Taking Your Side Hustle Full-Time? Don’t Forget These 3 Essential Marketing Tools
You’re finally doing it. After months – or even years – of tireless work and dedication, you’ve finally developed your side hustle enough to turn it into a full-time business. Maybe you’re opening the bakery you’ve always dreamed of, or you’re going from freelance writer to full-time author. No matter your industry, there are certain general business considerations you must consider as a new entrepreneur. One of the most important aspects to consider when trying to bolster your budding business is marketing. As you prepare to turn your side hustle into a full-time career, here are three marketing tools you absolutely need to ensure your success in your new venture.
1. Business cards
Many people have the misconception of business cards as outdated, old-fashioned marketing tools that have no place in business dealings in 2021. However, business cards are still incredibly prevalent and effective in the world of marketing; in fact, one study revealed that approximately 10 billion business cards are printed in the United States every single year.
So, what makes business cards such powerful marketing tools? To start, the best business cards help build credibility and brand recognition and awareness. They’re also tangible, which is a standout trait in an increasingly digital world. For every 2,000 business cards you hand out, you can expect to see your sales rise by an average of 2.5%. When you’re bringing your side hustle to center stage, increases like that are essential to growing your income.
2. Email marketing automation system
Email marketing campaigns are an absolute must when it comes to lead nurturing and upselling your customers. As a result, an email marketing automation system is a must-have marketing tool for all business types. The benefits of such platforms are undeniable; in fact, email delivers the highest return on investment (ROI) for marketers, beating social media by 40 times when it comes to customer acquisition. For every dollar spent on email marketing, business owners and marketers typically see $38 in return.
3. Social media
Just because email marketing has a higher ROI than social media doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use both when taking your side hustle full-time. When you create social media profiles and use them as marketing tools, you’ll reap a host of benefits for your budding business. First, your customers – or desired customers – are most likely on social media, with the total number of worldwide social media users projected to hit 3.1 billion by this year. Plus, social media features sophisticated targeting capabilities, meaning you can better reach and communicate with your desired customer demographic.
Consumers are also generally more receptive to brand messaging when it comes on social media. These are just a few of the exceptional perks that your side hustle will need to capitalize on when transitioning to your full-time business. With that in mind, be sure to head to Facebook, Instagram, and other relevant social media platforms to build your following and your customer base.
If you’re ready to take your side hustle full-time – and guarantee its success – be sure to prioritize these three essential marketing tools every step of the way. Soon, you’ll be reaping the benefits and living the professional dream you worked hard to achieve.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
