This post is by guest author and Lessonpal tutor Gowri Krisha. In this post, she lays out valuable tips, ideas, and opportunities to help you kickstart your summer side hustle journey.Summer break is full of opportunities for students: relaxing, playing sports, going to camp, and studying for the next school year.You have a whole lot of time on your hands to explore different summer side hustles and make some extra money. Students are always on the lookout for ways to make some side income, whether you want to spend it on an adventure, to save up for something special, or simply to have some financial independence.So now your next question might be, "How can I earn that extra buck during the summer break" and "What are some of the practical side hustles suitable for high school or college students without a lot of skills"Well, you’re in luck! Keep reading to find out about some of the awesome ideas you could take advantage of. In this guide, you will also learn how to promote your summer side hustles, price them, and provide an exceptional client experience.

What is a side hustle in the first place

Side hustles or side gigs are extra jobs that you take up to supplement your primary income. As a student, a side hustle can be your main source of income. Your primary source of money as a student could come from a side hustle. You can do it to make some money while still keeping your focus on your education. Depending on the side business you want to pursue, it can be attempted offline or in the comfort of your own home.Giving it a shot during the summer break can help you keep track of your expenses and give you a wider outlook. It can be an initial step to financial management, independence, and the ability to attract clients.

Advantages of summer side hustles

At some point in your life, you may have thought, “Only if I had some extra money to do this…” I have been there too, and I am so happy to share the benefits of having one.

Financial independence

Let’s be real; having some side income in your pocket feels extremely great! It gives you freedom (to an extent) to take control of your own finances. Guess what I have been there too!I know how fulfilling it can be to be financially independent, to save up for something you want, or feel satisfied when you are rewarded for your hard work. Side hustles are a great way to achieve this.

Flexibility (thanks to summer break!)

Working on your terms or on a schedule that fits you, whether it be day, night, or evening, is one of the best parts of side hustles. Especially if you are doing this job during the summer, you will have time to get clients who will seek you out later on. Some jobs are more flexible than others. For example, with online tutoring, you can usually make your own schedule. That way, you can work and make money and also have time for the rest of your day.

Boost your resume

Mark my words when I say this: future employers ALWAYS look for candidates who have a growth mindset. They want people who take initiative and are excited about trying out new things. Adding your summer side hustle experience to your resume is a great plus, and it shows them how motivated and active you are.

Expand your network by having a side hustle

The contacts you get through your side hustles and the opportunities that lay ahead of you are immense. You should consider socializing with your clients (which I highly recommend) because you get to learn, interact, and make valuable connections that might come in handy at some point in your life. The possibilities are endless.

Side hustles can teach you how to budget

Now this valuable skill is something you will need for the rest of your life. Budgeting effectively and managing your finances will take you a long way and will help you make smart financial decisions that can lead to long-term success.

Build skills

Practicing and exploring whatever you have learned in theory through a side hustle will give you a stronger base (definitely better than someone who hasn't utilized the skill).It will give you an edge over others. You will be talking about the skills based on your experience, and they go beyond the scope of any classroom.You get to know the importance of time management for communication skills and how you can nurture them.

Summer side hustles that are actually practical and possible

If you have read a lot of articles regarding this topic, I am sure you might have heard a lot about summer side hustles. But are all of them practical Let me list out the side hustles that are actually possible and can be done in the comfort of your own home, outdoors or both this summer!

Online tutoring as a side hustle

Are you skillful enough to share your knowledge with aspiring students Then becoming an online tutor can be super helpful to earn those extra bucks. Online tutoring offers flexibility and the opportunity to share knowledge while earning extra income.Growing your online summer side hustle as a tutor is easy with Lessonpal as we provide a platform to help tutors and students connect, expand their reach, enjoy flexibility, and make an impact on the student’s life.Our virtual classroom enables you to conduct engaging and interactive lessons.

10 ways to promote your summer side hustle effectively

Whether you're selling handmade crafts, offering consulting services, or showcasing your photography skills, getting the word out about your side hustle is crucial for success. That's where promotion comes in so that your hustle can thrive and reach the target audience

Build an online presence

Making your own brand or listing your services on the World Wide Web can help you to some extent to get new clients. You will have a platform of your own to share so that potential clients can look through your work and decide if you are a good fit for them or not. Or, think about this possibility. When a person refers you to a friend and they want to check out your work and services without contacting you, they could simply look you up in no time!

Promotions through word-of-mouth

Your summer side hustle should not only benefit you but also the person who receives your services. Otherwise, what's in it for them, rightIt is very very important (and I can't stress this enough) to ensure that your client has a positive experience with your services. Because it is through them that you will get the majority of your clients.If they like your work, they will recommend you!

Utilise social media for your side hustle

While scrolling through Instagram, have you ever come across an ad and thought, "Wow! This product looks amazing! I am definitely going to give this a try!"Social media is an awesome tool for a lot of small business owners. It makes the word travel faster. People from far and wide know about your services and what you do.So make sure that your ad makes an impact on them so that they have you on their minds while encountering a challenge for which you provide services.

Offer a free trial

If you are just starting off and haven't worked with any or very few clients, give them a free trial. You might feel like this is an unfair advantage on your side, but how else can they be sure that you are a good fit for themThe free trial can be a basic version of a service with fewer features and benefits, which is totally up to you.

Offer discounts, packages, and referral programs

Offering a discount can create a sense of urgency, urging them to try out your services and encouraging immediate action. Discounts can be in the form of limited-time offers and special promotions. Offering a package means providing a bundle of services at a much lower price, which encourages them to purchase more from you.Referral programs are also a good way to spread the word. Your existing clients can pass on the word in return for an incentive. This motivates them to act on it, and that way you get more clients! A win-win situation for both!

Testimonials and reviews

Urge your clients to leave a review on a social platform or on your page. Tip: Ask clients who you know had a good experience to leave a review! However, good or bad, respond to those reviews. Testimonials and reviews are the only way to show a client (who hasn't even heard about you) that you are trustworthy and provide excellent customer service. You can learn a lot about someone’s services through the client’s reviews and testimonials.

Criteria to consider while pricing services for your side hustle

Pricing your services in a side hustle can be tricky. Determining the right price requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure that you strike the perfect balance between profitability and competitiveness.

Ensuring a positive client experience

When you are committing to a side hustle this summer, do not take it very lightly. Providing the service that you signed up for is the only task you have at hand, and try to accomplish that with excellence.

Respond to your clients promptly

Doesn't it piss you off when the person you purchased services from doesn't respond to your texts or pick up your call To build a strong, long-term relationship, it is important to communicate.Make yourself available for discussions or meetings. Being responsive and accessible shows how committed you are and that you value their time.Got any doubts Ask them.Not clear about their goals Ask them.DO NOT HESITATE!Try to keep the process as smooth and easy as possible. The initial onboarding process can be a bit confusing for a few, considering the fact that you both are meeting each other for the first time and don't know anything about how well you deliver the services.Maintain transparency with your clients from the start to the end. Take the time to understand your client’s goals, expectations, and preferences. Let them know your project timeline, deliverables, and any changes that may arise.Additionally, maintain a professional tone and respect their privacy. Deliver work on time and adhere to agreed-upon deadlines.

Customise services

Providing unique and tailored service to the clients if possible will increase the chances of retaining them, as you went out of your way to make the service accessible and customized. To do this, you will need to clearly understand their goals. Listen actively, take notes if you feel confused, and ask them until you are sure about what their expectations and needs are.Brownie points if you strive for excellence in everything you deliver to your client. Showing genuine interest in their project or business can improve your chances of retaining the client.

Ensure transparent and fair pricing

When you switch roles from a service provider to a receiver, wouldn't you want to know where and for what you are spending money Wouldn't you want to know if they are not misusing your moneyJust like that, maintaining transparency with your clients regarding pricing is important.Your pricing should be justifiable. It should be reasonable and competitive to ensure that you remain in the market.Discuss each step of the process with your client. Let them know the additional expenses that were made for fulfilling the service. Guide them and clear their doubts, if any. It might look like a hurdle to you initially, but taking time to guide them through the process will increase your accountability and credibility.

Look for constructive feedback

Always look for areas where you can improve. However small they are, be grateful to the clients for their valuable input on how you can improve your services.Work on them.Respond to this feedback with the assurance that you will work on it rather than giving them excuses for why you didn’t in the first place.These values and inputs you get from a summer side hustle can take you a long way.Continuously striving for excellence with the help of this feedback will definitely reflect your growth and journey.

Go the extra mile

Going the extra mile can sound like a hassle, but it is worth the effort.Offer value-added or additional services to please the clients. This can also include providing relevant industry insights, sharing helpful resources, or offering recommendations. This creates a strong relationship between you and the client. Stay in touch, provide ongoing support, and explore possibilities for future collaborations.

Stay updated on the industry related to your side hustle

Knowing the market trends will guide you on how effectively you can provide your services. It will broaden your horizons and allow you to provide valuable insights and recommendations.There is always the possibility of turning your summer side hustle into a full-time job; hence, such inputs will be valuable in the future.

The big picture

Anyone who wants to start a summer side hustle, DON'T HOLD BACK! You never know what amazing results could come out of it. Be it tutoring, starting a small business, selling your product, or any other summer side hustle, you are definitely going to learn something that could have a positive impact on your life.If you have read up until now, I urge you to take a chance, seize the opportunity, and make the most of the summer break.