10 Legit Side Hustles For More Profit & Flexibility

Do you wake up every day feeling like you can do more? Do you want to connect with more people, learn something new, and increase your income while doing so?

If your answer is yes, then you need to learn about legit side hustles and how one of them can help you. Luckily, this guide rounds up the best ones and explains the fundamentals of side hustles!

Side Hustles at a Glance

Of the many side hustles in the market, the following are the best we could find:

• Blogging: Best Overall.
• Freelancing: Runner up.
• Caring for pets and humans: Great for empaths and extroverts.
• Babysitting: The perfect option if you love children and babies.
• Writing: This can help you unleash your creativity and share something with the world.
• Teaching: Allows you to enrich others lives with your knowledge.
• Flipping Furniture: Great if you have a keen eye for beautiful items.
• Proofreading: Help other people put down their thoughts properly.
• Watching Videos: Ideal way to turn your hobby into a lucrative venture.
• Testing Apps: Best for those with some technical skills hidden up their sleeves.

Getting Started With Legit Side Hustles

Before we get into each of the previous legit popular side hustles, we must ensure you understand what this is at its core.

What are Legit Side Hustles?

• Tested.
• Tried.
• True.

When thinking of legit side hustles, these three Ts should come to your mind. Why? It's because legit side hustles are genuine and sustainable ways to help you earn extra income outside your primary job.

These jobs allow you to capitalize on your hidden talents or available sources without compromising your main income source.

Most importantly, there’s a stark difference between these opportunities and the get-rich-quick scams. These schemes often lack transparency and sometimes even legality.

Why Should You Consider a Legit Side Hustle?

You should start looking for a legit side hustle for many reasons, but the top one for many is usually flexibility.

Side hustles don’t typically limit individuals to set schedules or rules. Most times, you don’t have to go to an office or mingle with others!

Following that, side hustles can help you pay off debts, save for future investments, or build an emergency fund with the extra cash.

The best advantage is that they deliver “job security. In today’s ever-changing job market, having multiple income streams can be a safety net you’ll be thankful for later.

The Best Legit Side Hustles at a Glance

We know looking through 10 side hustles can be a lot, especially when looking for one particular answer. For instance, what’s the best among them or the cheapest to start?

What is the Best Legit Side Hustle?

Unfortunately, you won’t be getting a direct answer to this question! The best legit side hustle is largely subjective as it depends on individual preference, skills, and resources.

Still, some side hustles rank among the best, and most of the time, blogging is on top of the list of side hustle ideas. This is because it doesn’t require much to start, offers freedom and flexibility, and can easily align with your passions.

What is the Cheapest Legit Side Hustle to Start?

To be fair, almost all of the opportunities here are considerably cheap regarding start-up costs. However, the cheapest one among them is writing.

There’s minimal upfront investment in writing, as you’ll need a laptop or computer, which most already have. Also, you can use a tablet if you don’t have a PC.

The Best Legit Side Hustles

Below, you’ll find a miniature side hustle directory to help you find the best job option. Most options below include legit online gigs to cater to today’s digital preferences.

1. Blogging

Blogging is our top pick because it’s not limited to one aspect or niche. For instance, do you like food?

You can start a blog discussing recipes, your favorite meals, and how to enhance flavors in various dishes. A great example of this is the Julie & Julia project, which you can enjoy its details in books or movies.

Costs to Get Started

The first item you’ll need to start your blog is a unique web domain name. The prices for one aren’t that expensive, costing around $10 to $20 annually.

After that, you’ll need web hosting services to store your website files, which can cost up to $10 monthly.

You can also go for content creation tools to help or blogging courses, but most are free and won’t affect your budget.

Where to Find Blogging Gigs

Blogging isn’t really something you go out to find, but it’s something you create. Once you have a successful blog up and running, the requests for collaboration or ads will pour in!

If you don’t want to wait, you can search for blogging gigs on freelancing platforms like Upwork or ProBlogger.

You can also check for “guest posting” openings on websites matching your niche or expertise.'

2. Freelancing

Contrasting with the rest of the list, this option is more general, so we put it as “Freelancing.”

Freelancing refers to offering clients your skills and professional services without committing to a single employee or contract.

This job opportunity offers loads of flexibility, and you can start it immediately as there’s no need to research it or learn from courses.

Costs to Get Started

The cost of freelancing a gig differs significantly from industry to industry. Still, there are some essential elements you’ll need.

For example, you’ll need reliable equipment like a laptop and a business phone, which can cost up to $2000.

You might also need software or subscriptions to make your job easier. This could be a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud for graphic designers, while it can be Grammarly for writers. It all boils down to your niche.

Where to Find Freelancing Gigs

Depending on your services, you can visit Upwork, Freelancers, and Fiverr to connect with clients.

If your services don’t fit those platforms, you can look on other sites like Craigslist. Also, you’ll find many industry-specific platforms like Contently for writers or Behance for designers.

3. Caring for Pets and Humans

For animal enthusiasts, you can turn your animal adoration into a rewarding venture.

Whether pet sitting or dog walking, there’s a growing market for animal care services. Another option in the caring industry is watching out for humans.

Families always search for someone trustworthy to assist their loved ones in daily activities.

What makes this side hustle different from the rest is that it’s not just about performing a task. It’s about building meaningful connections and ensuring another individual's or creature's well-being.

Costs to Get Started

Though it’s not always required, having formal training or certifications can help you stand out more. A professional pet-sitting certificate can cost you around $300.

For those walking dogs around, you’ll also need professional-grade equipment like leashes and collars. Those can cost up to $250 if you splurge.

Where to Find Animal Caring Gigs

The easiest way to find work as an animal carer is through digital platforms. Here, we don’t mean Fivver or Upwork but industry-specific sites like Rover and Wag.

You can also advertise your services online by creating a social media account or website.

4. Babysitting

One side hustle that has stood the test of time is babysitting. This is because there’s a continuous demand for it as people’s lifestyles are becoming increasingly busy with work and commitments.

Families everywhere seek trustworthy individuals who can keep an eye out for their kids for date nights, work hours, or just a few hours of personal time. If you love kids and have loads of patience, this might be your gig.

Costs to Get Started

Just like any caring service, it doesn’t require much to start up. You can use a push by acquiring First Aid Certification or Advanced Child Care from the Red Cross. Both certificates could cost you around $250.

You’ll also need basic supplies like child-friendly toys, games, and art supplies to keep the kids engaged. Thankfully, those don’t have to break the $150 mark.

Where to Find Babysitting Gigs

When it comes to babysitting, the gigs are almost everywhere if you look deep enough! There’s a site called Care.com where you can find opportunities for babysitting, senior care, and pet care, too!

You can also advertise through word of mouth by telling your friends and family about your babysitting services. Personal referrals are particularly powerful in this industry.

5. Writing

In today’s world, content is king! There’s a massive demand for written content everywhere, from websites and copy to articles and ebooks.

The beauty of this side hustle is its versatility. You can write fiction tales, how-to articles, or persuasive marketing content.

Whatever your passion is, you’re bound to find something related to it in writing.

Costs to Get Started

Among the many options, writing is among the cheapest gigs. This is because all you need is a good grasp of the language and a smart device that can help you write your content.

If you have those two items, you’re good to go! For those who want to stand out, you can search for writing courses or workshops to hone your skills. This can cost up to $150–$200 per course.

You might also want writing software to help you avoid silly typos, like Grammarly, which can cost $30 monthly.

Where to Find Writing Gigs

Depending on your writing preferences, you can find writing gigs all over Fiverr, Freelancer, and Upwork.

There are also platforms like Textbroker or iWriter that can help beginners establish good experience and build a portfolio.

6. Teaching Online

Teaching is among the few professions we can trace back to the earliest civilizations. Though it underwent some changes with modern evolution, its essence remains the same.

Today, the scope of teaching extends far beyond that of the traditional classroom setting. People want to learn to paint, code, craft, or even dance!

With online platforms facilitating online tutoring, your skills might just be what the students need.

Costs to Get Started

To teach others online, no matter your subject, you’ll need a reliable computer, a high-quality camera, a good microphone, and a steady internet connection.

The equipment cost can go up to $3000, while the internet connection can cost up to $60 monthly.

Where to Find Teaching Gigs

One of the key perks of online teaching is that there’s no short supply when it comes to platforms wanting teachers!

There are platforms such as VIPKid, Chegg Tutors, and Tutors.com that can help you find work.

You can also look at the local schools or colleges, as they often seek part-time teachers, subs, or tutors to help around.

7. Flipping Furniture

How are you reading this guide? Are you standing, sitting at your desk, lounging on the couch, or sleeping on your bed? Regardless of the answer, there’s a big chance you’re using a piece of furniture.

This brings us to our side hustle idea: flipping furniture.

You can purchase a piece of furniture that you see has potential and resell it for profit. Thankfully, many individuals don’t mind old furniture as long as it’s pretty and clean.

Costs to Get Started

Flipping furniture isn’t that easy. Though the profits may be high, the initial startup can be costly.

This is because you’ll need good capital to purchase your beginning inventory. A good range here is from $500 to $1000. You’ll also need cleaning supplies and tools to help repair any furniture damage, which can cost you around $350.

Where to Find Flipping Furniture Gigs

Unlike teaching or writing, reselling furniture is on the more tangible side of work. That’s why you’ll need to search around different platforms, like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace.

You can also head down to the local flea market to showcase your items while networking with potential clients.

8. Proofreading

In case you missed it earlier, content is everything today! You’ll see it reading the news, scrolling through Facebook, or shopping on Amazon.

But who ensures this content is typo-free? If you think the writer should, then you thought wrong! Writers can put out thousands of words weekly, and, as a result, something always slips by.

That’s why companies pay a handsome fee for proofreaders to guarantee their content is 100% foolproof.

Costs to Get Started

A degree in English could always boost your portfolio, but it’s rarely necessary. Instead, you can go with specialized courses to enhance your credibility. They only cost around $100.

Besides your skills, subscribing to platforms that could enhance your proofreading skills can help. There’s Grammarly and ProWritingAid, both costing less than $50 monthly.

Where to Find Proofreading Gigs

You’ll usually find proofreading gigs next to the same category as writing content on Fiverr, Freelancer, and Upwork platforms.

There are also specialized job boards like ProofreadingServices and Scribbr offering proofreading jobs.

9. Watching Videos

After a tiring day at work, many of us turn to YouTube or TikTok to unwind. However, not all know that this could easily become the perfect side hustle.

You could watch videos to help companies enhance their content and give feedback on the message within the video. This provides entertainment and an excellent opportunity to contribute to daily content.

Costs to Get Started

A good-quality device with an excellent screen is one of the main items you’ll need to watch videos as a side hustle.

This could be a phone, laptop, or a PC. Either one can cost you a minimum of $500 if it’s good quality.

Another point to factor in is the excellent internet connection. If you’ll be watching videos constantly, you’ll need a stable internet connection, which can cost around $60.

Where to Find Watching Video Gigs

Many places allow individuals to watch videos for extra money, like KashKick, Inboxdollars, and QuickRewards. You can also answer their online surveys and earn cash or get gift cards.

10. Testing Apps

The last of our side hustle ideas is testing apps. Almost every known website has its application to make it easier for visitors to check out content.

Yet, before launching this application, they need testers to go through the app and check it for bugs, user experience issues, and navigation glitches. This helps them streamline and enhance the app before allowing the public to use it.

Costs to Get Started

To test applications effectively, you’ll need at least one up-to-date device. This could be a smartphone, tablet, or computer. To stand out from other applicants, it’s best to have Android and IOS devices, which cost up to $500 each.

You’ll also need screen recording software as some companies require you to record the testing progress. A reliable internet connection is a must.

Where to Find Testing Apps Gigs

Testing applications isn’t a new business idea, and that’s why you can find many offers on platforms like UserTesting, BetaTesting, and TestBird. You can also try other platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, as they often list app testing jobs

How to Start a Legit Side Hustle

Feeling brave enough to take the next step? Well, here are five main tips and questions to keep in mind before starting your legit side hustle business idea:

Figure Out Your Strengths

Discovering your strengths can often be a depleting process, as you’ll have to face your weaknesses as well. Yet, it’s the only way forward.

That’s why you must start by taking an honest inventory of your skills and passions. Ask yourself what you excel at or what people often commend you for. The answer will help you choose the right path.

Set Clear Goals

The second question you should ask yourself is why you want to start a side hustle. Also, do you want this to turn into a future full-time job, or is it a short-term venture?

If your goals are vague, like “earn more money” or “get rich,” then you need to sit down with pen and paper and figure out what you need to set the next step in motion.

Plan Your Financial Goals

While starting a lucrative side hustle can be good for you in the long run, the ongoing expenses can be a setback.

You must pay for electricity, internet, and other subscriptions in most side hustle gigs. That’s why it’s vital to have a clear financial plan to determine if the venture is actually lucrative or not.

Create a Business Plan

Business plans are your friend when establishing your ventures. The first step in a business plan is understanding your target audience, their needs, and their preference.

You’ll also need to monitor competition and figure out how to one-up them. Deciding how you’ll attract and retain customers is an essential step, too. You can use promotions, advertising, or word-of-mouth referrals.

Build an Online Presence

How do you find anything nowadays? You look it up online, right? Over 65% of the population uses the internet, and that's why your website acts as your virtual storefront!

You’ll need to ensure it’s user-friendly and clearly defines your services. Along with your website, there should be a social media account to help engage with potential clients and share valuable content, like showcasing your work.

Wrapping Up

In today’s constantly fluctuating market, having one income source is becoming more than limiting; it’s almost risky.

Diversifying your income streams by starting a legit side hustle not only guarantees a form of financial security but allows your passions and talent to flourish.

The best option for a legit side hustle would be blogging, as it allows you to build your content based on your expertise and preferences. It’s also flexible, as you can do it anywhere and anytime.

Following blogging, we’d recommend freelancing your skills and expertise. Whether you’re a content creator, social media manager, or SEO specialist, there’s always a place for you.

Similar Side Hustles to Check Out

• Online Side Hustles: If you want to work from home through online platforms, check out our guide on online side gigs.
• Passive Income Side Hustles: Are you interested in making more money without being actively involved all the time? Then what you need is a passive income side hustle!
• Easy Side Hustles: For those of you who work late and come back tired, our easy side hustle guide is here to the rescue!