Freelance Gigs | How to Get Started

The freelance gig industry is growing in leaps and bounds, and chances are you’ve heard about it but just didn’t think about doing it yourself. The difference between a freelance gig and a traditional second job is that you control your schedule and choose what events or activities you want to work.

Freelance Gig Ideas to Get Started With

Your Freelance Gig can be something you repeatedly do like driving for Lyft or a one-time thing, like working for Marathon Foto at a race. Here are some ways you can get started making money with Freelance Gigs.

Drive for Sites Like Lyft

Uber/Lyft – If you haven’t used either service, the premise is that you are a “taxi” for hire. Both Uber and Lyft have apps to help connect drivers with passengers, you work as an independent contractor for the company and, therefore, can set your schedule.

To get started sign apply on the site. In the case of Lyft you will then wait to have your background check run and approved. You’ll them meet with a Lyft mentor to make sure you are a good driver and your car meets the services requirements. Check out my post on becoming a Lyft driver to learn more.

Side Hustle Alert

Driving with Lyft is a great way to earn some extra cash. I love how easy it is to just turn on an app when I feel like driving and make some money. I wrote an entire post about driving for Lyft. It includes what you can expect during the application process, what it’s like to actually drive and the many perks of driving with Lyft.  Get started driving for Lyft.

Become a Task Rabbit

TaskRabbit– is a less creepy version of craigslist. When you need help with something. Whether it is helping someone to move, handyman work, or just running errands. The people looking for work post tasks they’d like done, you look for tasks you are willing to do and sign up.

The part that makes it less creepy is the required ID checks, criminal check, and an app orientation session. They promote that they are big on safety. While they are only available in certain cities, they have gotten rave reviews.

Be a Mystery Shopper

Mystery Shopping-If you have ever in you life had to work retail or some customer service oriented job, you have likely gotten a review from a mystery shopper. Companies hire mystery shoppers to make sure the experience they are providing their customers is up to snuff.

Mystery Shoppers are typically given anywhere from $5-$20.  Since companies typically want them to experience buying something, will also be reimbursed for a portion of an item. You then fill out a report on your experience within a certain time frame. You can usually find Mystery Shopping Gigs on Craigslist, just be weary of scams.

Grocery Shop for Others

Grocery Shopping for Others via Instacart– Chances are you are doing your own grocery shopping anyway, why not grocery shop for someone else too and get paid?

Instacart isn’t available everywhere, but it is easy to use if you are somewhere that it works. You set your hours, receive orders from your smartphone shop/deliver the groceries and then get paid.

Apply for Craigslist Gigs

Craigslist Gigs– Ok so it being Craigslist, be careful. However, Craigslist is actually how I ended up working for Marathon Foto during the Virginia Beach Rock N Roll Half Marathon.

All I did was encourage runners to take photos in front of banners at the finish line. I worked for 4 hours and got paid $70. It was fun, easy, and good money.

Drive for Amazon

Amazon Flex – have you heard about  Amazon Prime Now? It is the super fast same day delivery service and they are hiring people to make these deliveries.

According to the site, you can make $18-$25 an hour, so similar to Uber but without drunk people in your car. It is currently only available in certain cities, but you can sign up and they’ll notify you when it comes to your city.

Wrapping it Up with a Bow on Top – It’s Easy to Get Started with Freelance Gigs

No matter what freelance gig you decide to pursue, all it takes is an email or a quick online application to get started. Then you’ll be on your way making money on your terms.

Related: Get Paid to Hang Out with Dogs

Did this list inspire some ideas? Know of any others? Let me know in the comments!