Best Side Hustle Ideas in India

There are two main reasons why you should look for a side hustle. One reason is for those people who are earning less. Their income is just sufficient to match the home expenses but no or very little for saving. The second reason is for those people who are earning well but looking to follow their passions or hobbies. This helps them enjoy the work, boosting self-confidence.

A side hustle is not that you quit your present job or project and start generating secondary income. Rather you can look for an opportunity to generate extra income with your present job. The concept of Side Hustle is to supplement your income, pursue a passion, or build financial independence.

1. What is Side Hustle?

It is commonly known as “side business”. Any income which you generate apart from primary job or business, we consider it as a Side Hustle. People often prefer Side Hustle as a side income and few of them are doing this to follow their interest or passion. Side Hustle often starts with a part time work and extends up to a full time entrepreneurship once scaled. It is an ultimate tool to generate side income as well as very trending nowadays. Plethora of platforms are available to start the Side Hustle journey. You can select your side Hustle by knowing or learning your skills and interests.

2. Why people are looking for Side Hustle?

There are a few reasons why people are looking for Side Hustle.

Financial need
Debt repayment
Saving goals for long & short term
Job insecurity
Skill development
Teasting business ideas
Explore creative side
Follow passion
Sense of fulfillment or accomplishment
Enhance networking
Work life balance

3. List of Side Hustle ideas in India:

Their are many options available in the market especially after COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the best ideas are listed below.

Best Side Business Ideas	Required Skills	Useful websites
Affiliate Marketing	• Problem Solving • Decision-making skills • Technical knowledge is a plus	earnkaro, vcommission, rakuten, clickbank
Blog Writing	• Research skills • SEO knowledge • Creativity • Editing and proofreading	jasper, writesonic, blogger, wordpress, wix
Social Media Management	• Communication skills • Digital Marketing skills • Writing skills • Analytics skills • Creativity • Tech-savvy	facebook, instagram, linkedIn, semrush, ahref
Dropshipping	• Product research • E-commerce knowledge • Marketing skills • Customer service • Analytical skills • Communication skills • Financial management • Time management	baapstore, indiamart, saleshoo, tradeindia, glowroad
Online Tutoring	• Strong communication • Technology proficiency • Subject expertise • Creativity • Time management • Interpersonal skills	byju’s, upgrade, Coursera, youtube, tutor
Business & Life Coaching	• Active listening • Communication • Problem-solving • Goal setting • Emotional intelligence • Leadership • Business acumen	saurabh kaushik, vivek bindra, rajiv talreja, sneh desai, sandeep maheshwari
Reselling	• Knowledge of the market • Marketing and sales • Research skills • Organization skills • Customer service • Financial management	olx, quikr, indiamart
Graphic Designing Services	• Creativity • Design software proficiency • Typography • Color Theory • Attention to detail • Visual composition • Understanding of design principles	Photoshop, illustrator, and CorelDraw
Baking	• Precision • Attention to Detail • Creativity • Time Management • Adaptability	youtube, personal channel
Virtual Event Planner	• Organization • Communication • Creativity • Problem-solving • Budgeting • Time management	remo, ibentos, hubilo, airmeet, dreamcast
Live Streamer	• Technical proficiency • Presentation skills • Communication skills • Creativity • Marketing skills • Business acumen • Community management	facebook live, instagram live, youtube live twitch, vimeo, streamyard
Soft Skills Educator	• Communication Skills • Active Listening • Presentation Skills • Interpersonal Skills • Problem Solving • Content Knowledge • Feedback and Assessment • Cultural Sensitivity • Conflict Resolution	indian school of image management, edoxi training institute, indian school of business (ISB)
Virtual Assistant	• Communication • Organization • Time Management • Tech-Savvy • Writing Skills • Customer Service	upwork, virtual employee, wing, asksunday
Freelancing	• Time Management • Communication • Financial Management • Marketing and Sales • Technical Skills • Problem-Solving • Networking	fivrr, freelancer, peopleperhour
Copywriting and Editing	• Understanding of the target audience • Research skills • Attention to detail • Time management • Creativity • Knowledge of SEO • Collaboration skills	wordtune, copyblogger, hootsuite
Language Translation	• Fluency in at least two languages • Strong writing and communication skills in both languages • Knowledge of cultural nuances and context • Familiarity with translation tools and software	freelancer, uwork, truelancer
Web Development and Design	• Proficiency in programming languages, • Experience with content management systems (CMS) • Knowledge of front-end frameworks, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles, and SEO techniques • Familiarity with back-end technologies • Understanding of responsive design and mobile-first development • Ability to design and implement custom themes and plugins for websites	wix, hubspot, shopify, wordpress, webflow
Mobile App Development	• Programming skills • Mobile operating system knowledge • Mobile app design • Cross-platform development • Mobile app testing • Cloud computing • User experience design • Agile development	android studio, xcode, transporter, appcode
Pet Grooming and Walking	• Knowledge of animal behaviour • Animal handling • Grooming techniques • Cleaning and sanitization • First aid	petbacker, petsfolio, flying fur, pawspace
Fitness Coaching and Training	• In-depth knowledge of exercise science, anatomy, and physiology • Ability to create safe and effective workout plans tailored to the needs of each client • Excellent communication, Strong organizational, and interpersonal skills	indianfitnesscoach, my fitness goal, fittr
Stock Photography	• Photography Skills • Technical Proficiency • Image Editing • Creativity • Research Skills • Networking • Attention to Detail	shutterstock, pixabay, pexel, adobe photoshop, freepik
Proofreader	• Strong Command of Language • Attention to Detail • Critical Thinking • Computer Proficiency • Research Skills • Knowledge of Style Guides • Understanding of Audience	proofread india, content whale, content concepts
Makeup Artist	• Makeup Application Techniques • Color Theory • Skin Types and Tones • Hygiene Practices • Face Shapes • Client Communication • Product Knowledge • Product Application • Face and Skin Prep	justdial, instagram page, websites, youtube

10 Side Hustle ideas to get started with:

1. Freelancing:

Freelancing is the main pillar to generate extra income. It has been trending since the Covid-19 pandemic and continues today. Now this is their main source of income. A few examples are mentioned below:

Content or blog writers:
You can use tools like Jasper and Writesonic for blog or content writing.
Graphic designer: Photoshop, illustrator, and CorelDraw are effective tools for making creative.
Video & image editor:
Avidemux, OpenShot, and Clipchamp are a few video-making tools.
Digital marketers:
Google Analytics, semrush, ahref are the best tools to help your digital marketing journey.
Website & mobile app designer:
Use tools like Shopify, WordPress, and Zoho Creator to make a website and mobile app.
Software Developer
Youtuber by creating videos & posting on You tube

2. Online Tutor:

Teach subjects that you excel in through online platforms. Whether it is a normal school or college class subject or any professional skill, all can be transformed to the students via online platforms.

3. Handmade products selling:

This is the best option if you can manufacture some products and sell them online or offline. You can select products like artificial jewelry, any food-related product, home décor items, gift items, paintings, handmade chocolates, or daily home utility items.

4. E-commerce or drop shipping:

If you are a tech-savvy person then go for an e-commerce website or marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, etc. This option has huge potential to grow as a seller. Select a product, find a drop-ship option, and start selling to the world.

5. Delivery driver or rideshare:

6. Photography:

Turn your photography skills into cash by selling prints, offering portrait sessions, or uploading stock photos to sites like Shutterstock. If you are an artist then create digital paintings, portray and sell them online via Shutterstock, pixabay, freepic, etc.

7. Pet sitting or dog walking:

Animal lovers can earn extra income by offering their services locally.

8. Virtual Assistant:

Help businesses with administrative tasks like email management, data entry jobs, event management and people hiring, and interview scheduling.

9. Fitness coaching:

It is trending nowadays. People are more health conscious now and look for avenues to stay fit & healthy. You can go for Yoga classes, meditation centers, sports training, and fitness training programs.

10. Investor in the share market:

If you are earning well and thinking about investment then it is a great idea to invest your extra savings into mutual funds or share market. This will not only give you good returns but also require less time.

4. How to select the right side hustle:

Find Your Skills and Interests: Identify your skill what are you good at or passionate about doing?
Assess Your Time: Choose a hustle according to the availability of time with you.
Consider Start-Up Costs: Opt for low-cost ideas if you’re on a budget.
Market Demand: Pick something people are willing to pay for.
Scalability: Think about whether the hustle has the potential to grow in the future.

5. Tips for Side Hustle Success:

Begin with small: Begin with manageable goals and scale as you gain experience.
Consistency is a must: Dedicate regular time, even if it’s just a few hours a week.
Use Technology: Use apps and tools to automate and streamline tasks.
Quality First: Deliver high-quality work to build trust and loyalty with clients or customers.
Monitor Progress: Monitor income and expenses to evaluate performance and modify your approach.

Final Thoughts:

A side hustle is needed in today’s time and everyone should do something to generate an extra source of income. Sometimes it is more than paychecks. It is about following your passion, exploring new avenues, boosting self-confidence, and giving something meaningful to our society and gen-next. Lots of options are available right now. What all you need to do is find the right Side Hustle and just start doing what you like.

Are you ready for the next challenge? Let us know your favorite side hustle ideas in the comments!

10 Best Side Hustle Ideas for Extra Income