Is Agency Still Promising for a Side Hustle in 2025?

If you’ve been scrolling through YouTube or TikTok, you’ve probably seen people talking about starting an “agency” as a side hustle. The model has been around for years, but in 2025, the question is: is it still a good way to make money on the side? The short answer: yes, agencies are still promising, but the way you run them has changed. Let’s break it down.

 

What Do We Mean by “Agency”?

An agency is when you offer services to businesses. This can be:

• Social media management
• Running Facebook or TikTok ads
• SEO and website building
• Email marketing
• Video editing or content creation

You don’t have to be an expert in everything. Many new agency owners outsource tasks to freelancers once they land clients. Your main role is finding clients, setting up systems, and delivering results.

 

Why Agencies Still Work in 2025

There are three big reasons agencies are still a strong side hustle:

1. Businesses need help more than ever. Every local store, online brand, and coach wants to grow online. Many don’t know how to run ads, build websites, or create content.
2. Low startup cost. You don’t need inventory, a physical location, or a big investment. All you need is a laptop, Wi-Fi, and time.
3. High income potential. A single client can pay $500–$2,000 per month. Even if you only land two or three clients on the side, that can replace a part-time job.

 

What’s Different in 2025

The agency model is still strong, but the game has changed.

• More competition. Lots of people are trying it, which means you can’t just pitch “I’ll run your Instagram” and expect clients to sign up.
• Results matter. Businesses want proof. If you can show case studies, testimonials, or even results from a free trial, you’ll stand out.
• Niches win. General “marketing agencies” are less effective. Niching down into a specific area, like TikTok ads for fitness coaches or email marketing for ecommerce brands, makes it easier to land clients.

 

How to Start an Agency as a Side Hustle

1. Pick a niche. Choose an industry or service you feel confident in. Start small and get specific.

2. Find your first clients. Use LinkedIn, Facebook groups, or even local businesses in your city. Cold emails and DMs still work if you keep them short and focused.

3. Deliver value. Use simple tools like Canva, GoHighLevel, or Meta Ads Manager to create campaigns. Focus on getting your client results, not just activity.

 

 

 

4. Systemize and outsource. Once you get clients, hire freelancers to do the day-to-day work while you manage relationships and strategy.

5. Scale slowly. You don’t need 20 clients. Even 3 to 5 high-paying clients can turn this into a serious income stream.

 

Pros and Cons of Starting an Agency in 2025

Pros:

• Low cost to start
• High earning potential per client
• Flexible, you can run it from anywhere
• Can grow into a full-time business

Cons:

• Competitive market
• Requires consistent outreach to find clients
• Results-driven, clients will leave if you don’t perform
• Takes time to build trust and credibility

 

Is It Still Promising?

Yes, agency work is still a promising side hustle in 2025. But it’s no longer about offering “generic social media services.” The people who win are the ones who:

• Focus on a niche
• Show proof of results
• Build real relationships with clients

If you’re willing to put in the work to learn skills, reach out to clients, and deliver value, an agency can still be one of the best side hustles this year.

 

Final Thoughts

Starting an agency in 2025 is not a get-rich-quick move. It’s a practical, proven side hustle that works if you commit to learning, niching down, and putting clients first.

If you want something flexible with high earning potential, building a small agency is still one of the best ways to start. Just remember: results come before revenue. Focus on making businesses money, and they’ll happily pay you month after month.