As the world becomes increasingly connected, making extra money and supplementing your income with side hustles becomes easier and easier. Gone are the days when your only options were to flip burgers or deliver pizza; now, there are plenty of fun and creative alternatives.

The most unique side hustles for 2023 include remote gigs, renting out your car or spare room, growing and selling plants, renting out your parking spot, and more. Regardless of your interests or skills, unique side hustles can suit you. 

You might be thinking about a side hustle to help you pay the bills, diversify your income, or just have some fun. Depending on your interests, skills, and availability, there are definitely some unique side hustles that might be a good fit for you. So if you’re curious about what’s hot on the side hustle scene right now, read on to get the scoop.

1. Remote Side Hustles

There are plenty of opportunities for those with an entrepreneurial spirit to make some extra money on the side through remote work. With a bit of creativity and effort, almost anyone can find a way to monetize their skillset and earn some extra cash from home. So, go ahead and explore the options out there and find the perfect remote side hustles.

Additionally, be sure to check out the following tips for starting a side hustle:

• Do your own research. Before you begin working on your side hustle, ensure you have a clear idea of what it is and what skills you need to do it successfully. By doing this, you can avoid making mistakes in your marketing strategy or business plan.
• Start small. Start with something manageable that can fit your current work schedule and lifestyle restrictions. 
• Charge what you’re worth. When you start your first side hustle, you might be reluctant to charge your full value. However, don’t be afraid to put a fair price on what you offer and ensure there is a straightforward payment method. Remember that you will spend most of your time getting clients in the first few months. 

Once you’ve got the basics down, expanding your horizons may be easier than you think.

Here are some suggestions to get you started:

You Can Start Freelance Writing

If you want to make extra money, freelance writing is a great option. Unlike a full-time employee, a freelancer controls their own schedule and workload, as there are always companies and individuals looking for new content. Create a portfolio of your work and contact prospective clients as a starting point. 

Once you’ve bagged a few clients, you can begin setting your rates and working hours. With a little effort, freelance writing can be a great way to supplement your income.

There are many benefits to freelance writing as a side hustle. For one, it can be a great way to make some extra money. Secondly, it can help you hone your writing skills. And lastly, it can give you a creative outlet outside your 9 to 5 job.

Before starting a freelance writing business, you should keep a few things in mind. Start by pitching articles to sites that pay per article rather than working for free. Don’t be afraid to negotiate your rates. With time, you’ll be able to build up a regular clientele.

When starting as a freelance writer, you can provide the following services:

• Blog posts. This is what most individuals and companies online need. A blog allows them to share their thoughts and ideas with their readers. Blogs create a space where consumers and businesses can interact. You must ensure that the shared content is relevant, engaging, and valuable to your target audience.
• Copywriting. It involves composing persuasive messages to sway potential customers. When you write compelling copy, you attract customers who choose you over competitors because they trust you. A copywriter’s goal is to sell a product or service within a short period.
• Ghostwriting. It refers to writing articles or books for someone else without being acknowledged as the author. The practice is common in the publishing industry, where companies hire writers to produce articles for their clients.
• Ebook publishing. You can write ebooks and sell them online using the same tools you use to create articles for your blog or website. The majority of eBooks are ghostwritten, and writing one can be a great experience.

Be a Work From Home Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants (VAs) are no longer something only found in movies or TV shows. Today, they play an essential role in everyday life for millions of people. In fact, VAs will become an integral part of the workforce within the next decade.

A virtual assistant is essentially a virtual employee who takes care of tasks that don’t often require specialized expertise. These could be tasks such as email management, administrative support, scheduling appointments, booking flights, organizing your calendar, answering calls, researching information, reviewing documents, and even assisting customers.

According to Inleed, one of the leading recruiting US agencies, the average pay for virtual assistants in the United States is $58,068 annually!

Take Surveys Online 

Surveys are widespread online nowadays, especially those that ask people questions or require them to complete simple tasks. While some companies pay well for their time, others offer minimal payouts.

That said, a few companies offer decent pay for taking surveys online. For example, Swagbucks and InboxDollars are two popular legitimate survey sites. 

However, be careful in order not to fall victim to a scam. Some survey sites don’t disclose their terms and conditions and might never inform you if your answers have been recorded. 

Before signing up for online surveys, it pays to carry out due diligence.

Start Your Own Blog

Apart from writing for your clients, you can start your own blog if you’re passionate about a particular subject and enjoy sharing your ideas. Creating your own blog could be a solid way to express yourself and connect with others.

Nowadays, setting up a blog is relatively easy. Many free platforms and tools are available to help you get started. Just choose a topic you’re interested in, come up with a catchy name for your blog, and start sharing your insights and expertise with the world.

Monetizing your blog isn’t something that can be done overnight. You’ll need to invest time and money into SEO, social media, and link building. If you can get traffic to your site, you can start earning a great living from your blog. You have many options for monetizing your site, from selling products to advertising to affiliate marketing. Or, start a food blog if you’re into food.

After you’ve built a good readership, that’s when you might want to consider selling products on your blog.

Participate in Affiliate Marketing Programs 

Affiliate marketing allows you to make some extra money on the side without having to leave your home. You can participate in these programs by signing up with an affiliate marketing company and advertising their products or services on your website or blog. 

Many companies offer generous commissions for every sale you generate, which can be one of the most profitable remote side hustles in the long run.

With affiliate marketing, you can make passive income that is almost limitless since it depends only on the size and buying patterns of your target audience.

The best thing about affiliate marketing is that it doesn’t require you to have your product or service. You can promote other people’s products and services and earn a commission on every sale you generate. And there are so many success stories once you start digging. Here is one of my favourite ones.

Get Remote Work as a Transcriptionist

You can try your hand at online transcription as a side business if you have excellent typing skills. Besides making some extra money, this can be a lot of fun. You can choose from several transcription services, so pick the one that best suits your needs. In addition to setting your own hours, you can work as much or as little as you want.

The work of a transcriptionist is to turn audio content into a typed manuscript. This is very helpful in many situations, as anything from court proceedings to YouTube videos may need transcribing. 

Online transcription can be one of the best remote side hustles or side businesses if you can type quickly and accurately. Companies or individuals need transcriptions of audio files for various purposes, so work is usually available. The pay is generally per audio minute, so the faster you can type, the more you can earn.

Starting as a transcriber can seem daunting; fortunately, many resources are available through YouTube or Udemy. Transcribing requires good listening skills and attention to detail. Even so, transcribing audio isn’t difficult once you’re familiar with the process. Furthermore, the more you work, the easier it becomes. 

2. Rent Out Your Car for Extra Income on the Side

In this age of remote work and online shopping, owning a car can feel like a costly investment. So, instead of selling your vehicle, why not let it generate passive income? You might want to consider car sharing as an option for you. 

A car sharing service allows users to rent cars by the hour or day. It’s a great way to offset the cost of ownership, and it’s a convenient option when you don’t need a car every day.

Generally, renting your car through a car-sharing service is a simple process. But ensure that this car is easy to rent out and how sustainable it is. This is only one of the questions you should ask when buying a used car.

Most companies require you to fill out a quick form and undergo an inspection, and that’s it.

Are you interested in getting started but are not sure where to begin? Here’s a brief look at some of the most popular car-sharing apps:

• Hyrecar. The company claims you can earn between $800 and $12,000 per year through their service.
• According to Turo, it operates in 1500 cities all over the country, making it the largest car-sharing company.

3. Unique Side Hustles

Do you have an idea for a new business that you’ve been dying to start? Whether it’s a unique service, you can offer or an innovative product you can bring to the market, there are plenty of ways to make extra money. In this section, we’ll take a look at some unique side hustles that can help you get started because there’s something for everyone. 

Here below are a few ideas you can consider.

Providing Captive-Bred Insects for Sale

There is no doubt that insect farming is one of the most unique side hustles you can undertake. The options are seemingly endless, from cockroaches and crickets to snails and worms. And, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, you can make a lot of money farming insects. 

Of course, there are some challenges involved with this side hustle. First, it can be difficult to get started, as you need to acquire the insects and then build a customer base. Second, you must thoroughly know how to farm and keep insects healthy.

If you have one, you can sell the insects through eBay or your website. 

Raising insects doesn’t seem like a good side hustle to most people, but it’s a great side gig if you’re not afraid of insects. There are several ways to get started. Whether you want to begin in your backyard or a greenhouse, first learn about insect rearing basics, tips, and techniques to ensure your little critters thrive.

Growing, Propagating, and Selling Plants 

What do you do when you want to earn some extra cash? How about growing your own plants for sale? If you’ve got a green thumb, then growing plants isn’t going to be too difficult. You can grow various plants, including flowers, herbs, vegetables, and even dwarf trees. A vital component of the process is choosing the right plants for your climate and market. 

To start, you’ll need to purchase some quality potting soil and pots or containers to grow your plants. You can source these items from your local nursery or garden center. Once you have all of your supplies, you’re ready to start growing.

Choosing plants to grow depends on the customers you’re trying to attract.

YouTube videos can provide you with information about how to propagate and create new plants. The most common ways of starting new plants include cutting, layering, and division.

The more sought-after the species are, the more they are worth. Rare species can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. 

Using cuttings is the most common way to propagate a plant. Cuttings are taken from a healthy part of the mother plant. To take a cutting, use a sharp knife or pair of scissors to cut a stem at least 2 to 6 inches (5.08 to 15.24 cm) long. 

Creating a new plant through cutting isn’t as difficult as you think. The following video shows you how to take a cutting from the mother plant.

Buying Old Items, Refurbishing Them, Then Reselling

Flipping is a typical side hustle that many do, but take it a notch further by flipping unusual items. A chair, antique plates, or even a couch are all items you can flip to make some quick cash. While you may not have the expertise to sell something like an antique plate, you can learn what it takes to sell these items on eBay and other websites.  

Take your side hustle to the next level by flipping unique items. People will always pay top dollar to get their hands on rare gems, and you could make some extra cash from them.

One of the best things about this type of business is that it doesn’t require much investment. Most of the time, you’ll be able to find all the materials from your neighbor or in your local thrift stores. Here is more on garage sale flipping if you find that topic interesting!

Picking and Cleaning Dog Waste From House Yards

There are several ways to get that extra dollar, and one unique way is to pick up dog poop from people’s yards. Granted, this may not look or even be the most glamorous job, but nevertheless, a great way to make some extra cash. 

Many people are willing to pay someone to take care of their dog’s waste, latch onto this unusual niche and make extra money. If you’re looking for unique side hustles, picking up dog poop could be the perfect option.

This side hustle is perfect for animal lovers and those who enjoy being outdoors. All you need is a shovel and a bag to get started. Advertise your services online or, better yet, by word-of-mouth. Once clients get to know your unique service, you’ll be raking in the dough.

You Can Be a Friend for Hire

Yes, you heard me right, this is, in fact, a thing, and it’s happening worldwide. A local friend is always a good idea regardless of where you go. Whether in a new town or on vacation, get a local to show you the best places for shopping, eating, entertainment, hotels, and more. You can be that local friend for a fee.

Local friends can become your guide while traveling to a new city because they understand the ins and outs of their hometown better than anyone else. From finding out what time the bars close to knowing the best place to grab dinner, they have insider knowledge that makes them invaluable to travelers.

You can advertise your services on RentAFriend.com, a website that allows you to rent local friends worldwide. This service is accessible worldwide, with more than 620,000 friends available for hire and providing an easy way to connect with local friends in your area. 

You can use the website to post a personal ad and get matched with people looking for friends in your city. You can also search for people based on their location, age, gender, and interests.

You Can Rent Out Designer-Style Dresses

You can hire designer-style dresses from Rent the Runway. This premier subscription fashion service offers designer dresses for rent. If you’ve got an entrepreneurial style, you can rent items from this website and then rent them to your friends and local businesses to make some extra cash!

The items from Rent the Runway don’t have a return date, so you can cycle them a few times before having to send them back to the store. This is just one way that fashion bloggers make their money.

One dress can even be rented multiple times a day, particularly for photo shoots for social media. Rent the Runway is a superb service for those who want to wear designer dresses without spending much money. Besides clothing, they also offer accessories.

There are also many other items from top designers to choose from on Rent the Runway. This company makes it easy for women to look their best, no matter their budget. You can look like a million bucks without spending more than a hundred.

Make Money by Operating a Photo Booth

Making money from photo booths is another way to supplement your income. The advantage of this business is that you can earn a lot with minimal investment.

You can rent these booths for events such as weddings and other special occasions.

You’ll need to purchase a photo booth, computer, printer, and essential accessories to get started. 

Although the photo booth might not be cheap to set up, most events you work on could generate enough money to pay for it in no time.

Start a Micro Green Farming Business

Microgreens are a type of vegetable harvested when they are very young, usually when they are just a few inches tall. These vegetables or plants are packed with nutrients and have a very intense flavor, making them a favorite in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Microgreens are the new talk of the town in the vegetable world. 

Growing microgreens can be a very profitable endeavor, as they fetch a higher price per pound than mature vegetables. And because they don’t require a lot of space, you can get started with just a shipping container, garage, or basement. The growing cycle is also very fast, so you could be on your way to your first crop in just a few weeks once you set up your system.

Before you start growing your microgreens from scratch, you need to know what kind of container will work best for your needs and grow cycles. There are three main options: plastic boxes made specifically for growing vegetables, mesh bags or trays designed for hydroponic systems, and trays that work with either type of system.

As there are more than 60 varieties of microgreens, there is a wide range of what to grow. 

The following are a few types of popular microgreens: 

• Quinoa
• Spinach
• Chives
• Garlic
• Leeks
• Lentils

Make Money Growing Coral at Home

If you’re a reef enthusiast with a knack for horticulture, then you may be able to turn your passion into profit by growing coral in your home reef tank. Although it takes time and effort, eventually, you can create a thriving coral farm that offers an additional source of income. 

Furthermore, you’ll be satisfied knowing that you’re helping to conserve one of the world’s most important ecosystems. Therefore, coral reef farming is genuinely one of the most rewarding and unique side hustles.

Coral farming is a process by which coral reef fragments are grown in captivity for profit. Some have criticized the practice for contributing to the decline of wild coral reefs. Still, proponents argue that you can do it sustainably, providing a valuable source of funds that supports conservation efforts worldwide.

If you’re interested in starting a coral farm as a side hustle, there are a few things you need to know. First, you’ll need to acquire some live coral fragments. These can be obtained from several sources, including other hobbyists, online retailers, or dive shops.

Once you have your fragments, you’ll need to set up a system to grow them, including proper lighting, filtration, and water quality control. If done correctly, coral farming can be a profitable endeavor. 

However, don’t forget that it’s a business; like any other business, it requires time, effort, and capital to start.

Get Into Glamping Hire as a Side Business

In recent years, glamping has emerged as a popular vacation trend. Glamping combines camping and luxury, providing travelers with the best of both worlds. The best way of cashing in on this popular trend is by starting a glamping hire business. 

According to Grand View Research, the global glamping market was estimated at over 2 billion last year, and the projection is an increase at an annual growth rate of more than 10% through at least 2030. Market growth in this sub-sector is primarily driven by the demand for unique travel experiences among millennials and the rising trend of staycations.

Glamping is a hybrid form of camping that gives travelers the option to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. With more people looking for unique travel experiences that offer a sense of adventure, the demand for glamping is rising. 

There is an expectation that the market will grow exponentially over the next decade as more people discover the joys of spending time in nature without giving up the comforts of home.

There is high demand for glamping accommodations; tap into this growing market by renting out glamping equipment as a side business. Glamping is the ideal way to enjoy the outdoors while still having access to creature comforts, making it a hot trend currently.

By renting out tents, campers, and other gear, you can provide everything people need to enjoy a luxurious camping experience. To get started, purchase your equipment or hire items from Amazon.com and eBay. 

Sell Shoe Inserts That Make People Look Taller

Do you want to stand out from the crowd but don’t know how? Do you want to be taller or make people think you’re taller? Well, I’ve got just the thing for you.

I’m here to introduce shoe inserts that make people look taller. These inserts are perfect for people who want to make a fashion statement while adding an inch or two to their height. 

How about using the above as your campaign to advance your hustle of selling shoe inserts?

Generally, you can gain about half an inch of height from wearing shoes. However, if you need more, a shoe insert can help. You can get these items at a reasonable price at Walmart, Target, or Amazon.com, then resell them at a profit on social media platforms. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the demand out there.

Start an Online Yoga Class for Men

Most men don’t consider themselves flexible enough to participate in yoga classes. If you want to encourage men to join in this workout, why not offer a few free lessons before joining a paid class? Doing so will attract new male clients who might not otherwise consider taking a class.

The popularity of yoga has risen dramatically over the last decade. According to research by Statista.com, by 2018, about 28.75 million Americans were involved in yoga. 

Many positive health effects are associated with yoga, which is primarily responsible for its popularity. As well as being relaxing, yoga improves strength, flexibility, balance, breathing, and concentration.

Profit from this trend and offer your male customers a comprehensive online yoga workout. You’ll also draw attention to your brand when you share this information through social media.

To prove your understanding of the subject to potential students, try attaining the Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) qualification. Several organizations offer certifications, such as the Yoga Alliance, American Yoga School, or the American Yoga Association. 

4. Free Side Hustles

In today’s economy, you can engage in several side hustles without spending a dime of your own. The key to getting started with one of these free side hustles is to take the initiative and see how far it goes. The first phase is coming up with an idea you are interested in and then identifying the most profitable way or platform for building your business.

When it comes to side hustles, It’s not necessarily how much you make but how much you get to keep. You may not be making a lot of money from your side jobs, but even if you only make $10 or $15 an hour on top of your regular job, that’s an extra income.

If you’re unsure what your side hustle options are, check out this list of free side hustles and see if any of them fit your interests or skills.

Provide Private Parking Space at Your Home

If you need extra cash and at the same time you have parking space in your home or office, here is the solution: rent out that parking space using KERB. With its headquarters in Brisbane, Australia, this global parking platform connects drivers and parking operators. 

While not using your space, you can list it and earn money. For example, if you live in Boston, you can use the KERB app to list your parking space or look for parking spots. 

There are more than 600 cities worldwide that offer the services of KERB.

To list your space, create a profile and fill out the necessary fields. Set up an account to manage your space listings and receive notifications when new drivers search for nearby spaces.

Be an Instacart Personal Shopper

Instacart is a popular online grocery delivery service. As an Instacart Shopper, you have the opportunity to make some extra money by shopping for others. All it takes is a registration, and you start grocery shopping for others in your area. Your job entails picking up and delivering the groceries ordered and getting paid for your service.

Choose between being a Full-Service Shopper or an In-Store Shopper to earn money when it suits you.

Start a House-Sitting Business

House-sitting is another attractive opportunity to earn extra income. This gig might entail feeding and caring for pets, resetting alarms, watering plants, and collecting mail for homeowners. In some cases, however, the homeowner may want to make the home appear occupied to prevent potential burglars. 

The demand for house-sitters continues to be reasonably regular, especially among homeowners with pets. The need for this service peaks during busy times such as holidays or summer vacations.

There are many reasons why people hire house-sitters, but they all boil down to one thing. Pets mean a lot to people, and the owners want to ensure their pets are comfortable and safe. A house-sitter will ensure that your cat or dog is safe and sound instead of leaving them in a kennel or an unkempt backyard. 

Pet Walking as a Side Hustle

There are unlimited free side hustles to pick from, including one of my favorites: pet walking. Indeed, there are many options for pet walking, like a walker’s assistant, dog boarding, pet sitting, and helping people with dogs get exercise. Being a pet walker isn’t just about assisting dogs in getting home; there’s a lot of control involved in ensuring your clients are safe, clean, and happy.

Among the world’s most preferred platforms for pet sitters and dog walkers, Rover is among the most popular. To join, just sign up and create a profile indicating the pets you would like to care for and your availability. 

Rover’s sitters offer:

• Doggy Day Care
• Drop-in Visits
• House Sitting
• Pet Sitting
• Dog Walking
• Boarding

Charging a Fee for the Use of Your Home Gym

If you’re looking for a way to make extra cash, why not charge a fee for using your home gym? Your home gym can provide additional income if it has proper and correct types of equipment. Set up a system that allows people to pay you for their use and charge a reasonable fee.

In addition, if you are qualified to provide personal training services, this can be another income stream. You can offer individual or group training sessions to those interested in improving their fitness levels.

Work as a Celebrity Look Alike

Can you style your hair, makeup, and clothing to resemble a living or dead celebrity? Or do you have an uncanny resemblance to a star? If yes, there’s a whole industry out there waiting for you. You can even start with local “meet & greet” at parties or clubs in your neighborhood. 

You can do this independently or sign up with party planners or lookalike agencies. If you’re really into it, try getting into the media spotlight by appearing on talk shows or doing personal appearances online. 

The following are some of the jobs you can get as a celebrity impersonator:

• Providing wedding entertainment
• Birthday parties
• Corporate entertainment
• Anniversaries
• Graduation parties

Make Money by Scanning Your Receipts

So you’ve got a bunch of paper receipts from the grocery store, clothing stores, or even restaurants. Can you turn those receipts into cash? 

You probably have tons of receipts lying around at home that could earn you extra pocket change. But are you aware of apps where you can scan those receipts for cash or rewards? In fact, it only takes a few seconds to start converting your receipts into cash.

Here are my favorite apps for turning receipts into cash:

• Fetch Rewards. Scan your receipts, accumulate points, and redeem them for rewards. Use your points for gift cards from hundreds of stores.
• CoinOut. This app tracks your in-store and online purchases. You can use PayPal, Amazon, or your bank to receive your money.
• Mobee. With Mobee, in-store shoppers answer questions and rate their shopping experiences. When you complete a mission, you earn points you can exchange for Amazon, Starbucks, and Target gift cards.
• Ibotta. A popular app for earning cash back. After shopping, scan your receipt, and money will get to your account. 

Get Rewarded for Your Daily Steps By Sweatcoin

The Sweatcoin app, which you can download for free, rewards your daily steps with a cryptocurrency that you can spend on fantastic items like iPhones, Apple Watches, and shoes. If you wish, you can donate to various causes related to environmental protection, humanitarian aid, and animal preservation. This is also a great way to make a passive income with cryptocurrency.

Sweatcoin rewards you for walking. It’s easy to use; simply download the app on your phone and start walking. After each step, you will earn “sweatcoins,” which are automatically converted into cryptocurrency. You can use these coins to purchase amazing things like iPhones or Apple Watches, shoes from Nike or Adidas, or even apparel from Levi’s.

You can use (Sweatcoins) SCN to buy almost anything. But it’s not just about buying stuff: you can also donate your SCN to various causes related to environmental protection, humanitarian aid, and animal preservation.

Sweatcoin boasts a pretty impressive list of partners, including organizations like Greenpeace, Nature Conservancy, Save the Children, and African Wildlife Foundation.

Summary

So we’ve given you a list of unique ways to make a side hustle. Some will even generate a passive income after a while but it is ultimately up to you to get started. We have a bunch of similar guides in our side hustle category page. I urge you to just stop overthinking what you should be doing and instead challenge you to just start today. Start small, and go big.

PS: You might want to do something different and, like myself, start investing in Africa.