How To Start a Side Hustle With No Money: $0 to $2k+/mo ASAP
Last Updated on June 21, 2023 by John Cirelly
If you’re starting from nothing, don’t worry, I’ve been there.
If you’re scouring the internet in search of side hustles with no startup cost, I’ve got you covered. I’ve been dabbling in the realm of side hustles for years now and I remember when I could either fill my gas tank, or pay my insurance for the month.
Over the years I used the five strategies below to build a lifestyle business I love, and earn more than enough to be comfortable on.
How To Start a Side Hustle With No Money in 2024
1. Start saving what you have
The first step in the side hustle game isn’t actually earning, it’s saving. Having an emergency fund or runway to escape your 9-5 is imperative. Don’t worry, your side hustle can help contribute to this as your get going.
Start by trimming down unnecessary expenses, like that gym membership you never use or one of the three streaming services you subscribe to. Automate your savings and watch how quickly your “side hustle seed money” grows. This initial fund will serve as your safety net, or starting capital as you venture into your side hustle.
2. Leverage your existing skills
Next, take a good look at your skillset. You’re a lot more talented than you think, trust me! Are you a whiz at social media? Start offering your services to local businesses. Love writing? Begin freelance writing or start a blog. By using the skills you already have, you can create a side hustle with zero investment other than your time.
3. Solve problems others won’t
Here’s where creativity comes in. Look around for problems that need solving. The more irksome the problem, the less likely people are to tackle it themselves. That’s where your side hustle can come in. Think mobile car detailing, pooper scooping, or tech tutoring for seniors. Remember, your hustle’s success often lies in its uniqueness and your willingness to do what others won’t.
4. Level up your skills
Never stop learning. If there’s a skill you think can help your side hustle grow, invest time to learn it. Websites like Coursera and Udemy offer affordable courses on everything from digital marketing to website development. This can be done in your spare time and often for free or at little cost. The return on investment can be immense as you offer more services and improve your efficiency.
5. Reinvest in “high leverage” side hustles
As you start earning, it’s tempting to spend your new income. Resist the temptation! Instead, reinvest it into high-leverage side hustles. These are hustles that can generate income with minimal ongoing effort. Think creating an online course, developing a niche affiliate blog, or even buying a rental property.
12 Side Hustles With No Startup Cost
1. Become a Digital Freelancer
Entering the digital freelance world is now easier than ever, however it can be competitive at times. You’ve got skills, right? Well, businesses need those skills. Think writing, graphic design, social media management, coding, the list is endless. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr connect you with clients looking for your expertise. It’s free to start, and you can scale up as you go.
Now if you think you don’t have skills, think again. Most people can leverage what they do in their 9-5 just in a freelance capacity. If that’s not the case, you can learn literally anything from platforms like YouTube and Udemy for little to no cost.
2. Take Online Surveys
Yes, this is a real thing. Companies will pay for your opinion because they value customer feedback. Sites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Survey Junkie offer legit surveys that pay cash. You won’t get rich, but it’s a nice way to earn some extra cash in your downtime.
Side note: Be careful, not all survey sites are legit. Do your research ahead of time. All surveys promoted here have been tested personally by me.
If surveys are your thing, check out my list of the highest-paying survey sites.
3. Teach Others Online
Do you excel in a particular subject or skill? If not, do you speak English natively? Put that knowledge to work by teaching others online. Whether it’s tutoring in math or teaching a new language, platforms like VIPKid and iTalki can connect you with students globally.
4. Start a YouTube Channel
YouTube is a fantastic platform for monetizing your passion. Whether you’re into gaming, fitness, cooking, or anything in between, there’s an audience for you. While building a following takes time, the potential income from ad revenue and partnerships can be substantial.
All you really need is a smartphone, some spare time, and a bit of creativity. While you can start for free, I highly recommend spending a bit of money to get a good microphone to upgrade your audio.
5. Start a Print on Demand Business
Starting a print-on-demand business is a great creative side hustle you can start with no money. With platforms like Printful and Zazzle, you can sell custom designs on everything from t-shirts to mugs. No inventory or upfront costs, just pure creativity.
6. Test Apps For Development Companies
App developers are always on the lookout for testers to try out their apps before they hit the market. UserTesting and Testbirds are two platforms that can connect you with these opportunities. No coding knowledge needed, just provide valuable feedback!
7. Play Simple Mobile Games
Get paid for having fun? Yes, please! Platforms like Mistplay pay you to test and review new mobile games. It’s tough to find mobile games that actually pay you, so I’ve included a few I’ve tested below:
- Mistplay
- RewardedPlay
- Cash Giraffe
- KaskKick
- InboxDollars (games and surveys)
- Survey Junkie (games and surveys)
8. Rent Your Extra Space For Storage
Platforms like Neighbor.com and Stow It connect homeowners with people in need of storage. Think of it as Airbnb, but instead of hosting people, you’re hosting stuff. The best part? The risk is pretty low. I mean, boxes don’t throw wild parties, do they?
On Neighbor.com, the average host makes over $2,000 a year. Not too shabby for unused space, right?
9. Sell Your Poo (yes, really)
Okay, don’t laugh. You can actually make money selling your poo for medical research and treatment. Companies like OpenBiome pay for healthy stool samples to help patients with gut disorders. I mean, if you’ve got it, why not monetize it, right?
10. Review Songs on SubmitHub
If you’re a music lover, this one’s for you. SubmitHub pays you to listen and provide feedback on new music. Artists want honest feedback, and record labels want an easy way to find rising talent. This is where your reviews come in.
It won’t make you a millionaire, but it’s a fun way to earn a bit of extra cash, and maybe find a new artist you love.
11. Amazon Flex
Flex drivers deliver packages, groceries, and even restaurant orders in their local area. The best part? You set your own schedule. Simply download the Amazon Flex app, go through the brief onboarding process, and start making money. It’s like Uber or Lyft, but for Amazon packages that won’t puke in your car. 🙃
Amazon promises that Flex drivers can make between $18 to $25 per hour, depending on location, time, and package volume. But remember, that’s before expenses like gas, tolls, and car maintenance.
12. House/Pet Sit
While people are away, they need someone trustworthy to look after their homes and pets. That’s where you come in. Websites like Rover and TrustedHousesitters connect you with people in need of these services. This a simple, yet effective way to make money while enjoying some furry companionship or a mini getaway!
Wrap Up
Don’t let the lack of startup capital stop you. Your willingness to learn, adapt, and work hard can far outweigh some startup cash. Keep in mind that the most rewarding ventures are often those you start from scratch.
Remember, financial freedom doesn’t come from having a high-paying job alone. It comes from building multiple streams of income, and a side hustle is one of the best ways to achieve that. It’s not just about making money. It’s about creating opportunities, building confidence, and learning valuable skills that can last a lifetime.
