After months of hard work and dedication, your side hustle is solving customer wants and needs, attracting new business, and making money. So, what’s next?

Could it be time to take your side hustle to the next level? In this article, we help you answer these questions, and touch upon steps you need to take to realise your dream, your own small business venture.

Table of Contents

• What is a side hustle?
• Can every side hustle become a full-time business?
• Signs that you are ready to take your side hustle to the next level.
• 10 Steps to turning your side hustle into a full-time job:
• Step 1: Have a heart-to-heart with yourself.
• Step 2: Do the math – can you afford the risk?
• Step 3: Get the domain name.
• Step 4: Keep your edge and be a pain about it.
• Step 5: Innovate. Think of new things you’ll bring to the table.
• Step 6: Invest in the right tools to realise your goals.
• Step 7: Be hyper organised and “look” the part.
• Step 8: Create a marketing strategy and promote your business.
• Step 9: Follow relevant trends.
• Step 10: Network
• KEY TAKEAWAYS

What is a side hustle?

A side hustle, also known as a side job or "moonlighting" is something you do to earn extra income. It is usually done after hours, or on weekends, so that it doesn't conflict with your day job. Examples of side hustles include part-time baking, photography, event planning, social media management, etc.

Can every side hustle become a full-time business?

Yes. If there is demand for the product or service you sell, then you can certainly take your side hustle to the next level. However, many side hustles remain part-time jobs because it is a convenient way to earn extra income without the challenges associated with running a full time business.

What are the signs that you are ready to take your side hustle to the next level?

The obvious sign would be that business is doing so well that you are struggling to keep up with the demand. A second sign would be that you are starting to make substantial money. If you are passionate and motivated to do what you are doing every single day, this could be a good sign too.

Step 1. Have a heart-to-heart with yourself.

The cold, hard truth is that while every side hustle could be scaled up, not all side hustlers are necessarily small business owners. That is why it is important that you have a serious conversation with yourself to establish whether you are that person or not. The first couple of months (or even longer) will be difficult, you may need to put in more effort while earning less income. Are you up for that?

Step 2. Do the math – can you afford the risk?

You will no longer be earning a monthly salary and need to ensure that you can make enough to pay your bills and cover your monthly expenses. Business might be currently booming but what happens if there is a quiet month or two or three? Make sure you have solid emergency funds in place that can carry you for at least three months should this be the case.

Step 3. Get the domain name.

Now on to more optimistic steps… If you haven't done so already, give your business a name. Now, register the domain name. Not ready for a website yet? No problem – sign up for Email Hosting so that your email correspondence can take on a more professional look. Alternatively, build your own website quickly and easily with Site Builder.

Step 4. Keep your edge and be a pain about it.

You've come this far by delivering a certain kind of service, or quality of product, that your customers have come to appreciate and support. Whatever you do, do not lose that "something". If scaling up means you will have to change too much of what worked, the risk could be too big to take the chance.

Step 5. Innovate. Think of new things you’ll bring to the table.

As a side hustle, your little kitchen bakery was fine having three things on the menu. However, as a small business you need to grow your clientele and therefore your selection. Whatever you did well, continue with that but grow by coming up with more products or services that there is a demand for, or you can create a reliable niche market with.

Step 6. Invest in the right tools to realise your goals.

From hardware to software, there will always be things you need to help your business function. Invest in the necessary ones, like an easy to use accounting program, equipment for the home office, or even a larger oven (if your side hustle is based in the food game), as you will need to advance and streamline your business as best as you can afford.

Step 7. Be hyper organised and “look” the part.

Myth: Now that you are your own boss you can sleep in and take it easy.
Running your own business is hard work. Sure, you will have more flexibility, but it is important to get dressed for work every workday, and to start building a routine so that you remain motivated. Being hyper organised will help you hit your goals and grow your business.

Step 8. Create a marketing strategy and promote your business.

Word of mouth is great for a side hustle but now that you need more business, it is important to reach a wider network of people on an ongoing basis. Create a strategy for this and use platforms that are readily available, like social media, WhatsApp, and email marketing to spread the word. You already have multiple happy customers, so contact them and ask for reviews and get as many as possible to build credibility.

Step 9. Follow relevant trends.

As a small business owner, you need to be aware of relevant trends in the marketplace. Adopt the ones that can benefit you.

In 2024 some of the small business trends include:

• Accessibility: Ensure that your products, services, and digital content are easily available and usable by people of all abilities, fostering inclusivity.
• AI (Artificial Intelligence): Make use of AI technologies to help you with streamlining operations, enhancing decision-making processes, and contributing to increased efficiency and competitiveness in the market.
• Mobile Marketing: Prioritise mobile marketing strategies to reach your target audience effectively, use SMS, WhatsApp, and ensure your website is mobile responsive.
• Personalised Customer Service: Give your customers that personal touch as best you can, as it will build stronger customer relationships and loyalty.

Step 10. Network

Don't wait for business to come to you. Actively pursue opportunities by networking and teaming up with other small businesses. Sponsor prizes at events, write opinion pieces, give away freebies, etc.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Every side hustle has the potential to become something more.
• A clear sign that your side hustle is ready to scale is when you are constantly over capacity.
• Running a small business isn't easy, so be sure you really want to do it full-time.
• Without the back-up of a salary, money will be tight. Are you ready for the risk?
• Name your business and get the domain name, and emails, etc.
• Whatever you do, do not lose your unique edge.
• Do not be a one hit wonder. Innovate and grow your idea.
• Invest in the right tools to grow your business.
• Take yourself seriously. Be professional and look the part.
• Market your business across all available platforms.
• Adopt the trends that will save you time and money.
• Go out and seize opportunities. Network and get involved.