Maximize Your Earnings with These 7 Simple Side Hustles
Whether you're looking to supplement your main income or explore new avenues of financial growth, these side hustles are sure to pave the way to success. Let's dive in and discover how you can turn your spare time into a lucrative asset.
In this article, we'll share seven incredibly effective and straightforward side hustles that have the potential to maximize your earnings.
1.Selling Lecture Notes :
If you’re a busy student with no time for a job–or you’re just looking for a way to make some extra money without much effort– I’ve got a good side hustle for you to try out.
A lot of students don’t know this, but you can actually sell notes for money to make some quick and easy cash.
It doesn’t matter if you’re selling notes for a class you’re currently in or a previous one either; there are tons of platforms that pay you for your lecture notes as long as they are detailed and legible.
I wish I knew about this side hustle idea when I was in school since I was always the go-to note taker for my friends. Except, I was just giving them away for free when I could’ve been making money!
So if you’re a great notetaker, you definitely want to consider selling your notes online and making a bit of extra spending money to get you through school.
How To Sell Notes And Earn Money
There are plenty of websites that let you sell your notes for cash. However, it’s worth mentioning that it’s popular to sell college notes for money.
You can still sell high-school notes for cash, but this is mostly a side hustle for college students looking to earn some extra cash each month.
So, now that you have your notes, let’s look at some of the best sites for selling college notes online.
1. Stuvia
One of the more popular ways to sell college notes online is to use Stuvia.
Stuvia accepts just about anything you might write up for school, including textbook summaries, essays, papers, course notes and more.
You set your own rates when you publish your work, then Stuvia will market it to everyone on their site– they even notify the people in your area of study when you publish something!
Stuvia also has a review system, so you can build your reputation and bring in even more sales.
The average earnings you can get from a single document sale is $8.90.
But, Stuvia says that note sellers make an average of $103 dollars a month on its platform.
Stuvia is a great place to start selling notes since it accepts a wide variety of notes, essays, and paper; you’re not just stuck with selling notes or study guides as with other websites!
2. Nexus Notes
Nexus Notes is a subscription-based platform for note sharing.
This is a great system if you want to find study material for other courses you’re taking and aren’t just interested in making money online by selling notes.
You have two options for how you get paid for your notes:
- Revenue Percentage. Earn a percentage of Nexus Notes’ subscription revenue based on how many times students view your notes.
- Free Access. Read other people’s notes on the platform for free the more you upload.
The downside is that Nexus Notes sellers earn less on average than other platforms since it reports the average user only makes a few hundred dollars per year.
But even so, a few extra hundred bucks a month is awesome if you’re sick of having no money and struggling through college!
3. Docmerit
Docmerit is a fast and easy way to earn money from your notes.
You set your prices and you keep 85% of the sale, so this is more flexible than selling notes to platforms like OneClass.
Plus, you receive funds from your notes within 24 hours of making a sale, so you can make money fast with Docmerit.
Docmerit recommends uploading notes during exam periods since students are scrambling to find study notes and are willing to pay, so this tip is worth remembering for other note selling websites as well.
Docmerit also recommends promoting your notes by using platforms like Facebook and Twitter. You can do this, especially if you find study Facebook groups for your college where people share notes.
4. Studypool
Another very popular way to earn money by selling notes is to sell through Studypool.
Studypool states that you can earn $5,000 per month by selling your notes, exam prep material, homework, and textbook summaries.
Documents can earn up to $10 every time someone views it, and Studypool covers dozens of subjects, including:
Accounting
Algebra
Biology
Business
Computer Science
Digital Marketing
Economics
Excel
Science
Political Science
The depth of topics and high pay rate makes Studypool quite enticing for selling your college notes.
Plus, you can also apply to become a Studypool tutor if you want to teach subjects like English or math or just help students with specific homework questions for one-time payments.
Top selling notes have apparently earned thousands of dollars, and some sellers report making a few hundred dollars a month through regular note uploads, so it’s definitely a good place to go if you’re looking to turn this into a side hustle.
You still have to get approved to sell notes to Studypool, but this is definitely one of the best note selling platforms due to the number of students on it and variety of topics.
You work hard as a student, and it’s often difficult to juggle your workload with a part-time college job.
But, if money is tight, why not make money selling notes you already have?
Good quality notes can be hard to get and it’s not a skill that comes easily to everyone. You’re benefiting yourself and possibly hundreds of other students by putting your school notes up for sale online.
2.YouTube Automation
YouTube automation is an online money making strategy where you automate monetization of a YouTube channel by outsourcing content creation and channel operations to a freelance team. These freelance teams are built by hiring remote workers from online platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to make videos for $30 to $100 or more. YouTube automation channels are faceless channels that usually incorporate stock footage or simple animations with voice overs, so they do not involve a YouTube influencer. There are several ways you can make money from a YouTube automation channel, but the primary method is to join the YouTube Partner Program. Once accepted, YouTube pays you 55% of the ad revenue generated by letting advertisers run ads on your videos.
Some stats that show how YouTube automation is a massive opportunity :
To comprehensively answer whether a YouTube automation is worth it, let’s start by looking at some relevant YouTube platform statistics for 2023.
According to data from Statista, 2.6 billion people around the globe use YouTube. Considering that we recently passed 8 billion people, that means well over a quarter of our planet’s entire population uses the platform.
YouTube user growth has been steadily increasing for many years and is expected to hit 2.9 billion by 2025, according to Oberlo. The platform is already one of the most popular places on the internet, and will continue adding to its gigantic audience base.
When looking specifically at USA viewers, 62% use YouTube every day and 98% use it at least monthly. Clearly, the social media platform does well in attracting a massive and engaged audience.
YouTube generated $19.7 billion in ad revenue in 2020, and then $28.8 billion in 2021. YouTube attracts massive advertising dollars and a YouTube creator can benefit substantially from this by letting YouTube ads run on their content.
The average social media user spends 2 hours and 27 minutes on various social platforms daily, and according to Broadband Search, 19 of those minutes are spent on YouTube. YouTube is by no means the most popular social media platform, but it has carved out a fairly significant piece of the market.
How much money can you make from YouTube automation?
Many aspiring entrepreneurs make little to nothing from their YouTube video efforts. However, some YouTube automation channels, like Bright Side, generate millions of dollars in annual revenue. Realistically, if you start an automation channel in a niche with a decent CPM and rack up at least a few hundred thousand subscribers, your YouTube content could generate anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars each month.
Ways to earn with YouTube automation :
There's more than one way to earn money with a YouTube automation channel. Below are some of the most profitable methods for monetization.
- Ad revenue
- Affiliate Marketing
- Brand deals
- Exclusive channel memberships
- Selling products
- Promoting a service
4 Mistakes that cause many people to fail YouTube automation :
1. Choosing the wrong niche
2. Paying for bad mentorship
3. Hiring a low-quality team
4. Giving up too soon
Many have found great success with YouTube automation, and you could too. However, there are substantial uncertainties with the YouTube automation business model. It's a long-term investment that may very well end up flopping. That's why I much prefer the local lead generation business model. Local lead generation involves getting a niche business website to rank on the first page of Google in a targeted location and then selling the client leads it generates to local businesses who offer the niche service for hundreds to thousands of dollars every month.
3. Graphic design
Graphic design is finding visual solutions for a specific purpose, whether that’s to make someone want to purchase a product, watch a television show, or come to a large event. Graphic design truly encapsulates almost every visual aspect of your life.
Though you may not realize it, graphic design is almost everywhere you look, it’s a skill and career that is always very much in demand.
It’s effortless to earn money online designing.
Nowadays, you don’t even need to have a degree in graphic design from a university to get started because there are so many online platforms that can help you learn techniques, such as Teachable, YouTube or Skillshare.
Within graphic design, there are a few different buckets that you might choose to specialize in, including package design, layout design, branding and logo design, or even typography if you’re interested in making fonts and playing with type.
Each bucket is equally as important, though some niches might pay a bit more depending on your skill level.
Ways To Make Money as a Graphic Designer:
There are tons of ways to make money online as a graphic designer, no matter what niche you’re interested in! have a look at this list and start selling or making some of these items.
1. Create and Sell Templates.
2. Share Knowledge Through Workshops or Webinars.
3. Sell Stickers
4. Be A Design Consultant
5. Design Fonts for Creative Market or Etsy.
6. Make Premade Logo Packages
7. Sell Customized Branding Packages
8. Create and Sell Printables.
9. Work With Clients As A Freelancer.
10. Social media Graphics
How Much Money Do Graphic Designers Make?
The average graphic designer salary is around $45,000 per year, but that’s if they work full-time hours. This equates to about $22 per hour, but this can quite obviously change depending on a designer’s skill level, specializations, education, and more.
How To Make Money As A Graphic Designer: Wrap-Up
Working as a graphic designer allows you to express yourself through design and communication, creating visual elements that convey a message to inspire, inform, and lead a consumer to a desired action.
It is an exhilarating feeling to craft visual content in a beautiful and interesting way, to solve a problem, and to tell a story.
4. Uber Delivering
Based in San Francisco, California, Uber Eats is one of the best-paying delivery driver jobs and maybe even the fastest-growing delivery company due to Uber’s mammoth customer base. They also offer new customers a nice gift card for their first order in most areas!
While delivering for Uber Eats a few years ago, I did experience a few drawbacks that included blind pickups, low pay (unless there’s an ongoing promotion), and the fact that tips are something of a rare occurrence.
The good news is that customers meet you at the curb for a completely contactless delivery. Also, the Uber Eats app has an automatic default tipping option which is quite generous! It’s always good when the customers are encouraged to tip while they are placing their order.
Everything is handled via the Uber Eats app, a very similar experience for current Uber drivers. Also, you do not have to carry an Uber Eats credit card with all payments handled online.
In 2020, Uber Eats purchased Postmates and has since fully integrated its systems. The majority of work will be for fast food, grocery delivery, convenience store pick-ups, and alcohol delivery in select areas. As people continue to use Uber more for regular transportation, demand for the app will increase also and more delivery jobs will become available as a result.
Uber Eats Compensation:
Uber Eats operates in over 500 cities across the United States. Your pay varies per hour delivering for Uber Eats with a flat amount per pick-up and drop-off. Depending on the city in which you’re driving, you may also get a per-mile/minute rate, and you also get to keep 100% of the tips.
Uber Eats Requirements:
Minimum age of 18 to deliver by bike and 19 by scooter or car
Social Security Number
Driver’s license or a government-issued ID
Background checks are mandatory when you sign up as an Uber Eats driver. If you’re delivering by car, you will need to have a minimum of two doors, and the car needs to be a 2007 or newer if you plan to drive passengers for Uber, too.
5. Shoe Cleaning
Cleaning shoes can be a lucrative venture if approached with the right strategy and dedication. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make money by offering shoe-cleaning services:
1.Develop your skills: Learn various shoe-cleaning techniques and invest time in perfecting your craft. Attend workshops or online tutorials to stay updated on the latest trends and products.
2.Gather supplies: Purchase high-quality cleaning products, brushes, and accessories to ensure effective and safe cleaning of different shoe materials.
3.Set up a workspace: Create a designated area for shoe cleaning, either at home or a small storefront. Make it inviting and well-organized to attract customers.
4.Market your services: Utilize social media platforms and local advertisements to showcase before-and-after photos of shoes you've cleaned. Offer discounts to early customers to generate buzz.
6. Drop Shipping
Starting a dropshipping business is a great first step into entrepreneurship. You’ll be able to sell products to customers, set your own product prices, and market your very own brand. You don’t even need to pay for inventory until it’s sold to an actual customer. If you’re willing to put in the work, you can build a successful brand.
And if you’re still on the fence about starting your online business, maybe it will help to know that ecommerce sales amounted to nearly 5.2 trillion dollars worldwide in 2022. So, if global stats on ecommerce are any indication, starting an online business is an increasingly lucrative option right now.
If you don’t want to build a Shopify dropshipping business from scratch, you can easily find a dropshipping business for sale on Exchange. Exchange is a marketplace of Shopify stores for both people looking to invest in a fully-functioning business or those that want to skip the building phase and start directly with marketing. They have a great collection of online stores,including dropshipping ecommerce businesses, of varying price ranges and niches that you can choose from depending on your budget and interests. So, if you’re looking for a dropshipping business for sale, Exchange has got you covered.
Note; When choosing to buy a store take into account the cost, the design, the age of the website, how much money it has made, popularity of niche, penalizations, and the type of business.
Overall the most important part of a successful online ecommerce store is to test and optimize in order to increase the revenue that you generate online. This makes sure that your website will not fall behind best practices and keeps you ahead of your competitors too.
7. Amazon FBA/ Ebay
In the ever-expanding world of e-commerce, Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) and eBay have emerged as two of the most popular platforms for online sellers to reach a vast customer base. Leveraging these platforms can be a lucrative opportunity, but it requires careful planning, research, and execution. In this article, we will explore how to make money on Amazon FBA and eBay successfully.
1.Product Research and Selection:
The foundation of a successful e-commerce business lies in finding the right products to sell. Conduct thorough market research to identify high-demand, low-competition products that align with your interests or expertise. Utilize tools like Jungle Scout or Helium 10 to analyze sales trends, competition, and estimated profitability. A unique or niche product can set you apart from competitors and drive sales.
2.Product Sourcing and Quality:
Finding reliable suppliers or manufacturers is crucial for maintaining consistent product quality and timely delivery. Evaluate potential suppliers based on their track record, product quality, and customer reviews. Consider starting with smaller order quantities to test the market before scaling up.
3.Optimizing Product Listings:
Create compelling and optimized product listings on both Amazon FBA and eBay. Utilize high-quality images, detailed product descriptions, and relevant keywords to improve visibility in search results. Pay attention to customer reviews and feedback to address any issues and enhance customer satisfaction.
4.Pricing Strategy:
Setting the right price for your products is a balancing act. Take into account your costs, competitor pricing, and the perceived value of your products. Regularly reassess your pricing to remain competitive and maximize profits.
5.Advertising and Promotion:
Both platforms offer advertising options to increase product visibility and drive sales. Amazon Sponsored Products and eBay Promoted Listings can be effective tools to reach potential customers. Monitor the performance of your ads and adjust your strategies based on their effectiveness.
6.Customer Service and Reviews:
Positive customer experiences are essential for long-term success. Provide excellent customer service, respond promptly to inquiries, and resolve issues professionally. Positive reviews and ratings can significantly impact your sales and reputation on both platforms.
Successfully making money on Amazon FBA and eBay requires a strategic approach, consistent effort, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. By conducting thorough product research, optimizing listings, and providing top-notch customer service, you can position yourself for success in the competitive world of e-commerce. Remember, continuous learning, adaptability, and staying updated with the latest industry trends will help you stay ahead and thrive as an online seller.
Final thoughts
Making money online is not as tough as before. It can give you the benefit of working from home or anywhere and having complete control over your schedule. You can choose your work and earn as much as you want. The best way to make money online is to find a skill you enjoy and then find a way to make money with that skill.
You can also diversify your income by doing different types of work. If you’re wondering how to make cash online, you’ve reached the proper place. There are numerous ways to make a living online, and we hope this article has given you some ideas.
Thanks for reading
