Research shows that hobbies can be psychologically beneficial and improve our well-being. In addition to allowing you to relax and de-stress, hobbies can also provide you with an additional income stream. In fact, you really can’t go wrong with a hobby if you’re looking for a side hustle.
To that end, here are 15 hobbies that will boost your income.
1. Writing
You can generate income from writing in a variety of ways. These are a few ideas:
- Freelance writing. Among the types of content you can write are articles, blog posts, website copy, and other types of content for individuals and businesses. You can find freelance writing work online via platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Contently. It is also possible to pitch your services directly to potential clients.
- Self-publishing. Do you have a book idea? It can be self-published as an ebook or paperback on platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and IngramSpark. By going this route, you can earn passive income.
- Content writing. Content creation is essential to many businesses’ websites, blogs, and social media presence. To help them engage their audience with high-quality content, you can offer your services as a content writer.
- Copywriting. The purpose of a copywriter is to create persuasive marketing materials, such as ads, landing pages, and sales emails, using their writing skills. As a copywriter, you can offer your services to businesses if you are skilled at writing persuasive copy.
- Editing and proofreading. A lot of businesses and individuals need assistance with editing and proofreading their documents. To help them write more clearly, concisely, and error-free, you can offer your editing and proofreading services.
- Ghostwriting. The job of a ghostwriter is to write books, articles, and other types of content on behalf of others. You can offer your ghostwriting services if you have excellent writing skills and enjoy writing on a variety of topics
As well as the above methods, you can also start your own blog or podcast, write online courses, or teach writing workshops.
2. Graphic design & Illustration
There are few hobbies that are as lucrative as graphic design and illustration. Your skills in software like Adobe Illustrator, as well as your ability to create logos and visual art, would make you eligible to do freelance work for brands.
There are a variety of projects you can work on when you are a graphic designer or illustrator:
- Design advertisement visuals.
- Develop apps and websites.
- Put together social media posts.
- Design small business logos and branding.
- Work with publishing houses and authors to design book covers.
Online marketplaces like Upwork or 99Designs are great places to find clients. However, if you aren’t interested in working with clients, you can sell your digital products on places like Society 6 or Creative Market.
3. Photography
Photography is another hobby that has high earning potential. There is always a demand for visual content, and it’s a skill that can be utilized in many different ways.
To make your photography hobby profitable, here are some ideas:
- Sell your photos online. Photographers can sell their photos to businesses and individuals who need high-quality images for websites, marketing materials, and other projects through websites such as Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images. Alternatively, you can sell your photos directly through your website or blog.
- Offer photography services. If you’d like to work directly with clients, you can offer portraits, events like weddings, product, and real estate photography services. Social media, your website, and word-of-mouth marketing are all tools that you can use to market your services.
- Photography journalism. For photography journalism features, magazines and publications pay thousands of dollars.
- Sell prints. On websites like Society 6 and similar ones, you can sell your photos as prints.
- Photography course. Offer an online course or an online workshop where people can learn how to take pictures. Passive income can be generated through online courses.
- Write a photography blog or ebook. You can start a photography blog or write an ebook about photography if you’re passionate about photography and enjoy writing. By selling products and services, advertising, or affiliate marketing, you can monetize your blog.
4. Music
What’s next on the list of profitable hobbies? Make money selling music.
Firstly, there’s the traditional way of making and selling music. Basically, this means recording your own music or albums and selling them online or hosting them somewhere like SoundCloud.
There are other types of sounds you can create, such as beats and samples, that aren’t full-fledged songs or albums. The purpose of beats is to provide a background for musicians, while samples are parts of sound recordings that can be used anywhere.
A third-party site that works like a stock photo site is a good place to list beats. It’s essentially a license for them to use your music. The length is usually shorter, and instrumentals are more prominent. Sites like Airbit and BeatStars let you list your beats.
5. Drawing
All it takes is some talent and some drawing tools to make drawing a relaxing hobby. But, you can also make some extra dough with your drawing hobby in the following ways:
- Sell your artwork online. Online platforms such as Etsy, Artfinder, and Saatchi Art allow you to sell your artwork.. Alternatively, you can create your own website to sell your work.
- Create prints and sell them. It is possible to sell prints of your artwork online and at local craft fairs and art fairs.
- Offer commissions. You can create custom artwork for your clients. Your drawing skills will help you earn money while creating unique pieces that your clients will enjoy.
- Teach drawing classes. As a skilled artist, you can teach drawing classes to others. Classes can be taught in person or online.
- Create and sell digital art assets. It is possible to create and sell digital art assets, such as stock illustrations, clip art, and vector graphics, if you have digital drawing skills.
6. Playing Video Games
Video games are one of the most entertaining ways to boost your income. InboxDollars, Swagbucks, Mistplay, KashKick, and Second Life are among the websites and apps that offer real money-earning video games.
Other apps and websites, such as GamerSaloon and WorldWinner, offer cash prizes for playing tournaments. You can join the tournament by creating an account, depositing funds, and selecting a tournament. You can receive your winnings via PayPal or a physical check.
Addiotnally, you earn rewards from many of these apps in other ways. InboxDollars and Swagbucks, for example, offer $10 and $5 rewards for signing up. In Mistplay, you can earn points that can be redeemed for Nintendo or Xbox gift cards. Join by downloading the apps and becoming active.
Additionally, gamers like Ninja earned millions of dollars by streaming their favorite games to others. To get started, you can use streaming platforms such as Twitch to broadcast your gaming.
During your streams, viewers may donate money or digital currency, and subscribers might pay a monthly fee. If your audience grows, you might also be able to monetize your streams with ads or sponsors.
E-sport competitions might be an option for you if you’re exceptionally good at your game. For games like Fortnite, the prizes are huge, especially for these competitive ventures.
7. Cooking or Baking
When you are passionate about cooking or baking and willing to put in the work, it can be a great hobby that boosts your income. The following are some ways you can make money from cooking or baking:
- Selling your baked goods or prepared meals. Your goods can be sold at local farmers markets, craft fairs, or online. Alternatively, you can offer meal delivery services or start a catering business.
- Teaching cooking or baking classes. A community center, adult education program, or even your own home may be a good place for you to teach classes if you possess the skills and experience.
- Writing a cookbook or blog. Share your knowledge and recipes with others by writing a cookbook or blog to share your unique culinary perspective or expertise.
- Developing and selling food products. Your food product idea can be developed and sold to restaurants, supermarkets, or online retailers if you have a great idea.
8. Gardening
Regardless of age or skill level, gardening is a fun hobby for everyone. However, if you’re willing to put in the effort and have a green thumb, gardening can also boost your income.
If you enjoy gardening, here are a few ways you can earn money:
- Sell produce. Extra produce from your garden can be sold at a local farmer’s market, roadside stand, or to local restaurants. Your fresh produce can also be delivered to customers as part of a CSA (community-supported agriculture) program.
- Sell plants. Plants that you grow well can be sold to other gardeners if you have a knack for growing them. Plants can be sold online, at nurseries, and at farmer’s markets.
- Offer gardening services. With gardening experience, you can provide gardening services to others. Among the tasks included are landscaping, planting, weeding, mulching, and harvesting. Additionally, you can rake leaves, mow lawns, and clear snow
- Teach gardening classes. Gardening classes are a great way to share your knowledge and passion for gardening with others. In your community center, adult education program, or even at your house, you can offer classes.
- Write a gardening blog or book. By writing a blog or book, you can share your gardening knowledge with others. Your blog can be monetized through advertising, affiliate marketing, or selling your own products and services. Additionally, you can sell your book online through Amazon or other retailers.
9. DIY & Crafts
Another profitable hobby that makes money is crafting and DIY projects. There are many DIY and crafts hobbies that can boost your income if you enjoy working with your hands. There are a number of popular options, including:
- Jewelry making. Whether you sell your jewelry online on Etsy or at local craft fairs, handmade jewelry is always in high demand. Beads, wire, and clasps are some of the basic materials you need to get started.
- Candle making. DIY candle-making is another popular hobby that can be turned into a business. Online sales, craft fairs, and local businesses are all opportunities to sell your candles. Start by gathering candle wax, wicks, fragrance oil, and containers.
- Woodworking. Despite its more skilled nature, woodworking can be a very rewarding hobby. Craft fairs, local businesses, and online outlets are all possibilities for selling your woodworking creations. A few basic tools and lumber are needed to get started.
- Pottery. Making pottery can be a fun, creative hobby that can also lead to a successful business. If you are interested in selling your pottery creations, you can do so online or at craft fairs as well as local businesses. Your first step will be to purchase some clay, a pottery wheel, and a kiln.
- Knitting and sewing. Knitted and sewn items can be sold online, at craft fairs, or to local businesses. It’s important to have some basic knitting and sewing supplies and materials when starting out.
10. Traveling
Many of us consider this to be our favorite hobby. Although it sounds expensive, it isn’t. Even better, your experiences do not require you to be a serial traveler. Traveling doesn’t require you to quit your job.
Here are a few ideas to cash on your travels:
- A travel blog. Your travel experiences can be shared through a travel blog if you love to write and share them with others. Through advertising, affiliate marketing, or selling your own products or services, you can monetize your blog.
- Photographing travels. Your travel photos can be sold to stock photo agencies, travel magazines, or websites if you have a knack for photography. In addition to taking family portraits and wedding photos, you can also offer your photography services to other travelers.
- Videography of travels. Starting a travel YouTube channel or producing videos for other businesses is an option if you enjoy creating videos. Advertisements, sponsorships, or selling your travel videos to stock footage websites are also ways to monetize your videos.
- Providing travel consulting services. A travel consultant is someone who has extensive travel knowledge and experience. Your services may include helping clients plan their trips, booking flights and accommodations, and providing recommendations on what to see and do.
- Become a tour guide. Give tours of the local area to groups of tourists and share your knowledge with them. Tour guides can work for travel companies or start their own businesses.
- Teaching English abroad. Those who are native English speakers can teach English abroad. In addition to traveling the world, you can earn money.
- Rent out your home or apartment while you’re traveling. To cover the cost of your travels, you can earn some extra income this way. Airbnb, Vrbo, and other short-term rental websites are good places to list your property.
11. Health & Fitness
The demand for personal trainers and nutritionists is high. As a matter of fact, we can make our busy lives healthier with healthy eating hacks and fitness hacks.
Your income can be boosted by the following health and fitness hobbies:
- Personal training. Personal trainers help others achieve their fitness goals through motivation and guidance. A growing number of clients are looking for personal trainers, especially those who specialize in weight loss, sports performance, or injury rehabilitation.
- Nutrition coaching. Nutrition coaches can assist people with improving their health and fitness. In order to reach their specific goals, nutrition coaches teach clients how to eat a healthy diet. By offering one-on-one sessions, group sessions, or online programs, you can start a nutrition coaching business.
- Fitness blogging. You could start a fitness blog if you love writing and sharing information about health and fitness. A blog can be monetized by advertising, affiliate marketing, or selling products and services once you have built an audience.
- Fitness YouTube channel. You can also share your knowledge and expertise with the world by creating fitness videos. YouTube channels can be monetized through advertising, sponsorships, and product sales.
- Fitness app development. If you’re tech-savvy, you could create your own fitness app. Apps for fitness are in high demand, and this hobby offers a lot of financial potential.
12. Shopping & Fashion
Trust us, if you enjoy shopping and are a fashion connoisseur, you have a lot to gain here. Fashion influencers and fashion bloggers make a lot of money through affiliate links and sponsored posts, which are always welcome by both women and men.
As a hobby, shopping and fashion can be a lot of fun, but they can also be a great way to earn money. The following are a few ways to monetize your love of fashion:
- Start a fashion blog. A fashion blog is a great way to share your insights and tips with others if you have a knack for writing. Depending on your audience, you can monetize your blog via advertising, affiliate marketing, or product sales.
- Become a personal stylist. You can become a personal stylist if you are good at helping people put together great looks. Working for a company that provides styling services can involve helping clients choose clothing for specific occasions one-on-one.
- Start a clothing resale business. Reselling used clothing can be a lucrative business if you have a good eye for quality clothes. In this case, you buy used clothes and sell them for a profit. If you want to sell your clothes online or at a consignment shop, you can do so.
- Become a fashion influencer. A fashion influencer can be anyone who has a large following and engagement on social media. In exchange for money or free products, brands partner with companies to promote their products.
13. Dog Walking
Dog walking is a great side business if you love animals and are great with dogs. If you have time after work, or on weekends, you can do it.
For those who love dogs but cannot own one for whatever reason, it’s a great hobby, as you get to play with them and spend time with them. In addition, walking dogs provides tons of health benefits, such as getting in the recommended 10,000 steps each day.
To let your neighbors know you offer dog walking services, you can place an old-fashioned advertisement in your apartment building or neighborhood. Alternatively, you can post an ad on Craigslist. Additionally, you can join online dog-walking companies that connect dog walkers with owners.
To get you started, here are a few recommended dog-walking companies Rover, Wag!, or Fetch
14. Reviewing Books
Book lovers could turn their hobby into an easy side hustle if they’re avid readers. There is nothing stopping you from giving your opinion on books and getting paid for it.
Reviewing books on your own blog is one way to do this. Eventually, you’ll be able to charge for book reviews and other book-related services as your audience and credibility grow. The best part is that you’ll receive free books from publishers.
Alternatively, you can join a book review company that hires reviews and pays them a small fee to read and review books. The majority of these companies are easy to join, and you can start earning money right away.
Online Book Club, Reedsy Discovery, and BookBrowse are a few book review websites that pay their reviewers.
15. Selling Collectors Items
In addition to being a fun and rewarding hobby, collecting collectibles can also boost your income. It is possible to invest in rare and valuable collectible items and then sell them for a profit if you are passionate about that type of collectible.
- Antiques. Furniture, artwork, jewelry, and silverware all fall under the category of antiques. In order to identify valuable items and avoid fakes when collecting antiques, it is essential to do your research.
- Coins and stamps. Stamps and coins are also popular collectibles. It is important to look for coins and stamps in good condition and that are rare or in demand when collecting them.
- Comic books. A rare comic book, especially one from the Golden Age (1938-1956), can be extremely valuable. In 2021, a copy of Action Comics #1, which featured Superman’s first appearance, sold for $3.25 million.
- Fine art. Sculptures, paintings, and other works of art can be very valuable. A Van Gogh painting sold for $82.5 million in 2021, for example.
- Sports memorabilia. Autographed balls, jerseys, and other items related to popular athletes and teams can be considered sports memorabilia. Look for well-known athletes’ signatures on sports memorabilia from popular sports.
- Trading cards. In order to ensure that you are buying cards in good condition and from popular sets, you need to conduct research.
- Vintage toys. Toys from the past are highly collectible items, with some of the rarest and most desirable selling for thousands of dollars. You should look for vintage toys in good condition and with their original packaging when collecting vintage toys.
FAQs
What hobbies can earn money?
You can earn money from a variety of hobbies. The following categories are some of the most lucrative:
- Creative hobbies such as writing, photography, videography, graphic design, music, painting, and crafts..
- Skill-based hobbies like web development, programming, editing, tutoring, and translation.
- Teaching hobbies include yoga, music, language, and cooking.
- Product-based hobbies such as making and selling jewelry, knitted goods, woodworking, pottery.
- Service-based hobbies like pet sitting, dog walking, home cleaning, lawn mowing, etc.
How can I turn my hobby into a business?
The first step to becoming a business owner is identifying your skills and resources. To sell handmade jewelry, for example, you will need to purchase materials, learn how to make jewelry, as well as find a marketing and selling strategy.
The next step is to create a business plan based on the skills and resources you need. By defining your business goals, target market, and marketing plan, you will be able to develop a marketing plan that will work.
In addition, you need to organize your legal and financial paperwork. A business license, business registration, and opening a bank account are some of the steps you may have to take.
What are some tips for making money from my hobby?
If you want to earn money from your hobby, here are a few tips:
- Choose a niche. Your niche should be something you’re passionate about and have a high demand for your product or service.
- Start small and don’t try to do too much too soon. First, focus on monetizing your hobby through one or two methods.
- Identify your target market. Who is your target market for your products or services? Your marketing and sales efforts can be tailored once you know your target market.
- Set realistic goals. Be realistic about your chances of becoming a millionaire. Begin by setting small, attainable goals, such as making $100 or $200 per month. The goals you set for your business can gradually be increased as it grows.
- Create a high-quality product or service. Don’t sell anything unless you’re proud of it and it’s high-quality.
- Promote your side hustle. Get the word out about your business to friends, family, and followers on social media. Additionally, you can advertise your side hustle online and use content marketing to promote it.
- Be patient and consistent. In order to build a successful side hustle, you need to put in the effort. In the beginning, you might not see results but don’t get discouraged.
How much money can I make from my hobby?
There are some hobbies, such as freelance writing and web design, that have the potential to be very profitable. There are other hobbies that may generate modest incomes, such as selling handmade crafts or caring for pets.
Regardless, several factors will influence how much money you can make from your hobby, including:
- The kind of hobby you enjoy.
- Your product’s or service’s quality.
- The marketing effort you are making.
- Your product or service’s demand.
A successful business can, however, be built from your hobby if you’re willing to put in the effort to build it.
How do I find customers for my hobby business?
The ways in which you can find customers for your hobby business are numerous. Some ideas are as follows:
- Online marketplaces. Marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, and Fiverr let you sell your products and services online.
- Social media. Connect with potential customers through social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
- Networking. Connect with other professionals and potential clients at industry events and meetups.
- Word-of-mouth. Get the word out about your business to your family, friends, and colleagues.
