How To Start a Side Hustle In The UK 2024- Beginner’s Guide

In today's dynamic economy, many individuals in the UK are seeking ways to earn extra income and achieve financial stability. One popular avenue for achieving this is by starting a side hustle.

A side hustle refers to a part-time job or business venture that individuals undertake alongside their regular employment. It provides an opportunity to pursue a passion, develop new skills, and earn additional income. This article will guide you through the process of how to start a side hustle in the UK in 2024.

How To Start A Side Hustle UK 2024: Beginner's Guide

Starting a side hustle in the UK is relatively easy if you know where to start! Here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you start your own side hustle and make extra money in 2024.

Also read: How to spot a side hustle scam

Step 1: Search for the best side hustles

The first step in starting a side hustle is to explore the different options available to you. Researching various side hustles will help you identify opportunities that align with your skills, interests, and availability. Consider searching online platforms, job boards, and freelance websites that specialize in side hustle opportunities. You can also join social media groups and forums dedicated to side hustles in the UK to gain insights from experienced individuals.

Read: 40 Passive Side Hustle Ideas

step 2: Choose a side hustle

Once you have a list of potential side hustles, evaluate each opportunity based on factors such as earning potential, required investment, time commitment, and personal interest. Ask yourself questions like: Do I have the skills or can I acquire them? Is the market for this side hustle saturated? Will it complement my existing job? Narrow down your options and choose a side hustle that suits your circumstances and aligns with your long-term goals.

Step 3: Create an achievable timeline

Starting a side hustle requires careful planning and time management. Create a realistic timeline that outlines the tasks you need to accomplish before launching your side hustle. Consider factors such as learning new skills, setting up your business infrastructure, and marketing your services. Break down your timeline into smaller milestones, making it easier to track your progress and stay motivated.

Step 4: Learn about your side hustle

Before diving into your chosen side hustle, take the time to learn about the industry and market trends. Attend workshops, webinars, or online courses related to your chosen field. Network with professionals already established in that area to gain valuable insights and advice. By expanding your knowledge and expertise, you'll increase your chances of success and differentiate yourself from competitors.

If you’re tight on time, you can learn about your side hustle through basic YouTube videos. Some side hustles will require more research than others.

Step 5: Set up your side hustle

To start your side hustle, you'll need to take care of some administrative tasks. Register your business with the appropriate authorities (if necessary), obtain any necessary licenses or permits, and set up a separate bank account for your side hustle income- this make it easier to track your earnings. Consider consulting with an accountant or a legal professional to ensure you comply with all relevant regulations and tax obligations.

Some of the easiest UK side hustles require very little effort to set up. For example, you can register to rent out your car in a matter of minutes and start making money fast. The admin that you will need to do before starting your side hustle depends on the type of side job that you choose to venture into.

Step 6: Market your side hustle

To promote your side hustle, it's essential to develop a marketing strategy. Create a professional website or online portfolio that showcases your skills, services, and contact information. Leverage social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, to promote your side hustle and engage with your target audience. Utilize email marketing, content creation, and online advertising to expand your reach and attract potential customers.

It is also a good idea to ask friends and family to support your venture. You could ask friends to leave positive reviews online to attract more customers to your small business.

Step 7: Stay persistent

Starting a side hustle may require dedication, effort, and perseverance. It's important to stay persistent, especially during the initial stages when you may face challenges or setbacks. Maintain a positive mindset and be adaptable to changing circumstances. Continuously evaluate your progress, learn from any failures or mistakes, and make adjustments to your strategy when necessary. Remember, building a successful side hustle takes time, so stay focused on your long-term goals.

Want to become rich from your side hustle? Learn, how to use your side hustle to build wealth.

What Is A Side Hustle?

A side hustle refers to any additional income-generating activity that individuals pursue alongside their primary source of income, such as a full-time job. It allows individuals to leverage their skills, interests, and resources to earn extra money, explore new opportunities, and diversify their income streams. Side hustles can take various forms, including freelancing, consulting, online businesses, part-time jobs, or even monetizing a hobby or talent. They provide flexibility, allowing individuals to work on their own terms and at their own pace.

Before learning about how to start a side hustle, it might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of having a side hustle. Side hustles can be a big commitment and it is good to know what you’re getting into before you start

Also read: Side hustles that pay well

Why Should You Start A Side Hustle?

There are numerous reasons why starting a side hustle can be beneficial. Firstly, it provides an opportunity to supplement your income, allowing you to save more, pay off debts, or pursue your financial goals. It can also provide a safety net in uncertain economic times or when facing unexpected expenses.

Additionally, a side hustle enables you to pursue your passions and interests outside of your main job, fostering personal growth, fulfillment, and a sense of accomplishment. It can be a platform for exploring new career paths or turning a hobby into a profitable venture.

Moreover, a side hustle can enhance your skills, expand your professional network, and open doors to new opportunities. It offers a chance to become more entrepreneurial, develop business acumen, and gain valuable experience that can benefit your career in the long run.

Learn more about making money, saving money and achieving the life of your dreams at The Rich Girl Guide.

What Is The Cheapest Side Hustle To Start?

When learning how to start a side hustle you will soon realize that it doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, there are many low-cost or even free side hustle options available. Here are a few examples:

Re-selling clothes on Depop: Make money from clothes that you don’t wear by selling them on online platforms such as Depop. This is one of the easiest ways to make money in one hour in the UK. What’s more, the minimum age for this side job is 13 years which makes it a great side hustle for teens.
Online tutoring or teaching: If you have expertise in a particular subject, you can offer online tutoring or teaching services. Platforms like Tutor.com or VIPKid allow you to connect with students worldwide.
Handmade crafts or products: If you're skilled at crafting or creating unique products, you can start an online store on platforms like Etsy. This allows you to showcase and sell your creations without the need for a physical storefront.

Remember, the key is to leverage your existing skills and resources to minimize startup costs and maximize your profit potential.

What Are The Best Side Hustle Ideas?

There are hundreds of potential side hustles that you could start in the UK. Here are some of the best side hustle ideas to consider:

E-commerce: Launch an online store and sell products either through your own website or established platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Shopify. This is one of the best passive side hustle ideas that can be done from anywhere in the world.
Affiliate marketing: Promote other people's products or services and earn a commission for every sale or referral made through your unique affiliate link.
Online tutoring or coaching: Share your knowledge and expertise by offering online tutoring, coaching, or mentoring services in areas like academics, fitness, business, or personal development.
Graphic design or web development: If you have design or coding skills, offer your services to businesses or individuals looking for logos, websites, or other digital assets.
Renting out property or space: If you have an extra room or property, consider renting it out through platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.
Social media management: Many businesses struggle to manage their social media presence effectively which means that social media management is one of the best side hustle ideas. Offer your services to create and manage social media accounts, develop content, and engage with followers.
Delivery services: Join platforms like UberEats, Deliveoo, or DoorDash and work as a delivery driver, delivering food or packages to customers.
Event planning or organizing: If you have a knack for planning and organizing events, offer your services as an event planner for birthdays, weddings, or corporate functions.
Pet sitting or dog walking: Provide pet care services, such as pet sitting, dog walking, or grooming, for busy pet owners in your area.
Online course creation: Share your knowledge and expertise by creating and selling online courses on platforms like Udemy or Teachable.

Remember, the best side hustle ideas are ones that align with your skills, interests, and resources. Consider your strengths and what you enjoy doing, as this will increase your chances of success and satisfaction in your side hustle. Knowing how to start a side hustle that you enjoy will bring you much more success than starting a side hustle that you’re not passionate about.

What Side Hustles Make Money Fastest in the UK?

It can take a while to start making money from side hustles, especially side hustle ideas that are cheap to start. However, it is possible to make money fast from a side hustle if you choose the right option. The quickest way to make money from your side hustle is to choose as service/product that it is in high demand and then sell this to an audience through a platform such as TikTok. On TikTok, anyone can go viral and it is possible to put your content in front of a huge audience. Find a product that is trending, create a drop shipping store to sell the product, market the product to millions of viewers on TikTok and watch how quickly you can make money.

Drop shipping is a very popular side hustle to start. In fact, a number of big brands such as GymShark and OhPolly started as dropshipping stores. The key to success is finding a high-demand product that cost very little to purchase but has a high mark-up potential. Products that solve everyday problems are always worth considering because it is easy to sell these tp an audience.

Other fast ways to make money in the UK include freelancing (you can easily apply to gigs on Upwork in minutes), pet sitting, re-selling clothes on Depop or Vinted and online tutoring. The speed that you make money depends on how much effort you put in to your side hustle.

How Do I Start A Side Hustle From Home?

Most side hustles can be started from home. The best way to start a side hustle from home is to choose a side hustle that can be done online- all you will need for this is a laptop and a WiFi connection. There are hundreds of online side hustles that you could start in the UK and make extra money from home.

Here’s how to start a side hustle from home in the UK:

Step 1: Find an online side hustle with relatively low start up costs.
Step 2: Research successful side hustle ideas in the same niche to better understand whether it is profitable.
Step 3: Create a plan.
Step 4: Set up your side hustle
Step 5: Stay persistent! Keep working at your side hustle until you start to see profits.

Related post: 5 side hustle mistakes to avoid in 2024

How To Start A Side Hustle UK 2024- Conclusion

Starting a side hustle in the UK in 2024 can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. It offers the potential to earn extra income, pursue your passions, and gain valuable skills and experiences. By following the steps outlined in this guide, from searching for the best side hustle ideas to marketing your venture, you can embark on your side hustle journey with confidence. W have covered how to start a side hustle in the UK as well as some top tips for side hustle success.

FAQs

You can make an extra £1000 in the UK by starting a side hustle that generates over £1000 per month in revenue. Examples include affiliate marketing, drop shipping, selling eBooks on Amazon and selling products on Etsy.
The best way to start a side hustle with no money is to choose a side hustle that requires zero startup costs. These include affiliate marketing, UGC content creation, creating a faceless YouTube channel and selling your old clothes on Depop.
To start a side hustle on Etsy, create a storefront and upload products to sell. Anyone can do this as long as you are able to provide proof of ID as well as a valid payment method. There are many different side hustles that you can start on Etsy such as selling handmade goods, digital products and even dropshipping.