Although the definition of a side hustle is an extra job or business you do besides your main job or business, it is more than that — it is a way to explore your passions, develop new skills, and earn additional income.
In this piece, I will walk you through what starting a side hustle involves, the benefits of having having one and how you can go about finding starting a side hustle and potentially convert it into your main hustle.
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How to Start a Side Hustle in 2023
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What is a Side Hustle?
By definition, a side hustle means having an additional job that you do besides your regular job to supplement your primary source of income. It can be something as simple as selling items on an online marketplace, renting out your spare room, delivering food and packages, joining a focus group to take paid online surveys, or offering freelance services.
Essentially, a side hustle is any type of work you do outside your routine nine-to-five job that generates extra money.
Having a side hustle has become increasingly popular over the years because it provides additional income and comes with flexibility. It’s particularly appealing to those who have a full-time job but want more financial stability or would like to pursue other passions outside work.
According to one study, round 44% of Americans currently have some form of a side hustle, with millennials leading the way at 50%.
We will explore some of the best side hustle ideas to make extra money but before we get to that, let’s address the question of why you would need to start a side hustle.
Why You Need a Side Hustle
Having a side hustle can be incredibly beneficial in today’s economy. With the rising cost of living and stagnant wages, having an extra source of income can provide much-needed financial security.
A research in 2022 found that 61% of U.S. consumers live paycheck to paycheck.
But it’s not just about the money because having a side hustle also allows you to develop new skills and pursue your passions. Some people with a side business started it because they wanted to pursue something they were passionate about.
Additionally, spending time on your side hustle can help you build valuable skills that could potentially lead to career advancements or even an entirely new career path.
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How to Find The Right Side Hustle
To find the right side hustle for you, there are a few factors to consider. Let’s take a look at steps you can take to find your ideal side hustle:
Assess Your Skills And Interests
When considering side hustle ideas, it’s important to take an honest inventory of your skills and interests. By assessing what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing, you can identify opportunities that align with your strengths and passions.
For example, if you have strong writing skills or experience in graphic design, freelance work may be a great option for you. Alternatively, if you’re passionate about cooking or baking, starting a home-based catering business could be the perfect side gig.
Assessing your skills and interests is the first step in identifying potential side hustles that are both lucrative and rewarding.
This not only helps ensure that your side hustle is enjoyable and fulfilling but also increases the likelihood of success. Remember, since your side gig will probably not become an instant success, you are more likely to power through the initial period of failure if you truly love what you are doing.
Personal fulfillment is worth factoring into this process. Don’t just choose something because it pays well – make sure it’s something that excites you as well.
Find Openings in High Demand
Look for industries that are in high demand or have growth potential, and consider if there is a need for services or products you could provide.
If you visit online forums, you can find pain areas where people are looking for a product or service and their need is not being met. If you can base your side hustle on that, your chances of doing well increase.
Having said that, don’t shy away from gigs that have a lot of competition because it means that there are a lot of opportunities. In fact, you should be wary of some gigs that have very few participants because the opportunities may be scarce.
Evaluate Earning Potential
When it comes to choosing the right side hustle, evaluating earning potential is crucial. You’ll want to consider how much money you can realistically make from your chosen hustle. Researching similar businesses or individuals can give you an idea of what to expect in terms of earnings.
It’s also important to factor in the amount of time and financial commitment required for your hustle. Make sure the potential earnings are worth it and that they align with your financial goals and time commitments.
According to a poll, the average side hustler earns an extra $483 per month.
Factor In Time And Financial Commitments
When considering a side hustle, it’s important to think carefully about the time and financial commitments. While side hustles can be a great way to supplement your income, they also require a significant investment of both resources and time.
A recent poll revealed that people spend thirteen hours per week on average on their second job.
Be realistic with yourself about how much time you have available for your side hustle each week, and carefully consider the monetary costs associated with starting and maintaining it.
Side hustles like freelancing as a writer or virtual assistant have low start-up costs but they require a huge time investment because the amount of money you earn is proportional to how much time you invest. Meanwhile a dropshipping business will require a lot more money to get started.
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Types Of Side Hustles To Consider
What are some good side hustles to make money online?
There are various types of side hustles to consider. Now that we have gone through the factors to consider when choosing your side hustle, here are some gigs that you can pursue:
Freelancing
Freelancing is one of the most popular and flexible side hustle options available. It involves working as an independent contractor or consultant for a variety of clients, often remotely. With the rise of technology, more companies are turning to freelancers for specialized skills like graphic design, content writing, and social media management.
Many freelancers start their work out of personal choice rather than necessity. Freelancing offers benefits such as flexibility in choosing projects and setting your own rates.
You can visit websites like UpWork that will connect you with potential clients.
Although freelancing sounds like the ideal side gig, it also comes with challenges such as finding consistent work and managing multiple clients at once. Overall, if you have marketable skills and enjoy the freedom of being your own boss, freelancing can be a lucrative and fulfilling side hustle option to consider.
Online Selling And Reselling
Online selling and reselling is a great side hustle idea. With the rise of e-commerce, there are several platforms where you can sell your products or services online.
You can create an online store on Amazon, Etsy, AliExpress, or eBay and start selling goods that you already own or source from other sellers.
Reselling items like clothing, electronics and collectibles for a profit has become increasingly popular in recent years due to websites such as Poshmark and Depop.
Resellers have been able to turn this side hustle into full-time businesses by finding high-quality items at discount prices and then flipping them for a profit. The opportunities are endless with online selling and reselling.
Delivery Services
Delivery services have become increasingly popular as a side hustle, particularly with the rise of companies like Uber Eats and DoorDash.
As more people opt for the convenience of food delivery, there’s an opportunity for individuals to make extra income by becoming couriers. This type of side hustle offers flexibility in terms of work hours and allows you to make more money if you are willing to invest more time into the job.
Aside from food delivery, there are also opportunities in package delivery and errand running. However, it’s important to note that while this can be a fun side hustle, it has its shortcomings.
For example, you should always practice caution and make sure you have proper insurance coverage before you start to deliver food.
Gig Economy Jobs
Gig economy jobs are a popular type of side hustle that involves working as an independent contractor or freelancer for various clients. This can include driving for ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft or completing tasks on platforms like TaskRabbit.
One benefit of gig economy jobs is their flexibility, allowing you to work as little or as much as you want to fit around your schedule and other commitments.
Another advantage is the potential to earn extra income quickly, without significant start-up costs. However, it’s important to be aware of the challenges that come with gig economy jobs such as unpredictable income and lack of job security.
Despite this, gig economy jobs remain a viable option for those looking to boost their earnings in their spare time while pursuing other passions simultaneously.
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Creating An Online Course
Creating an online course can be a highly profitable side hustle. With the rise in demand for online learning, more and more people are turning to e-learning platforms like Udemy or Coursera for skill development.
Creating your own course on a topic that you’re passionate about is not only lucrative but will help others learn something new.
Many people have taken an online course in the past year. That means there is massive potential for you to create something valuable and marketable.
You don’t need to be a professional teacher or expert in the field either – as long as you know enough about the subject matter, you can create a successful online course with varying levels of difficulty and price points.
Blogging Or Influencer Marketing
Starting a blog or Influencer Marketing is a popular side hustle that allows individuals to monetize their social media following. With the increasing use of social media platforms, companies are looking for ways to advertise and reach more customers.
As a blogger or influencer marketer, you can help brands promote their products or services on your platform.
One of the benefits of this type of side hustle is that you have the freedom to create content around topics you enjoy and connect with like-minded people.
Additionally, becoming an influencer can provide opportunities for sponsored posts, affiliate marketing deals, and brand collaborations. Nowadays, given how popular platforms like TikTok are, most businesses dedicate a portion of their marketing budget towards influencers in order to increase brand awareness and drive sales.
Starting A Dropshipping Business
Starting a dropshipping business is an increasingly popular option for entrepreneurs looking to start side hustles.
With no need to hold inventory, the start-up costs are relatively low compared to traditional e-commerce stores. Plus, you can run your business from anywhere with an internet connection.
When it comes to finding products to sell, research and niche selection are key. You want to find items that have high demand but low competition. You’ll also need a reliable supplier or suppliers who offer fast shipping times and quality products.
Keep in mind that while dropshipping can be profitable, it does require a significant amount of time and effort upfront for product research and marketing.
Investing In Stocks Or Real Estate
Investing your money in stocks or real estate can be a great way to create income and build wealth. Investing in the stock market can provide long-term growth, while real estate investing comes with the potential for rental income and appreciation.
Both types of investments require extensive research before committing your funds.
Real estate investment is one of the most popular side hustles to consider. Real estate investors often generate passive income by buying rental properties and collecting rent payments each month.
Moreover, investing in stocks could yield high returns based on how you allocate capital to different companies over time. It’s important to note that both options come with risks, but with careful research and monitoring, they may offer substantial rewards.
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Launching Your Side Hustle
Once you have narrowed your side hustle ideas to one that you want to pursue, then comes the implementation part.
Generating side hustle ideas for most people is the easy part, implementing the ideas is the hard part.
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are the concrete steps you can take to turn your side hustle ideas into full-blown projects and businesses:
Identify Your Niche
The first step, as we discussed in-depth above, is finding your niche. Identifying your niche is crucial when it comes to finding the a side hustle idea that you will likely follow through.
As we have discussed, you should focus on something that you are passionate about or have expertise in, making it easier for you to get it started.
Here is a reminder of what that entails:
- Consider what skills and interests you possess and how they can be monetized.
- Research potential opportunities in your niche by utilizing online resources such as forums, social media groups, and job boards.
- Evaluate the earning potential of each opportunity while factoring in time and financial commitments.
Don’t forget that by identifying a profitable niche that aligns with your interests and skills, you can turn your side hustle into a successful business venture while enjoying what you do.
Set Realistic Goals
You should set realistic goals when starting a side hustle. It’s important to have both short-term and long-term goals to keep you motivated and on track.
Short-term goals could be as simple as getting your first client, while long-term goals may involve quitting your day job and making your side hustle your full-time gig.
It’s also crucial to make sure that your goals are achievable and practical. Setting unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration, burnout, or even failure.
As a guide, consider the amount of time and effort you can realistically commit to your side hustle alongside other responsibilities like work or family obligations. Don’t bite more than you can chew.
Always remember that success in a side hustle doesn’t always come overnight; it takes hard work, commitment, and dedication. By setting attainable goals for yourself from the start, you’ll be better equipped for success in the long run.
Create A Business Plan
You must create a business plan when starting any new venture, no matter how small. A business plan outlines your goals and the strategies for achieving them.
It also identifies potential challenges you may face along the way. If your side gig is ambitious, you can use the plan to attract investors or secure loans if needed.
When creating your business plan, consider factors such as market research on demand for your product or service, financial projections and budgeting, marketing strategies to reach your target audience, and legal considerations such as licenses and permits required in your industry.
Taking time to create a thorough and detailed plan can increase the likelihood of success for your side hustle.
Build A Strong Network
A robust professional network can help you find clients, access resources or support, and get valuable advice from those who have been there.
Make an effort to attend industry events, join online groups or forums related to your field of interest or expertise, and connect with potential collaborators.
Having said that, I should clarify that networking doesn’t necessarily mean attending large conferences or business meetings; it could be as simple as reaching out to friends and family members who can refer clients or provide feedback on your work.
Don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth marketing when building a strong network.
Finally, remember that networking is a two-way street – offer help and support whenever possible to build lasting relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals in your community.
Implement Marketing Strategies
Marketing is crucial for the success of your side hustle. It gives you visibility and enables people to learn more about what you are offering.
With over 70 million Americans having a side hustle, utilizing various marketing strategies will set you apart from the competition and help grow your business.
Find A Mentor Or Role Model
Finding a mentor or role model can be extremely beneficial when starting a side hustle. These individuals offer valuable guidance and support, as well as insights from their own experiences.
Research mentors in your desired field who will help you avoid common mistakes, develop new skills, and make connections in the industry.
Finding someone who shares your interests and is successful in that same area can be motivating and inspiring.
It’s important to seek out mentors who align with your values and goals, as they can provide helpful advice on how to navigate challenges such as time management or balancing multiple responsibilities.
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How to Market Your Side Hustle
As I mentioned before, you need to implement a marketing strategy to get more people interested in what you are selling (whether it is a product or a service). Here are ways you can effectively market your hustle:
Establish An Online Presence
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence can greatly increase the visibility of your side hustle and attract potential clients or customers. It also makes you look more professional.
Create a personal website and link it to social media accounts dedicated to your side hustle to showcase your skills and services, connect with like-minded individuals, and build credibility. An online presence will help you reach a wider audience.
You can maintain a blog where you regularly post updates on your work or products to keep followers engaged.
Social Media Marketing
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have become powerful marketing tools for businesses of all sizes. As a side hustler, you can leverage these platforms to promote your brand and reach a wider audience.
With over 3 billion active social media users worldwide, the potential for growth is massive. By using hashtags and engaging with followers on Instagram or creating a Facebook page for your business, you can attract more customers and generate leads.
To effectively market your side hustle on social media, you need consistency and creativity. Posting regularly at optimal times ensures that your content reaches the maximum number of people in your target demographic.
You should also experiment with different types of content such as engaging graphics or informative videos to keep followers interested while showcasing the unique value proposition of what you offer through your side hustle.
Email Marketing
Email marketing is an effective marketing tool for small businesses. Sending newsletters or promotional emails can help keep your audience informed about new products or upcoming sales. Studies show that email campaigns have a high success rate, making it a cost-effective way to reach potential customers.
Paid Advertising
As your hustle grows, you can invest in paid advertising on search engines like Google or on social media platforms like Facebook to drive traffic to your website and increase brand visibility.
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How to Turn Your Side Hustle Into A Full-Time Business
After running your side hustle for a while and monetizing it, you can turn it into a full-time business and your main source of income. You may even quit your regular 9-5 job.
Although quitting your day job to focus on your side hustle can be a thrilling yet nerve-wracking decision, evaluate whether your side hustle has the potential to provide sustained income and growth before taking this leap.
Before making any hasty decisions, carefully plan out how you will transition from a full-time employee to owning and running your own business.
Setting realistic goals is crucial when launching a new venture and creating a solid business plan with measurable objectives can help ensure long-term success. Building a strong network of mentors or role models who have successfully made the transition can also be incredibly helpful in guiding you through this process.
To make this leap, you should consider a few things first:
Consistent High Demand
Having a side hustle that is highly marketable can be key to turning it into a full-time business. This means that there is always a need for your product or service, which will provide you with steady income.
An example of a consistently high-demand side hustle is becoming a virtual assistant (VA). With more businesses shifting their operations online, many entrepreneurs and small business owners are outsourcing administrative tasks such as data entry, email management, and social media scheduling. As a result, the demand for virtual assistants has increased significantly over the years. So, it makes sense to become a VA full time.
If you’re considering turning your side hustle into your main hustle, ensure that it has consistent high demand to provide you with regular income.
Growth Potential
Before you make your side gig your main hustle, ensure that it has growth potential because with dedication and hard work, your side hustle can grow into a full-time business that supports you financially.
Ensure that there’s no shortage of opportunities for growth within your niche market.
Passion For The Work
Having a passion for the work is an essential factor in turning your side hustle into a full-time business. When you love what you do, it’s easier to stay motivated and overcome inevitable setbacks. According to a survey, 37% of individuals started their side hustle to pursue their passion.
Passion also leads to better quality work and customer service, which results in more significant profits. When you’re passionate about what you do, it shows in your final product or service, attracting more customers who share your enthusiasm. It’s no wonder that many successful businesses today began as a passion project for their founders.
Overall, having passion for the work can lead to long-term success and fulfillment in both personal and financial aspects. So if you’re considering starting a side hustle or turning it into a full-time gig, make sure it aligns with your interests and values – that way, it will never feel like “work.”
Financial Sustainability
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a side hustle is its financial sustainability. A profitable side hustle should not only provide extra income but also have potential for longevity.
Researching earning potential, start-up costs, and market demand can help you determine the sustainability of a side hustle. It’s also essential to assess whether pursuing a side hustle will leave enough time and resources to maintain financial stability in other aspects of life.
In order to achieve long-term financial sustainability with your side hustle, it’s crucial to properly manage finances from the start. This includes tracking income and expenses, setting aside funds for taxes, establishing a budget, and investing back into the business as needed.
Additionally, diversifying income streams through multiple side hustles or investments can provide greater stability over time. By focusing on financial sustainability early on, you can ensure that your side hustle continues to bring in extra income while supporting overall financial needs in both the short- and long-term.
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Benefits Of Having A Side Hustle
Having a side hustle is beneficial in a number of ways:
Extra Income
One of the biggest benefits of having a side hustle is the extra income it can provide. For many people, a side hustle is a way to supplement their full-time job or make some additional cash on the side.
Another advantage of earning extra income through a side hustle is that it can help you achieve your financial goals faster. Whether you’re trying to pay off debt, save up for a down payment on a house, or build up your emergency fund, every little bit counts.
Even if your goal isn’t necessarily financial in nature, having more disposable income from your side hustle can give you more flexibility and freedom in other areas of your life.
Skill Development
Having a side hustle is not just about earning extra income, but it can also help in developing new skills. Whether it’s freelancing or starting an online course, side hustles provide opportunities to explore different interests and learn something new.
In addition to pursuing passions, having a side hustle can give people the chance to acquire new skills that they may not have had the opportunity to develop elsewhere.
Overall, engaging in a side hustle allows you to expand your capabilities and diversify your experiences.
Not only does this add value to you as an individual but it also opens up possibilities for future career advancement and entrepreneurship opportunities once you’ve honed those newfound skills through your chosen hustle.
Flexibility
The flexibility that comes with having a side hustle is one of the biggest advantages. It allows individuals to work around their schedules, whether they have full-time jobs or other commitments.
With 13.4 hours being the average time spent on a side hustle per week, it’s easy to see how this can fit into almost anyone’s lifestyle.
Furthermore, many side hustles can be done remotely from home or online, making them ideal for those who want to work from a remote location. This type of flexibility makes it easier for people who live in rural areas or who have mobility issues to earn extra income without having to leave their homes.
All in all, the flexibility afforded by having a side hustle means you can make money on your own terms and set your own schedule while pursuing passions outside of your regular job. Whether you’re looking for some extra cash or want to turn your passion project into something bigger down the line, a well-chosen side hustle with flexible hours can help you achieve these goals and much more!
Pursuing Passion Projects
Having a side hustle gives you the opportunity to pursue your passion projects. Whether it’s starting an Etsy shop for your handmade crafts or creating a blog about your favorite hobby, having a side hustle allows you to turn your passions into profit.
Furthermore, pursuing passion projects can lead to personal fulfillment and satisfaction that may not be found in traditional jobs.
With the rise of online marketplaces and social media platforms, it’s easier than ever to monetize what you love doing and turn it into a successful side hustle.
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Challenges Of Having A Side Hustle
Having a side hustle is not all rosy and it comes with its challenges. Here are some that you may have to grapple with if you start a side gig:
Time Management Issues
Managing your time while balancing a side hustle and a full-time job can be challenging. It requires discipline, planning, and prioritization skills to effectively use the limited hours you have in a day. One helpful tip is to set specific goals for both your side hustle and day job, so you know exactly what you need to accomplish each day.
Another important aspect of time management is learning how to say no. While it’s tempting to take on every opportunity that comes your way, it’s essential to recognize when you’re spreading yourself too thin.
By setting boundaries and saying no when needed, you can avoid burnout and ensure that both your side hustle and full-time job receive adequate attention.
You Can Have Trouble Balancing With A Full-Time Job
One of the biggest challenges of having a side hustle is balancing it with a full-time job. It can be tough to find the energy for both, especially if your side hustle requires a lot of effort or involves working different hours than your day job. And that’s without talking about your personal life, which will also take a hit.
To make the most out of your limited free time, you should plan ahead and have realistic expectations about what you can accomplish. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, and try to establish a routine that works for you.
Remember that finding balance between work and personal life is key to staying motivated in achieving your goals. With discipline and consistent effort, managing multiple responsibilities can be challenging but rewarding at the same time!
Burnout And Exhaustion
One of the biggest challenges of having a side hustle is burnout and exhaustion. Balancing a full-time job, personal life, and an additional source of income can be overwhelming. It’s important to recognize when you’re feeling burnt out and take time for self-care.
A significant percentage of people with a side hustle need the extra money to cover basic costs. This pressure can lead to pushing too hard on the side hustle, resulting in fatigue and burnout. To prevent this from happening, set realistic goals and prioritize your workload.
Remember that it’s okay to take breaks when needed, so make sure you have enough time for rest and relaxation as well. By taking care of yourself both physically and mentally, you’ll be able to sustain your side hustle while avoiding burnout and exhaustion.
Financial Risks
Having a side hustle can provide additional income, but it also poses financial risks. One of the biggest challenges is managing the cash flow and ensuring that the extra earnings are properly allocated. This requires careful budgeting and accounting to avoid overspending or worse, going into unsustainable debt.
Legal And Tax Implications
Starting a side hustle is not without legal and tax implications. You will need to register your business with the appropriate authorities and obtain necessary permits or licenses, depending on your type of business. Failure to comply with regulations can lead to heavy penalties or even closure of your side hustle.
When it comes to taxes, you will have additional forms and reporting requirements related to your extra income. It’s important to keep track of all expenses related to your side hustle so that you can take advantage of any applicable deductions.
Consult with a tax professional who can advise you on how best to structure and manage the financial aspects of your side hustle while staying compliant with the law.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, having a side hustle has become an increasingly popular way for people to supplement their income and pursue their passions. The benefits of having a side hustle range from extra cash to developing new skills and pursuing your dreams.
Though it can be challenging to balance with a full-time job, the potential rewards are worth it. So whether you’re looking for a fun way to earn some extra cash or wanting to turn your side hustle into a full-fledged business, there’s never been a better time to start hustling.
Before you leave
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David Fortune has been the editor NoBSIMReviews.com since 2019. He is an expert at writing content on stock advisory services, side hustles, reviewing online business opportunities and many more topics. You can learn more about David on our about us page.