21 Effective Side Hustles to Make $500 in a Day

Interested in earning $500 a day? Let’s face it: Achieving that goal isn’t simple. However, it’s entirely feasible. Whether you urgently need extra cash for unforeseen expenses or seek consistent ways to make $500 daily, this list is for you. Here are 20 ways to make $500 or more a day.

1. Pet Sitting/Dog Walking

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Making $500 in a day from this service will require literal hustling, but it’s possible! If you’re an animal lover, consider signing up for Rover or a similar site to attract clients. You can offer your services for overnight stays or just drop-in visits. Previous pet sitting experience is a plus—especially if you can get clients to leave you testimonials.

2. Freelancing Services

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Offer your skills on freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer. Services could include graphic design, writing, programming, video editing, or marketing. Obtain clients by showcasing your portfolio and delivering high-quality work promptly.

3. Gig Economy Jobs

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Sign up for gig economy apps like Uber, Lyft, TaskRabbit, or DoorDash. Providing services like driving, delivery, or odd jobs can help you earn money quickly. Promote your availability and complete as many tasks as possible within the day.

While you would likely have to really hustle to make $500 per day with this method alone, it can be done. Be sure to consider expenses you incur, like gas and wear and tear on your vehicle, and deduct those from your taxes so you don’t spend more to do the job than you’re making.

4. Sell Items Online

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Sell unused or unwanted items on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist. Identify valuable items in good condition, take appealing photos, write detailed descriptions, and price them competitively to attract buyers.

5. Rent Out Assets

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Rent assets like a spare room on Airbnb, equipment, or vehicles. Ensure your listings are appealing with clear descriptions and attractive pricing to attract renters.

If you don’t have a property or room available, consider platforms that allow you to rent out other items you own. For example, with Turo, you can make money from your car, and ByRotation enables you to rent out your designer handbags when you aren’t using them.

6. Virtual Assistant Services

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Offer administrative support, scheduling, email management, or data entry as a virtual assistant. Utilize platforms like Upwork, TaskRabbit, or specialized VA websites to find clients seeking remote assistance.

7. Specialized Services

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Do you speak another language or have specialized skills? Provide services like consulting, coaching, or tutoring. Leverage your expertise in a particular field to offer advice, guidance, or lessons to individuals or businesses seeking help.

8. Digital Products

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Develop and sell digital products like eBooks, online courses, or templates. It’s easier than ever to use platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Teachable, or Etsy to market and sell your creations.

9. Affiliate Marketing

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Join affiliate programs and promote products or services through your website, blog, or social media platforms. Earn commissions for each sale or referral generated through your unique affiliate links.

10. Workshops or Webinars

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Host online workshops or webinars on a subject you’re knowledgeable about. Offer valuable insights, tips, or tutorials to participants for a fee. Promote your event through social media or targeted advertising.

11. Focus Groups or Research Studies

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Join focus groups or participate in research studies that compensate participants. Look for local research institutions, universities, or online platforms offering paid studies or surveys. Just be sure you know exactly what you’re getting into before you sign up.

12. Stock Photography Sales

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Capture high-quality photos and sell them on stock photography websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Getty Images. Focus on popular themes or niche topics to attract potential buyers looking for images.

13. Personal Fitness Training

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Offer personal training sessions either in person or virtually. Create personalized workout plans, offer nutritional advice, and guide clients to achieve their fitness goals. Advertise your services through social media, local gyms, or community centers.

14. Language Tutoring

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Provide language tutoring services for individuals looking to learn a new language. Use platforms like iTalki, Preply, or offer private lessons locally. Leverage your fluency and teaching skills to help others learn effectively.

15. Voiceover Services

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Use your voice talents to offer narration, voiceovers, or audio recordings for commercials, audiobooks, podcasts, or videos. Create a portfolio showcasing your versatility and professionalism on platforms like Voices.com or Fiverr.

16. Day Trading

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Engage in day trading of stocks, cryptocurrencies, or forex. This method requires knowledge, research, and risk management. Use reputable trading platforms and consider practicing with a demo account before trading with real money.

17. Event or Gig Ticket Reselling

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Purchase event tickets at face value and resell them at a higher price, especially for high-demand events. Monitor ticket prices and trends, focusing on popular concerts, sporting events, or shows.

18. Mystery Shopping or Secret Dining

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Sign up with reputable mystery shopping or secret dining companies. Get paid to evaluate customer service, product quality, or dining experiences at various establishments. Follow guidelines diligently and submit thorough reports to earn compensation.

19. Car Flipping

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Buy used cars at a reasonable price, refurbish or improve them, and sell them for a profit. Research market trends and negotiate effectively when purchasing vehicles to maximize your potential earnings.

20. Temporary Work

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Look for temporary work opportunities such as event staffing, seasonal jobs, or day labor. Temporary agencies or job boards often have immediate openings for various roles, providing a quick way to earn money.

When pursuing any of these methods, consider the investment of time, resources, skills, and potential risks. Be diligent in your approach and aim to provide excellent service or value to maximize your earnings.

21. House Cleaning

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Start a residential or commercial cleaning service. Advertise your services in local neighborhoods, online marketplaces, and through word-of-mouth referrals. Provide thorough and reliable cleaning services to attract and retain clients