering access to thousands of suppliers worldwide – some of which also have fees.
14. Create a Newsletter – Jumping on the newsletter bandwagon? You’re not alone – it’s the hottest trend in town! And who can blame anyone for hopping aboard? Some savvy newsletter founders have struck gold, selling their businesses for hundreds of millions of dollars. Yes, you read that right – multiple successful newsletters fetching multiple millions. It’s a game-changer! But, let’s be real – while creating a newsletter might seem like the golden ticket to success, it’s not always easy. Building a thriving newsletter takes more than just slapping together a few words and hitting send. There’s the constant struggle to stand out in a sea of newsletters. With countless competitors grasping for subscribers’ attention, crafting content that captures their interest and keeps them coming back for more is no easy feat. Then there’s the daunting task of growing your subscriber list. But perhaps the biggest challenge of all is monetization. While some newsletter founders strike it rich, for many, turning a profit from their newsletters remains a challenge. Monetizing newsletters through advertising, sponsorships, or paid subscriptions requires careful planning and execution.
Costs and Platforms: Relatively low upfront costs, but it’s important to consider both potential expenses and the right platform for your needs. Many newsletter platforms offer free basic plans, perfect for getting started, though they may limit the number of subscribers or emails you can send. As your newsletter grows, you might need to upgrade to paid plans, which can vary from $10 to $100+ monthly, based on subscriber count and desired features. Mailchimp is a favorite for its ease of use and generous free tier. Substack is ideal for monetizing through subscriptions. ConvertKit, Brevo and MailerLite, amongst many more, also offer cost-effective solutions for those on a tight budget. Choosing the right platform will depend on your goals.
15. Become a Social Media Influencer – Becoming an influencer might look like a walk in the park, but let’s be real, it’s no cakewalk. Standing out in a sea of influencers is tough – with everyone and their dog trying to grab attention, breaking through can feel like hitting a brick wall. And don’t even get me started on staying relevant amidst ever-changing trends and algorithms! Launching an influencer brand as a side hustle opens up various income streams, including affiliate links, ad revenue, and sponsored content. As your following grows, you can monetize your videos once you hit certain milestones. For instance, YouTube requires 1,000 channel subscribers and 4,000 hours of views annually. However, there is a constant struggle of balancing authenticity with sponsored posts and dealing with the haters. But hey, for those who stick it out, find their niche, and stay true to themselves, the rewards can be totally worth it.
Costs and Platforms: Setting up your social media accounts on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or Facebook is free. However, you may want to invest in high-quality equipment such as cameras, lighting, and microphones to create professional content. You might consider budgeting for software or editing tools to enhance your content and graphics. Marketing strategies like sponsored posts or influencer collaborations can expand your reach. And don’t forget about networking events or workshops, which can help you connect with others in the industry.
16. Begin a Podcast – Starting a podcast might seem like a breeze – all you need is a laptop, a microphone, and a captivating topic, right? While it’s true that podcasting can be a low-cost side hustle, don’t underestimate the challenges that come with it. Building an audience on platforms like Spotify or YouTube takes time and persistence. Podcasters often find themselves in a long game, patiently growing their listenership episode by episode. Platforms like Patreon offer a subscription service that allows fans to support their favorite creators. But making money from podcasting isn’t instantaneous. It takes dedication, consistency, and a whole lot of hustle to stand out. Still, for those passionate about their topic and willing to put in the work, podcasting can be rewarding and fulfilling.
Costs and Platforms: You can upload your podcasts to platforms like PodBean, YouTube or Buzzsprout. These platforms offer both free and premium plans, allowing you to earn money through paid listener subscriptions, downloads, and ad revenue splits. However, investing in quality equipment can be expensive. Some of my favorite podcasters, like Steven Bartlett, have invested thousands of dollars in equipment and recording studios to produce top-notch content. So, while podcasting can be accessible, be prepared to invest in the tools and resources.
17. Social Media Managers – Becoming a social media manager can be a fun gig, but there are loads of folks trying to do it. To really stand out, it helps to have a big audience already. With so many people offering similar services, having a large following can make a big difference in your success. So, while there’s plenty of demand for social media management, standing out in the crowd can be tough. Building up your own online presence first can give you a leg up in the game.
Costs and Platforms: To effectively manage multiple social media accounts, you may need to invest in social media management tools. You may want to invest in platforms like Buffer or Hootsuite, analytics tools such as Sprout Social or Google Analytics, and graphic design software like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite. While some tools offer free versions with limited features, more comprehensive plans often come with a monthly subscription fee. Many social media managers set asider funds for advertising to reach a wider audience. Whether it’s running Facebook ads, promoting tweets, or sponsoring Instagram posts, having a budget for paid advertising can help increase visibility and drive results.
18. Sell Products Using Retail Arbitrage – Finding those golden products to resell? With retail stores constantly changing prices and inventory, sniffing out profitable items can feel like a treasure hunt. And let’s not forget the competition – it’s fierce out there. With automated tools and savvy sellers on the prowl, snagging those prime products before they’re gone can be a real challenge. Plus, once you’ve got your hands on those goodies, managing inventory and keeping customers happy is a whole other ball game. It takes serious organizational skills and a knack for customer service. But hey, despite the hurdles, many have found success in retail arbitrage. By staying on top of market trends and honing their research skills, many have turned this hustle into a profitable gig.
Costs and Platforms: You’ll need to put some money into buying and shipping products, so having a bit of capital upfront is essential. But don’t worry, there are tools out there to make your life easier and boost your earnings. Apps like the Amazon Seller App, Profit Bandit, and Scoutly are fantastic for keeping your purchasing decisions sharp and ensuring you snag the best deals. By using these handy tools, you can work smarter, not harder.
19. Onlyfans – There is more to OnlyFans than meets the eye. This platform isn’t just about adult content – there are also themed accounts and accounts dedicated to food or even fungi, there’s truly something for everyone there. Sure, the earning potential is sky-high, but let’s not sugarcoat it – it takes serious dedication and hard work. The stigma surrounding adult content can strain relationships, and privacy concerns are no joke. And don’t forget about the constant hustle of keeping subscribers engaged and navigating income fluctuations. So, while OnlyFans is ripe with opportunities, success doesn’t come easy.
Costs and Platforms: Signing up for OnlyFans is free, which is great news for aspiring creators. However, it’s important to note that OnlyFans takes a percentage of your earnings, typically around 20%, so be prepared for that deduction. Some creators choose to promote their OnlyFans content on other social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok to attract more subscribers. While these platforms are free to use, they may require some investment in marketing strategies to effectively grow your audience.
20. Sell Pics of Your Feet – Thinking about dipping your toes into the feet pic market for some extra cash? Hold on just a sec! While it might sound like an easy gig, there are some downsides you’ll want to consider. First off, there’s the whole stigma thing – selling feet pics might not exactly be dinner table conversation material. Plus, there’s the risk of dealing with not-so-respectful buyers who don’t understand the concept of boundaries. It’s essential to manage your expectations. While selling feet pics can bring in some extra cash, it’s unlikely to make you a millionaire overnight. Without celebrity status, it can be challenging to sell enough pics to rake in big bucks. But hey, if you’re interested in some unconventional ways to make money, this could be an option. You can charge anywhere from $5 to $20+ per photo or album. Imagine selling just 20 copies of a $20 album of 5 feet pics per day – that’s a cool $400 in your pocket!
Costs and Platforms; Many sites may require membership fees or charge commissions on your sales. There are platforms like Feet Finder that make it easy to list your pics and start earning passive income. Sure, they may take a commission fee, but it’s worth it for the access to millions of potential buyers and the security of a safe sales platform. Additionally, social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok can also be used to promote your feet pics for free. However, building a following and attracting buyers on these platforms may require time and effort.
The Real Work Behind the Dream
While the allure of side hustles as an easy path to financial freedom is enticing, it’s essential to approach them with a clear understanding of the challenges involved. The reality is that not all side hustles live up to the hype. Success often requires more than just a few spare hours here and there. While the potential rewards can be HUGE, they often come with a hefty dose of hard work, dedication, and persistence. I’m not knocking side hustles – I’m doing a few myself, like running this blog. I just want to make it clear that they’re not as easy as some people make them out to be. Before diving headfirst into the side hustle craze, take the time to weigh the pros and cons, set realistic expectations, and prepare to hustle smarter, not harder.
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