Do you ever find yourself wondering how on earth you can creating an additional income stream by means of a side-business?
Nowadays it is almost the norm to have some kind of an additional income. The cost of living is rising, making it difficult to get ahead financially. Having a side-business is often the fast track way to meet your financial goals.
Starting a side-business does not have to be difficult. If you have a key skill that people will pay money for, its worth putting in the effort to enjoy the benefits.
My experience with a side-business
My very first side-business was a linen hire business way back in 2013. I loaned out chair covers, sashes and table linens for parties and special occasions. It took very minimal investment to get started.
The first job I had, covered the cost of my inventory. This meant that within a short time, I was able to create a decent side income of about £500 per month and sometimes more!
I then used that income to invest in my handmade card business. I closed my linen business and four years later I enjoy my full time job and my handmade card business on the side. Even though that income can be inconsistent at times, it has still helped me in so many ways. I would not change it for the world.
Now, my focus is to create a passive income stream through my blog. I want to create a way to make money without trading hours to get it. As someone who works full-time, I would love to know that I can generate this income with minimal input required over time. That being said, obviously some work is required, however the payoff is significantly more when you compare the amount of work done.
Is it really possible to make extra income?
In one word – absolutely! As with anything, it takes real work to build up any form of income. I think we are so fortunate to be living at a time where the internet is full of so many ideas and inspiration to make money on the side.
All you have to do, is take a quick look on Facebook. You won’t have to search for long before you find someone working on a side-business.
What its even more amazing is that with all the people in the online space, there is still so much opportunity out there for anyone to join in and create their own additional income stream.
Perhaps the day job is just not enough anymore. That might well be the case for you. Now might be the time for you to seriously explore some ideas to get started.
It is a great opportunity for you to use your creativity and put your skills to work!
I have put together this small list of ideas to help get you started, but by no means are these the only ways you can make money online.
Virtual Assistant
Most popularly known as a’ VA business’, many virtual assistants work from home with many starting their business whilst still at their day job.
If you are organised and have a flair for managing the life or business of another person then I would definitely recommend.
Virtual Assistant’s typically can charge about £20+ per hour for PA work and if you have specific skills you can charge lots more!
Some Virtual Assistant’s really focus on niche groups in their business, such as event planners or financial advisors, or they advertise a set skill such as the most popular Pinterest VA.
The choice is yours what skills you feel you have to offer and you can either choose to learn new skills to add to your offering or keep things simple.
For those who do not have the confidence to jump straight in as a Virtual Assistant, you can ask other VA’s to work for them as an associate VA. This is always at a lower price rate and you will need to have fundamental areas covered such as business insurances, however it is a great starting point.
Freelance Graphic design
Working as a freelance graphic designer is a great way to put your creative skills to good use. There is nothing better than being able to develop your skills and make some money at the same time.
Freelancing allows you to work on projects that you enjoy and help you to build an amazing portfolio.
Areas of freelance design to consider include:
- Business stationery and logos
- Designing brochures and leaflets for a businesses brand
- Creating and selling digital PDF products
Opportunities may also come up for you to contract with other companies on individual projects. This is a great way to open the path to turn it from a side-business to full time income.
Web designer
Do you have some skills in WordPress or the wonderful world of coding?
This idea might be just for you.
With most businesses taking things online there are lots of opportunities to get involved in different projects as a freelancer and enhance your portfolio
Working on different platforms is a great place to start and then offering premium packages and even web management can be a good earner.
If you have the skills, then you could look at designing and selling WordPress themes.
Proof-reader
You would be surprised as to how many businesses actually use proof-readers.
Lawyers, Accountants, Bloggers, Writers, Publishing houses to name a few, are some of the types of industries who look at proof-reading services.
Proof-reading is a great side-business which can be done from the comfort of your own home and in your own time. For busy people who work full time or have families to look after, it is a good side-business to fit within your lifestyle.
Start a blog
This has to be by far the most popular of all the ideas listed here in this post.
I have been obsessed by the many people who have proven over and over again that you can blog and make a great income.
There are no secrets that a lot of real hard work goes into growing and maintaining a blog. As you will read over and over, with consistency and hard work, this can turn into a real earner in the long run.
In this case, blogging is definitely more of a long-term solution than a short-term quick fix.
What is so great about having your own blog? Mostly that you can use your platform to diversify your income streams with affiliate marketing, sponsored posts and offering your services.
Its your side-business to direct as you see fit and you can do this from the comfort of your home.
Photography
Ok so this is not necessarily an at home, virtual business, BUT it is a great side-business that you can use if you have a strong eye for amazing pictures and love being behind the camera.
There are so many photography niches to consider:
- Wedding photography
- Newborn baby photography
- Professional / Business photography
- Boudoir photography
- Fashion / modelling aphotography photography
Online Coaching
Coaching has been around for a very long time. Coaches support their clients to improve on various areas where they feel they need help.
There are different areas to consider such as:
- fitness
- business
- love & relationships
- money
- mindset & personal development
- lifestyle
The best thing about this style of side-business is that you can set how much time you wish to work with your clients. You are still trading time for money but as you gain momentum then you can raise your price.
Many coaches provide online communities such as Facebook groups. These are amazing at helping others to connect in a safe and likeminded environment. Another way of helping others, is by providing great content online. By this method, you can actually help people virtually and is a good way to leverage digital programs for your clients.
A good coach has a wealth of experience and a genuine interest in helping others improve their current situation. If you enjoy solving problems and inspiring others to do more and be better, then this might be for you.
Instagram Influencer
I’m sure when you think about a side-business, Instagram does not instantly spring to mind.
Did you know, the majority of meme accounts that make you laugh and you share with your friends, are actually making money behind the scenes?
Instagram feature pages, charge businesses for shoutouts and advertising depending on the size of their following.
Its no secret that Instagram is now a top platform for creating additional income.
Whats great is that you can have an account for anything you like. Focus on building a loyal and engaged following. As you gain popularity, then you can look for opportunities to market other accounts. This would be through you for paid shoutouts, advertising and more.
Handmade Craft Business
Handmade crafts are very popular business ideas. Platforms such as Etsy and Instagram that make it so much easier to reach your potential customers and make sales.
I can say from my own personal experience, there is nothing more satisfying than others enjoying your creations.
Instagram and Pinterest are great places to use to drive traffic to your shop. Orders can be created at home and in your own time.
Copywriting
Are you great with words and attracting people to take action? Then this might be up your street.
There are many business opportunities for work. People will outsource because they either dont have the time or skill set for creative writing.
Build up your presence by networking on social media online and offline and get your name out there.
There you have it! Like I said at the start, these ideas are definitely not the only ideas out there. They are also not new, but maybe you just have not thought about these options.
This post is really to show that you CAN generate another income stream online. All you have to do is put your mind to it and get work. I have done it, so have many others!
What ideas do you have or are working on now to add to your income stream? Comment below!