By Kristine Aitchison
Author & Content Specialist
A side hustle is a job someone takes on in addition to their primary job. For some, a side hustle can be a creative outlet. For others, it is a way to supplement your income. Whatever your motivation for starting a side hustle, digital marketing can be an excellent choice for a secondary business endeavour. Are you looking to start a side hustle? Read on and get inspired by our tips and ideas for launching a side business.
#1. Social Media management
Social media management is an excellent option for a side hustle. Many small to medium businesses know they need to include social media in their marketing strategy, but they often lack the skills, expertise, and time for effective social media marketing. As a social media manager, you can help them develop a social media strategy, create content, and run ads, all remotely from home.
#2. Digital Marketing
Digital marketers help businesses create an online presence and manage tasks like Google or Meta advertising, SEO-optimised content, and develop effective email marketing campaigns. Digital marketing is a great option for a side hustle because you can do it anywhere in the world. Search engine optimisation and digital advertising are an area of expertise that remains a mystery to many business owners, so if you’ve got the knowledge and skill set, there is a definite demand.
#3. Website development and design
Website development and design is an industry with plenty of opportunities for creative expression and lucrative freelance work. Web designers are responsible for the design and user experience (UX) of a website, whereas developers specialise in the coding and the backend functionality. Why there is some overlap in skills, both offer ample opportunity for remote work and, for that reason, make a great side hustle.
#4. Blogging
If you enjoy writing, blogging can be a fantastic source for a side income. If you have knowledge and expertise on a topic or there is something you’re passionate about start a blog, and once you’ve built a following, you can monetise it with advertising, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing. Many business owners don’t have the time to write regular blog content for their websites but are aware that blogging is an important marketing tool to boost your search engine rankings. So, you could get paid to write guest blogs or ghostwrite regular content for a client.
#5. Search Engine Optimisation
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) still mystifies many business owners. SEO can be a lucrative side hustle because more and more businesses are becoming increasingly reliant on their online presence. SEO as a side hustle works well because it allows for remote work and job flexibility, and as an SEO specialist, you can leverage your knowledge to help business owners improve their online visibility.
The benefits of a side hustle
Flexibility
Before I made this my full-time hustle, I started contracting for a friend and for a couple of ex-employers as a part-time gig. I’d work in the evenings when my children went to bed, set my own hours and adjusted my schedule as needed. The benefit of this was when I realised that working 30+ hours a week wasn’t working around family, I had already built enough of a customer base to make it my primary hustle.
Skill development and personal fulfilment
Working for myself has been the steepest learning curve of my career. It has allowed me to develop new skills and experience, not only in the writing, marketing, and digital marketing space but also in how to run a business. By working for yourself you’re free to pursue your passions and interests and pick and choose your work and clients. Every client presents a unique set of requirements, and I gain fresh insights from each encounter and find joy in watching their marketing evolve.
Networking
Networking is the fastest way to build your customer base, especially in New Zealand. The first thing I did when I started my side hustle was to join my local networking group. They had no one doing their marketing, so I offered my services, and have taken pleasure in watching the group grow via my digital marketing efforts. Many of my clients have come from that same networking group or recommendations. They provide me with regular work, and I learn from other business owners and industry experts.
Written by Kristine Aitchison: Guest Writer and Content Specialist
Kristine Aitchison is a copywriting and content marketing specialist. Showcase your expertise with regular blog content for your website. Visit www.writeasrain.nz.
