How to start a side hustle

8 months ago

Creating a side hustle involves identifying a marketable skill or interest, validating demand, and then gradually building it into a source of income. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Identify Your Skills and Interests

Ask yourself:

  • What am I good at?

  • What do people often ask me for help with?

  • What do I enjoy doing in my free time?

Common categories: writing, design, coding, fitness, tutoring, crafting, consulting, photography.

2. Validate the Idea

Before diving in, test the demand:

  • Search for similar offerings on platforms like Etsy, Fiverr, Upwork, or social media.

  • Use Google Trends to see if interest is growing.

  • Ask friends, or post in relevant forums or groups to gauge interest.

3. Choose a Business Model

Decide how you'll make money:

  • Service-based: Freelancing, tutoring, coaching.

  • Product-based: Handmade goods, print-on-demand, digital downloads.

  • Content-based: Blogging, YouTube, podcasts (monetized via ads/sponsorships).

  • Platform-based: Using apps like Airbnb, Uber, or Turo to rent or sell access to assets.

4. Set Up Your Online Presence

  • Create a simple website or landing page (try Carrd, Wix, or WordPress).

  • Social media: Use platforms relevant to your audience (Instagram for visuals, LinkedIn for professional services).

  • Marketplaces: Sell through existing platforms (Fiverr, Etsy, Gumroad).

For websites and marketplaces you will need to provide them with a business address - our business address starts at £13 a month

We can also provide you with a local virtual telephone number that you can advertise online, which is then diverted to your landline or mobile, so that you own personal numbers are not diplayed online. Prices are £6 a month, which you can purchase with the business address on sign up.

5. Start Small and Test

  • Offer a beta version of your service or product.

  • Get early customer feedback.

  • Adjust based on what people actually want and will pay for.

6. Automate and Scale

  • Use tools (e.g., Calendly for scheduling, Canva for design, Notion for planning).

  • Consider outsourcing parts of your work or using software to save time.

  • Create packages, templates, or digital products for passive income.

7. Track Finances and Time

  • Keep side hustle income and expenses separate (e.g., via a separate bank account).

  • Use tools like Wave or QuickBooks for bookkeeping.

  • Set boundaries to avoid burnout—track time spent weekly.

Our business address service enables you to use our address on invoices for customers and suppliers and you can also open up a bank account using our address - UK residents only.

 

You may find that your side hustle starts to become your full time job and generates more income than you main job, at this point you should consider how your business is set up and whether you would benefit from becoming a limited company - we would recommend talking to an accountant to discuss the tax pros and cons of being a sole trader v limited company.

Our business address service includes the use of the address as a registered office address and directors service address should you choose to become a limited company in the future.

Using your home address for your business might seem convenient, but there are several important reasons why it’s often not a good idea:

1. Privacy Concerns

  • Your home address becomes public if you register an Ltd Company, corporation, or even a sole proprietorship in some regions.

  • This means clients, vendors, or anyone else can easily find where you live.

2. Security Risks

  • If a disgruntled customer or scammer finds your address, it could lead to unwanted visitors or even harassment.

  • You’re more vulnerable to identity theft or physical threats.

3. Professional Appearance

  • A residential address can appear unprofessional to clients or partners.

  • Many business directories and B2B platforms prefer commercial or virtual addresses.

4.  Lease Restrictions

  • Some rental agreements prohibit running a business from home.

  • Violating those terms could lead to fines or eviction.

5. Zoning and Licensing Issues

  • Local zoning laws (US) or planning laws in UK that may restrict certain types of business activities in residential areas.

  • You may have trouble getting certain licenses or permits using a home address.

Alternatives to Using Your Home Address

  • Virtual business address  - like I-Support

  • P.O. Box (limited, can't accept sign for or tracked mail)

  • Coworking space address

  • Registered agent services (if you're setting up an LLC or corporation)

Sole Trader Business Address Startup Work from Home