The [Broke] Side Hustler: 5 Cheap Tools to Get You Started
It’s day 3 out of 30 of my “30 blog posts in 30 days” challenge. Oh, you didn’t know I was doing this?? It’s because I wanted to make sure I could get to Day #3 before tooting my own horn. (“Toot motherfucking toot!” as my friend Elisabeth would say.)
This past weekend I did a boudoir shoot with Suma Jane Dark as HBIC photographer and Hayley (MUA in New Mexico) as Chief-Makeup-Artist. As she was doing some FIERCE makeup on me, we got to chatting about being a creative and getting #PAID doing the work one loves.
A few days later, she shared a tip on her Facebook page for using HSN to break up payments for expensive makeup supplies, using #BrokeHustle.”
“FUCK YES!” I thought. “Broke hustlers FTW.”
So, this blog post is dedicated to the folks just beginning their FT hustle or side hustle, with tips and tools on marketing yourself that don’t involve things like “Hire a graphic designer for $5,000.”
Note: These are temporary fixes. As you get going, you’ll need to reinvest your earnings into your business. If you’re looking for advice on leveling up in your biz, drop me a line.
1. Canva for Graphics
Y’all CANVA was created by the gods. It’s a handy dandy tool that’s basically Photoshop-LITE. While you’ll eventually want to hire a designer to create brand materials (logo, hex codes for brand colors, etc) Canva allows you to create quote graphics for different social media platforms, email headers and blog post graphics. The site charges $1 for 1-use photos, (another cost saver) or you can use your own.
2. Pixabay & Pexels for Photos
Along the same lines as Canva are these two stellar sites. While these two are competing websites, they do (basically) the same thing: offering free stock photos under creative commons. Make sure to read the fine print for every picture you want to use, just in case.
Be a dear, tho, and always include the photographers name in a caption. ❤
3. Wix//Squarespace for Website Design
So, marketing folks like to debate the efficacy of Wix vs. Squarespace vs. Wordpress. Basically, if you’re a DIYer I’d go with Wix or Squarespace. Wordpress is great for when you’re ready to hire a designer. Squarespace has a more minimalist aesthetic, and Wix is way more colorful. I’ve used both for clients, and found chat/support to be great. You’ll save money by buying a yearly plan vs. month-to-month ($15 on Wix and $26 on Squarespace), so google around for a coupon code.
I recommend going with an established template, or you’ll spend hours slaving away on a custom design that (probably) won’t look as good.
4. GoDaddy for a Domain Name
Okay, so back in the day GoDaddy had some shitty and sexist marketing. They’ve since turned things around and I buy all my domains from them. Yes, they’re a bit more expensive then other domain registries, but they provide support with a HUMAN on the PHONE. Super helpful for when you’re trying to buy a website name and use Wix/Squarespace to host it. Your first domain is $0.99 for the first year, and I also recommend getting privacy protection for something around $7.99 — $15.99
5. Gmail for Business
While it’s okay to have your business name hosted on a free gmail (ex: BrianneisAmazing@gmail.com), you really level up when you get a professional email. Google charges $5/month for email hosting, and it’s super easy to setup. This also gives you access to Google Drive, etc etc. Link here. (To keep your social media accounts safe, I recommend using an “@gmail.com” email just in case.)
6. MailChimp for Email Marketing
In “Marketing Land,” getting a customer’s email is GOLD. Social media platforms rise and fall in popularity, but until robots take over the world we’ll be using email. MailChimp is super easy to use, and it’s free for your first 2,000 subscribers. And, once you get 2,001 people interested in your biz, you’ll probably be ready to pay to play.
7. Get Clients/Buyers NOW! Advertising Your Services in FB Groups
While you’ll want to use social media accounts to grow your following over time, Facebook groups are a good way to find clients, PRONTO. For folks like Hayley, location is super important — hard to work remotely as a MUA. Search for FB groups by typing in your county/city/state into Group Search on Facebook, and also try adding search terms based on industry. Yard Sale groups may also be good to check out, as are “Modeling+[State/City]” for hair, photography and makeup professionals.
8. Guest Blogging FTW
Making a commitment to blog regularly can be a pain in the ass, and hard if you’re not seeing revenue come from it. I recommend checking out the Online Business BFFs Facebook group for collaboration Tuesdays, and seeing if there are folks looking for guest bloggers in your niche. You can also comment and share your background, and where you’re looking to blog! Also, Medium (the website you’re on) is $0, so it may be a good place to begin!
That’s all from me! Thanks to Hayley for the blog inspo! If you’re in New Mexico and need a makeup artist, reach out! :* ❤
Ready for some coaching to take you from “side hustle to full-time hustle”? Drop me a line!
Disclaimer: This is from my experience. I’m not a lawyer or a licensed accountant. Please make business decisions with licensed professionals.
