If you are a budding entrepreneur looking to find extra sources of income outside of your job, you are not alone. In fact, 39% of Americans report having a side hustle and a further 17% are looking to start one.
With a side hustle bringing in an average of $530 each month, bringing your own vision to life can be a game-changer. In this article, we’ll delve into a range of side hustle ideas which can put your skills to good use and turn them into extra income. Experts from Forbes advise exploring side hustle opportunities that match your skills and lifestyle to maximize your earning potential.
App Builders that Don’t Require Coding Skills
Before you get started brainstorming how to make your side hustle app come to life, you first need to establish the best platform for the job.
There are various app-building tools that can help you create a fully functioning app without having to write a single line of code. By using tools with no-code automation capabilities, you can streamline the management of your side hustle and introduce new functionalities to help broaden your service.
Here are three of the most popular app builders for first-timers looking to improve their online presence…
Glide
If you currently manage your side hustle from a spreadsheet, Glide is a great platform to choose. Apps are built from existing spreadsheets, turning your columns into data fields so your structure is already in place
Once you get started, you can use the drag-and-drop builder to design your app's interface and integrate features such as forms, buttons, and multimedia. This will give your time-consuming current way of working a new lease of life.
One key thing to note is that Glide apps are web apps. They are accessible through web browsers or homescreen shortcuts, not the App Store or Google Play.
For those seeking comprehensive business skill learning alongside app building, Buildd.co offers a free interactive platform to develop entrepreneurship and marketing skills essential for growing your side hustle.
Softr
Softr offers a library of templates designed to fit different app uses. If you are looking to create an app that will be used by clients, Softr is a great choice as it offers a wide variety of design tools to help you create a professional interface.
Again, it uses a drag-and-drop builder so you don’t have to have an ounce of coding or design experience. By starting with a suitable template and then using the customization options, you can create an online platform that brings your side hustle vision to life with ease.
For those interested in scaling startups with effective content strategies that complement app-building efforts, this blog on How Good Content Helps Startups Scale Faster offers practical insights and actionable tips.
Bubble
Unlike the other app builders mentioned, Bubble AI utilizes artificial intelligence to help you get a head start on your app. You can type in exactly what you are looking to produce on each page, and it will generate designs for you to use.
This is ideal if you are not sure where to start and staring at a blank canvas feels intimidating. Instead, you will be presented with an almost instant solution for your app needs, which can then be edited using the customization features.
It is worth noting that for newbies to no-code app builders, Bubble may initially feel challenging to use. Getting to grips with the AI functionality and learning about all of the different features may require some patience at first.
For more insights on how no-code tools can empower non-technical founders to build startups efficiently, check out this blog on How NoCode helped 4 non-tech founders build their dream startup.
8 App Ideas to Launch Your Side Hustle
Once you are familiar with the app builders that can help you create an online presence without any coding experience, it’s time to fine-tune your ideas.
Let’s discuss some app ideas that make the perfect side hustle, each utilizing different skills and business models…
Host virtual language lessons
If you are able to speak more than one language fluently, there is a great opportunity to make money from virtual language lessons. Since so many people are looking to learn a new language or practice to expand their skills, offering one-to-one sessions in your free time can be a great side hustle.
Creating an app that allows people to book in and pay for their sessions will save both you and your students from sending endless emails and messages. It can also be used to share session notes or worksheets.
Booking system for pet-sitting and walking services
For pet-lovers who can look after people’s pets when they go away or offer dog walking services, creating an app can help turn an occasional favor into a side hustle.
Having an app that showcases the services you offer and allows customers to make contact and book you in will make it easier to manage your bookings. It also creates the perfect platform for updating customers with messages and photos of their furry friends to put their minds at ease when they are under your care.
Custom workout plans from a personal trainer
Nowadays, the number of people attending gym classes and in-person training sessions is dwindling as people can access the same service from the comfort of their own home.
To widen the reach of your personal training service and be able to fit in more sessions around your personal life, creating an app that allows you to host virtual sessions and create custom fitness plans opens up new opportunities.
Web design portfolio to exhibit web design skills
For businesses that are looking to have a custom website built, they will be scouring the web to find the best person for the job. What better way to showcase your website design skills than with your very own web app?
Having a place to compile examples of your past projects and client testimonials, alongside details of your service, will help you stand out among the competition and show off your skills firsthand.
Advertise upcoming events in the local area
A strong community feeling is invaluable and people are always on the lookout for events in their local area.
If you are not sure what your side hustle will look like, consider whether there is an opportunity to create an app that compiles upcoming events in your town or city. Pulling together any live music evenings, market days, art workshops, and business openings will instantly draw in the attention of locals.
For local businesses and hosts looking to promote their events, this offers you a monetization opportunity.
Access private photo albums from a photographer
If you are a photographer, whether that be for weddings, events, or professional headshots, creating an app to manage your photos can transform your side hustle.
Once your photos have been organzied and edited, uploading them to a private album on your app and sending your clients information on how to access them will mean they can access their high-resolution photos with ease.
From a business perspective, this also offers you the opportunity to create a function for people to be able to buy physical prints or rebook your services again in the future.
Sell homemade goods with personalization options
Whether you create winter knitwear, baked treats, handmade jewellery, or unique artworks, turning your artistic talent into an app-based side hustle can help you grow your reach and increase your income.
Creating an app to sell your products means shoppers can browse through your range and see what products you have available. You can also offer personalization options, such as name engravings or birthday goodies, to make your products stand out.
Run a clothes swap platform
As consumers become more aware of the impacts of fast fashion, second-hand clothing stores and websites are booming. If you are a fashionista who loves to buy and sell clothes, turning this hobby into an app can make it a thriving side hustle.
By listing any unwanted clothing items and allowing others to do the same thing, users can arrange swaps. As well as meaning people can get their hands on new clothes without having to pay, it’s a great way to promote sustainability.
To monetize the app, premium features such as delivery options or promoted listings can be made possible.
It’s Time to Launch Your Side Hustle
If you are looking to turn your hobbies or talents into a side hustle, not having the technical expertize or resources needed to create an online presence is no longer a barrier.
Now that fully-functional apps can be created without the slightest bit of coding experience, the options are endless and you can bring your dream to life.
Whether you’re planning to up your income through online language lessons or through selling your handmade crafts, getting your name out there by launching your own web app is the first step to a thriving side hustle.
Entrepreneurship
