This Aspect Hustle Highlight Q&A options Heather Freeman. Her Fb web page Espresso. Mother. Repeat. boasts 850,000 followers and brings in six figures a yr. Responses have been edited for size and readability.
Picture Credit score: Courtesy of Heather Freeman
What was your day job (or different sources of earnings) while you began your aspect hustle?
Earlier than changing into an influencer, I used to be a part-time licensed insurance coverage agent and a stay-at-home mother.
When did you begin your aspect hustle, and the place did you discover the inspiration for it?
I began my “Espresso. Mother. Repeat.” Fb web page in 2013, then named “Mother’s Time Out.” I started posting affiliate hyperlinks there in 2016. It wasn’t till 2018 that it went viral after I posted a ridiculous video of an 80s facial train. That very same yr, I formally modified the Fb web page title to Espresso. Mother. Repeat. after I surpassed 100,000 followers. I discovered the title to be extra enjoyable and relatable.
I began monetizing my content material as an influencer as a result of I knew I needed extra out of life for my household — from being able to journey to residing in a greater home — and I needed extra time at dwelling with my daughter. My then-husband labored very laborious to supply financially for the household, and I needed to alleviate a few of that burden for him.
What had been a number of the first steps you took to get your aspect hustle off the bottom?
My cousin instructed me how her husband made cash by means of online marketing — sharing hyperlinks to on-line retailers and incomes fee from the gross sales. I discovered it to be very attention-grabbing and picked his mind. He defined the way it labored, and I made a decision to use to the Amazon Associates program, as that was the one one I used to be conscious of on the time.
I began posting on my small meme web page and made $100 in my first month. From there, I began researching the whole lot I may on Pinterest and Google. Internet online affiliate marketing and influencing was nonetheless very new, so it was a number of trial and error.
Associated: This 27-Yr-Previous Began a Aspect Hustle on Fb Market — Now the Gig Earns Over $500,000 a Month
I’ve constructed a fame with my followers, so that they know that what I am selling to them is an efficient product. I share real-life evaluations of merchandise I like, and I put up constantly.
In 2023, I began utilizing the influencer advertising and marketing platform Mavely to create shoppable affiliate hyperlinks to share with my followers. Mavely has performed an enormous function in my success as a result of it is expanded my skill to earn commissions from totally different on-line retailers that my followers love, with a whole lot of name companions to select from.
What had been a number of the greatest challenges you confronted whereas constructing your aspect hustle, and the way did you navigate them?
On-line algorithms, most undoubtedly! It is difficult to see that one put up will attain 500,000 folks whereas one other will solely attain 2,500. That is been a problem to work by means of, so my followers nonetheless see what I put up.
Along with posting on Fb, I’ve an electronic mail checklist the place I’ll spotlight just a few superb steals of the day. I additionally generally hyperlink in my Instagram tales.
How lengthy did it take you to see constant month-to-month income? How a lot did the aspect hustle earn?
To start with, I used to be constantly making $100-150 a month. It wasn’t till 2019 that it began moving into 4 and 5 figures. Up to now, I common $14,000 a month. My greatest month, I earned virtually $30,000, and my lowest (just lately) was $8,900.
What do you get pleasure from most about this enterprise?
The flexibility! I can go away on trip tomorrow if I need to, and I solely have to verify my laptop computer is with me so I can nonetheless work. I’ve been in a position to work in the course of the ocean, from a resort within the Maldives and flying excessive within the air as I journey.
What’s your recommendation for others hoping to begin profitable aspect hustles or companies of their very own?
Simply begin, and do not be afraid to reassess your recreation plan recurrently. You should have days while you succeed and others the place you completely fail, however so long as you retain attempting, you will see what works for you. Success additionally doesn’t occur in a single day. You want persistence — and a number of it!
