What is the Meaning of the Term “Online Side Hustle”

An online side hustle refers to any supplementary income-generating activity conducted primarily through internet-based platforms, undertaken in addition to one's main employment.  These endeavours leverage digital tools and platforms to offer flexibility and accessibility, allowing individuals to manage them alongside their primary job responsibilities.

Common Types of Online Side Hustles:

Freelancing

Offering services such as writing, graphic design, programming, or digital marketing on gig platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or PeoplePerHour.

Selling Products Online

• E-commerce:

Running an online store through Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce.

• Dropshipping:

Selling products without holding inventory by using suppliers like AliExpress.

• Print-on-Demand:

Creating custom designs for apparel, mugs, or accessories using services like Printful or Redbubble.

• Flipping Items:

Reselling second-hand or wholesale products on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Depop.

Content Creation & Monetisation

• Blogging:

Writing articles or starting a blog on niche topics and earning from ads, affiliate marketing, or sponsored content.

• YouTube Channel:

Creating videos and generating revenue through ad monetisation, sponsorships, or memberships.

• Social Media Influencing:

Building an audience on Instagram, TikTok, or X (Twitter) and earning through brand deals.

• Podcasting:

Hosting a podcast and monetising it via sponsorships, ads, or Patreon subscriptions, you can check out our SeekaCast to get inspired.

Online Tutoring & Teaching

• Academic Tutoring:

Teaching school subjects or university-level topics via platforms like Chegg or TutorMe.

• Language Teaching:

Offering English or other language lessons via Preply or iTalki.

• Selling Online Courses:

Creating and selling courses on Udemy, Teachable, or Skillshare.

Affiliate Marketing & Passive Income Streams

• Affiliate Marketing:

Earning commissions by promoting products from Amazon Associates, CJ Affiliate, or ShareASale.

• Selling Digital Products:

Offering ebooks, templates, or online guides via Gumroad or Etsy.

• Stock Photography & Video:

Selling photos or videos on Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Pond5.

Remote Customer Service & Virtual Assistance

• Virtual Assistant (VA):

Helping businesses with admin tasks, email management, and scheduling.

• Remote Customer Support:

Assisting customers via chat, email, or phone for companies like Amazon or Apple.

Investment & Trading

• Stock Trading:

Buying and selling stocks through platforms like eToro or Trading212.

• Cryptocurrency & NFTs:

Trading digital assets on Binance, Coinbase, or OpenSea.

• Real Estate Crowdfunding:

Investing in property through platforms like Fundrise or CrowdProperty.

Gaming & Online Entertainment

• Streaming on Twitch:

Playing games or hosting live shows and earning via subscriptions and donations.

• Game Testing & Beta Testing:

Getting paid to test games on platforms like PlaytestCloud.

• Virtual Event Hosting:

Running webinars, workshops, or paid online meetups.

Prevalence in the UK and Europe:

The concept of online side hustles has gained significant traction in the UK. Recent research indicates that nearly 50% of Brits have a side hustle alongside their main job, with 7 in 10 young people juggling multiple income streams. Source: Sage Business Solutions. In London, the prevalence of individuals engaging in multiple income-generating activities is significant. Research indicates that 43% of Londoners are multi-income individuals (MIIs), equating to approximately 3 million adults in the city. This trend underscores a substantial shift towards diversifying income sources among the city's residents. Source: Utility Warehouse.

Financial Impact:

Engaging in online side hustles can lead to substantial financial benefits. Data from GoDaddy reveals that the average UK side hustle generates approximately £18,200 annually in supplemental income for entrepreneurs. Source: GoDaddy.

Motivations Behind Pursuing Online Side Hustles:

• Financial Necessity: 

To meet living expenses amid rising costs.

• Skill Development: 

To acquire new competencies or enhance existing ones.

• Passion Projects: 

To explore personal interests that may not be fulfilled in primary employment.

• Entrepreneurial Aspirations: 

To test business ideas with the potential to transition into full-time ventures.

Additional Insights:

1. Aspiring Side Hustle Entrepreneurs. Click here for more information.
2. It’s the Multi-Earner Era. Click here for more information.
3. Gen Z side hustlers see an average income boost of 22%. Click here for more information.

In summary, an online side hustle is a versatile and accessible means for individuals to supplement their income, pursue personal passions, and develop new skills, all facilitated by the expansive reach of the internet.