If you’re looking for a business that requires zero upfront investment and has the potential to make you thousands or even millions of dollars, you might want to consider starting a newsletter. In this article, we will explore why newsletters are a smart side hustle and provide you with step-by-step guidance on how to grow your newsletter from scratch.

I’ll begin by discussing the importance of curiosity, crowd, and cash when selecting a topic for your newsletter. Then, I’ll guide you through the process of setting up your newsletter platform, creating a logo, and building your subscriber list. Finally, I’ll share growth strategies, content and posting tips, and social media tactics to help you reach subscriber milestones and transition to new platforms. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to turn your newsletter into a successful and profitable business.

Key Takeaways

• Curiosity, crowd, and cash are essential components of a successful newsletter.
• You can start a newsletter with zero upfront investment using platforms like MailChimp or Beehive.
• Growth strategies, content planning, and social media tactics are key to reaching subscriber milestones and transitioning to new platforms.

Why Newsletters Are a Smart Side Hustle

If you’re looking for a side hustle that requires zero dollars to start, has the potential to make you thousands, and even multi-multi-millions, then starting a newsletter might just be the perfect option for you. Personally, it’s my favorite business model for several reasons.

Contrarian Thinking, a newsletter business started by Cody Sanchez, is a prime example of how a newsletter can become an eight-figure, and even nine-figure business. The business started on February 15, 2020, with zero subscribers, but within 24 hours, the first two subscribers were acquired, and the idea for the newsletter was born.

To start a successful newsletter, you need to follow the three C’s: curiosity, crowd, and cash. The topic of your newsletter must be something you’re curious about and willing to speak on every day for at least a year. You must also ensure that there is a big enough group of people interested in the subject matter to create a raving audience. Additionally, you need to find a way to make money from your newsletter.

Contrarian Thinking found success by using a VCC email as an opt-in and reaching out to friends to subscribe. They also added a pop-up site on their Squarespace website and created a sign-up sequence to encourage subscribers to forward the newsletter to others.

To continue growing the newsletter, Contrarian Thinking switched to Substack, posted daily on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and created a dock with ideas for expanding the newsletter’s reach.

Starting a newsletter requires effort and dedication, but it can be a smart side hustle with the potential for significant financial gain.

Getting Started

Choosing a Newsletter Topic

To start a successful newsletter, you need to choose a topic that meets the three C’s: curiosity, crowd, and cash. First, determine what you are passionate about and what you can speak about for at least a year. Then, research if there is a big enough group of people interested in the subject matter to create a raving audience. Use social media platforms like Facebook and Reddit to find groups of people interested in your topic. Finally, consider if there is an opportunity to make money from your newsletter, either by creating content that people are already spending money on or by providing information on how to make money in that area.

The Three C’s: Curiosity, Crowd, Cash

The three C’s are critical for creating a successful newsletter. Curiosity means that you are passionate about the topic and can speak about it for an extended period. Crowd means that there is a large enough group of people interested in the subject matter to create a raving audience. Cash means that there is an opportunity to make money from your newsletter, either by creating content that people are already spending money on or by providing information on how to make money in that area.

Drafting the Welcome Email

Your welcome email is the front doorstep to your newsletter. It is essential to draft a welcome email that will entice your subscribers to stay and read more. Keep it simple and straightforward, and make sure it accurately represents your newsletter’s content and tone. Consider offering a freebie or discount to keep your subscribers engaged and excited about your newsletter. Remember, your welcome email is your first impression, so make it count.

Setting Up the Newsletter

Selecting a Platform

The first step in setting up your newsletter is selecting a platform to send it. There are several platforms available, but MailChimp and Beehive are two popular options. MailChimp is a free platform that offers templates and easy setup, while Beehive is a low-cost option that is highly recommended. Both platforms provide the necessary tools to create and send newsletters.

Creating a Logo

Creating a logo is an essential step in setting up your newsletter. A logo helps to establish your brand and makes your newsletter easily recognizable. Squarespace is a free platform that can be used to create a logo. Although the site is a bit janky, it is a cost-effective option that can get the job done.

Building an Initial Email List

Building an initial email list is crucial to the success of your newsletter. There are several ways to go about building your list, but one effective method is to reach out to your contacts and invite them to subscribe to your newsletter. You can also promote your newsletter on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Additionally, you can use sites like Reddit to find groups of people who are interested in your newsletter’s topic and invite them to subscribe.

By following these steps, you can set up your newsletter and start building your subscriber base. Remember to keep your content engaging and relevant to your audience, and you’ll be on your way to creating a successful newsletter.

Growth Strategies

Centers of Influence Strategy

One effective way to grow your newsletter is through the Centers of Influence (COI) strategy. This involves reaching out to your most connected friends and asking them to share your newsletter with their own contacts. By doing this, you can quickly expand your subscriber base and gain more exposure for your brand.

Website Pop-Up Implementation

Another way to grow your newsletter is by implementing a website pop-up. This is a simple and effective way to encourage visitors to sign up for your newsletter. Make sure to use a catchy headline and a clear call-to-action to entice your visitors to subscribe.

Sign-Up Sequence Enhancement

The sign-up sequence is an important component of your newsletter growth strategy. By making your sign-up process more creative and engaging, you can increase the likelihood of your subscribers forwarding your newsletter to their own contacts. This can help to further expand your subscriber base and increase your brand exposure.

Utilizing Free Image Resources

Stock images can be boring and unengaging. Instead, consider using free image resources like Unsplash to supplement your newsletter content. This can help to make your newsletter more visually appealing and engaging for your subscribers.

Leveraging LinkedIn

LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for growing your newsletter. By posting about your newsletter on LinkedIn, you can reach a large audience of professionals and entrepreneurs who may be interested in your content. Make sure to include a clear call-to-action in your post to encourage your followers to subscribe.

Exploring Reddit

Reddit can be a valuable resource for finding new subscribers for your newsletter. By searching for groups and communities related to your newsletter topic, you can find a large audience of potential subscribers. However, be aware that Reddit can be a tough crowd, so make sure to approach it with a clear strategy and a thick skin.

Content and Posting

Frequency of Posts

To grow your newsletter and make it a successful side hustle, you need to post frequently. Posting once a week is not enough, you need to post every day on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. This will help you reach more people and increase your chances of getting more subscribers.

Choosing the Right Platforms

Choosing the right platforms is crucial to the success of your newsletter. You need to find platforms where your target audience is most active. For example, if your newsletter is about vintage furniture, you should look for Facebook groups or subreddits where people discuss vintage furniture.

It is also important to note that different platforms have different posting styles. For example, on Twitter, you need to post short and catchy tweets that will grab people’s attention, while on LinkedIn, you can post longer and more informative posts.

In addition, you should also consider using email marketing platforms like MailChimp or Substack to send your newsletter to your subscribers. These platforms provide templates and tools to help you create and send professional-looking newsletters.

Overall, choosing the right platforms and posting frequently are key to growing your newsletter and turning it into a successful side hustle.

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Subscriber Milestones

Starting a newsletter with zero dollars may seem like a daunting task, but it can be a lucrative venture if done right. The Contrarian Thinking newsletter is a prime example of this. On day one, February 15, 2020, there were no subscribers, and nobody cared about the newsletter. However, within the next 24 hours, the newsletter kicked off what would become an eight-figure, and potentially nine-figure business.

The first step to building a successful newsletter is to pick a topic that satisfies the three C’s: curiosity, crowd, and cash. Curiosity means you are passionate about the topic and can talk about it every day for at least a year. Crowd refers to a big enough group of people interested in the subject matter to create a raving audience. Cash means you can make money from the topic.

Contrarian Thinking started with only two subscribers, but within four days, the newsletter had gained 167 subscribers. The following day, the newsletter hit 200 subscribers, and then 253 subscribers, all as a compounding effect of the first few days.

The newsletter’s growth was achieved through various methods, including using free platforms like MailChimp and Squarespace to build the newsletter and create a logo. The newsletter’s creator also reached out to their most connected friends, who could send the newsletter to a lot of people and get them to subscribe.

The creator also utilized pop-up sites on their Squarespace website, created a sign-up sequence, got rid of all stock images, supplemented them with free images from Unsplash, and posted on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter every day.

The creator’s efforts paid off, as the newsletter grew to have 300,000 email subscribers and three million social media followers in just two years. By following the three C’s and utilizing free platforms, Contrarian Thinking was able to become a successful newsletter that made millions of dollars.

Platform Transition

Switching to Substack

When it comes to growing your newsletter, switching to Substack can be a game-changer. Substack offers a variety of features that can help you attract and retain subscribers, including customizable templates, easy-to-use analytics, and the ability to offer paid subscriptions. In fact, Substack has even published guides on how to get your first 100 subscribers and how to get to 5,000 subscribers, which can be incredibly helpful for newsletter creators looking to grow their audience.

Key Substack Resources

In addition to the guides mentioned above, there are a few other key resources that can help you make the most of Substack. For example, Substack offers a community forum where you can connect with other newsletter creators and get advice on everything from writing and design to monetization strategies. Substack also offers a newsletter called “The Substacker” that provides tips and insights on growing your newsletter and making money from your writing.

Overall, if you’re serious about growing your newsletter and turning it into a profitable business, switching to Substack and taking advantage of its resources can be a smart move. With the right strategy and a little bit of hard work, you can build a loyal audience and start generating revenue from your newsletter in no time.

Social Media Tactics

Instagram Strategies

Instagram is a powerful tool for growing your newsletter audience and engaging with your followers. Here are some tactics you can use to maximize your reach:

• Use high-quality visuals: Instagram is a visual platform, so make sure your images are eye-catching and of high quality. This will help you stand out and attract more followers.
• Use hashtags: Hashtags are a great way to increase your visibility on Instagram. Use relevant hashtags that are popular in your niche to reach a wider audience.
• Engage with your followers: Respond to comments and direct messages, and like and comment on other users’ posts. This will help you build relationships with your followers and increase engagement.
• Use Instagram Stories: Stories are a great way to share behind-the-scenes content and connect with your followers on a more personal level. Use polls, quizzes, and other interactive features to increase engagement.

Twitter Engagement

Twitter is another powerful platform for growing your newsletter audience and engaging with your followers. Here are some tactics you can use to maximize your reach:

• Use hashtags: Like on Instagram, hashtags are a great way to increase your visibility on Twitter. Use relevant hashtags that are popular in your niche to reach a wider audience.
• Engage with your followers: Respond to tweets and direct messages, and like and retweet other users’ posts. This will help you build relationships with your followers and increase engagement.
• Use Twitter chats: Twitter chats are a great way to connect with other users in your niche and increase your visibility on the platform. Participate in relevant chats and use the chat hashtag to increase your reach.
• Share valuable content: Share valuable content related to your niche, including your own newsletter content. This will help you build authority and attract more followers.

Idea Generation and Content Planning

To start a successful newsletter, you need to have a topic that is interesting and engaging to your audience. One way to ensure that your newsletter is successful is to use the “three C’s” method: curiosity, crowd, and cash.

Firstly, you need to have a topic that you are curious about and passionate enough to talk about every day for at least a year. This will ensure that you have plenty of content to share with your subscribers.

Secondly, you need to ensure that there is a big enough group of people who are interested in your topic. You can check this by searching for relevant Facebook groups or subreddits.

Finally, you need to ensure that your topic has the potential to make money. You can do this by either finding a topic that people are already spending money on or by finding a way to help people make money through your newsletter.

Once you have chosen your topic, it’s time to start planning your content. Begin by drafting a welcome email that will serve as the front door to your newsletter. This email should be engaging and welcoming, and should encourage your subscribers to stick around.

Next, you need to choose a platform to send your newsletter. MailChimp and Beehive are both great options that won’t cost you any money to get started.

You also need to create a logo for your newsletter. Squarespace is a great platform to use for this, as it is free and easy to use.

To get your first subscribers, you can reach out to your contacts and offer them a free opt-in. You can also use a pop-up on your website and promote your newsletter on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

Finally, it’s important to post regularly and on the right platforms. Posting every day on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter can help you gain more subscribers and increase your visibility. With these tips, you can start a successful newsletter with zero dollars and the potential to make millions.

In today’s digital age, there are countless opportunities to earn extra income online. With the rise of remote jobs and flexible working hours, all that is needed is a laptop and a good internet connection. In this article, we will explore the nine best side hustles for making money online.

Side hustle I’ve recommended include selling digital products such as eBooks, video courses, and digital art, which is a cost-effective side hustle with relatively low risk, as there is no need for operational costs for packaging, storing, or shipping. Other side hustles covered in this article include data entry services, video editing, online bookkeeping, virtual event planning, proofreading, bookkeeping, translating, and print on demand business. With the right skills and dedication, anyone can earn extra income through these side hustles.

Key Takeaways

• Selling digital products, offering data entry services, and video editing are all profitable side hustles that require minimal initial investment.
• Online bookkeeping and virtual event planning are high paying side hustles that require attention to detail and excellent time management skills.
• A Print on Demand Business is an excellent option for generating passive income, but it is important to choose the right platform to sell your designs.
• Proofreading is a very good way to earn money as a side hustle, and can get your practice up and running fairly quickly.

Online Proofreading

You can make money using proofreading as a side hustle by honing your skills through courses and training offered by Proofread Anywhere.

The platform provides proven courses and business resources for proofreaders, offering the flexibility to manage your own schedule and the opportunity to earn extra income doing something you enjoy. According to Proofread Anywhere, people like you and I have successfully earned extra money through their proofreading side hustle, making up to $1200 a month or more (source: Proofread Anywhere).

Digital Products Sales

Selling digital products is a popular and cost-effective side hustle with relatively low risk. There’s no need for operational costs for packaging, storing, or shipping. Depending on how much one charges for their products, they can earn anywhere from $20 to $5,000 per month or even more.

Once a digital product is created, the seller will need to find a platform to sell it. They can sell on an e-commerce marketplace like Gumroad or Teachable, depending on their product type. But if they want more functionality and flexibility, they can consider selling it on their own website. This gives them better control over branding and helps them bypass additional transaction fees.

Many companies and businesses prefer to outsource menial or routine tasks, making data entry services a high demand side hustle. Online data entry involves organizing and inputting data from paper documents, scanned images, or audio files into a computer program. As the job doesn’t require a specialized degree, it is a great side hustle for college students or anyone looking to earn extra money. A typical data entry clerk in the US earns about $24 per hour, but the rate will also depend on the niche. For example, specializing in medical or legal transcription means one can charge higher since they will be inputting large amounts of data. Being accurate and detail-oriented is crucial in this job. Moreover, ensuring one has the patience to sit in front of a computer for extended periods of time doing repetitive tasks is a must. Basic computer skills and familiarity with spreadsheets and word processing software are also required.

Video editing is another in-demand side hustle. Video editors get footage and assemble them with sound effects, graphics, and animations to tell a story. Around 90% of companies use videos as a marketing tool, making video editing one of the most in-demand jobs. Even as a side hustle, one can edit many types of videos, including conference videos, explainer videos, company profiles, and subject matter expert interviews. Freelance video editors can earn anywhere from $5 for shorter length videos to several thousand dollars if they work for a big company.

To become a freelance video editor, one must master video editing tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, InShot, or iMovie. Many free tutorials and courses are available to help one learn the basics. Having an eye for visual aesthetics is also important. One must know which effects and footage to use to craft an engaging and appealing video. They’ll also need to have patience as they sift through hours of raw footage to find the best ones to include in the final cut. Lastly, having a portfolio can help potential clients decide whether to use one’s services.

Bookkeeping is another great side hustle to consider if one is good with numbers. As an online bookkeeper, one will record financial transactions like sales using cloud-based software. Some tasks include processing payments, managing payrolls, receiving and recording receipts, creating financial reports, and reconciling them to third-party records like bank statements. Bookkeeping is great for detail-oriented people who are comfortable juggling numbers. Most online bookkeeping jobs don’t require an accounting degree, but one should have some experience using spreadsheets, balancing accounts, and operating accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. Having a certification in bookkeeping can also help boost one’s credibility and leverage their profile among other job seekers. In general, bookkeeping is a profitable side hustle depending on the years of experience. A remote bookkeeper can earn between $20 to $100 per hour.

Virtual event planning is another side hustle to consider. Nowadays, various events take place online, from meetings and webinars to trade shows. To ensure the event goes smoothly, many companies and businesses hire a virtual event planner who will be responsible for the logistics, technology, and execution of the event. A virtual event planner should be technologically savvy and solutions-oriented. If technical errors happen during the events, finding a backup is one of their responsibilities. For instance, if a presenter loses their internet connection, the virtual event planner should inform another speaker to present first and then notify the audience. Planners also keep track of the event rundown and ensure attendees receive the right links to participate. Most job postings also require event planners to organize and distribute the event’s details. This includes sending a welcome email, guiding participants throughout the sign-up process, and encouraging attendees to give feedback. As virtual event planners will be interacting with various people, having great communication skills is a must. They should also be detail-oriented and have excellent time management skills. While one doesn’t need a special degree to become a virtual event planner, having prior training or equivalent job experience is a plus. Getting certified in event management or hospitality can also help boost the chances of securing one’s first client. Virtual event planning is a high-paying side hustle, as the average income in the US is $29 per hour.

Data Entry Services

One of the most in-demand side hustles online is data entry services. Many companies and businesses prefer to outsource menial or routine tasks, making data entry services a high demand side hustle. Data entry involves organizing and inputting data from paper documents, scanned images, or audio files into a computer program. As the job doesn’t require a specialized degree, it is a great side hustle for college students or anyone looking to earn extra money.

Data entry clerks get paid by the amount of work they do and can decide their own hours, even if only on the weekends. A typical data entry clerk in the US earns about $24 per hour, but the rate will also depend on the niche. For example, specializing in medical or legal transcription means you can charge higher since you will be inputting large amounts of data. Being accurate and detail-oriented is crucial in this job. Moreover, ensure you have the patience to sit in front of a computer for extended periods of time doing repetitive tasks. On top of that, you should have basic computer skills and be familiar with spreadsheets and word processing software.

Various data entry jobs are available on popular freelancing websites like FlexJobs and Fiverr. If you prefer working part-time for a company, browse recruitment websites like ZipRecruiter and Indeed to find data entry job listings.

Video Editing

Video editing is a highly sought-after side hustle, with around 90% of companies using videos as a marketing tool. As a freelance video editor, one can earn anywhere from $5 for a shorter length video to several thousand dollars if working for a big company.

To start, one needs to master video editing tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, InShot, or iMovie. Many free tutorials and courses are available to help learn the basics. Having an eye for visual aesthetics is also important, as it is necessary to know which effects and footage to use to craft an engaging and appealing video. Additionally, one needs to have patience as video editors sift through hours of raw footage to find the best ones to include in the final cut. Lastly, having a portfolio can help potential clients decide whether to use one’s services. It is recommended to dedicate some time to exploring various editing software and creating some samples.

Various video editing jobs are available on freelance marketplaces and job posting sites like Glassdoor and JobStreet. One can also do a cold outreach to individual creators and companies to pitch their services directly.

Online Bookkeeping

Online bookkeeping is a profitable side hustle for those who are good with numbers. As an online bookkeeper, one will record financial transactions using cloud-based software. Some tasks include processing payments, managing payrolls, receiving and recording receipts, creating financial reports, and reconciling them to third-party records like bank statements.

Most online bookkeeping jobs don’t require an accounting degree, but one should have some experience using spreadsheets, balancing accounts, and operating accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. Having a certification in bookkeeping can also help boost credibility and leverage one’s profile among other job seekers.

In general, bookkeeping is a profitable side hustle depending on the years of experience. A remote bookkeeper can earn between $20 to $100 per hour. Upwork is a great place to start finding a remote bookkeeping job.

Virtual Event Planning

Virtual event planning has become an increasingly popular side hustle in recent years. With the rise of remote work, many companies and businesses are hosting events online such as meetings, webinars, and trade shows. Virtual event planners are responsible for the logistics, technology, and execution of these events.

To ensure a successful event, virtual event planners must be technologically savvy and solutions-oriented. They are responsible for organizing the team and ensuring that presenters, vendors, and participants know how to use the platforms. In the event of technical errors, virtual event planners must find a backup solution. For example, if a presenter loses their internet connection, the virtual event planner should inform another speaker to present first and then notify the audience.

Virtual event planners also keep track of the event rundown and ensure attendees receive the right links to participate. This includes sending a welcome email, guiding participants throughout the sign-up process, and encouraging attendees to give feedback. Having great communication skills, being detail-oriented, and having excellent time management are crucial for success in this side hustle.

While a special degree is not required to become a virtual event planner, prior training or equivalent job experience is a plus. Getting certified in event management or hospitality can also help boost the chances of securing your first client. Virtual event planning is a high paying side hustle, with the average income in the US being $29 per hour. Job postings for virtual event planners can be found on freelance marketplaces such as Upwork, Fiverr, or Flex jobs.

Print On Demand Business

Print on demand is a type of business that involves partnering with a white label supplier to print customized designs on certain products such as shirts, mugs, and phone cases. This business model is an excellent option for individuals who want to generate passive income without the need for inventory management.

One of the great things about print on demand is that the product is only created whenever a customer makes an order. Therefore, there is no need for inventory management, and the supplier will manage the printing, packaging, and deliveries.

There are two types of platforms to sell designs as print on demand. The first is online marketplaces like Amazon or Redbubble, which helps reach a broader audience. However, these platforms tend to charge a commission fee, and there’s limited room for customization. The second option is to sell on a self-hosted website, which gives better control over branding and helps bypass additional transaction fees.

Ribbon and Ink is an example of a print on demand business that sells ready-to-go website templates targeted at design creatives and entrepreneurs. Since customers can purchase the products straight from the site, the business can optimize the user journey, build stronger branding, and claim all revenue.

Overall, print on demand is a cost-effective side hustle with relatively low risk. Depending on how much one charges for their products, they can earn anywhere from $20 to $5,000 per month or even more.

Translating

To make money with your own translating business, you can take the following steps:

1. Specialize in a Niche: Focus on a specific industry or type of translation, such as legal, medical, or technical, to stand out in the market and attract clients with specific needs (source: Write To Done).
2. Build a Professional Website: Establish an online presence to showcase your services, expertise, and client testimonials, which can help attract potential clients and build credibility (source: Write To Done).
3. Network and Market Your Services: Connect with potential clients through networking events, social media, and professional associations. Additionally, consider creating a marketing strategy to promote your business and reach a wider audience (source: Write To Done).
4. Offer Additional Services: Consider providing related services such as localization, transcreation, or subtitling to diversify your offerings and appeal to a broader client base (source: Write To Done).

By implementing these strategies, you can establish and grow your own translating business to generate income and attract clients.

Online Researcher

You can make money as an online researcher by:

1. Freelancing: Offer your research services on freelancing platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr, where businesses and individuals seek researchers for various projects (source: Real Ways to Earn).
2. Virtual Assistant Roles: Many virtual assistant positions involve conducting research for clients, making it a potential source of income for online researchers (source: Dream Home Based Work).
3. Market Research Companies: Apply to work for market research companies that require online researchers to gather data and insights for their clients (source: Crowd Work News).
4. Academic Research: Pursue opportunities to assist with academic research projects or collaborate with researchers in your field of expertise (source: Quora).

By leveraging these avenues, you can monetize your research skills and expertise as an online researcher.

Conclusion:

Using these ideas and resources I’m sure you can find a way to create a new side hustle. The excitement of starting something new is always fun but make sure you follow through by utilizing some training in each category to ensure you make it around and forthcoming roadblocks. You can do it!