10 Common side hustle mistakes (and how to avoid them before you start)
I say we chip in and get her a laptop pillow.
Starting a side hustle is exciting, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can slow you down, or worse, make you give up before you even get started. The good news? You don’t have to learn everything the hard way.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 10 common side hustle mistakes and, more importantly, how to avoid them before you start.
Mistake #1: Waiting for the "perfect" idea
Some people spend months (or years) trying to come up with the perfect side hustle idea. Reality check: There is no perfect idea. There’s just the one you take action on.
Note: If you’re thinking about starting a side hustle but aren’t sure where to begin, my Career & Business guide walks you through how to figure out what you actually want from work, whether that’s a side hustle, a career pivot, or something else entirely.
Mistake #2: Trying to do too many things at once
You don’t need a full-blown business plan, a professional logo, and a five-platform social media presence to start. Keep it simple.
Choose:
One offer
One way to market it
One way to collect payments
Mistake #3: Pricing too low (or not charging at all)
A common fear: “What if people won’t pay for this?” So many side hustlers underprice themselves or give away too much for free. Start by researching competitors and then price confidently.
Mistake #4: Ignoring market research
It’s easy to get excited about an idea and assume people will love it but just because you love it doesn’t mean it will sell.
How to avoid this:
Talk to potential customers before launching. Ask what they actually need.
Research competitors. If others are already making money doing something similar, that’s a good sign.
Test your idea on a small scale. Offer it to a few people before going all in.
Let's pitch in and buy them a bulletin board.
Mistake #5: Overcomplicating the launch
You don’t need a 10-page website, fancy branding, or a perfectly polished Instagram feed before you start.
Over-preparing often leads to never launching at all.
How to avoid this:
Keep it simple: Start with one product or service and one way to promote it.
Launch with what you have and refine things as you go.
Focus on progress, not perfection.
Mistake #6: Not setting clear goals
If your goal is just “make money on the side,” it’s too vague. Without clear milestones, you’ll feel like you’re spinning your wheels.
How to avoid this:
Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
Example: Instead of "grow my business," set a goal like "land 3 clients in the next 30 days."
Track your progress and adjust as needed.
Note: If you’re struggling to define success for yourself, check out my Career & Business page for a step-by-step breakdown of how to set work and business goals that actually align with the life you want.
Mistake #7: Underestimating the power of marketing
A great product or service isn’t enough—if people don’t know about it, they can’t buy it. Many new side hustlers rely on word of mouth or “hoping” customers will come to them.
How to avoid this:
Pick one platform (Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.) and consistently share value.
Don’t be afraid to talk about what you offer—people want to know how you can help them.
Build relationships with potential customers instead of just selling to them.
Mistake #8: Giving up too soon
Many people quit their side hustle after a few weeks or months because they don’t see immediate results. But success takes time, experimentation, and consistency.
How to avoid this:
Set realistic expectations—side hustles rarely take off overnight.
Track small wins and progress to stay motivated.
Be willing to tweak your approach instead of assuming it “just won’t work.”
Read: Step-by-step guide to starting a profitable side hustle (even if you have no idea where to start)
Not sure you have to be as formal with your finances as this person... but you do you.
Mistake #9: Not managing finances properly
Mixing personal and business money, not tracking expenses, and underpricing your work can lead to financial stress.
How to avoid this:
Open a separate bank account for your side hustle.
Use a simple budget or tracking tool to monitor income and expenses.
Make sure you’re pricing for profit, not just covering costs.
Mistake #10: Trying to do everything alone
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have to figure out everything yourself, but that only slows you down.
How to avoid this:
Learn from others. Follow entrepreneurs, join online communities, or take courses.
Invest in resources that speed up your progress.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether from a mentor, coach, or fellow side hustlers.
How the Turn your idea into income blueprint can help you avoid these side hustle mistakes
Making mistakes when starting a side hustle is normal—but that doesn’t mean you have to learn everything the hard way. That’s why I created the Turn your idea into income blueprint.
Instead of wasting months second-guessing your idea, struggling with pricing, or overcomplicating your launch, this guide walks you through exactly how to get started—the right way.
Inside, you’ll find:
How to choose a profitable side hustle that fits your strengths and lifestyle
A step-by-step plan to launch with confidence (without overcomplicating things)
Common pitfalls to avoid so you don’t make the same mistakes most new side hustlers do
If you want to start strong and skip the guesswork, you can find the Blueprint here and use it as your roadmap to building a side hustle that actually works.
Do you have an idea you’ve been thinking about trying? Drop it in the comments.
P.S. If you're still figuring out what kind of work truly excites you (whether it’s a side hustle, a career shift, or something else), start with my free Career & Business guide.
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