The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people work, with many businesses adopting remote work arrangements indefinitely. As a result, the work-from-home trend has become the new norm of working. Although it may sound ideal to work from home full-time, the monotony of adhering to a 9-5 work schedule can be draining. Side hustles can supplement your income and liven up your routine without leaving your home. Side hustles not only boost your income but also provide you with creative freedom and enable you to pursue something that you are passionate about. From teaching, tutoring, writing, to e-commerce, there are numerous side hustles you can do from the comfort of your home in 2021. Finding a side hustle that fits your skills and interests may be crucial to succeed. In this article, we explore the top work from home side hustles for 2021 to help you explore new opportunities, make extra money, and achieve your goals.
Online Tutoring and Teaching
- With many schools switching to online learning, the market for online tutors is exploding.
- Online tutoring and teaching have never been in greater demand as students adapt to remote learning.
- Many online tutoring companies offer flexible schedules, and it’s easy to work from home.
- Some online tutoring platforms include:
- Tutor.com
- Varsity Tutors
- Chegg Tutors
Online tutoring and teaching is one of the best side hustles for people who have teaching experience and enjoy sharing knowledge. As an online tutor or teacher, you get to work with students from different parts of the world and help them achieve their academic goals. Here are some points to consider if you want to try online tutoring or teaching:
Can you teach online as a side hustle?
Yes, you absolutely can! Here are a few options:
- Teach English as a Second Language (ESL) with companies like VIPKid, QKids or Magic Ears.
- Teach a subject you’re skilled in on platforms like Skillshare or Udemy.
- Tutor students in various subjects with websites like Chegg or TutorMe.
You can also promote your teaching services on social media or create your own blog or website offering classes. Teaching online can be a flexible and profitable side hustle.
Social Media Management
- Social media management services are always in demand, considering social media platforms’ massive audience.
- Companies are interested in hiring people who can help them establish an online presence.
- Social media managers work with businesses to define their goals and objectives, create content strategies, and manage their social media accounts.
- Some of the popular social media management tools include:
| Name | Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Buffer | Scheduling, analytics, link shortening, team collaboration | Free, $15/month, $65/month |
| Hootsuite | Scheduling, analytics, team assignments, content curation | Free, $29/month, $129/month |
| Agorapulse | Scheduling, analytics, social listening, customer relationship management | $99/month, $199/month, $299/month |
Social media management involves creating, scheduling, analyzing, and engaging with content posted on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Social media managers help businesses generate leads and sales by creating and sharing engaging content that resonates with their target audience. Here are some interesting facts about social media management:
– 63% of small businesses reported that social media helped them find new customers.
– 87% of social media managers believe that their social media efforts have increased brand awareness.
– The average salary for a social media manager in the US is $51,915 per year.
If you’re looking for a side hustle that involves creating content and managing social media presence for businesses, social media management might be the right choice for you.
What does a social media management do?
Social media management involves creating, curating, and publishing content across different social media platforms to increase engagement and build brand awareness. Here’s what a social media manager typically does:
- Develops a social media strategy that aligns with the company’s goals and targets the right audience.
- Creates and publishes content on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
- Monitors social media accounts and responds to queries, complaints, or comments from followers.
- Analyzes social media data to optimize content and improve engagement rates.
- Collaborates with the marketing team to align social media efforts with broader marketing campaigns, website design or product launches.
Overall, a social media manager plays a critical role in helping businesses build and maintain a strong online presence.
Freelance Writing
- Freelance writing is one of the most accessible and popular side hustles you can start from home.
- There is a constant need for high-quality content in various niches, including technology, finance, health, and lifestyle.
- As a freelance writer, you need to be proficient in research, writing, and editing.
- Some popular freelance writing platforms include:
| Name | Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Upwork | Finding projects, invoicing, dispute resolution, time tracking | Free, 5%, 10%, or 20% fee on earnings depending on project value |
| Fiverr | Creating gigs, orders, messaging, dispute resolution | Free, 20% fee on earnings |
| Freelancer.com | Bidding on projects, messaging, time tracking | Free, 10% fee on earnings |
Freelance writing involves writing content for clients on a one-off basis or ongoing basis. Freelance writers can earn a good income by writing blogs, articles, product descriptions, website content, and other types of content. Here are some interesting facts about freelance writing:
– According to a survey, freelance writers earn an average of $31 per hour.
– The freelance writing market is expected to grow by 5% in the next five years.
– 59% of freelance writers say they earn more now than they did working for traditional publications.
If you’re a writer looking for a side hustle that involves writing and editing, freelance writing is a great option. You can find writing gigs on freelance writing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com.
How do I start freelance writing?
Starting freelance writing can be overwhelming, but with these steps, you can begin your journey to success:
- Build a portfolio of your work. This can include writing samples, case studies, and testimonials from satisfied clients.
- Set up a website or blog to showcase your writing and attract potential clients. Make sure it’s professional-looking and well-designed.
- Network in your industry by attending events, connecting with other writers and editors on social media, and even pitching your services to businesses and publications.
- Establish your rates and pricing structure upfront. Decide whether you’re going to charge per word, per hour, or per project, and make sure you’re pricing yourself competitively.
- Stay organized and track your time and expenses to make sure you’re hitting your financial goals and meeting deadlines. You can use tools like Trello or Asana to keep track of your projects and deadlines.
Remember, as a freelancer, you are in charge of your own success. Starting can be tough, but with hard work, determination and quality work, your freelance writing career can take off. Good luck!
Virtual Assistance
- Virtual assistance refers to the provision of various administrative tasks to clients remotely.
- Virtual assistants work on anything from data entry, bookkeeping, and calendar management to editing and proofreading.
- Virtual assistant jobs are some of the best remote jobs for people with strong organizational skills and can operate various software tools.
- Some popular virtual assistant platforms include:
| Name | Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Zirtual | Matching with a dedicated assistant, time tracking, task delegation | $399-1,599/month |
| Fancy Hands | Purchasing, scheduling, research, data entry, phone calls, travel booking | $18-45/month |
| BELAY | Matching with a dedicated virtual assistant, time tracking, task delegation, work management tools | Custom pricing, book a discovery call to get a quote |
Virtual assistance is another excellent way to earn some extra money while working from home. Virtual assistants provide a wide range of administrative services to clients, including managing emails, scheduling appointments, managing social media accounts, and bookkeeping. Here are some interesting facts about virtual assistants:
– On average, virtual assistants earn $17 per hour, but rates can go up to $50 per hour for more specialized services.
– The virtual assistant industry is growing, and it’s expected to reach $7.6 billion by 2026.
– 78% of virtual assistants say they enjoy working from home.
If you are highly organized, proficient in managing software tools, and have excellent customer service skills, then virtual assistance could be the ideal side hustle for you. Some popular platforms where you can find virtual assistant jobs include Zirtual, Fancy Hands, and BELAY.
What does virtual assistant include?
- Administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing emails, and data entry.
- Social media management by creating and posting content, managing ads, and engaging with followers.
- Website management including updates, backups, and website optimization for SEO.
- Content creation such as writing blog posts, creating graphics, and video editing.
- Customer support through responding to inquiries and resolving issues.
- Research on various topics such as market trends, competitors, and potential partners.
Virtual assistant services can be found on websites such as Fiverr and Upwork, or through specialized virtual assistant companies like Zirtual and MyTasker.
E-commerce
- E-commerce is a lucrative sector, especially with the increased demand for online shopping.
- Starting an e-commerce store from home is easier than ever, thanks to platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.
- You can source products, create a storefront, and market your store from the comfort of your home.
- Here are some interesting facts about e-commerce:
- Global e-commerce sales are expected to reach $4.9 trillion by 2021.
- 1.8 billion people worldwide purchase goods online.
- In 2020, e-commerce sales accounted for 14.1% of all retail sales worldwide.
Starting an e-commerce store is an excellent way to earn from home. With the increasing trend towards online retail, the potential for success is vast. Here are some steps to help you get started:
Steps to Start an E-commerce Store
- Choose your niche – decide what products you want to sell and who your target audience is.
- Select an e-commerce platform – Shopify and WooCommerce are two excellent options.
- Set up your store – create a storefront that suits your brand and offers a great user experience.
- Source your products – find reliable suppliers for your products.
- Market your store – use digital marketing to promote your store and drive traffic.
While it can be challenging to get started, the potential for success is enormous. E-commerce is a vast industry, and it’s not too late to get started. The industry continues to grow, and there is no better time than now.
Is e-commerce the future?
- E-commerce is already a mainstay of modern retail, and its popularity is only set to grow.
- Retail e-commerce sales worldwide are projected to exceed $4.9 trillion by 2021.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to e-commerce, with online sales seeing record growth since the outbreak began.
- E-commerce enables merchants to reach a wider customer base, reduce overhead costs, and offer personalized experiences through data and analytics.
- However, while e-commerce offers many benefits, it also poses challenges such as the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect against data breaches and fraud.
Conclusion
In conclusion, working from home has become increasingly popular due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and side hustles can provide an excellent opportunity to supplement your income. There are several work from home side hustles, both in traditional and new-age industries. Whether you are looking to make some extra cash or build a full-time business, there is no time like the present to start.
Summary of the Top Work from Home Side Hustles for 2021
- Online Tutoring and Teaching
- Social Media Management
- Freelance Writing
- Virtual Assistance
- E-commerce
Each of these work from home side hustles has its unique benefits, and with hard work and commitment, anyone can succeed. The key to success is to find something you are passionate about and commit to it. Before you know it, you will be making more money and living the life you have always wanted.
So, what are you waiting for? Choose the work from home side hustle that best suits your skills and interests, and start reaping the rewards!
