Low-Cost Remote Side Hustles Anybody Can Do

So you're working a 9 to 5 job and wondering if you could make extra income on the side without leaving your home?

Fortunately, there are endless remote side hustles you can start today!

To help you get started, we've put together a list of the best remote side hustles in 2024.

Let's look at the most profitable remote side jobs, from freelance writing to graphic design and translating.

At a Glance/Short Answer/Our Top Picks

Remote side jobs are an exceptional way to make extra income without leaving your home or quitting your current job.

With that, here’s a quick overview of the best ten remote side hustles we'll be talking about:

1. Remote bookkeeping: Best overall
2. Remote data entry: Suitable for detail-oriented individuals
3. Remote chat support: Great for cooperative people
4. Freelance writing: Ideal for talented writers
5. Social media management: Perfect for social media geeks
6. Career coaching: Where influential people shine
7. Freelance graphic design: Mainly for creative designers
8. Freelance digital marketing: For any marketing enthusiast
9. Website testing: Fitted for tech-savvy individuals
10. Remote Travel consulting: Most appropriate for travel enthusiasts

Getting Started With Remote Side Hustles

What Are Remote Side Hustles?

Remote side hustles refer to full-time or part-time gigs that can be done remotely from home with only a computer and an active internet connection.

Why are they currently all the rage? 

Because such jobs allow you to earn extra income alongside your main job, providing flexibility and the opportunity to work according to your schedule.

So, in the last few years, remote side hustles have gained massive popularity—especially with the growth of digital platforms and the high demand for remote workers.

Why Should You Consider a Remote Side Hustle?

There are several compelling reasons to consider a remote side hustle. It's not only an efficient way to earn additional income, but it has a lot of key benefits such as:

• Independence: Who doesn’t want to be their own boss? Choose the projects you want to work on and when to work easily.
• Flexibility: You can work from anywhere and according to your own schedule.
• Low costs: There’s no need to invest in special inventory or office space to start a remote job either!

Overview: Our Top Picks

In today's digital age, everybody is trying to make money online.

But with many side job hustles in different fields, where do you even begin?

What is the Best Remote Side Hustle?

Here’s the gist: The "best" remote side hustle depends on your preferences, skills, goals, qualifications, and experience. 

So the key to finding a side hustle becomes to do something that matches your skillset.

Additionally, you need to work a job that's always in demand and has a lot of opportunities.

Are Remote Side Hustles Legit?

Yes! Remote side hustles can be a legitimate source of additional income easily.

Millions of people worldwide work remotely and earn money through remote side hustles.

Still, you need to be cautious while exploring websites for remote side hustles.

While there are many legitimate websites, there are also untrustworthy websites that ask for upfront payments or list fake jobs, for instance.

The Best Remote Side Hustles

Endless possibilities await you with remote jobs, and in this section, we'll delve into 10 of the best remote side hustles.

No matter what your skills, knowledge, or interests are, you'll find something that fits your profile here!

1. Remote Bookkeeping

Remote bookkeeping is among the best side hustles today.

Why? Because it involves managing financial records for businesses and clients.

Instead of working in an office-based setting, you can work independently or within a company as a remote bookkeeper from the comfort of your home. 

Your responsibilities usually include:

• Data entry.
• Recording financial transactions.
• Posting credits and debts into a general ledger.
• Ensuring financial accuracy.

Costs to Get Started

Luckily, you won't need to spend much to get started in remote bookkeeping either.

A laptop with a reliable internet connection is all you need, which you probably already have.

You’ll also need a smartphone or a tablet if you prefer to work on the go rather than stay home.

So, if your current smartphone/tablet isn't performing well, you’ll need to invest in a new one.

Where to Find Remote Bookkeeping Jobs

Freelance platforms like Fiverr, Freelancer, and Upwork have thousands of remote bookkeeping jobs posted by individuals or businesses.

Other remote job boards and websites, such as FlexJobs and Remote.co, have sections for remote accounting and finance jobs as well.

2. Remote Data Entry

Do you prefer doing simple routine daily tasks?

Then check out Remote data entry! It’s all about adding information to online databases and digital systems.

As a remote data entry clerk, your main duty is to use your typing and transcription skills to enter data into computers. 

And that’s not all:

There are several data entry jobs that you can easily work from home, such as virtual assistant, transcriptionist, data entry clerk, and proofreader.

Costs to Get Started

Generally speaking, you don't need to spend much to land a remote data entry clerk job.

The job only demands a laptop and a stable internet connection to get you started.

And depending on the type of data you enter, you would need to acquire specific certifications for soft and technical skills.

Such certifications can be free or paid, depending on your field, type of certification, and provider.

Where to find Remote Data Entry Jobs

The best part about this job is that remote data entry clerks are always in demand by various companies and employers.

You can quickly find jobs by utilizing search filters on websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor.

Consider signing up on freelance platforms too, like Fiverr, Freelancer, Upwork, and Guru for more remote data entry job opportunities.

3. Remote Chat Support

Remote chat support is a suitable side hustle for cooperative people who like to assist others with their problems.

Does that sound like you?

Then you should know that as a remote chat support, you're responsible for interacting with customers, addressing their queries, and solving their issues through providing helpful information and solutions.

The problems can be anywhere from minor hiccups to complex technical issues.

So, be ready to tackle them all!

Costs to Get Started

Most remote chat support roles don't demand specific equipment to get started.

These jobs, too, only require a fast, reliable internet connection and a laptop.

So if you already have these, you probably won't need to spend on anything else.

Additionally, most remote chat support jobs provide on-the-job training, meaning no investing in online courses or training materials either.

Where to Find Remote Chat Support Jobs

Job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Monster list thousands of remote chat support jobs daily.

After all, companies are always looking to hire remote chat support agents.

If you want to work for a specific company though, you can visit their website and career pages to see if any customer service vacancies are available.

4. Freelance Writing

Think you’re a talented and creative writer?

If so, you’ll excel at freelance writing! It’s a popular remote side hustle where you create compelling written content for websites and brands.

Plus, the content can be anything from travel blogs and product testimonials to eBooks and scientific papers.

Content writing is also versatile and convenient. You can work as a general writer or focus on topics matching your skills and interests to produce high-quality content.

Either way, it’s a win-win!

Costs to Get Started

As with most other remote jobs listed here, you only need reliable internet and a functional laptop/computer to get started.

Want to go the extra mile?

You could invest in paid grammar-checking tools such as Grammarly and Quillbot to make the writing process more efficient, for example.

Content writers can also invest in tools that detect plagiarism to ensure their content is original.

Where to Find Remote Freelance Writing Jobs

Freelancer websites such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer post endless writing projects on thousands of topics daily.

Conversely, content mills such as Contently and Textbroker pay writers to create content for their clients at a lower price point.

While the pay isn’t the best, it's a great way to start, gain experience, and build a portfolio for future jobs.

5. Social Media Management

Social media management is a rapidly growing field that involves creating, scheduling, and organizing content for businesses and individuals on social media platforms.

So, if you’re a social media geek, this job is certainly for you!

Your main duty is to create compelling and engaging content on social media platforms to keep followers engaged.

You help businesses maintain a strong online presence, generate sales, and drive brand awareness.

Costs to Get Started

Similar to most remote gigs, starting as a social media manager shouldn't cost you much. You only need a laptop and a stable internet connection.

As you successfully grow in the field, you’ll need to invest in paid social media management tools since you start working on multiple projects simultaneously.

Where to Find Social Media Management Jobs

You can find plenty of opportunities for social media management on LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor.

There are also several job boards that specialize in remote gigs, such as WeWorkRemotely, Flexjobs, and Remote.co that list social media management jobs daily.

6. Career Coach

Career coaching is an incredibly valuable service that helps people with their professional lives—and it can easily be your next side job!

As a career coach, you help unemployed people find jobs and teach others how to earn promotions and advance in their careers.

You provide guidance and support to teach clients how to identify their strengths and weaknesses and assist them with exploring different career paths.

Costs to Get Started

The costs associated with getting started as a career coach are relatively low.

You can start with just a reliable computer and a stable internet connection.

Want to elevate your services, though?

Earn professional certifications for career coaching, such as GCDF, IPMA-CP, and MCC.

Where to Find Career Coaching Jobs

You can find multiple career coaching jobs on general job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor.

Also, visit websites specializing in remote jobs, such as Flexjobs, WeWorkRemotely, and Remote.co.

7. Freelance Graphic Design

Graphic design is a high-demand, versatile, and rewarding remote side hustle.

It requires the following:

A graphic designer creates engaging and visually appealing designs for logos, social media graphics, and websites. 

In this digital age, the demand for graphic designers will consistently increase as brands seek to improve their online and offline presence.

Costs to Get Started

To start working as a graphic designer, you only need a reliable computer and internet connection.

There are a few additional costs to consider, too:

For example, you would need to buy professional design software such as AdobeSuite to access multiple essential designing apps such as Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and Photoshop.

The subscription currently costs $54.99 per month. However, you can get away with free alternatives initially to cut costs.

Where to Find Freelance Graphic Designer Jobs

Websites like Freelancer, Fiverr, and Upwork list tons of jobs for graphic designers every day.

Still, independent job hunting is crucial to gain experience and build a client base.

We highly recommend you create your website, upload your portfolio, and start reaching out to clients on various social media platforms and offer your services.

8. Freelance Digital Marketing

Freelance digital marketing is a flexible, versatile, and incredibly lucrative side hustle for those passionate about marketing and online strategies.

Plus, digital marketers work with various brands and businesses, from small startups to multinational companies.

Your goal then becomes to promote the company's products through various online platforms.

Other job duties involve content creation, social media management, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO).

Costs to Get Started

You don't need to spend much to kickstart your career as a freelance digital marketer. The job mainly demands a reliable computer and a fast, reliable internet connection.

As soon as you start landing more clients, however, you'll probably need to invest in software and tools that help you manage your digital marketing campaigns.

That includes SEO, analytics, email marketing, and keyword research tools.

Where to Find Freelance Digital Marketing Jobs

Popular job websites such as Flexjobs Remote.co, Gigworker, ProBlogger, and WeWorkRemotely list a wide range of digital marketing projects every day.

Alternatively, you can visit gig economy websites such as Mayple, GrowTal, and MarketerHire for project-based remote digital marketing jobs.

9. Website Testing

Website testing is a great way to make money online by helping businesses improve their website performance.

It’s a pretty nifty side hustle too!

Working as a web tester, you get to evaluate websites' performance and provide feedback to the client about the functionality, usability, security, and overall user experience.

Your valuable insights should help clients make informed decisions to improve their websites and enhance their users' experiences.

Sounds easy enough, right?

Costs to Get Started

To get started in website testing, you don't need much but the necessary tools for any online job.

That includes a laptop, a reliable internet connection, and a camera.

Investing in a smartphone/tablet could also be necessary to test how websites perform on mobile phones.

You’d need to acquire some certifications for website testers as well, such as ISTQB Software Testing Foundation, and CSQA.

Where to Find Website Testing Jobs

Websites and platforms specializing in website and software testing include Userlytics, Tester Work, UserTesting, and TryMyUI.

You can also create a portfolio and search for freelance gigs on UpWork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.

10. Remote Travel Consultant

If you're passionate about traveling and like to help others plan their trips, you want to consider becoming a remote travel consultant.

This is a dream job for most people!

Travel consultants help people plan and organize their trips.

The main job duties include reserving hotels, booking flights and accommodation, and taking care of your client's special needs.

Costs to Get Started

To start your career as a remote travel consultant, you only need a computer and an active internet connection.

You would need to acquire travel agent certifications too, such as Certified Travel Associate (CTA), Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE), Certified Travel Counselor (CTC), and Certified Cruise Counselor (CCC).

Where to Find Remote Travel Consultant Jobs

General online job boards like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter list many remote job opportunities for travel consultants.

Travel industry websites such as the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), Travel Institute, and American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) also have job postings for travel consultants.

How to Start a Remote Side Hustle

Working remotely isn't only an excellent way to make some extra money on the side, it can also be a flexible and convenient way to work away from distractions and improve your work-life balance.

The main problem is:

Finding remote jobs can be challenging, especially when you don't know the fundamentals of side hustles. 

So, here are a few tips to help you start a remote side hustle:

Identify Your Skills and Interests

As you can see, there are endless remote jobs in different industries, such as writing, marketing, designing, education, and sales.

What’s the golden rule to landing jobs then?

You must identify your skills and interests.

This won’t only help you stand out from the crowd, it’ll also help you generate more side hustle ideas.

Do you like writing? Consider becoming a freelance content writer or a proofreader.

If you enjoy designing, you can work as a graphic designer instead.

Research the Market

Researching the market is a critical step when starting a remote side hustle—but why?

Because the competition is fierce, and it's usually hard to land your first remote job, especially if you don't have much experience.

So do some research and see if the job you want to get is in demand. Look for the startup costs and how much you can make too.

This will help you determine whether to continue pursuing the job or look for something else.

New to side hustles, though?Then browse our side hustle directory to browse hundreds of remote opportunities.

Market Your Services

Once you decide which side hustle you want to start, it's time to market your services.

You have to market yourself online and offline—both are vital. Let everyone around you know about your services and how you can help them.

You should also create a website and social media pages for your business and engage with other professionals in your industry to create a network of connections.

It’s the only way to truly shine!

Acquire the Necessary Skills for Your Job

Lucky for you, there are many entry-level remote jobs that don't demand a lot of skills and experience.

However, there are must-have skills that you need to learn to grow in remote work—which is inevitable.

Those skills can include communication, organization, time management, and problem-solving.

Personalize Your Job Applications

As we mentioned earlier, the competition is strong among remote workers in different fields.

To stand out from the crowd, you must personalize your job application and highlight what you can bring to the client. 

Pro tip:

Pay attention to the job description and requirements and adjust your cover letter and resume accordingly.

Wrapping Up

Working a remote side hustle is an exceptional way to make more money, learn valuable skills, and gain experience.

We think the best remote side hustle to start today is remote bookkeeping and remote data entry.

Why did we pick those as winners?

Because you don’t need specific skills or education to start them.

The demand for both services is high too, and you can get into them with minimal tools and experience.

Similar Side Hustles to Check Out

If you don’t like any of the remote side hustles on our list, don’t worry. There are several alternatives to check out.

• Side Hustles From Home: Start your own business from the comfort of your home.
• Online Side Hustles: Work according to your pace and schedule by signing up for online side hustles.
• Side Hustles That Pay Well: Tired of low-paying jobs? Learn more about the highest-paying side hustles and how to get started.