Looking for practical ways to earn extra income or get a fresh start financially? A side hustle might be your answer. With the rising cost of living, many people are turning to part-time gigs and small businesses to supplement their main income. In fact, a recent study found that around 10% of Americans started a side business or second job in 2025 because their primary income wasn’t enough to cover expenses. Below are 17 smart and realistic side hustles to consider — both online and offline — to help you make more money this year. 💻 How to Make Money Online Who doesn’t want to earn income from the comfort of their home? While some online hustles take time to build, others can give you small, quick wins right away. 1. Start Freelancing Online Freelancing remains one of the best ways to earn money online. Platforms like Upwork , Fiverr , and Freelancer.com allow you to offer services such as writing, web design, programming, data entry, or virtual assistance. While AI tools ar...
In the fast-evolving digital economy, affiliate marketing has emerged as one of the simplest and most flexible ways to earn income online — even here in Zambia. But what exactly is affiliate marketing, and how does it work?
Affiliate marketing is a business model where you promote other people’s products or services using a special tracking link. When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission. It’s that simple. You don’t need to create your own product, handle customer service, or manage inventory.
For example, you could recommend a book on a platform like Amazon, or promote hosting services like Bluehost, or even advertise local Zambian services through global platforms like ClickBank or Impact Radius. Once someone buys through your link, the company tracks the sale and pays you your commission.
Why is affiliate marketing attractive for Zambians? Because it requires very little startup capital. All you really need is a blog, social media page, or YouTube channel — and the willingness to create valuable content that encourages people to trust your recommendations.
In future posts, we’ll cover how to choose the right affiliate programs, how to market products ethically, and how to maximize your commissions. Affiliate marketing isn’t a “get rich quick” scheme — it’s a real business model for building long-term income. And if you’re willing to learn, the rewards can be life-changing.
📘 Completely new to affiliate marketing? Start here:
• Learn how the earnings work in How Affiliate Programs Work – Earning Explained
• Build on this foundation with The Basics of Passive Income