35 top side business

1. Freelance Writing

• Description: Freelance writers create content for blogs, websites, social media, and more. Topics can range widely, allowing you to write about subjects that interest you.

• Skills Needed: Strong writing and research skills, SEO knowledge, time management.

• How to Start: Build a portfolio by writing for free or for lower-paying gigs, then use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or freelance writing job boards to find clients.

2. Social Media Management

• Description: Manage social media accounts for small businesses or individuals, creating content, responding to followers, and developing strategies to grow their

  online presence.

  
  

• Skills Needed: Knowledge of social media platforms, content creation, analytics, and marketing.

• How to Start: Start by managing accounts for friends or local businesses, build a portfolio, and pitch your services to potential clients.

3. Virtual Assistance

• Description: Virtual assistants provide administrative support remotely, handling tasks like email management, scheduling, customer service, and data entry.

• Skills Needed: Organizational skills, communication, tech-savviness, familiarity with office software.

• How to Start: Offer your services on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or specialized

  VA websites. Networking with small business owners can also help.

4. Tutoring

• Description: Provide tutoring services in subjects like math, science, languages, or test preparation. Sessions can be held in person or online.

• Skills Needed: Expertise in the subject area, teaching skills, patience, and communication.

• How to Start: Advertise your services locally or online on platforms like Tutor.com, Wyzant, or by creating a profile on social media.

5. Pet Sitting/Dog Walking

• Description: Take care of pets while their owners are away, or provide regular dog walking services.

• Skills Needed: Love for animals, reliability, and physical stamina for walking dogs.

• How to Start: Start with local advertising, use apps like Rover or Wag!, or partner with local pet stores or vet clinics.

6. Handyman Services

• Description: Offer repair and maintenance services, including plumbing, electrical work, painting, and general home repairs.

• Skills Needed: Practical skills in various trades, problem-solving, and customer service.

• How to Start: Get licensed if required in your area, create business cards or flyers, and advertise in local directories or online marketplaces like Thumbtack.

7. Event Planning

• Description: Plan and coordinate events such as weddings, corporate events, or parties, handling everything from venue booking to day-of coordination.

• Skills Needed: Organizational skills, creativity, budgeting, and negotiation.

• How to Start: Gain experience by helping friends or volunteering, build a portfolio, and network with vendors and venues.

8. Delivery Services

• Description: Offer delivery services for local businesses, restaurants, or individuals, focusing on timely and safe deliveries.

• Skills Needed: Time management, reliability, and a vehicle or bicycle.

• How to Start: Partner with local businesses or sign up for delivery platforms like DoorDash, UberEats, or Postmates.

9. Personal Fitness Trainer

• Description: Provide personalized fitness training sessions, either in a gym, at clients’ homes, or outdoors.

• Skills Needed: Fitness certification, knowledge of exercise routines, motivation, and communication.

• How to Start: Get certified, offer free sessions to build a client base, and advertise through local gyms or social media.

10. Photography

• Description: Offer photography services for weddings, portraits, events, or commercial purposes.

• Skills Needed: Photography skills, editing software proficiency, creativity, and an eye for detail.

• How to Start: Build a portfolio, invest in a good camera, and market your services on social media or via local ads.

11. House Cleaning Services

• Description: Provide regular or deep cleaning services for homes and businesses.

• Skills Needed: Attention to detail, time management, and physical stamina.

• How to Start: Start with a few clients, advertise locally, and grow through word of mouth or platforms like Handy.

12. Lawn Care/Landscaping

• Description: Offer lawn mowing, landscaping, and gardening services to residential or commercial clients.

• Skills Needed: Knowledge of gardening/landscaping, physical fitness, and time management.

• How to Start: Purchase necessary equipment, advertise locally, and consider offering seasonal services like snow removal.

13. Car Detailing

• Description: Provide mobile or stationary car cleaning and detailing services, including washing, waxing, and interior cleaning.

• Skills Needed: Attention to detail, knowledge of car care products, and customer service.

• How to Start: Invest in basic detailing equipment, advertise locally, and offer services through online platforms.

14. Dropshipping

• Description: Sell products online without holding inventory by partnering with suppliers who ship products directly to customers.

• Skills Needed: E-commerce knowledge, marketing, and customer service.

• How to Start: Choose a niche, set up an online store using platforms like Shopify, and find reliable suppliers.

15. Crafting/Handmade Goods

• Description: Create and sell handmade items like jewelry, candles, or home decor.

• Skills Needed: Crafting skills, creativity, and an understanding of your target market.

• How to Start: Set up an online store on Etsy or a similar platform, attend local craft fairs, and market your products on social media.

16. Online Courses/Workshops

• Description: Create and sell online courses or workshops in areas where you have expertise, such as business, art, or technology.

• Skills Needed: Expertise in a specific subject, teaching skills, and video production.

• How to Start: Choose a platform like Udemy or Teachable, create your course content, and promote it through social media or a blog.

17. Real Estate Agent

• Description: Help clients buy, sell, or rent properties, earning a commission on each transaction.

• Skills Needed: Real estate knowledge, negotiation, and communication.

• How to Start: Get licensed, join a brokerage, and build a network of clients through marketing and networking.

18. Car Rental Services

• Description: Rent out your car to individuals for short-term use through platforms like Turo.

• Skills Needed: Vehicle maintenance, customer service, and time management.

• How to Start: List your vehicle on a car rental platform, ensure it’s in good condition, and set competitive pricing.

19. Affiliate Marketing

• Description: Promote products online and earn commissions for each sale made through your affiliate links.

• Skills Needed: Digital marketing, content creation, and an understanding of your audience.

• How to Start: Join affiliate programs related to your niche, create content that promotes these products, and share it via blogs, social media, or email lists.

20. Food Delivery Service

• Description: Partner with local restaurants or start your own delivery service, offering food delivery to customers.

• Skills Needed: Time management, customer service, and knowledge of local areas.

• How to Start: Collaborate with restaurants, create a simple ordering system, and market your services to local residents.

21. Home Staging

• Description: Prepare homes for sale by arranging furniture and decor to make them look more appealing to potential buyers.

• Skills Needed: Interior design, real estate knowledge, and creativity.

• How to Start: Network with real estate agents, build a portfolio of staged homes, and market your services through local ads or social media.

22. Bicycle Repair

• Description: Offer repair services for bicycles, either in a workshop or as a mobile service.

• Skills Needed: Bicycle repair knowledge, customer service, and time management.

• How to Start: Learn the basics of bicycle repair, invest in tools, and advertise locally or through cycling clubs.

23. Interior Decorating

• Description: Provide decorating services to help clients create aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces in their homes or offices.

• Skills Needed: Interior design knowledge, creativity, and communication.

• How to Start: Build a portfolio, network with real estate agents or contractors, and market your services online or locally.

24. Personal Chef

• Description: Cook customized meals for individuals or families, either regularly or for special occasions.

• Skills Needed: Culinary skills, creativity, and customer service.

• How to Start: Get the necessary food handling certification, build a menu of offerings, and market your services through local advertising or online platforms.

25. Blogging/Vlogging

• Description: Create content on topics you’re passionate about and monetize through ads, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or merchandise.

• Skills Needed: Writing or video production, content strategy, and marketing.

• How to Start: Choose a niche, create a website or YouTube channel, produce regular content, and promote it through social media and SEO.

26. Freelance Graphic Design

• Description: Design logos, websites, marketing materials, or other visual content for businesses or individuals.

• Skills Needed: Graphic design skills, proficiency in design software, and creativity.

• How to Start: Build a portfolio, advertise your services on freelance platforms or social media, and network with potential clients.

27. Errand Services

• Description: Run errands for busy people, such as grocery shopping, picking up dry cleaning, or delivering items.

• Skills Needed: Time management, reliability, and customer service.

• How to Start: Advertise locally, join platforms like TaskRabbit, and offer personalized services to gain regular clients.

28. Personal Shopper/Stylist

• Description: Help clients shop for clothing, accessories, or gifts, providing advice based on their preferences and style.

• Skills Needed: Fashion knowledge, communication, and customer service.

• How to Start: Build a portfolio by helping friends or family, create a website or social media presence, and market your services to potential clients.

29. Mobile Mechanic

• Description: Offer on-the-spot vehicle repairs, saving customers the hassle of visiting a repair shop.

• Skills Needed: Automotive repair knowledge, customer service, and time management.

• How to Start: Invest in basic tools, get certified if necessary, and advertise your services locally or on platforms like YourMechanic.

30. Translation Services

• Description: Provide translation services for documents, websites, or conversations in multiple languages.

• Skills Needed: Fluency in at least two languages, attention to detail, and cultural awareness.

• How to Start: Offer your services on freelance platforms or directly to businesses that require translation.

31. Custom Tailoring/Alterations

• Description: Provide clothing alterations or custom tailoring services to individuals, offering a personalized fit.

• Skills Needed: Sewing and tailoring skills, attention to detail, and customer service.

• How to Start: Build a portfolio, advertise locally or online, and partner with local clothing stores.

32. Bookkeeping

• Description: Offer bookkeeping and accounting services to small businesses, helping them manage their finances.

• Skills Needed: Accounting knowledge, attention to detail, and familiarity with bookkeeping software.

• How to Start: Get certified, offer your services to local businesses, and advertise through networking or online platforms like QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

33. Voiceover Work

• Description: Provide voiceover services for commercials, audiobooks, videos, or animations, bringing scripts to life with your voice.

• Skills Needed: Clear and expressive voice, acting ability, and recording equipment.

• How to Start: Create a demo reel, join voiceover platforms like Voices.com or Fiverr, and market your services online.

34. Fitness Bootcamps

• Description: Organize and lead group fitness boot camps in local parks or gyms, offering a high-energy workout in a social setting.

• Skills Needed: Fitness certification, group management, and motivation.

• How to Start: Get certified, secure a location, advertise locally or online, and offer free trial sessions to attract clients.

35. Home Organizing Services

• Description: Help clients declutter and organize their homes, creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

• Skills Needed: Organizational skills, creativity, and patience.

• How to Start: Build a portfolio by helping friends or family, advertise on social media or local platforms, and network with real estate agents or moving companies.