How to Start a Side Hustle With No Money and Scale It into a Business

Ever find yourself gazing longingly at that perfect house — the one with the wraparound porch and the quirky, colorful mailbox that always catches your eye as you walk by?

While your corporate job might help you save some money toward that dream home, starting a side hustle could boost your income and have you hanging that “Home Sweet Home” sign sooner than you think.

It’s simple math actually. 

The more money flowing in, the more you can do — whether that’s paying off those lingering credit card bills, saving for big-ticket items, or investing in your future.

Now, you might be thinking — What if I have to start a side hustle with little or no money? How would I even get started? Is it possible to scale such a side hustle?

Hold that thought. Starting a side hustle doesn’t have to be overwhelming — even if you’re starting from scratch.

In this article, we’re spilling some tried-and-tested ways to kickstart a side hustle that’ll not only pad your wallet but might just light up your life

Not sure what to do after setting up your side hustle? 

Talk to our doola experts and discover which business structures can give a solid foundation to your budding venture.

Ready to turn those daydreams into reality? Let’s get started!

6 Steps to Start a Side Hustle With No Money and Scale It

Step 1:  Uncover Your Hidden Superpowers and Skills

Your side hustle doesn’t need to mirror your day job — but it totally can if you think it aligns to your current skill sets.

Maybe you’re an accountant by day, helping companies balance their books, and by night, you’re a freelance bookkeeper for small businesses hustling to get off the ground. 

Same number-crunching prowess but different hats.

Or perhaps you’re itching to share your love for music. Let’s say, by day, you’re managing projects or teaching kids, and in your free time, you become a virtual piano teacher, passing on those melodic skills to eager learners worldwide. 

Both options tap into your talents — they just flex different muscles.

The important thing to remember is that both side hustles hold the potential for success. The difference lies in which one brings you more enjoyment. 

Since you’ll be adding this endeavor on top of your existing commitments, choosing something you genuinely enjoy can help you avoid burnout and build a sustainable side business.

Here are some questions to help you reflect on your skills:

🎯 What skills do I already use regularly? Consider both professional abilities and personal talents.

🎯 Do I have the mental and physical energy to use these skills outside of my primary job? Be honest with yourself about your capacity.

🎯 What other skills or passions would I enjoy exploring more deeply? Think about hobbies or interests you’ve always wanted to spend more time on.

Once you’ve assessed your abilities and interests, start thinking about how to turn those into a side hustle that aligns with your goals. 

Perhaps your love for writing could translate into freelance blogging or content creation.

Maybe your enthusiasm for fitness could lead you to become a certified instructor or offer online coaching. 

Think about it.

Remember, the goal is to create a side hustle that not only boosts your income but also enriches your life.

By intentionally choosing something that resonates with you, you’re more likely to stay motivated and achieve the financial milestones you’ve set for yourself.

Step 2: Deep Dive into Research

Starting a side hustle with absolutely no research is a recipe for disaster. So make sure you know where you’re dipping your toe.

Research the challenges, the time it will take, and of course the returns. 

Whatever side hustle you’re considering — be it blogging, launching an online store, offering freelance services, or something entirely unique — there’s a goldmine of information out there. 

The internet is bursting with people who’ve walked the path you’re about to embark on. Take a leaf from them. Doing your homework not only equips you with the tools you need but also boosts your confidence.

The more you know, the less intimidating the journey becomes. 

Plus, staying informed helps you avoid common pitfalls and accelerates your path to success.

Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Your research is the bridge between where you are now and where you want to be.

So, where do you start?

🎯 Explore Free Resources: Dive into blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels dedicated to your chosen field. Websites like Coursera and Udemy offer free courses that can give you a solid foundation.

🎯 Join Online Communities: Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and LinkedIn groups are gold mines for insider tips and support. Engaging with others who share your passion can provide invaluable insights.

🎯 Learn the Logistics: From setting up a website to understanding SEO and marketing strategies, get a handle on the nuts and bolts. Platforms like WordPress or Wix offer tutorials to help you get started.

🎯 Network with Peers: Attend virtual events, webinars, or local meetups (when possible) to connect with others in your industry. Networking can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Step 3: Bring Your Side Hustle to Life

So, you’ve figured out the “what” and the “how.” Fantastic!

Now it’s time for the big leap: actually launching your side hustle. This is where the rubber meets the road.

The launching phase isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. It varies greatly from person to person, largely depending on the type of side hustle you’ve chosen. 

Some ventures are like instant coffee — quick and easy to get going. Others are more like brewing the perfect cup of artisan tea — requiring patience and careful attention to detail. 

For example,  if you’re offering a service like freelance graphic design, your steps might include creating a portfolio, setting your rates, and reaching out to potential clients.

 If you’re selling products online, you’ll focus on sourcing items, setting up an e-commerce platform, and developing a marketing strategy. 

Also, consider what’s happening in your life right now.  The more you’ve got on your plate, the less time you’ll have to devote to your new endeavor. 

Which also means that your launch timeline might be a bit longer. That’s completely fine. So don’t worry about it.

A few things that you should keep in mind before you get your side hustle up and running.

🎯 Assess Your Available Time: Be honest with yourself about how much time you can dedicate each week. This will help you set realistic goals and prevent burnout. Remember, consistency trumps intensity.

🎯 Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Break down your launch into manageable tasks. Instead of “Set up my online store,” try “Choose a platform,” “Create product listings,” and “Set up payment options.”

🎯 Leverage Free Tools and Resources: There’s a wealth of tools designed to make launching easier. For example: 

📌Website Builders: Platforms like GoDaddy, WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix can help you create a professional-looking site without needing to code.

📌Project Management Apps: Tools like Trello or Asana can keep you organized and on track.

📌Educational Resources: Websites like Coursera, Udemy, or even YouTube offer tutorials on virtually any topic you need to learn.

🎯 Build a Support Network: Join online communities or local groups related to your side hustle. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can provide encouragement, advice, and accountability. 

Set small milestones and celebrate when you achieve them. Keep your end goal in sight, and don’t hesitate to seek support from your network.

Step 4: Set SMARTER Goals

So, you’ve poured countless hours into researching and launching your side hustle. High five! But here’s the thing: the learning doesn’t stop here.

In fact, once you’re in the thick of it — working on your side gig day in and day out — you’ll discover there’s still so much more to grasp. 

Which is why you need to set goals to track your progress. 

Setting goals gives you a roadmap. It’s like turning on GPS for your side hustle journey.

Without it, you might wander aimlessly, unsure if you’re making progress or just spinning your wheels. 

Goals help you focus your efforts, measure your success, and keep you motivated when the going gets tough.

But not just any goals will do. You need to set SMARTER goals. What does that mean? Let’s break it down for you:

S – Specific

Be crystal clear about what you want to achieve. Specific goals eliminate ambiguity and give you a clear target to aim for.

In short, vague goals lead to vague results.

❌ Instead of: “I want to make money from my side hustle.”

✅ Try: “I aim to earn $1,000 per month from my side hustle within the next year.”

Specific goals eliminate ambiguity and give you a clear target to aim for.

M – Measurable

Ensure your goal has quantifiable metrics so you can track your progress and celebrate milestones along the way.

✅ Ask yourself: “How will I know when I’ve achieved this goal?”

Example: “I’ll track my monthly earnings to see if I reach $1,000.”

A – Attainable

Set goals that are challenging yet achievable with effort and resources you have. Unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and burnout.

📝 Consider this way:  Do you have the time, skills, and tools to reach this goal?

✅ Adjust if needed: If $1,000 per month feels too high initially, maybe start with $500.

R – Relevant

Your goals should align with your broader objectives and values.

Does this goal move you closer to your ultimate dream? If you want to eventually leave your day job, earning a steady side income is relevant and needed.

T – Time-Bound

Set a deadline to create a sense of urgency. Deadlines create urgency. Without a timeframe, procrastination can creep in.

Commit to a specific period — like reaching your income goal within six months — to keep yourself accountable.

Instead of saying, “I want to earn $1,000 per month from my side hustle,” make it more precise and time-bound: “I aim to earn $1,000 per month from my side hustle within the next six months.”

This timeframe helps you break down your goal into manageable chunks and map out what needs to be done each month to reach it.

E – Exciting

Your goals should ignite passion and enthusiasm, making the hard work feel worthwhile.

✅ Ask yourself, does thinking about this goal make you feel enthusiastic?

✅ If not, then reevaluate and adjust until it does.

Here’s one example for you to get clarity on it:

Uninspiring Goal: “I should probably increase my income.”

Exciting Goal: “I want to earn enough from my side hustle to take a dream vacation to Italy next summer.”

Linking your goal to a personal dream — like traveling to Italy — makes it more inspiring. This emotional connection fuels your motivation to put in the extra effort required.

R – Routine-Bound

Habits are powerful. By weaving your goals into your routine, you make steady progress without relying solely on motivation. 

How to Make Your Goal Routine-bound:

📌 Schedule It: Put it on your calendar like any other important appointment. Treat this time as non-negotiable.

📌 Set Reminders: Use alarms or apps to prompt you until it becomes a habit.

📌 Create a Ritual: Maybe you make a cup of tea, turn off distractions, and set a timer. Rituals signal your brain that it’s go-time.

📌 Start Small: If 2 hours feels overwhelming, begin with 30 minutes and build up.

Remember, it’s better to work on your goal for a short time every day than to cram all your efforts into one long session on the weekend.

Putting It All Together: Your SMARTER Goal

So, a SMARTER goal might look like this:

“I will earn $1,000 per month (Specific and Measurable) from my online Etsy store selling handmade jewelry within six months (Time-bound). To achieve this, I’ll dedicate one hour every weekday evening (Routine-bound) to creating products, marketing, and managing orders. This goal is attainable because I have the necessary skills and supplies, and it’s relevant to my passion for crafting. I’m excited about sharing my creations with the world and saving up for a new studio space.”

Step 5: Invest in Your Growth

You’ve got your side hustle up and running — go you! But if you’re serious about turning it into a real income stream, it’s time to treat it like a bona fide business. That means investing in your growth, both legally and operationally. 

Here are a few steps you need to take if you want to boost your growth and increase your income:

📌 Consider Forming an LLC

First things first: let’s talk about giving your business a solid legal foundation.

Setting up a Limited Liability Company (LLC) can be a smart move. Not only does it legitimize your side hustle, but it also helps protect your personal assets from business liabilities.

Plus, it can offer many tax advantages.

📌 Invest in Tools and Resources

With your legal groundwork laid, let’s talk about operational investments. The right tools can save you time, enhance your professionalism, and ultimately boost your bottom line.

Here are some smart investments to consider:

• Professional Website Hosting: A slick website is your digital storefront. Services like SiteGround offer affordable hosting plans starting at just $3.95/month — perfect for beginners.

• Design Tools: Visuals are everything in today’s online world. Canva is a user-friendly platform that helps you create stunning graphics for your website and social media.

• Email Marketing Software: Building an email list is gold for any business. Flodesk makes it easy to design beautiful emails and manage your subscribers.

• Bookkeeping Platform: Keeping tabs on your finances is non-negotiable. doola Bookkeeping offers tailored bookkeeping services for entrepreneurs and small businesses. 

Our experts can handle the number-crunching — tracking income, expenses, and invoicing — so you can focus on growing your hustle without getting lost in spreadsheets.

📌 Invest in Yourself

Your growth isn’t just about software and systems — it’s also about you. Here’s what you need to do to make yourself a pro in your field. 

Continuous Learning: Platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer affordable courses on everything from marketing to time management. Sharpening your skills keeps you ahead of the curve.

Networking: Join online communities, attend virtual events, or connect with others in your industry on LinkedIn. You never know where a new connection might lead — a collaboration, a referral, or just some solid business advice.

Why It Matters

Think of these investments as seeds. Plant them now, nurture them, and watch your side hustle blossom into something extraordinary.

Investing in the right tools and business structure not only streamlines your operations but also boosts your professional image — making clients more likely to trust and choose you.

Step 6: Understand the Tax Implications of Your Side Hustle

While taxes might not be the most thrilling part of your side hustle adventure, they’re absolutely essential to tackle.

Unlike your 9-to-5 job where taxes are automatically withheld, your side gig income doesn’t come with that built-in convenience — the IRS still expects its share. 

What You Need to Do?

✅ Track Every Dollar Earned and Spent:  Keep detailed records of all the money you make from your side hustle. Whether it’s payments from clients, sales from an online store, or any other source, document it.

✅ Create Separate Accounts: Consider opening a separate business bank account for your side hustle to make tracking income and expenses easier.

✅ Expense Recording: Don’t forget to log your expenses. Supplies, marketing costs, software subscriptions — these can often be deducted, reducing your taxable income. 

There are apps like Xero designed specifically for freelancers and small business owners to monitor expenses on the go.

✅ Understand Self-Employment Taxes: As a side hustler, you’re considered self-employed. This means you’re responsible for both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes. You may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid penalties when tax season rolls around.

✅ Hire an Accountant or Bookkeeper from doola : These experts can provide personalized advice, ensure you’re compliant with all tax laws, and might save you money by identifying deductions you didn’t know about.

Side Hustle Success: Unlock Your Earning Potential the doola Way

Our team at doola, along with our amazing community, believes that starting a side hustle is one of the absolute best ways to increase your income. 

That extra cash can help you pay off debt faster and bring your financial goals within reach. Imagine shaving years off the timeline to achieve those big dreams!

The idea of launching a side hustle might feel a bit overwhelming at first. But here’s the good news: it’s a lot less scary once you get started. 

And you don’t have to go through it — formation, taxes, bookkeeping and more — alone.

Ready to dive in? Book a free consultation with our experts, and we’ll help you set up your side hustle from scratch.

Let’s turn that side gig into a game-changer for your financial future!