Side Hustles Galore on TikTok and Etsy: A Simple Guide to Earning Extra Money
Are you looking to make some extra money but don’t know where to start? Maybe you’ve heard people talk about TikTok and Etsy but don’t know how they can help. Don’t worry; we’ll break it down for you step by step. Whether you are a student, stay-at-home parent, or just someone looking for a side hustle, TikTok and Etsy have endless opportunities to explore. Let's dive in and learn how to use these platforms to turn your hobbies into cash. Plus, you’ll find out why they are perfect for beginners and pros alike.
What Are TikTok and Etsy?
TikTok is a social media app where people share short videos. It’s not just for dancing or funny clips anymore. Many people use TikTok to share tips, show their talents, and promote their small businesses. With over a billion active users, TikTok is a fantastic way to reach a massive audience quickly.
Etsy is an online marketplace where people sell handmade, vintage, and unique items. Think of it as a giant craft fair where you can sell your creations to people worldwide. Whether it’s art, jewellery, or digital products, Etsy provides a platform for sellers to showcase their talents and connect with buyers who love unique items.
Together, TikTok and Etsy are like a dream team for side hustlers. TikTok helps you share your skills and find customers, and Etsy gives you a place to sell your products. Plus, both platforms are beginner-friendly and easy to use, making them great for anyone just starting their entrepreneurial journey.
Why Are TikTok and Etsy Great for Side Hustles?
1. Free to Start: Both platforms are free to join. TikTok lets you create videos without spending money, and Etsy has a small fee only when you list a product or make a sale. There’s no big upfront investment needed.
2. Reach Millions: TikTok has over a billion users, and Etsy connects you to shoppers around the world. Even if only a tiny percentage of people see your content or products, that’s still a lot of potential customers.
3. Work on Your Schedule: You can work whenever you have free time. Whether it’s after school, on weekends, or late at night, side hustles on TikTok and Etsy fit into your life. The flexibility means you can balance your hustle with your other responsibilities.
4. Build a Brand: TikTok helps you showcase your personality and creativity, while Etsy lets you create a professional storefront. Together, they help you establish a unique identity that stands out.
Popular Side Hustles on TikTok and Etsy
Here are some easy-to-start side hustles that work well on these platforms:
1. Crafting and DIY Projects
TikTok: Share videos of you making items like jewelry, candles, or custom T-shirts. Show the process step-by-step so others can see how much effort goes into your creations. Add fun music or captions to make your videos engaging.
Etsy: Sell your handmade products. For example, if you make friendship bracelets, take nice pictures and list them in your shop. Personalize your items for an extra special touch.
2. Digital Products
TikTok: Create videos that show how to design printable items like planners, stickers, or digital art. People love seeing behind-the-scenes content of artists at work.
Etsy: Sell these digital files so people can download and print them at home. No shipping is required, which saves you time and effort.
3. Baking and Cooking
TikTok: Post videos of your baking process, like decorating cakes or making cute cookies. People love watching satisfying food videos. Share tips or recipes to build trust with your audience.
Etsy: Sell recipes, baking kits, or even homemade treats (check Etsy’s rules for selling food). Custom cookie kits or holiday-themed treats are always popular.
4. Vintage and Thrift Finds
TikTok: Show off cool items you’ve found at thrift stores or garage sales. Share tips on spotting hidden gems. People love seeing unique and rare finds.
Etsy: Sell vintage clothes, accessories, or decor that you’ve cleaned up and made ready for a new home. Add a story behind each item to make it more special.
5. Teaching and Tutorials
TikTok: Teach a skill, like knitting, drawing, or playing an instrument. Short, easy-to-follow videos are best. Break down complex tasks into simple steps that anyone can follow.
Etsy: Sell online classes or e-books that go deeper into the skills you have shown on TikTok. Bundle your lessons for more value.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Side Hustle
Step 1: Pick Your Side Hustle
Think about what you enjoy doing or what you are good at.
Example: Do you love drawing? You could sell custom portraits or digital art. Are you passionate about baking? Consider selling themed cookie kits.
Step 2: Create a TikTok Account
Download the TikTok app and sign up for free.
Make a profile that reflects your side hustle. For example, if you are selling handmade jewellery, your username could be @ShinyBeadsByYou like that. Add a catchy bio that tells people what you offer.
Step 3: Start an Etsy Shop
Go to Etsy.com and click “Sell on Etsy.”
Follow the steps to set up your shop. You’ll need to:
Choose a shop name.
Add products with good photos and descriptions.
Set your prices.
Take time to write detailed descriptions and add keywords so people can find your products easily.
Step 4: Make TikTok Videos
Share videos about your products or process. For example:
Show how you make a bracelet from start to finish.
Post before-and-after shots of a thrifted item you’ve fixed up.
Use trending songs and hashtags like #EtsyShop, #SideHustle, or #SmallBusiness to get more views.
Experiment with different types of content, like tutorials, behind-the-scenes clips, and customer reviews.
Step 5: Promote Your Etsy Shop on TikTok
Add your Etsy shop link to your TikTok bio so people can easily find it.
Mention your shop in your videos. For example: “Check out my Etsy shop for more designs.”
Collaborate with other creators or run giveaways to attract more followers.
Step 6: Keep Improving
Pay attention to what people like. If one video gets a lot of views, make more like it.
Update your Etsy shop regularly with new items or better photos. Fresh content keeps your audience engaged.
Tips for Success
1. Be Consistent: Post videos often. Even one video a day can help you grow. Regular updates on Etsy also keep your shop active.
2. Engage with Followers: Reply to comments and thank people for their support. This builds trust and encourages repeat customers.
3. Use High-Quality Photos and Videos: Clear, bright images and videos attract more attention. Invest in good lighting or use natural light to make your content shine.
4. Price Your Products Fairly: Check what similar items cost on Etsy and set your prices competitively. Offer discounts or bundles to attract more buyers.
5. Stay Positive: Success takes time. Don’t get discouraged if sales are slow at first. Keep experimenting and learning.
Real-Life Success Stories
1. The Candle Maker
Emily started making candles as a hobby. She posted TikTok videos showing her pouring wax and adding scents. People loved watching her process and started buying from her Etsy shop. Now, Emily earns enough to pay for her college tuition.
2. The Thrifter
Jack loves visiting thrift stores. He made TikTok videos showing his vintage finds and tips for spotting valuable items. He now runs a successful Etsy shop selling vintage clothes and decor. His unique style keeps customers coming back.
3. The Artist
Sophia shared time-lapse videos of her creating watercolour paintings on TikTok. Her videos went viral, and now she sells custom art and prints on Etsy. She even gets requests for commissions from people all over the world. Her side hustle became her dream career.
Common Questions About Side Hustles on TikTok and Etsy
Q: Do I need a lot of followers on TikTok to be successful?
A: No. Even with a small following, you can attract customers. Focus on creating good content and connecting with your audience.
Q: How much money can I make?
A: It depends on your hustle and how much effort you put in. Some people make a few extra dollars a month, while others turn their side hustles into full-time jobs.
Q: What if I’m not creative?
A: That’s okay. You can start with simple projects like reselling thrift finds or making digital products like printable planners.
Conclusion
Side hustles galore on TikTok and Etsy make it easier than ever to earn extra money while doing something you enjoy. Whether you love crafting, teaching, or thrifting, there’s a way for you to succeed. Start small, stay consistent, and have fun sharing your passion with the world. Who knows? Your side hustle might just become your main hustle one day. Keep experimenting, and remember that success is a journey, not a destination. Happy hustling.