Full Disclosure: I am a proud affiliate, meaning if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. My recommendations are based on deep experience with and knowledge of the products I mention and I recommend products only when they are genuinely helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I may receive. Please don’t spend any money on products I recommend unless you genuinely believe they will help you achieve your goals.

If you’re looking for the best side hustle to start in 2023 then you’ve come to the right place!

Perhaps you’re looking for a way to make some extra income on the side, or you simply want to pursue a new passion project.

In either case, the list below comprises 5 of the best side hustles in 2023, based on the following factors:

• Ease to start
• Upfront cost
• Income potential

The below side hustles are my 5 top picks, and I’d certainly pick from one of these if I decided to start out fresh. So let’s dive in, read on to learn about my 5 top picks for a side hustle to start in 2023.

Freelance Writing / Blogging

If you have any skill for writing, then it’s easy to get started as a blogger or freelance writer.

Writers are needed in a variety of industries and roles, so pick from the ones that interest you the most.

There’s a low barrier to entry; you can start writing anytime, anywhere at essentially no cost. An added plus, the income potential is sky-high (though it can be difficult to initially establish your credibility).

There are many different types of freelance writing jobs available, such as writing blog posts, articles, website copy, and marketing materials, though the possibilities don’t end there.

If you’ll be working with clients then the best way to get started is by creating a portfolio. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy; a few examples will suffice. The best approach is to build a portfolio made up of work that you can share with your target audience.

For example, if you want to get into press release writing, it’s a good idea to have at least one example press release in your portfolio, though you’ll likely want to have a few examples handy.

Once you have a portfolio ready to go, you can start to reach out to potential clients and businesses. If you prefer to blog on your own then you don’t need to have a portfolio, though you may still find one beneficial.

It probably comes as no surprise, but freelance writing / blogging is my favorite side hustle.

Virtual Assistant

It’s pretty simple to start a virtual assistant (VA) business, and VA roles typically have a low barrier to entry.

A VA is a self-employed professional who provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients from a remote location. VAs can provide a wide range of services, such as:

• Administrative tasks, including email management, scheduling appointments, and managing social media accounts.
• Technical support, including website design and development, graphic design, and data entry.
• Creative services, including writing, editing, and proofreading.

To become a VA, you’ll need to have strong organizational skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently. You’ll also need a computer and a reliable internet connection.

You won’t necessarily need a portfolio, but you may want one depending on the support you plan on providing to your clients.

Social media marketing

Social media marketing is a growing field, and there’s high demand for qualified social media marketers. 

If you have strong social media skills, you can start your own social media marketing business or work as a freelancer for businesses and individuals.

You may choose to specialize in one or a few specific channels, or provide a wide range of services.

Web design

If you’re technically minded and know your way around website services like WordPress, then you may want to pursue work as a web designer.

You can start your own web design business or work as a freelancer.

Web designers create websites for businesses and individuals, and there’s a growing need for new websites.

It’s pretty simple to get started, though you’ll want to ensure you have the necessary skills and a portfolio to attract clients.

E-commerce

E-commerce is the buying and selling of goods or services online. It’s a great way to make money if you have a creative side and a knack for marketing.

To start an e-commerce business, you’ll need to choose a product to sell, create a website, and market your products. You can also sell your products on online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay.

You’ll need to purchase products and materials to supply your business, so there’s a slightly higher cost to entry, though you may be able to earn a greater income in a shorter amount of time compared to the other top side hustles on this list.

Summary

This list comprises the top 5 side hustles for 2023, but they are just a few of the many side hustles available. For additional ideas, you may want to read my articles on 63 Passion Projects to FIRE Your Life and 15 Side Hustles That Make Money.

You can also visit the Local Adventurer for more inspiration.

With a little effort, you can find a side hustle that fits your interests and skills and start making extra money.

Psst… need to take an inventory of your strengths to decide which of these side hustles might be right for you? I recommend reading Strengths Finder, which comes with a free personality quiz when you buy the book new!

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips for starting a successful side hustle:

• Choose a side hustle that you are passionate about. 

This will make it more likely that you will stick with it and be successful.

• Do your research. 

Before you start any side hustle, it’s important to do your research and learn as much as you can about the industry. This will help you avoid making costly mistakes.

• Set realistic goals. 

Don’t expect to make a lot of money from your side hustle overnight. It takes time and effort to build a successful new pursuit.

• Monitor your progress toward your goals.

With time and effort, you can make progress toward your goals, but it helps to keep track! Monitor your progress over time to help you stay motivated and on target.

Psst… need a way to help you monitor your progress toward your goals? I recommend using ClickUp.

• Be patient. 

It takes time to build a successful side hustle. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Keep working at it and you will achieve your goals over time.

Think starting a side hustle will FIRE Your Career? Check out the posts page for more ways you can FIRE Your Career and achieve financial freedom.

FIRE Your Career: Achieve Financial Freedom Through Your Career & Spend MORE Time Doing What You Love.

Products I recommend in this article:

ClickUp (software to help you keep track of the progress toward your goals)

Strengths Finder (book to help you uncover your innate strengths)