Welcome to my blog! If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, you’ve probably come across videos promising quick and easy ways to make money online. From selling a simple product on Etsy to starting a Stan store, these videos claim that making extra cash is just a few clicks away. The idea of earning passive income by creating a digital product, perhaps with the help of Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT, can be enticing. Who wouldn’t want to make money while they sleep?
These influencers certainly know how to make it look easy. They show off their impressive results, creating an illusion that anyone can do it. And after watching a few of these videos, it’s no surprise that your entire social media feed gets flooded with similar content. This constant exposure sparked my curiosity, so I decided to test out some of these side hustles to see if they really work and how successful you can actually become by following their advice.
The Allure of Side Hustles: Do They Really Work?
Side hustles vary widely in nature—from selling digital products to offering services. Some of these ventures require specific skills, while others seem simple enough that anyone could do them. Thanks to platforms like YouTube, there’s a wealth of free educational resources available that can help you get started even if you’re a complete beginner.
But what happens when you actually try these side hustles? I decided to jump in and experiment with a few of them. Here’s a list of the side hustles I personally tried:
- Starting an Instagram Page with Quizzes
- Selling Coloring Books on Etsy
- Creating a TikTok Channel with the Help of AI
- Reviewing Websites on UserTesting
- Making Clipart/Illustrations to Sell on Etsy
- Offering Digital Services on Upwork
- Creating a Blog for Affiliate Marketing
This list doesn’t cover everything I’ve researched—there are plenty of other opportunities out there—but these are the side hustles I actually tried and, in some cases, even invested money into.
Breaking Down the Side Hustles I Tried
1. Starting an Instagram Page with Quizzes
Another interesting side hustle I tried was creating an Instagram page centered around quizzes. Instagram is a visually driven platform, and quizzes offer a fun, engaging way to attract followers. I used simple tools and templates to design interactive quizzes that followers could take through Instagram Stories. The goal was to generate engagement and eventually monetize the page through partnerships, shout-outs, or even selling quiz-related products.
2. Selling Coloring Books on Etsy
Etsy is known for its creative marketplace, and selling digital coloring books is one of the easiest ways to get started. With the help of AI tools, you can generate unique designs without being an artist. The idea is simple: create the coloring pages, upload them as a digital product, and sell them on Etsy. It’s low-cost to start, but standing out in a competitive marketplace requires good design, marketing efforts, and consistent updates to your shop.
3. Creating a TikTok Channel with AI
With TikTok’s rapid growth, many people are monetizing content quickly. I decided to use AI to help with content creation, like generating ideas, editing videos, and even automating captions. While it saved time and effort, gaining followers and engagement required a strategy beyond just posting random videos. Consistency, trend analysis, and staying engaged with the community were key factors in making this side hustle somewhat successful.
4. Reviewing Websites on UserTesting
UserTesting is a platform where you can get paid to review websites and offer feedback. It sounds easy, and for the most part, it is. However, it’s not something you can rely on for steady income. Opportunities are limited, and you need to qualify for tests based on your demographics and expertise. Still, it’s a decent way to make a few extra dollars in your spare time.
5. Making Clipart/Illustrations to Sell on Etsy
Much like selling coloring books, offering digital clipart and illustrations on Etsy seemed like a lucrative side hustle. However, the success of this venture depends on the quality of your designs and how well you market them. There’s a learning curve to understanding what sells and how to reach your audience, but if you enjoy design, it can be a fun and creative way to earn extra income.
6. Offering Services on Upwork
Upwork allows freelancers to offer services like graphic design, writing, or coding. I offered my digital skills, and while the platform can be competitive, it’s a great way to build your portfolio and gain experience. The key to succeeding on Upwork is to start small, get good reviews, and gradually raise your rates. If you have a specific skill set, this can become a substantial source of income over time.
7. Creating a Blog for Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing has long been touted as a lucrative side hustle, but it requires a lot of upfront effort. You need to create content that attracts visitors, optimize for SEO, and build a loyal readership. While it may not generate quick results, it has long-term potential if you stick with it and provide valuable content. This blog is part of that journey, and I’m excited to see where it leads.
The Truth About Side Hustles: It’s Not Always as Easy as It Seems
One thing I’ve learned through my experiments is that while many of these side hustles are accessible to beginners, they are not as effortless as influencers may make them seem. Yes, you can use free resources to get started, but these often have limitations. If you’re serious about scaling your side hustle, you’ll likely need to invest in better tools or education.
It’s important to remember that success doesn’t happen overnight. While some people do strike it lucky, most side hustles require consistent effort, a learning curve, and sometimes, monetary investment. There are no guarantees, and it’s crucial to manage your expectations. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, however, side hustles can indeed provide a decent income stream.
My Journey Continues: Stay Tuned for More Updates
If you’re interested in following my journey through these side hustles, make sure to bookmark my blog. I’ll be documenting my experiences and results with each venture. The duration of each side hustle varies; some are short-term experiments, while others, like this blog, are long-term projects that require ongoing effort.
Thank you for following along, and stay tuned for more updates as I continue to explore the world of side hustles!
