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On the JJ Barnes Blog, in my eternal quest to improve my life, I check out 5 hobbies that can earn you money, and how to turn hobbies into side hustles.
We all have passions that make our free time more special. Maybe it’s getting lost in a world of watercolors, whipping up culinary masterpieces, or tinkering with tech gadgets. But what if your hobby, the very activity that brings you joy, could also bring in some extra cash? Intrigued? Me too!
In my eternal quest for self-improvement (and maybe a little financial freedom!), I’ve embarked on a mission to explore the exciting world of turning hobbies into side hustles.
This isn’t about sacrificing your passion for profit. Instead, it’s about unlocking the hidden earning potential within the things you already love to do. So, grab a cup of coffee (or your crafting supplies!), and get ready to dive into 5 fantastic hobbies that can be transformed into lucrative side hustles.
To help me out, Jason Higgs, the Senior Deals Strategist at Bountii, sent over five ideas to consider, from gardening to crafting.
5 Hobbies That Can Earn You Money
Grow Your Own Produce
Gardening is a rewarding hobby that will get you out in the sunshine – and it can also save you money on groceries.
Local farmers markets are a fantastic way to sell your homegrown produce directly to consumers. People love the freshness and flavor of locally grown food, and you get the satisfaction of knowing your hard work is enjoyed by others.
Not every garden needs to be a sprawling landscape. Consider specializing in a unique variety – heirloom tomatoes, exotic herbs, or even edible flowers. These specialty items can fetch a higher price at farmers markets or even through online platforms that cater to niche produce.
Don’t stop at selling just fruits and vegetables! Use your harvest to create value-added products like jams, jellies, pickles, or even dried fruit snacks. This allows you to extend your earning potential and cater to customers who are looking for ready-made, delicious treats.
Plant a vegetable patch or tend to a small allotment and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own fresh produce. If you have a surplus, consider selling your goods at a local farmers’ market or setting up an honesty box stall outside your home.
-Jason Higgs
Craft Unique Items
Unleash your creativity by making handmade items such as jewellery, clothing, or home decor. Do you specialize in hand-knitted scarves with a whimsical flair? Or perhaps you create intricate jewelry pieces using recycled materials? Identifying your niche allows you to target a specific audience and stand out from the crowd.
Once you’ve honed your craft, it’s time to showcase it! Here’s where your marketing savvy comes in. Online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon Handmade are great platforms to reach a global audience. Explore local craft fairs and farmers markets to connect with customers in your community. Social media is your friend – create beautiful and engaging content to showcase your work and build a following.
Don’t undervalue your creations! Factor in the cost of materials, the time it takes to craft each piece, and your desired profit margin. Research similar items on the market to get a sense of fair pricing. Remember, your unique skills and the time invested deserve to be reflected in the price tag.
You could sell your creations on online platforms like Etsy or at craft fairs. Upcycling and repurposing materials can help keep costs down and is great for the environment.
-Jason Higgs
Freelance Your Skills
The freelance landscape is booming, offering a world of possibilities for those with valuable skills and a desire for flexible work. Platforms like Fiverr have opened doors for countless individuals to turn their talents into income.
What sets you apart? Are you a whiz at graphic design, a social media mastermind, or a coding guru? Identifying your niche allows you to target specific client needs and establish yourself as an expert in a particular field.
Think of your Fiverr “gigs” as mini-advertisements. Use clear, concise language to describe your services, highlighting the benefits you offer. Showcase relevant work samples and tailor your packages to address different client needs and budgets. Eye-catching visuals and positive client reviews can further strengthen your profile.
Websites like Upwork and Fiverr allow you to offer your services in areas such as writing, web development, or anything else you can think of. You can set aside time each week to complete freelance projects alongside your regular job. This will let you participate in your hobby – for example, graphic design – while also getting paid for it.
-Jason Higgs
Rent Out Equipment
We all have those beloved tools of the trade – the camera that captured priceless memories, the power tools that built your dream deck, or the musical instruments that serenaded countless evenings. But what if these cherished possessions, currently gathering dust in your garage or closet, could also generate some extra income? If you have expensive equipment gathering dust, such as cameras, tools, or sports gear, consider renting it out.
Websites and apps like Fat Llama, RentLend, or Neighbor have become the Airbnb of stuff. These platforms connect you with potential renters, handle payments securely, and often offer insurance coverage for your equipment. Research different platforms to find the one that best suits your needs and equipment type.
High-quality pictures showcase your equipment’s condition and features. Detailed descriptions highlight its capabilities and any unique accessories included. Be clear about rental terms, including pick-up and drop-off procedures, security deposits, and late fees.
Platforms like Fat Llama connect owners with renters, allowing you to earn passive income simply by lending out your stuff to others.
-Jason Higgs
Create A Blog Or Channel
With the rise of content creation platforms, turning your hobby into a profitable blog or channel is more achievable than ever.
To truly captivate an audience, identify your specific niche within your broader hobby. Do you specialize in hand-thrown ceramics with a minimalist aesthetic? Or perhaps you create historically accurate medieval garb with a focus on sustainability? The more specific your niche, the more you’ll attract a dedicated fanbase who share your passion.
Offer valuable, engaging information that caters to your target audience. This could include informative tutorials, captivating project ideas, historical deep dives, or even equipment reviews. Focus on providing solutions, sparking inspiration, and keeping your audience entertained and informed.
Explore options like affiliate marketing, where you earn commissions by recommending products you use and love. You can also offer sponsored content, partnering with brands relevant to your niche. Selling your own creations, like handcrafted goods or downloadable patterns, is another fantastic way to monetize your passion.
You can create a blog or YouTube channel showcasing your passion for just about any hobby and monetize it through advertising or sponsorships. For example, if you enjoy hiking, you could post videos of your adventures, or make videos advising others on the best hiking and camping techniques. Just make sure to prioritise hobbies you genuinely enjoy to maintain your motivation and avoid burnout.
-Jason Higgs
Bountii
Bountii is a team of bargain hunters, deal finders, and savings enthusiasts. We’re passionate about finding ways to help customers cut costs without cutting corners on quality. Our experts verify and update our deals regularly, ensuring that our readers get access to only the most current and valuable offers.
Jason Higgs is the Senior Deals Strategist at Bountii, a seasoned professional in online retail and e-commerce, with a passion for uncovering the best deals, discounts, and offers.
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