9 min

Updated: November 20th, 2024

7 Affordable Hobbies You Can Monetize

Are you interested in having a side hustle?

If you have a hobby you are passionate about, look no further. A hobby-based side hustle is a fantastic way to devote time to an activity you love, a great source of income, and an opportunity to boost your resume!

In this article by Custom-Writing.org, you will find:

a list of 7 inexpensive hobbies available to anyone;
ways to monetize them;
their benefits for your studies and career.

🏅 Benefits of Hobbies
🤑 Why Monetize a Hobby?
🔝 Top 7 Hobbies to Monetize
🔍 References

🏅 How Your Hobby Can Benefit Your Studies and Career

You may be wondering how things you do in your leisure time can help you with your job and academic endeavors.

Well, let’s start with the advantages of having a hobby as a student:

it builds your soft skills;
it expands your perspectives;
it’s an excellent source of college essay topics.

Hobbies also offer benefits for those employed or job hunting:

Employers are looking for individuals who can offer something unique to the team, so a hobby mentioned on your CV will help you stand out.
Hobbies help provide relaxation and stress relief from job demands.
Different avocations are associated with specific qualities. It’s good to include activities that correspond to the traits your potential employer might find attractive.

These benefits prove that a hobby is more than just a pastime: it’s a significant and valuable facet of your life.

🤑 Why Monetize a Hobby?

In addition to developing your soft skills and improving your CV, pastimes can also generate extra cash. This may be particularly advantageous for those with student loans or currently searching for work.

There are many perks to having a hobby-based side hustle:

Getting paid for an enjoyable activity.
Honing your talents.
Being self-employed.
Having a flexible timetable.
Networking with fellow enthusiasts.

Keep in mind that not everyone needs to monetize their hobbies. If you don’t feel prepared to limit your personal creative expression to satisfy client expectations, it’s best to maintain your hobby as-is.

But if you’re ready to transform it into a side business, there are opportunities to explore!

🔝 Top 7 Affordable Hobbies to Monetize

You may already have a pastime that could make you money. If not, why not choose one right now? Check out the list below to learn more.

1. Blogging as a Hobby

If you have an aptitude for writing, blogging may be right up your alley. You could write about anything whenever it’s convenient. No matter what your interests are, you can monetize them by turning them into blog content. 

What Skills Do I Need for Blogging?

Before you start blogging, you’ll need to dive into a few essentials:

Content writing
Photo editing
Social networking
CSS and HTML
SEO blogging
Goal setting and tracking

Taking a course could help you learn about crucial blogging tools and build up your skills. For example, check out this Complete Content Writing Course from Udemy.

Where Do I Start Blogging?

Choose your content focus and create a memorable blog name.
Select a platform for your blog. It can be a free option, like WordPress, or you may build your own website.
Pick a distinctive theme. Make your blog visually appealing and easy to navigate. 
Add some key blogging plugins to track stats. You can analyze stats about your audience and adjust your blog accordingly. 
Learn some SEO tricks to increase your search rankings and traffic.
Write compelling content to build a dedicated audience.

How Is Blogging Beneficial for My Studies and Career?

Blogging is not only a way to earn a little cash but can also be of use in your academic and working life:

It helps build language skills. Your essays and cover letters will benefit considerably from cultivating your talent.
It allows students to share opinions, enhancing their understanding of various topics.
It allows you to receive feedback, helping you to learn and grow.
It gives you room to experiment and do some soul-searching.
It makes your CV more attractive. Blogging as a pastime shows that you possess the skills essential for a career in journalism, content writing, etc.

How Do I Monetize Blogging?

Freelance content writing. You will be surprised by how many people need articles and other texts composed for them.
Guest blogging. It is a wonderful way to make new connections in the blogosphere and promote yourself.
Affiliate marketing. Include links to products in your blog and receive commission when users click on the link.

2. Photography as a Hobby

Photography is truly one of the most widespread and inexpensive pastimes, especially at the beginner level. Nearly everyone can be a photographer with modern smartphone cameras. You need something that will set you apart, but if you have an eye for good angles and captivating shots—you are in luck!

What Skills Do I Need to Become a Photographer?

If you want to step up your game as a photographer, check out the list of necessary skills below:

Photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
Framing your shots
Using light
Directing people for portraits
Camera functions and features such as shutter speed, aperture, etc.

You can learn about all things photography for free—for example, at this Basics of Photography course from LifeHacker.

Where Do I Start with Photography?

Start perfecting your skills by utilizing a smartphone camera.
The next step is purchasing a professional camera. If you’re on a budget, consider cheaper options. You don’t have to spend on a costly camera to take good photos!
Figure out what your niche is. Is it portraits, landscapes, events, or street photography? Select your path and practice as much as you can.
Publish your work on social media and specialized websites to get feedback.

How Is Photography Beneficial for My Studies and Career?

Photography expands your perspective, connects you to the world, and cultivates patience.
Viewing life through a photographer’s lens allows you to see and cherish beauty in unexpected places.
Understanding people and the world grows when you photograph it.
Listing photography skills on a resume demonstrates your creativity and an ability to think innovatively.

How Do I Monetize My Photography Hobby?

Photography is always in demand. Here are some ways you can make money with it.

Stock photography. Websites such as Shutterstock, or apps like Twenty20, are an excellent place to try and sell your photos. Provide pictures in a variety of genres and learn how to use keywords. It will improve your chances of getting noticed.
Freelance photography. Take orders from your friends or advertise your skills in your local community. Birthdays, weddings, and all sorts of parties could be a never-ending source of income.
Prints. Selling copies of your work printed in high resolution is a great way to earn money.

3. Graphic Design as a Hobby

People who love drawing and painting can benefit greatly from trying their hand at graphic design. Want to know how? Keep reading!

What Skills Do I Need for Graphic Design?

You won’t be able to dabble in graphic design successfully without the following:

Page layout skills
Software packages, such as Photoshop and Illustrator.
Knowledge of design elements, like shapes, colors, animation, etc.

Thankfully, there are free courses for everything. Check out a free graphic design course at Alison.com.

Where Do I Start with Graphic Design?

Your primary tool is a graphic tablet. Experienced designers recommend buying one since it facilitates the process significantly.
Learn how to work with Photoshop or any other graphic design program. Search for the tips and tricks, and then practice it using your tablet.
Study fonts. Learn what makes a font good, and try creating one yourself.
At first, you can use tutorials. But don’t forget to practice and experiment on your own. For example, you can try and create logos for imaginary brands!

How is Graphic Design Beneficial for My Studies and Career?

First of all, such a hobby helps you create a portfolio, which is an excellent asset if you want to study graphic design in college or get a project gig. But that’s not all of it! It also helps you develop essential skills:

high adaptability and willingness to learn the ropes quickly;
creativity, problem-solving, and technical skills;
good communication skills.

All of these things are also beneficial in other professions, such as marketing. Include this set of skills in your CV to help you stand out.

How Do I Monetize My Graphic Design Hobby?

Selling products. You can sell your art in various forms—anything from postcards to comics, t-shirt prints to wall art.
Freelance. If you don’t want to sell merch, you can do freelance work, for example, via Upwork. You can work on different projects, which will allow you to experiment and expand your skill-set.
Social media. Instagram is still a great tool to create a portfolio and advertise your talent. You can create a beautiful profile, and once you get enough followers that share your work, you can land a job.

4. Coding as a Hobby

Another hobby that can help increase your income is coding. While it is not the most common hobby, it can certainly be lucrative if you know how and where to sell your skills.  

What Skills Do I Need for Coding?

Coding is something you have to learn, unlike some other hobbies which may come more naturally. Even if you have a programming talent, it’s still necessary to understand the tools you’re going to use. Here’s what you’ll need:

Programming intuition. Intuition is a big asset for coding since you often have to work with limited input information and predict potential problems.
Programming languages like JavaScript and Python. Your choice depends on what you wish to do. You can learn about them in this coding course on Coursera.
Abstract thinking and analytical skills.

Where Do I Start with Coding? 

Start by using free programs to build apps or even create simple programs yourself.
Building websites is a great way to bring yourself into the realm of professional coding. If you’re looking for profit, this is where you’ll find it. 
Try modding your favorite video game. If you’re an avid gamer, you can even create a game yourself.

How Is Coding Beneficial for My Studies and Career?

Having coding as a hobby will come in handy if you want to study computer science in college or work as a programmer. Be it web design or game development, having prior experience is a huge advantage.
If you take up coding, you will develop your critical thinking, attention to detail, ability to work in a team, and effective communication. All of these are good for you and your studies, and it’s definitely one of the best hobbies to include in resume.

How Do I Monetize My Coding Hobby?

Web development. Try creating a clever browser extension or a mobile application. Even if it’s not revolutionary, you can still make money through advertisements or paid subscriptions.
Courses. If you think you have teaching skills and possess extensive knowledge, you can create a course, for example, on Skillshare.
Freelance programming. Aside from Upwork, another excellent platform for freelance programmers is Fiverr.

5. DIY Crafts as a Hobby

There are few hobbies out there as awesome as DIY crafts. It’s the most versatile of all hobbies: sewing, embroidery, clay modeling, jewelry making, and everything else you do with your hands. It is fun but also profitable because people love pretty things and will be willing to pay for them! 

What Skills Do I Need for DIY Crafts?

If you love crafts, you will find learning these skills most enjoyable:

Working with materials and tools, such as clay or resin, beads, fabrics, etc.
Design skills that help bring your creative ideas to life.
Attention to detail even when things get a little tedious.
Problem-solving skills.

You can learn skills necessary for DIY crafts in these Domestika courses.

Where Do I Start with DIY Crafts? 

Pick your niche. You may choose from numerous materials: textiles, glass, paper, metal, wood, beads, etc. You can make furniture, earrings, postcards, toys or clothes, and many other things.
Do your research. There are as many tutorials on the Internet as stars in the sky. You can also turn to literature. For instance, A Well-Crafted Home by Janet Crowther is a beautiful craft book to find inspiration. 
Post your work on social media. It will help you gain support and feedback.

How Are DIY Crafts Beneficial for My Studies and Career?

DIY crafts develop creativity, patience, attention to detail, and analytical thinking. These are invaluable qualities for successful study and work.
If you want to apply to an art college, make sure you compile your works into a portfolio.
Crafts are also a fantastic way to decompress from a stress-filled life. The more relaxed you are, the better you function as a student or employee.

How Do I Monetize My DIY Crafts Hobby?

You can sell almost anything these days thanks to the Internet. Here are some of the popular ways to do so:

Make an Etsy profile. Etsy is a platform for DIY creators of all kinds. Handmade items, clothes, jewelry, drawings—you name it, they have it.
Create a Patreon profile. There you can sell your work along with exclusive content, such as tutorials. You can get paid not only for work but also for showing how you do it!
Take commissions. Earn money by creating commissioned objects that people won’t get anywhere else.

6. Sports as a Hobby

Sports is an all-around great hobby. Just think about it: it’s beneficial for your body, it improves your mood, and you can earn a little extra money doing it. Want to know how? Keep reading!

What Skills Do I Need for a Sports Hobby?

Undoubtedly, physical skills are a priority when it comes to sport, but don’t disregard mental skills. Sport isn’t just about your body: it is also about your mind. Here are some of the necessary skills:

Stamina, both physical and mental.
Strength and speed.
Handling pressure.
Communication and teamwork.

You can work on your physical skills on your own or with the help of online courses, such as these customized workouts on Daily Burn.

Where Do I Start with My Sport Hobby?

Choose a sport. Figure out what you would be happy to do regularly.
Get the right equipment. Don’t buy the shoes you like: buy the ones that suit your sport. The same goes for everything else.
Evaluate your fitness level. It will give you a starting point, which you’ll be able to compare your future self to.
Do it gradually. Don’t jump in at the deep end. Progress takes time, and if you overwork yourself, you may end up with an injury and zero desire to continue.
Diversify activities. Boredom kills all the fun and motivation.  
Join a gym. If you need company, you can train with others.

How Are Sports Beneficial for My Studies and Career?

To undertake sport is good for both your physical and mental health. As a student, you will find it beneficial for many reasons:

Sports teach you to work in a team and cooperate effectively.
They increase confidence and discipline.
They enhance decision-making skills.
Doing sports boosts your mood and ability to withstand stress.

As for your career, including sports as a hobby in your CV makes you an attractive competitor!

How Do I Monetize My Sports Hobby?

Coaching your local team. Teams are often in need of coaches and will be more than happy to offer you a job.
Working as a referee. Most schools are on the lookout for a referee, and many sports require one.
Training. You can also get a job as a coach in a gym or as a personal trainer. If your sport is on the less mainstream side, you can become a sought-after personal trainer!

7. Music as a Hobby

Millions of people say that music is their hobby. The chances are high that you are one of them. Isn’t it great that you can not only enjoy but also monetize your hobby?

What Skills Do I Need to Be a Musician?

It all depends on your talents and what you want to do when it comes to music. Here are the skills that are in demand:

Playing an instrument
Songwriting
Singing
Music production
Music recording

You can learn all of these by taking any of these free courses on Future Learn.

Where Do I Start with My Music Hobby?

Buy an instrument and master it. While you don’t always need a real instrument to record music, playing one is always beneficial.
If you are into singing, learn by doing vocal covers. You can invest in a microphone to record yourself.
If you are interested in songwriting, try out Garage Band or any other similar software. Once you outgrow it, move on to a more advanced program. 
Post your music on Apple Music and Soundcloud to get feedback and start building a supporter base.

How Is Music Beneficial for My Studies and Career?

First and foremost, music is an emotional outlet. However, you can also learn about other people and cultures through music.
Playing music is an excellent way to develop your cognitive skills and creativity. The more creative you are, the better you can think outside the box and find interesting solutions.
These qualities will become apparent if you mention music in your CV. Just make sure that you write about playing music, not just listening to it as a hobby.

How Do I Monetize My Music Hobby?

Teaching music. It’s the easiest way to monetize this hobby. Become a tutor, and you will have a steady income.
Selling your music on Bandcamp. It is a great place for potential fans to discover your music and pay you for making it. You can even sell your merchandise there!
Creating stock music. You can sell it on platforms such as Airbit. It is a lucrative market, and if you are musically gifted, you won’t regret exploring it.

Hopefully, at least one of these popular hobbies is of interest to you! Now that we’ve armed you with the knowledge to monetize them, we look forward to hearing about your hobbies in the comments. Best of luck!

🔍 References

About Author

This article was developed by the editorial team of Custom-Writing.org, a professional writing service with 3-hour delivery.

Comments