If it feels like everyone has a side hustle these days, you’re probably right. 

While side hustles have been around for ages, we’ve seen a meteoric rise in this post-pandemic era. In 2023 alone, 53% of Gen Zers and half of millennials said they had a side gig. And while there are a lot of reasons — and even some debate — for their popularity, one thing we can all agree on is that side hustles are here to stay.

With so many people now embracing multifaceted careers, the need for side hustles to brand themselves is greater than ever. But even though branding has become a must for side hustles wanting to grow, still, a lot of side gigs overlook the opportunity.

Why?

In a lot of cases, side hustlers are so laser focused on their product or service that they forget to actually build their brand. It’s a common mistake that I once made myself. And as I eventually learned (the hard way), by not investing in my own brand, I was limiting my business’ potential and growth.

So, let’s talk about why you should brand your side hustle.

 

 

What are the benefits of branding your side hustle?

When you brand your side hustle, you immediately have a competitive edge. Good branding signals to clients and customers that you’re professional and committed to delivering a quality service or product. More importantly, it tells your audience that you have a business — and not a hobby — mindset. These are critical messages to communicate to your audience if your goal is to grow your side hustle into a profitable business.

But on top of giving you a general competitive edge, there are lots of individual benefits that come with branding your side hustle, including:

Differentiation

A good brand should tell the story of who you are, what you do, how you do it and why. By telling your story, your side hustle can stand out in a crowded market, stand apart and highlight why its products or services unique. A well-designed brand is also memorable and easy for customers to build an emotional connection with.

Credibility

Credibility is key to a business’ long-term success, and one of the best ways to build credibility is to invest in branding. That’s because a strong brand tells your audience that you care about your reputation and making a lasting positive impression. When people know that you care about quality and customer service, it helps build trust and — you guessed it — credibility. 

Value

People are willing to pay more for brands they trust. If you don’t believe me, just think about some of the world’s most popular brands: Starbucks, Apple, Nike…the list goes on! While there are many reasons people are willing to pay more for those brands, it all boils down to one thing: perceived value.

Branding can drastically influence the way people perceive the value of what you have to offer (for better or worse). When your business looks good, markets itself consistently and shows a commitment to quality and customer service, people are likely to pay more for your offering.

Brand advocacy

Investing in branding not only attracts customers and clients, but it also creates a community of loyal and engaged buyers who will advocate for your business. Happy clients who share your brand values will refer you to their family, friends and contacts, leading to more business for you.

Scalability

For side hustles that want to grow into sustainable and profitable businesses, branding is a non-negotiable. A strong brand — with a well-thought strategy to back it up — creates a solid foundation for scaling your side hustle long term. By having an established brand that you can continuously refer to as your business grows and evolves, you can ensure consistency and clarity throughout your marketing as you scale.

 

 

 

Ready to brand your side hustle?

Branding isn’t just an important investment in your side hustle; it’s a major step in your business’ growth journey. If you’re ready to take the first step to elevating your side hustle, I’m here to support you as your creative partner. Just fill out my contact form, and let’s get the conversation started!