Turning A Side Hustle Into A Business: Our Tips On How To Get Started

by Startacus Admin

In the current gig economy, many people are now working on side hustles to give themselves a little spare money. In fact, more than 4.7 million UK workers now have a gig economy role that involves them working independently and doing small tasks. 

Whether you’re working as a courier or selling items on the side to pay for the little luxuries you like to have in your life, a flexible side hustle is a great alternative to full-time work for many people.

However, if you decide that you want to go one step further and set up your own business, then you’ll have to make sure that you know how to start. 

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to turning your side hustle into a profitable business that you can be proud to call your own. 

Create Your Own Website

Most side hustles rely on a platform like eBay or Amazon, or social media. While you can still use these solutions, you should also create your own website to ensure that you’ve got a platform on which you can showcase your business ideas and control the branding and layout. Learn how to build your website or use a solution like WordPress to buy a domain and choose a template. 

Promote Your Website

Once you’ve made your new website, you need to get it noticed, and that means using digital marketing techniques to boost your online presence and raise your search engine rankings. Digital marketing and online advertising can be time-consuming, so work with proffesionals to help skyrocket it. Have a look around for agencies who have worked with top brands and who have plenty of experience to help ensure the final product dazzles. For example, Azam Digital Marketing Agency who list the likes of Nike and Disney as brands that they've work with.

Inform Your Existing Customers

Repeat custom is the foundation of any successful company, so if you worked with any regular clients before, then you need to inform them about the changes that your firm is going through. The easiest way to do this is to update your social media pages or send out an email newsletter. By keeping your current customers informed, you increase the chances of them moving with you and remaining loyal as you build up your business. 

Use Scalable Business Solutions 

When you start a new business, it’s easy to think that you should immediately prepare to take off in a big way. However, you could end up paying a fortune for solutions and services that you just don’t need. As such, you should try to find scalable service providers who can adapt to your growing business. Try to find outsourced companies that will offer you a flexible ordering system, so that you can order as much, or as little, as you need every month. If you tie yourself into a contract, then you might not be able to change the terms when they stop meeting the requirements of your growing small business. 

Put Your Branding On Everything 

For small businesses, word of mouth marketing is essential. As such, you need to focus on creating distinctive a distinctive brand, such as a logo and a slogan, and then add it to everything. That includes business cards, as well as other physical marketing materials such as keyrings, pens and even your car! Try to create a unique logo that stands out, and then add it and your contact information to lots of items, so that you can promote your business wherever you go. 

Building a business from a side hustle takes time and commitment. Use these tips to make sure that you achieve your dreams and overcome the challenges you face. 

Subscribe to our newsletter

If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.

• #start a business
• #side hustle

Published on: 3rd September 2020