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.
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.
Mistake #5: Overcomplicating the launch
Let's pitch in and buy them a bulletin board.
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.
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.”
Mistake #9: Not managing finances properly
Not sure you have to be as formal with your finances as this person... but you do you.
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.
Want more support in this area?
Explore our Career and Business HUB to reflect, take action, and grab tools designed to help you build a career or business that supports your ideal lifestyle.
Do you have an idea you’ve been thinking about trying? Drop it in the comments.
New around here? Welcome.
I’m Michelle, a life coach, course creator, and recovering overachiever who finally got tired of chasing the wrong version of success. I don’t believe in perfect lives. I believe in intentional ones.
I started Intendify Your Life to help people stop living for everyone else and start building a life that feels like home.
Warning: I’m a little blunt, a little nerdy, and wildly in favor of tough love and bold decisions.
Want to know the whole story? Start here.
At Intendify, we break life down into 12 key areas and offer guided paths to help you reflect, plan, and take action—so you can start living more intentionally, one step at a time.
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