Why Knowing How to Market Yourself is Non-Negotiable for All Side Hustlers

So, you've got your side hustle going. Congrats! 🎉 But if you're like most side hustlers, you've probably thought of marketing as an "extra" rather than a necessity.

Let's talk about why that mindset needs to change now.

What Happens When You Neglect Marketing Your Side Hustle

Why do some side hustles take off while others struggle to get a few clients? Nine times out of ten, it's not just luck; it's strong marketing. Ignoring this vital aspect is like having a sports car but never fueling it. Sure, it looks good, but it won't get you far.

Examples of Side Hustlers Marketing Their Expertise

If you've been sidelining social media as a platform for lifestyle bloggers or viral memes, it's time to reconsider. Social media is a tool that, when used effectively, can drive considerable growth for your side hustle.

To prove it, let's look at real-world examples of individuals who have strategically used these platforms to build successful businesses.

• Irene Chan, Freelance Project Manager: With just an hour a week dedicated to her LinkedIn profile, Irene is a testament to the power of targeted social media usage. Utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT and her own marketing expertise, she creates engaging posts and discussions that yield new client inquiries consistently.

• Julie Landon, Self-Published Author: A prominent self-published author and mentor, Julie uses Fud to share concise and actionable video tips aimed at helping aspiring authors. Her commitment to providing valuable insights has helped her cultivate a dedicated community that not only supports her work but also seeks her expert advice.

Finding Time to Market Yourself Amid a Busy Schedule

We get it; life's busy. But that doesn't mean your side hustle has to take a backseat when it comes to marketing. Here's how to carve out time without feeling burnt out:

The 15-Minute Daily Strategy: This isn't a gimmick. Spending just 15 minutes a day on focused marketing tasks can yield results over time. Start by engaging with your audience, posting quick updates, or even scouting competition. It all adds up!

Schedule Your Content in Advance: Tools like Buffer or Hootsuite let you schedule posts across multiple platforms. Spend an hour one day to line up your posts for the week and watch your content do the work for you.

Harness the Power of AI Tools: AI technology has paved the way for numerous tools that can automate and enhance your content creation process, saving you both time and effort.

Here are some examples:

• ChatGPT: Ideal for generating text-based content like blog posts, social media captions, and even email marketing campaigns.

• Supercreator.ai: Specializes in creating short-form videos quickly and efficiently for your brand or business.

• Lumen5: An AI tool that converts text content into engaging video.

• Clearscope: An AI-powered SEO tool that helps you identify the best keywords and topics to cover.

• Exemplary.ai: This tool can transform video and audio into various forms of content like summaries, video reels, transcripts, captions, and translations with simple prompts.

While these tools can substantially improve efficiency, remember they are not a one-button solution. They are most effective when you blend their capabilities with your own unique voice and perspective. AI can streamline the process, but the end product should still be authentically you.

If you're unsure how to create content effectively, you can always turn to mentors on Fud who can guide you through the process with their step-by-step guides.

Spotlight on Fud's Step-by-Step Guides

For those who are interested in delving into specialized areas, our Fud guides provide a wealth of expertise:

• Lights, Camera, Paycheck: Filming and Polishing UGC videos by UGCwithKae can help you master the video content game.

• Make Money Producing Podcasts by Roberto Rodriguez is your go-to guide for stepping into the podcasting scene.

• Earn Money as a Makeup Artist by Kat will get beauty enthusiasts all geared up.

• Unlocking Success: Why Every Content Creator Needs a Website by Manika-Nia Aka MoneyHoney is essential reading for anyone looking to take their hustle online.

Quick Takeaways

Action Steps for This Week:

1. Draft a one-week social media content calendar using the AI tools mentioned above.

2. Automate posts for the next 7 days using Buffer or Hootsuite (use the free account).

3. Engage with at least five potential clients or customers on social media.

Now's the Time to Start

And there you have it! Marketing isn't the "extra" work, it's the core work that will grow your side hustle. Feel free to reach out to our vetted experts on Fud who can guide you every step of the way.