Starting a side hustle is a great way to earn extra money, follow your passion, and even work towards becoming your own boss. If you are busy working a day job or raising a family, finding time to get your side hustle off the ground can be difficult. This guide will offer some simple and effective tips for starting a side hustle at home this year.
Find Your Niche
Side hustle businesses are popping up every day, so it is important that you can stand out from the crowd. Finding the perfect niche for your side hustle does not mean you need an idea with a Facebook level of originality. There are plenty of niches out there that budding freelancers and hustlers can get into. From freelance writing to party planning, finding the right niche for your side hustle is about assessing your skills and talents and figuring out what you have to offer the world.
Create a Website and Social Media Pages
Nowadays, we expect each business we buy from or work with to have an online presence. A solid website and a strong social media presence can make or break your side hustle. You do not need to be an expert web designer or social media manager to reach potential customers or clients online effectively. Start small with a basic website and make sure you ask the important questions such as, “Does your website need an online store or consent management software?”
Research the Market
Part of finding your niche for your side hustle involves researching what else is out there. If you want to set up a dog-walking business but there are already several established dog-walkers in your area, you will struggle to get your business off the ground. Likewise, researching the market for your business, whether it is local or online, will help you make important business decisions such as setting prices and discovering your target audience. Get started on social media so you have pages ready to launch when your side hustle goes live.
Set Clear Goals and Milestones
When you start a side hustle, the excitement of the venture can lead you to dream big and rush into it. However, clear goals and milestones will help you out in the long run and ensure you do not get too overwhelmed in the early stages. Draw up an action plan with simple goals and milestones that feel achievable. Those early milestones can include your first, second, and third customer, the first order you fulfill, and your first positive review. You can also include goals and milestones related to your website’s performance, such as traffic and conversions, and your social media presence.
Encourage Customers to Review You
One of the toughest parts of starting a side hustle is getting those first few customers. Online reviews and positive feedback displayed on your website and social media will act as social proof that encourages others to trust your business. Make sure those early customers or clients pass on their feedback, such as by offering a discount on their next purchase.
