10 Innovative Side Hustles That Generate Actual Income – Part 8 - Side Hustle Nation

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      This segment is typically a Thanksgiving tradition on the show, but I've encountered so many exciting ideas this year that we couldn't wait to share them!

      Welcome to the 8th round of Creative Side Hustle Ideas.

      For this edition, I’m joined by someone well-versed in the side hustle realm. Blake Hutchison, the CEO of Flippa.com—the leading platform for buying and selling online businesses—has witnessed countless successful side projects firsthand. Today, he’s here to provide us with his insights.

      This marks the eighth installment of the series, so I encourage you to explore the previous episodes if you enjoy this format; you can find the entire playlist here.

      Here are the previous editions if you're interested in checking them out individually:

      - 10 Creative Side Hustles Part 1 – 2018

      - 10 Creative Side Hustles Part 2 – 2019

      - 10 Creative Side Hustles Part 3 – 2020

      - 10 Creative Side Hustles Part 4 – 2021

      - 10 Creative Side Hustles Part 5 – 2022

      - 10 Creative Side Hustles Part 6 – 2023

      - 10 Creative Side Hustles Part 7 – 2024

      Let’s dive into this year's most innovative ideas for making money!

      - **Mint Mobile** — Slash your wireless bill to $15 a month!



      - **Indeed** – Begin hiring NOW with a $75 sponsored job credit to enhance your job post!

      - **Quo (formerly OpenPhone)** — Enjoy 20% off your first 6 months!

      - **Shopify** — Register for a trial at just $1 per month!

      - **Policygenius** — Compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and discover your potential savings.

      1. **3D-Printed Croc Charms**

       Source: Solefully.com

       Michael Satterlee, a 17-year-old high school student from New York, is poised to generate $300,000 in revenue this year with his business Solefully, which sells 3D-printed charms for Crocs. His offerings include:

       - Miniature V6 engines

       - Wheels

       - Excavator attachments

       - Tractor treads

       - Creepy fake toe charms



       With prices at $9.99 for a single pack or $16 for a two-pack, and estimated material costs around $0.25, the profit margins are notably robust. Michael attributes his success to TikTok Shop and Instagram, having garnered an audience of 109,000 followers. The products have natural appeal — customers see the unique designs and want them. His shop has gained over 390 reviews, predominantly five-star ratings. The entry barrier is fairly low. A beginner 3D printer costs about $300-400, while higher-end models for multicolor printing range from $500 to $1,000. The real effort lies in crafting designs that resonate and cultivating a social media presence. The simplicity of the designs, coupled with platforms like Etsy and TikTok Shop, allows easy customer outreach without needing personal e-commerce setups.

      2. **Amazon Kindle Publishing**

       A publisher earns $4,000 in monthly profit through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, specializing in RVs, national parks, and outdoor adventures. The business comprises 12 titles priced at $9.99 each, covering outdoor adventure guides, nature guides, and travel books. Amazon KDP entails no inventory or printing costs, with Amazon managing distribution. Publishers optimize titles and descriptions similar to SEO, tapping into the Amazon ecosystem to reach people searching for content. The business has gained credibility with 66 reviews averaging 4.5 stars. The content is mostly evergreen — national parks stay relatively unchanged, allowing these books to sell for years with few updates. Producing 12 titles annually demands substantial effort, whether through personal writing, hiring ghostwriters, or leveraging AI. The marketplace is competitive since KDP is open to all, but establishing credibility and positive reviews can lead to sustained success. Titles like “Atomic Habits” and “48 Laws of Power” demonstrate that well-positioned books can yield income for many years.

      3. **$999 Drunk Website Audits**

       Richard Littauer launched The User Is Drunk, a distinctive website audit service that reviews your site under the influence to determine its usability. The idea went viral around 10-12 years ago, with audits priced at about $999 (pricing may have varied). The premise is simple — if a drunk individual struggles to navigate your website, then it’s too complex. Littauer also created The User Is My Mom, where his mother