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The rise of digital tools and remote working has made starting your own tech side hustle easier than ever, without large starting costs. In today’s economic climate, many people are looking for ways to make some additional income, and the advancements in technology have offered many different opportunities. Side hustles can be launched with as little as a laptop, an internet connection, and a solid work ethic. From freelance coding to IT support, there are multiple tech-focused side hustles that you can fit around a full-time job with minimal investment.
Freelance Coding and Web Development
Freelance coding has become one of, if not the most popular, tech side hustle, simply due to the increase in demand for websites, apps, and business solutions. It is crucial for businesses of all sizes to have an online presence in the modern day, and many are willing to pay independent developers to build and maintain a platform for them. While some people study subjects such as computer science, it is not necessary to build a career in the industry. There are many free online resources and training bootcamps available, which makes learning the basics a lot quicker. This has seen some individuals pick up experience within JavaScript and HTML, being able to build websites or a tool like a blackjack calculator which can then be monetised in various ways.
Platforms such as Fiverr and Freelancer allow beginners to take on smaller projects, such as simple website creation and fixing bugs, as a way of dipping their toe into the water before moving on to the more advanced projects. One of the most attractive factors of freelance coding is how flexible it is; you can start part-time, and over time, it can potentially turn into a full-time career.
IT Support
Another popular tech side hustle you can start with minimal investment is offering IT support. This side hustle is usually aimed more at small businesses and individuals who struggle with technology. Whether it is setting up Wi-Fi routers to manage software updates, the opportunities are there for people to offer support either remotely or in person for a fee.
All you need to get started is an understanding of common software and hardware issues that businesses face regularly. There are many courses available for those who don’t have the knowledge; however, most people start with the knowledge that they have already acquired. The key to this side hustle is building a solid reputation through word of mouth. As soon as one person recommends your service, this can create a domino effect until you have a long list of clients. A great part of this side hustle is the repeated business, as it is very rare that a business or person only runs into an IT issue once. It is more likely that over time, they will have multiple issues and will repeatedly need your services, meaning more revenue.
Tutoring and Online Teaching
The growing demand for digital skills means that there are opportunities for those who already know to teach those who don’t. You could teach anything from coding, graphic design, to basic computer skills; there are many avenues you can go down with tutoring. Platforms such as Skillshare and Teachable allow you to create and sell courses, while you can arrange one-to-one tutoring via platforms like Zoom and Skype.
This method of a side hustle not only generates income but also reinforces your own knowledge. Tutors find that the more they teach others, the more their knowledge deepens, making them more effective in their professional careers.
Graphic and Creative Design
For those people with a more creative brain and an eye for design, there are many side hustle options to choose from. Graphic design, video editing, and digital illustration can all be done using either free or cheap software. A great free tool to produce professional-quality designs is Canva, which offers a free and pro version for those who can afford it. For video editing, CapCut offers plenty of great and useful editing features for free.
Freelancers can find a steady demand for logo creation and graphic design, as the number of businesses relying on digital branding increases, meaning there are more and more opportunities for design-based side hustles. For those who have basic coding knowledge, such as HTML, this opens doors to potentially building and managing websites for clients.
Tech Focused Content Creation
Content creation has arguably become the most common form of side hustle, as you can start doing it with your smartphone. Starting a YouTube channel, podcast, or TikTok account based on technology-focused content allows you to attract viewers who want reviews or tutorials on the latest tech products. The equipment needed is very basic: a microphone, webcam, and free editing software are all you need, all of which are readily available.
As your channel starts to grow, you will start to have different avenues of monetisation through ad revenue, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing. It does take time to grow a social media channel; however, consistent content creation can potentially lead to a very profitable side hustle, which many people have turned into a full-time job.
