4 Marketing Side Hustles That Can Become A Career

Shane Murphy, Co-Founder of UGC Pro, is a 3x startup founder with a decade of advertising and growth marketing experience.

In today’s job market, many people are turning to side hustles not just for extra income but as potential full-time careers. Let’s assess four promising side hustles that I believe can be transformed into lucrative professions—video editing, web design, no code apps and user-generated content—with some guidance on how to start and scale each one.

Video Editing

To begin with video editing, familiarize yourself with essential software like Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects. Free tutorials and affordable courses, such as those offered by School of Motion, can provide a solid foundation.

As you gain proficiency, begin offering your services on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Building a portfolio with diverse projects can help you attract higher-paying clients. Networking with professionals in the industry can also lead to consistent work and long-term contracts. With experience, you can specialize in niches like motion graphics or corporate videos.

Income Potential

According to Jobted, entry-level video editors can expect to earn around $33,000 annually, while experienced editors can make more than $88,000. To break it down further:

• Part Time (10-20 hours/week): $1,000 – $3,000/month

• Full Time (40 hours/week): $3,500 – $7,000/month

Website Building And Design

You can learn the basics of web design and development through platforms like Framer and WordPress. These tools offer user-friendly interfaces and numerous tutorials to help you build your first projects. Once you’re comfortable with basic design and functionality, consider mastering more advanced platforms like Shopify for e-commerce websites. Showcase your work through a professional portfolio and seek out small businesses in need of web development services. Over time, as you build a reputation, you can handle larger projects, command higher fees and potentially hire a team to expand your offerings.

Income Potential

As of May 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $84,960 for web developers. That means you could potentially make:

• Part Time: $1,500 – $3,500/month

• Full Time: $4,000 – $8,200/month

No Code Apps

No-code platforms like Bubble.io and Glide are excellent starting points for building applications without traditional coding knowledge. Explore tutorials and create simple projects to first understand the functionalities.

As you become more adept, offer your services to businesses looking for customized app solutions. Participate in no-code communities to stay updated on trends and network with potential clients. With experience, you can develop and sell B2B SaaS applications, tapping into a lucrative market. Establishing a consultancy or agency specializing in no-code solutions can further expand your business.

Income Potential

Experienced developers can earn significant incomes, though exact figures vary widely. Glide’s Partner Program, where qualified experts can earn rates starting from $0.50/minute up to $2.50/minute, indicates potential earnings of $30,000 or more. A potential range includes:

• Part Time: $1,500 – $3,000/month

• Full Time: $3,500 – $10,000/month

User-Generated Content

User-generated content gives anyone, regardless of age or background, the opportunity to create and share content that resonates with audiences and attracts brand partnerships. Getting started is relatively straightforward. All you need is a smartphone and a passion for creating content.

When you’re just starting out, I recommend choosing one platform to focus on. Popular platforms include Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Each platform has its unique audience and content style. Then, focus on building an authentic personal brand. Consistency is key—regularly post content that reflects your interests and engages your audience. Respond to comments, participate in trends and collaborate with other creators to grow your following. Take advantage of free resources and tutorials online to enhance your content creation skills. The more polished your content, the more attractive it will be to brands.

Once you have built a solid following, you can begin to monetize your content. Reach out to brands for collaborations and sponsored content opportunities. Platforms like AspireIQ and Influencity connect influencers with brands, making it easier to find paid opportunities. You can also join creator communities and attend industry events to network with other influencers and potential brand partners.

Income Potential

UGC creators with at least 10,000 followers reportedly make around $100 for a 60-second video, while those with more than a million followers can earn up to $2,500 per video. Depending on your output, I would estimate:

• Part Time: $1,500 – $5,000/month

• Full Time: $5,000 – $15,000/month

Choosing The Right Side Hustle For You

I have personally worked in all four of these growing fields. I built our company’s website, launched some micro SaaS apps and I’ve been a video editor by trade for about a decade, making anything from movie trailers to advertisements at the agency level. The company I co-founded focuses on user-generated content. I believe balancing curiosity and focus is key for side hustle success.

While shiny object syndrome can lead to constant new ventures, it’s important to channel that energy productively. Here’s how to make it work:

• Embrace your curiosity. Use it as a driving force to learn and grow within your chosen side hustle. This natural inclination to explore can lead to innovative ideas and approaches.

• Find your passion. Choose a side hustle that genuinely excites you. When you’re truly interested in what you’re doing, it’s easier to make time for it and maintain long-term focus.

• Set clear goals. Establish specific objectives for your side hustle to keep yourself on track and avoid getting sidetracked by every new idea.

• Implement a “parking lot.” When new ideas arise, jot them down for later consideration instead of immediately pursuing them.

• Schedule dedicated time. Allocate specific hours for your side hustle to ensure consistent progress.

Remember, the key is to harness your curiosity while maintaining enough focus to see your projects through to completion.

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