Atharv Neema

Senior, Kushi Maridu, has a part time job at Kwik Star.

Are you looking for ways to earn extra income on the side? There are many opportunities available that allow you to use your skills and talents to make money. From selling handmade crafts on Etsy to offering freelance services, there’s something for everyone. Here are the top 9 side hustles for highschool students.  

Sell handmade crafts on Etsy: If you have a talent for crafting, you can sell your handmade items on Etsy. From jewelry and clothing to home decor and accessories, you can make and sell a wide range of items on this platform.

Etsy account steps:

1. Set up an account on Etsy.com
2. Take high-quality photos of your handmade crafts and create listings on the platform.
3. Set your prices and shipping options.
4. Promote your items through social media and other marketing channels to attract buyers.

Offer freelance services: If you have a particular skill or expertise, you can offer your services as a freelancer. Some popular options include writing, editing, graphic design, web design and social media management.

Freelance steps:

1. Identify the skills or expertise that you can offer as a freelancer.
2. Create a portfolio of your work to showcase to potential clients.
3. Sign up for freelance job platforms or marketplaces or create your website to advertise your services.
4. Determine your rates and availability and communicate with clients to agree on project details and deadlines.

Start a home-based business: If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you can start a small home based business. Some ideas include selling products online, offering home cleaning or pet sitting services or starting a home-based consulting business.

Home-based business steps:

1. Identify the type of business you want to start and conduct market research to ensure demand for your products or services.
2. Create a business plan outlining your goals, target market and financial projections.
3. Obtain any necessary licenses or permits for your business.
4. Set up a workspace in your home and acquire any necessary equipment or supplies.
5. Develop a marketing plan to reach potential customers and promote your business.

Do odd jobs for neighbors and friends: If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, you can offer your services as a handyman or helper for neighbors and friends. This could include mowing lawns, fixing fences or cleaning gutters.

Steps:

1. Identify the types of tasks you are comfortable with and capable of completing.
2. Create a list of services you can offer and your rates.
3. Spread your availability through word of mouth, flyers or social media.
4. Communicate with potential clients to agree on the scope of work and payment terms.

Pet and child sitting: If you love animals and have a flexible schedule, you can offer pet-sitting or dog-walking services to busy pet owners in your area. This is a great way to earn some extra cash and get some exercise at the same time.

Pet and child sitting Steps:

1. Determine the types of pet-sitting and child-care services you can offer and your availability.
2. Create a profile on Rover.com or Care.com to advertise your services.
3. Communicate with potential clients to discuss their needs and your rates.
4. Follow any necessary safety protocols and guidelines for handling pets and caring for children.

Sell products on eBay or Amazon: If you have a knack for finding great deals and are good at reselling, you can start a business selling products on eBay or Amazon. You can find items to sell at thrift stores, garage sales and online marketplaces.

Steps for setting up an ecommerce business:

1. Set up a seller account on eBay or Amazon.
2. Identify products you can source at a low cost and resell for a profit through Google trends. 
3. Buy products off wholesale websites 
4. Take high-quality photos of your products and create listings for them on the platform.
5. Set your prices and shipping options.
6. Monitor your sales and adjust your pricing and inventory as needed.

Offer photography or videography services: If you have a passion for photography or videography, you can offer your services to businesses, families and individuals. You can take on event photography, family portraits or corporate videos.

Steps: 

1. Acquire the necessary equipment and develop your skills in photography or videography.
2. Create a portfolio of your work to showcase to potential clients.
3. Determine your rates and availability, and create a website or social media presence to advertise your services.
4. Communicate with clients to understand their needs and preferences and plan and execute photoshoots or video shoots accordingly.

Start a blog: If you enjoy writing and have a particular area of expertise, you can start a blog. You can monetize your blog through advertising, sponsored content and selling your products or services.

Steps for a successful blog: 

1. Identify the topic or niche that you want to write about and conduct research to ensure there is demand for your content.
2. Set up a blog using a platform like WordPress or Blogger.
3. Write and publish high-quality content on a regular basis.
4. Promote your blog through social media and other marketing channels to attract readers.
5. Monetize your blog through advertising, sponsored content and selling your products or services.

Deliver groceries or other items with a service like Instacart or Postmates: If you have a reliable car and are comfortable making deliveries, you can sign up to work with a service like Instacart or Postmates. This is a flexible way to earn extra income on your own schedule.

How to start delivering: 

1. Determine your availability and the types of items that you are comfortable delivering.
2. Sign up to work with a service like Instacart or Postmates