So you live in a small town, but you want to make some extra money on the side. Where do you even start to find side-hustle ideas that actually work in a small town? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. With some creativity and hustle, there are plenty of ways to start earning extra income, even in a tiny town.
In this blog post, we’re exploring some of the best side-hustle ideas that are totally doable in a small town setting. From gig economy jobs you can do from home to skills you already have that you can monetize, we’re going to discuss some options that could realistically work in a small town. You’d be surprised just how many opportunities are out there once you start thinking outside the box. So get ready to start brainstorming how you can put your skills and interests to work with a money-making side-hustle, no matter how small your town may be.
Turn Your Hobby Into a Side Hustle
Hobbies are more than just ways to fill your spare time—they can also be opportunities to earn some extra cash on the side. If you have a hobby you’re passionate about, consider turning it into a side hustle. Many small businesses start as hobbies, so you’re going to be in good company.
What are your skills?
Think about what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing in your spare time. Do you knit, bake, woodwork or anything else you’re skilled at? These kinds of hobbies lend themselves well to side hustles. You can sell handmade goods and make money online or at local craft fairs and markets. People pay for handcrafted items.
Build Audience
Start sharing photos of your projects on social media to build an audience. Engage with your followers and start taking custom orders. Also create videos of your process to give people an inside look at how you work. Teach others your skills from video tutorials or an online course. Once you have an engaged audience, you’re ready to start selling your goods and services.
Price competitively
Do some research to determine a competitive but still profitable price range for your products. You’ll want to price on the higher end for high-quality, handmade goods. But don’t price yourself out of the market. Offer promotions and sales to bring in new customers. You can also bundle products together at a discount.
Expand into new areas
As your business grows, look for ways to expand into new but related areas. For example, if you started a side hustle selling homemade bath & body products, you might expand into natural skincare or essential oils. The key is to build on your existing knowledge and skills. Continue engaging with your audience to determine what else they’re interested in.
Tap Into Your Local Marketplace
Unlike a big city — word travels fast in small towns, so focus on serving your neighbors and community. Think about what people need and want right where you are. Maybe it’s fresh produce, handcrafted goods, or a service like dog walking or lawn mowing. The opportunities are endless.
Solve Problems
Look for gaps in the local market and fill them. If there’s no grocery store for miles around, start a delivery service for essentials. If childcare is scarce in your area, open an in-home daycare. Find problems and provide solutions. The need is often greater in small communities.
Spread Word
Marketing is very important, so get the word out about your new side hustle. Tell friends and neighbors, post on community Facebook groups, put ads in the local paper, and ask to promote your business at local events. Offer discounts and deals for locals to build a loyal customer base.
Personal Touch
The personal touch is what small towns are all about. Get to know your customers and provide great service. Let people know you appreciate their business. Keep things casual and friendly. That personal connection will lead to word-of-mouth marketing and repeat customers.
Focusing on your local businesses and community and keeping things personal is the secret to side hustle success in small towns. With opportunity and a built-in customer base, you’re bound to be up and running in no time. So tap into your local network and marketplace – town style.
Offer Services for Busy Professionals
Running a small business in a small town often means finding ways to diversify your active or passive income streams. One great option is offering services that cater to busy professionals in your area. Think about what types of jobs are common in your town—doctors, lawyers, accountants, and real estate agents are always busy and may need help with tasks they don’t have time for.
Administrative Support
Busy professionals frequently need help with administrative work like booking appointments, filing paperwork, invoicing clients, and other organizational tasks. Offering virtual assistant services is an easy way to make more money by providing this support remotely. You can handle scheduling, email management, data entry, and more. If you have experience with legal or medical administration, you can charge a premium for your expertise.
Accounting
Many small business owners need help keeping their books in order but don’t need a full-time accountant. If you’re a bookkeeper, handle tasks like accounts payable/receivable, payroll, financial reporting, and bill payments. To start, invest in some bookkeeping software and get certified in small business accounting. Build your business by networking, advertising services, and offering a free initial consultation.
Efficiency Consulting
Professionals often get bogged down in inefficient systems and workflows. As an efficiency consultant, you can evaluate how they do their work and propose streamlined solutions to save them time and money. Analyze their current processes, software, and tools and recommend improvements like automating repetitive tasks, reorganizing physical and digital filing systems, and implementing project management techniques.
Offering services to local professionals is a great way to generate steady income without a huge upfront investment. Focus on their biggest pain points and find ways to make their work lives easier so they have more time to focus on growing their businesses. Build a reputation for top-notch work and word-of-mouth referrals will start pouring in.
Create Handmade Goods and Crafts
If you live in a small town, creating handmade goods and crafts is a great side hustle idea. You likely have access to affordable materials and workspace, and a built-in customer base of locals and tourists looking for unique gifts. Some craft ideas to consider include:
Knit or Crochet Accessories
Do you love to knit or crochet? Make scarves, mittens, hats, blankets or other cozy accessories to sell at craft fairs or online. Yarn and supplies are inexpensive, and you can whip up many of these items while watching TV or listening to podcasts.
Handmade Jewelry
From earrings and necklaces to bracelets and rings, handmade jewelry is always a popular gift item. You can source gemstones, beads and findings for a few dollars and turn them into fashionable pieces to sell for a nice markup. Look for unusual stones or vintage beads to make your designs really stand out.
Turning your crafting hobby into a side hustle is a great way to earn money and meet new people in your community. Start small by selling at a local craft fair, then build up your online presence and customer base through social media and your own website. Before you know it, your handmade goods business will be thriving.
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