25 best side hustle ideas for making money in 2023

Are you looking to boost your income without changing up your career? Having a side hustle can make that happen, as more and more Brits are finding out.

According to one recent survey, one in five adults in the country are making extra income in their spare hours, with the top money making side hustles including selling handcrafted products, becoming part-time photographers, and delivering parcels.

There are many reasons you might want to start a side hustle. You might have a specific goal, like paying off your student loan as soon as possible. You might like the idea of turning a hobby you already enjoy into a cash generator. Or you may simply like the idea of bringing in some extra income in our rocky economic times.

In this guide, we’ll delve into some of the best side hustles UK wide, and talk through the essential things to consider when setting up a secondary income stream.

Depending on what kind of side hustle you choose, you may find it easier to manage your new income and overheads through a dedicated business account. Find out how you can fire up a free, zero-hassle business account with SumUp.

The top 25 side hustle ideas

The first step to monetising your spare hours is to pick out the right business idea. Later on in this guide we’ll run through how you can assess the viability of a particular idea.

But first, here are 25 of the best side hustle ideas, in the following categories: 

• Driving and deliveries

• Ecommerce

• Local/domestic services

• Internet side hustles

• Knowledge services

1. Driving and deliveries

If you have a driving licence, it could form the foundation of some relatively easy side hustles. It’s important to remember that the word “easy” in this context doesn’t mean they don’t require serious effort – any side hustle to make money will require hard graft.

But the great thing about these driving-related ideas is that you can get started without too much fuss. You won’t have to set up your own website, come up with branding ideas, or put yourself out there on social media. Being a driver can therefore be ideal if you just want to earn some extra cash without the added complications that can accompany many small business ideas.

Become a rideshare driver

One of the top side hustle ideas UK drivers should consider is working for a rideshare company like Uber. Providing taxi-like services to customers who book rides through an app, you’ll have the freedom to work your own hours, fitting it around your other commitments.

As well as a valid UK driver licence, you’ll also need a private hire licence. If you’re in London, you’ll need to apply to Transport for London (TfL) for this licence. If you’re anywhere else in the UK, you’ll have to apply to your local council.

Bear in mind that the application process will require a criminal records check from Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). You’ll also be required to undergo a medical to prove you’re fit to provide driving services.

You’ll also need to take out suitable insurance cover, including private hire insurance and public liability insurance. Once all the paperwork is taken care of, you’ll be able to get this side hustle started whenever you’re ready.

Deliver food for a delivery app

The rise of food delivery apps like Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats has created a huge demand for food delivery drivers throughout the UK. This can be an appealing option if you’re after a driving-related side hustle to make money, but would prefer to keep the customer-facing aspect to a minimum.

The app will direct you to pick up and deliver orders from various restaurants and takeaways, depending on your availability and location. You’ll be able to deliver using a car, motorbike, scooter or bicycle. The latter can be a good way into this side hustle if funds are tight.

If you’re delivering by motorised vehicle, you’ll need to take out hire and reward insurance. When comparing policies, be sure to check that food delivery isn’t excluded.

An added perk of this side hustle is that food delivery drivers with Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats get to keep 100% of any tips which may be added by the hungry hordes.

Deliver food for a specific takeaway/restaurant

In the age of third-party food delivery apps like the ones mentioned above, it’s easy to forget there’s still a demand for drivers employed by specific takeaway businesses.

Big companies like Pizza Hut or Domino’s, as well as smaller chains and independent businesses, will hire drivers on permanent contracts, while still offering huge flexibility in terms of the hours you’re expected to put in.

In other words, it’ll still be a side hustle which you can fit around another job, but with a greater sense of job security compared to being a completely independent driver. What’s more, you’ll also typically be provided with a car, scooter or bike by the company.

You may also be provided with meals and bonus incentives, while the fact that you’re part of a team may bring opportunities to socialise and make new friends.

Deliver parcels

Delivering parcels is up there among the best side hustles UK drivers should think about. A number of companies offer highly flexible opportunities for drivers, allowing you to do shifts as and when you’re able.

One prominent example is Amazon, whose Amazon Flex scheme is well suited to side hustlers. Once you sign up online and pass the background checks (including DBS check), you can check for delivery slots in your area on the Flex app.

You’ll then pick up the parcels at the designated depot, deliver them and get paid. Bear in mind that you’ll need a “mid-size car with capacity of five seats or more”, and compact cars aren’t eligible.

It’s important to note you will also need to take out commercial hire and reward insurance as well as the standard motor insurance required by law.

Become a same day courier

Another way you may be able to make money from deliveries is by working as a same day courier. Many companies use courier companies to quickly deliver everything from business documents to flowers to medical supplies, which means there’s a demand for drivers in this sector.

Well-established companies in the UK such as Gophr and CitySprint offer these services and will hire freelance couriers to carry out their deliveries.

As long as you pass the usual background checks and have your own vehicle, you can sign up to work shifts in a way that suits your lifestyle. It should be possible to specify which areas you’re prepared to work in, adding to the convenience of this side hustle.

As ever, you’ll need to factor in the cost of insurance policies such as public liability and, if you’re driving a motorised vehicle, hire and reward.

2. Ecommerce

Like the idea of making some extra cash working from home? You may want to consider setting up your own ecommerce business. By keeping things online, you’ll keep operating costs as low as possible, and there’s the sheer convenience of being able to run your business anywhere you fancy – whether you like to work sitting at your desk or snug on the sofa.

This may be a particularly attractive prospect if you already work a busy day job elsewhere, and would prefer not to have to travel to yet another location for your side hustle to make money.

Set up a dropshipping business

One of the drawbacks of setting up a shop – whether physically or online – is having to invest in stock that you might not go on to sell. Dropshipping neatly sidesteps this risk, because you don’t buy any stock beforehand.

Instead, you simply create an attractive online store which lists the items you’re selling. When an order comes in, it’s forwarded on to a third-party supplier who handles the manufacture and shipping of the item in question.

In other words, it’s a relatively low-risk way to get into the ecommerce world. However, the onus will be on you to source the best suppliers. Dropshipping sites like SaleHoo and Worldwide Brands make this easier by offering directories of wholesalers which have been vetted for quality and reliability.

You’ll also need to carefully think about what kinds of products you want to sell. Specialising in a niche, for example educational toys for infants or women’s gym wear, may be a good way to start. Just be sure to keep up with what consumers are actually looking for within your chosen category. This is where researching on Google Trends and tracking social media hashtags can help.

More on this form of ecommerce, and some of the top suppliers out there, can be found in our dropshipping guide.

Print and sell items on demand

This can be thought of as a more bespoke variation of dropshipping. As with the latter, you don’t have to worry about buying and stockpiling inventory which may never sell, as somebody else will produce and dispatch the items on your behalf.

But with print-on-demand, you aren’t merely the middleperson between the customer and the manufacturer. You’ll also be designing the aesthetics of the product line, which can include:

• T-shirts

• Hoodies

• Dresses

• Baseball caps

• Wall-mounted prints

• Mugs

• Greetings cards

• Makeup and accessories.

Your designs are uploaded to the supplier’s website, so that when orders come in, they will print or embroider the designs and ship them out to your customer.

The key to print-on-demand success is originality. By offering unusual, eye-catching, niche designs, perhaps inspired by what’s currently being talked about in pop culture, you can draw in customers looking for a refreshing alternative to what’s available from mainstream retailers.

Resell thrift items

If you have the budget to spend on stock, then reselling thrift items should be on your shortlist of money making side hustles. You simply buy items like second hand/vintage clothes and sell them on for a higher price, landing yourself a profit.

You’ll need to invest some time to scour vintage shops, car boot sales and sample sales, as well as online marketplaces like Vinted and Depop. But, as a fashion lover – which you really should be to make this work as a side hustle – the quest for new items should feel like a pleasure rather than a chore.

Presenting your finds properly is essential to making sales. Be sure to clean and repair them if necessary, and take high quality, high resolution photographs for your listings.

While you can of course become a seller on aforementioned sites like Vinted, you can also go the extra distance by creating your very own online store. This will allow you to establish your name as a seller, perhaps specialising in a particular type of fashion, and can give you greater credibility in the eyes of customers.

Sell handcrafted items

Whether you’re a dab hand at drawing, wily with wool or clever with clay, you can make money by selling your arts and crafts items online. You’re limited only by your imagination here, and – as with print-on-demand selling – you stand a better chance of being noticed if your work is original.

From cheeky birthday cards to colourful cushion covers to ornate candle holders, you can find a market for pretty much anything online. The sky really is the limit.

Many sellers gravitate to marketplaces like Folksy, Art in the Heart and Etsy, though you may want to really plant a flag in this world by creating a gorgeous online store of your own.

As with reselling thrift, taking the best possible photos of your wares is all-important for catching customers’ attention. And don’t forget to create an Instagram page to showcase your latest creations and engage with people far and wide.

Sell your photography

Here’s an eye-catching statistic: over the past 15 years, stock photo website Shutterstock has paid out more than a billion dollars to its global array of contributors. So there is real money to be made as a photographer, even if you lack formal, professional experience.

The likes of Shutterstock and Getty Images will pay you a royalty every time one of your photos is licensed by their client brands. These include advertising agencies and production companies, so – as well as getting paid – you may have the added satisfaction from seeing your work feature on billboards and in films. Turning this into a viable side hustle will mean taking lots of photos, and also ensuring they’re relevant to what clients are looking for. Sites like Getty Images and Shutterstock provide pointers on what’s “hot” right now.

They also offer ways for contributors to specialise and make more money, for example by creating custom content to order.

3. Local/domestic services

If you have spare hours during the week and some skills you can put to use, there’s every possibility to make extra money by doing odd jobs and domestic services in your neck of the woods.

There are websites and apps that specialise in connecting odd jobbers with clients, and you can of course promote yourself further via social media. Here are some of the best such side hustle ideas UK wide.

Wash cars in your area

Taking care of people’s necessary but boring chores can be the basis of many money making side hustles. Washing cars is a case in point, because this is a task many vehicle owners put off, simply because they can’t be bothered to do it.

This is where you can step in, establishing yourself as the go-to car washer in your area. You won’t have to spend too much on equipment, as it’s perfectly possible to do a thorough job armed only with a bucket, sponges, bottles of car shampoo and a handheld vacuum. You can even go a step further and invest in a compact, lightweight pressure washer for well under £100.

You can advertise your services on online marketplaces like TaskRabbit and Airtasker, and even put the word out on Facebook and Twitter.

Just be sure to upload a nice, pleasant photo of yourself, write a friendly description of your services, and encourage customers to leave reviews so you can attract more interest.

Having your very own portable card reader will allow you to offer an even more convenient service for customers. Learn more about SumUp’s super-efficient and multi-functional card readers.

Sell baked products

There’s been something of a baking renaissance in the UK over the past decade or so, partly propelled by social media and by TV shows like The Great British Bake Off. If you enjoy baking cakes, muffins, cookies, brownies or other delicious treats, you can potentially cash in on this appetite for homemade products.

It’s a good idea to test the waters by having friends and family try out your wares, asking them for honest feedback on your flavour combinations. You can then advertise your delicious creations online.

Instagram is a great place for showcasing tempting photos of your goods. You can also create a page on Nextdoor, a hyperlocal social media site which can help you engage with potential customers in your neighbourhood.

Your food business must be registered with your local authority at least 28 days ahead of trading. Having a food hygiene certificate isn’t a legal necessity, but it will make your business look more reputable in many customers’ eyes. The Nationwide Caterers Association offers an online course which will provide you with the industry-standard Level 2 food hygiene certificate. 

Look after people’s pets

If you have an affinity for animals, then being a pet sitter may be the perfect side hustle for you. One of the main marketplaces connecting sitters with customers is Rover, whose tagline is “Get paid to play with pets”.

Of course, it’s not quite as easy as that – being a sitter requires you to be highly diligent, empathetic and dedicated, since you’ll be responsible for what most people consider to be cherished members of their family.

Using a site like Rover or Pawshake, you can offer a range of services including:

• Dog walking

• Doggy daycare (looking after dogs in your home)

• Boarding (looking after cats and dogs overnight)

• House sitting and drop-ins

You’ll need to create an appealing profile, setting out what kinds of services you’ll provide, and ideally featuring photos of you with animals. You’ll then be able to take on jobs that suit your schedule, and hopefully cultivate regular customers in your area.

Clean houses for cash

Domestic cleaners provide a service that’s increasingly seen as essential by people leading busy lives. In fact, around one in three UK households employs a domestic cleaner, so there’s certainly enough demand to make being a cleaner a highly viable side hustle.

Providing you’re physically fit enough to carry out thorough cleaning tasks, and have great attention to detail, this also ranks among easy side hustles to get into.

As long as you’re able to purchase basic kit like a mop, vacuum cleaner, brushes and cleaning materials, you can go ahead and create your profile on marketplace sites like TaskRabbit and Airtasker.

To really set out your stall as a cleaner, we also recommend creating a website. Here, you can show real personality, provide chatty cleaning tips, and even link to an Instagram page.

Bear in mind that many customers value being able to pay for cleaning services by card, rather than having to go out and withdraw cash. Read more about how SumUp card readers can allow you to provide this convenient, fuss-free option.

Do DIY jobs

Contrary to what many people might assume, you don’t actually need a formal qualification to do odd DIY jobs for money. What you do need is the confidence and know-how to perform jobs to a high standard, so that this can be a legitimate and dependable side hustle for you.

You might decide to specialise in one thing you do very well, such as tiling, or painting and decorating, or carpentry work. Or, if you’re very confident in your skills, you can be a jack of all trades.

Some initial investment will be needed in basic tools such as screwdrivers, saws, sanders, brushes and extension cables. You will also need to take out public liability insurance, to cover you in the event of any mishaps relating to the work you carry out.

You might also want to burnish your credentials by taking a handyperson course. Many of these are available throughout the UK, and adding the qualification to your online profile can make all the difference when attracting customers.

4. Internet side hustles

By “internet side hustles”, we mean business ideas where you’re effectively monetising your time and creativity within the virtual space. That’s in contrast to, say, ecommerce, where you’re selling goods and services to individual customers.

Some of these side hustle ideas will require a lot of time and effort, but the results can be well worth it. Plus, most of the following ideas provide an opportunity to unleash your creative side, and can be a nice counterpoint to your day job.

Become a YouTuber

Many people have become bona fide superstars by posting videos on YouTube, but you don’t have to aim quite that high. Even moderate success on the site can bring money in, and it can be a genuinely enjoyable side project too.

To stand the best chance of attracting subscribers and views on YouTube, you should:

• Work within a clear niche – this should be a passion of yours, whether it’s reviewing sci-fi films and TV shows, providing masterclasses in crafting, or unboxing hot new tech.

• Research other YouTubers within your niche – assess what kinds of content your competitors create so you can set yourself apart.

• Create a YouTube channel page – this is your home page on the platform, and you should adorn it with an eye-catching banner and create an intro video welcoming people to your corner of YouTube.

• Promote your channel – respond to comments people leave under your videos, comment on other people’s videos, and set up a related Twitter page too.

Once you reach 500 subscribers with 3,000 public watch hours, you may be able to monetise your content by being accepted onto the YouTube Partner Programme. You’ll also be in a better position to make money through corporate sponsors, and attaching affiliate links to videos. Find out more in our dedicated guide to making money on YouTube.

Create TikTok content

Back in 2021, TikTok made headlines for achieving the 1 billion active users a month milestone, and its popularity has only increased since then. This means you have a huge potential audience to cater to with your videos.

As a TikTok creator, you should pick a niche that you care about, so that making the videos is something you’ll love doing. As TikTok is all about short-form content, you have to ensure your videos are attention-grabbing, and provide bursts of information and entertainment.

That’s why it’s essential to watch as many videos as possible and really get a feel for how it’s done. The site also has a helpful in-house guide to making the best possible videos.

The TikTok Creator Fund provides financial rewards for successful creators, but you’ll need to have at least 10,000 followers and at least 100,000 video views in the past 30 days. Other ways to monetise TikTok content include receiving tips from followers, and creating branded content through the TikTok Creator Marketplace.

Monetise your Instagram

Although Instagram started life as a simple photo sharing platform, it’s since become a valuable marketing tool for all kinds of brands. And this is what earns it a place on our list of side hustle ideas UK people should consider.

As with other social media side hustles, you should occupy as specific a niche as possible. You’re more likely to be regarded as a credible influencer by focusing on one field – say, wrist watches or yoga  – rather than trying to spread yourself too thin and running the risk of looking insincere.

Post photos and videos frequently, remembering that quality is every bit as important as quantity. Over time, you’ll come to know what kinds of posts gain the most engagement, and tailor your content accordingly.

Establishing a solid presence will encourage brands to reach out to you to create paid-for, branded posts. Alternatively, it will put you in a stronger position to contact brands that are relevant to your niche and suggest a team-up.

You can also earn money through commissions on sales made through affiliate links on your post. Find out more details with our in-depth guide to monetising your Instagram presence.

Create a podcast

It’s estimated that the number of podcast listeners in the UK will hit an impressive 28 million by 2026. It’s a vast and eclectic market, and there’s no reason why you can’t get involved.

This isn’t the kind of side hustle that will generate income right away. It should be approached as a labour of love you can work on in your spare hours, and which might just strike a chord with people and start bringing in revenue.

Follow these general guidelines for creating a successful podcast:

• Pick a topic that you’re genuinely excited about – there’s no point in trying to ride the coattails of the true crime podcast craze if that’s not something you’re personally into.

• Decide on the running time of each episode – many podcasts aim for between 20-40 minutes, which is a good fit for commutes, baths, etc.

• Either write a rough outline or a detailed word-by-word script for each episode (depending on whether it’s, say, an improvised comedy podcast or a narrative-driven true crime show).

• Invest in a quality microphone, a shock mount to keep it in place, and soundproof headphones.

• Source appropriate music from royalty-free archive sites like Bensound.

• Create a logo and/or cover art for your podcast – if design isn’t your thing, it’s worth hiring a professional through a site like Fiverr.

• Choose a podcast hosting site, such as Buzzsprout or Libsyn, which will also provide tools for monetising your podcast by embedding adverts.

Become a web tester

Many companies and organisations test how effective their websites are, in terms of both content and design, by having members of the public explore them and give feedback. By signing up with a web testing company, your name will be in contention when such opportunities come up.

There are several such companies, including Web Usability, TestingTime, and Userbrain. They each have their own selection criteria for testers, but if your application is accepted, you’ll be matched with websites and apps so you can provide your opinions in exchange for a fee.

The testing is sometimes done via online surveys, or you may be asked to talk through the sites via Zoom calls, or even in person.

The companies will select testers who fit the target demographic of the websites/apps in question, so projects may come along infrequently. But, if you’re after easy side hustles, this one’s well worth investigating.

5. Knowledge services

Many side hustles can derive from your knowledge and expertise. Whether it’s exercise and fitness, the ins and outs of the English language, or your own city, you can turn your specialism into a lucrative hustle.

With the internet allowing you to reach out to people who might be interested in leveraging your knowledge, the possibilities are endless. But here are five ideas to inspire you.

Teach yoga

It’s estimated that close to half a million Brits take part in yoga classes every week, so it’s not surprising there’s a strong demand for yoga teachers. If you work full time on weekdays, teaching yoga can be a convenient side hustle as the majority of classes take place after business hours and on weekends.

There are many different types of yoga, including Ashtanga, Bikram, Vinyasa and Hatha. Whatever kind you have an affinity for, you’ll need to obtain a formal qualification to establish yourself as a yoga teacher.

The entry-level qualification is a Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga, which will cover everything from human anatomy and physiology, to yoga health and safety issues, to planning yoga sessions.

You can then seek out work experience at an established yoga studio or fitness centre, and perhaps eventually set yourself up as an independent business. As with so many money making side hustles, it’s worth utilising social media – perhaps posting snippets of yoga sessions on Instagram and TikTok.

Become a personal trainer

If your passions lie with lifting and cardio rather than yoga, then you might want to consider a side hustle as a personal trainer. Provided you invest the effort to qualify, it’s perfectly possible to be a paid-up PT in your spare hours.

You’ll need to undertake Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer courses provided by an organisation approved by CIMSPA (the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity).

Once qualified, you can advertise your services as a one-to-one instructor in your own studio, at people’s homes, or public places like parks.

A perhaps easier way in, especially if you don’t have the funds to buy your own equipment, is to be an in-house PT at a gym. Many establishments allow trainers to operate on their premises in a self-employed capacity, working their own hours, so this can be a great fit if you want to keep the PT part of your life as a side hustle.

Proofread and edit documents

Virtually every industry requires diligent eyes to look over important documents, checking that the writing is as good as it can possibly be. If you have a strong knowledge of grammar and count attention to detail as one of your skills, then you may be able to set yourself up as a part-time proofreader and/or editor.

Whether you’re reading through blogs, academic essays, marketing copy, works of fiction, or any other kind of document, you’ll be looking out for:

• Grammatical mistakes

• Spelling mistakes and typos

• Correct use of words

• Stylistic inconsistencies

• Layout errors

• Accurate adherence to editorial briefs

Marketplaces like Fiverr and Upwork can be a good way to advertise your services and land proofreading gigs.

You don’t need a formal qualification to become a freelance proofreader. That said, it may help to attract business if you can set out academic achievements like a university degree or work experience in roles that have required writing and editing skills.

Be a tour guide

Love where you live? You can monetise your familiarity of your area by side hustling as a freelance tour guide.

As a tour guide you’re part historian, part entertainer. So, as well as an in-depth knowledge of the places you’re showing, you’ll also need to be able to tell stories, make conversation and generally be as warm and personable as possible. If you genuinely enjoy meeting new people, it could be a great side hustle.

You can advertise your services on a listings site like Tours By Locals, or through social media. Qualifications aren’t strictly necessary, but certain major attractions – for example, Westminster Abbey in London – will only allow badged guides to conduct tours.

The three badges are White, Green and Blue, in ascending order of expertise and prestige. These are obtained by taking courses accredited by official bodies such as the Wales Official Tourist Guides Association, and England’s Institute of Tourist Guiding.

Tutor kids online or in person

Private tuition for school children has been in hot demand in recent years, with the advent of online tuition making it easy for parents to source tutors regardless of geographical location.

The fact that you’re now able to provide tutoring services via Zoom and Skype makes this one of the best side hustles UK wide. What’s more, you don’t actually need formal teacher training to be a private tutor.

That said, having a degree in your subject will undoubtedly make you a more appealing prospect for parents seeking tuition for their kids. It should also be noted that online tutor marketplaces like Tutorful will have their own requirements for enrolling as a tutor.

As a freelancer you’ll be able to take on as many or as few pupils as you wish, making this a very manageable side hustle within an industry estimated to be worth up to £6 billion in the UK alone.

How to start a side hustle

Feeling motivated to supplement your income, but not sure where to start? Taking a methodical, step by step approach is key to turning this from a daydream to a revenue-generating reality.

Step 1: Carefully weigh up each option

As we’ve seen earlier in this guide, there are lots of money making side hustles to consider, but only you can decide which one is the best fit. Carefully consider the pros and cons of each one, factoring in how much they excite you, and whether they’ll match your schedule and budget.

Step 2: Prepare on paper (or Word doc)

Sit down and write out your plan. If your side hustle is fairly elaborate – for example, starting a YouTube channel – it’s probably worth creating a fully-fledged business plan. If your idea is more straightforward, then a to-do list might be enough. Either way, you want a document that details how the side hustle will operate, what hours you’ll work, what equipment you’ll need, and how much you’ll need to invest to begin with.

Step 3: Register as self-employed (if necessary)

If you earn £1,000 or less from your side hustle in a given tax year, you won’t have to register with HMRC for tax purposes. If you anticipate earning more, or your side hustle really takes off and you see your revenues rise above £1,000, then you will have to register to submit your annual tax return, and this can quickly be done online.

Step 4: Take out the right insurance policies (if necessary)

Depending on the side hustle, you may need to take out an insurance policy or two. For example, if you’re embarking on gigs as an editor/proofreader for legal documents, you may want to secure professional indemnity insurance to cover you in case you make an editorial error that costs your client money. Similarly, if you’re a handyperson, public liability insurance will cover you if you accidentally damage someone’s home while carrying out work.

Step 5: Get started

While preparing for your side hustle is important, there comes a point where you just need to get started. So, once you’ve created your plan, taken care of formalities like insurance, and purchased any essential kit, then avoid the temptation to overthink and get that ball rolling.