11 Pocket Businesses to Launch in a Weekend

I’ve done #1, #3, #5, and #9

Pocket businesses are in for 2024. These micro businesses are essentially small-scale or mobile businesses you can “run in your back pocket.”

I love the idea of pocket businesses because they are small, they can typically run by solopreneurs easily and are generally part-time.

A nice, smallish, lucrative business to fuel your bank account with more income.

Who wouldn’t jump on one, right?

Haha.

At the end of the day, it’s still a business.

So, you have burdens like running the operations, business taxes, business bank accounts, maintaining and growing the operation, and this will typically all be done by the owner only.

It can be a lot but, worth it?

You tell me!

Here are 11 online pocket businesses you can actually launch in a weekend…

11 Online Pocket Businesses to Launch Next Weekend

Before I start, here’s what you need to know…

• A small business doesn’t necessarily mean a free or low-cost business so, expect startup costs
• A time commitment will be necessary
• Some will be harder to manage/run than others

Alright, let’s get into it…

1. Content Creator

This might be your typical YouTuber, Instagrammer, or TikTok. It’s someone who has a nice-sized audience (usually more than 1,000 followers) and is a serious content creator.

You can tell by the posts, captions, account setup, and replies and responses to commenters, that this is a business for this person.

And, that person can be you!

• Choose your monetization (affiliate links, creator platform, brand deals, etc.)
• Pick a niche you love (food, golf, knitting, etc.)
• Choose a platform
• Start creating content

2. Online event planning

Coordinate events for clients online. You can work weekends only if you want.

Choose what kind of events you’ll run like birthday parties, conferences, etc.

Then, coordinate all the planning and ensure the event goes off without a hitch. You don’t even need to be present the day of the event. You can outsource it!

For example, you can specialize in banquet events only. Your role will be to book the event space, order supplies and catering, and other duties to ensure the event goes off without a hitch!

3. Freelance writing

Take on writing projects, write in your spare time, meet your deadlines, and get paid.

This was one of the first online side hustles I tried when I was working my 9-to-5. I used to write for Krazy Coupon Lady and would get paid a flat fee per article.

4. Social media management

This is the perfect pocket business to outsource, fully. Use tools to create a content calendar, create content, schedule posts, and everything!

Then, check in on the progress, conduct your client meetings, maintain and manage the whole operation from your phone, tablet, or computer, and keep going!

5. Newsletter operator

Start a newsletter. You can do this entirely free if you use a platform like Substack.

Focus on growing the newsletter. Then, monetize it!

I follow a creator who grows by thousands of subscribers every single month, in part from her consistent posting on Twitter!

Newsletters can be extremely low-cost and lower effort to run while being incredibly lucrative.

6. House cleaning

You can do the house cleaning yourself or hire a staff and manage the operation. Choose the hours you work, attract clients, charge your rate, and get paid!

7. Service person

I say service person to describe someone skilled in services, which can extend to:

• Easy plumbing installations (like installing toilets, garbage disposals, etc.)
• Mover
• Picture hanger
• Closet organizer

Another pocket business you can run entirely on the weekend. Get on a platform like Angi or Thumbtack, price your services competitively, get some solid positive reviews, and attract clients to your business.

8. Subscription boxes

This can work in several niches. I follow a baker on TikTok who created a cookie box that goes out every month. She makes about $14K/week from this!

You can also do curated pet boxes, knitting supplies, specialty foods, etc.

9. Blogging

One of my favorites!

Start a personal blog around a passion or interest you have. Create content regularly. Monetize the blog and make money.

I’ve started making as much as a few hundred dollars to $800+ per month within 2–3 months of starting a new blog from various sources.

10. Stock photography

Take pretty pictures in your spare time. Sell your photos on platforms like Etsy or stock photo sites like Alamy, Shutterstock, etc.

I recently learned of a photographer earning over $170K from stock photos!

11. Personal chef

Choose your schedule and specialty, attract clients, and then cook for clients.

This is perfect for cooks who enjoy preparing meals for others.

Onto You!

What do you think? These are all able to be started in a weekend and be excellent income drivers for yourself.

For more ideas, my list of 23 secret websites to make money in your spare time will be good to check out.

Have you thought about doing any of these pocket businesses?

Which one is your favorite that looks interesting?

Join 300+ customers who’ve bought my ebook How to Build a Faceless Business on TikTok and grab your copy!