How I Started Making Extra Money with Side Hustles
I’ve been a side hustler since 2020 and I’ve tried many different gigs like drop shipping, Doordash, Shipt, focus groups and user-generated content to name a few. In 2024 I decided to try and make $30,000 with side hustles and document the process on social media. As of August 2024, I’ve made $17,860 with side hustles. Not only am I sharing how much I make with side hustles on social media, I have also been fact checked by Business Insider, where they have verified my earnings so you know I’m telling the truth. The best side hustle opportunities I’ve found are participating in focus groups and user-generated content (UGC).
What is a focus group?
A focus group is a way for a company to learn what people think about a product, service or an advertisement. In a focus group, a small number of people get together either in-person or virtually and talk about a certain topic. A trained moderator helps guide the discussion. This lets people share their thoughts and experiences with others who have similar interests or backgrounds.
Is Participating in Focus Groups Legit?
Yes, participating in focus groups is a legitimate way to earn extra income in your spare time. Many reputable companies and research firms conduct these sessions, valuing genuine consumer feedback.
How to Maximize Your Focus Group Earnings
- Sign Up for Multiple Platforms: Register with several companies to increase opportunities.
- Be Honest and Engaged: Providing thoughtful feedback increases your chances of being selected again.
- Check Regularly: Opportunities can fill up fast, so frequent check-ins are essential. Browse the latest focus group studies on our job board.
How Much You Can Make with Focus Groups?
The amount you can make participating in focus groups ranges from the length and complexity of the study. On average you can expect to make $150 for a 90 minute session.
Perks:
One major perk of participating in focus groups experiencing products before they come out. This can be trying out new technology products before they hit the shelves or taste testing new food items. Earlier in the year I was paid over $1,250 and flown out to Chicago to give my opinion on new food items.
What is User Generated Content (UGC)?
User-generated content (UGC) refers to content created by everyday users rather than professional marketers or content creators. Brands utilize UGC to build authenticity and trust with their audience. Some typical UGC tasks include taking a selfie with a product, writing a testimonial, or creating a short video review.
UGC has gained popularity over the years as brands look for genuine content that resonates more with their audience. Several apps and platforms now connect brands with individuals willing to create this type of content. The app that I tested is now accepting creators from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Is User Generated Content (UGC) Legit?
Yes, UGC is a legitimate way to earn money. Many brands are willing to pay for genuine content created by real users. The job tasks can be simple, and you don’t need a social media following to get started. However, it’s essential to use reliable platforms to find these gigs to avoid scams.
How to Make Money with UGC
1. Sign Up: First, you need to sign up on a platform that offers UGC opportunities. Sign up for two of my favorite platforms here.
2. Browse Jobs: Once registered, you can browse available jobs. These could range from taking a selfie with a product to creating a short video review.
3. Create Content: After selecting a job, create the required content as per the brand’s guidelines.
4. Submit and Get Paid: Submit your content through the app. Once approved, you’ll receive payment for your work.
How Much You Can Make with UGC
The amount you can earn varies depending on the complexity of the task and the brand’s budget. On average, you can make anywhere from $5 to $100+ per task.
Examples:
Selfie with a Product: Some jobs are as simple as taking a selfie with a product and uploading it.
Video Reviews: Others might require creating a short video reviewing a product or service.
Perks:
One major perk of creating UGC is receiving free products from brands. Over time, I’ve received items like socks, cologne, water bottles, lamps, seltzers, and more. This not only adds value but also makes the job more enjoyable.
Making Passive Income From Side Hustles
I’ve been able to make passive income from my side hustle earnings by putting my money into a high yields savings account. High yields savings accounts offer higher APYs than traditional savings accounts by big banks. My current favorite high yields savings account is from Wealthfront.
Serious About Making Extra Money?
Browse 100s of focus groups. This job board complies studies from over 200 reputable sources and is updated daily.
Join the One Click Hustle membership. Get access to all the focus groups available on the job board along with an online course to help you maximize your earnings.