6 Popular Service Business Side Hustles You Can Do In Your Spare Time

Are you looking to make some extra money? If so, you’re not alone. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of people starting side hustles in addition to their full-time job. A side hustle is a way to make money outside of your primary source of income.

There are several popular side hustles that people are pursuing these days. And, the best part is, many of these side hustles can be done in your spare time! If you’re looking for some ideas, read on for 6 popular service business side hustles you can do in your spare time.

1. Social Media Manager

If you have experience managing social media accounts or creating content for social media, you can offer this service to small business owners who don’t have the time or expertise to do it themselves.

Tips to offer this service:

a. Identify your target audience – Small business owners who struggle with social media and content creation would be your ideal clients.

b. Develop your skills – Take courses, read blogs, and practice to improve your skills in social media management and content creation.

c. Build a portfolio – Create social media accounts and content for yourself or for friends and family members. Use those examples to showcase your skills.

d. Determine your pricing – Evaluate the current market rates and set a price that suits your skills and experience.

e. Reach out to potential clients – Utilize social media platforms such as LinkedIn or attend networking events to connect with small business owners who may need your services.

f. Be professional – Provide excellent customer service and deliver quality work to your clients. Word of mouth can greatly benefit your business.

Offering social media management and content creation services to small business owners can be a rewarding and lucrative business venture.

2. Dog Walking/Sitting

If you love animals, you can offer dog walking or pet sitting services. This is a great side hustle because it can be done on your own time and you can charge a decent rate for your services.

Here are some tips to get started:

a. Decide on your services: Will you offer dog walking, pet sitting, or both? Will you specialize in one type of pet, such as dogs, cats, or birds? Determine exactly what services you will offer and how much you will charge.

b. Advertise your services: Spread the word about your new pet care business by posting flyers in your local community, creating social media pages, and offering your services on websites like Rover or Care.com.

c. Build relationships with clients: Ask clients for feedback and make sure you're meeting their needs. Only take on as many clients as you can handle without neglecting any pets or owners.

d. Be professional: Always show up on time, dress appropriately, and communicate effectively with clients.

e. Focus on safety: Make sure you know how to handle pets safely and are aware of any health issues or allergies.

f. Consider insurance and bonding: Getting insured and bonded can protect you in case of an accident, theft, or another unfortunate event.

Overall, pet care can be a rewarding and enjoyable side hustle for animal lovers, while also providing an extra source of income.

3. Cleaning Services

Many people don’t have the time or energy to keep their homes clean. If you’re good at cleaning, you can offer your services to busy professionals or families.

Here are some tips on how to start your own cleaning business:

a. Develop a business plan: Before starting your cleaning business, you need to develop a business plan. This should include your goals, target market, pricing strategies, and marketing plan.

b. Decide on your services: Decide on the type of cleaning services you want to offer. Will you offer regular house cleaning, deep cleaning, move-in or move-out cleaning, or all of them?

c. Get the necessary equipment: You will need cleaning supplies, equipment, and transportation to start your cleaning business. Start with the basic equipment you need, such as a vacuum cleaner, mop, cleaning solution, and rags.

d. Set your rates: Set your rates competitively within your local market. Consider your expenses, time, and competition when setting your rates.

e. Create a marketing plan: You can advertise your cleaning business through flyers, online advertisements, or word of mouth. Create a marketing plan that fits your budget and target market.

f. Provide excellent customer service: Provide excellent customer service to ensure returning customers and referrals. Listen to your client's needs and customize your services accordingly.

Starting a cleaning business requires some initial investment, time, and effort, but it is a profitable and rewarding business if done right. Additionally, being an AI language model, I am not eligible to start a business of any kind whatsoever.

4. Lawn Care

During the warmer months, many homeowners need help with lawn care. If you’re physically able and have experience with lawn care, this can be a great side hustle.

Here are some tips on how to start a lawn care side hustle:

a. Gather supplies: You’ll need a lawn mower, trimmers, edgers, and other tools necessary for lawn care. Make sure to invest in good quality equipment that will last.

b. Decide on your services: Will you only mow lawns or offer additional services like trimming bushes or fertilizing? Make a list of the services you’re willing to provide and determine your pricing.

c. Advertise your services: Start by telling your friends and family about your side hustle. You can also post on social media and community forums to reach a wider audience.

d. Build a network: Once you start getting clients, ask for referrals and build a network of satisfied customers. Word of mouth is a powerful tool in growing your business.

e. Manage your time: Balance your lawn care side hustle with your other commitments. Make sure to schedule time for lawn care around your existing schedule.

f. Keep it legal: Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain a business license or register with local authorities. Check with your city or state government to make sure you’re operating legally.

Starting a lawn care side hustle can be a profitable way to make extra money. With the right equipment, services, and marketing strategy, you can grow your business and become a trusted source for lawn care in your community.

5. Tutoring

If you’re knowledgeable in a particular subject, you can offer your tutoring services to students who need extra help. This can be done in person or online.

Tips on how to start your tutoring service:

a. Determine your target market and subject area: Decide on the specific subject or subjects you want to tutor in and determine the age group, level, and location of your target market.

b. Set your prices: Research the current rates for tutoring services in your area and set competitive prices for your services.

c. Create a website: Establishing a website, profile, or online presence on social media can help you reach more students, promote your services and maintain an online presence as an expert in your field of tutoring.

d. Promote your services: Spread the word about your tutoring services by posting flyers, creating social media profiles, reaching out to schools, and asking for referrals from satisfied customers.

e. Stay open to feedback: Always listen to feedback from students and parents, and adjust your teaching methods or approach if necessary to ensure continual success.

Remember, getting into the tutoring business requires patience, commitment, and the right skills. As a tutor, you should be patient, understanding, and a good communicator. You'll need to be able to communicate complex ideas and tailor your teaching approaches to a student’s specific needs to help them succeed.

6. Personal Shopping/Errand Running

Some people would rather pay someone else to handle their errands or shop for them. If you have good time management skills and are organized, you can offer this service to busy individuals.

Here are some steps to offer an errand and shopping service:

a. Research the market: Before you start your service, it's important to research the market to understand the demand for an errand and shopping service in your area. Check with busy people, senior citizens, and working parents to see if they would be interested in this service.

b. Create a business plan: Develop a business plan that outlines your service offerings, target market, pricing, and marketing strategies. This will help you stay organized and focused on your goals.

c. Determine your pricing: You can charge either an hourly rate or a flat fee per task. Make sure to research the going rates in your area to ensure that you are pricing your services competitively.

d. Set up a scheduling system: To manage your time efficiently, set up a scheduling system that allows your clients to book your services in advance. This can be done through a website, phone, or email.

e. Build relationships with local businesses: Partnering with local businesses such as grocery stores, dry cleaners, and pharmacies can help you save time on errands and offer better service to your clients.

f. Promote your service: Advertise your service through social media, flyers, and referrals. Word-of-mouth marketing is an effective way to build your reputation and attract new clients.

g. Deliver exceptional service: Make sure to exceed your client's expectations by providing excellent customer service, being punctual, and completing tasks efficiently.

Offering an errand and shopping service can be a profitable and rewarding business if you are willing to put in the effort to build a successful service.

No matter which side hustle you choose, make sure it’s something you enjoy doing and have skills in. With a little bit of effort, a side hustle can turn into a profitable business!