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25 Marketing Side Hustles for Earning Extra Money

Discover marketing side hustle ideas with our comprehensive list. Find new ways to make money using your marketing skills.

25 Marketing Side Hustles for Earning Extra Money
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As a marketing professional, you can choose from many different focuses and niches within marketing depending on your interests and strengths. Businesses in nearly every industry need your skills to promote their products and services.

If you're interested in marketing, these are some side hustles to explore and consider:

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Digital and social media marketing

Digital marketing allows brands to reach and engage their target audiences online. Some businesses may be interested in e-commerce and driving traffic to their website, while others want to grow brand awareness by creating content. Social media marketing focuses on using platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to communicate and advertise with consumers.

You need creative and analytical skills for digital and social media marketing. On the content side, you could focus on brainstorming and creating graphics, audio, copy, or video. Another aspect of marketing is strategy—figuring out how to promote the content for campaigns, whether by running ads or SEO. Marketers also need to be able to measure the effectiveness of these campaigns and provide recommendations based on their findings.

1. Social media manager

Social media managers are in charge of a brand's social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Depending on the company's size, you may be the one posting content and writing captions, or you may facilitate content creation by working with copywriters, graphic designers, and videographers. Social media managers make sure that content is on-brand and communicate with other stakeholders and teams.  

Example of responsibilities:

  • Grow the number of followers
  • Increase engagement (likes, comments, shares)
  • Manage the editorial calendar
  • Respond to comments and messages
  • Create content
  • Review and report analytics

Range of hourly rates on Upwork: $14-$35/hr.

Find social media manager jobs on Upwork.

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2. Social media ad specialist

Paid ad campaigns are often an important part of a brand's social media strategy. Businesses can run ads on social media platforms to help grow their following and expand their content's reach. Social media ad specialists develop the ad strategy, set up campaigns, and monitor progress to determine and follow a budget and maximize the return on investment (ROI).

Example of responsibilities:

  • Create social media ads
  • Optimize paid social media campaigns
  • Set relevant KPIs
  • Report social media campaign analytics
  • Plan and execute paid social media campaigns
  • Track conversions

Range of hourly rates on Upwork: $15-$40/hr.

Find social media advertising jobs on Upwork.

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3. Online ad specialist

Online ads can drive traffic to a brand’s website and products. When you type a search query into Google, the first few products or websites that show up are typically sponsored ads. These companies bid against competitors for specific keywords and queries. Another popular type of ad is a display ad. Third-party websites that have high traffic can make money by displaying ads for other brands on their site.

Online ad specialists help brands create an ad strategy. In this side hustle, you help determine what types of ads the business should run, then set up the ads, monitor the results, and optimize them as needed.

Example of responsibilities:

  • Create optimized ad copy
  • Track conversions
  • Report analytics
  • Plan and execute ads
  • Develop an ad strategy

Range of hourly rates on Upwork: $15-$40/hr.

Find online advertising jobs on Upwork.

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4. YouTube channel manager

Youtube channel managers take ownership of a brand's YouTube channel. This side hustle can focus on strategy and optimization or content creation and facilitating video shoots. YouTube channel managers are often responsible for scheduling and posting videos while monitoring traffic and responding to comments or questions.

Example of responsibilities:

  • Schedule and publish videos
  • Write SEO-optimized video descriptions and metadata
  • Edit videos
  • Shoot videos
  • Create thumbnails
  • Respond to comments
  • Manage content calendars
  • Measure video performance
  • Report analytics

Hourly range according to Salary.com: $45-$59/hr.

Find YouTube Marketing jobs on Upwork.

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5. Instagram marketing specialist

Instagram is a popular social media platform for creating engaging visual content. As an Instagram marketing specialist, your job is to know how to use the platform as a brand, from strategic best practices to the latest trends. This side hustle can be creative and fun as you work with brands to grow their following and create content that gets likes, shares, views, and comments.

Example of responsibilities:

  • Manage content calendar
  • Keep up with trends
  • Post stories, reels, and posts
  • Create content
  • Research hashtags
  • Boost posts and paid ad campaigns
  • Collaborate with influencers
  • Respond to direct messages (DMs) and comments
  • Manage Instagram Shops

Hourly range according to Salary.com: $20-$26/hr.

Find Instagram marketing jobs on Upwork.

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6. TikTok marketing consultant

TikTok is a short-form video social media platform loved by Gen Z. Brands on TikTok can engage this often hard-to-reach audience with short, trending videos. Brands work with TikTok marketing consultants to create fresh and original content to help stay relevant while spreading brand awareness and increasing sales. If you're familiar with TikTok and enjoy content strategy and making videos, this can be a fun and creative side hustle.

Example of responsibilities:

  • Create videos
  • Keep up with trends
  • Maintain the TikTok shop
  • Research hashtags
  • Post content
  • Manage the editorial calendar
  • Collaborate with influencers
  • Respond to DMs and comments
  • Run ads

Hourly range according to Salary.com: $20-$26/hr.

Find TikTok jobs on Upwork.

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7. Pinterest marketing specialist

On Pinterest, brands can post pictures and videos of their products and services while curating an aesthetic that fits their image. As a Pinterest marketing specialist, your job is strategizing how to use the platform to accomplish the brand's goals. You may find yourself creating content and curating boards or running ads and diving into analytics.

Example of responsibilities:

  • Post pins
  • Create and join boards
  • Run ads
  • Optimize copy and metadata with SEO
  • Research keywords
  • Track conversions
  • Report data
  • Lead the content strategy
  • Manage the shop
  • Keep up with trends and best practices

Hourly range according to Salary.com: $20-$26/hr.

Find Pinterest jobs on Upwork.

8. LinkedIn profile consultant

LinkedIn is a networking platform for professionals. Recruiters and headhunters use LinkedIn to find qualified candidates for open positions. Having a profile that stands out to recruiters can help job seekers get more interviews. LinkedIn profile consultants help professionals update their LinkedIn, providing recommendations for improvement and even rewriting sections as needed.

Example of responsibilities:

  • Create an engaging headline
  • Improve profile SEO
  • Recommend profile improvements and suggestions
  • Tailor the profile to the types of jobs the client wants
  • Help choose a professional profile picture

Hourly range according to Salary.com: $20-$26/hr.

Find LinkedIn jobs on Upwork.

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Content creation and management

Internet content is created and consumed at a fast pace. Instead of having to wait for something to find its way to a bookstore or newsstand, or to air on TV, an endless supply of entertainment and information is placed at our fingertips. Successful content creators know how to stand out and make an impact.

As a content creator, you can get paid to work with brands to create the content they need. Think about what you enjoy doing most. Some people enjoy diving into a topic and writing an in-depth story, while others prefer creating pithy headlines or captions.

9. Content writer

Content writers are storytellers, writing articles, case studies, and other forms of digital content for brands. A content writer's goal is to create high-quality thought leadership pieces to engage readers and encourage them to take action. Content writers know how to create in a brand's voice using the right tone and messaging while integrating SEO and call to actions that feel natural.

Example of responsibilities:

  • Pitch ideas for articles
  • Research topics
  • Interview subjects
  • Create SEO-friendly content
  • Adhere to deadlines
  • Edit and proofread
  • Work in brand style guidelines

Range of hourly rates on Upwork: $15-$40/hr.

Find Content Writing jobs on Upwork.

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10. Copywriter

Copywriters focus on conversions and actions. This type of writing is persuasive and usually short-form, like headlines or ad copy. Copywriting is typically more sales-driven compared to content writing, which is often informative. As a copywriter, you may have to communicate a message and drive action while working with limited space and character restraints.

Example of responsibilities:

  • Write copy for marketing materials
  • Ensure messaging is consistent with branding
  • Proofread and edit
  • Collaborate with designers
  • Revise copy based on feedback

Range of hourly rates on Upwork: $19-$45/hr

Find copywriting jobs on Upwork.

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11. Blogger

Blogging can become a side hustle if you get enough traffic to monetize your blog by advertising or affiliate marketing. Most blogs have a central theme that the creator is comfortable working in, whether it's lifestyle, fashion, parenting, or nearly anything else. You could also earn extra income blogging by being a guest blogger or ghostwriter for someone else's blog.

Example of responsibilities:

  • Researching topics
  • Ghostwriting
  • Promoting and reviewing products
  • Replying to comments
  • Researching keywords
  • Creating SEO-friendly content
  • Tracking analytics
  • Collaborating with influencers

Range of hourly rates on Upwork: $15-$35/hr

Find blogging jobs on Upwork.

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12. Podcast producer

Podcast producers are the behind-the-scenes magicians who make podcasts possible. As a producer, you may be involved in researching guests and topics and then writing the script for the hosts to use. Podcast producing can include editing audio clips and also the administration side of production, such as booking guests and doing pre-interviews.

Example of responsibilities:

  • Writing and editing scripts
  • Researching topics and guests
  • Developing a marketing strategy
  • Monitoring performance
  • Booking guests
  • Deciding on topics and storylines
  • Maintaining podcast schedule

Hourly rate according to Salary.com: $30/hr.

Find Podcast Production jobs on Upwork.

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13. E-book writer

As an e-book writer, you can publish your own books or write e-books for clients as a subject matter expert or ghostwriter. E-books are fully digital, not printed, so you can earn more for every book sale when you self-publish. Businesses often use e-books as gated content to get leads from potential customers. These e-books dive deeper into a subject that is relevant to the business and will interest readers.

Example of responsibilities:

  • Research topics
  • Ensure information is accurate and up-to-date
  • Edit and proofread
  • Revise copy based on feedback
  • Collaborate with designers
  • Format e-books

Range of hourly rates on Upwork: $18-$40/hr.

Find Ebook writing jobs on Upwork.

14. Voice-over artist

The voices you hear narrating a marketing video or tutorial are often the work of a voice-over artist. If you have the right recording equipment and a pleasant and easy-to-understand speaking voice, you can work as a voice-over artist to earn additional income. The client will typically give you a script to record, and then you send over the finished audio file so they can add it to the marketing video.

Example of responsibilities:

  • Record audio clips
  • Edit audio files
  • Read scripts
  • Add audio files to videos yourself
  • Make changes based on feedback

Hourly rate according to Salary.com: $16-$24/hr.

Find voice-over jobs on Upwork.

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Design and visuals

Designers bring ideas to life using digital software and tools like Adobe Creative Cloud. They create visual content that brands need to showcase their products and services to clients. Designers typically have a niche, whether that's static images, layouts, or video. Think about what aspect of design you're most interested in to start explore your new side hustle.

Design can be a broad term for digital art. Some designers like the technical aspects of design, working with layouts and user experience. Other designers enjoy creating brand-new illustrations from scratch.

15. Web designer

Web designers focus on the visual aspect of building a website—the front end. This is what the user sees. Web designers consider the user experience (UX) and the user interface (UI), everything from navigation and layout to color palettes and fonts. Many web designers use Adobe Creative Cloud for mockups and wireframes and then build their designs using HTML, CSS, and Javascript.

Responsibilities:

  • Create wireframes and mockups
  • Collaborate with web developers
  • Design layouts
  • Add imagery
  • Decide on typography
  • Test and debug website

Range of hourly rates on Upwork: $15-$30/hr.

Find web design jobs on Upwork.

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16. Graphic designer

Graphic designers are digital artists who take ideas and turn them into visual concepts. Brands use content for their marketing campaigns and advertisements. As a graphic designer, you could specialize in logos, banners, brochures, infographics, or social media graphics, depending on what you enjoy creating most.

Example of responsibilities:

  • Using software to create digital graphics
  • Choosing colors, fonts, and layouts
  • Revising graphics based on feedback
  • Adhering to design best practices
  • Maintaining brand guidelines
  • Presenting ideas and mockups
  • Collaborating with copywriters and stakeholders

Range of hourly rates on Upwork: $15-$35/hr.

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17. Product photographer

Brands need pictures of their products and services to use on their website, social media channels, and marketing campaigns. As a product photographer, you stage these products and take high-quality pictures based on the client's needs. You will also need to edit the images and make sure they're ready for production.

Example of responsibilities:

  • Stage products
  • Set up lighting
  • Edit photographs
  • Research product and company
  • Adhere to brand guidelines

Range of hourly rates on Upwork: $15-$37/hr.

Find product photography jobs on Upwork.

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18. Video editor

Video editors take raw (unedited) video footage and seamlessly piece it together to tell a story using software like Adobe Premier Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Final Cut Pro. During this process, an editor may also add special effects, music, audio, and graphics. Video editors follow the script or storyboard to take the footage they're given and turn it into the final product, like a social media reel or instructional video.

Example of responsibilities:

  • Editing short- and long-form video
  • Correcting lighting and colors
  • Adding graphics
  • Selecting music and sound bits
  • Creating rough and final cuts

Range of hourly rates on Upwork: $15-$30/hr.

Find video editing jobs on Upwork.

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Consulting and strategy

Companies hire consultants and strategists to help with specific challenges or projects their business is experiencing—they focus on big-picture agendas. These types of roles are often contract and short-term, working the length of the project and then moving on to another client. As a consultant or strategist, you should be a subject-matter expert, able to analyze your client's problem and pitch a solution that you can implement once approved.

19. PR consultant

Public relations (PR) consultants develop or improve a brand's communication strategy to build their public image. A PR consultant may be in charge of a publicity campaign, product launch, or handling a crisis. As a PR consultant, you may draft press releases and organize press conferences for important business announcements.  

Example of responsibilities:

  • Drafting and issuing press releases
  • Organizing and scheduling press conferences
  • Planning business events (product launches, investor dinners, grand openings)
  • Scheduling interviews and public appearances
  • Editing press releases
  • Ghostwriting speeches
  • Managing media relations
  • Analyzing public opinion

Hourly rate according to Salary.com: $25-$32/hr.

Find public relations jobs on Upwork.

20. Brand strategist

Companies initially hire brand strategists to define their branding—how they want customers to see their business. These strategists help a company find its voice, which includes everything from messaging to tone, fonts, and imagery. Brand strategists figure out the best way to position the company against competitors. Companies may also hire brand strategists to update their existing branding. This is called a rebrand.

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct market research
  • Create buyer personas
  • Establish brand guidelines
  • Design promotional campaigns and product launches
  • Perform SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis
  • Oversee and implement rebranding
  • Develop brand positioning

Hourly rate according to Salary.com: $29-$36/hr.

Find brand strategist jobs on Upwork.

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21. Personal branding consultant

Personal branding consultants are similar to brand strategists, but instead of working with companies, they work with individuals. Entrepreneurs, influencers, and public figures hire personal branding consultants to create, improve, and manage their brand, which is their public persona. Personal branding consultants help their clients position themselves as experts in their field and advise on what types of content and channels to use.

Example of responsibilities:

  • Defining social media strategy
  • Building an online presence
  • Conducting competitive analysis and audit
  • Developing personal brand guidelines

Range of hourly rates on Upwork: $50-$98/hr

Find branding consultant jobs on Upwork.

Related: 25 Marketing Side Hustles for Earning Extra Money

22. SEO consultant

Search engines like Google use algorithms to determine what websites to show first when someone types in a search query. SEO consultants help brands create content that ranks highly (shows up first) for keywords and queries that are relevant to their business.

Example of responsibilities:

  • Research keywords
  • Build links
  • Write SEO-friendly content
  • Optimize web pages
  • Audit existing content

Range of hourly rates on Upwork: $15-$32/hr

Find SEO jobs on Upwork.

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Email and automation

Businesses want to compile as much information as possible about their customers so they can engage them at every stage of the buyer journey. Lead generation campaigns often collect emails, which can then be used for email marketing. Instead of having to manually do every task, implementing automation, like sending an email with a coupon to a customer who left an item in their cart, helps to save time.  

23. Email marketing specialist

Email marketing specialists focus on the email aspect of a marketing campaign. They build emails and templates, send them to the targeted audience, and then analyze the data. As an email marketing specialist, you should be familiar with email best practices and up-to-date with the latest compliance and regulations. Some email marketing specialists know coding languages like Java, Python, and HTML to build customer emails, while others work in drag-and-drop email marketing software.

Example of responsibilities:

  • Copywriting and proofreading
  • Designing emails
  • Managing email lists
  • Monitoring campaigns
  • Analyzing and reporting email KPIs (key performance indicators)
  • Building email templates
  • A/B testing
  • Implementing marketing automation

Range of hourly rates on Upwork: $15-$40/hr

Find email marketing jobs on Upwork.

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24. Marketing automation specialist

Marketing automation specialists use software and other digital tools to increase efficiency and productivity through automation. This helps to eliminate repetitive, tedious, and time-consuming tasks that don't need to be hands-on. Once you set up the workflows, these software programs and tools can complete the tasks independently. As a marketing automation specialist, your job is to create workflows and trigger campaigns for automation.

Examples of responsibilities:

  • Analyzing campaign performances
  • Creating email marketing trigger campaigns
  • Scheduling social media posts
  • Integrating marketing automation software
  • Building workflows and automation maps

Hourly rate according to Salary.com: $25-$31/hr.

Find marketing automation jobs on Upwork.

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25. CRM specialist

Customer relationship specialists (CRM) are experts in CRM software like Salesforce and HubSpot. They help companies implement these systems and use their features to improve marketing campaigns and efforts. CRM specialists tailor the system to their specific needs and integrate any other software and apps.

Example of responsibilities:

  • Implementing CRM software
  • Creating and optimizing workflows
  • Integrating 3rd-party applications
  • Analyzing data and creating reports
  • Managing customer data

Average hourly rate according to Glassdoor: $34/hr.

Find CRM specialist jobs on Upwork.

Discover side hustles with Upwork

Make Upwork your home for your side hustle. You can meet clients from all over the world looking for someone with your skills to help with their next marketing project. Clients from start-ups to Fortune 500 brands post projects on Talent Marketplace™ every day. As an independent professional on Upwork, you get to set your own schedule. You can choose the projects you say yes to and the hours you're available to work. Earn extra income on your terms.

Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

Prices and fees are current at the time of writing and may change over time based on each service’s offerings.

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Author Spotlight

25 Marketing Side Hustles for Earning Extra Money
Cassie Moorhead
Content Writer

Cassie is a storyteller and content creator with over eight years of experience helping brands communicate to their customers through different channels. She enjoys finding new coffee shops to work from and spending time in nature with her dog, Sweeney.

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