Let’s be honest. The 9-to-5 grind isn’t for everyone. Maybe you’re a founder trying to stretch your income, or maybe you just want something on the side that doesn’t feel like a total soul-suck. Either way, online side hustles are where it’s at. You don’t need a massive budget, fancy credentials, or a Silicon Valley office to get started. All you need is a laptop, internet, and a little hustle.
I’ve tried a few of these myself (okay, more than a few). Some worked, some… well, let’s just say I learned expensive lessons. I’m sharing the ones that actually make sense today, for founders who want results and don’t have time to mess around.
1. Freelance Writing
This is the classic for a reason. Businesses always need content—blogs, website copy, email campaigns, even LinkedIn posts. If you can string sentences together without making your reader want to throw up, you’re in business.
Why it works for founders: You already think in business terms, strategy, and product value. That perspective makes your writing more valuable.
Pro tip: Niching down matters. Don’t just say “I write.” Say, “I write SaaS marketing content” or “I write legal business articles.” Your rates will thank you later.
Potential earnings: $20–$100+ per hour depending on experience.
2. Online Tutoring / Coaching
If you know something others desperately want to learn—be it coding, marketing, business strategy, or even Excel—you can teach it. Online tutoring has exploded thanks to Zoom, Google Meet, and the general shift to remote learning.
Founders’ edge: You’ve likely built skills that others only dream of. Sharing that expertise can be both lucrative and ego-boosting (hey, a little confidence bump never hurt anyone).
Platform ideas: Wyzant, Tutor.com, or even your own landing page.
3. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is tricky, but if done smartly, it’s a legit online side hustle. You sell products you don’t hold in inventory, and a supplier ships directly to your customers.
The catch: Margins can be thin, and competition is brutal. Don’t expect overnight success.
Founders’ tip: Focus on niche products or unique angles. Something that makes people go “Huh, that’s clever” instead of scrolling past.
Potential earnings: $200–$2,000+ per month for side projects. Big players hit five figures, but that’s the long game.
4. Affiliate Marketing
Yes, even founders can do affiliate marketing without being a “blogger” stereotype. You promote products you actually use and earn a commission for sales.
Why it works: You can integrate it into your existing networks, like LinkedIn, newsletters, or your own blog. No pushy “BUY NOW” tactics required.
Affiliate tips: Stick to products you trust. Your audience will smell inauthenticity from a mile away.
Potential earnings: Anywhere from $50 to thousands per month, depending on reach and strategy.
5. Print on Demand
T-shirts, mugs, hoodies, phone cases—custom designs you don’t produce or ship yourself. Companies like Printful or Teespring handle the heavy lifting.
Founder perspective: It’s a test bed for branding ideas. Throw something online, see if people care. You’ll learn marketing without blowing a fortune.
Potential earnings: $100–$1,000 per month side income.
6. Social Media Management
Businesses suck at social media. You don’t have to be Gary Vee to manage someone else’s accounts. Content scheduling, engagement, and analytics are surprisingly manageable if you understand the basics.
Founders’ advantage: You already know the business voice and strategy. Translating that into posts and campaigns? Easier than you think.
Potential earnings: $300–$1,500 per client per month depending on scope.
7. Virtual Assistant Services
Yes, the VA market is booming. Entrepreneurs, consultants, and small businesses are drowning in repetitive tasks. That’s where you come in.
Tasks can include: Email management, calendar scheduling, CRM updates, customer support.
Why founders should consider it: You understand workflow efficiency better than most. Clients will pay for someone who actually “gets it.”
Potential earnings: $15–$50 per hour.
8. Online Courses
If tutoring is too hands-on, package your expertise into an online course. Sites like Teachable or Udemy make this ridiculously simple.
Pro tip: Don’t overthink perfection. Launch, get feedback, iterate. People value practical knowledge over shiny presentations.
Potential earnings: $500–$5,000+ per course, depending on your network and promotion.
9. Stock Photography / Video
If you have an eye for visuals, stock media can generate passive income. Upload photos or short clips to platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.
Founder insight: You probably already snap photos for marketing, social media, or presentations. Might as well monetize them.
Potential earnings: $50–$500 per month for casual contributors, more for high-quality niche content.
10. SaaS or Micro Product
I know what you’re thinking: “Wait, isn’t this full-time?” Not necessarily. Micro SaaS products—small digital tools solving niche problems—can start as side hustles. You build one feature that people desperately need and scale later.
Why founders excel: You’re already thinking product-first. Identify a pain point, build a tiny solution, test it with real users.
Potential earnings: $100–$10,000+ per month depending on adoption and niche.
Wrapping It Up
Look, side hustles aren’t magic. None of these are “get rich quick” schemes. But they’re real, actionable ways for founders to generate income, experiment with new skills, and maybe even discover a new passion. Start small, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to pivot. You’ll learn more from doing than obsessing over perfection.
Pick one or two, dive in, and see what sticks. Trust me, the world has plenty of business problems waiting for someone like you to solve them.
FAQs
Can I start multiple online side hustles at once?
Yes, but don’t spread yourself too thin. Focus on one or two until you gain traction.
Do I need money to start an online side hustle?
Not necessarily. Freelancing, tutoring, and content creation require almost no upfront investment. Dropshipping and SaaS may need some budget.
How long until I see results?
It depends. Some hustles, like freelancing, can pay in the first month. Others, like online courses or SaaS, may take 3–6 months.
Can founders balance a side hustle with a main business?
Absolutely. Many founders use side hustles to diversify income or test new ideas. Time management is key.
Which online side hustle is easiest to start?
Freelancing or tutoring. Minimal setup, immediate demand, and you can leverage existing skills.
Conclusion
Online side hustles are more than just extra cash—they’re experiments in building skills, understanding markets, and testing ideas without quitting your main gig. For founders, they’re opportunities disguised as projects. Some will fail, some will surprise you, but each teaches lessons no book or course can.
Start small. Stay curious. And remember—every successful business once started as a side hustle.
