#20

Got Time To Start?

January 14, 2025

In partnership with

How to Use Your Spare Time to Start an Online Business

Hey there,

Ever feel like your spare time slips away? We’ve all been there—scrolling on social media, binge-watching Netflix, or doing “just one more” online shopping spree. But what if I told you that even an hour or two of spare time a day is enough to lay the foundation for an online business?

In this post, It’ll show you how to use your spare time wisely to start an online business. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle, a new career path, or a way to make extra money doing something you love, this guide will help you get started without feeling overwhelmed.

Why Start an Online Business?

Starting an online business is more accessible than ever. You don’t need a physical storefront, massive startup capital, or a tech degree to get started. With just a few tools, some creativity, and a little consistency, you can build something meaningful—and profitable.

Here are some key benefits of starting an online business:
✅ Low Startup Costs: Most online businesses require minimal investment.
✅ Flexibility: Work on your business anytime, anywhere—perfect for your spare time.
✅ Passive Income Potential: Build something that earns money even when you’re sleeping.
✅ Scalability: Many online businesses can grow beyond just you.

Now, let’s talk about how to get started—one step at a time.

Step 1: Pick a Business Model That Fits Your Lifestyle

Not every online business will suit your personality, interests, or available time. Here are some simple and proven online business models to consider:

  1. Sell Digital Products

    • Create and sell eBooks, templates, courses, or design assets.

    • Example: Turn your knowledge of photography, graphic design, or productivity into a course or downloadable guide.

  2. Offer Freelance Services

    • Use your skills (writing, graphic design, web development, etc.) to offer freelance services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn.

    • Pro Tip: Start with one niche service to stand out, like “social media graphics for coaches” or “blog writing for small businesses.”

  3. Affiliate Marketing

    • Promote other companies’ products and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral link.

    • How to Start: Build a blog, YouTube channel, or Instagram page focused on a specific niche and recommend products you love.

  4. Dropshipping

    • Set up an online store without holding inventory. Use platforms like Shopify to sell products that suppliers ship directly to customers.

    • Pro Tip: Focus on trending or evergreen products, like fitness gear or home office accessories.

  5. Content Creation

    • Start a YouTube channel, TikTok account, blog, or podcast and monetize it through ads, sponsorships, or memberships.

    • Example: A part-time teacher could share lesson-planning tips on YouTube and eventually create a paid course or Patreon page.

Step 2: Use Your Spare Time Wisely

The secret to starting a business in your spare time is small, consistent steps. Even 30 minutes a day can add up to big progress over a month.

Here’s a simple plan to get you started:

Week 1: Brainstorm Your Idea

  • List your skills, hobbies, and interests.

  • Research online business ideas that align with what you love and what people are willing to pay for.

  • Choose a niche—something specific and targeted (e.g., “budget travel tips for young professionals” instead of “travel”).

Week 2: Validate Your Idea

  • Research your target audience: What are their pain points? What solutions are they looking for?

  • Check out competitors: What are they doing well? How can you do it differently or better?

  • Talk to potential customers or run polls on social media to confirm your idea is viable.

Week 3: Set Up Your Basics

  • Choose a platform for your business:

    • Selling services? Build a profile on Upwork or LinkedIn.

    • Selling products? Use Shopify, Etsy, or Gumroad.

    • Content creation? Start a blog on WordPress or a YouTube channel.

  • Create a simple website or landing page to showcase your offer.

Week 4 and Beyond: Start Creating and Promoting

  • Focus on one product, service, or piece of content to launch. Don’t try to do everything at once.

  • Start promoting your business on social media, through email, or via word of mouth.

  • Stay consistent, track your progress, and refine your approach as you go.

Tools to Make Starting Easier

Here are some great tools to help you launch your business without spending a fortune:

  1. Canva: For creating logos, social media graphics, and other visual content.

  2. Trello or Notion: For organizing your tasks and staying on track.

  3. Gumroad or Shopify: For selling products online.

  4. Buffer or Later: For scheduling social media posts to save time.

  5. Mailchimp or ConvertKit: For building an email list and marketing to your audience.

Key Tips for Success

  1. Start Simple: Don’t overcomplicate things. Focus on solving one problem for one audience.

  2. Be Consistent: Small actions every day will move you forward.

  3. Embrace Imperfection: Your first launch doesn’t need to be perfect—just get it out there and improve as you go.

  4. Invest in Learning: Use free resources like YouTube, blogs, and podcasts to grow your knowledge.

  5. Stay Patient: Building a business takes time, but every step brings you closer to your goal.

Ready to Get Started?

You don’t need hours of free time to start an online business—all you need is a plan and the willingness to take consistent action. Whether you’re working a 9-to-5, raising a family, or just trying to make the most of your evenings, your future business could start with just 30 minutes today.

What Happens to TikTokers if TikTok Gets Banned?

1. Creators Will Scramble to Diversify Platforms

TikTokers, especially those who depend on the platform for their livelihood, will be forced to move their content, audiences, and monetization strategies to alternative platforms. Many creators have already started building a presence on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and even Snapchat Spotlight to future-proof their careers.

  • Challenge: Building a following on a new platform takes time and effort, and creators might not be able to replicate TikTok’s uniquely engaging algorithm elsewhere.

  • Opportunity: Creators who can adapt quickly and engage audiences across multiple platforms could emerge stronger in the long run.

2. Loss of TikTok’s Algorithm Magic

TikTok’s algorithm is unparalleled in its ability to surface content to the right audience, making it easier for creators to go viral and grow organically. Without TikTok, creators may face slower growth on platforms with less personalized algorithms, like Instagram or YouTube.

  • Why This Matters: Creators who relied on viral moments for their growth may struggle to maintain momentum on platforms that prioritize existing followers over algorithmic discovery.

3. Shifts in Income Streams

Many TikTokers earn income through brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, and TikTok’s Creator Fund. A ban would force creators to explore new revenue streams on other platforms or even outside of social media. For example:

  • Expanding into long-form content on YouTube (which has a stronger ad-revenue model).

  • Selling digital products or merchandise through Instagram Shops or personal websites.

  • Focusing on platforms like Patreon or Substack for subscription-based content.

4. Fragmented Communities

TikTok’s ecosystem has a unique ability to foster niche communities through trends, sounds, and hashtags. A ban would scatter these communities across platforms, potentially diluting their engagement and momentum. Creators would need to work harder to rebuild their audiences elsewhere.

5. Emotional and Mental Impact on Creators

For many creators, TikTok is more than a platform—it’s a career, an outlet for creativity, and a community. Losing this space could lead to stress, uncertainty, and financial hardship for those who’ve relied heavily on the platform.

Alternatives to TikTok: Where Creators Could Go Next

If TikTok is banned, these platforms are the most viable alternatives for TikTokers to shift to:

1. Instagram Reels

Meta has heavily invested in Reels as a direct competitor to TikTok. It offers similar short-form video content, integrates with Instagram’s broader platform, and has robust e-commerce tools like Instagram Shops.

  • Pros: Established user base, shopping features, cross-posting to Facebook.

  • Cons: Slower algorithm for discovery; prioritizes existing followers.

2. YouTube Shorts

YouTube’s short-form content option is growing quickly, especially because it’s integrated with YouTube’s long-form ecosystem. Many TikTok creators are already repurposing their videos for Shorts.

  • Pros: Strong monetization tools (e.g., ad revenue); easy to transition to long-form content.

  • Cons: Less immediate viral potential compared to TikTok.

3. Snapchat Spotlight

Snapchat’s Spotlight feature allows creators to share short, entertaining videos, with opportunities to earn payouts from viral content.

  • Pros: High engagement with younger audiences; financial incentives for viral content.

  • Cons: Smaller reach compared to TikTok, Reels, or Shorts.

4. Lemon8

A new platform by ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company), Lemon8 is a mix of Instagram and Pinterest with an emphasis on visual and aesthetic content. It’s seen as ByteDance’s backup plan if TikTok is banned in major markets.

  • Pros: Familiar algorithms; less competition (new platform = growth opportunities).

  • Cons: Uncertain future and audience size.

5. Other Emerging Platforms

Creators could also explore platforms like:

  • Triller: Another short-form video app often called a TikTok alternative.

  • Clapper: A platform positioned as a TikTok for older audiences (18+ focus).

  • BeReal: While not a direct TikTok competitor, it’s gaining traction for authentic, unfiltered content.

6. Diversifying Beyond Social Media

Some TikTokers may choose to reduce their reliance on social media platforms entirely by focusing on:

  • Building email lists to connect directly with audiences.

  • Launching personal websites or blogs for content and products.

  • Developing membership platforms (e.g., Patreon, Ko-fi, or Substack) for exclusive, paid content.

How Can TikTokers Prepare for the Worst?

  1. Start Diversifying NOW: Creators should build a presence on Instagram, YouTube, or other platforms today—not after a ban happens.

  2. Repurpose Content: Save TikTok videos to use elsewhere, ensuring your content isn’t locked to one platform.

  3. Build a Direct Relationship with Fans: Email lists, text marketing, or community platforms like Discord can help maintain audience connection.

  4. Experiment with Long-Form Content: Platforms like YouTube offer monetization opportunities for those ready to transition into longer, more polished videos.

Final Takeaway: A Ban Won’t Be the End

While a TikTok ban would cause disruption, it wouldn’t mean the end of short-form video or content creation as we know it. The creator economy is resilient, and TikTokers who adapt quickly by diversifying their platforms and monetization strategies will find new opportunities to thrive.

Let me know if you'd like me to help craft this into a polished newsletter issue or provide actionable steps for your audience! 😊

Save 13 Hours Weekly of Podcast Pitching with PodPitch.com

It's 2025. Want to finally be a regular podcast guest in your industry? PodPitch will make it happen. Even the beehiiv team uses it!

The best way to advertise isn't Meta or Google – it's appearing on dozens of podcasts that your customers already love.

You could write a few emails yourself to podcast hosts...

Or you could automate thousands of emails going out weekly, pitching your people as the PERFECT next podcast guest.

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Big brands like Feastables are already using it instead of expensive PR Agencies.

🎙️ How Podcasting Is Turning AI-Driven + Meet PodPitch 🚀

Hey there,

Podcasting has been having its moment for years, but we’re on the brink of something even bigger. AI is revolutionizing the podcasting industry in ways we couldn’t have imagined just a few years ago. From content creation to promotion, AI is stepping in to save creators time, increase reach, and improve listener engagement. And right at the center of this transformation? Tools like PodPitch, are designed to make podcast growth smarter and easier than ever.

Let’s dive into how podcasting is embracing AI—and why you should be paying attention if you're a creator, marketer, or just someone looking to harness this powerful medium.

How AI is Changing the Game for Podcasters

Podcasting has always required a ton of behind-the-scenes work. It’s not just about hitting "record"—there’s editing, scripting, guest booking, promotion, analytics, and so much more. AI is stepping in to automate and enhance every step of the process, allowing creators to focus on what they do best: creating great content. Here’s how AI is reshaping podcasting:

1. Automated Content Creation

  • AI Scripting & Summaries: Tools like ChatGPT and Jasper AI help podcasters create episode outlines and scripts, and even show notes in minutes.

  • Voice Cloning for Content Expansion: AI-powered tools like Descript now let you use your cloned voice to edit or create new audio content seamlessly.

2. Smarter Editing

  • AI tools like Descript and Adobe Podcast make audio editing as easy as editing a Word document. They can remove filler words (“um,” “uh”) automatically and even improve sound quality with a click.

3. Personalized Listener Recommendations

  • Spotify and Apple Podcasts already use AI to recommend shows to listeners, but now creators can use similar algorithms to analyze listener behavior and create personalized content for their audience.

4. Enhanced Discoverability

  • AI-driven tools like Podcastle and Headliner help podcasters generate clips, transcriptions, and video highlights, all optimized for SEO and social media discovery. This makes it easier for new audiences to find your show.

Introducing PodPitch: Your AI Growth Assistant for Podcasting

While AI is making content creation easier, one of the biggest challenges for podcasters remains: how do I grow my audience and land sponsorships or guests? This is where PodPitch steps in to change the game.

Here’s what PodPitch does:

1. AI-Powered Guest Booking

Finding guests used to mean hours of research and cold outreach. PodPitch automates this by using AI to:

  • Identify relevant, high-quality guests in your niche.

  • Craft personalized outreach messages tailored to the potential guest’s interests and expertise.

  • Manage follow-ups to secure the best guests for your show.

2. Tailored Sponsorship Pitches

Monetizing your podcast is no longer a guessing game. PodPitch helps you:

  • Use AI to analyze your listener demographics and engagement data.

  • Match your show with sponsors who align with your audience.

  • Generate professional, data-backed sponsorship proposals in minutes.

3. Show Promotion That Works

PodPitch leverages AI to help you create:

  • Custom episode trailers to hook new listeners.

  • Social media snippets optimized for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

  • SEO-friendly show notes and blog posts to boost your podcast’s discoverability online.

4. Analytics-Driven Growth Strategies

With PodPitch, you can track what’s working and what’s not. AI analyzes listener trends and provides actionable insights to refine your content strategy, helping you grow smarter, not harder.

Why This Matters for You

Whether you’re a podcasting pro or just getting started, these AI tools (and PodPitch in particular) can:
✅ Save you hours each week by automating repetitive tasks.
✅ Improve your content quality with AI-driven editing and scripting.
✅ Grow your audience faster with tailored promotion and outreach.
✅ Monetize your podcast effectively by matching with the right sponsors.

And the best part? You don’t need to be a tech expert to take advantage of these tools—AI is designed to be intuitive and accessible for everyone.

Take Action: Bring AI Into Your Podcast Workflow Today

The future of podcasting is here, and it’s powered by AI. Whether you’re dreaming of building the next big show or simply want to grow your niche audience, tools like PodPitch and other AI platforms are here to make that process easier and more effective than ever.

Curious to see how PodPitch works? Learn more and get started here! (Insert actual PodPitch link if available).

Stay ahead of the curve, and let AI do the heavy lifting while you focus on delivering value to your listeners.

What Do You Think?

Are you already using AI in your podcast workflow? What excites you most about tools like PodPitch? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear from you!

Key Costs of Starting a Dropshipping Business

1. E-Commerce Platform

You’ll need an online store to showcase and sell your products. This is where customers browse, place orders, and pay for products.

  • Popular Options:

    • Shopify: $29/month (most popular for dropshipping).

    • Wix: $23/month for e-commerce plans.

    • WooCommerce: Free (but you’ll need hosting, typically $10–$20/month).

  • Cost Range: $0–$50/month (depending on the platform you choose).

  • Budget Tip: Start with free trials (e.g., Shopify offers a free trial) to explore your options.

2. Domain Name

A custom domain (e.g., yourstore.com) makes your store look professional and trustworthy. Most e-commerce platforms allow you to buy a domain directly through them.

  • Cost Range: $10–$20/year.

  • Budget Tip: Platforms like Shopify often include free subdomains (e.g., yourstore.myshopify.com) if you're on a tight budget at the start.

3. Dropshipping Tools/Apps

These tools help automate the process of finding products, importing them to your store, and fulfilling orders.

  • Popular Apps:

    • DSers (formerly Oberlo): Free and paid plans (starting at $19.90/month).

    • Spocket: $24.99/month (for U.S./EU suppliers).

    • Zendrop: Free for basic use; premium plans start at $49/month.

  • Cost Range: $0–$50/month.

  • Budget Tip: Many apps have free plans or trials—start small and upgrade as your store grows.

4. Advertising/Marketing

Marketing is one of the most significant expenses in dropshipping since you’ll need to drive traffic to your store. The most common method is paid advertising on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google, or TikTok.

  • Paid Advertising Costs:

    • Facebook/Instagram Ads: $5–$20/day to start (recommended budget for beginners).

    • TikTok Ads: $20–$50/day (TikTok has become a hot platform for product discovery).

    • Google Ads: $5–$20/day (for search-based intent).

  • Alternative Free Marketing Options:

    • Organic social media posts (Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest).

    • SEO (content marketing via blogs or YouTube).

    • Influencer partnerships (micro-influencers often charge $50–$200 per promo).

  • Cost Range: $0–$500+ depending on your approach and scale.

  • Budget Tip: Start with free marketing (e.g., TikTok/Reels) or experiment with small ad budgets ($5/day) until you find winning products.

5. Product Samples (Optional)

Although dropshipping means you don’t need to buy inventory upfront, ordering samples is a good idea to test product quality and ensure customer satisfaction.

  • Cost Range: $20–$100 per product (depending on the supplier and shipping costs).

  • Budget Tip: Order samples of only your top product(s) initially.

6. Logo and Branding (Optional)

Professional branding can help you stand out, but you don’t need to spend a fortune on it.

  • DIY Tools: Use Canva (free or $12.99/month) to design your logo and website banners.

  • Professional Design: Fiverr or Upwork freelancers may charge $10–$50 for logos.

  • Cost Range: $0–$50.

  • Budget Tip: Start with free branding tools (like Canva) and upgrade later.

7. Payment Processing Fees

Payment processors (like PayPal, Stripe, or Shopify Payments) charge a small fee for each transaction.

  • Typical Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.

  • Budget Tip: Consider this a variable cost based on sales volume, so there’s no upfront expense.

Total Startup Cost Estimate for Dropshipping

Here’s a realistic breakdown of costs based on whether you’re starting lean or going for a professional setup:

Budget-Friendly Setup (Lean Start)

  • E-Commerce Platform: Free trial or ~$29/month.

  • Domain Name: $10/year.

  • Dropshipping Apps: Free plans or ~$20/month.

  • Marketing: $50–$100/month on Facebook or TikTok ads.

  • Logo/Branding: DIY ($0).

  • Product Samples: $50 (optional).

Total First-Month Cost: ~$100–$200

Professional Setup (Well-Prepared Start)

  • E-Commerce Platform: $29/month.

  • Domain Name: $15/year.

  • Dropshipping Apps: $20–$50/month.

  • Marketing: $200–$500/month.

  • Logo/Branding: $25 for a freelance designer.

  • Product Samples: $100.

Total First-Month Cost: ~$400–$700

How to Start for Less Money

If you’re on a tight budget, here are some money-saving tips:

  1. Start Small: Focus on testing just one or two products instead of a large catalog.

  2. Use Free Tools: Begin with free dropshipping apps like DSers or Spocket’s free plan.

  3. Organic Marketing: Leverage TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Pinterest to promote your store for free.

  4. Skip Paid Branding: Use Canva for DIY logo and store design.

  5. Delay Paid Ads: Focus on SEO, social media, and influencer collaborations before investing heavily in ads.

Can You Start Dropshipping for Free?

Technically, yes—if you use free trials for platforms like Shopify, free branding tools like Canva, and free organic marketing. However, you’ll likely need to invest at least $50–$100 upfront for domain registration and small-scale marketing to see results.

Is Dropshipping Worth It?

Dropshipping is an excellent business model for beginners because of its low barrier to entry and minimal risk. However, success depends on your ability to:

  1. Choose the right products.

  2. Market effectively (paid or free strategies).

  3. Stay consistent and learn from trial and error.

If you’re willing to put in the effort and start small, dropshipping can be a profitable way to make money online—even in your spare time.

Have more questions about dropshipping? Let me know—I’m here to help! 😊

What Is a CRM, and Why Is It Essential?

At its core, CRM helps businesses manage their interactions with customers and prospects. But a modern CRM is so much more than just a glorified address book.

Here’s why a CRM is a must-have:

  1. Streamlines Your Workflow: Centralize your sales, marketing, and customer support in one place. No more switching between tools or losing track of conversations.

  2. Enhances Customer Experience: A CRM ensures every interaction feels personalized by keeping a record of customer preferences, purchase history, and previous communications.

  3. Boosts Sales Efficiency: Track leads, automate follow-ups, and forecast revenue so you can focus on closing deals.

  4. Improves Collaboration: Share information seamlessly across your team to ensure everyone is on the same page.

  5. Provides Data-Driven Insights: CRMs help you analyze customer behavior and campaign performance so you can make smarter decisions.

Put simply: a good CRM saves you time, keeps your customers happy, and helps your business grow.

The Top 5 CRMs to Use in 2025

With so many CRMs on the market, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one. Here are five of the best CRMs for 2025, based on functionality, affordability, and ease of use.

1. HubSpot CRM

  • Best For: Small to mid-sized businesses and startups.

  • Why It’s Great: HubSpot’s CRM is free to start and packed with features, including email tracking, deal pipelines, and integration with their marketing and sales tools. It’s super user-friendly, making it perfect for businesses just starting with CRMs.

  • Key Features:

    • Email templates and tracking.

    • Live chat and chatbot features.

    • Marketing automation (paid plans).

  • Price: Free basic CRM; paid plans for advanced features start at $18/month.

  • Learn More

2. Salesforce

  • Best For: Enterprise businesses or scaling companies with complex needs.

  • Why It’s Great: Salesforce is the gold standard of CRMs. It’s incredibly powerful and customizable, making it a go-to for large companies. The downside? It’s pricey and can have a steep learning curve.

  • Key Features:

    • Advanced sales forecasting and analytics.

    • Customizable workflows and dashboards.

    • Integration with thousands of apps via the Salesforce AppExchange.

  • Price: Plans start at $25/user/month, but most businesses will need higher-tier plans.

  • Learn More

3. Zoho CRM

  • Best For: Budget-conscious small businesses.

  • Why It’s Great: Zoho CRM is affordable, intuitive, and integrates with Zoho’s suite of apps (like email, projects, and finance). It’s great for teams that need a solid CRM without breaking the bank.

  • Key Features:

    • AI-powered sales assistant (“Zia”).

    • Lead scoring and workflow automation.

    • Custom dashboards and reporting.

  • Price: Free for up to 3 users; paid plans start at $14/user/month.

  • Learn More

4. Pipedrive

  • Best For: Sales-focused teams who want a simple, visual CRM.

  • Why It’s Great: Pipedrive is built specifically for managing sales pipelines. It offers a highly visual interface, making it easy to track deals from lead to close.

  • Key Features:

    • Drag-and-drop pipeline management.

    • Deal tracking and revenue forecasting.

    • Simple automation

    • for repetitive tasks.

  • Price: Plans start at $14.90/user/month.

  • Learn More

5. Monday Sales CRM

  • Best For: Teams that want a customizable, visually-driven CRM.

  • Why It’s Great: Built on the popular Monday.com platform, this CRM is highly customizable and perfect for teams that want to adapt it to their specific workflows. Plus, its visual interface is a bonus for creative or project-based teams.

  • Key Features:

    • Customizable pipelines and workflows.

    • Collaboration tools for teams.

    • Integration with hundreds of apps.

  • Price: Plans start at $10/user/month.

  • Learn More

How to Choose the Right CRM for You

When deciding on a CRM, consider these factors:

  • Team Size: Are you a solo operator or a growing team?

  • Budget: How much can you afford to spend monthly?

  • Features: Do you need advanced features like AI, automation, or integrations with your existing tools?

  • Ease of Use: Some CRMs, like Pipedrive and HubSpot, are intuitive, while others (like Salesforce) may require more time to learn.

The Bottom Line: CRMs Are the Backbone of Business Growth

Whether you're a startup building your first customer list or an established company looking to scale, a CRM is a tool that ties everything together. It’s not just about managing relationships—it’s about leveraging data, automating workflows, and delivering exceptional experiences to your customers.

If you’re not already using a CRM, now’s the time to start. And if you are, it’s worth taking a closer look at how AI-powered features and integrations can help you take your business to the next level.

Which CRM are you using (or thinking of trying)? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts!