How to Start a Successful Side Hustle
The bad-ass babe’s guide to creating a successful side hustle
Want to make a bit of extra cash on the side so those bills feel a liiiittle less painful each month? Or maybe you’re dreaming of saving up enough moolah to jet off on a Spanish holiday? A side-hustle is where it’s at … and how you’re gonna make it all happen!
But if you’re feeling completely clueless when it comes to how to turn those side hustle dreams into plans, this is the perfect place to start.
In this guide, we’re going to walk you the exact steps to take when you’re choosing and launching a side hustle. But first …
What is a side hustle?
A side hustle is alternate work or income outside of your main job. Your side hustle might be:
Freelancing as a creative.
Offering a professional service like social media management or photography.
Renting out a room of your home on Airbnb.
Driving or delivering for Uber/UberEats.
Renting out your car for Car Next Door.
Investing in the stock market.
Self-publishing, blogging, vlogging or streaming.
Selling items on eBay and Amazon.
Tutoring and teaching online.
Making and selling items on Etsy.
We could keep going (seriously – there are endless ideas for side hustles! Check out our Break Free from the Office Guide, packed with 7 ideas for locations independant side hustles.
But if you’re considering a side hustle, you’re in good company. Almost half of working Americans (and 70 million people!) have a side hustle.
And while only half of respondents surveyed by The Hustle said they loved their main job, 76% of them loved their side hustle. Hell yeah!
It makes sense. After all, a side hustle allows you to:
Supplement your income and make extra money (according to Bankrate, the average monthly income from a side hustle is $1,112!)
Pursue a passion project and spend your time doing something you love.
Find creative freedom and fulfilment outside of your main job.
Begin building a meaningful career and future for yourself.
So … where do you start with your side hustle?
Your step-by-step guide to starting and launching your side hustle
Step #1: Choose a side hustle
Okay, this one is pretty straightforward: You gotta decide what you’re going to do! The key here is to choose a side hustle that:
Is profitable and will actually make you money (bonus points if the start-up and running costs are low).
You’ll enjoy doing (the bonus points for this one is if it intersects with your passion!)
There’s a market and demand for (even if you’re starting small).
Step #2: Find your F*ck Yes Tribe
You know what a target market is, right? Well, a F*ck Yes Tribe is like that … but better. These are the awesome humans that’ll holler “F*CK YES!” to you, your business and your offerings.
You need them in your life because they won’t hesitate to pay what you’re worth, respect and love your experience, and then rave about you to everyone they know. And they need you because you have a business, brand and offering that solves their problems and makes them feel amazing. 😉
Unsure how to find your FYT? We’ve got you. Read this article next.
Step #3: Name it
Now you know what you’re doing and who you’re doing it for, it’s time to give your side hustle a business name.
Before you commit to a name, make sure you Google it and double check it hasn’t already been taken. Then, sus out whether anyone has that name on social or if it’ll be difficult to secure the name for your brand.
Once you’ve found something that ticks all the boxes, go ahead and grab the business name, domain name and social account names.
Step #4: Build your brand
Want to make sure your side hustle succeeds? Brand it, babe! Building a brand for your business will ensure you are seen – and treated – like a pro even when you’re starting out. (Which means you can charge more!) It’ll also increase your chances of standing out and attracting your FYT.
Uh-huh, your side hustle needs a brand. But if ‘professional brand designer’ isn’t on your CV, we’ve got you covered.
Step #5: Create a website
Last but def not least, the final step to launching your side hustle should be to give it an online home. Not only will having a website help your FYT find you (Google, yo) but it’ll also give you a place to connect, serve and show up for them.
Basically? Your website should be your #1 priority as a start-up side hustler. But, again, if you don’t have ‘professional website designer’ as a skillset, we’ve gotchu. 😉
With these steps, you're well on your way to starting a successful side hustle. Remember, the key is to stay focused, passionate, and persistent. Now go out there, launch your side hustle, and start making your dreams a reality!
