10 Ideas for Hobbies That Can Make Money and Become a Business

As the world moves away from its traditional 9-5 work model, an increasing number of people are looking for ways to make money from their pastimes. And there are plenty of opportunities out there! This blog post will explore ten ideas for hobbies that can make money. In some cases, it may even be possible to turn them into full-time jobs.

10 Money-Making Hobbies

Without further ado, here are ten hobbies that can make you money, along with some tips on how to get started:

Music 

Most people enjoy listening to music, but very few consider themselves good enough to hit the big time. We’re here to tell you that if you have a passion for music, there are plenty of opportunities to turn it into a money-making hobby.

Make Music and Sell it Online

The first and most obvious option is to make music and sell it online. If you’re a talented musician, you can earn money by selling your songs on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. You can also sell your music directly from your own website.

In the age of streaming, it’s important to have your music available on as many platforms as possible. This will give you the best chance of getting heard by a wider audience and generating income from your sales. Each individual stream only pays a fraction of a cent, but if you can build up a large enough following, the money will start to add up.

Payment varies depending on the platform but typically ranges from $0.003 to $0.01 per stream. Considering that a popular song can easily rack up millions of streams, it’s not hard to see how this could lead to profitability.

Become a Freelance DJ

What about using someone else’s music to make money? If you’re a fan of remixing, you could become a freelance DJ. There are many opportunities to play at clubs, bars, and private parties. You can even earn money by providing DJ services for weddings and other one-off events. 

Depending on the event and location, DJ fees can range from $50 to $1000 per night. An excellent way to start out is by playing at smaller venues for free and building a reputation. Once you’ve got a few satisfied partygoers under your belt, you can start charging higher rates.

Sell Stock Audio

Stock audio differs from traditional music in that it’s usually short and designed to fit a specific purpose. Movies, advertisements, and video games all need background music. If you’re good at creating it, you can sell stock audio online and earn a commission every time someone buys your work.

There are many different stock audio platforms to choose from, including AudioJungle.

Sounds Mixing and Mastering

If you have a good ear for sound, you could make money by mixing and mastering tracks for other musicians. This is a more technical way to make money from music, but it can be very rewarding. To get started, create a portfolio of your work and pitch it to independent artists. You can also look for job postings on online freelancing platforms like Upwork.

Cover Bands

Last but not least, you could form a cover band and play at local venues. This is a great way to make money from music if you’re not interested in creating your own original songs. Gather a group of friends who share your passion for music and audition for gigs in your area.

With a bit of luck, you’ll be able to land some regular gigs and start earning an income from your hobby. Cover bands typically split the money between band members. But if you can turn that into a weekly income, you’re taking home a good chunk of change.

Photography

Gone are the days when you needed expensive equipment to take good photos. Now, anyone with a smartphone can take amazing pictures. Of course, if you want to make money from photography, you’ll need to do more than just point and shoot. But with a bit of hard work, it is possible to turn this hobby into a money-making venture.

Become a Freelance Photographer

One of the quickest ways to earn cash from photography is to become a freelance photographer. You can offer your services to individuals, families, businesses, and even magazines.

To get started, create a portfolio of your work and pitch to clients. You can also look for job postings on online freelancing platforms like Fiverr.

You’ll need to brush up on your photography skills and learn how to market yourself. But if you’re persistent, there are plenty of opportunities to make money. Weddings, graduations, and other special events are always in need of photographers.

Use Photography for an Instagram Account

Do you believe you could garner a following on Instagram? If so, you could use the platform to grow your audience to a few thousand followers. Once you reach that milestone, you can start selling your photos as digital downloads or offer affiliate marketing products. Brands will pay you for “shout-outs” to their products, which in turn will help you earn money from your photography.

Note that Pinterest is also a great platform for growing a following and making money from your photos.

Sell Prints

Another option is to sell physical prints of your photos. This is a great way to monetize your hobby if you enjoy taking pictures of landscapes, wildlife, or other scenic subjects. Once you’re good enough, you can submit your work to photography contests or sell your prints online and in local art galleries.

Sell Stock Images

Similar to selling stock audio, you can also sell stock images. Many websites allow you to upload your photos and earn a commission every time someone buys one of your images. One of the most popular stock image websites is Shutterstock. You can also try iStockphoto.

The key here is being proactive and shooting content that is in high demand before the market becomes saturated. 

Freelance as a Commercial Photographer

If you’re interested in taking pictures of people, products, or places for businesses, you can freelance as a commercial photographer. This type of photography typically pays quite well, but it can be challenging to get started. From product shots to headshots, there’s a lot of demand for commercial photography services.

First, build up a portfolio of your work and start pitching to businesses in your area. You can also look for job postings on online freelancing platforms like Upwork.

Design & Art

Next on our list of hobbies that make money is design. Visual artists, graphic designers, and even web designers can make a decent income.

Offer Graphic Design Services Online

Fiverr is a great platform for getting started independently. As a freelancer, you can offer your design services to clients worldwide. You can create a gig listing for your design services and set your own price.

The best way to succeed on Fiverr is to deliver quality work and build up a positive reputation. In design, that means accurately following your client’s instructions and delivering brand-appropriate designs.

Logo Design

One of the most popular services you can offer as a designer is logo design. They are something that every business needs and many small businesses can’t afford to hire a full-time designer. If you’re good at creating logos, you can start offering your services on Fiverr or approach businesses directly.

You’ll want your logos to be memorable, simple, and in line with the branding of the business. They can earn you anywhere from $5 to $500 per project.

Web Design

Websites are essential for businesses in the modern world. You’ll need a basic understanding of HTML and CSS to dip your toes into web design. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can start offering your services on platforms like Upwork or directly to businesses.

It also helps to practice building your own websites so you can have a portfolio to show potential clients. Learn about WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix to get started. Each platform has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the right one for individual clients.

DIY Crafts

Are you skilled with your hands? If so, there are many ways you can make money from your DIY skills.

Sell Crafts Online 

Let’s say you’re a whiz with a glue gun and can make some amazing crafts. You can start selling your creations on Etsy, Amazon Handmade, or even your website. Indicate a clear value proposition, take great photos, and write compelling descriptions. You’ll be well on your way to making money from your crafts.

Your crafts can be anything from jewelry to home decor. As long as there’s a market for it, you can make money from selling your crafts online. Vintage is trendy right now. As for pricing, it’s best to research similar items to get an idea of what you should charge. Aim for a balance between what you think your item is worth and what the market will actually pay.

Jewelry

One of humankind’s oldest hobbies is also one of the most lucrative. If you’re skilled at making jewelry, you can start selling it online or at local craft fairs. It doesn’t have to be 24-karat gold to sell, either. Many people are interested in handmade jewelry made from more affordable materials like copper or silver.

Homemade jewelry is a great way to add a personal touch to your style. Marketing them as gifts for special occasions is also a great way to boost sales. People are often willing to spend more on a unique jewelry piece with sentimental value.

Sewing, Knitting & Crochet

Another popular hobby that can make money is sewing. You can start by making small items like hats, scarves, or even phone cases. Knitting and crochet are also high in demand and can be sold online or offline. Once you’ve honed your skills, you can start selling your creations on Etsy.

Winter accessories like hats and scarves are always in demand if you target colder climates. You can also make household items like blankets and curtains. Designing your own patterns is a great way to stand out from the competition.

Woodworking

If you’re skilled at working with wood, you can start making and selling small pieces like jewelry boxes, picture frames, or even cutting boards. Although you might need a bigger workspace, woodworking can be a very lucrative hobby.

Cat trees, furniture, and wooden toys are also popular items. You can even make custom pieces for people if you market yourself as a skilled woodworker. Once again, you can sell your products on Etsy or a private website. You can also approach businesses directly.

Writing

Summon your inner Hemingway and write for someone other than yourself for once! It’s a great way to make some extra cash.

Creative Writing

Novels, short stories, poems—if you can write them, someone will pay you for them. Many writers start by selling their work on self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Wattpad. Once you’ve built up a following, you can approach agents or publishers directly.

One thing to keep in mind is that it takes a lot of time and effort to write a book. However, research shows that successful authors have multiple books under their belt. So, don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts don’t take off. It takes practice to hone your craft and become a successful writer.

Series books, like romance novels or thrillers, are top-rated right now. If you can write fast and keep the plot moving, you can make a lot of money from writing series books.

Ghostwrite

Likewise, people are always looking for help with their content. Maybe they have an idea for a book but don’t have the time (or skill) to write it themselves. That’s where you come in! If you’re a skilled writer, you can start offering your services as a ghostwriter. The only catch is that you won’t get any credit for your work. However, you can charge a premium for your services.

On the commercial side of things, businesses are always in need of content. If you can write compelling copy, you can start offering your services as a freelance copywriter. Consider joining a content writing agency like Draft to get started.

Proofread

Not interested in writing original content? You can still make money from writing by proofreading other people’s work. Get a tool like Grammarly to help you spot errors. This is a great way to make some extra cash if you’re a fast and accurate reader.

You can start offering your services to friends, family, and small businesses for practice. You can also join a proofreading platform like ProofreadingPal, although many of these require you to have a certain level of education or experience.

Create a Blog

Blogging has been around for about as long as the Internet, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. If you’re interested in sharing your thoughts with the world (or at least those who surf the web), you can start a blog. You can share your passion for a particular topic on a WordPress site, write about your personal experiences, or even give tips and advice.

With enough traffic, you can begin selling advertising space or partnering with brands for sponsored content. You can also sell digital products like e-books or courses.

Gaming

The gaming industry rakes in more cash yearly than the movie and music industries combined. That’s a lot of zeroes! If you’re a hardcore gamer, you can definitely start making money from your passion.

Stream on Twitch

If you’re good at playing video games, you can start streaming your gameplay on Twitch. People will watch you play and, if they like what they see, follow you and donate money. You can also make money from sponsorships or by selling branded merchandise.

If you want to be successful on Twitch, you need to think of yourself as an entertainer first and a gamer second. Don’t be scared to show your personality and engage with your viewers. The more they like you as a person, the more likely they are to support you.

Be a Game Tester

Companies are always looking for gamers to test their new games. As a game tester, you’ll play the game and look for any bugs or glitches. You’ll then report your findings to the developers. This is a great way to get paid to play video games!

Note that this gig isn’t always as glamorous as it sounds. You might have to play the same level repeatedly to find all the bugs. You’ll find these gigs on job boards like Indeed.

Develop Games

If you have a knack for design, you can design independent games. Ideally, you know the basics of programming or can team up with someone who does. Once you’ve built up a following, you can start selling your games on platforms like Steam. You can also approach businesses directly and offer to design a game for them.

With Unreal Engine and Unity, you can create 3D games. These are more complex to develop but can be very profitable if done right. Alternatively, you could create and sell in-game 3D assets like character models or game environments.

Create Tutorials

Most gamers have experienced the frustration of being stuck in a game at some point. If you’re an expert gamer, you can create video tutorials to help others out. You can sell your tutorials on platforms like Udemy or post them for free on YouTube. Youtube revenue mainly stems from partnerships with brands, sponsors, or Google Adsense. 

Social Media

Chances are you already use social media every day, but did you know that you can actually make money from it? Here’s how!

Partner with Brands

If you already have a significant social media following (i.e., 5000+ followers), you’re more likely to enter partnerships with brands. You can promote their products or services on your page and receive a commission for every sale or get paid for every promoted post. That means creating a post that supports the brand somehow.

To find brands to partner with, you can search for companies that are looking for influencers using relevant hashtags.

Sell Products

Do you have a product that you’re trying to sell? Social media is a great way to reach potential customers. You can set up a shop on platforms like Etsy or Shopify and start selling your products online.

Instagram shops, which allow you to sell products directly on Instagram, are also becoming increasingly popular.

Provide Managing/Consulting Services

If you’re an expert on social media, you can start offering your services as a consultant. Businesses will hire you to help them create and implement a social media strategy. You can find relevant jobs on job boards or approach businesses directly. Alternatively, you could start your own social media management company.

You’ll be in charge of managing social media accounts for businesses. This will involve creating and posting content, responding to comments, and more. 

Food/Beverages

Getting paid for basic needs like food and drink? Count us in! Here are some ideas to get you started.

Online Cooking Classes

If your risotto is to die for, your pad Thai delicious, or your brownies better than Betty Crocker’s, why not share your skills with the world? You can start an online cooking class and charge students for access to your recipes and expertise.

Teachable is a popular platform for online cooking courses, but you can also launch your website and deliver classes through email or digital downloads.

Beer

America’s favorite pastime (after baseball, of course) is drinking beer. And if you love beer as much as we do, why not start your own brewery? This is a huge undertaking, but if you’re passionate about beer and have the business acumen to make it happen, it could be a very lucrative endeavor. Know that you’ll be required to get a license to brew beer commercially.

Beer knowledge is also sought after, so you could start a beer-tasting club or offer private tastings and tours of local breweries. Airbnb Experiences is a great way to get started. Simply set up your event and start promoting it to your social media followers and the local community. Travelers are always interested in local and unique experiences!

Sell Baked Goods

This one is for all the bakers out there. If you love to bake, you can start selling your goods at local farmer’s markets or online. You can also approach local businesses, like cafes and restaurants, and see if they’re interested in carrying your products. The better your recipe, the better your chances of success!

However, remember that baked goods have a short shelf life, so you’ll need to ensure you can bake enough to meet demand. If your products are refrigerated, you might also need a specialized carrier to keep them fresh during transport.

Pets

If your heart melts every time you pass by a furry friend, why not make some extra cash by starting a pet-related business?

Join a Pet-Sitting Platform

One of the easiest ways to get started is by signing up for a pet-sitting platform like Rover. Once you create a profile, you can start offering your services to pet owners in your area. The platform will take a cut of your earnings, but it’s worth it for the convenience and the exposure to new clients.

All your messaging, bookings, and payments will be handled through the Rover platform, so you don’t have to worry about any of the logistics.

Start a Dog Walking Business

Another great way to make money with pets is by starting a dog walking business. You can start by walking dogs in your neighborhood and then expand to other areas. It’s a great way to get some exercise and earn some extra cash.

A good way to promote your dog walking business is by handing out flyers in your neighborhood or posting on social media. You can also sign up for a platform like Wag!, which will connect you with dog owners in your area.

Sell Pet Supplies

If you’re a pet lover, why not start selling pet supplies? Begin by opening a Shopify store or selling your products at local pet stores. You can also try your hand at dropshipping, which is a type of eCommerce where you don’t have to carry any inventory.

You can find pet supplies wholesalers overseas on websites like Alibaba and AliExpress. Once you find a supplier, you can create your own website or sell on platforms like Amazon. The key here is to order sample products first to verify the quality is up to your standards.

How Do You Make Money With Your Hobbies?

Hopefully, you can relate to at least one of the ideas on this list. If not, don’t worry! There are endless possibilities for making money with your hobbies. The key is finding something you’re passionate about and then finding a way to monetize it. With a little bit of effort, you can turn your hobby into a successful business.

Learn the Subject

Before diving into a business, you must be knowledgeable about the subject. This is especially true for creative hobbies. If you want to start a business in one of these fields, we recommend taking some courses on CreativeLive. You can learn everything from how to use Photoshop to starting your own freelance business.

With this knowledge in hand, you’ll be better equipped to start and grow your business. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even find a new hobby in the process.

What Kind of Business Can You Do? 

Next, you must decide what you hope to accomplish with your business. Do you want to make it your full-time job? Or is it just a side hustle to supplement your income? Both options have pros and cons, so it’s essential to consider what you want before starting.

You should also consider whether you want to start a physical or online business. Physical businesses require more overhead, but some products (like food or clothes) are better suited to a brick-and-mortar store. Online companies are less expensive to start and can usually reach a worldwide audience. However, they can be harder to market.

Manage Your Finances

Finally, you need to think about your finances. Starting a business can be expensive, so you should have the necessary resources to get it off the ground. We recommend using a tool like Fiverr Workspace to help you manage your finances and stay organized.

Fiverr Workspace is a great way to keep track of your income and expenses, as well as invoices and payments. It’s also a great way to manage your taxes. Don’t forget that turning a hobby into a legitimate business means you’ll need to pay taxes on your earnings. The last thing you want is to get behind on your taxes and end up in hot water with the IRS. 

Conclusion

There you have it! These are ten ideas for hobbies that can make money and become a business. We hope this list has inspired you to turn your hobby into a profitable venture. With a little bit of effort and practice, you too can turn your hobby into financial freedom.

CreativeLive provides an all-encompassing platform to hone your skills and learn all about running a freelance business. Sign up today!