Top Side Hustle Ideas
1. Social media writer
In a world where online presence has become indispensable, businesses are looking for professionals who can manage their communication on social networks.
As a specialized writer, your mission will be to create engaging content, interact with the community and analyze performance to optimize the social media strategy of your customers.
To succeed in this field, you will need to:
- Master the specificities of each platform (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.)
- Know how to adapt your tone and content according to the target
- Use social media management tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social
- Follow digital marketing trends and best practices
⚒️ Key skills : Excellent writing skills, Community Management, creativity, copywriting software, knowledge of social networks and management tools, sense of analysis.
💲 Indicative price : 25 to 75 euros per publication, depending on length and complexity.
2. Ghostwriter
Many experts, leaders, or influencers want to share their ideas through articles, books, or speeches, but don't always have the time or the skills to write them themselves.
That's where the ghostwriter comes in, a shadowy writer who can capture the voice and thoughts of his client and transcribe them in a convincing way.
To become a great ghostwriter, you need to:
- Know how to immerse yourself in the style and personality of your client
- Conduct in-depth interviews to understand your vision and ideas
- Conduct research to support the argument and provide credibility
- Write in a clear, structured and powerful way
- Respect confidentiality and anonymity
⚒️ Key skills : Excellent writing skills, adaptability, intellectual curiosity, discretion.
💲 Indicative price : 500 to 1000 euros for a feature article, 5000 to 15000 euros for a book (depending on the length and complexity of the subject).
3. Podcast producer or creator
Podcasting has been booming in recent years, offering numerous opportunities for creators of audio content.
That you want Start your own podcast or help brands embark on the podcast adventure, there is room for all talents.
To succeed in this field, you will need to:
- Define an original concept and a format adapted to your target audience
- Master audio recording, editing, and mixing techniques
- Create professional soundscapes (jingle, music, etc.)
- Develop a distribution and promotion strategy to attract the audience
- Monetize your podcast through advertising, sponsorship, or crowdfunding
⚒️ Key skills : Creativity, technical skills (sound recording, editing), knowledge of podcast hosting platforms, fluency in speaking, sense of storytelling.
💲 Indicative price : 200 to 500 euros per episode for the creation, 500 to 1500 euros per episode for the complete production.
4. Influencer marketing specialist
More and more brands are collaborating with influencers to reach new audiences and strengthen their image.
As an influencer marketing specialist, your role will be to connect these brands with the right influencers, to negotiate partnerships and to support the creation of authentic and impacting content.
To excel in this profession, you will need to:
- Have an excellent knowledge of the influencer ecosystem and their communities (Instagram, MYM, Onlyfans, TikTok...)
- Know how to identify relevant influencers according to the objectives of the campaign
- Negotiate win-win partnerships between brands and influencers
- Support the creation of creative and engaging content
- Measure and analyze campaign results to optimize performance
⚒️ Key skills : Knowledge of digital marketing, negotiation skills, creativity, relational ease.
💲 Indicative price : 10 to 20% of the influencer campaign budget.
5. Lead generation consultant
Lead generation, or prospects, is a major challenge for companies looking to develop their commercial activity. As a specialized consultant, your mission will be to help these companies identify and implement the best strategies to attract qualified prospects.
To succeed in this profession, you will need to:
- Mastering the various acquisition channels (SEO, SEA, social media, emailing, etc.)
- Know how to create effective landing pages and forms
- Set up lead nurturing scenarios to qualify prospects
- Analyzing data to optimize campaign performance
- Work closely with marketing and sales teams
⚒️ Key skills : Knowledge of digital marketing, mastery of lead generation tools, sense of analysis, strategic spirit.
💲 Indicative price : 500 to 1500 euros per day of consulting.
6. AI-based application developer
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing many industries and offers exciting opportunities for developers.
As an AI developer, you can create intelligent applications to automate tasks, analyze data, or improve the user experience.
To succeed in this profession, you will need to:
- Master programming languages adapted to AI (Python, R, Java, etc.)
- Know the main AI frameworks and libraries (TensorFlow, Keras, PyTorch, etc.)
- Have a solid foundation in mathematics and statistics to understand AI algorithms
- Know how to design and train machine learning and deep learning models
- Be curious and always on the lookout for the latest advances and new use cases of AI
⚒️ Key skills : Mastery of programming languages and AI softwares, solid foundations in math and statistics, curiosity.
💲 Indicative price : 500 to 1500 euros per development day, depending on the complexity of the project and your level of expertise.
7. AI strategy consultant
Many businesses want to incorporate AI into their processes and products, but don't always know where to start.
As an AI strategy consultant, your role will be to support them in defining and implementing an AI roadmap adapted to their challenges and resources.
To succeed in this profession, you will need to:
- Have an excellent understanding of the various AI techniques and their use cases
- Know how to analyze a company's needs and data to identify opportunities for integrating AI
- Be an educator to explain the challenges and potential benefits of AI to non-technical decision-makers
- Know how to define an AI strategy aligned with the company's business goals
- Support teams in choosing and implementing adapted AI solutions
⚒️ Key skills : Expertise in AI, sense of analysis, pedagogy, strategic spirit, support capacity.
💲 Indicative price : 1000 to 2000 euros per consulting day, depending on the size of the company and the complexity of the mission.
8. AI-powered content creator
With the rise of platforms of AI-based content generation, new opportunities are emerging for content creators. By using these smart tools, you can quickly generate quality content that is personalized to the needs of your customers.
To succeed in this profession, you will need to:
- Mastering AI content generation tools and understanding their strengths and limitations
- Know how to formulate the right requests to obtain relevant and quality content
- Have solid editorial skills to select, correct and enrich generated content
- Be creative to imagine new use cases and new ways to take advantage of these tools
- Stay up to date on the rapid evolutions of these technologies to always offer the most efficient solutions
⚒️ Key skills : Mastery of AI-based content generation tools, excellent editorial skills, creativity.
💲 Indicative price : 100 to 500 euros per article or optimized content, depending on the length and the level of optimization required.
9. Logo or font designer
In a world saturated with visual communication, a unique logo or font can make all the difference for a brand.
If you have a talent for graphic design, you can put your skills at the service of companies or individuals looking for a strong visual identity.
To succeed in this profession, you will need to:
- Mastering the graphic design software (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, etc.)
- Know how to translate the values and essence of a brand into graphic elements
- Create memorable logos that are adaptable and adapted to different media
- Design original and legible fonts
- Listen to the needs and feedback of your customers
⚒️ Key skills : Creativity, mastery of graphic design tools, sense of aesthetics, rigor.
💲 Indicative price : 500 to 2000 euros for a logo, 1000 to 5000 euros for a font.
10. Developer of browser extensions
Browser extensions are small programs that add functionality or change the behavior of web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. As a specialized developer, you can create custom extensions to meet the specific needs of your customers.
To succeed in this profession, you will need to:
- Mastering web programming languages (JavaScript, HTML, CSS)
- Know the APIs and the specificities of different browsers
- Know how to design ergonomic and intuitive interfaces
- Optimize the performance and security of your extensions
- Offer support and regular updates to your customers
⚒️ Key skills : Mastery of web technologies, rigor, sense of ergonomics, responsiveness.
💲 Indicative price : 1000 to 5000 euros per extension, depending on the complexity and the development time required.
11. Shopify developer
Shopify is a very popular e-commerce platform that allows anyone to easily create an online store.
As a Shopify developer, your role will be to personalize and optimize these stores to offer a unique and efficient shopping experience.
To succeed in this profession, you will need to:
- Master the Liquid template language and Shopify APIs
- Know how to integrate and customize Shopify themes
- Optimize loading speed and store ergonomics
- Set up advanced functionalities (payment, delivery, promotions, etc.)
- Provide technical support and tailor-made developments to your customers
⚒️ Key skills : Mastery of web technologies and the Shopify ecosystem, sense of UX/UI, rigor.
💲 Indicative price : 500 to 1500 euros per development day.
12. Data analyst
In the age of big data, businesses are looking to make the most of the data they have at their disposal to make better decisions. As a data analyst, your mission will be to analyze this raw data to derive actionable and strategic insights.
To succeed in this profession, you will need to:
- Master data analysis tools and languages (SQL, Python, R, Excel, etc.) and Dataviz
- Know how to collect, clean and structure heterogeneous data
- Conduct advanced statistical analyses to identify trends and correlations
- Create dashboards and visualizations to communicate your results
- Formulate concrete recommendations to guide the company's strategy
⚒️ Key skills : Analytical rigor, mastery of data science tools, of business intelligence tools, communication skills, strategic spirit.
💲 Indicative price : 300 to 800 euros per day of service.
13. Virtual assistant
Many entrepreneurs and managers are overwhelmed by administrative and organizational tasks, to the detriment of their core business. As a virtual assistant, your role will be to relieve them of these time-consuming tasks to allow them to focus on what matters most.
To succeed in this profession, you will need to:
- Be organized, rigorous and responsive to effectively manage the agenda and priorities of your customers
- Mastering online communication and collaboration tools (email, videoconferencing, etc.)
- Know how to write professional emails and documents
- Demonstrate discretion and confidentiality in the management of sensitive information
- Be proactive in anticipating the needs of your customers and offering them solutions
⚒️ Key skills : Organizational skills, rigor, ease with digital tools, excellent written and oral communication.
💲 Indicative price : 25 to 50 euros per hour, depending on the complexity of the tasks and your level of experience.
14. Data entry specialist
Data entry is an essential but often tedious task for businesses. As a specialist, your role will be to quickly and accurately enter large amounts of data into databases or spreadsheets.
To succeed in this profession, you will need to:
- Have an excellent command of office tools (Excel, Google Sheets, etc.)
- Be quick and accurate in entering to ensure data quality
- Know how to organize yourself to manage large volumes of data in a timely manner
- Be comfortable with different data formats (text, numbers, dates, etc.)
- Demonstrate rigor and concentration to avoid mistakes
⚒️ Key skills : Keyboard dexterity, mastery of office tools, rigor, sense of organization.
💲 Indicative price : 15 to 30 euros per hour, depending on the complexity and volume of the data to be entered.
15. Transcriber
Transcription consists of transcribing audio or video recordings into writing.
This is a task that is often outsourced by businesses, media, or institutions that need to transcribe meetings, interviews, or conferences.
To succeed in this profession, you will need to:
- Have an excellent ear and good oral comprehension
- Mastering fast keyboard transcription techniques
- Be able to accurately transcribe words, even if they are not very audible or poorly articulated
- Respect the formatting and conventions specific to each type of transcription
- Demonstrate rigor and concentration to ensure the quality of your transcripts
⚒️ Key skills : Excellent oral comprehension, keyboard dexterity, fluency in transcription tools, rigor.
💲 Indicative price : 1 to 2 euros per minute of recording, with a possible supplement for technical content or complex formatting.
16. Freelance accountant
Freelancers and small businesses often have trouble managing their accounting and tax obligations.
As a freelance accountant, your role will be to support them in these essential tasks to ensure the sustainability of their business.
To succeed in this profession, you will need to:
- Have an initial training in accounting and ideally a recognized diploma (DCG, DSCG)
- Mastering the accounting software and management (Ciel, Sage, EBP, etc.)
- Know the fiscal and social specificities specific to freelancers and micro-enterprises
- Be an educator to explain the challenges and obligations to your customers
- Demonstrate rigor and reliability in following up on files
⚒️ Key skills : Accounting expertise, mastery of management tools, sense of relationships, rigor.
💲 Indicative price : 50 to 150 euros per hour, or monthly flat rate depending on the volume of activity and the complexity of the cases.
17. Legal writer
Contracts and legal documents are essential in business life, but drafting them requires specialized expertise. As a freelance legal writer, your role will be to support your clients in writing and reviewing these sensitive documents.
To succeed in this profession, you will need to:
- Have an initial training in law and ideally a recognized diploma (Master, CRFPA)
- Master legal drafting techniques and the specificities specific to each type of contract
- Know the latest legislative and jurisprudential developments in your field of expertise
- Be an educator to explain the challenges and risks to your customers
- Demonstrate rigor and precision in the formulation of clauses
⚒️ Key skills : Legal expertise, excellent writing skills, pedagogical skills, rigor.
💲 Indicative price : 100 to 300 euros per hour, or fixed price per project depending on the complexity and volume of writing required.
18. Online tutor
Tutoring and online training are booming, offering numerous opportunities for teaching professionals.
As an online tutor, you can share your knowledge and passion for one or more subjects by supporting students or adults in their learning through LMS platforms.
To succeed in this profession, you will need to:
- Have recognized expertise in your field of education (diploma, experience)
- Master online communication and sharing tools (videoconference, interactive whiteboard, etc.)
- Know how to adapt your pedagogy according to the level and needs of each learner
- Be patient, attentive and encouraging to keep your students motivated
- Track the progress of your students and provide them with regular feedback
⚒️ Key skills : Expertise in the subject taught, pedagogy, mastery of e-learning tools, sense of listening.
💲 Indicative price : 20 to 50 euros per hour, depending on the subject and the level of education.
19. Freelance translator
In a globalized world, translation is a crucial issue for businesses looking to communicate with international customers and partners. As a freelance translator, you can put your language skills at the service of these businesses to ensure smooth and accurate communication.
To succeed in this profession, you will need to:
- Have an excellent command of your native language and at least one foreign language
- Know translation techniques and translation assistance tools (TAO)
- Be specialized in one or more fields of translation (legal, technical, medical, etc.)
- Know how to meet deadlines and manage your workload
- Demonstrate rigor and precision to ensure the quality of your translations
⚒️ Key skills : Excellent linguistic proficiency, specialization in a field, mastery of CAT tools, rigor.
💲 Indicative price : 0.10 to 0.20 euros per word, depending on the technicality and complexity of the text to be translated.
20. Personal Shopper
Personal shopping is a service that is increasingly popular with individuals who wish to delegate their clothing purchases to a professional.
As a personal shopper, your role will be to understand the tastes and needs of your customers in order to offer them a selection of suitable clothing and accessories.
To succeed in this profession, you will need to:
- Have an excellent knowledge of brands, trends and styles
- Know how to listen and understand the expectations of your customers in order to offer them adapted outfits
- Be a source of proposals to help them develop their personal style
- Organize fitting sessions and manage orders and returns
- Be on the lookout for new collections and shopping tips
⚒️ Key skills : Sense of style, listening, strength of proposal, sense of organization.
💲 Indicative price : 50 to 150 euros per hour, or commission on purchases made.
Best websites to earn money with side hustles
There are a lot of legitimate websites that make it possible to earn money by completing online missions. Here is a selection of the best platforms, classified by types of missions and main skills:
General freelance platforms
- Upwork : World leader in freelance platforms, Upwork offers missions in various fields such as writing, web development, design, marketing, translation, etc.
- Freelancer : Similar to Upwork, Freelancer connects freelancers with clients around the world for a variety of projects.
- Malt : A popular freelancing platform in Europe, Malt focuses mainly on digital professions (development, design, digital marketing, etc.).
- Guru : Guru allows freelancers to find assignments in areas such as web development, programming, translation, writing, design, etc.
Specialized platforms
- 99designs (graphic design): Site specialized in graphic design missions, such as the creation of logos, websites, posters, packaging, etc.
- Fiverr (various services): On Fiverr, freelancers offer a wide variety of services starting at 5 dollars, ranging from writing to programming to video editing and coaching.
- Testbirds (application testing): A platform that pays users to test mobile applications, websites and video games.
- Appen and Lionbridge (AI and translation): These companies offer data collection and annotation missions for artificial intelligence, as well as translation and localization projects.
Platforms for everyday tasks
- TaskRabbit : Site allowing you to offer services for daily tasks, such as shopping, assembling furniture, DIY, gardening, etc.
- Yoojo : French platform for connecting individuals for local services (cleaning, childcare, homework help, etc.).
Other opportunities
- Etsy and Dawanda (crafts): These marketplaces allow creators and artisans to sell their productions (jewelry, accessories, decorations, etc.).
- Udemy and Skillshare (online training): As an expert in a field, you can create and sell online courses on these e-learning platforms.
Before you start using these platforms, take the time to create an attractive profile that highlights your skills and experience.
Do not hesitate to apply for several missions that match your criteria and to communicate professionally with potential customers.
Finally, be sure to offer quality services to receive good comments and thus increase your visibility and your chances of landing new missions.
Types of side hustles
There is a wide variety of side hustles, which can be classified into different categories according to their characteristics.
Here is an overview of the main types of side hustles :
- Freelance activities : These are activities where you put your skills at the service of customers, by working on one-off or regular projects. This may include jobs such as a writer, graphic designer, web developer, consultant, translator, etc.
- Online sales activities : You can sell physical or digital products on e-commerce platforms or on your own website. This can range from selling crafts on Etsy to creating online courses on Udemy.
- Service activities : You offer services to individuals or businesses, based on your skills and market demand. For example, you can be a coach, trainer, virtual assistant, digital marketing expert, etc.
- Content creation activities : If you have a passion for writing, photography, video, or audio, you can create and monetize content across platforms. This can include creating an influential blog, podcast, YouTube channel, or Instagram account.
- Rental activities : If you have a property or space that you don't use all the time, you can rent it out to generate additional income. It can be a bed and breakfast on Airbnb, a coworking space or even your car on a peer-to-peer rental platform.
- Investment activities : If you have seed capital, you can invest in different assets to generate passive income. This can include investing in stocks, bonds, rental real estate, or even crowdfunding.
The choice of your complementary activity will depend on your skills, interests and personal circumstances.
Feel free to explore different options and test several ideas before fully jumping into the one that works best for you.
How to start a complementary activity?
- Define your project : Choose an activity that you are passionate about and that matches your skills. Think about your service offer, your target and your positioning.
- Assess sustainability : Do a market study to ensure that there is a demand for your services and that you can earn a satisfactory income from them.
- Expand your online presence : Create a website or a portfolio to present your business and attract customers. Be active on social networks to make yourself known.
- Start prospecting : Contact your network, participate in events, respond to tenders... Multiply your actions to find your first customers.
- Get started and learn by doing : Don't look for perfection, go for it and improve along the way. Each project will be an opportunity to develop skills and refine your offer.
FAQs
Can I start a complementary activity in parallel with my paid employment?
Yes, it is entirely possible, as long as you respect the rules set out in your employment contract and do not compete with your employer. Learn about the steps to take and organize your time well so as not to burn out.
Do you have to create a business to start a complementary activity?
It depends on the nature and volume of your business. In some cases, you can start as a self-employed person or as a PEO before starting a business. Seek advice from a chartered accountant or a lawyer to choose the most appropriate status.
How do I set my rates when I start my activity?
Learn about pricing in your industry and position yourself based on your level of experience and the value you bring to your customers. Do not hesitate to offer attractive rates at the start to build a customer base, then gradually increase your prices as you gain experience and reputation.
Conclusion
We hope that this selection of side hustles ideas inspired you and made you want to embark on this entrepreneurial adventure.
Remember that choosing your business should above all be guided by your passions, your skills and your vision of success.
By starting a complementary activity, you are taking the first step towards greater professional and financial independence.
It is an opportunity to Take control of your careerE, of develop new skills and to work on projects that are important to you.
Of course, the path to entrepreneurship is not without challenges, but it is also a great opportunity to achieve yourself and create something you can be proud of.
So don't wait any longer, choose the idea that speaks to you the most and Start this new adventure today !
