Hello everyone. Welcome to the next installment of my “Extra Income” series. If you’d like to be featured in a future post, please send me an email. The first post in this series was I Run a Resume Business.
Today’s feature highlights Candice, who manages blogs and social media for businesses. Many readers have asked about social media and blog management, so this interview should give you a clear picture of what the work involves, how she got started, and practical tips for launching a similar side hustle. I’ll let her introduce herself.
I help business owners reach their online potential by writing compelling blog posts, turning dull website copy into engaging content, and building meaningful engagement across social platforms. My goal is to create content that reflects each brand’s voice and drives measurable results.
How did you get started with your side hustle?
I started my side hustle because I was unhappy in my job. After a near-impulsive decision to quit, I took a step back and decided to generate another income stream first. I promised myself I would never rely on just one source of income again. From there, I took stock of my strengths and began offering writing and online content management services to businesses.
What got you interested in this job?
My interest grew in college when I interned at a small social media firm run by a 26-year-old entrepreneur. She launched her business at 22 and had achieved solid success. That internship was eye-opening and inspiring; seeing someone take control of her career and make a living doing creative work made me realize I could do the same. Initially, I thought it would take years before I could start, but the experience showed it was achievable much sooner.
Tell me more about your services.
I provide blog, website, and social media management for a range of businesses. I also write for a few blogs as a freelance contributor. My services include creating editorial calendars, developing content strategies that reinforce a cohesive brand, and producing content designed to attract and convert customers. I focus on delivering value and helping clients improve their bottom line.
What has surprised you most about owning a business?
I was surprised by how quickly my business grew. After landing my first client and delivering strong results, that client referred me to someone else. That second client then passed my name along, and the referrals continued. Word of mouth turned out to be the most effective form of advertising for me.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a small business owner?
The biggest lesson has been to trust my instincts. My gut has guided me well when choosing clients and when deciding to start the business in the first place. Listening to that internal signal has helped me make decisions that align with my values and long-term goals.
What were the start-up costs?
The initial costs were minimal. I spent around $35 on business cards, $25 on a domain and basic website setup, and roughly $50 attending a few networking events. Those small investments helped me establish a professional presence and connect with early clients.
What’s the most positive thing about your side job?
The best part of my side hustle is that I work with businesses I’m genuinely excited about, so it rarely feels like “work.” I enjoy the creative process and the flexibility it offers—sometimes I can work from favorite cafés or other inspiring locations, which makes the job enjoyable and sustainable.
What are your business goals for the upcoming year?
I have four main goals for the next year. First, I aim to leave my current job by December 2013 so I can focus on clients full time. Second, I plan to launch a refreshed website on the day I quit, creating a site I’m proud of and that better showcases my services. Third, I want to triple my income within the next year. Finally, I hope to hire additional writers to diversify revenue streams and scale the business.