Note on earnings: The specific earning figures and income promises in earlier versions of this post have been removed because they could not be verified. No daily, weekly, or monthly income is promised or guaranteed here. Results vary widely, and many people earn little or nothing from these side hustles, especially at first.
Introduction
This post describes eight side hustles people try for making money online, along with a simple roadmap: start with something that costs little or nothing (like social media), then build a product or service, and later consider an app or software business. Following a roadmap does not guarantee wealth or any particular income.
The original video also mentions a weekly subscriber giveaway and a free course. Giveaway amounts and course offers change over time, so check the current details before relying on them.
The Online Pyramid: A Roadmap to Success
If you are just starting out and want to earn money online, one common way to think about it is as a pyramid: at the bottom is no money and no skills (level one); level two is some skills and no money; and level three is skills and money. Moving up the pyramid takes time and effort, and no level guarantees a particular income.
Side Hustle Number 1: Creating Social Media Content
Side hustle number one is creating social media content. Starting a YouTube channel is one way to get attention for products without paying for advertising.
Social media is a common starting point for beginners because it involves developing several small skills, such as video editing, creating designs, improving communication, learning how to sell, and building an email list. Building an audience interested in what you have to sell takes time and consistent work, and an audience does not guarantee sales.
Side Hustle Number 2: Flipping Instagram Theme Pages
Side hustle number two is flipping Instagram theme pages. Instagram theme pages are common, and you are probably following one right now. To make money with an Instagram theme page, the first step is to choose a niche that can be monetized.
One example given is a theme page with 1.3 million followers called “Money Focus,” which focuses on money and finance tips. Follower counts are not earnings and do not guarantee income.
There are several ways people try to monetize a theme page, including selling shoutouts and selling products in the bio. One way people try to grow a theme page is by posting Instagram reels, though growth is not guaranteed.
Side Hustle Number 3: Being a Thumbnail Designer
Side hustle number three is being a thumbnail designer. Competition is often cited as a barrier, but many people who say they do thumbnail design lack the relevant skills.
Creating a YouTube thumbnail is not just about designing the thumbnail itself — it is about understanding what has to be in the thumbnail to increase the click-through rate (CTR). If you understand how to create thumbnails that target the right audience and increase the CTR, you may be able to charge more for your services, though rates and client demand are not guaranteed.
Side Hustle Number 4: Creating Logos
Side hustle number four is creating logos. Creating logos is similar to designing YouTube thumbnails. Logos do not have to be complicated; simple logos like Nike, Adidas, and Apple are prime examples.
When looking for a designer to create a Pro University logo, the creator found a designer on Fiverr who did what was needed. If you understand the concept and idea behind a logo, creating one becomes relatively simple, especially with AI tools like Photoshop AI and Canva.
Side Hustle Number 5: Being a High Ticket Closer
Side hustle number five is being a high-ticket closer. As a high-ticket closer, you sell other people’s products and earn commissions without having to create your own products.
You can start by reaching out to business owners, offering to sell their products for them, and earning a commission. Commission rates vary by product and agreement, and the number of sales you make is not guaranteed, so no particular daily income should be expected.
Side Hustle Number 6: Web Design
Side hustle number six is web design. Web design can pay well if you get good at it. There are three routes you can take to design websites for people, ranging from easy to hard:
- No-Code AI Software: Websites like Webflow allow you to build websites without coding.
- Drag and Drop Website Builders: Tools like Elementor and WordPress allow you to create highly personalized websites.
- Coding Your Websites: If you learn how to code, you can design websites yourself.
Fees for web design vary widely by project, skill, and client, and no particular fee per website is guaranteed.
Side Hustle Number 7: Selling Digital Products
Side hustle number seven is selling digital products. Digital products can be anything from ebooks to courses to audiobooks. One advantage often cited is that a digital product can keep selling after it is created, but sales are not guaranteed, income is rarely passive at first, and products usually need marketing and updates to keep selling.
Side Hustle Number 8: Creating an App or Software Business
Side hustle number eight is creating an app or software business. Starting an app or software business typically requires some cash upfront.
With coding skills, you can build apps and software businesses that generate recurring monthly revenue, but recurring revenue is not guaranteed, and most apps earn little. If you do not know how to code, you can hire people to build the app for you, which adds cost and risk.
Conclusion: Revisiting the Pyramid
To revisit the pyramid: first, start with something that can make you money for little or no upfront cost (like social media). Then, build a product or service (digital is often easier to start). Once you reach the second part of the pyramid, you can consider creating an app or software that generates recurring revenue. Reaching that stage does not guarantee wealth, and most attempts earn little or nothing at first.
