In this fast-paced, tech-driven world, many people look to supplement their income with creative side business ideas. Working from home is not just a comfort but also flexible, you can conveniently set your working hours and your workload. This will bring a balance between your business pursuits and your obligations. Running a side business from home does not require expensive office space and heavy operating costs, making it a cost-effective option for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Let us talk about the several opportunities as part-time businesses so you can choose the one that helps you make money from home.

1. Freelancing

It is one of the best side hustle businesses to supplement your income. Freelancers usually work on a project basis for one or more clients, making it simple to manage workload depending on your availability. Based on your expertise and skills, you can begin your side hustle as a freelance writer, editor, designer, bookkeeper, website developer, etc.

Cost and Platform

Use your email, website, and social media platforms to promote your freelance skills at no cost. Additionally, you can make use of freelancer portals to get more clients. This will help you with both project management and payments.

2. Transcriptionist

Transcriptionists' job is to convert audio or video recordings into written text. For this, you must have excellent listening abilities and a strong command of the language you transcribe. You can explore transcription jobs in various sectors, such as medical, legal, real estate, research, etc.

Cost and Platform

To begin this job, you must create a profile on a transcription service website. You can start receiving projects from the company once you fulfill their requirements. Your payments will be decided based on your experience and expertise. You can earn anywhere between $19 - $30 per hour depending on your expertise and an average of $1,141.2 every month if you work 2.5 hours per day for 24 days.

3. Selling on Amazon and eBay

Selling on Amazon and eBay is a great side business. You can sell products like utensils, appliances, outfits, accessories, furniture, etc. and earn around $500 per month or more.

Cost and Platform

You should first consider the subscription fee you need to pay for the e-commerce platforms and the costs associated with product sourcing, storing, and shipping. You may need a few hundred to a thousand dollars, depending on the stock purchases.

4. Blogging

If you’re a passionate writer, blogging can prove to be a lucrative side business. Choose a niche that resonates with you to connect with your audience. As your blog drives more traffic, you can earn money by incorporating advertisements and affiliate sales.

Cost and Platform

Running a blog requires anywhere from $50 to $100 per year, including purchasing a domain and creating a blog website using a web builder platform like Squarespace Wix or a WordPress hosting service. As these platforms provide user-friendly designing tools and templates, you don't need to hire a designer or developer.

5. Consulting

If you have specialized knowledge in a specific area, you can side hustle as a consultant, providing guidance and inputs to clients. Consultants are paid on a project or on an hourly basis, depending on their experience and expertise.

Cost and Platform

While the initial investment varies depending on your target market and niche, you must consider other expenses, including creating a website, investing in marketing strategies, and setting up the necessary legal and financial structures. You can provide consulting services in person or online.

6. Online Tutor

Tutoring online presents a lucrative opportunity for educators seeking additional income. College students with exceptional subject knowledge and teaching abilities can also capitalize on this side venture to earn extra money.

Cost and Platform

You must invest in specialized tools, such as a computer or laptop, to connect with students and digital pen tablets to write and illustrate concepts. Besides, you must have a reliable internet connection. So, you may need anywhere between $500 to $1000.

7. Personal Assistant

Professionals with no time to accomplish their daily tasks might look for someone to manage all their needs. This is where you can kick start your side business as a personal assistant who completes a wide range of tasks, including picking up dry cleaning, grocery shopping, walking dogs, and ensuring children reach home/school safely.

Cost and Platform

One of the best side business ideas with low investment is a personal assistant. However, you will require a vehicle if you offer services in non-urban areas. You can get paid through TaskRabbit.com and Thumbtack.com. If required, you can create your own system for bookings and payments using Square.

8. YouTube Channel

Creating video content on YouTube allows you to earn money by knowledge-sharing, or entertaining. The platform is free to use, and once you have reached a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and an average of 4,000 video watch hours per year, you can start monetizing your videos with ads and product promotions.

Cost and Platform

You must have a good smartphone or camera to record and edit videos and a reliable internet connection to stream them. To expand your YouTube channel, you can explore cost-effective YouTube advertisements and promote your videos on your blog and social media platforms.

9. Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants offer personal assistant services online, managing several tasks such as scheduling appointments, making travel arrangements, performing data entry, handling customer emails, etc. If you have expertise in technology with strong organizational skills, you can begin your side gig as a virtual assistant.

Cost and Platform

You need a computer/laptop and an internet connection. You can manage your bookings and payments using Square or virtual assistant apps, including ChatterBoss, TaskRabbit, and Upwork.

10. Become an E-commerce Reseller

Becoming an ecommerce reseller can pay you well. You need to purchase, store, and sell items from various vendors. Though reselling demands a greater initial investment and time commitment, you can increase your earnings by integrating conventional e-commerce sales with dropship products, POD goods, and affiliate blogging income.

Cost and Platform

Depending on your initial stock, you may need $500 to $5000 or more to start reselling. Nevertheless, opting for a highly-rated e-commerce platform won't cost you much. Starter plans on platforms like WordPress with WooCommerce, Shopify, and Weebly by Square are free or available at a monthly fee of just $29.

11. Take Online Surveys

Marketing research firms pay for your reviews/thoughts on various systems, products, and subjects. They may demand you to create an online account and link it to payment platforms. After setting up your account, you can browse and choose surveys you are interested in and sign up for them using an app or online dashboard. If chosen, you will get paid within a few days of completing the questionnaire or project. You can get paid around $2 to $10 for a few-minute surveys, while more in-depth product reviews or questionnaires can pay around $100.

Cost and Platform

It does not require initial costs, as survey groups like Survey Junkie, User Interviews, and Dscout have no upfront or monthly fees. However, reviewing and applying for surveys that fit your demographics can take longer.

Conclusion

The flexibility of starting a business while employed, enjoying financial independence, and effortlessly pursuing interests and passions are reasons why side business ideas from home are gaining traction. Technological advancements have made it easier to start a home-based business. So, start exploring side businesses that help make money.