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) if you began your aspect hustle?
Earlier than turning 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 wished extra out of life for my household — from being able to journey to dwelling in a greater home — and I wished extra time at dwelling with my daughter. My then-husband labored very exhausting to offer financially for the household, and I wished to alleviate a few of that burden for him.
What had been a few of the first steps you took to get your aspect hustle off the bottom?
My cousin advised me how her husband made cash by way 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 all the pieces I may on Pinterest and Google. Affiliate internet marketing and influencing was nonetheless very new, so it was plenty of trial and error.
Associated: This 27-12 months-Previous Began a Aspect Hustle on Fb Market — Now the Gig Earns Over $500,000 a Month
I’ve constructed a status with my followers, so that they know that what I am selling to them is an efficient product. I share real-life opinions of merchandise I like, and I put up persistently.
In 2023, I began utilizing the influencer advertising 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 means to earn commissions from completely different on-line retailers that my followers love, with lots of of name companions to select from.
What had been a few of the largest challenges you confronted whereas constructing your aspect hustle, and the way did you navigate them?
On-line algorithms, most positively! 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 way 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 persistently making $100-150 a month. It wasn’t till 2019 that it began stepping into 4 and 5 figures. To this point, I common $14,000 a month. My largest month, I earned virtually $30,000, and my lowest (lately) was $8,900.
What do you get pleasure from most about this enterprise?
The flexibility! I can depart on trip tomorrow if I wish to, and I solely have to verify my laptop computer is with me so I can nonetheless work. I’ve been capable of work in the midst 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 start out profitable aspect hustles or companies of their very own?
Simply begin, and do not be afraid to reassess your recreation plan commonly. You should have days if you succeed and others the place you completely fail, however so long as you retain attempting, you can find what works for you. Success additionally doesn’t occur in a single day. You want endurance — and plenty of it!
