If you’ve ever thought, “I want to make more money, but I literally don’t have the time or energy,” you’re not alone. That’s why I wrote this post about the best side hustles for women.
Here’s the good news: some side hustles don’t require trading hours for dollars. They’re built to be lightweight, scalable, and semi-passive once set up.
Here are 3 of my favorite energy-efficient side hustles, what I’m deeming the best side hustles for women, including exactly how to get started.
1. Sell Digital Downloads on Etsy (or Your Own Website)
Create once. Sell forever. Make money in your sleep.
What it is:
Digital downloads are one of the best side hustles for women. They are files people can instantly download after purchase — think planners, checklists, kids’ activity sheets, templates, social media kits, or educational resources.
Why it works:
Once you create a product and list it online, there’s no inventory, no shipping, no customer service headaches. People buy, download, and you profit.
How to Get Started:
Step 1: Pick a niche.
What do you know or love that others would pay for?
Ideas:
- Moms → chore charts, lunchbox notes, homeschool trackers
- Entrepreneurs → invoice templates, email scripts, branding kits
- Teachers → lesson plans, classroom decor printables, handouts
Step 2: Create the product.
Use Canva (free or Pro) to design your product. Start with templates or create your own from scratch.
Step 3: Open an Etsy shop.
It’s free to start (get 40 free listings with this link). You pay a small listing fee ($0.20 per item).
Make sure your title, description, and tags use keywords people actually search for (use a tool like eRank or EverBee).
Step 4: Upload and sell.
Add a mockup image (use Canva), price it between $2 and $25, and hit publish.
Bonus Tip:
Start building an email list from day one. Use your thank-you message or a freebie link to collect emails for future launches.
Real talk: I personally was able to quit my full time job because of my Etsy earnings. I’m not alone, I know moms who make $500–$2,000/month selling digital downloads in their spare time — even with zero prior design experience.
LEARN MORE:
- How to Start Etsy Business: Insane Tips from a 6-Figure Etsy Seller
- Etsy E-Printables Side Hustle Course: Gold City Ventures Course Review
2. Affiliate Marketing That Doesn’t Feel Spammy
Recommend what you already love and earn commissions passively.
What it is:
Affiliate marketing is promoting someone else’s product using a special link. When someone clicks and buys, you get paid — no customer support or product creation required.
Why it works:
You’re already telling friends about stuff you love. This just monetizes your natural recommendations.
How to Get Started:
Step 1: Choose a focus.
What kind of products do you already use and love?
Ideas:
- Business tools (like Canva Pro, Kajabi, ConvertKit)
- Lifestyle items (Amazon finds, books, wellness products)
- Software with high commissions (check out platforms like ShareASale, Impact, or individual brand programs)
Step 2: Sign up for affiliate programs.
Start with:
Step 3: Create content around the product.
- Write a blog post: “5 Tools That Help Me Run My Business”
- Film a 30-second Instagram Reel or TikTok demo
- Send an email to your list or post in Facebook groups (where allowed)
Step 4: Use your affiliate link & disclose it.
Include a quick disclaimer like: “This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase.”
💡 Pro Tip: Focus on evergreen content (like tutorials, reviews, or “best of” roundups) so your links keep working for you long after you post.
3. Create Low-Content Books with Print-on-Demand
Publish on Amazon without writing a novel.
What it is:
Low-content books are journals, planners, sketchbooks, logbooks, and workbooks that people use and write in — but you don’t have to write much of anything.
Why it works:
Print-on-demand platforms like Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) handle everything: printing, shipping, customer service. You create the interior once, upload it, and get paid when it sells.
How to Get Started:
Step 1: Pick a profitable low-content niche.
Ideas:
- Gratitude journals for moms
- Habit trackers
- Daily planners for kids
- Fitness logbooks
- Goal-setting workbooks for entrepreneurs
Step 2: Create the interior.
Use Canva or Book Bolt to design your pages (make sure to use the correct trim size — e.g., 6×9 or 8.5×11).
Step 3: Design a simple cover.
Amazon KDP has a free cover creator, or you can design one in Canva using their KDP templates.
Step 4: Upload to Amazon KDP.
Create a free account at kdp.amazon.com, fill in your book details (title, keywords, description), upload your files, and publish.
Step 5: Promote it.
Start with Pinterest, Instagram, or your email list. You can also use Amazon Ads once you’re ready to scale.
💡 Pro Tip: Bundle several books in a themed series. Once someone buys one, they’re more likely to buy the rest.
LEARN MORE: 3 Steps to Publishing Your First Low-Content Book
Final Thought on Best Side Hustles for Women:
You don’t need a high-energy, high-drama hustle to build wealth. You need smart systems, leveraged effort, and a willingness to start small.
Whether you’re designing a planner on the couch, sharing affiliate links for your favorite business tools, or publishing a gratitude journal for other moms — these side hustles work with your life.
The money? That’s just the cherry on top.
Still here? Check out this Blueprint for Passive Income
There are a ton of best side hustles for women who want freedom and flexibility, but if you’re interested in learning more about how to do it with Etsy, check out The Shockingly Simple Guide to Selling Passive Income Products on Etsy. This free, in-depth guide is a deeper blueprint for passive income that will help you learn exactly how to create digital products on Etsy!
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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.
