Whether you’re a nine-to-five warrior or a budding entrepreneur, side hustles are on the rise. Nearly 40% of U.S. adults have a side hustle, bringing in an average of $810 per month.1 The numbers are even higher among younger populations like Gen Z and millennials, where approximately 50% of Americans earn extra income through side hustles.1
It’s clear: Side hustles are more than a trend. They’re redefining today’s workforce, offering a flexible and empowering way to achieve your goals — from supplementing income or saving for a dream vacation to paying off student loans or simply pursuing a passion project.
If you’re ready to learn how to start a side hustle, you’re in the right place. In this guide, explore how to monetize your skills, manage time, promote your business, and turn your work into extra income.
Starting a business begins with a great idea — one that can fulfill a need and generate income.
For example, are you an avid baker? A dog lover? Or a handy person? You could open a delivery-only bakery, start a dog-walking business, or launch a mobile home repair company.
Here are ways to brainstorm new business ideas:
Your side business idea should align with your interests and expertise — this will not only make the journey more enjoyable but may also increase your chances of success. Check out more steps to start an online business.
Still not set on an idea? Explore examples of potentially profitable side business ideas that require little to no startup costs:
From time management to legal and finance, there are several factors to consider before launching a side hustle:
Time management and side hustles go hand-in-hand. You'll need to find a way to juggle your side business with any existing commitments, such as a full-time job, family responsibilities, or other obligations. Here’s how:
Legal and finance are crucial for any side hustle, helping prevent complications down the road. Here's a closer look:
Think about where you want your side business to be in the future and how it aligns with your overall life and career goals. It may be helpful to:
Ready to get started? Follow these general steps before launching your side hustle:
Once you've chosen a side business idea and set clear goals, the next step is to create a marketing strategy. Building an audience and a customer base is key — here are ways to cultivate an engaged community:
Side hustles aren’t without their challenges. From staying motivated to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, here are some insights and strategies to conquer any obstacle:
Explore more tips on running a successful business and stay up-to-date on the latest challenges for online businesses.
As side hustles continue to gain momentum, consider this your opportunity to turn your passion and skills into a profitable business. Take that first step, develop your game plan, and watch your side hustle grow.
Learn more about opening a PayPal business account.
In partnership with three expert business owners, the PayPal Bootcamp includes practical checklists and a short video loaded with tips to help take your business to the next level.
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