If you’d like to make a little extra cash and you have a hobby, why not turn that into a money maker? You can have fun plus earn money. Making extra money through hobbies is a great way to supplement your income. But can your hobby really be profitable? Here are 15 hobbies that can boost your income.
1. Flying Drones
Drones are not only fun to fly but can also be a great way of making money. They are used for aerial footage, mapping, real estate, weddings, events, delivering goods and services and more. You’re ready to go once you have the equipment and obtain the proper license and permits. Besides providing services, you could also do tutorials on how to fly a drone.
2. Photography
Photography as a hobby can quickly turn into a moneymaker. It is one of the many money making hobbies that can lead to extra income or even a full-time business. Set yourself up with a weekend gig, shooting weddings or other events. Or if you don’t want to work with people and only want to shoot interesting objects or videos, sell stock photos. You can upload your stills or video to Shutterstock, Adobe Stock or others. When someone goes to these sites and buys a photo, you receive a portion of the sale. Since the image can be sold multiple times, it turns into passive income.
3. Writing
If you’ve always wanted to write a book, now’s the time. Making money online by self-publishing a book is a great way to turn your passion into profit. It’s simple to self-publish a book. And when people buy it, you make money and enjoy a sense of accomplishment. There are several platforms where you can publish. Some include Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Barnes & Noble Press, Draft2Digital and more.
4. Art
Being an artist is great, but sharing your creations with the world is even better. Whether you create a physical or digital product, you can sell your creations through different platforms. You could open an eCommerce store or sell on Amazon Handmade. Other platforms include Etsy, ArtPal, UGallery, and more.
5. Graphic Design
Illustration and graphic design are great hobbies that can become lucrative. Many individuals have successfully turned their passion for graphic design into a thriving online business. This is particularly true if you know Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. Some items you can create include advertisement visuals, media posts, design websites, branding and more.
6. Pottery
Pottery is not only an enjoyable activity but also a profitable hobby. People love to collect pottery, and you can turn this hobby into a profitable business. Open an Etsy store or sell on Amazon Handmade. You can even rent booths at craft shows and farmer’s markets. If you’re not into selling, create an online course, many people want to learn the craft.
7. Knitting
This is a relaxing hobby that is in demand. Knitting is also one of the many profitable hobbies that can be turned into a money-making venture. This is especially true if you knit baby clothes, toys, afghans, etc. You can sell your creations on Etsy or Amazon Handmade. Start a YouTube channel and teach knitting. Once you qualify, YouTube will pay you a portion of the advertising proceeds. It’s a great place to sell patterns as well.
8. Trying Beauty Products
For those who love making soaps or organic face masks, this hobby can be turned into a business. You can transform your passion into your own business by creating a line of products like bath soaks, feet scrubs, body butter facial exfoliators etc. These products can be sold in an Etsy store, on social media or on your website.
9. Gaming
Gaming is a serious business; you can turn this fun hobby into money. Gaming is one of the many hobbies that make money, allowing you to monetize your passion. Many gamers have made thousands of dollars by merely playing a game on social media. Stream your gaming platforms on Twitch or YouTube. Solicit subscribers who will pay monthly fees to have exclusives from you. Or even ask fans for donations. If you’re great at the game, consider entering competitions. Some of them have large cash prizes.
10. Book Reviews
People will pay you to read. That’s right, if you’re a bookworm, you can make money. Reviewing books makes money as many sites will send you books to read, and then you will write reviews. Most reviews are only 300 to 500 words. Some sites that you could read for include US Review of Books, BookBrowse, Booklist and more.
11. Gardening
Those of you with a green thumb can turn your hobby into a paying gig. In your spare time, you can explore various ways to monetize your gardening skills. There are many ways to make money from your garden. You could sell seedlings, dried herbs, microgreens, seeds, etc. Vegetables that you grow could be sold at farmer’s markets or to local restaurants.
12. Candlemaking
Candlemaking is relaxing and fun. It can also be a great way to make extra money in your spare time. People love candles and will buy your relaxing hobby. You can choose a niche for which to make candles. These candles could be seasonal, aromatherapy, ritual etc. Sell them on Etsy, Amazon Handmade or your website. Take it a step further and do tutorials on YouTube.
13. Write
If you like to write but aren’t interested in writing a book, working as a freelance writer might be for you. Freelance writing can even become a full-time job, transforming your passion into a primary source of income. You could be writing blogs, emails, posts and so much more. And there are numerous subjects you’ll be asked to write about so you won’t be bored. A couple places you could go to get writing gigs are Upwork and Fiverr.
14. Restore Furniture
You love to work with your hands. If part of that is woodworking or painting, restoring furniture could be a lucrative business for you. Having your own website to showcase your bio, portfolio, and testimonials can significantly enhance your professional online presence. Find old furniture at flea markets, garage sales, Craigslist etc. and then restore it. To market your restored furniture use, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or other social media.
15. Sell Vintage Jewelry
Vintage jewelry is hot right now. Money making hobbies, such as selling vintage jewelry, can turn your passion into profit. If you have an eye for it, take that skill to market and use it as a valuable way to earn money. You’ll need to know the greats like Hattie Carnegie, Miriam Haskell, Eisenberg etc., but once you learn about them, you’re all set. Scour flea markets and garage sales to find inexpensive pieces, then sell them on consignment in boutiques or open an Etsy store.
Conclusion
Have fun with your hobby and make money. You can turn just about any hobby into cash. Use your imagination. Consider starting a dog walking business, which not only provides a valuable service to pet owners but can also be a professional venture. There are people who love the same thing you do and would love to buy it.
