Side hustle ideas you can start from home – for free
Thinking of a side business but scared of high entry costs? There are many low-cost side businesses that can be started from home, for free or at a very low cost. Here are some popular side hustle ideas you can start from home.
Freelance writing or design
If you have a talent for writing or design, you can offer your services as a freelancer and work from home.
Potential start cost: Software license for design. You can sign up for services like UpWork or Fiverr to build your customer base.
Online tutoring
If you have expertise in a certain subject, you can offer online tutoring services and help students improve their skills.
Potential start cost: Books (if not available at a library); stationery. You can advertise for free on Facebook or school groups.
Pet sitting or dog walking
If you love animals, you can start a pet sitting or dog walking business and provide services to pet owners in your local area.
Potential start cost: None; you might want to consider insurance. If your council requires a license, check the cost locally. You can advertise for free on Facebook.
Virtual assistant
You can offer administrative and technical support services to businesses and individuals from the comfort of your home.
Potential start cost: Software license. You can sign up for services like UpWork or Fiverr to build your customer base. Consider insurance.
E-commerce (aka sell your junk)
You can start an online store selling products you are passionate about, such as handmade goods or vintage items.
Potential start cost: None for selling your stuff; materials for hand-made items.
Social media management
If you have a talent for managing social media, you can offer your services to businesses and individuals to help them grow their online presence.
Potential start cost: Some SM planning tools can charge between £29 and £99 a year but most offer free trials. Consider insurance.
Event planning
If you have a passion for planning events, you can start an event planning business and help clients plan and execute events of all sizes.
Potential start cost: None at a start, but might need some investment when ordering samples from vendors etc. Consider insurance.
Gardening or landscaping
If you have a green thumb, you can start a gardening or landscaping business and offer your services to homeowners in your local area.
Potential start cost: Gardening tools if you don’t own any.
Personal training or wellness coaching
If you have a background in fitness or wellness, you can start a personal training or wellness coaching business and help others improve their health and well-being.
Potential start cost: You might want to get some equipment like sport gear. You can advertise on Social Media for free.
Content creation
If you have a talent for creating content, such as videos, podcasts, or blog posts, you can start a content creation business and help businesses and individuals grow their online presence.
Potential start cost: Software license for photo/video creation. You might want to invest in a camera, but you can also start with your smartphone.
These are just a few of the many low-cost side businesses that can be started from home. To be successful, it’s important to choose a business that aligns with your skills and interests, and to put in the time and effort required to build a successful business.
