Side hustles are all of the rage right now. As people are looking at ways to supplement their income away from their 9-5, a side hustle gives a great opportunity to make life that little bit more comfortable. And make real money.
For some, a side hustle stays just that, but for others, they look for opportunities that can lead to more than their full-time incomes. This sees them walking away from the 9-5 and being better off for it. They have more money and achieve the best work-life balance.
The problem is, not all side hustle opportunities are created equal. Some are great whilst others are not so. Here’s a look at the most lucrative ones that will really see you making real money.
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Matched betting
No, I am not advocating gambling money as the perfect side hustle. What I am suggesting is that you explore matched betting and learn how you can profit from bookies’ numerous offers. You know the sort, the ‘bet £10 get £10 free” or ‘deposit £5 and get a £15 free bet’. When you learn all about matched betting, you can make a healthy income every month.
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Can you make money with matched betting? Yes, you can. Take a look at the likes of OddsMonkey and Profit Accumulator. I am currently using Profit Accumulator and I am already making a profit. I will be writing it about it on the blog soon.
These companies teach you all there is to know and they also showcase those who have made real money.

Dropshipping
If you want a way to sell goods online, but don’t want to take the risk of holding stock, then dropshipping could be the perfect side hustle for you. For this to work, you simply promote items online via your site. When anyone buys, the goods are shipped from your dropship company. Your profit is the difference between what you charge and what you pay the company. The fact that you never have to see or handle the products means that this gives a great work-life balance.
If you want proof that there is real money to be made with this side hustle, why not take a look at Shopify or Alidropship? Both provide real-life examples of those who are making money now.
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Start a blog
Now, being honest with you, blogging is not going to make you money overnight. When you commit to creating a blog as a side hustle then you need to commit for the long term. Realistically, you are looking at around 6 months or so before you will start to see a return.
Two ways that you can make money with your blog are by displaying adverts and by promoting products and receiving a commission,
Sell handmade goods
If you are the creative type, then you can find an impressive side hustle in selling goods that you create. Platforms such as Etsy are designed just for people like you: people who make their own products and are small independent businesses.
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It could be that you create wall art, jewellery, or even cookies. No matter what it is that you create, you can generate an income by selling on Etsy.
Final thoughts
I hope you enjoyed reading this post.
Do you currently do any of these side hustles, or are you planning to? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.

I like the idea of selling handmade, if only I had something I could sell haha x
Me too. I look at Etsy and wish I was talented like that.
These are such useful tips thank you so much I”d never even heard of drop-shipping before very cool. Great post!
I have heard bits and looked at it when I first started blogging. It’s something I’ve considered but want to look into it again now.
These are good ways to make side income. I’m now using my blog. And at the same time I’m thinking about dropshipping.
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I am going to have a look at it again.
I considered doing drop-shipping a few years ago! It such a good business for passive income. Great tips!
I am going to have a look into it again because it’s a theme throughout these comments and I am all for another passive income.
I started a blog to try and make a bit of money on the side- and that has since led me towards a freelance writing career 🙂 thank you for sharing these tips x
Fantastic. I am so happy for you. It’s amazing the things that happen when you put yourself out there.
What a great post packed with fantastic ideas! I’ve heard a lot about matched betting these days so I’ll have to look into that more.
It’s worth a look. I was apprehensive at first, but it is already making me money. Tax-free as well.
I don’t know who coined the term, side hustle, but it has a nice ring to it. I read a post the other day that mentioned “Matched Betting.” I am looking forward to reading your post on the topic since I still don’t know anything about it. I don’t really have the constitution of a gambler, so not sure whether it would be right for me, but still want to learn more about it. I’ve considered drop shipping in the past and may still do it. It’s all about finding the right product. For now, it’s the blog. Hoping that it is something that provides a creative outlet as well as at least a small income one day.
~ Cassie | letsgrowmom.com
Matched betting definitely doesn’t feel like gambling, simply because all the transactions are considered “safe” and you bet on all eventualities, so you can’t lose. Once I learn some more on the platform, I will be doing a review. I’ve made about £100 already, but there are some people making £1000 per month!
I’ve also looked at drop shipping too.
I wish you all the success with your blog and making an income.
These are some lovely suggestions for those looking to side hustle a bit more; I can see how they would boost an income, etc! Thanks for the ideas!
Thank you 🙂
Blogging is obviously my main “side hustle” that makes me money because it’s my full-time job now, which is great! Matched Betting I tried last year and did it for a few months and made about £500 which was a nice little earner but I find it too complicated to do on my own xx
Author
It’s great to hear you’ve turned blogging into a full-time job – that’s the goal for a lot of people.
I always wanted to set up my own little Etsy shop and might do that once I move back home! Thank you for sharing these ideas x
Author
You should do it! I would love to see the products 🙂
These are all amazing ideas! I have heard of Matched Betting but not sure it’s for me, dropshipping and Etsy sound more of the ones I could give a try to x
Author
Matched Betting takes some practice. But the other ones are much easier to set up.
Side hustles being all the range I think is less to do with doing it as something they want to do and something they have to do to cover the costs of living. If you want to make real money as a blogger, then you have to pick specific niches, because ones like mental health aren’t going to earn you that much
Author
I totally agree, people are looking for some extra income right now!
I have heard about matched betting, but I haven’t looked into it before. It does seem like a potentially good way to get money.
Author
It’s a slow process. But ultimately you cannot lose. You make smaller amounts which eventually add up to big wins.