the bold dev

For the past couple of years, I’ve casually explored different side hustles to see if I can make some extra money online. I love a good project and having a few extra bucks a month doesn’t hurt, especially as everything gets more expensive.

But I do get self-conscious very easily, so I draw the line at anything that makes me feel like I need to perform on a digital stage. That rules out dancing trends on social media or videos acting like I’m obsessed with an app just to get a referral bonus.

That’s why Benable caught my eye. It’s a side hustle that doesn’t feel like a hustle. It’s more like inviting someone over to your internet corner and saying, “Hey, here are some things I genuinely like. Maybe they’ll help you too.”

And I’m kind of obsessed with it.

Wait, What’s Benable?

Benable is a platform where you can create curated lists of things you love or recommend. If someone clicks on your link and buys, you can earn a small commission.

A cool part of Benable is that they’ve partnered up with of 30k brands to make this website possible. Which means that you don’t need to be a part of any formal affiliate program to link something.

It’s still very much in the early stages, but I enjoyed the direction it’s taking. I get a lot of Pinterest vibes from it, but it feels more personable. Think:

• Books you’re reading
• Tools you use for digital art or writing
• Your favorite cozy home office finds
• Side hustle apps you’ve tested (and survived)

Another cool part? It’s not all about sales. You can include free resources, add personal notes, and truly build it around your vibe. One of my most popular lists is a list of my favorite Chicago spots. I don’t make any commissions from it, but I would recommend these places anyway.

It’s like having a public “favorites” tab that actually does something.

How I’m Using It

When I first signed up, I wasn’t sure what to even post. I was very disorganized and scattered. But once I started thinking about the kinds of recommendations I give anyway, it clicked:

• “Oh, you want to know what drawing app I use?” Benable list.
• “Here’s that random productivity tool I swear by.” Benable list.
• “Yes, this is the exact lip balm that makes me feel like I have my life together.” Benable. List.

I’ve changed my organizational strategies a few times, but I’m getting in the grove. Now I’ve got a few themed lists I’m building out:

• “The Best Chicago Guide”
• “Paw-some Pet Essentials”
• “My bookshelf”
• “Locked In- Weight Loss Journey”

It’s become a fun ritual to think of new lists to create and finding a cute but catchy title. I’ve even started going on Canva to create a cover photo.

So… Is It Worth It?

Okay, I’ll be honest: it’s not sure, but it doesn’t hurt to try.  I’ve been casually building out my profile and I have had some commissions, but not enough to cash out yet.

So no, this is not going to make you rich overnight. You won’t wake up with five figures in your account just for saying “I like Notion.” But it’s stackable. It’s passive. And it’s fun. I can set it and forget it. But there’s still the possibility of earning some money.

If you’re already:

• Recommending products or places to friends
• Sharing links in blogs, TikToks, or newsletters
• Reviewing things just because you like them…

Then Benable can be an easy way to make a little money doing what you already do. And if nothing else, it’s a sweet way to organize your recs for yourself.

Why I’m Sticking With It

I’ve tried so many “creator-friendly” platforms that end up feeling like a second job. Benable doesn’t do that. There’s no pressure to post constantly. No pressure to only post a link to make you money. No toxic vibes.

It’s just you, your recommendations, and the people who vibe with them.

I love that I can write little blurbs with personality, curate based on my actual experience, and skip the “influencer voice” entirely. I don’t have to create a whole article for one recommendation. If I love something, I say so. If I don’t? I can be honest or I can choose not to put it on my list.

That kind of honesty feels rare online, and I want to lean into it.

I think that Benable and blogging make a good pair for the beginning stages of my journey.

Wanna Try It With Me?

If you’ve ever wanted to monetize your favorite finds without turning your life into an ad… Benable might be the cozy little side hustle you didn’t know you needed.

You can check out my current lists here. If you like what you see and want to join the party, use this link to sign up! Or use my code 2NHVA.

And if you create your own, send it my way! I’d love to follow and hype you up. Let’s build a tiny internet bookshelf of cool stuff together.