👀 Top 5 Side Hustles with Low Startup Costs!

👀 Top 5 Side Hustles with Low Startup Costs!

Welcome to this week's Side Hustle Ideas newsletter! We've got fresh side hustle ideas, smart marketing tips, and real-world success stories to help you level up. Ready to dive in and take your hustle to the next level?

Let's make it happen!

1. Amazon KDP Publishing – Startup cost: $50-$100
   If you’re ready to self-publish but don’t want to handle inventory or shipping, Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing is the way to go. Create books using AI writing tools like ChatGPT and design covers with Canva or hire affordable freelancers on Fiverr. Once your book is listed on Amazon, royalties roll in based on sales. You can get started for as low as $50 for your first book design and editing, or even less if you do it all yourself!
   🤑 Earnings Potential: $200 to $5,000+ per month

2. Freelance Copywriting – Startup cost: $0-$50
   Got a way with words? Freelance copywriting for websites, ads, blogs, or newsletters can be started with minimal upfront costs. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are ideal for finding clients. Your startup cost? Maybe just a good portfolio and a professional headshot—both can be done for free or with a small investment in design.
   🤑 Earnings Potential: $20 to $200 per article, scaling up as you build a client base

3. Digital Product Creation – Startup cost: $50-$150
   Whether it’s templates, online courses, or printables, selling digital products through Etsy, Gumroad, or Shopify is a low-cost hustle. You just need design software (Canva is free) and the time to create products. Once they’re live, you only pay transaction fees when you make a sale.
   🤑 Earnings Potential: $100 to $2,000+ per month, depending on your niche

4. Dropshipping – Startup cost: $100-$300
   You don’t need to hold inventory! Dropshipping allows you to sell products online while suppliers handle inventory and shipping. Shopify or WooCommerce stores can be set up with minimal investment. Use AliExpress to find hot products to sell.
   🤑 Earnings Potential: $300 to $5,000 per month, depending on your product and marketing

5. Online Tutoring – Startup cost: $0
   If you’re knowledgeable in subjects like math, science, or even languages, online tutoring is a rewarding side hustle. Platforms like Preply and TutorMe let you set your rates and teach from home. Startup costs are zero since you just need a computer and internet connection.
   🤑 Earnings Potential: $20 to $60 per hour

📈 Weekly Marketing Hack: The Power of Referral Programs!

Want to boost your side hustle sales without spending big on ads? Try referral programs! Creating an incentive for your customers to bring in new clients is highly effective. Offer a discount, cash reward, or even free products when customers refer others.

• Step 1: Set up a simple referral program. Many platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce have built-in apps, or you can create one using tools like ReferralCandy or Post Affiliate Pro.

• Step 2: Promote it! Use social media, email, and your website to let customers know about the program.

• Step 3: Make it rewarding. People need a good reason to recommend your product—offer something that feels valuable but doesn’t break your budget (like 10% off their next purchase or $10 cash).

This low-cost tactic taps into word-of-mouth marketing and can generate a surge in new customers quickly.

🔥 Real-World Success Story: How One Freelance Designer Earned $100,000 in a Year

Meet Sarah, a graphic designer who turned her freelance side hustle into a six-figure business in just 12 months. Starting with just $50 to build a portfolio on Canva and Wix, Sarah began offering logo and branding services on Fiverr. By reinvesting her earnings into ads and improving her skills, Sarah quickly climbed Fiverr’s ranking system. Her secret? She focused on niche markets like small business branding packages and offered tiered services (logo design, brand kits, and social media templates).

Today, Sarah works with clients globally and has diversified her income by offering design courses on Skillshare and Udemy. What started as a weekend hustle now generates more than $100,000 annually!

🌟 This Week’s Side Hustle Spotlight: Virtual Assistant (VA)

Virtual assistants (VAs) are in high demand, and this side hustle is perfect for anyone with administrative, organizational, or tech skills. Let’s break down how you can get started:

• Step 1: Choose your Niche – Decide whether you want to offer general VA services (like email management, scheduling, social media posting) or specialize in areas like bookkeeping, customer service, or even real estate assistance.

• Step 2: Set Up Your Platform – Get started on websites like Upwork, Freelancer, or even LinkedIn. You don’t need a huge investment, but a professional profile and maybe a simple website will boost your credibility.

• Step 3: Start Small, Then Scale – Begin by offering a few hours per week. Charge a competitive rate (around $10-$20/hour) until you build up reviews, then you can raise your prices and start offering more premium services.

• Long Term Plan: Over time, you could scale up your business by hiring subcontractors, building a team of VAs, or creating a VA agency. Exit opportunities could include selling your VA business (including your client list and processes) for a profit.

That’s all for this week’s edition of Side Hustle Ideas! Remember, building a side hustle takes time, but with the right strategies and commitment, you can create a strong income stream. Stay tuned next week for more actionable tips and success stories!

Keep hustling,
Mat Gordon
Side Hustle Expert 💼