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Once you’ve chosen a side hustle idea to focus on, get started by doing some logistical planning. When you go into a side project with a strong idea of what you want to put into it and get out of it, you’ll be better equipped to make clearer decisions as you start to create and share your products.
To launch a new side hustle, you need to set your project goals and limits, plan and create your products, and understand how to build an audience for your content or products.
1. Set your goals and limits
Define the structure of your side hustle by starting with specific, achievable goals. Then, consider any financial or time restrictions that might apply to the side project.
You can set production goals, like a monthly goal for how many pieces of content or work you want to create. Or you can set an engagement or conversion goal, like how many people view your work, follow your account, or how much extra income you earn each month. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hit your goals right away—think of them as mile markers that you work toward over time.
The best side hustle will also be enjoyable, especially since you’re dedicating your spare time to the project. To protect yourself from overinvesting time and resources into your new project, set a budget and time limit for your project. As a starting point, think about how much of your disposable income you’re willing to put into the project on a monthly basis, including startup costs. Then decide what amount of time you can dedicate to your project every week.
Remember that you don’t have to go all-in to launch something new. You can start slow and add naturally when it makes sense to do so. Make a habit out of checking in with yourself every month or so to see if you need to adjust any of your goals or boundaries.
2. Create your products
Next, do some planning around what it’ll take to start and maintain your side hustle. Calculate how much of an initial investment you’ll need to buy any equipment or supplies, and the time commitment required to source any materials or create a platform for your project, like a website and social media accounts.
The time and financial investment will vary depending on your side hustle. For example, someone creating and selling custom merch or writing a newsletter will have a lower time and cost commitment compared to someone making and selling handmade ceramics.
If you set a production goal, do the math on what you’ll need to buy to regularly create to meet the goal you set. Then, calculate how much time you’ll need to create at that pace and split it up over each week based on the time limits you set for yourself. Keep in mind that you’ll be working around your full-time job and any other part-time work you do.
Finally, do any advance planning you might need to start your project. If you’re teaching an online course, for example, you’ll need to find a location to film and outline the structure and length of your classes. If you’re making a physical product, it will help to decide on the variety of items you’ll be creating. Once you’ve set yourself up with a solid framework, you can start making your project a reality.
3. Share your side hustle
After you create your first pieces of work, it’s time to set up an online platform to help you share your project and get discovered by new audiences. There are a few platforms you should use, depending on what fits your side hustle.
Brand website
A website is a must-have for any brand, creative entrepreneur, or small business. Think of it as an online headquarters for your work and skillset. Your website is where all of your work lives, and you have control of how it’s shared with your audience. Website building platforms like Squarespace have customizable design templates for every kind of use, from podcasting to selling products and online portfolios for graphic design and photography.
With Squarespace, it’s also easy to add features that help you monetize and grow your side hustle. In addition to an ecommerce store, you can add Member Sites, which allow you to gate and charge for exclusive content like classes, downloads, and blogs. Or add a scheduling tool to set up and earn extra money from customer meetings and live classes.
Social media accounts
Social media is a great way to build out your online presence and raise awareness for your side hustle. Create accounts that reflect your brand, then start posting content that’s relevant to your project and its target audience.
For example, you can post in-progress videos of you creating a physical object, or shareable text-focused posts with snippets of your own writing or advice. Use the platforms to connect with other people creating work in a similar niche and begin to build connections with your followers. If you’re selling physical products you can even connect your online shop to additional sales channels to create shoppable posts and search listings to reach more people organically.
To save time on creating content for your social accounts, set up a simple content calendar and set aside time to plan any posts for the day or week. Tools like the Unfold app or Marketing Kit (only available in the Squarespace iOS app) have templates and customization tools that can help you create sleek, on-brand posts quickly, so you can spend more time focusing on your project.
Third-party platforms
While having your own website gives you the most control over your brand and products, having a presence on third-party marketplaces can sometimes help people discover your project. Customers who are on third-party websites often have a higher intention of making a purchase, and may find you more easily on those platforms while you’re building up your website’s search engine optimization (SEO) and rankings.
Keep in mind that these platforms often come with their own rules and search algorithms that you’ll have to navigate. In an ideal situation, you’ll eventually be able to close your third-party profile or integrate it into your own website so that you have more ownership over your products.