100 Side Income Ideas for UK Freelancers

Freelance income can be a bit of a rollercoaster.

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Even with the best possible plans, your income can go up and down. Sometimes it’s due to the rhythms of the market you’re in, sometimes it can be due to a change in tech (hello AI). Sometimes it can be down to an algorithm changing completely, or a period of not being able to work. Which is why it’s handy to try and diversify your income as much as possible, or at the very least have a few side incomes that let you build up a buffer for those leaner months. I have plenty of ways for you to find clients in my 30+ Ways To Find Clients freebie, but this is about also adding other kinds of income.

(And if you’re ADHD like me, you might like the idea of mixing things up and trying new things to boost your bank balance)

From digital ventures and hands-on services to passive income ideas, this list of 100 side income ideas is tailored to UK-based freelancers. Some of these will be things you could add to your current services, and others are simply things you can easily add into your day-to-day life. No matter your experience level or schedule, you’ll find options that suit your lifestyle and goals.

Digital & Online Income Streams:

1. Affiliate marketing (recommend tools/services with a specific personalised link and earn commissions). This is a great one if there are tools you’re already recommending. Check if they have an affiliate program (it’ll be free) and grab your own link to start earning a little bit back from those recommendations you’re already making!
2. Selling digital products (eBooks, templates, workbooks). I’ve shared more about this option in a free passive income course here.
3. Creating and selling online courses (via Udemy, Teachable, etc.) Podia is my top choice, which I use for my courses (and here’s my affiliate link!)
4. Offering paid training or workshops (which you can then package up as a course later on, something Lizzy Goddard teaches in her course Profitable Live Trainings affiliate link)
5. Starting a niche blog with ad income
6. Writing sponsored blog posts
7. Monetising a YouTube channel (This one is a hard one, but if you’re doing well at short videos elsewhere like reels and tiktoks, it’s worth trying Youtube Shorts there)
8. Launching a subscription-based podcast (Hello Audio offers this, affiliate link here)
9. Selling stock photos, graphics, or videos (Shutterstock, Adobe Stock)
10. Offering design templates on Etsy or Canva marketplace
11. Selling digital planners or journals
12. Building and selling Notion templates or systems
13. Creating downloadable printables for parents, teachers, or businesses
14. Designing and selling font packs or icons
15. Running a paid newsletter subscription (Substack, Patreon)
16. Building a Shopify store for dropshipping
17. Selling on print-on-demand platforms (Merch by Amazon, Redbubble, Zazzle)
18. Developing and selling WordPress themes or plugins
19. Sell quiz presentation packs
20. Offering social media template packages
21. Content writing for businesses (blogs, emails, whitepapers)
22. Editing/proofreading work for other writers (or as a collaboration with another freelancer)
23. Offering SEO optimisation services
24. Becoming a Pinterest virtual assistant
25. Providing video editing services
26. Creating voiceovers for videos or podcasts
27. Writing newsletters for small businesses
28. Building and flipping websites (using platforms like Flippa)
29. Selling private mentoring or consulting sessions (or ‘pick my brain’ sessions)
30. Offering accountability coaching or virtual coworking
31. Providing press monitoring services for clients
32. Selling website audits for user experience (UX) or SEO
33. Offering webinar moderation or tech support
34. Create a page on your website with all your favourite tools (and include some affiliate links where suitable, like in my Favourite Tools page)
35. Creating lead magnets for businesses
36. Teaching or tutoring language lessons online
37. Offering live-stream moderation services
38. Becoming an online course reviewer/tester
39. Doing transcription work (Rev, TranscribeMe)
40. Offering captions/subtitles for videos
41. Creating and selling AI prompts (e.g., ChatGPT templates)
42. Running ads for clients (Google Ads, Facebook Ads)
43. Becoming an email list manager for newsletters
44. Selling Canva graphics to other freelancers or creators
45. Building sales funnels for coaches or course creators

Skill-Based Income Streams:

46. Teaching art or craft workshops locally
47. Selling handmade crafts on Etsy or at local markets
48. Offering pet-sitting or dog-walking services
49. Teaching music lessons (guitar, piano, vocals)
50. Tutoring students in subjects you’re skilled in
51. Offering public speaking coaching
52. Running CV writing or review services
53. Offering career coaching sessions in your area of focus
54. Conducting paid market research surveys or interviews
55. Teaching photography or videography basics
56. Creating commissioned art pieces
57. Hire out props to events and weddings
58. Offering food catering for small gatherings
59. Becoming a house-sitter for travellers
60. Offering proofreading/editing for university students
61. After school childcare or clubs at your child’s school
62. Offering PowerPoint presentation design services
63. Providing data entry for businesses
64. Teaching DIY home improvement skills (locally or online)
65. Running workshops on budgeting or personal finance
66. Becoming a freelance translator (if bilingual)
67. Teaching copywriting skills to small business owners
68. Offering tech troubleshooting or device setup services
69. Helping clients declutter their homes (minimalism coaching)
70. Organising kids’ parties or small local events
71. Offering gardening or landscaping services
72. Teaching sewing or knitting classes
73. Providing furniture painting or refurbishing services
74. Offering car valeting or detailing services
75. Hosting cooking classes (locally or online)
76. Assisting clients with meal prepping for the week
77. Becoming a voice or acting coach
78. Offering personal styling or wardrobe consultation
79. Providing makeup tutorials or bridal makeup services
80. Offering meditation, mindfulness, or breathwork classes
81. Selling handmade soap, candles, or skincare products
82. Doing paid mystery shopping gigs
83. Flipping thrifted furniture or clothes for resale

Passive Income & Low-Effort Ideas:

84. Using cashback apps/sites (TopCashback, Honey, Quidco) when you shop. Particularly good for booking travel, or Christmas presents.
85. Renting out unused tools, cameras, or gadgets
86. Renting out a spare room on Airbnb or similar platforms
87. Offering car-sharing services through platforms like Turo
88. Renting out storage space (Storemates or SpareRoom)
89. Selling old clothes on Vinted, Depop, or eBay
90. Investing in peer-to-peer lending platforms
91. Writing a book and self-publishing on Amazon Kindle
92. Earning through dividends from stocks or funds
93. Starting a small vending machine business (c’mon we’re up to number 93 now, they were bound to start getting a little odd)
94. Participating in paid research studies (local universities or online)
95. Selling digital audio like meditation tracks or white noise
96. Setting up a membership community (The Freelance Business Lounge, for instance!)
97. Hosting a paid online challenge (e.g., productivity bootcamp)
98. Running online trivia nights for businesses
99. Monetising hobby-based skills like board game creation
100. Licensing your work (e.g., artwork, music) for royalties

Conclusion:

Freelancing doesn’t have to mean relying on one income stream. By exploring some of these side income ideas, you can create more financial stability, discover new passions, and even turn small ventures into thriving businesses. Whether you’re tech-savvy, hands-on, or prefer passive income opportunities, there’s something here for everyone. Start small, test out a few ideas, and see where they take you—you might be surprised at how much you can achieve!

Which ideas resonate with you the most? I’d love to hear about your side income success stories!

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