Side hustlers made a significant amount of extra money in 2024. On average, they earned $891 per month, according to a June 2024 Bankrate survey of 2,332 U.S. adults. Some even brought in between $1,000 and $2,000 per month.
If you’re planning to add another source of income in 2025, there are a few key steps you should take to set yourself up for success, says Angelique Rewers, CEO of small business consulting firm BoldHaus.
Here’s her advice.
Get Organized
First, “make sure that you are organized,” says Rewers.
“You should have a dedicated bank account,” she explains. “You should have a dedicated credit card. You should make sure that your tax accountant knows what you’re doing.” Keeping track of clients and income with an Excel spreadsheet or another system can also help keep everything in order.
If your side hustle starts to grow and you don’t have the right tools in place, “you’re going to lose control of the side hustle,” she warns.
Track Your Time
Second, be mindful of how much time you’re putting in. “Make sure you’re not only tracking your expenses but that you are tracking your time,” says Rewers.
It’s easy to underestimate how many hours you’re spending. For example, if you told a client a project would take five hours and billed them for that time, but it actually took you 10 hours, you’re essentially working for free.
“That’s how a side hustle can go from being something exciting to something that makes you feel frustrated and not worth your time,” Rewers explains. Be honest about the time you spend and charge accordingly.
Spread the Word
Finally, let people know about your new venture.
For friends and family, “pick up the phone, text people, send them voice memos, let them know what you’re doing,” says Rewers. They might connect you with potential clients or even hire you themselves.
Beyond your personal circle, create posts or profiles on platforms like “Nextdoor, Facebook groups, Upwork, Fiverr, and Reddit,” she suggests. “Unless it competes with your full-time job, you can also talk about it on LinkedIn.”
By following these steps, you can set yourself up for a successful and sustainable side hustle in 2025.
