Starting a side hustle in 2023 can be a great way to generate extra income and pursue your passions. However, one of the biggest challenges for many small and medium-sized businesses is finding the right tools to get started. In this article, we will explore some of the most important tools for starting a successful side hustle in 2023,
Landing Page Tools
A landing page is a crucial element of any online business. It’s the first thing potential customers will see when they click on an ad or a link to your website. Landing pages can be expensive to create, but there are plenty of different options available.
High-cost landing page tools like Click Funnels are popular among professional marketers. They offer a wide range of templates and customisable options to help you create a professional-looking page. Click Funnels also includes features such as A/B testing, email marketing, and even a CRM system. However, the cost of Click Funnels can be quite high, starting at $127 per month.
Medium-cost landing page tools like Leadpages are a good option for those who want a balance between cost and features. Leadpages offers many of the same features as Click Funnels, as well as some new ai features which makes content generation a breeze. Leadpages is slightly lower in cost, which plans starting at $37 per month.
Low-cost landing page tools like Flexi Funnels are great for those on a tight budget and committed to seeing out their vision for atleast 12 months. They offer a range of templates and easy customisation options. Plans start at just $397 annually, making them a great option for those who are looking to save.
EDM/CRM Tools
Email marketing and customer relationship management (CRM) are important tools for any side hustle. They can help you build relationships with your customers and grow your business over time.
High-cost EDM/CRM options like HubSpot offer advanced features and customisation options, making it a great option for businesses that require more comprehensive tools. Plans for HubSpot start at $648 per month, making it an expensive option for small businesses.
Medium-cost EDM/CRM tools, such as Salesforce, offer a good balance of features and affordability, starting at $75 per month. These tools provide an excellent solution for businesses looking to manage their customer data and communication without breaking the bank. With Salesforce, you can track your leads, automate your sales processes, and improve your marketing efforts, making it an excellent choice for growing businesses. They also offer free trials.
Low-cost EDM/CRM tools like Mailchimp are great for those on a tight budget. They offer a range of features including email marketing, landing pages, and basic CRM. Plans start at just $18 per month, making them a great option for those who are just starting.
Branding & Labeling Tools – Avery Products
Branding and labeling tools are essential for any side hustle. They help you create a professional look for your business and ensure that your products stand out. Avery Products is a great option for those looking for high-quality branding and labeling tools.
Avery Products offers a wide range of labeling and branding products including custom labels, business cards, and promotional products. Their products are of high quality and can be customised to suit your needs. They also offer free templates and design software to help you create professional-looking designs.
Hosting
A website is the cornerstone of any online business. It is a place where customers can learn more about your products or services, make purchases, and connect with you. When it comes to website hosting, there are various options available, depending on your budget and aspirations.
High-cost hosting options offer the best load speed, support and security, some options to consider include Light Drive, WP Engine or Flywheel. These choices will be most beneficial to your SEO rankings, helpful in terms of customer service and be the most likely to aid you if your website is hacked. These hosting options will cost your business $24 – 28 per month.
Medium-cost hosting options like Bluehost or DreamHost provide ok security and speed. These alternatives are considered to be reasonably priced. They offer reliable hosting and a range of features like automatic backups and site optimisation tools. These providers will charge between $5 – $10 per month
Low-cost hosting options for those on a tight budget, such as HostGator, charge only $2.75 per. They offer reliable hosting services at an affordable price. However, they may lack the security and speed of the more expensive options.
Australia Shipping tools
If your side hustle involves selling physical products, shipping is a crucial element of your business. There are various shipping tools available that can help you manage your orders, calculate shipping costs, and print labels.
High-cost shipping options for businesses that require fast and reliable shipping in Australia are FedEx and DHL. These shipping providers offer a range of services, including express shipping, same-day delivery, and international shipping. However, these options come at a premium price, which can be a significant expense for small businesses.
Medium-cost shipping options include Australia Post, and is a popular shipping option for small and medium-sized businesses in Australia. They offer a range of shipping services, including standard and express shipping, as well as international shipping. Their rates are affordable, making it an excellent option for businesses that need reliable shipping at a reasonable price.
Another medium-cost shipping option is Sendle, a 100% carbon-neutral shipping provider. They offer flat-rate shipping, which makes it easy for businesses to calculate their shipping costs. Sendle also provides a range of shipping services, including standard and express shipping, and international shipping.
Low-cost shipping options for small businesses on a tight budget like eParcel and CouriersPlease are available in Australia. These options offer standard shipping services at a lower cost than other providers. However, it is important to note that low-cost options may have longer delivery times and may not offer as many additional services as high-cost options.
AI tools
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are becoming increasingly popular among small and medium-sized businesses in Australia. These tools can help businesses automate tasks, improve efficiency, and enhance decision-making.
High-Cost AI Tools For businesses that require advanced AI capabilities, include options like IBM Watson and are available in Australia. IBM Watson offers a range of AI services, including natural language processing, image recognition, and machine learning. However, it does come at a premium price, which can be a significant expense for small businesses. IBM Watson will set your business back around $500 per month.
Medium-Cost AI Tools include the popular Microsoft Azure AI. This provider offers a range of AI services, including bot services, cognitive services, and machine learning. Their rates are affordable, making it an excellent option for businesses that need advanced AI capabilities at a reasonable price. They offer many different packages around $1 or $2 per hour.
Free AI Tools for small businesses on a tight budget, include options like Google Cloud AI, TensorFlow and OpenAI. These options offer a range of AI capabilities, including machine learning and natural language processing for free. However, it is important to note that low-cost options may have limited features and may not offer as many additional services as high-cost options.
Conclusion
Starting a successful side hustle in 2023 requires the right tools and resources. By using the right printing, website/hosting, shipping, and AI tools, you can streamline your business operations, improve your customer experience, and achieve your goals. With the right tools and a little bit of hard work, you can turn your side hustle into a thriving business in even the most challenging economy.