This article is sponsored by Squarespace, the website builder that's ideal for starting a side hustle.
It's time.
No, really. It's time to get that side hustle started. Because it's never going to all line up perfectly—you've just got to start.
That said, we're not the type to push you into a pool and hope you learn to swim. We're more, "Let's use arm floaties and maybe start at the shallow end", which is why we're going to walk you through it step by step. Use these six tips to launch your side hustle in as little as 48 hours. And if you're the following-along type, we've got a free downloadable guide, too.
Figure Out Your Side Hustle Style
Before you start a side project, you need to think about what type of hustle you're interested in pursuing. What's your "why"?
Are you pursuing a side hustle because you're working towards a freelance career? Are you feeling a bit strapped for funds, and you want to have some extra cash? Maybe you're envisioning a second-income situation?
Perhaps you're super passionate about traveling, and you want your side hustle to be an exploration (get it?) of that passion. Maybe you're just trying to build your brand and, heck, create a website because you've been bored after work lately. Or, you're in the midst of a quarter-life crisis, and you've decided it's time to make a career transition.
The primary reason you're starting your side hustle really affects what type of side hustle you're pursuing. If you're big into Buzzfeed quizzes, we've got one (but better) for you to take, to give you some direction on what side hustle style is right for you.
Do Some Self-Reflection
We know, we know. This won't be bad, though. Promise. You just need to focus on two things: your strengths and what you like doing.
1. What Are Your Strengths?
These are important for obvious reasons. You should try to build your side hustle around what you're great at doing. It will make things easier, and you will also have a better chance of succeeding.
What do you do well, without even really focusing on? You might be the person everyone looks to for a creative solution when there's a problem. Or, you're an email whiz, and your coworkers come to you for help when they've got a difficult response to send.
Ask yourself: What are you good at?
If you're struggling with this, (imposter syndrome may be the culprit), try asking a few of your coworkers, friends, and family members what they think your strengths are. You might be surprised!
2. What Do You Like Doing?
Equally important to consider: what you actually enjoy doing. What makes you feel energized?
If you've ever under-performed in a class because you couldn't make yourself interested in the topic, this is especially important for you to consider.
You're about to take on a lot of work. It should be fulfilling. For that to happen, ideally, your side hustle will incorporate a combination of your strengths and your interests. You don't want to begin a side hustle painting custom-designed sneakers, if you actually hate painting, even though everyone says you're great at it. When that happens, your side hustle will drain you, rather than motivate you.
So yes, take your strengths into consideration—but having a side hustle that invigorates you, that's key.
Make a To-Do List
Yep, we're to-do list people. "Launching a side hustle" is a huge project, which probably explains why you've put it off so long. When you break a project up into bite-size pieces, you're a lot more likely to get it done. Cue the to-do list. If you haven't figured out your method for organizing and prioritizing your tasks yet, try one of our five favorite to-do list templates. There's something for everyone.
Next, make a list of everything you need to get done, want to get done, and when those things need to happen. A few starting items?
- Set up your Squarespace website trial.
- Pick a Squarespace template that's right for you.
- Define your personal brand.
- Clean up (or create) your social media accounts for your side hustle.
- Design a logo with Squarespace's logo maker.
- Decide on a launch date for your "big reveal."
Create a Business Plan
Your business plan is really the foundation of your side hustle. You need to take time to consider what the purpose of your business is. What is your unique value? What services are you offering? Why should clients choose you?
It's also a good idea to consider a few logistics, i.e. time and money. You could be a wild success right off the bat. It could also take years of unrelenting hard work, after-hours dedication, and skipped holidays and weekends. How much time are you willing to give to your hustle? What will you be charging, and how will you set your rates? Do you have a marketing plan?
These are all questions to take time to think about, and take time to come up with your answers. If you've never written a business plan before, you can find one in our Squarespace x Career Contessa: How to Launch a Side Hustle e-guide.
Build Your Site
A site is crucial for your side hustle because it gives a face to your name, to your brand. It should answer any question a potential client would have about your business, and convince them that you're the best bet for the job. Squarespace is an all-in-one platform, dedicated to helping you from start to finish. Their hands-on approach to everything from choosing a domain to providing site analytics makes building a site simple—and the finished product will be easy to navigate, aesthetically pleasing, and show off your work in an unparalleled way.
The best part? It's so easy to follow along, you'll be able to launch your site today.
When you're building your Squarespace site, you'll want to consider including:
- About Page—explain who you are, and what your hustle is
- Clients Page—information for current and/or past clients
- Online Shop/E-Commerce Store—if you're selling products
- Testimonials—you don't have to brag about yourself, if your happy clients are doing it instead
- Contact Form—to make it easy for potential partners to get in touch with you
And when you're building your site, you don't have to start from scratch—so don't get overwhelmed. Squarespace offers free templates for you to use—and we would bet there's one that perfectly suits your needs as a new entrepreneur. For a few of our favorites, check out that Build Your Brand Guide. There's a quiz that will help you choose the best template for your hustle.
One more thing—if you want some extra help this weekend, we've also just announced our new Digital You e-course, in partnership with Squarespace. Join us.
Tell Everyone You Know
Shout it from the rooftops. Post some flyers. Do a flashmob-turned-musical with choreographed business card distribution moments (because yes, you should have business cards—and include your site on them).
Send an email announcement through Squarespace's new marketing tools. Email your family and friends, outlining your goals and next steps—and let them know what your new side hustle is all about. Share your website on LinkedIn. Take time to be proud of the work you've done so far—and excited for all the opportunities coming your way.
From websites and online stores to marketing tools and analytics, Squarespace is the all-in-one platform to build a beautiful online presence and run your business. Use the code CONTESSA when signing up for an account to get 10% off your personal website.
