From Distraction to Action: Building Your Business with Focus
From Distraction to Action: Building Your Business with Focus
If you’re someone who has harbored entrepreneurial dreams, then freelancing might just be the golden opportunity you’ve been waiting for. The concept of “freelancing” may sound daunting or maybe even a little vague to some. However, it’s really quite straightforward.
Discover the 5 best ways to start a side hustle online! From freelancing to dropshipping, affiliate marketing, online courses, and content creation, explore diverse opportunities to kickstart your online venture and turn your passion into profit. Dive into this comprehensive guide and unlock the keys to a successful side hustle journey.
It’s 2024, and the opportunity to start an online side hustle has never been more accessible.
Whether you want to earn extra cash, explore your passion, or eventually turn your side hustle into a full-time business, the online world offers countless possibilities.
This blog post will explore the five best ways to start an online side hustle, each with unique advantages and considerations.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would use myself; all opinions expressed here are mine. In addition, I may earn a small commission.
One of the most popular and accessible ways to start an online side hustle is through freelancing.
If you possess marketable skills or expertise in areas like writing, graphic design, web development, digital marketing, or even consulting, you can leverage your talents to find clients and work on a freelance basis.
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer provide a space for freelancers to connect with potential clients from around the world.
Read these articles:
Advantages:
Considerations:
Dropshipping is an e-commerce model that allows you to sell products without holding inventory. You partner with suppliers who handle everything from product storage to shipping. Your role is to market the products and manage customer orders through your online store.
Advantages:
Considerations:
I love affiliate marketing. It has allowed me to make an income online. FYI, I am not a six-figure blogger yet. I am still working on that. Affiliate marketing is a business model that takes some time to see results.
You would see results in a few short months, not weeks or days. It’s never an overnight thing. Yet, affiliate marketing is still a great business model. You can do it from anywhere.
I work from home, and affiliate marketing has allowed me to earn some income while I care for my elderly parents. It’s still inconsistent, but affiliate marketing is not a scam because I am living proof that it works.
I started affiliate marketing in late 2021 after I purchased a course during COVID-19. I didn’t have any money for a website then, so I started posting blog posts with affiliate links on Medium. I was writing on Medium from 2019 until recently. I deleted my account for good.
It was wonderful for a while until Medium cut my traffic by more than 80%, and so that was when I started writing on my own website. I migrated almost all my blog posts from Medium to my website.
Some of the articles on my websites are republished from my Medium account.
The course I purchased, Stupid Simple SEO, teaches how to use SEO for affiliate marketing. I wrote the post in late October or November 2021, and my first sale from that post was in January 2022.
Side note: This post was republished on this site since I deleted my Medium account.
I have made a few affiliate sales since starting in late 2021.
Affiliate marketing is a performance-based side hustle where you promote products or services from other companies and earn a commission on each sale made through your referral.
You can choose products that align with your interests or expertise and market them through online channels like blogs, social media, or email marketing.
Advantages:
Considerations:
If you have expertise in a particular field, consider creating and selling online courses or ebooks. Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing make publishing and marketing your educational content easy.
Advantages:
Considerations:
Content creation can be a fulfilling online side hustle if you have a passion for a particular topic or niche.
Whether you prefer writing, making videos, or recording audio, you can create content that attracts an audience and monetize it through advertising, sponsorships, or even selling your products or services.
Advantages:
Considerations:
Starting an online side hustle has never been easier, and the possibilities are diverse. Whether you want to leverage your skills, enter the world of e-commerce, share your knowledge, or create content, these five options offer a variety of paths to explore.
Keep in mind that success in any side hustle requires dedication, continuous learning, and adaptability, so choose the one that aligns best with your interests and goals, and start your online journey today.
What is an AI Website Builder? Here are some things you need to know and how they can help you with your website creation or any website woes you might have.
Are you having website worries? You’re starting a business and wondering whether creating a website is a good idea. Having doubts about creating a website is one of the common hurdles in website creation.
There are many reasons to have website worries.
Reasons such as not being tech-savvy or having a tight budget are very common reasons for new and aspiring entrepreneurs. I know and can relate to this because I dealt with it when I started my online business years ago.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would use myself; all opinions expressed here are mine. In addition, I may earn a small commission.
Imagine the digital landscape as a vast, bustling marketplace, and your business as a quaint shop tucked away in the corner. With a website, you can connect with potential customers, showcase your products or services, and establish your brand online.
Still, many business owners hesitate to plunge into website creation. Budget constraints, technical barriers, and various concerns can loom large.
This is very common for new businesses.
But fret not, as this blog post will guide you through the common hurdles in website creation and how to overcome them.
Additionally, I will introduce you to an AI website builder called Durable, which makes creating a website a breeze.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would use myself; all opinions expressed here are mine. In addition, I may earn a small commission.
The budget is the first and often most significant hurdle businesses face when considering a website. They worry that developing and maintaining a website will drain their financial resources. However, it’s crucial to understand that various cost-effective solutions are available.
1. DIY Website Builders: Numerous platforms like Elementor, Hostinger, and Wix, offer affordable or even free plans. These user-friendly website builders make designing and maintaining a website without extensive coding knowledge easy.
Even better, these website builders use AI to help you easily create your website.
AI website builders such as Durable make the challenging task of creating a website completely painless. Easy and quick.
I tried Durable for my brother-in-law’s business handyman website, and I was in awe of how fast it was created in less than 30 seconds. It removes the hard work and long hours of trying to create a website. I don’t have any technical knowledge of creating a website, so this was a pleasant experience.
If you’re starting as a new freelancer for a business in copywriting, for example, and you’re on a tight budget, I think this will be great for you. Durable will help you launch your business online quickly.
If you want to try Durable for ecommerce, you must try other platforms such as Shopify or Ecwid.
AI website builders are designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for anyone with no coding experience to create a website. With drag-and-drop functionality and pre-designed templates, you can customize your website without writing a single line of code.
I also tried it (Durable) for myself as a demo for this blog post. I answered a few questions. The first question I typed was “Content Writing” as a business type. I then answered a few more questions, such as business name and location, which is what it came out as.
See images of some screenshots of the website as examples below.
Of course, you can add your own images and customize the wording, if you need to, so that it can match the feel of your business.
2. Freelancers and Small Agencies: Hiring a freelance web developer or a small web design agency can be more budget-friendly than engaging a large agency. These professionals often provide personalized services tailored to your specific needs.
3. Prioritize Features: Start with the essentials and gradually expand. This approach allows you to control costs and adapt to the evolving needs of your business.
4. Free Trials: Take advantage of free trials offered by website builders to test their features and usability. For instance, Durable offers a free 90-day trial, allowing you to explore its AI-powered website creation platform without financial commitment.
Creating a website can be daunting for those who aren’t tech-savvy. The good news is that technology has evolved to make the process more accessible. For instance, we now have AI website builders such as Durable. Durable makes a website in less than 30 seconds using artificial intelligence. It’s the world’s fastest website builder.
Durable has over 5 million users who have already started their online businesses with Durable. But you will have to try it to see if it meets the needs of your business. For example, it doesn’t include WordPress. And is not optimized for e-commerce.
For this matter, Hostinger or Elementor would be an excellent start for using WordPress or starting an e-commerce store because they also use AI to help you create your website.
Ready, set, publish—create your website in a flash with Hostinger AI Website Builder. Tell us what you need, and our AI will do the rest. 30-Day Refund Policy. Fast and Easy Setup. Trusted Worldwide. Intuitive website builder.
1. User-Friendly Website Builders: Choose an intuitive website builder like Durable, which requires no coding expertise. Its AI-driven platform simplifies the website creation process by creating the website for you. All you need to do is answer a few questions about your business.
2. Online Tutorials and Resources: A wealth of online tutorials, forums, and documentation is available to assist beginners. You can find free guidance and tutorials about domain registration, web hosting, and content management. YouTube is an excellent source of free information in video format.
3. Technical Support: Many website builders offer customer support to help you navigate any technical challenges. Durable, for example, provides responsive customer service to address your queries and concerns.
4. Start small: Begin with a basic website and gradually add features as you become more comfortable. This approach minimizes the technical learning curve. If you want to create a 100% free website, then you can use Google Sites for your website builder.
If you decide to go this route, then you will have to buy a domain for your business. A custom domain is truly needed if you want your business to be taken seriously. You will need to create the website yourself unless you hire a freelance website designer to build it for you.
Don’t worry. Google Sites is a beginner-friendly website builder with easy-to-use drag-and-drop.
You can use Canva or Kittl to create your business logo.
Canva is free to use, but it also comes with a premium plan if you want unlimited use of the Canva templates. In regards to Kittl, for commercial use, you need to get the paid plan.
You can try searching on Etsy for templates for Google sites. You might be able to find a suitable template for your business. Otherwise, you can create a simple website to start on Google. You can find tutorials on YouTube on how to create a website on Google sites.
The Hostinger website builder is a drag-and-drop editor and offers AI to help non-tech-savvy users create their own websites. You can easily create an online store, and with a paid hosting plan, you can get a free domain name for your site. You can also hire web designers and freelancers experienced in web development to help you customize your site if you can’t find a template for your business.
Hostinger AI website builder is an easy-to-use tool that allows you to create a professional-looking website in minutes. The AI-powered builder uses data from your industry and competitors to choose the best design and layout for your website. Answer a few questions about your business, select a template, and let Hostinger do the rest!
You can customize your website using drag-and-drop tools, add images and text, and even integrate e-commerce features with just a few clicks. With Hostinger, creating a stunning website has never been easier.
Yes, hosting is included with the AI Website Builder. When you use the AI website builder to create your website, you don’t have to worry about finding a separate hosting provider. Hostinger provides fast and reliable hosting for your website, ensuring that it is accessible to visitors at all times. So you can focus on building and customizing your website without the hassle of managing hosting arrangements separately.
Content is king on the internet, and generating compelling, valuable content can be challenging for some businesses. To overcome this hurdle:
1. Content Strategy: Develop a content strategy that aligns with your brand and audience. This will help you create content that resonates and attracts visitors. You can also hire experienced freelancers through Fiverr or Upwork to help you develop a content strategy for your business.
Freelancers experts on local SEO can help your business be on the front page of Google local searches in your area if your business is service-based, such as landscaping, handyman, etc.
2. Regular Updates: Consistency is key. Regularly update your website with fresh content to keep visitors engaged and improve your search engine ranking.
3. Leverage AI Tools: Utilize AI-driven content generation tools to assist with writing, editing, and even creating visuals. AI can streamline content creation and make it more manageable. AI tools such as Surfer AI, Content Shake, or BlogSEO are great for this.
Having a website is just the first step; you must ensure your target audience can find it. To overcome the hurdle of gaining online visibility:
1. SEO Optimization: Learn the basics of search engine optimization (SEO) to improve your website’s ranking in search results. Tools like Surfer or Neuronwriter often include SEO features and guidance. These tools are worth investing in early if you want your website to be found online.
2. Social Media: Leverage social media platforms to promote your website and engage with your audience. Tools like Tailwind or CrowdFire app offer integration with social media platforms to streamline this process. These apps can work best on mobile devices and desktops. These social tools can help you boost organic traffic on social media platforms like Instagram.
3. Content Marketing: Develop a content marketing strategy to attract and retain visitors. This can include blogging, email marketing, and more. If you need help this, you can hire experts to guide you. There are marketing tools, plugins, and software you can use to help boost your organic traffic.
Security is a critical concern when it comes to websites. To ensure your website is secure:
1. Use Secure Hosting: Choose a reputable web hosting provider with strong security measures.
2. Regular Updates: Keep your website and its components up to date to patch vulnerabilities.
3. SSL Certificates: Implement SSL certificates to encrypt data exchanged between your website and visitors.
Having a blog or website is no longer a luxury; it’s necessary for businesses of all sizes. Overcoming the common hurdles, from budget constraints to technical challenges, is not as insurmountable as it might seem. With the right tools, knowledge, and mindset, you can create an effective online presence for your business.
Overcoming these hurdles in website creation is achievable with the right approach and resources. A website builder is a tool that enables you to create one without any coding or technical skills.
The functionalities of a website builder vary from platform to platform, but most builders offer drag-and-drop functionality, customizable templates, and various add-ons for advanced features.
Some website builders such as Hostinger, Durable, Wix, and Elementor also provide SEO optimization, e-commerce functionality, and mobile responsiveness. When choosing a website builder, it is crucial to consider the essential functionalities for your specific needs and goals. to patch vulnerabilities.
Using AI website builders such as Elementor, Hostinger, or Durable is an excellent way to simplify the process and help you establish a solid online presence for your business. With these website builders, you can select a website template that suits your needs and the feel of your business.
Elementor and Hostinger have WordPress themes. A WordPress site is among the most popular platforms for business websites.
Imagine how easy it is to create your site using an AI website builder such as Durable, which you can start using for free for 90 days. This platform simplifies the process and provides the resources you need to succeed.
Don’t wait any longer; start your 90-day trial with Durable and experience the ease of website creation today.
FAQ
1. How much does Durable cost after the 90-day trial?
After the 90-day trial period, Durable offers affordable pricing plans that cater to various business needs. You can find detailed pricing information on their website.
2. Is creating a website with Durable suitable for beginners?
Yes, Durable is an excellent choice for beginners. It’s an AI-driven platform that creates a website for you in less than 30 seconds. And if you need a blog for your website, Durable can create one too. This makes Durable accessible to those with little to no technical experience.
Unlike other website builders, Durable doesn’t use WordPress, and it’s not optimized for e-commerce. So, if you need WordPress, I recommend Elementor or Hostinger. For e-commerce, I recommend using Shopify. Shopify right now has an amazing offer of a $1 trial for 3 months.
3. What if I need help during the website creation process?
Durable provides customer support to assist you with any questions or challenges you may encounter. You can also access their knowledge base and tutorials for additional guidance.
4. Can I use my own domain with Durable?
Yes, Durable allows you to use your existing domain or register a new one through their platform, providing flexibility and customization options for your website. And if you need a domain, you can get one directly from Durable with a paid plan. Or you can also get one from Domain.com or Namecheap.
In the world of marketing and advertising, learning how to write copy that sells is crucial. That’s why writing compelling copy is essential to capturing the attention and interest of your target audience.
Whether you’re crafting a sales email, creating a website landing page, or drafting a social media post, knowing how to write copy that sells can significantly impact your conversion rates and overall success.
In this article, we will explore some top tips and techniques for writing persuasive and effective copy.
Read this article about remote jobs in copywriting.
Before we delve into the art of writing copy that sells, it’s important to understand what copywriting is. Copywriting is the act of writing text for the purpose of advertising or marketing a product, service, or idea. The goal of copywriting is to engage and influence readers, ultimately persuading them to take a specific action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would use myself; all opinions expressed here are mine. In addition, I may earn a small commission.
Learn with Systeme io “How to Write Copy that Sells”for only $7.
When it comes to writing copy that sells, the power of persuasive writing cannot be underestimated. Persuasion involves appealing to emotions, logic, and the needs and desires of your target audience. By understanding what motivates your readers and effectively addressing their pain points and desires, you can craft copy that resonates with them on a deeper level.
To write persuasively, consider the following techniques:
The headline is the first thing your readers will see, so it’s crucial to grab their attention immediately. A compelling headline sets the tone for your copy and entices readers to continue reading. Here are a few tips for crafting an effective headline:
After captivating your readers with an attention-grabbing headline, it’s crucial to continue the momentum with a captivating introduction. Your introduction should build upon the curiosity and interest sparked by the headline. Here are some techniques to create a captivating introduction:
Once you have captured your reader’s attention with a compelling headline and introduction, it’s time to focus on writing a sales copy that converts. Here are some tips to enhance your copy’s persuasiveness and improve conversion rates:
If you’re new to copywriting, don’t worry! Here are a few tips to help you get started:
No sales copy is complete without a strong and compelling call to action (CTA). The CTA is the part of your copy where you explicitly ask readers to take a specific action. Here are some tips for creating an effective CTA:
In conclusion, writing copy that sells requires a deep understanding of your target audience, persuasive writing techniques, and effective storytelling. By implementing these top tips and techniques, you can create copy that captivates, influences, and ultimately leads to higher conversion rates.
So, go ahead and unleash your creativity and writing skills to craft compelling and persuasive copy that results in business success.
Fiverr vs Freelancer: Which of these platforms is the one to choose when you’re ready to freelance your skills?
Finding and choosing the right freelancing platform to showcase your skills and earn a living can be a daunting task. In this comparison blog post, you will see which platform is the better choice.
Two major players in this arena that are among the most popular platforms are Fiverr and Freelancer, both of which offer unique opportunities for freelancers and clients alike.
In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the main differences and features of each platform, weigh the pros and cons, and share valuable tips on how to maximize your income as a freelancer on Fiverr and Freelancer.
In the end, you will see which one is a good option to join.
Fiverr vs Freelancer: Which of these platforms is the one to choose when you’re ready to freelance your skills?
Finding and choosing the right freelancing platform to showcase your skills and earn a living can be a daunting task. In this comparison blog post, you will see which platform is the better choice.
Read this article if you’re interested in making money promoting Fiverr as an affiliate marketer.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would use myself; all opinions expressed here are mine. In addition, I may earn a small commission.
Fiverr and Freelancer are two prominent online freelancing platforms that connect clients with a diverse range of freelancers offering various services.
Fiverr, known for its micro-job model, allows freelancers to showcase and sell their skills through “gigs,” which are small, predefined tasks or services at fixed prices.
This streamlined approach simplifies the hiring process for clients seeking quick and specific solutions.
On the other hand, Freelancer offers a more traditional bidding system where freelancers can submit proposals for projects posted by clients, allowing for negotiation and customization of services.
While Fiverr emphasizes simplicity and speed, Freelancer provides a broader scope for project collaboration with the flexibility of negotiation.
The choice between the two ultimately depends on the nature of the project, the level of customization required, and personal preferences in the freelancing experience.
Fiverr is an online marketplace for freelancers. A seller can easily apply and create a freelancer profile.
The registration process is easy. This platform has soared in popularity as a freelancing platform in recent years, earning its reputation for user-friendliness and an expansive range of services in different categories.
Many freelancers have found success on the platform.
Let’s delve deeper into why Fiverr has become the go-to platform for many freelancers:
1. Specialization: It’s known for its niche-focused approach. Sellers can offer one freelance service or multiple services in various categories, such as logo design, digital marketing, graphic design, writing, programming, and more. This specialization allows freelancers to cater to a targeted audience, increasing their chances of finding clients. If a buyer wants specific tasks, he or she can email or message the seller.
2. Gig System: It operates on a gig-based system, where sellers create individual service listings. This format makes it easy for buyers to find and purchase services that match their specific needs. Digital services are what makes this platform a better option. The wide range of services, ease of use, and prices are what make Fiverr extremely popular.
3. Global Reach: It boasts a vast international user base, providing freelancers with the opportunity to work with clients from all around the world. This global exposure can lead to diverse and exciting projects.
4. Transparent Pricing: It is well known for its transparent pricing structure. Sellers can set their own prices for their services, and buyers can see these prices up front, reducing negotiation hassles.
5. User-Friendly Interface: Fiverr’s website and mobile app are both intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for freelancers to create profiles, upload portfolio samples, and manage their gigs and job postings.
1. Access to a Large Client Base: Fiverr’s popularity ensures a steady influx of clients actively seeking freelancers with specific skills for their projects.
2. Diverse Service Categories: Freelancers from various domains can find suitable categories to showcase their skills, specific services, or specific projects.
3. Secure Payment System: It provides a secure payment system that ensures freelancers receive payment for their work. Credit cards are the most popular and quick way to pay sellers.
4. Fiverr Pro: The Pro program allows top-rated sellers to gain access to high-value clients and premium projects. Fiverr Business is now known as Fiverr Pro.
1. Competition: Due to its popularity, Fiverr can be highly competitive. The increased number of job listings on the platform makes it challenging for new freelancers to stand out.
For small businesses, finding the right person for the job offer can be a daunting task.
Hiring freelancers who can be the best fit even for smaller projects can be challenging for small businesses.
2. Service Fees: Fiverr charges a commission on every transaction, which can affect the overall earnings of freelancers.
3. Limited Communication: The platform encourages communication within its messaging system, which can sometimes hinder direct communication between clients and freelancers.
1. Niche Down: Specialize in a specific niche or skill set to attract a targeted client base.
2. Optimize Your Gig: Create a compelling gig description, use high-quality images, and offer competitive pricing.
3. Deliver exceptional quality: Satisfy your clients with high-quality work to earn positive reviews and build a strong reputation.
4. Promote Yourself: Share your freelancing profile on social media and professional networks to increase visibility.
Now, let’s shift our focus to Freelancer, another prominent platform in the freelance industry.
1. Wide Range of Jobs: It offers a diverse array of job categories, making it suitable for freelancers with varied skills and expertise.
2. Bidding System: Anyone on the platform can bid on projects posted by clients, allowing them to negotiate terms and pricing directly.
3. Escrow Payment: The platform uses an escrow system, ensuring that freelancers receive payment upon completing the agreed-upon work.
4. Skill Tests: Skill tests that freelancers can take to showcase their expertise and improve their chances of winning bids.
5. Hourly Projects: It allows hourly billing for certain projects, providing flexibility in payment structures.
1. Bid on Projects: You have the freedom to bid on projects that align with your skills and interests.
2. Direct Communication: The website allows direct communication between freelancers and clients, promoting collaboration.
3. No Commission on Hourly Projects: Unlike Fiverr, Freelancer does not charge a commission on hourly projects, allowing freelancers to keep more of their earnings.
1. Competition: Just like Fiverr, Freelancer also has a competitive marketplace, which can make it challenging for newcomers.
2. Bidding Costs: You may need to invest in bidding on projects, and winning bids is not guaranteed.
3. Fee Structure: It charges various fees, including project fees and withdrawal fees, which can reduce overall earnings.
1. Craft a Compelling proposal: Write detailed and tailored project proposals to impress potential clients.
2. Take Skill Tests: Complete relevant skill tests to showcase your expertise to clients.
3. Build a Strong Portfolio: Showcase your best work in your portfolio to attract clients.
4. Consistent Bidding: Keep bidding on projects regularly to increase your chances of winning contracts.
In the end, the best choice between Fiverr and Freelancer depends on your skills, preferences, and business strategy. Both platforms offer opportunities for freelancers to thrive, but they have different approaches to freelancing.
The best option will depend on the needs of the buyers. How much money or budget a buyer has for the type of work needed will vary. As a seller, you will have your own star rating, and you can add the service fee for fixed-price projects.
Fiverr doesn’t have membership plans, but each seller will sell a project with a pricing tier. For example, a simple video editing service from a Fiverr seller will have a starting price of $25, while another seller might have a different rate. Some rates can also have an hourly rate.
If you appreciate the Fiverr comparison against Freelancer and want to see the advantages of specialization, seek a platform with a vast client base, and value transparent pricing, Fiverr may be your platform of choice.
On the other hand, if you enjoy the engagement of bidding on projects, prefer direct communication with clients, and want to maximize earnings from hourly projects, Freelancer could be the ideal fit for your freelance journey.
If you’re looking for a platform that encourages specialization and provides a vast client base, Fiverr may be the ideal choice.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more hands-on approach, enjoy bidding on projects, and want to keep more of your earnings from hourly projects, Freelancer could be your best bet.
Join Fiverr today and unlock your freelancing potential!
Ready to embark on or enhance your freelancing adventure? Join Fiverr today and take a significant step toward showcasing your skills, building a formidable reputation, and securing a consistent stream of projects. You will attract new clients in no time.
Sign up as a Fiverr seller now and let your freelance journey soar to new heights! Start your freelance career by offering your services to a global audience in the world’s largest marketplace.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your skills, build a strong reputation, add your own rates, and earn a steady income.
Learning new skills doesn’t have to be expensive. Freelance University …