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May 17, 2023
12 min Read
Flona

Best Sidelines: 15 Profitable Side Hustles for Filipinos in 2023

Today, making ends meet can be challenging, and a full-time job may not cover expenses. Luckily, technology offers a solution. By leveraging your skills, you can earn extra income while enjoying the flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere at any time.    This is why "side hustles" are becoming popular among millennials. By having multiple sources of income, you boost your cash flow, but keep in mind having a side hustle can also lead to burnout from extra work. However, if you enjoy the job, it won't feel like a chore.    Are you in search of a side hustle? Check this out. These can help you build a passive income stream for this year and the years to come. 

1. Transform your car into a revenue generator

Make the most of your travels by turning them into earning opportunities. Offer your services as an on-demand courier, picking up and delivering packages for clients.    Grow your client base and earnings by marketing your services on freelance platforms or using vehicle branding. Turn your car into a mobile ad for various products and services, expanding your reach and potential for earnings.  

2. Become a Virtual Assistant (VA)

If you want to work from home and have administrative skills, consider becoming a virtual assistant (VA). Clients hire VAs to handle various tasks such as bookkeeping, social media management, and even client acquisition, all from remote locations.   To become a VA, you must be organized, efficient, and attentive to detail. The best part about being a VA is that it is a virtual job, so you can work from anywhere with an internet connection. All you need is a laptop and some free time, and you're ready to start your VA journey.   With companies outsourcing work to remote employees, there's never been a better time to work from home. As a virtual assistant, you can offer various services such as administrative work, customer support, data analysis, calendar management, data entry, and research.    You can secure a stable and lucrative income as a virtual assistant by building your portfolio, attracting larger clients, and networking. Check out the following websites for virtual assistant job opportunities and to showcase your skills:  
  • Upwork
  • Hubstaff
  • Fiverr
  • Craigslist

3. Monetize your social media presence

In 2023, the internet will continue to be a dominant force. It's not just a platform for communication but a lucrative source of income. If you have a talent for writing, photography, or creating content, then the internet provides ample opportunities to monetize these skills.   Suppose you have a substantial following on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or Twitter. You can turn it into a source of extra income. Advertise or sell products and services, become a brand ambassador, or act as an affiliate marketer for various companies to monetize your social media presence.    Here are some ways to use your online presence to generate income:  
  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Making Money on Instagram

4. Earn by creating videos

YouTube is a popular platform, with the top 10 channels earning a minimum of $20,000 monthly, not including merchandise sales or undisclosed endorsements. Being a YouTuber is now a legitimate career option, offering the potential to earn more than a traditional job.    Popular video topics include gaming and gamer videos, attracting millions of viewers. Note that owning a YouTube channel requires dedication, effort, time, and persistence, and success takes time, but the hard work can pay off.    Other video-sharing websites for monetizing your content include:  
  • TwitchTV
  • Break.com

5. Supplement your income with forum posting

Forum posting is an easy way to earn extra cash. New online forum owners often seek individuals to write posts for their topics and threads, helping to increase their website's popularity.    Creating high-quality, relevant posts allows you to draw attention to the forums, and taking on multiple clients can help grow your side income. Websites such as PaidForumPosting hire a select number of writers to post on their behalf.    Other platforms offering forum posting opportunities include:  
  • Fiverr
  • Freelancer
  • Hubstaff
  • Quora
  • Upwork

6. Online tutoring

Online tutoring is a fantastic opportunity for Filipinos to earn extra income in 2023. The boom in online education and the high caliber of Filipino teachers make it an ideal time to start tutoring online.  With the flexibility to work from home, it can easily fit into a busy schedule, even with a full-time job or familial responsibilities. Not only is the pay attractive, but tutors also have the satisfaction of positively impacting others' lives by helping them achieve their academic goals. If you have expertise in subjects such as math or science, consider earning extra money by tutoring online. First, create an account, provide your basic information, and include a resume if you have one.  Browse through available teaching opportunities by filtering based on subject or location. Click on each listing to view more details, such as the hourly pay and required qualifications, such as having an undergraduate degree.

7. Stock trading

Investing in the Philippine stock market offers potential for financial growth, with over 300 companies listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). Despite some economic challenges, the Philippines' stability remains strong among Southeast Asian nations.  Multiple investment options are available, including mutual funds, individual stock shares, and exchange-traded products (ETPs). Mutual funds are managed by professional investors, while ETPs are structured as contracts traded on exchanges. Additionally, derivatives such as options or futures contracts can provide exposure to specific stocks at a predetermined price or date. Stock trading offers a convenient side hustle option for Filipinos as it can be done from anywhere. To begin, select a broker and register. Next, select stocks to invest in and educate yourself on technical analysis to make informed buying and selling decisions.  

8. Online webinars

If you're seeking a low-effort side hustle with the potential to earn extra income, consider hosting online webinars. Hosting online webinars can be a lucrative side hustle. You can monetize your knowledge, skills, or expertise by creating and hosting webinars on various platforms. Online webinars are becoming a popular means of generating income online, and when executed correctly, they can provide a consistent source of income that requires little time investment from you. Start by selecting a subject that interests you and appeals to others' desire to learn. If there's already a lot of information available, differentiate yourself by offering a unique perspective. Next, discover the resources available for setting up an online platform for your webinar. Sites like Teachable and Shopify Academy provide free guides for establishing your virtual classroom and getting started. You can charge for access to the webinar. You can also offer it for free and monetize through advertising or a paid subscription for exclusive content. Promote your webinar through social media and other channels to reach a wider audience.  

9. Subtitling or dubbing videos

As the interest in language learning grows, individuals increasingly turn to YouTube for their lessons. This has resulted in a high demand for individuals who can translate content into different languages, offering you an excellent opportunity to make money. If you have proficiency in two or more languages, you can earn by translating videos and making them accessible to a broader audience by uploading them in both languages. Turn your passion for TV shows into a source of income by subtitling and dubbing videos from the comfort of your home. To be successful, you need to be an excellent writer and listener. However, be cautious not to violate copyright laws by subtitling or dubbing videos without obtaining permission from the creators.  

10. Paid research participant

Earn money by participating in studies as a paid research participant. Universities and companies conduct these studies to gather information about human behavior, health conditions, and more. You may be asked to answer questions or complete tasks like surveys or focus groups.  The qualifications for these positions can vary, including experience with certain software programs or a specific educational background. Earn anywhere from $10-15 per hour for your participation, which can supplement your income for basic living expenses.  

11. Mystery shopping

Mystery shopping is a way to earn extra money by evaluating customer service at stores, restaurants, and other businesses. You'll receive payment for visiting these establishments and providing a report on your experience.  It's a flexible opportunity that can be done from home or while traveling, with no prior experience required. With so many companies offering these opportunities, the amount you can earn each month is unlimited.  Mystery shopping also provides a fun and exciting break from your routine, keeping you motivated during your 9-to-5 job.  

12. Assembly or production work at home

If you have an engineering background and want to work from home, assembly or production work is a great option. It can be started with minimal equipment and materials, but it's essential to understand that it will take time to make you rich. Time and effort are necessary for success. To get started, research products suitable for assembly work and talk to those with experience in this field. Find affordable suppliers for the necessary components and ensure all your information is organized. Set up a comfortable workspace, free from distractions and allows you to keep track of your progress.  

13. Blogging or vlogging

Blogging and vlogging are popular methods for earning income online. While you can write about anything, it's crucial to have a passion for the topic. If you want to monetize your blog or vlog, affiliate marketing is an effective way. Many companies will give you free products to review on your platform in exchange for promoting their products or services. Additionally, some bloggers partner with another company to sell ad space on their site instead of doing it themselves. In this scenario, the partner company provides the ad service and receives a portion of the sales generated from clicks on the ads displayed on the blogger's site. This is called cost per mile or CPM.   

14. Selling on social media 

Selling on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram can be a profitable side hustle for individuals and small businesses. With billions of active users on these platforms, there's a large potential customer base to tap into. Here are some tips to help you get started:
  • Identify your niche: Choose a product or service you're knowledgeable about and passionate about selling. 
  • Build a solid online presence: Create a professional profile or page on each platform you want to sell and post regular, high-quality content to engage your followers.
  • Utilize social media features: Take advantage of the unique features of each platform to promote your products. 
  • Engage with your followers: Respond to comments and messages promptly and actively engage with your followers by asking questions and running promotions or contests. 
  • Utilize paid advertising: Paid advertising on social media platforms can effectively reach a larger audience and drive sales. 
Remember, selling on social media platforms takes time and effort, but if you're consistent and strategic in your approach, it can be a profitable side hustle.  

15. Home-based food delivery service

Food delivery is a growing industry, with more people opting for delivery as remote work becomes more common. This side job is an excellent opportunity if you have a vehicle and can make deliveries! The hours are flexible. The pay is reasonable. As demand grows, there's potential for increased earnings over time.

FAQs 

Can I earn PHP 20,000 per week on a side hustle?

Yes, earning PHP 20,000 per week is possible on a side hustle.   The term "side hustle" refers to how you make money in addition to your primary job. In this case, the side hustle is earning money through freelance work. Freelance work is when you work for multiple clients on different projects for a fee or wage. This can include writing articles or blog posts, designing logos and websites, programming code for apps or games, or even making videos or podcasts.   As long as there is a demand for your services and you can provide those services promptly at an affordable price, then yes—you can earn PHP 20,000 per week on your side hustle. 

Do you need a college degree to have a profitable side hustle?

If you want to start a business, college can help you get the education and training to make you competitive. However, if you're already working in your field, you may already have the training and experience needed to do well with your side hustle.   A college degree may not be necessary for some types of side hustles. For example, if you want to start a business as a freelance writer or in graphic design, having a college degree will be challenging. In these fields, many successful people didn't go to college. Many people did go to college but have yet to become successful in those fields.   If you're thinking about starting a business where people need specific education or training (such as medicine), then getting an education is likely essential for success. 

How do I know if a side hustle is a scam?

There are some telltale signs that you're dealing with a scam:  
  • They're asking for money upfront. If they're asking for money, it will not be worth your while.
  • They promise big profits from little effort. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!
  • They want you to do something illegal or unethical, like sharing information about yourself or others. If that happens and you don't report it, you could be held liable for the damages caused by their actions. And even worse, for any crimes they've committed.

Takeaway

If you're searching for a side job, leverage your existing skills and passions. If you have a talent or interest that can be transformed into a profitable venture, go for it! However, make sure it's something you're passionate about and that others are willing to pay for your services. Don't shy away from hard work, as more effort put into starting and growing a business leads to greater rewards in the long run. And don't give up! It takes time before any venture starts seeing a return on its investment or losses. If you're looking for a side hustle that can generate extra income while allowing you to pursue other interests, these ideas might be a good fit. Remember, when choosing one, align it with your skills and personality to avoid feeling overwhelmed.  
Flona
Flona / Customer Support Team @GMO

A Boss Level Tech nerd. Her interests range from all things web hosting to swiping food from the pantry. As she says, free food is the best food. You can't out nerd her and your food is definitely not safe when she's around.

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