If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “What side hustles can I start with no money?”, then this is the guide for you!

Side hustles have become a popular way to earn extra income, especially in today’s gig economy. For some, side hustles can provide a nice bit of extra cash to add to their regular 9-5, whilst for others, side hustles are an essential part of their income. So whether you're saving for a big purchase, paying off debt, or simply looking for financial freedom, side hustles can provide flexibility and independence.

And interestingly, many people assume starting a side hustle requires a large investment, but that’s not true! Depending on your skill set and how creative you want to get, you can start a side hustle and begin earning without spending a penny upfront.

In this guide, we’re going to look at twenty different options for side hustles! Ranging from flipping items to dog walking, this list will help inspire some ideas that may just become your new side hustle!

Why Should I Start a Side Hustle?

Whilst starting a side hustle isn’t for everyone, for those looking to generate some extra income, they can be an invaluable way of making money. But starting a side hustle is about more than just extra cash – it’s an avenue, helping you achieve your goals and passions.

If you’ve been considering starting a side hustle, but you’ve not yet jumped into it, here’s why you should consider one:

Diversify Income Streams: Relying on a single source of income can be risky, especially in our increasingly volatile job market. A side hustle can offer improved financial stability.
Skill Development: Side hustles come in many shapes and sizes, which means no matter what you’re interested in, they’ll let you explore and refine your skills. In turn, this can benefit your career or personal growth.
Flexibility: Side hustles are, as the name implies, on the side. This means they can often fit around your existing job and commitments.
Passive Income Potential: Some hustles, like blogging or creating digital products, generate income even when you’re not actively working.
Freedom to Pursue Passions: A side hustle can be anything you want it to be, which means it gives you the chance to turn hobbies into income streams.

20 Side Hustles You Can Start with No Money

Now that we know why you may be interested in starting a side hustle, it’s time to look at some side hustles you can start with no money!

Keep reading to explore all the options and ideas below:

1. Start a Side Hustle Blog

Writing online articles is considered one of the most versatile and scalable side hustles. By making use of free platforms like WordPress.com or Blogger, you can start sharing your knowledge, experiences, or hobbies with an audience.

The key is to choose a niche you’re passionate about, such as personal finance, cooking, or fitness. This will give you a topic to write about. Over time, you can monetise your blog through methods like affiliate marketing, selling ad space, or creating and promoting digital products like eBooks or courses.

Whilst it’s free to get started, it requires consistency and patience to start making money. However, it offers significant long-term potential.

To get started, you can explore our in-depth guide here to help you get up and running with a side hustle blog!

2. Freelance Writing

Person using laptop working on a side hustle blog

If you have a knack for writing, freelance writing is a fantastic way to earn extra income. Start by offering your services on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, or reach out directly to small businesses in need of content for their blogs or websites.

Writing guest posts, product descriptions, or even email campaigns are common gigs. Building a portfolio can be as simple as creating samples on topics you’re familiar with to showcase your skills. You can even combine this with a blog to maximise your income potential.

3. Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants (VAs) help entrepreneurs and businesses with administrative tasks like scheduling, managing emails, data entry, or social media management. If you’re organised and tech-savvy, you can find VA jobs on websites like Zirtual or Upwork. Many clients provide training for specific tools or workflows, so prior experience is not always necessary.

4. Social Media Management

Businesses of all sizes are looking for help managing their social media accounts. If you’re skilled at creating engaging posts, responding to comments, or analysing social media trends, this can be a great option.

Start by offering your services to local businesses or individuals in your network. Building a portfolio of successful campaigns can lead to higher-paying opportunities. Again, creating a blog alongside your portfolio can be a great way of showing potential clients that you know your stuff.

5. Tutoring or Teaching

If you excel in a subject or skill, consider teaching others. Academic tutoring is always in demand, but you can also teach skills like playing an instrument, coding, or speaking a second language. Platforms like Preply and Tutor.com allow you to connect with students online, and you can also offer lessons locally by spreading the word in your community.

6. Sell Handmade Goods

If you’re crafty, selling handmade goods like jewellery, candles, or knitted items can be a rewarding side hustle. Use free platforms like Etsy to showcase your creations. If you already have materials at home, you can begin without any upfront cost. Focus on quality and unique designs to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Keep in mind, however, that this is a side hustle that once you begin taking orders, you’ll likely need to purchase more materials for.

7. Flip Items Online

Reselling items is an excellent hustle that requires little to no investment. Start by selling things you already own but no longer need, like clothing, electronics, or furniture, on platforms such as eBay or Depop.

Once you’ve gained some experience, you can find free or low-cost items at garage sales or thrift stores to flip for profit. This can be both an interesting way to make some extra cash and meet new people.

8. Dropshipping

Dropshipping allows you to sell products online without holding inventory. Use platforms like Shopify (free trials available) to set up your store, where you act as the middleman between the supplier and the customer. When someone places an order, the supplier ships the item directly to them. This model minimises risk and upfront costs, making it ideal for beginners.

Keep in mind that a lot of work will be needed to set you up with a website that people will feel comfortable buying from. So whilst this avenue is technically free to start, it will require a big investment of time, and will potentially need a cash investment at some point.

You can read through a step-by-step guide to dropshipping from Shopify here.

9. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services through a unique link and earning a commission for each sale made through it. Sign up for affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale, and start promoting relevant products on your social media, blog, or email list. Focus on products you genuinely believe in to build trust with your audience.

10. Create a YouTube Channel

Starting a YouTube channel lets you share your passion with a global audience. Whether you’re into gaming, cooking, or personal finance, there’s an audience for almost everything. Over time, you can earn through ads, sponsorships, or merchandise sales.

All you need to begin with is a smartphone or a simple webcam. You can use free video editors like Canva or Davinci Resolve to edit your footage into a format ready to be uploaded.

11. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

If you love animals, pet sitting or dog walking can be a fun and fulfilling side hustle. Apps like Rover or local community boards can help you connect with pet owners. Since this doesn’t require upfront costs, it’s a perfect choice for animal enthusiasts looking for flexible income.

A good approach for this can be creating a flyer with a free tool like Canva, and then posting an ad to a local Facebook or Nextdoor group to advertise your services. Be sure to grab testimonials from any new customers to show others how good your services are!

12. Babysitting

Babysitting is a reliable way to earn money, especially if you have experience caring for children. Spread the word among family and friends or use apps like Care.com to find opportunities. Building trust with families can lead to long-term arrangements.

Similar to the pet sitting/dog walking option, advertising your services in local Facebook or Nextdoor groups can be a great way of spreading the word.

Keep in mind that whilst in the UK you’re not obliged to have certain qualifications to begin babysitting, many people will be looking for sitters that do have them. To learn more about babysitting in the UK, read through this article from Sitters.

13. Online Surveys and Market Research

Online survey platforms like Swagbucks or Toluna pay users to share their opinions. While it won’t replace a full-time income, completing surveys during downtime can provide a small but steady cash flow.

As we’ve said, this won’t make you a millionaire overnight, but if you find yourself with some downtime, online surveys can be a viable option to bring in some extra, albeit small, income.

14. Graphic Design Services

If you’re creative and have a good eye for design, offer graphic design services using free tools like Canva. Many small businesses need help creating social media graphics, logos, or promotional materials.

Build your portfolio by offering services to local businesses or friends initially, then begin advertising your services to the wider world. Keep in mind that whilst you don’t need formal qualifications to begin offering graphic design services, you will need a solid understanding of how graphic design works.

This can range from understanding layout and composition, to practical skills like setting up files for printing.

15. Photography

Selling your photos to stock image sites like Shutterstock or Unsplash is an easy way to monetise your hobby. Many modern smartphones have cameras capable of producing high-quality images, so you can start with what you already have.

You should keep in mind that there are many – many – photographers out there doing this very thing. Plus, with the rise of many free stock image providers, it can be very difficult to get paid for your photography work. That’s not to say it’s impossible – it’s 100% possible. But it may take you a lot of time, and photography uploads, before you make any cash.

16. Podcasting

Starting a podcast is a fantastic way to share your ideas or expertise while building an audience. Platforms like Anchor (now owned by Spotify) allow you to record, edit, and distribute podcasts for free. As your listenership grows, you can monetise through sponsorships or listener donations.

You can do this in the same way you’d start a blog. Pick a niche, write out a list of topics, plan the episodes, and get recording. If you record and release one a week, it can be a side hustle that doesn’t require too much of a time investment.

17. Transcription Work

Transcription involves converting audio into text, often for businesses, creators, or legal firms. Websites like Rev or TranscribeMe connect you with clients. This SIDE hustle is especially great if you’re detail-oriented and have strong typing skills.

Something to consider, however, is that with the rise of artificial intelligence and its always-improving ability to recognise speech, there’s a chance that transcription work may not be a long-term side hustle.

18. Online Coaching or Consulting

Leverage your expertise in a specific field, such as fitness, career development, or budgeting, to offer one-on-one coaching. Platforms like Zoom make it easy to conduct sessions remotely. Start by offering free consultations to build trust and gather testimonials.

19. Content Editing or Proofreading

If you have a sharp eye for detail and grammar, offer proofreading services to students, writers, or businesses. Tools like Grammarly can help, and you can find jobs through freelancing sites like Fiverr or word of mouth.

20. Rent Out Your Space

If you have a spare room, garage, or driveway, consider renting it out on platforms like Airbnb or Spacer. This is a passive income opportunity that requires minimal effort beyond setup.

If you’re considering this option, there’s a good guide from Sold that explains the ins and outs of renting your home – or a certain room of your home – on Airbnb.

Getting Started with Your New Side Hustle

Did any of those ideas take your fancy? If so, it’s time to pick one and start working towards building extra income. And the really good news is that starting a side hustle doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are our very quick tips on how to set yourself up for success:

Choose the Right Hustle: Pick something that aligns with your skills, interests, and time availability. If you’re still not sure what this is, you can use mind maps to identify your interests and passions.
Consider your Current Job: You don’t want to create a side hustle that could be a conflict of interest with your current job. If you’re a digital marketer, for example, setting up a side hustle of content creation would be a bad idea.
Set Goals: Define what you want to achieve – whether it’s £200 extra per month or a full-time business. Having a specific figure in mind will then let you know how much time you should be spending per week or month on your new side hustle.
Learn and Adapt: Analyse what’s working and adjust your approach as needed. We recommend looking at data every month and then making adjustments for the following month. Repeating that will help you stay on track.

Conclusion

Side hustles are more accessible than ever, even if you don’t have upfront funds to invest. By leveraging your existing skills and utilising free resources, you can start earning money and building something meaningful today.

Ready to begin? Choose one of these no-cost ideas and take the first step toward financial freedom and personal growth!

And once you’ve got your side hustle nailed down, it’s time to think about branding and how you present yourself. In our guide, we explain how you can create eye-catching and unique branding for your side hustle!

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