100+ Fact-Checked Ways to Make Money in 2025

How to make money and how to start a side hustle are some of the most important questions to ask yourself. Undoubtedly, we all want to make money. It then becomes refreshing to note that the number of high-net-worth individuals is at an all-time high. There are over 22 million dollar millionaires globally. And you can be one of them. But to get there you have to take some baby steps. The first step is supplementing your income. That can be done by finding a good side hustle.

We have curated 100+ side hustles so you can start to make money. Some are online, others offline, and some you can even do at home. There are a lot on this list that will seem boring, too tedious or slow, do not discount them. There is no one formula on how to make money, in some of the work often discounted there is actual gold.

1. Profiting from AI

There was a time when people called AI a bubble. And some still struggle to comprehend its impact but the liberalisation of AI could be the single greatest advancement of the decade, if not century. The potential annual economic benefit of generative AI is estimated to be between $6.1 to $7.9 trillion. Here is how you can make money with AI:

Make money with Content Creation

Generative AI, which focuses on creating new content, is estimated to add $2.6 to $4.4 trillion annually to the global economy. Use AI writing tools like Jasper, Copy.ai, or even free options like ChatGPT, to generate blog posts, social media updates, product descriptions, and even marketing copy. As an entrepreneur, you likely already have valuable insights. Feed those into the AI and refine the output to create compelling content far faster than you could on your own.

Practical Tip: Focus on niche topics where you have expertise and where AI-generated content can provide a strong starting point.

Data Analysis & Insights

Businesses are drowning in data but often lack the expertise to make sense of it. If you have a background in data analysis or are willing to learn!, use AI-powered tools to analyze data for clients and provide actionable insights. This could include identifying market trends, optimizing marketing campaigns, or even predicting customer behaviour.

Practical Tip: Consider specializing in a specific industry to increase your value and command higher fees. Tools like Tableau or Power BI can be useful.

Generate Income with AI-Driven Digital Products

Think beyond traditional ebooks. There are opportunities to make AI-powered tools, templates, or resources that solve specific problems for your target audience. This could be an AI-powered SEO keyword research tool, a chatbot for lead generation, or a tool that automatically generates social media graphics.

Practical Tip: Identify a pain point in your industry and explore how AI can provide a unique and valuable solution.

Below is a table of the different ways, you can make money with AI.

2. Freelancing

For the entrepreneurially minded, freelancing offers unparalleled flexibility and control. It’s a fantastic way to make money by leveraging your existing skills in a variety of fields. Unlike a traditional job, freelancing empowers you to choose your projects, set your rates, and work on your own schedule.

What is your Skill?

Identify your core skills. This might be writing, design, coding, marketing, consulting or something else. Next, create a compelling service offering around those skills. Don’t try to be everything to everyone, this is a rookie mistake! Instead, focus on a niche where you excel and where there’s high demand.

Practical Tip: Research the rates that other freelancers in your niche are charging and position yourself competitively. One tried and tested method of increasing your earnings is offering tiered packages or specialized services.

Marketplace vs Personal Website?

When starting, freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn but only up to a point. Don’t rely on them exclusively. Therefore build your own website or portfolio to showcase your work and attract clients directly.

Practical Tip: Great SEO will help you get noticed and generate organic traffic. Thus, you have to be keen on optimizing your sites with strong keywords and professional headshots. Actively bid on projects that align with your skills and experience. Above all, consistently deliver high-quality work to build a positive reputation.

Specialize

Generalists are a dime a dozen. To truly stand out and command higher rates, specialize in a specific niche. For example, instead of being a general marketing freelancer, become a “social media strategist for SaaS startups” or a “copywriter for the health and wellness industry.”

Practical Tip: Research trending industries and identify areas where your skills can provide a unique value proposition. Network with businesses and influencers in your chosen niche.

You are the Brand

Freelancing is all about building your personal brand. Create a professional website, actively participate in online communities, and network with other freelancers and potential clients.

Practical Tip: Social media is your CV. Therefore, share valuable content that showcases your expertise. Also attend industry events, both online and in-person, to connect with potential clients.

Scale

One often neglected aspect of freelancing is treating it like a business. Because it is one, a profitable one for that matter. Treat your freelance work like a business. Create professional contracts that clearly define the scope of work, payment terms, and deadlines. In addition, use invoicing software to track your income and expenses.

Once you’ve established a solid client base, consider scaling your freelance business by hiring other freelancers or outsourcing tasks. This will allow you to take on more projects and increase your overall income.

Practical Tip: Start by outsourcing tasks that are time-consuming or that you’re not particularly good at. As you grow, you can gradually delegate more complex tasks to your team.

3. How to make money with E-Commerce

The money-making opportunities of e-commerce are almost endless. There is a subtle beauty in it too, in that sometimes all you need is a computer and good internet connection to start making money. If you are wondering how to make money with e-commerce, look no further.

Dropshipping

Dropshipping allows you to sell products online without holding any inventory. You can find trending products using tools like Google Trends or SaleSource. Then you will need to partner with reliable suppliers like Oberlo, Spocket, or AliDropship. Just because it’s done online does not mean you have to neglect customer service! So focus on building a strong brand and providing exceptional customer experiences.

Practical Tip: Do not try to sell everything to everyone! Niche down. Focus on a specific product category, e.g., eco-friendly baby products or minimalist home decor, to stand out from the competition.

Print-on-Demand

Print-on-demand is amazing, especially if done right. Design t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and other products and sell them through platforms like Printful, Printify, or Merch by Amazon. You only pay Printify when an order is placed and fulfilled, covering the production cost of the product and shipping charges, not upfront. Hence this is a low-risk way to test your designs and build a brand.

Practical Tip: Focus on unique, high-quality designs that appeal to a specific audience. Use social media and paid advertising to promote your products.

Digital Products

Create and sell digital products such as ebooks, online courses, templates, software, or music. Explore platforms such as Gumroad and Teachable. These make it easy to sell your products directly to your audience.

Practical Tip: Solve a specific problem or provide valuable information that people are willing to pay for. People love free things, so to generate leads and build trust, consider offering free content, for example, a free ebook chapter or a webinar.

Private Labelling

Do you know, you can source products from a manufacturer and have them branded with your own logo and packaging? It’s an everyday practice with groceries, toiletries, cosmetics, household goods, electronics, clothing and even phone accessories. And all you have to do is commission a manufacturer to produce goods to your specifications, which are then sold under your own brand, rather than the manufacturer’s.

Practical Tip: You can source products on platforms like Alibaba, ThomasNet and Sourcify. Then look to retail outlets or the usual e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce or Amazon to sell your product.

Apart from the above, there are other ways to make money with e-commerce. One particular example is selling handcrafted goods. Artists, crafters, hobbyists and individuals with unique skills can leverage Etsy and similar platforms to market and sell their merchandise.

4. Content Monetization

If you have a passion for creating content, there are countless ways how to make money by sharing your knowledge and expertise. We spoke of how you can make money with AI-generated content. Conversely, as AI content grows, so does the appetite for unique and authentic content – that means, your effort and sweat.

YouTube

Create engaging videos on topics you’re passionate about. Monetize your channel through ads, sponsorships, merchandise, and affiliate marketing.

Practical Tip: Focus on providing valuable content that solves problems or entertains your audience. Additionally, use keyword research to optimize your videos for search and promote your channel on social media.

Make money with Blogging

Start a blog on a niche topic and monetize it through ads, affiliate marketing, selling digital products, and offering coaching or consulting services. In addition, you can create a subscription-based community.

Practical Tip: You have to focus on creating high-quality, informative content that provides value to your readers. On top of promoting your blog on social media, you can also do so through email marketing.

Podcasting

Almost 700 million people listen to podcasts globally. According to eMarketer, the top 3 platforms for podcasting are YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Given how lucrative it looks, how then do you go about it?

Launch your podcast on a topic you’re passionate about. To monetize, you can look to sponsorships, advertising, and selling products or services.

Practical Tip: Create high-quality audio content that provides value to your listeners. Do not take yourself too seriously when creating content to engage with people. Be fun and authentic.

5. Online Tutoring & Education

Knowledge is power, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. If you excel at a particular subject, profession or skill, there is a chance that there is someone who will pay for that knowledge. Due to the unmet demands for knowledge, you can make money tutoring online and offline.

Niche Tutoring: Offer tutoring services in a specific subject area, such as math, science, or English. Platforms like TutorMe and Chegg Tutors connect you with students from around the world.

Practical Tip: Focus on a niche subject area where you have deep expertise. Additionally, create a compelling profile that highlights your qualifications and experience.

Online Course Creation: Create and sell online courses on platforms like Teachable or Udemy. Also, consider sharing your knowledge on topics you’re passionate about and help others achieve their goals.

Practical Tip: Firstly, choose a topic that you’re passionate about and that has a high demand. And then create a high-quality course that provides valuable information and actionable advice.

Webinars: Host webinars on topics related to your expertise. Charge a fee for attendance or use webinars to generate leads for your other products or services.

6. SEO Consulting

Do you think a minute is a long time? Probably not! But a lot happens every 60 seconds. Take the following into perspective, every minute:

• Google searches exceeding 15 million made
• More than 200,000 Facebook posts made
• Over 60,000 Instagram stories uploaded
• Over 150,000 emails are sent per minute (Prosperity Media)
• More than $1.1 Million in e-commerce transactions are made globally.
• 4+ million YouTube videos are watched

In light of all this, standing out in a world saturated with content has become a pressing concern. That is where SEO Consulting comes in. Here is how you make money with this particular side hustle.

Find a Niche

Don’t be a general SEO consultant; there are already too many. Instead, specialize in a specific industry, for instance, legal firms, dental practices, e-commerce for sustainable products or something that you see potential in. This allows you to deeply understand their specific challenges, create tailored strategies, and command higher fees.

Uncommon Tip: Develop proprietary SEO frameworks or templates specific to your niche. For example, a keyword research template tailored for the legal industry that uncovers niche terms related to specific legal specializations or local jurisdictions.

Semantic SEO & User Intent

Keyword research is crucial, but today, understanding user intent is crucial. Focus on semantic SEO —understanding the meaning behind the search query.

Uncommon Tip: Utilize AI-powered tools like Surfer SEO or Frase.io to analyze the top-ranking content for your target keywords and identify gaps in their coverage. Use this information to create content that is more comprehensive, relevant, and engaging.

Local SEO

Do not neglect your Google Business Profile. Optimizing it is essential although true local SEO success goes further.

Uncommon Tip: Focus on building citations on niche-specific directories relevant to your client’s industry. For example, a restaurant should be listed on sites like Yelp, OpenTable, and local food blogs. Also, actively manage and respond to reviews on all platforms to build trust and credibility.

Technical SEO

A thorough technical SEO audit is essential for identifying and fixing issues that can negatively impact a website’s ranking.

Uncommon Tip: Use advanced tools like Screaming Frog and Sitebulb to crawl your client’s website and identify crawl errors, broken links, and other technical issues. Create a detailed report with actionable recommendations and prioritize fixes based on their impact on SEO performance.

Always go beyond vanity metrics like traffic and rankings. There is no question or doubt over their importance. But in as much as they are important, equally important are metrics that demonstrate ROI, such as leads generated, sales attributed to organic search, and website conversions.

Uncommon Tip: Use Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track your clients’ SEO performance and create custom dashboards that showcase key metrics. Provide regular reports that highlight the impact of your work on their business.

7. How to make money with Cryptocurrency Trading & Investing

Imagine missing out on Bitcoin and an array of other coins because you thought they were bubbles! Maybe they are, maybe they aren’t!! But one thing beyond a shred of doubt is the impact of cryptocurrency on the current, and prospectively, future of finance. Admittedly, the cryptocurrency market is known for its volatility. However, with the right strategies, it can be a lucrative opportunity. With just a quick search on YouTube, you will be bombarded by countless videos on how to make money with crypto.

Altcoins with Utility

While Bitcoin and Ethereum are established cryptocurrencies, the real gains often lie in identifying undervalued altcoins with real-world utility.

Uncommon Tip: Due to the high number of fly-by-night projects, it is important to focus on projects that are solving real problems and have strong development teams and active communities. Actively research projects that are focused on emerging technologies which include decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and the metaverse.

DeFi Strategies

DeFi offers opportunities to earn passive income through yield farming and staking.

Uncommon Tip: Research DeFi platforms that offer high yields but also assess the risks involved, such as impermanent loss and smart contract vulnerabilities. Utilize DeFi aggregators like Zapper.fi and DeBank to track your portfolio and optimize your yields.

Technical Analysis

To begin with, you have to try and understand both fundamental and technical analysis. This is crucial for making informed trading decisions, otherwise, all you will be doing is gambling between highs and lows.

Uncommon Tip: There is no shortage of advanced charting tools to analyze price patterns, identify support and resistance levels, and predict future price movements. Particular ones that stand out include TradingView and MateTrader.

Risk Management is Key to Making and Saving Money

Without a doubt, risk management is crucial in the volatile cryptocurrency market. Learn to use stop-loss orders to limit your losses and diversification to spread your risk across multiple cryptocurrencies. Avoid investing more than you can afford to lose and be prepared for market corrections.

8. Photography and Videography

Yes, phones are advancing at a fast pace. And so are the phone cameras. Online you see enthusiasts arguing on which phone has the better zoom or resolution. Be that as it may, the day the digital camera becomes obsolete is not here yet. Local photography and videography can be a rewarding side hustle, but standing out from the competition requires more than just a good camera.

General photographers are common. Specialize in a specific niche, such as real estate photography, event videography, food photography for restaurants, or headshots for local professionals.

Practical Tip: Seeing is believing. Because people are captivated by your previous works, it then is important to focus on creating high-quality content and building a strong portfolio.

Market Creatively

Simply stated, don’t just rely on word-of-mouth and referrals. These are important as you scale but as you start, set your sights on creating a strong online presence through content marketing. Not only that but try to understand the platforms to reach out to your target audience.

Uncommon Tip: Taking photos and videos should not be the only thing you do. Proactively put yourself in from of people by creating blog posts showcasing your best work, tutorials on photography/videography techniques, and behind-the-scenes content. Additionally, offer free resources, e.g., a checklist for preparing for a photoshoot) to attract leads.

Collaborate

Build relationships with other local businesses, such as wedding planners, event venues, real estate agents, and restaurants. In addition to this, offer referral fees or cross-promotion opportunities to your partners. This can help you generate new leads and build your brand.

Art of Storytelling

Photography and videography are about more than just capturing images. They’re about telling stories. Because of this, you have to learn how to use lighting, composition, and editing to create images and videos that evoke emotion and capture the essence of your subject.

9. Building an income stream with Junk Removal

At first glance, junk removal looks like a dirty business. But there is money in the dirt – junk removal is lucrative if approached strategically.

Here is how:

• Don’t just advertise to everyone. Focus your marketing efforts on attracting higher-value clients, such as homeowners, businesses, and property managers. Use targeted advertising on social media and Google Ads to reach your ideal clients. Create compelling ad copy that highlights your unique selling points, such as your eco-friendly practices and your commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Differentiate yourself by prioritizing responsible disposal. To achieve this, partner with local charities, donation centers, and recycling facilities to divert as much junk as possible from landfills. Also, promote your eco-friendly practices to attract environmentally conscious clients.
• Further, expand beyond basic junk removal. Offer specialized services such as appliance removal, estate cleanouts, construction debris removal, and hoarding cleanup. Importantly, market these specialized services to specific target audiences. For example, advertise estate cleanout services to probate attorneys and real estate agents.
• Not only should you invest in a reliable truck and trailer, but also use GPS tracking to optimize your routes, and implement a customer relationship management (CRM) system to manage your leads and clients.
• In a business that deals with people’s personal belongings, trust is of utmost importance. Provide excellent customer service, be reliable and punctual, and always treat your clients with respect. Collect testimonials and reviews to build your online reputation.

Earn Money as a Food Truck Vendor

Owning a food truck can be a challenging but rewarding venture. Below is how to make money and create a successful mobile food business:

As we’ve mentioned before, trying to be everything to everyone is a risky approach. While there’s some truth to the saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none, but oftentimes better than master of one,” the reality is that a certain level of specialization can set you apart. Instead of offering a little bit of everything, focus on a specific cuisine or concept that makes your food truck stand out from the competition.

Practical Tip: Take the time to research your local market and pinpoint underserved culinary niches. You might find an opportunity in ethnic cuisine, gourmet sandwiches, artisanal pizzas, or speciality desserts — something that fills a gap and excites customers.

Location

When it comes to the food truck business, location isn’t just important — it’s everything. No matter how amazing your food is, if people can’t easily find you, you’ll struggle to succeed.

Practical Tip: Do your homework on high-traffic areas that lack sufficient food options. Places like office buildings, construction sites, parks, and universities can provide a steady stream of hungry customers. Also, be proactive about obtaining the necessary permits and licenses to avoid any legal hiccups down the road.

Nitty Gritty

• Keep your menu streamlined to reduce waste while maintaining variety. Build strong relationships with suppliers to negotiate better prices, and implement a tracking system to monitor inventory and expenses. These small changes can make a huge difference in your bottom line.
• Build a strong online presence and use it to connect with your audience. Regularly update your followers on your location, daily specials, and promotions. Engage with customers through polls, contests, and behind-the-scenes content to make them feel part of your food truck’s journey. If budget allows, use targeted social media ads to reach specific demographics.
• Even with the best food in town, customers won’t magically appear — you need to attract them. That’s where marketing, especially social media, comes in.
• At the end of the day, great food will bring people in, but great service will keep them coming back. A friendly smile and a positive experience can turn a first-time customer into a loyal fan.
• Make customer service a priority. Be warm, efficient, and accommodating. A simple greeting, remembering a regular’s order, or handling issues with a smile can go a long way. Additionally, consider offering incentives like loyalty programs, discounts for repeat customers, or even a surprise freebie to make people feel appreciated.

The Ultimate Side Hustle List To Supplement Your Income

No One Size Fits All

Ultimately, the best side hustle for you is the one in alignment with your unique skills, passions, and goals. There’s truly no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re drawn to the technical world of SEO consulting or cryptocurrency, the artistic realm of photography, or the hands-on satisfaction of junk removal or food vending, the key to success lies in finding what excites you and allows you to leverage your strengths.

The possibilities for how to make money are endless.

Which of these side hustles resonates with you the most? Share your thoughts and tell us in the comments which side hustles you’d like us to break down further and provide an in-depth analysis on.

About The Author

Tawanda Forgive Dube

Tawanda Forgive Dube is an entrepreneur and Editor-in-Chief of African Hustle, Hustlepreneur, and Alpha Male – leading newsletters and media platforms dedicated to inspiring, celebrating, and empowering entrepreneurs across the continent.

Tawanda leverages his extensive hands-on experience to deliver in-depth insights into African business, investment opportunities, and emerging startup trends. His work goes beyond reporting; he has actively worked within Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for over a decade, providing practical guidance to aspiring and established business owners.

Tawanda’s expertise is widely recognized, and his insights and analysis have been featured in leading business publications. He is an active participant in transformative initiatives like the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) and the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).

Passionate about alleviating poverty through entrepreneurship, Tawanda is committed to helping entrepreneurs launch, grow, and scale sustainable businesses. His deep understanding of entrepreneurship, coupled with his practical experience navigating African startup ecosystems, makes him a sought-after voice in African business journalism.

Tawanda’s contributions have been recognized through multiple award nominations, including Founder of the Year, Best Newcomer, and Business Media Practitioner of the Year. These nominations underscore his commitment to excellence and his significant impact on the African entrepreneurial landscape.

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