Why offer website services on the side?
In 2025, over half (54%) of US adults are operating a side business to supplement their primary source of income. Website content writers earn $107.50 a day on average, the most of any writing gig. Almost a third of side hustlers spend less than 10 hours per week on their gigs.
A website service side business has the benefit of low startup and marketing costs, at least relative to other businesses. Entrepreneurs who have time for a side hustle can bid on projects on freelance websites at no cost. As their list of customers grows, word of mouth becomes an excellent source of additional business.
Offering website services such as web design, hosting, SEO, or content writing allows you to work at your own pace. Generally, the clients you work with won’t establish working hours. You only need to complete their projects within the agreed timeframe.
Web design
Web design is a popular side business for entrepreneurs with skills in this area. Many have experience because they designed their own sites. A web design side business lets you start with little to no upfront costs. The business can be as small or large as your lifestyle allows.
This isn’t to say you can start with nothing beyond your two hands. You need a powerful computer and a fast internet connection, both things an entrepreneur tends to have. You may also need software to assist you in designing, coding, or building websites (depending on what services you plan to offer.) The costs are low because most of the tools you need are inexpensive. You can purchase a monthly subscription – it’s a small investment that gives you time to build up a client list.
As you start getting a consistent revenue stream from your side business, you can invest in invoicing software (unless you can use the same kind as for the main business), additional monitors, and other more advanced and professional tools that help make your work more efficient.
Reselling hosting packages
Some entrepreneurs choose to buy reseller hosting packages from a parent hosting company and rebrand them as their own. They customize features and packages and set their own prices to resell to their customers.
If they already have a web-based business, this is an excellent service to offer existing customers. Many providers offer unlimited reseller plans to make starting a reseller business as easy as possible. Someone who is starting such a business on the side can use automated billing, offer customer support, and market their services more effectively.
Some reseller plans come with default unbranded nameservers, and custom nameservers don’t cost extra to create. Hosting resellers can customize the control panel for their customers by choosing the color scheme, adding their logo, and more to create a unique experience.
SEO services
People with an existing web-based business often have experience with SEO. The market is growing rapidly. It’s expected to reach $106.9 billion in 2025, up from $90.35 billion the previous year. Enterprises spend from $500 to $7,500 monthly on SEO services. For small businesses, the average SEO budget is around $500 per month.
Website content writing
An entrepreneur can hire content writers and set up a side business offering this service to other companies. Their business experience will be very helpful in guiding writers depending on the niche. Such an initiative definitely has positive prospects.
Final thoughts
Many entrepreneurs recognize website services’ value as a profitable and flexible side business. Services like web design, hosting, SEO, and maintenance promise recurring revenue streams and the potential to scale as needed. Startup costs are low, and demand from small businesses and personal brands is growing.
Entrepreneurs will need to build trust with new clients, and responding to emails and other correspondence within a reasonable timeframe will supplement the process. Once they have established trust, they can set their own schedule.
