Introduction: Imagine having the freedom to work from anywhere, set your own schedule, and build an income doing something you actually enjoy. Sounds pretty amazing, right? The great news is that it’s totally possible! Whether you’re looking to earn extra cash on the side or replace your 9-to-5 altogether, there’s an online side hustle out there for you.
As someone who’s created online courses, run e-commerce stores, and dabbled in affiliate marketing, I can tell you firsthand—working online is not only achievable but incredibly rewarding. I’ve met countless women who’ve embraced the flexibility of the digital world. “I never knew how much I could achieve until I started my own online store,” says Alicia, a fellow entrepreneur I met in Lisbon.
In this post, I’m breaking down seven of the best side hustles for women who want to work online. Whether you love writing, coaching, designing, or selling, there’s an option that fits your strengths and lifestyle. Let’s dive in!
1. Freelancing: Turn Your Skills into Cash
If you have a marketable skill—writing, graphic design, virtual assistance, video editing, or even social media management—you can turn it into a thriving freelancing business. The beauty of freelancing is that you get to choose your clients, set your rates, and work on projects that excite you.
How to Get Started: • Identify your skills and create a portfolio.
• Sign up on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or PeoplePerHour.
• Network on LinkedIn and social media to attract clients.
Pro Tip: Specialize in a niche (like email marketing for coaches or Pinterest management for small businesses) to stand out and charge higher rates.
I remember when I first started freelancing. It was nerve-wracking, but once I settled into my niche, everything changed. “I’ve built a steady stream of clients, and I work from anywhere I choose,” shares Mirna, a freelance social media manager I met in Mexico. “Freelancing has given me the freedom I’ve always wanted.”
2. Coaching & Consulting: Share Your Expertise
Do people always come to you for advice? Whether it’s business, life, fitness, or career coaching, you can turn your knowledge into a profitable side hustle. Coaching and consulting allow you to work one-on-one with clients or create group programs for an even bigger impact.
How to Get Started:
• Define your niche and target audience.
• Offer free sessions or content to showcase your expertise.
• Use platforms like Zoom, Teachable, or Thinkific to host coaching sessions.
Pro Tip: Build an engaged audience on Instagram or YouTube to attract potential clients faster!
I’ve had the privilege of working with a few incredible coaches who’ve built thriving businesses online. One of them, Jazmine, shared her story: “I started by offering free webinars, and now I have a full-fledged coaching business that lets me work from anywhere.”
3. Print-on-Demand: Sell Custom Products Without Inventory
Want to sell t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, or phone cases without dealing with inventory? Print-on-demand (POD) makes it possible! You create designs, upload them to a POD platform, and they handle the printing, shipping, and fulfillment. You only pay when you make a sale—no upfront costs!
Best Platforms: Printful, Redbubble, Teespring, Printify
How to Get Started: • Choose a niche (funny pet quotes, empowerment messages, book lover designs, etc.).
• Use Canva or Photoshop to create simple designs.
• List your products on Etsy, Shopify, or POD marketplaces.
Pro Tip: Trendy, niche-specific designs (like ‘Plant Mom’ t-shirts or ‘Introvert Club’ mugs) sell better than generic ones!
I met Lydia, a creative entrepreneur, who turned her passion for illustration into a successful POD business. “I started with just a few designs, and now I’ve built a brand that resonates with people,” she says.
4. Affiliate Marketing: Earn Passive Income by Promoting Products
Love recommending products you use and swear by? With affiliate marketing, you can earn commissions for promoting products on your blog, social media, or YouTube channel.
Best Affiliate Programs:
• Amazon Associates
• ShareASale
• CJ Affiliate
• Shopify Affiliate Program
How to Get Started:
• Choose a niche you love (beauty, business tools, fitness, books, etc.).
• Join affiliate programs and get unique tracking links.
• Share your recommendations via blog posts, social media, or YouTube videos.
Pro Tip: Don’t just drop links—create valuable content that naturally includes your affiliate recommendations.
Affiliate marketing has been a game-changer for me, especially when I created content around tools I personally use. “It’s like earning money while doing what I love,” says Rachel, a lifestyle blogger who has built a successful affiliate marketing business.
5. E-Commerce: Start Your Own Online Store
Got a knack for creating handmade products? Love curating beautiful things? E-commerce lets you build a business selling physical or digital products without a brick-and-mortar store.
Best Platforms: Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce
How to Get Started:
• Decide what you want to sell (handmade jewelry, vintage clothes, digital planners, etc.).
• Set up your store and list your products.
• Market your business via social media, email, and Pinterest.
Pro Tip: Etsy is great for handmade and digital products, while Shopify works best for building your own brand.
I’ve met many inspiring women who’ve turned their passion for products into a business. One of my favorites is Alicia, who started with handmade candles and now runs a full-fledged e-commerce store. “E-commerce has been my ticket to location independence,” she says.
6. Digital Products: Sell eBooks, Templates, and Courses
Imagine making money while you sleep—digital products make it possible! Once you create a product, you can sell it over and over again without ongoing work. eBooks, planners, social media templates, and online courses are all great options.
Best Platforms: Gumroad, Etsy, Sellfy, Teachable
How to Get Started:
• Identify a problem you can solve (budget planners, Instagram templates, fitness guides).
• Create your product using Canva or Google Docs.
• List it on your website, Etsy, or a digital marketplace.
Pro Tip: Bundle multiple products together for a higher-value offer!
Creating digital products has been a fantastic way for me to generate income while traveling. “I created an eBook on digital marketing and now it sells consistently,” says Sarah, a fellow digital nomad.
7. Online Tutoring & Teaching: Monetize Your Knowledge
If you’re great at explaining concepts or have expertise in a particular subject, online tutoring can be a fantastic side hustle. Whether it’s academic tutoring, language teaching, or business skills coaching, there’s always demand.
Best Platforms: VIPKid, Teachable, Outschool
How to Get Started:
• Choose a subject you love (math, English, music, business skills, etc.).
• Sign up for a tutoring platform or create your own courses.
• Market yourself via social media and referrals.
Pro Tip: Teaching conversational English online is an easy entry point for beginners!
I’ve met several women who’ve turned their teaching skills into a successful side hustle. Maria, an online English teacher, shared her experience: “I started teaching English to students in Asia, and it’s been a wonderful way to support my travels while helping others.”
Conclusion: Start Your Online Hustle Today!
Now that you’ve seen the best online side hustles for women, it’s time to take action! Whether you’re drawn to freelancing, coaching, e-commerce, or digital products, there’s never been a better time to start.
Digital Boss Woman 