Hi, I’m Alice, and I’m a big fan of digital marketing side hustles. I work as a full-time content marketer but often take on freelance writing gigs to supplement my income. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about digital marketing and how to make side hustles work for you. In this blog, I’ll cover my top tips for turning a side hustle into a sustainable income stream.
Digital marketing is big business in 2025, with almost every brand wanting to establish an online presence. Using social media, websites, and other online channels, digital marketing companies can connect with their target market and promote key products and services.
For those with the right skills, digital marketing side hustles can be lucrative! Whether you’re a social media expert, a pro at lead generation through email marketing, or have the analytical skills to manage ads on Google, you can make money by offering freelance support to companies.
Why Digital Marketing Side Hustles Are a Smart Choice
Digital marketing side hustles are one of the best ways to earn extra income. This year, global digital ad spending is expected to exceed $750 billion, and the surge in investment highlights the many opportunities that are available.
If you’re an experienced marketer — or even a new one! — getting set up for online marketing side jobs is straightforward and requires little to no initial investment. With the right plan in place and a laptop by your side, you can connect with potential customers and get started quickly.
One of the most appealing aspects of digital marketing freelancing is the flexibility it provides. You’ll usually be able to work at any time that suits you and from anywhere in the world – provided there’s an internet connection, of course. This gives you the freedom to work around your other commitments, whether that be a full-time job, family responsibilities, or pursuing hobbies.
Marketing skills are in high demand in most sectors, so you can tailor your side job to your interests. Some of the most popular niches include content writing and copywriting, social media management, email marketing, running Facebook and Google Ads, and affiliate marketing.
Start your side hustle today by using Durable’s AI Website Builder. Generate a professional site in seconds to showcase your skills.
What Makes a Good Digital Side Hustle?
A good side hustle isn’t only about making money — it’s also about finding something that fits with your interests, strengths, and lifestyle. When you create a digital marketing freelancing plan, it’s worth thinking about what’s most important to you.
For many people, flexible hours and being able to work remotely are top priorities when it comes to side gigs. The freedom to set your own schedule helps freelancers juggle multiple projects simultaneously and handle other responsibilities. This freedom also has mental health benefits, allowing side hustlers to work when they feel most productive and maintain a career while finding a better work-life balance.
Most people who start a side hustle are interested in supplementing their income, so the high earning potential associated with remote digital marketing jobs is also a huge advantage. Depending on your experience and specialism, you could charge up to $150 per hour.
In some cases, digital marketing side hustles can even replace full-time jobs. As digital marketing continues to grow, there are significant opportunities to scale your freelance work into a full-time business or digital marketing agency. With the freedom to choose your clients, manage the volume of work you take on, and set your own prices, you’ll have more autonomy.
Does starting your own agency sound like the next step? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to build your own digital marketing agency.
Best Digital Marketing Side Hustles to Start Today
So, what are the best side hustles in digital marketing? With the digital landscape continually developing, there are plenty of opportunities for individuals to make an online marketing side income.
We’ve listed 11 top jobs in the digital marketing gig economy and how to start side hustles in each:
#1. Freelance Digital Marketing Services
If you have a background in marketing, providing general digital skills may be a good option for you. You can assist businesses with a range of marketing services — from SEO and content to PPC — or specialize in one area to make your services more targeted.
Start your side hustle by posting on LinkedIn, leveraging your existing network, or pitching your services directly to businesses.
Additionally, Upwork and Fiverr are some of the best platforms for freelance digital marketers to grow their network and make new connections. Create a strong profile, highlight your experience with a portfolio, and gather testimonials to build your reputation and freelance career.
#2. Social Media Management
Social media management for small businesses focuses on growth across key channels such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn. It’s a varied side hustle, covering a mix of organic content creation, audience engagement work, and paid advertising.
To succeed, you’ll need a strong understanding of each social media platform’s features, engagement metrics, and content strategies. You may also want to build your own social media channels, or create a portfolio that shows you can use tools like Canva for social media marketing.
Freelancer platforms, such as Upwork and Fiverr, are great places to find relevant projects. You can also post on social media platforms, join Facebook and LinkedIn groups to network, or reach out to businesses directly to pitch your services.
Learn how to start your own social media management business →
#3. Affiliate Marketing
An affiliate marketing side hustle lets you earn commission on each sale made through a unique referral link. It typically involves managing your own social media platforms or website, growing a community, and promoting products.
The biggest challenge in affiliate marketing is growing a personal brand online. But, once you have an audience in place, you can generate a passive income as people buy products through your affiliate links.
You can begin affiliate marketing in a few straightforward steps:
- Set up a social media channel or website, like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok.
- Sign up for an affiliate marketing program, such as Amazon Associates or Awin, or contact brands that you’d like to work with.
- Create engaging content, reviews, and recommendations on your channels — and include your unique referral link so people can make a purchase.
- Track your performance to optimize your content, grow your audience, and make more profit!
#4. Email Marketing Side Hustle
Email marketing side hustles involve creating and sending email campaigns for businesses — from newsletters to nurture sequences.
You might be involved with writing compelling subject lines, creating engaging content, or organizing distribution lists. You’ll need to know how to use tools like Mailchimp and ConvertKit to automate emails and analyze campaign metrics, such as open rates.
If you’re wondering how to sell email marketing side hustle strategies, networking on social media is a good place to start. You can also join online freelance platforms, like freelancer.com, and reach out to businesses directly.
#5. Freelance Content Writing & Copywriting
“Content is king” has never been more true than in today’s digital landscape. Freelance copywriting for digital marketing is in demand across all industries, and it’s a popular niche for freelancers because you can find work that interests you.
Content writing for digital marketing covers everything from landing page and blog creation, to writing product descriptions and copy editing. It requires excellent communication skills and a broad understanding of marketing aims.
A strong portfolio of your work is vital if you want to make content writing your side hustle. Build up examples of your copywriting across a range of channels so that you can showcase your abilities.
To find clients, network with your existing contacts, engage with prospective customers on social media, and join freelance platforms like Textbroker and ProBlogger, where companies are actively searching for content creation skills.
Learn how to start your own copywriting business →
#6. Running Facebook & Google Ads
For more analytical marketers, PPC (pay-per-click) ad management is a data-driven digital marketing side hustle. It involves Google, Facebook, and Instagram ad management and optimization.
To get started, you’ll need to learn the basic differences between different platforms. You might find it helpful to complete some online courses, such as the Google Ad Certification and Meta’s Blueprint.
You can find clients via freelancer sites, such as Upwork and Fiverr, or by reaching out to local businesses on LinkedIn and Facebook.
#7. Selling Digital Products
Digital product sales have boomed in recent years, with side hustlers creating and distributing e-books, online guides, virtual courses, and more.
The best way to get started selling digital products is to identify a trending niche — from meditation to brand building — and create a high-quality product related to it. For example, if you’re an experienced designer, you could create and sell social media templates.
One of the best places to promote these types of digital products is social media. Whether you’re sharing a sales guide on LinkedIn or an organizer template on TikTok, the key is knowing your audience’s needs and providing real value.
#8. Influencer Marketing Management
The influencer marketing industry has more than tripled since 2020, reaching an estimated $33bn in 2025. Brands are keen to work with influencers to promote their products through carefully created social media posts — the best of which drive sales through social proof and authenticity.
As a digital marketer, you’ll negotiate brand deals, manage contracts, and report on campaign performance. You can work brand-side or for the influencers themselves.
To set things in motion, it’s a good idea to learn about market trends and use tools like BuzzSumo to find up-and-coming influencers. You can then contact key influencers and brands to offer your services or look on freelance platforms like Influencity to find current projects that need support.
#9. Freelance SEO Services
SEO services improve website visibility and rankings, focusing on keywords, page loading times, and more. It is a vital part of digital marketing and, as a result, there’s lots of demand from businesses.
A freelance SEO specialist might focus on on-page or technical SEO, and both will require a high level of technical understanding. Side hustlers also need SEO tools for freelancers for the best results.
To take a first step into this side hustle, you could offer a free audit of a website that highlights areas for SEO improvement and promote it on LinkedIn, or join freelancer websites, like Upwork and Fiverr.
#10. Freelance Graphic Design Work
Freelance graphic design can be a creative and rewarding side hustle. You could work on logos and branding, sales leaflets, website design, or printed materials.
To find clients, you’ll need a strong portfolio that showcases your designs and demonstrates you can work with key tools, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Canva. Once you have that, you can connect with your existing network, publish a post on LinkedIn, or join specialist freelance platforms, like 99designs or Dribble.
Learn how to start your own graphic design business →
#11. Video Marketing
With the popularity of YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels, the demand for freelance video marketing services is growing quickly.
If you’re interested in making video marketing a side hustle, you’ll need both video creation skills and an understanding of how to promote products and services online. Depending on your interests, you could offer an end-to-end service, or choose to focus on video production, editing, or animation.
Like many other niches, you’ll need a portfolio to get paid work. Once you have some examples of the videos you can produce, you can find clients with a profile on PeoplePerHour or Fiverr.
Ready to get started with your side hustle? Find out how our AI-powered tools support digital marketers.
How Much Can You Make From a Digital Marketing Side Hustle?
If you’re wondering how to make money with digital marketing, you’re not alone. Many new freelancers have questions about monetizing skills and how much additional income they can bring in.
As a part-time marketer, you can expect to charge anywhere from $25 to $150 per hour, but many factors influence digital side hustle incomes. For example, you can expect higher fees if you have more experience or decide to work in a high-demand, specialist industry, like finance or healthcare.
You might also find that some months are better than others. Most industries have seasonal uplifts and quieter periods throughout the year, and that impacts the digital marketing gig economy too.
Overall, if you’re able to adapt to market requirements, build a strong portfolio, and deliver consistent results, you can scale your side hustle and earn more income over time.
Should You Tell Your Boss About Your Side Hustle?
While it's generally a good idea to be upfront with your employer about your side hustle, it’s understandable if it feels daunting. You might worry about how they’ll react, especially if you’re new to this type of work.
There are benefits to telling your boss about your freelance projects. Transparency can build more trusting relationships at work, demonstrate initiative, and help you avoid future conflict. Some companies even encourage side projects to help staff build skills.
On the other hand, if your employer discourages freelancing, side hustle transparency could create undue workplace tension, or limit the opportunities available to you.
Ultimately, whether you disclose your freelance work is an individual choice, but there are situations where it’s essential. For example, if your company has a strict moonlighting policy or you’re working with a competitor, you might be in breach of your contract.
Whatever you decide, keep your freelance work separate from your full-time job to avoid conflicts of interest, and never use company resources or time to complete side hustle tasks. With clear ground rules, you can excel in both areas of your working life.
How to Start Your Digital Marketing Side Hustle the Right Way
The best way to start a successful digital marketing side hustle is to identify your skills and interests. By choosing a niche that you’re passionate about, you’re more likely to stay motivated and deliver results for your clients.
There’s a wide range of digital marketing side hustles to choose from, but starting with a single niche can be helpful. If you’re a creative type, you could concentrate on content writing or TikTok marketing side gigs. Alternatively, if you prefer working with numbers, you could offer technical SEO services or manage PPC advertising campaigns. As you gain experience, you can expand your services and increase your rates.
A clear freelancing plan is key to realizing your goals. Building your personal brand and portfolio can help you to showcase skills, while joining freelance sites, such as Upwork and Fiverr, can connect you with potential clients. Additionally, you can announce your new venture on social media sites and reach out to your network to find businesses to work with.
Starting a side business in digital marketing can bring in an additional income stream, but it also gives you the chance to focus on your interests, develop your skills, and produce high-quality work that you’re proud of.
Get Started With Your Digital Marketing Side Hustle Today
So, is digital marketing a good side hustle? For most people, the answer is a resounding “yes”!
Digital marketing is one of the best side businesses, offering flexible hours and high earning potential. Whether you want to earn extra income alongside your job, or you’re taking a tentative step towards full-time freelancing, there are plenty of opportunities. Start by focusing on a niche that suits your skills and grow from there.
Pick a side hustle and start today! Create a professional website with Durable →
