Sales & marketing

Ten side hustle ideas you can launch using just your laptop

First step: Choose your niche

Before you begin building your first website, you’ll need to decide which niche you’re going to target with your marketing.?

(6) Video production

Brands are increasingly eager to use the services of video producers, and the costs involved in producing videos both in terms of hardware and software continue to fall.

If you have a good understanding of production and the appropriate basic equipment (with software like Microsoft’s Premier Pro installed, for example), a side hustle producing short videos can easily be launched with just a laptop.

First step: Invest in video editing software

Examples of popular video editing software include Premier Pro, Movie Maker and iMovie.

(7) Translation

Even though many translation services are now handled by technology, human translation is still needed for good quality, accurate translations.

The majority of books, websites, manuals and guides all need to be translated in detail from one language to another. This can be where your side hustle come in.

English has become the universal language, however there are 6, 500 other spoken and written languages around the world.

So, if you’re fluent in a foreign language, you can earn extra money translating into English. There are a growing number of online platforms where freelance translators can register and advertise their services.

First step: Select types of translation to specialise in

If you’re fully versed in the specialist jargon of a particular industry, you may find it easier acquiring translating work.

(8) Proofreading

The process of checking the quality of written content, including checking for typos, grammatical error and general flow, is known as proofreading.

For anyone with an eye for detail and some editing experience, proofreading may offer a great side hustle business opportunity.

A proofreading venture can be launched and run entirely from a laptop, with side hustlers able to work wherever they want, as much or as little as possible.

Startup costs for a proofreading side hustle will be low, since all you’re likely to need is an internet connection. However, it may take some time to build up a regular base of clients, so you may not be able to make money overnight.

First step: Understand your customers? expectations

Publishing houses might have different proofreading needs and expectations to self-publishers, for example.

(9) Social media management

Social media is an increasingly effective marketing tool for businesses. However, an effective social media strategy often involves an ongoing stream of original content, requiring the time and man-power small businesses don’t often have.