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Stuart Gentle Publisher at Onrec

How to start a profitable tech side hustle

Tech has boomed over the past decade. According to Statista, the United States tech sector contributed nearly two trillion U.S. dollars to the country’s overall GDP.

This amounts to 9.3% of total GDP. There are endless emerging tech concepts, showcasing just how active the industry is.

Tech side hustles are a big part of this boom. Many experts are selling their services to boost their income by tapping into a thriving market. If you’re keen to join in, here are some things you may want to consider.

Identifying the right tech side hustle

Perhaps the most important step – you’ll need to decide on the type of tech side hustle you want to explore. Ideally, this should align with your skills and the things you’re interested in.

You may be interested in software development, SEO, copywriting, graphic design or web development. The Internet of Things is also a big part of the industry. Each of these is linked to the tech sector in one way or another, which means there’s plenty of scope to enter the playing field armed with valuable skills.

These niches can be brought to life through freelance work, consulting or even through online workshops.

Setting up your side hustle

Next, you’ll need to set up your side hustle by investing in the right equipment.

Depending on the route you choose, you may need to stock up on tech equipment from suppliers such as RS Americas. Whether you need connectors or industrial controls, make sure they’re from a reputable brand. Alternatively, you might want to invest in certain software and digital tools to enhance your services.

You’ll also need to create a business plan to establish exactly how you plan to deliver your service and stay on top of the admin involved. Be sure to make short and long-term goals to keep yourself accountable.

Once you have the foundations in place, think about where you plan to work. Will you work from home, or do you plan to rent out a workspace that offers access to city-center amenities and networking opportunities? Make sure that your workspace allows you to progress comfortably and efficiently.

Marketing and growing your side hustle

Unless you decide to outsource this to an expert, you’ll need to lend some time to marketing your business. This means learning how to do this effectively so you reach the right target audience for your services.

Social media is a great starting point. You can tap into organic and paid strategies to cement your brand and reach potential clients. It may be beneficial to regularly attend networking events to get your name and concept out there. There are endless tech events that take place all over the world – and virtually too. Some people conduct workshops and seminars (both in-person and virtually) to position themselves as an expert in their field.