Last Updated on Dec 24, 2019 by James W
A few decades ago, operating a side business on top of a typical 9-to-5 job was a rare occurrence. But times have certainly changed, and an increasing number of Americans now need a way to supplement their income in order to pay all of their bills.
There are a number of reasons why this has happened, but the outcome is all the same: side businesses are becoming a common part of American life. In fact, a recent 2018 survey found that an astounding 57 million Americans, or 25 percent of the US population, own or operate a side business.
If you find yourself among the millions of Americans in need of a secondary means of income, there are a number of potential side businesses to choose from. Let’s look at some of the best side business ideas you can start while working a 9-to-5 full time job.
Digital marketing
It has never been easier, or more accessible, to get involved in the world of digital marketing. The internet has absolutely revolutionized the marketing industry over the past fifteen years or so, making it possible for anyone with a little bit of determination to start running digital marketing campaigns.
You can offer your clients search engine optimization services, paid search engine ads, or social media services. All of these different facets of digital marketing can be set up and automated as campaigns that only require an hour or two of your time each day.
Google Ads, Google’s easy to use paid ads platform, can be set up to run paid text and video ads for your clients 24/7. Once you’ve set everything up, just set aside about an hour each day to monitor the campaign and make any needed adjustments.
The same theory can be applied to social media. There are a number of services and apps available that allow you to schedule social media posts days or weeks in advance. You could potentially write and schedule a client’s social media presence for up to two weeks over the course of one weekend.
If you’re digital marketing side business really takes off and you start taking on more clients than you initially expected, it will also be important to remember customer service. While it may sound impossible at first to provide adequate customer service for your clients while also working a full time job, cloud based call centers and customer service software have made it possible to provide top notch customer service using tools like AI and chatbots.
Tutoring
Are you a cut above most of your peers when it comes to a subject such as math, chemistry, or a foreign language? You may want to consider starting a side tutoring business in your spare time. There is never a shortage of high school and college age students who need help across a spectrum of topics.
Additionally, tutoring can be very rewarding and hands-on work that allows you to see the fruits of your labor develop right in front of you. If you don’t think you have the time to tutor in person, there are various online tutoring programs as well you can look into.
Dog walking
If you get along well with dogs, starting a dog walking business in your spare time can be a great way to earn supplemental income. Additionally, a dog walking business can provide you with extra time to exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
You can schedule your dog walking route and routine around your 9-to-5 job, either walking your clients’ dogs in the morning or evening. The dogs will certainly appreciate it.
