In the UK, side hustles have become a powerful way to supplement income, offering the flexibility to work around existing jobs, family responsibilities or studies.
During my research, I came across a report by The Independent stating that around 40% of UK workers do side hustles, with digital marketing emerging as a leading option because it is scalable, accessible, often remote and low-cost to start.
Side hustles are becoming particularly attractive as the cost of living rises and wages fail to keep pace with inflation.
Digital marketing can help meet this need, as it includes opportunities such as content creation, social media management and paid advertising, which initially require time and skill, not money.
Why Side Hustles are the Key to Financial Freedom in the UK?
1. High Demand for Digital Skills:
The digital marketing industry is growing rapidly. Statista reports that ad spending in the UK advertising market is projected to reach £49.28 billion by 2025.
2. Flexibility and Remote Work:
Digital marketing roles allow you to work from home or remotely, to work around your main job or family responsibilities.
3. Income Potential:
Digital marketing jobs, especially SEO, PPC, and affiliate marketing, can be quite lucrative. According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a digital marketing manager in the UK is £37K – £53K, but freelancers can charge more depending on experience and skills.
4. Scalability:
Your side job in digital marketing can be easily scaled. You can start out by providing services to small businesses or individuals and as you gain experience, you can scale up.
You can discover more about how I initially started out in digital marketing with a side hustle, which then turned into my full-time job at the digital marketing agency ClickDo:
Top 7 Digital Marketing Side Hustle Ideas to Earn Money Online in the UK
Below I discuss 7 opportunities that are perfect as a side hustle in digital marketing that will help you earn extra income while also gaining valuable skills in a rapidly growing industry.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this post was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change. The side hustles are listed from most profitable to least profitable according to the average estimated earnings.
1. Copywriter
A copywriter in the UK can use their skills as a lucrative part-time job. The global Copywriting Services Market was valued at $25.29 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $42.22 billion by 2030, fueling demand for quality content. This part-time job gives individuals the opportunity to work for a variety of clients, from small businesses to large corporations.
By implementing successful SEO copywriting techniques, Copywriters create engaging content for websites, advertisements, and social media, which increases brand visibility and engagement. The rise of digital marketing has further increased the need for skilled copywriters, making it an ideal part-time job for those with writing skills.
In the UK, many copywriters work as freelancers, offering their services on platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr. This flexibility enables them to earn extra income from copywriting alongside their main job.
Estimated income:
The average annual salary of a freelance copywriter in the UK can range between £29K – £58K.
Investment required:
To start a freelance copywriting business in the UK, the initial investment includes a good-quality laptop, internet connection, and necessary software.
Required Skills:
Freelance copywriting work in the UK requires a copywriter to have excellent writing skills, creativity, and time management skills. They also need to have marketing knowledge and technical skills.
2. SEO Consultant
In the UK, the role of an SEO consultant has become a popular side hustle, offering individuals the opportunity to increase their income by using their search engine optimisation skills. With the increasing reliance on online visibility, businesses are actively looking for professionals who can improve their search engine rankings and drive organic traffic.
A recent study by Finder UK found that 44% of Brits now engage in side hustles, with the average additional income being £206 per week. This trend indicates a growing demand for a flexible source of income, and SEO consulting is a viable option for those with those skills.
By working as an SEO consultant, individuals can help businesses optimise their online presence, thereby contributing to the success of their clients and increasing their own income. In addition to the financial benefits, this side hustle also helps professionals stay up to date with the latest digital marketing trends.
Estimated income:
The average annual salary of a freelance SEO consultant in the UK can range between £26K – £40K.
Investment required:
To start working as a freelance SEO consultant in the UK, you will need to make some initial investments. First, you should ensure that you have a good computer or laptop and an internet connection. In addition, you can create a free account to use SEO tools such as Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz, and use Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
Required Skills:
To work as a freelance SEO consultant in the UK, one must have in-depth knowledge of search engine optimisation, keyword research, on-page and off-page SEO, and Google Analytics. In addition, data analysis and content marketing skills are also important.
3. Social Media Manager
A social media manager manages a brand’s online presence across platforms, engaging with audiences and ensuring the growth of the community. In the UK, where 82.8% of the population are active social media users, businesses are increasingly realising the value of a strong online presence.
This role involves creating engaging content, monitoring analytics to access engagement, and staying up to date with digital trends. Social media management is essential for businesses to connect with their target audience, build brand loyalty, and increase visibility in a competitive marketplace.
As a side hustle job, social media management offers flexibility and the opportunity to work with a variety of clients. It helps businesses grow their online presence and build meaningful connections with their audience, while also showcasing the creativity of individuals.
Estimated income:
The average annual salary of a freelance social media manager in the UK can range between £24K – £38K.
Investment required:
Starting a career as a freelance social media manager in the UK requires very little investment, making it an affordable side job. The necessary equipment includes a reliable computer, a stable internet connection, and a smartphone for managing social platforms. Basic subscriptions to tools like Canva, Hootsuite, or Buffer can make content creation and scheduling easier.
Required Skills:
To become a freelance social media manager in the UK, you need skills in creative content creation, branding, and analytics. Experience in digital marketing strategies and client communications is also essential.
4. Email Marketer
Email marketing is a vital tool for businesses, helping them connect with customers and increase sales. In the UK, the email advertising market is forecast to grow by 3.76% from 2025 to 2029, reaching US$1.02 billion by 2029.
This growth has fueled demand for skilled email marketers who can create engaging campaigns and connect with their audience. As a side hustle in the UK, providing email marketing services is a promising opportunity. By using their skills in creating engaging content and analysing campaign performance, a business can improve its marketing strategy.
This expansion of the market indicates a strong demand for skilled email marketers, making it a great time to enter the field. With the right skills and commitment, an individual can establish a successful side job in the UK’s dynamic email marketing environment.
Estimated Income:
The annual average salary of an email marketing specialist in the UK is £24K – £38K.
Investment Needed:
To start a freelance email marketing job in the UK, the initial investment is mainly limited to the cost of a reliable computer or laptop and a stable internet connection. In addition, it is essential to invest in email marketing tools and software such as ConvertKit, Mailchimp, or ActiveCampaign to create and manage campaigns. Google Analytics or specific email reporting software may also be required for effective performance tracking and analysis.
Requirements:
To work as a freelance email marketing professional in the UK, one must have a good understanding of email campaign design, content creation, and marketing automation. In addition, skills in data analysis, customer segmentation, and effective email strategy are essential.
5. Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant (VA) is a remote professional who provides administrative, technical or creative support to clients. In the UK, the VA industry has seen significant growth, with around 35% of businesses using virtual assistants and a further 37% planning to implement them within the next two years.
This growth is driven by the increasing demand for flexible working arrangements and the need for businesses to reduce operational costs. Virtual assistants provide a range of services, including IT support, e-commerce website management, AI support and social media management, making them valuable assets for a range of industries.
For those looking for a side job in the UK, becoming a virtual assistant is an opportunity that allows them to work remotely while leveraging existing skills. The growing demand for VAs indicates a promising market, allowing professionals to provide specialised services to a diverse client base.
Estimated Income:
The average annual salary of a virtual assistant in the UK is £24K – £36K.
Investment Needed:
The initial investment to start a freelance virtual assistant job in the UK is relatively low. All you need is a reliable computer or laptop, a stable internet connection, and basic office software such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace. Additionally, it is essential to invest in tools for project management, communication, and time tracking (such as Trello, Zoom, or Asana) to manage clients effectively.
Requirements:
Working as a freelance virtual assistant in the UK requires administrative skills, communication skills, time management, and specialisation in tasks like scheduling, content curation, and email handling. You should also have skills in social media management, client support, and project management.
6. Affiliate Marketer
Affiliate marketing is a popular and lucrative side hustle in the UK, where individuals can earn passive income by promoting products or services online. In 2023, UK companies invested £1.1 billion in affiliate marketing, reflecting a 4% increase over the previous year.
The core of this work involves creating reviews, blogs or video content that includes affiliate links. When someone buys something from your referral link, you or your employer receive a commission. It can be run entirely from home, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Affiliate marketing is particularly effective for those who have already built an online presence or social media following. As the audience grows, so does the earning potential, making it a scalable and profitable side hustle to succeed in the UK’s digital world.
Estimated income:
The average annual salary of an affiliate marketer in the UK can range between £22K and £36K.
Investment required:
To get started as a freelance affiliate marketer in the UK, you will need a website or blog, email marketing tools and social media scheduling software. You may also need to invest in content creation tools, paid advertising and courses to develop your skills. These costs are flexible and can be scaled as your business grows.
Required Skills:
Content creation skills (e.g. writing, SEO and social media management) are essential for a freelance affiliate marketer. Understanding analytics, conversion optimisation and the ability to build and nurture an online audience are also essential.
7. Freelance Content Writer
Freelance content writing has become a popular side hustle in the UK, allowing individuals to work on a variety of projects from home. The role involves creating engaging and SEO-friendly articles, blogs, and website content for a variety of clients, helping writers hone their skills and expand their professional networks.
The demand for freelance content writing services in the UK is significant. According to recent research, there are around 590 searches per month for freelance content writers, indicating a steady demand for quality writing services. This trend reflects the growing importance of digital content in business strategies.
As businesses recognise the value of engaging content, there are plenty of opportunities for freelance writers to contribute to a variety of industries. This side hustle offers an additional income as well as the opportunity to pursue their passion for writing and maintain a flexible work-life balance.
Estimated Income:
The average annual salary of a freelance content writer in the UK is £21K – £32K.
Investment Needed:
The investment to start a freelance virtual assistant job is relatively low. One needs to purchase a reliable laptop or computer, a high-speed internet connection, and the necessary software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).
Requirements:
For freelance content writing, one needs to have excellent writing skills, research skills, and a basic understanding of SEO. Moreover, time management and the ability to write on a variety of topics can lead to success in this profession.
What’s your Side Hustle going to be?
Side hustles have become increasingly important in the UK, providing additional income as well as a financial solution to the rising cost of living. Digital marketing side hustles such as virtual assisting, SEO consulting, content writing, and more can provide you with additional income while also gaining valuable skills in a rapidly growing industry.
Not only are these side jobs lucrative, but they are also adaptable, allowing you to work around your main job or other responsibilities. Whether you want to increase your income, explore a new career, or build your skills in digital services, here are some options to help you achieve your goals. If you would like to get started with a side hustle in digital marketing, why not do an internship with us at ClickDo?
Get started by identifying your skills, investing in the necessary tools, training and coaching, and using online resources. With determination, your side hustle can become a successful venture. Take the first step now!
If you want to ask me any questions or share your side hustle story, please get in touch with me!
Author Profile
- Blogger and Educator by Passion | CMO at ClickDo Ltd. | Editor in Chief of various English and German Blogs | Summer Course Student at the London School of Journalism.
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