One of the easiest ways to make money is to start a WordPress side hustle and work from home. But it’s still necessary to know the real numbers – what the actual side business can look like and how much you can earn building WordPress websites.
We have followed the income data of hundreds of students who have begun their WordPress freelance journey and we are very surprised by the income data. There is a lot of money to be made, but success depends on understanding the market and having the right approach.
WordPress Side Hustle Income: Real Numbers
Months 1–2: $0–$500
In the beginning, most beginners make their first $200–$500 in the first months. Small projects like website changes, content additions, or creating a simple landing page for local businesses are typical ways to earn this amount.
Months 3–6: $800–$2,500
After a few projects and growing confidence with Elementor (the no‑code WordPress page builder), there’s usually a jump in monthly income. Students report 2–4 projects per month at $400–$800 each.
Months 6–12: $2,000–$5,000+
Those who are experienced with Elementor and work only in the evenings and weekends often reach stable part‑time income in this range.
Note: These numbers reflect part‑time work (10-15 hours/week) and refer to small‑ to medium‑sized projects.
Why the WordPress Side Hustle Is Thriving
- Massive Market Demand: The majority of websites (over 810 million) require updates, redesigns, or improvements. Most small businesses struggle to do everything themselves and are great clients for affordable WordPress services.
- Low Barrier to Entry: Unlike traditional web development that requires coding skills, WordPress site building with Elementor allows complete beginners to achieve a professional look fast.
- Flexible Schedule: Freelance web design complements full‑time jobs perfectly. Client communication is mostly via email, and production is under your control.
- Recurring Revenue Potential: Maintenance, updates, and adding new pages can become predictable monthly income streams.
The Elementor Advantage for Side Hustlers (No‑Code WordPress Builder)
- Speed: Work that once took weeks can now be done in hours with Elementor’s visual builder.
- No Coding Required: Build complex, eye‑catching layouts without writing code.
- Client‑Friendly: Clients love seeing their site take shape visually during reviews and meetings.
- Template Efficiency: Start fast with Elementor templates, then customize. This reduces build time significantly.
Common WordPress Side Hustle Projects (With Typical Pricing)
- Website Redesigns ($600–$1,500): For businesses wanting modern, mobile‑responsive design. Content usually exists, making these ideal for beginners.
- Landing Pages ($200–$600): Focused pages for campaigns or services. Short timelines with healthy margins.
- Small Business Websites ($800–$2,500): Local restaurants, salons, or coaches. Always‑on demand and strong recurring potential.
- E‑commerce Setup ($1,000–$3,000): Add an online store to an existing site or build a new WooCommerce + Elementor shop.
- Maintenance Packages ($50–$200/month): Ongoing updates, backups, and minor changes – the perfect recurring revenue offer.
The Learning Investment Reality
Even with today’s no‑code tools, there’s a real learning curve. Most successful freelancers invest 2–3 months learning before taking their first paid project.
- Self‑Teaching Difficulties: Piecing together YouTube tutorials and blog posts leaves knowledge gaps. Many students feel confident until they face their first real client project.
- Structured Approach Advantage: Comprehensive training – from hosting setup to client acquisition – removes trial‑and‑error and saves months of potential income.
Landing Your First Client Projects (Beginner‑Friendly Tactics)
- Local Business Outreach: Identify nearby businesses with outdated sites or simple update needs.
- Networking: Join local business groups, chambers of commerce, and online communities where your clients hang out.
- Portfolio Development: Build 2–3 sample websites in different industries to prove your capabilities.
- Competitive Pricing: Start lower to gain experience and testimonials. Raise rates as your skills and processes mature.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Underestimating Time: New freelancers often under‑quote by ignoring revisions, client communication, and testing.
- Skipping Contracts: Always use a clear agreement outlining scope, timeline, and payment terms.
- Taking the Wrong Projects: Focus on jobs aligned with your skills; avoid complex custom development early on.
- Neglecting Skill Growth: The WordPress ecosystem changes quickly – keep investing in your education.
Your Next Steps
Doing a side job with WordPress can be very profitable, and success comes faster with the right training. Free resources help, but they often leave gaps that show up on real client work.
The difference between months of struggle and following a proven system is dramatic. Students who take full training often land their first paid client within 30 days of starting.
Are you ready to turn free time into a profitable WordPress side hustle? The full step‑by‑step course – from hosting setup to your first $1,000 client is available.
Don’t spend months figuring it out alone when the right guidance can have you earning within weeks.
