20 Side Hustles For Women: The Best Options for 2024
As the world continues to evolve, so does the way we work and make a living. In a society that values independence and creativity, side hustles have become a popular way to explore new passions and supplement income. For women, in particular, side hustles offer a unique opportunity to challenge societal norms and break free from traditional career paths. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this article, we will explore the best 20 side hustles for women and the benefits that come with them.
Benefits of Having a Side Hustle
Having a side hustle offers several unique benefits for women, including the opportunity to earn extra income, gain new skills, and diversify their portfolios. Let's take a look at the top benefits of side hustles for women:
Extra Income and Financial Stability
Side hustles are an excellent way for women to increase their income, build financial stability and become more independent. With a side hustle, women can save up for rainy days and plan future investments.
Developing New Skills and Experiences
Side hustles provide a great way to develop new skills and gain valuable experiences. Not only do they allow you to sharpen existing skills, but they also help you learn and explore something completely new.
Networking and Building Connections
One of the key benefits of having a side hustle is developing meaningful relationships with industry professionals and entrepreneurs. Side hustles provide a great platform for women to network and build connections with people who can help them reach their goals faster. This could be anything from learning marketing tips from a digital influencer to getting advice on launching a product from an experienced entrepreneur.
Work-Life Balance & Personal Growth
Finally, having a side hustle encourages work-life balance while helping women achieve personal growth. It offers flexibility and freedom to choose what best works for you. Working on projects outside of traditional employment provides an outlet for creativity which helps foster self-growth.
20 Side Hustle Ideas for Women That Make Real Money
What is a good side hustle for a woman? Well, here is a specially curated list of the 20 best side hustles for women that have the potential to make real money in 2024:
1. Blogging
Blogging is a great way to start earning money from home. Whether you focus on topics related to parenting, health, travel, or fashion, plenty of opportunities are available for women to make money through blogging. This is why it’s among the best side hustle ideas right now in 2024. To start blogging, you need to create an account with a blog hosting service like Wix, WordPress, or Webflow and start writing about topics that interest you.
You can monetize your blog by joining affiliate programs and advertising networks like Google AdSense. However, there are some skills you should have to be successful at blogging, even as a beginner. For instance, basic HTML knowledge, writing skills, and an understanding of SEO are essential.
Additionally, you should identify what type of content resonates with your target audience to get the maximum returns from your blog.
2. Cleaning or Dry Cleaning Services
Cleaning or laundry services are among the top side hustle choices for women who want to make money from home. You can start by advertising your services online, in local newspapers, and through door-to-door flyers. It's important that you set your rates competitively to build a solid client base. It would help to know about the different cleaning products available on the market and their application techniques. Lastly, as a professional in this industry, you should understand the importance of customer service, as this can go a long way in helping you maintain a successful business.
3. Get Paid to Grocery Shop
Looking for side hustles that don’t take much time? This might be your perfect fit! This job requires you to pick up groceries from the store and deliver them to the customer's doorstep. And with more people looking to save time and money on grocery shopping, there are increasing opportunities for those who can offer these services.
To get into this instant side hustle, start by signing up with a service like Instacart or Ship. You can also work as an independent contractor for a grocery delivery company.
Note: You need to have a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and excellent customer service skills for this side hustle.
4. Learn Marketing Services
Marketing skills are in high demand across many different industries. As a result, there is a constant need for marketing services, which makes it easy to find clients and get paid for your work. This type of service involves helping businesses market their products and services online. You can help these firms by creating a website, setting up social media accounts, running search engine optimization campaigns, and managing email marketing campaigns.
To become a marketing agent, you need to have some basic knowledge about the internet and how it works. You should also know about popular marketing platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Business Manager. Lastly, Understanding the basics of digital analytics to monitor your campaign is key to success in this industry.
5. Become an Online Teacher
Aside from the side hustles above, becoming an online teacher can also be a lucrative business for women. With the increasing demand for online courses and tutoring services, this is one way to make money while helping others learn something new. To get started, you must have some teaching experience or qualifications related to the subject matter you plan to teach.
You can also create a website or blog to promote your services and attract potential students. Also, make sure you must get familiar with the different online teaching platforms available and decide which works best for you. Some great platforms you can start with are Coursera and Podia. You can also check out job opportunities for online teachers on job search platforms and websites.
6. Child Care or Adult Care Services
If you have experience in childcare or adult care services, this could be an excellent side hustle for you. This service involves caring for children or adults in their homes or other settings. You need to understand the different types of care services available and what is needed for them. Also, it is essential to learn all the safety regulations in this field as well as have a valid license.
7. Personal Chef
Do you love to cook or have a knack for creating delicious meals? Becoming a personal chef could be the perfect side hustle for you. As a personal chef, you will plan menus, shop for ingredients, prepare meals, and clean up afterward. Being a personal chef comes with several benefits, such as setting your hours and working from home. To get started, you need to have experience in the kitchen and understand basic safety protocols. Here are some personal chefs that could inspire you: The Gourmet Gourmand, Chef Deena, and Private Chef Network.
8. Become a Proofreader
Proofreading is one of the most lucrative side hustle ideas for women. A lot of businesses these days rely on content marketing to promote their services and products, and because of this, there is an increasing demand for skilled proofreaders who can check for errors in written documents.
To become a successful proofreader, it's a must to have excellent grammar and communication skills. You will also need to understand the different types of proofreading services available such as copy editing, structural editing, and line editing. Once you have all these in place, you’ll be well on your way!
9. Pet Caretaking
Pet caretaking is an excellent side hustle for moms over 40 for several reasons. As women reach middle age, they often find themselves with more free time as their children become more independent and require less attention. Taking care of pets can be a rewarding way to fill this free time and earn some extra income. As a pet caretaker, you can also choose the types of animals(dogs, cats, or even birds) you want to care for, the hours you work, and the frequency of work. These are just some of the reasons why pet caretaking is one of the best side hustles for women over 40.
One thing to note about pet caretaking is that you might need to build a lot of trust with your clients. This is because, most times, pet caretakers need to access the client's home to take care of the pet. Building trust with the client means that they are more likely to allow the caretaker access to their home without hesitation. Aside from this, clients entrust their beloved pets to the caretaker's care. This means that the caretaker needs to be reliable, responsible, and trustworthy enough to ensure the pet's safety, health, and happiness.
10. Bookkeeping
Bookkeeping is the perfect side hustle for women who want to make a career change or are seeking an additional income stream. A bookkeeper would be responsible for maintaining the financial records of businesses and other organizations.
This includes entering data into accounting software, reconciling accounts, preparing reports, and more. To become a successful bookkeeper, you must have a strong understanding of basic accounting principles and the necessary skills to analyze data.
It will help if you are also conversant with using accounting software such as QuickBooks and Xero to manage financial records. Suppose you don't have the skills to become a bookkeeper yet. In that case, you can train and gain the professional qualifications needed to become a bookkeeper through various online courses.
11. Delivery and Rideshare Driving
There's a growing demand for delivery and rideshare services, so you can capitalize on the trend by becoming a delivery or rideshare driver. With this side hustle, you can decide when and where you want to work and make money.
To get started, you must have a valid driver's license and pass criminal background checks and motor vehicle records checks. Additionally, you must consider the safety protocols and customer service standards expected of drivers in this industry. Lastly, read up on the terms and conditions of different delivery companies, so you know what to expect.
12. Photographer
Photography is a great way to turn your creative skills into income. To become a successful photographer, you need to understand the fundamentals of photography, including lighting, composition, and shutter speed. It would be best if you also learned how to use photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. To get started, you can offer your services for free to build up your portfolio.
Once you have a strong portfolio, you can start charging for your photography services. You can join online courses or workshops to learn how to take professional pictures. YouTube is also a great resource for learning the basics of photography.
13. Freelance Writing and Editing
As a freelance writer and editor, you will create and edit blog posts, web copy, press releases, white papers, and more. To become a freelance writer and editor, you need to have excellent writing skills and the ability to pay attention to detail
Typically, you will need to create a portfolio to show agencies and businesses that you know what you're doing. You can start by offering your services at a lower rate to build up your portfolio. Once you have some work to show, you can start charging higher rates for your freelance writing and editing services.
Freelance websites such as Upwork and Fiverr can help you find clients faster. With freelance writing and editing, you can control your schedule and choose your projects.
14. Virtual Assistant Business
A virtual assistant business is a perfect opportunity for women to start their businesses from home. As a virtual assistant, you will provide administrative support to clients and help them manage their day-to-day operations. Virtual assistants can specialize in different fields, such as customer service, data entry, web design, and social media management.
To become a VA, you will need to understand the basics of computer and internet use and basic office procedures. You should also be able to carry out administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, filing documents, and responding to emails. To find work as a virtual assistant, join freelancing websites or advertise your services on social media platforms.
15. Makeup and Beauty Services
This is probably one of the best beauty side hustles for women. In order to become a makeup artist or offer beauty services, you need to have an eye for detail and the ability to pay attention to customer preferences. You should also learn about different products on the market, such as makeup brushes, eyeshadows, and foundations.
Makeup artists charge as high as $500 or more for a single look. You can attend workshops or join online courses to learn more about the industry. Joining professional associations such as the National Association of Professional Makeup Artists can also help you establish contacts in the industry.
Building a strong client base is essential to growing your makeup and beauty business, as it will help you gain more referrals. Social media platforms are great for promoting your services, but word-of-mouth remains one of the best ways to build your client base as a makeup artist.
16. Create and Sell Crafts
When it comes to cash flow side hustles, this is probably the best option. It has the potential to expand to a full-time business and required resources can be gotten easily. Crafting requires skill and creativity to create beautiful pieces in high demand. You will need the right tools to start crafting, such as glue guns, brushes, and fabric scissors.
To get your crafts in front of potential customers, you need a good marketing strategy that includes social media (Instagram especially) and blogging. Having an online shop is also essential as it will allow customers to find your products easily and make purchases securely. You can also set up shop on popular marketplaces like Etsy and Shopify. Additionally, you can participate in craft fairs to promote your products and meet other crafters.
17. Fitness and Weight Loss Coaching
As a fitness and weight loss coach, you will help clients achieve their goals by providing guidance on nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle changes. You will also be responsible for developing tailored programs that consider each client's needs.
To become a fitness and weight loss coach, you should understand anatomy, physiology, and nutrition principles well. It is also important to have strong communication and interpersonal skills to motivate your clients effectively.
To practice legally, you must get certified by either a personal trainer certification program or a health coaching program. Once certified, you can start advertising your services on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This side hustle has many benefits, such as flexibility, the potential for high earnings, and making a real difference in people's lives.
18. Make Specialty Food
Specialty foods can encompass anything from gourmet jams and sauces to artisanal baking mixes or health-focused snacks. It’s much more than being a personal chef. To make it in this business, you will need a good understanding of culinary techniques, flavor profiles, and food safety. You will also need to be creative and develop unique recipes that stand out in the market.
Having a solid business plan with well-defined goals, a budget, and marketing strategies will also be of great help. It would help if you thought about branding and packaging to make your products visually appealing and convey the right message to customers. Here are some industry experts to follow if you're serious about making and selling specialty food: Molly Yeh, Christina Tosi, and Yotam Ottolenghi.
19. Flipping and Reselling
Flipping involves buying low-cost items and selling them for a higher price after making some improvements. Reselling involves finding items that are in demand and reselling them for profit. It requires research, knowledge of the market, good negotiation skills, and the ability to identify potential items.
To start flipping and reselling, you should familiarize yourself with different products, market prices, and resell trends. We also recommended joining online communities like Facebook groups or Reddit forums to learn more about the industry. Building a network of trustworthy suppliers and other resellers who can give you useful information is important as well. Additionally, it is essential to understand the legal aspects of reselling, such as taxes and licenses, so that you can operate legally and ethically. Here are some additional resources to help you:
Tax preparation is an important service for individuals and businesses alike.
To become a tax preparer as a side hustle, it is essential to have a good understanding of taxation laws, filing requirements, and financial accounting.
If you dislike math, this side hustle probably isn’t for you. As someone who prepares tax, you must have strong numeracy skills and be proficient with tax preparation software such as TurboTax.
To get started, look up local certification programs or online courses that cover tax law and practice in your area. You can also explore different roles within the industry, such as enrolled agents, certified public accountants, or independent tax preparers. Once you are certified, you can start to advertise your services.
Tips for Starting a Side Hustle
As stated before, starting a side hustle can be an excellent way to supplement your income and use your skills and interests. However, success requires proper planning, research, and hard work. Here are some tips for starting a successful side hustle:
Identify Your Skills and Interests
Before starting any business venture, evaluating your strengths and interests is important. Think about your skills and how they can be applied to a side hustle. Also, consider what kind of business you are passionate about, as this will help increase your chances of success.
Research The Market and Competition
Researching the market and competition is a crucial step in creating a successful side hustle. It helps you gain a better understanding of your target audience, industry trends, and what your competitors are offering. Here are some tips on how to conduct market research for your side hustle:
Identify your target audience: Determine who your ideal customers are, what their needs are, and how your product or service can solve their problems. This will help you tailor your marketing and sales strategies to reach your target audience effectively.
Study your competitors: Look at what your competitors are doing, how they market their products or services, and what sets them apart from others in the industry. This will help you identify gaps in the market and find ways to differentiate yourself.
Conduct surveys and focus groups: Conducting surveys or focus groups with potential customers can help you gather feedback on your product or service, identify areas for improvement, and validate your business idea.
Analyze online data: Use online tools to analyze search trends, social media engagement, and website traffic to gain insights into customer behavior and preferences.
Set Achievable Goals and Deadlines
Setting SMART goals is an effective way to manage any side hustle project. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. They provide clarity and direction, and help you stay focused on what needs to be done to achieve your objectives. Here's how you can set SMART goals for your side hustle:
Specific: Your goals should be clear and specific. Vague goals like "increase sales" or "build a better website" are not specific enough. Instead, try setting a goal like "increase monthly sales by 20%" or "redesign website homepage to improve user experience."
Measurable: Your goals should be quantifiable. This means you need to establish a way to track your progress. For example, if your goal is to increase sales, you need to determine how you will measure that increase. Will it be by revenue, number of orders, or some other metric?
Achievable: Your goals should be realistic and achievable. Setting unrealistic goals can be demotivating and lead to frustration. Make sure you set goals that are challenging but still within reach. Consider your resources, time, and skills when setting your goals.
Relevant: Your goals should be relevant to your overall business objectives. Ask yourself how each goal will help you achieve your long-term goals. If a goal does not align with your overall objectives, it may not be worth pursuing.
Timely: Your goals should have a deadline. Establishing clear milestones and deadlines will help keep you motivated and on track. Make sure your deadlines are realistic and give yourself enough time to complete each task.
Create a Budget and Manage Finances
You should create a budget outlining all the costs associated with starting your side hustle. This includes business licenses, marketing expenses, and ongoing costs such as rent and utilities. Additionally, keeping track of your profits and losses is important to measure your business's success accurately.
Build a Brand and Promote Yourself
In today's competitive world, it is essential to have an effective branding and marketing strategy. Start by creating an online presence through websites or social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram. You should also consider investing in paid ads on search engines or social media sites to reach more potential customers.
Challenges and Solutions
Side hustles can also come with their own set of challenges. To ensure success, it is important to be aware of these potential issues and have strategies to overcome them.
Balancing Multiple Commitments and Time Management
One of the biggest difficulties with having a side hustle is balancing work, family commitments, and leisure activities. Working on multiple projects at once can strain your time management skills.
To help with this, try setting clear boundaries between your personal life and your side hustles by creating specific milestones for each project and scheduling blocks of uninterrupted time for working on them. Additionally, use tools such as task lists or timers to help manage your time and ensure that you are getting enough rest.
Dealing with Rejection and Failure
Another challenge of starting a side hustle is dealing with potential rejection and failure. Even if you have the best intentions, there is no guarantee that it will be successful. It's important to recognize this reality early on to stay encouraged when faced with these issues. You can also constructively use feedback or criticism to improve future projects.
Handling Legal and Tax Obligations
When running a business, it is essential to understand all associated legal and tax obligations. This can include obtaining necessary licenses or permits and researching applicable taxes or filing dates. To ensure you comply, you should consult with a legal or tax professional to ensure you have the proper paperwork and payments in order.
Frequently Asked Questions About Side Hustles For Women
Below, we discuss some frequently asked questions about side hustles for women:
What Is The Cheapest Side Hustle To Start?
There are many instant side hustles that require little to no initial investment, making them affordable and easy to start. Some examples include pet sitting and personal shopping.
What Is A Realistic Side Hustle?
A realistic side hustle is a part-time or flexible job that can be done alongside your regular job or other commitments to earn extra money. It should be something that fits your skills, interests, and schedule and can realistically generate income without interfering with your primary responsibilities.
What Is The Easiest Side Hustle?
Easy side hustles for females include writing, editing, and proof reading.
What Are Some Part-time Side Hustles From Home?
There are many easy gig jobs that women can do from home, depending on their skills, interests, and availability. The best part time side hustles from home include arts and craft, graphics design, and social media management.
What Are Good Side Hustles For Young Women?
If you are a young woman, chances are you may have limited work experience, but there are still many options available. You could try personal shopping for example, and if that isn't your thing, check out babysitting or podcast transcription. These are just some of the best side hustles for young women.
Conclusion
Starting a side hustle can be a great way for women to supplement their income, gain new skills, and pursue their passions. The 20 side hustles for women we've discussed in this blog post offer a wide range of options, from creative endeavors like blogging and crafting to service-based opportunities like pet-care and tutoring.
We hope this list of 20 side hustles for women has given you some ideas and inspiration for starting your own side hustle. Remember, the most important thing is to find something that you enjoy and are passionate about. With hard work and perseverance, you can turn your side hustle into a fulfilling and profitable venture.
This site may contain links to affiliate websites and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. Our affiliates include the following: Fiverr, Amazon, Podia, Webflow, and Shopify.
Alex Quin
Entrepreneur. Podcaster. Go-Getter.
Alex Quin is a full-stack marketing expert and global keynote speaker. Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of UADV Marketing - a member of the Forbes Agency Council.
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