Side Hustle Success: Navigating the Gig Economy in the UK

ByMichael Percy Published on Reading Time: 11 minutes
Delve into the thriving UK gig economy with our guide to side hustles. Discover how to navigate, manage, and succeed alongside your full-time job. Curious about the best strategies?
Navigating the gig economy: Fresh Kit's guide to UK side hustle success
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With increasing living costs and economic uncertainty, many people in the UK are turning to side hustles as a way to boost their income and gain financial stability. The rise of the gig economy and online platforms has made it easier than ever to find and pursue side hustle opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to provide readers with an overview of the different types of side hustles available in the UK, as well as practical tips and advice for finding and pursuing the right opportunity, balancing it with a full-time job, and navigating the legal and financial considerations.

You can find links to many of the resources mentioned here at the end of the article, so be sure to bookmark it so you can keep coming back in future.

Types of Side Hustles

Online Gig Work

These are side hustles that can be done entirely online, such as freelance writing, graphic design, programming, data entry, and virtual assistance. These opportunities are often flexible and can be done on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on the individual’s schedule and availability.

There are a variety of online platforms and marketplaces that can help you to find work for your side hustle, depending on the type of service you’re providing. Here are a few examples of popular sites for different types of side hustles:

  • Freelance writing: Upwork, Freelancer, Problogger Job Board, Guru, Contena
  • Graphic design: Upwork, Freelancer, 99designs, DesignCrowd, Dribbble
  • Programming: Upwork, Freelancer, GitHub, Stack Overflow, Toptal
  • Data entry: Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, Amazon Mechanical Turk, Clickworker
  • Virtual assistance: Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, Zirtual, Time Etc

These are just a few examples, there are many other sites and platforms out there and new ones are appearing all the time. Its good to explore and find the one that fit you better, also bear in mind that some sites may be more popular in certain regions or industries. Also creating your own website or social media account can be also a great way to connect with potential clients and showcase your work.

Traditional Gig Work

These are side hustles that involve providing a service or product to customers, such as driving for Uber or Lyft, delivering food or packages, or performing odd jobs through platforms like TaskRabbit.

There are many online platforms and marketplaces that offer traditional gig work opportunities as a side hustle. Here are a few examples:

  • Ride-sharing: Uber, Lyft, Free Now, Kapten
  • Delivery: Deliveroo, UberEats, JustEat, Amazon Flex
  • Task and errand running: TaskRabbit, Airtasker, Thumbtack, Fiverr
  • Handyman services: TaskRabbit, Airtasker, Thumbtack
  • Pet-sitting and dog-walking: Rover, Barkly, BarkHappy
  • Cleaning: TaskRabbit, Airtasker, Helpling
  • Outdoor jobs: TaskRabbit, Airtasker, GreenPal
  • Photography and videography: Snappr, Fiverr, Upwork, PeoplePerHour

Note that, these platforms vary in their availability in different countries and regions. Also, some of these platforms may have specific requirements, such as background checks or certifications, depending on the services provided and location. it’s important to do your research and compare different opportunities to find the one that fits you best.

Small Business Ventures

This type of side hustle involves starting your own business, such as opening an Etsy shop or dropshipping. These opportunities usually require a bigger investment of time and money upfront, but can potentially yield a significant return.

There are a variety of online platforms and marketplaces that can help you to start a small business venture as a side hustle, such as opening an Etsy shop or dropshipping. Here are a few examples:

  • E-commerce platforms: Etsy, Shopify, Amazon, eBay, BigCommerce
  • Dropshipping: Oberlo, AliExpress, Spocket, Doba, Modalyst
  • Print on Demand: Printful, Teespring, Redbubble, Society6, Zazzle
  • Wholesale marketplaces: SaleHoo, Alibaba, Global Sources

These platforms allow you to set up an online store, list products, and sell to customers without the need for a physical storefront. With dropshipping, you don’t even have to hold any inventory and can instead source your products from a supplier and have them shipped directly to your customers. With print on demand, you can design and upload products and only print them once they are purchased.

However, keep in mind that, starting a small business venture requires a bigger investment of time and money upfront, and also you should be aware of the competition and regulations in your area. Additionally, it’s important to do your research, learn about the platform and process, understand the market and target audience and create a good marketing strategy.

Rental Opportunities

This type of side hustle involves renting out assets you own, such as a spare room on Airbnb, renting out your car on Turo, or renting out your parking space on JustPark. These opportunities require relatively little investment and can provide a steady stream of income.

Renting out assets you own, such as a spare room or a car, can be a great way to earn extra income as a side hustle. Here are a few popular platforms that can help you to do this:

  • Room and apartment rentals: Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Couchsurfing
  • Car rentals: Turo, Getaround, Drivy, CarNextDoor
  • Parking rentals: JustPark, YourParkingSpace, Parklet
  • Storage rentals: Storemates, Spacer, Stashbee
  • Boat and yacht rentals: Click&Boat, Boatsetter, Nautal

These platforms allow you to list your property or assets, set rental rates, and connect with renters. Many of these platforms also handle the payment process and provide insurance coverage to protect your assets. However, before renting out assets, it’s important to check any local laws and regulations, as well as insurance coverage and potential tax implications. Make sure you comply with the rules and regulations to avoid any issues and protect your assets.

Finding the Right Side Hustle

Before starting a side hustle, it’s important to take a look at your skills, interests and what type of work you would enjoy doing. Think about what you’re good at, what you have experience in and what you find interesting, this will make your search for a side hustle more focused.

Once you have an idea of what type of side hustle you want to pursue, it’s important to do your research and compare different opportunities. Look at things like earning potential, required skills, time commitment, and ease of entry. Make sure to read reviews and testimonials from other people who have pursued similar opportunities.

How to Win More Work

Networking is key to success in any field, including the world of side hustles. Reaching out to people who are already working in your chosen field can be a great way to learn about potential opportunities, get advice and guidance, and find potential clients or customers.

Building a portfolio and social media account to showcase your work can be very helpful in finding new opportunities and clients. It also allows you to look more professional and serious to potential clients.

Here are our top tips for getting the most out of your side hustle:

  1. Network: Networking is an essential aspect of finding more work for your side hustle. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with other business owners and entrepreneurs in your field. Building a network of contacts can help you to find new clients and customers, as well as learn about new opportunities and potential collaborations.
  2. Utilise online platforms: There are a variety of online platforms and marketplaces that can help you to find more work for your side hustle, such as Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn ProFinder. Building a strong profile, providing quality work and getting positive reviews can increase your visibility and make it more likely for potential clients to find you.
  3. Build a portfolio and showcase your work: A strong portfolio can be an effective tool for winning more work for your side hustle. Create a website or online presence to showcase your portfolio and demonstrate your skills and experience. Also make sure to share your portfolio in your networking activities, and use it in your pitch when selling your services.
  4. Optimize your pricing strategy: Pricing your services competitively can help you to win more work. Make sure to research the going rates for similar services in your industry and adjust your prices accordingly. It may also be worth considering offering different service packages or custom quotes to cater to different clients’ needs and budgets.
  5. Be proactive: Don’t wait for clients to come to you. Be proactive in reaching out to potential clients and offering your services. Also, think about cold emailing or cold calling, prepare a script and be ready for objections.
  6. Deliver exceptional customer service: Once you have a client, make sure to deliver exceptional customer service. This can help to build a positive reputation, increase the likelihood of repeat business and lead to client recommendations to others.
  7. Be open to new opportunities: Be open to new and different opportunities, don’t be close minded about new projects that may come your way and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

These are just a few strategies that can help you to win more work for your side hustle. Remember that success takes time and persistence, so be patient and keep pushing forward.

Balancing your Side Hustle with your Full-time Job

One of the biggest challenges of having a side hustle is finding the time to pursue it while also maintaining your full-time job. It’s important to create a schedule that allows you to balance your time effectively, by using strategies such as prioritising tasks, setting specific goals, and breaking work down into manageable chunks.

In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate with your employer to create a more flexible work schedule that allows you to pursue your side hustle. This could include working a compressed schedule, telecommuting, or taking a sabbatical.

Having a side hustle can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be taxing, both physically and mentally. It’s important to set boundaries for yourself and make sure you’re taking care of your health and well-being. This means not taking on too much work, getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Legal and Financial Considerations

Depending on the type of side hustle you’re pursuing, you may need to register your business and obtain certain licenses or permits. This can include registering for self-employment taxes, getting a sales tax permit, or obtaining a license or certification to practice a certain profession.

As a self-employed person, you’ll be responsible for paying your own taxes and making sure you’re in compliance with any relevant laws and regulations. This can include registering as a self-employed worker with HMRC, submitting self-assessment tax returns, and paying taxes on any income you earn from your side hustle.

If your side hustle involves working with customers or clients, it’s important to make sure you have the appropriate insurance coverage to protect yourself and your business in case of accidents or injuries. This can include general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, and/or product liability insurance.

Concluding this Side Hustle Article

In summary, the article has provided a look at the different types of side hustles available in the UK, including online gig work, traditional gig work, small business ventures, and rental opportunities. It also highlighted the importance of considering your skills and interests, researching opportunities, networking and reaching out to others, and creating a balance with your full-time job.

It’s clear that side hustles are becoming an increasingly popular way to boost income and gain financial stability. It can also be a great way to pursue passions, gain new skills and experience, and have more control over your career.

While starting a side hustle can have its challenges, by following the tips and advice provided in this article, and with the right mindset, you’ll be well on your way to success.

With a bit of hard work and determination, your side hustle has the potential to turn into something truly rewarding and fulfilling.

Notes on UK Availability of Platforms

Many of the platforms and marketplaces mentioned are available in the UK and can be used for various side hustle opportunities. However, it’s worth noting that availability and regulations may vary depending on the specific platform and the type of asset or service being offered.

For example, Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com are widely used in the UK for renting out spare rooms or entire properties. Turo and Getaround are used for car rental. JustPark, YourParkingSpace and Parklet are used for renting out parking space.

On the other hand, certain platforms such as Storemates, Spacer, and Stashbee, which are popular for storage rental, might not be as widely used in the UK as in other countries.

It’s always a good idea to check the regulations and laws of your area, as well as the terms and conditions of the specific platform you are using to ensure compliance, and avoid potential issues.

List of Side Hustle Websites

Freelance work:

E-commerce Platforms:

Renting out assets:

Traditional Gig Work

Please keep in mind that the classifications of the links above are based on the most relevant one, so there could be some overlap, it’s up to you to decide which classification fits them best. Again, it’s important to check the regulations and laws of your area, as well as the terms and conditions of the specific platform you are using to ensure compliance.

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