Welcome back to the Content Club Pod! I’m your host, Jess Bruno. 👋🏻 Today, we have an exciting episode lined up for all you side hustlers out there. If you’re juggling a 9-to-5 job while trying to grow your small business on the side, this one’s for you.

You’ve set up your Instagram page, LinkedIn profile, and maybe even a professional Gmail account. But how do you manage your side hustle’s content creation when time is your most precious resource?

👀 It seems like everyone has a side gig these days, but the real challenge is making it work amidst a busy schedule. In this episode, we’re going to explore strategies for balancing work, passion, self-care, and creating compelling content for your side hustle.

The Side Hustle Boom

Lockdown brought with it a surge in side hustles. I remember it well; it’s when I started my own business. Friends reached out, asking for help setting up Instagram pages for their brownie businesses, and my social media feed was flooded with friends venturing into the world of resin businesses. While it’s incredible to see so many people chase their entrepreneurial dreams, it begs the question: now that you have a business, what’s next?

Content Creation Challenges for Side Hustlers

Creating content for a side hustle is a unique challenge. Unlike full-time entrepreneurs who can devote all their time to content creation, side hustlers have a myriad of other responsibilities. But worry not, today, I’m here to make things a bit easier for you. We’re going to delve deeper into content creation strategies that go beyond the standard advice of batching content or having content pillars. We’ll explore the “how” of content creation – the actionable steps that set you apart from the rest.

The Art of Content Creation

Have you ever found yourself in this situation? You work a 9-to-5 job from Monday to Friday, and the only free time you have is on weekends, especially Sundays. You plan to use Sunday to create content for the week ahead, but when the day comes, you’re exhausted, and the idea of content creation is daunting. So, you decide to post spontaneously during the week whenever something comes up – a new review, a sale, or a creative idea you quickly whip up on Canva. But this approach isn’t yielding the results you want.

The Problem with Posting on the Go

Posting on the go, while convenient, can lead to burnout and stress. It’s also not the most effective way to make your content work for your business. To truly succeed, we need a strategy. Today, I’ll be your content strategy coach, guiding you through the process. When I work with clients, we start by setting goals and then align those goals with the time they have available.

Setting Realistic Goals

Let’s begin with your goals for the next four weeks. Forget about the lofty five-year plan for now. Open your calendar and examine the next month. Consider your day job and any social commitments you have. Then, set specific, achievable goals for your content. For product-based businesses, think about how many units you realistically want to sell in the next four weeks. Compare this to your current average sales. Service-based providers, focus on leads and clients – how many new people can you connect with, and how many packages can you offer in the coming month?

The Content Strategy

With your goals in mind, it’s time to craft a content strategy that aligns with them. We’ll concentrate on the “who,” “what,” “why,” and “how” of your business. In fact, I recommend an 80/20 split, with 80% of your content addressing these core aspects and 20% dedicated to growth content.

Making Your Content Irresistible

Content is about engaging your audience, and creating a sense of urgency can be incredibly effective. Jess discusses the importance of two strategies: the “window of time” and “exclusivity.” By giving potential customers a limited time frame or making them feel special through exclusivity, you can motivate them to take action.

Making Buying Easy

Now, let’s talk about the “how” – how customers can purchase from you. Whether you sell products or offer services, it’s vital to make the process crystal clear. Ensure your bio, captions, and content assets provide straightforward instructions. A single link in your bio can direct customers to where they can buy from you, streamlining the process.

The Magic of Batching

Content creation can be time-consuming, especially if you’re starting from scratch each time. Jess recommends the magic of batching – dedicating four hours at the beginning of each month to create and schedule content for the entire month. This approach saves time, reduces stress, and allows you to focus on other aspects of your business.