From $100 to Profit: Side Hustles That Make It Happen

Let’s rewind to a time when I had $100 in my checking account, a tired 9-to-5, and a strong craving for change. I wasn’t looking for an overnight fortune—I just wanted a way to make my money stretch further without burning out. That’s when I started exploring side hustles. And I realized something huge: you don’t need a massive investment or a business degree to start earning more. You just need a clear idea, a little hustle, and, in many cases, less than $100 to kick things off.

Over the years, I tested a bunch of side gigs—some flopped, others flourished. But the best ones had a few things in common: they were low-cost to start, easy to scale, and matched real-life skills I already had. Here are seven side hustles I’ve either personally tried or seen work up close—and how you can get started without blowing your budget.

Freelance Writing: Words That Pay

Writing was my first true side hustle love. I started with zero clients, no fancy degree, and just a free Medium blog with a few opinion pieces. Within weeks of posting samples, I landed my first $30 gig writing product descriptions. Not glamorous—but it was a start.

1. Create Your Proof

Clients want to see you can write. You don’t need a published book—just a few clean, confident samples. Use Medium or WordPress to write a few sample posts in your niche (tech, lifestyle, finance—whatever you enjoy).

2. Start Pitching

Upwork and Fiverr can feel overwhelming at first, but don’t overthink it. Write clear pitches, be friendly, and focus on what makes you different. Bonus tip: Join freelance writer groups on Facebook or Reddit. That’s where I found recurring gigs.

3. Level Up

Once I understood SEO and how to format articles for the web, I started commanding higher rates. One $50 blog post turned into a $400/month retainer. All from a $0 start.

Virtual Assistant: Be the Right Hand From Anywhere

A friend of mine started her VA journey by organizing a small business owner’s inbox. She had no background in admin work, just killer organization skills and a can-do attitude. Now? She makes over $1,500/month part-time managing inboxes, schedules, and social content for entrepreneurs.

1. What You Actually Need

You don’t need a business license or tons of tools. A laptop, a solid internet connection, and basic knowledge of tools like Gmail, Google Calendar, Trello, or Canva is enough to get started.

2. Start Small

Offer basic packages—maybe 5 hours/week—to test the waters. Websites like Belay, Upwork, or even LinkedIn are great places to find your first client.

3. Bonus Tip

Create a one-pager outlining your services, availability, and contact info. I helped my friend design hers in Canva—and it landed her a long-term client that same month.

Online Tutoring: Teach What You Know

Back when I was in grad school, I needed extra income but couldn’t commit to a rigid schedule. That’s when I tried tutoring. I started with English, but I’ve seen friends do the same with math, music, and even chess. It’s flexible, fulfilling, and way easier to start than you’d think.

1. Know Your Strengths

Are you fluent in a second language? Great at algebra? Can you explain complex ideas simply? That’s your niche.

2. Build a Profile

Sites like Wyzant, Tutor.com, and Cambly let you create a profile showcasing your skills and availability. You don’t need to be a certified teacher—just prove you know your stuff.

3. Get Reviews Fast

Ask friends or past students to vouch for you. My first review on Cambly came from someone I practiced conversational English with for free—and that one review led to three paid students in a week.

Print-on-Demand: Design Once, Sell Forever

I remember staying up one night designing silly dog-themed T-shirts using Canva. They were basic, a little weird, and I only uploaded three designs. Still, two weeks later, someone bought one—and I made $8 in profit while sleeping. That was my intro to print-on-demand.

1. Keep It Simple

Use free tools like Canva to create designs. Upload to sites like Teespring, Redbubble, or Printful (linked with Etsy or Shopify). These platforms handle printing, shipping, and returns—you just earn when something sells.

2. Promote Creatively

No big ad budget? No problem. Post your designs in niche Facebook groups or subreddits. One funny mug I made for cat lovers took off after I shared it in a meme group.

3. Start With $0–$50

Most platforms are free to join, but if you want to link with Etsy, you’ll need a small listing budget. I spent $10 upfront and made it back in two sales.

Sell Crafts or Art on Etsy

I have a friend who makes minimalist clay earrings. She started with $60 worth of supplies, opened an Etsy shop, and now pulls in a few hundred dollars a month—on top of her 9-to-5. If you’re even a little crafty, this is your moment.

1. Test Ideas Cheaply

Don’t overstock upfront. Make a few items, take great photos (daylight is your friend), and list them on Etsy. You can also sell digital downloads (like planners or templates) with no shipping needed.

2. Niche Matters

The more specific your product is, the better. Handmade witchy bookmarks? Plant-themed keychains? Niche sells.

3. Mind the Fees

Etsy charges small listing and transaction fees, but they’re manageable. Track your expenses and reinvest early profits into materials.

Affiliate Marketing: Passive-ish Income

I was skeptical of affiliate marketing until I earned my first $3.28 from a link I posted in a blog article. Not much, but that small moment showed me it actually works.

1. Choose a Passionate Niche

Do you love tech gadgets? Budgeting? Skincare? Find products you already use and love, then join affiliate programs (Amazon Associates, ShareASale, etc.).

2. Content Is King

You don’t need a blog—Instagram, YouTube, or even Pinterest can work. Just make your content helpful, authentic, and link to the products.

3. Keep It Ethical

Always disclose affiliate links. And only promote what you’d recommend to a friend—because that’s what earns trust (and clicks).

Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

During a slow freelance month, I signed up for Rover. I figured one weekend dog-sitting gig might help cover groceries. Turns out, I loved it—and so did my bank account. A few bookings a month turned into $300+ in fun, furry side income.

1. No Overhead, Just Enthusiasm

If you already have treats, leashes, or toys at home, even better. All you really need is time, love for animals, and a way to communicate with pet parents.

2. Build Trust Fast

Get one or two solid reviews and your bookings can snowball. Offer your services to friends or family first, then ask for public testimonials.

3. Side Perks

Daily walks helped me hit my step goals. The cuddles were free therapy. And I met three other sitters who shared their booking tips with me over iced coffee.

The Briefing Room

1. Freelance Writing: A beginner-friendly way to monetize writing skills through platforms like Upwork.
2. Virtual Assistant: Leverage your organizational skills for businesses remotely.
3. Online Tutoring: Share your expertise and educate students globally from home.
4. Print-on-Demand: Design and sell custom products without inventory risks.
5. Etsy Crafts: Turn your hobby into a profitable business by selling handmade goods.
6. Affiliate Marketing: Promote products online and earn passive income through commissions.
7. Pet Services: Offer pet sitting or dog walking as a stress-free way to supplement income.

Hustle Starts Small, but It Builds Big

Here’s the truth: you don’t need a flashy idea or a massive bankroll to start making money on the side. You just need a spark—and maybe $100 or less to get it going.

Every hustle I’ve shared here started as a “Why not?” moment. Some stuck. Some evolved. But each one taught me something new, paid a few bills, and brought me closer to the life I wanted.

So if you’ve been waiting for a sign? This is it. Pick one. Try it. See what happens. You’ve got more potential—and more profit power—than you think.