Using an app
How can you use an app to start your side gig?
An app is an effective way to quickly and affordably start a side gig that may turn into a business, remain a side gig or be a hobby for fun. You can download these apps on your smartphone.
Some apps are free, others charge registration fees and certain ones take a percentage of your profits. You may have to pay a $25 registration fee to cover the processing of your background check.
Typically, apps to start side gigs are free or low cost, so they are worth using. However, with the apps that charge registration fees, make sure you know what you’re committing to, and try the free options first. Remember to calculate all your costs, including supply expenses and processing fees, before deciding whether the side gig is right for you and if it makes sense financially.
Listed below are some skill-specific options to promote your side gig. Click on the link to learn more about the individual options for promotion.
- Do you want to be a tutor?: Toot App, VIPKID
- Do you love animals? Try dog walking, pet sitting and overnight pet care: ROVER, DogVacay
- Are you skilled with building things or other tasks?: TaskRabbit
- Are you crafty? Sell your items on an online global marketplace: Etsy
- Do you love to help? Provide care services, from tutoring, pet care, senior care, and household help: Care
- Feel free to check out some of these free resources for additional ideas: 43 Ideas for Starting a Side Business, 32 Ways to Make Extra Money
Additionally, you can consider promoting your side gig on websites for freelancers. Start by creating a profile and adding your service to market your skills.
- Fiverr: If you have a special skill, you could make money from it using Fiverr. Think about graphics and design, lifestyle, digital marketing, programming and technology, writing and translation, video and animation, music and audio, business services (bookkeeping), proofreading and more!
- Gigit: This is a social platform that can help you connect with potential clients and customers. Create a profile to start sharing your skills, services and products.
- Upwork: Advertise your skill or talent related to technology, IT, sales, marketing and more, and find work from a network of business professionals.
Additional tips
- Summer Company: Ontario Program for Students
Through the program, Summer Company, you can get start-up money for a new summer business and mentorship from local business leaders to help you succeed. If you’re interested in starting your side gig in the summer, this is a great option. For information on eligibility criteria and the program requirements, visit the Summer Company page to learn more.
- The importance of branding
Focus on achieving a brand for yourself and the products or services you provide. The brand should represent you and your strengths. An easy way to start is by finding the best social media platform for you to connect with others, share information about yourself and showcase your side gig. Resources on branding: Top 10 LinkedIn Tips and Create Your Personal Brand – Template.
- Mac’s Money Centre
Check out Mac’s Money Centre for some tips on how to manage your finances to afford app registration fees, if necessary, and pay taxes associated with your side gig.