Starting a side hustle can be an exciting way to earn extra income and pursue your passions.
With the right tools and resources, you can set yourself up for success from the beginning.
Templates are one of the most valuable assets for any budding entrepreneur, saving you time and providing professional-quality materials without breaking the bank.
Free templates can help you jumpstart your side hustle by providing ready-made designs for everything from social media posts to business plans. Whether you’re launching an online store, offering freelance services, or starting a blog, having access to high-quality templates can make your venture look polished and professional from day one.
In this article, we’ll explore seven essential template sites that every side hustler should bookmark to boost their chances of success.
1) Canva for stunning graphics
Canva is a game-changer for side hustlers looking to create eye-catching visuals.
With its user-friendly interface, you can design professional-looking graphics in minutes, even if you have zero design experience.
The platform offers a vast library of free templates for various purposes.
From social media posts to business cards, you’ll find ready-made designs that you can customize to fit your brand.
Canva’s drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to tweak colors, fonts, and layouts.
You can upload your own images or choose from millions of stock photos and graphics available on the platform.
As a side hustler, you’ll appreciate Canva’s time-saving features.
The ability to resize designs for different platforms with just a click can streamline your content creation process.
Plus, Canva offers collaboration tools, allowing you to work with team members or clients seamlessly.
You can share designs, leave comments, and make real-time edits together.
While the free version is packed with features, Canva Pro unlocks even more possibilities for your side hustle.
It’s worth considering if you need advanced design elements or want to scale your graphic design efforts.
2) Trello templates for organization
If you’re looking to boost your productivity and streamline your workflow, Trello templates are a game-changer.
These pre-made boards can help you organize your tasks and projects with ease.
Trello offers a wide variety of free templates for different purposes.
You can find templates for team management, project planning, and personal productivity.
One popular option is the Team Organization Central template.
It’s perfect for keeping track of team members, their roles, and important resources.
For individual use, you might want to check out the Simple Productivity Template.
It’s great for managing your daily tasks and long-term goals.
Don’t worry if you’re new to Trello.
These templates are designed to be user-friendly and customizable.
You can easily adjust them to fit your specific needs.
Using templates can save you time and energy.
Instead of starting from scratch, you’re building on proven organizational structures.
This allows you to focus on your actual work rather than setting up systems.
3) Squarespace website starters
Squarespace offers a treasure trove of free templates for side hustlers like you.
With 157 stunning options to choose from, you’re bound to find one that suits your needs perfectly.
These templates cover a wide range of industries and purposes.
Whether you’re launching a blog, showcasing your portfolio, or setting up an online store, Squarespace has got you covered.
The best part? You can try out these templates without spending a dime.
Browse through the options, play around with designs, and see which one resonates with your brand.
Squarespace’s templates are known for their sleek, professional look.
They’re designed to make your side hustle appear polished and established from day one.
Don’t worry if you’re not tech-savvy.
These templates are user-friendly and customizable.
You can easily tweak colors, fonts, and layouts to match your vision.
A great website can elevate your side hustle.
With Squarespace’s free templates, you’re already halfway there to creating an impressive online presence.
4) Notion note-taking templates
Notion offers a wide array of note-taking templates to supercharge your side hustle productivity.
These templates can help you organize your thoughts, track ideas, and manage projects more efficiently.
You’ll find various note-taking layouts in Notion, from Cornell to boxing methods.
These structures allow you to choose the format that best suits your thinking style and project needs.
Many templates include features like daily focus sections, weekly to-do lists, and idea repositories.
These elements can help you stay on top of your tasks and nurture your creative concepts.
Some templates offer tagging systems and search features, making it easy to categorize and retrieve your notes quickly.
This can be a game-changer when you’re juggling multiple side hustle projects.
You can even find templates with spaced repetition learning systems, perfect for mastering new skills or information crucial to your side gig.
To get started, check out free Notion note-taking templates available in their template gallery.
Experiment with different styles to find the one that boosts your productivity and helps your side hustle thrive.
5) Mailchimp email campaign layouts
As a side hustler, you need to make your email marketing stand out.
Mailchimp offers a variety of free email templates that can help you do just that.
These templates are designed to be eye-catching and professional.
You can easily customize them to fit your brand’s style and message.
With Mailchimp’s drag-and-drop editor, you can modify the layouts without any coding skills.
This means you can create stunning emails quickly, even if you’re not a design expert.
The templates cover a wide range of purposes.
Whether you’re sending a newsletter, promoting a sale, or announcing a new product, you’ll find a layout that fits your needs.
Mailchimp’s free templates are mobile-responsive.
This ensures your emails look great on any device, from smartphones to desktop computers.
You can also save your customized templates for future use.
This helps maintain consistency in your email campaigns and saves you time in the long run.
6) Google Docs resume templates
Looking to create a professional resume without breaking the bank? Google Docs has you covered with its free resume templates.
These templates are easily accessible and customizable, making them perfect for side hustlers on a budget.
To find these templates, simply open Google Docs and click on “Template Gallery.” Scroll down to the “Resumes” section, and you’ll see a variety of options to choose from.
Each template offers a unique design, catering to different industries and personal styles.
You can select a template that best fits your needs and start editing right away.
Once you’ve chosen a template, you can easily modify the text, reorganize sections, and input your own details.
This flexibility allows you to tailor the resume to your specific side hustle or job application.
Don’t worry if you’re not tech-savvy.
Google Docs templates are user-friendly and intuitive.
You can make changes quickly and see your updates in real-time.
When you’re finished, you can download your resume as a PDF to ensure it looks professional when sent to potential clients or employers.
With these free templates, you’ll have a polished resume in no time.
7) Etsy printable planners
Etsy is a goldmine for side hustlers looking for unique printable planner templates.
You’ll find a wide variety of options to suit your specific needs and style preferences.
From daily schedules to goal trackers, Etsy offers planners for every aspect of your side hustle.
Many sellers provide customizable templates, allowing you to tailor the planner to your business.
Don’t forget to check out free planner templates on Etsy.
These can be a great starting point if you’re on a tight budget or want to test different layouts before committing.
For those focused on growing their side gig, look for side hustle planner templates.
These often include sections for tracking income, expenses, and marketing efforts.
When choosing a planner, consider your specific needs.
Do you need daily, weekly, or monthly layouts? Would you benefit from goal-setting pages or habit trackers?
Understanding the Importance of Templates
Templates are powerful tools that can transform your side hustle.
They save time, boost efficiency, and give your work a polished, professional look.
Let’s explore why templates are essential for success.
Streamlining Your Workflow
Templates act as blueprints for your projects, eliminating the need to start from scratch every time.
You can create templates for various aspects of your side hustle, such as:
- Project proposals
- Invoices
- Social media posts
- Email newsletters
By having these ready-made structures, you’ll speed up your process significantly.
Instead of reinventing the wheel, you simply plug in the specific details for each new project or task.
Templates also help maintain consistency across your work.
This is especially crucial if you’re juggling multiple clients or projects simultaneously.
Boosting Productivity
Templates let you focus on the content rather than the format.
This shift allows you to be more productive and creative in your work.
Consider how much time you spend on repetitive tasks:
| Task | Time Saved with Templates |
|---|---|
| Creating invoices | 30 minutes per client |
| Drafting proposals | 1-2 hours per project |
| Designing social media posts | 15-30 minutes per post |
These time savings add up quickly, giving you more hours to dedicate to growing your side hustle or taking on additional clients.
Templates also reduce decision fatigue.
When you have a pre-set structure, you don’t waste mental energy on minor design choices or formatting issues.
Enhancing Professionalism
Using templates can instantly elevate the look of your work.
They provide a polished, cohesive appearance that impresses clients and sets you apart from competitors.
Professional-looking templates:
- Build trust with potential clients
- Showcase your attention to detail
- Demonstrate your commitment to quality
Even if you’re just starting out, well-designed templates can make your side hustle appear more established and credible.
This perceived professionalism can help you land more clients and potentially charge higher rates for your services.
Remember, templates are not one-size-fits-all.
You should customize them to reflect your brand and meet your specific needs.
With the right templates, you’ll present yourself as a serious, organized professional in your field.
Selecting the Right Templates for Your Needs
Choosing the perfect template can make or break your side hustle’s online presence.
Your website’s design speaks volumes about your brand, so it’s crucial to pick a template that aligns with your vision and goals.
Evaluating Template Quality
When browsing free templates, look for clean, responsive designs.
Check how the template displays on different devices to ensure a seamless user experience.
Pay attention to loading speed, as slow websites can hurt your business.
Consider the template’s flexibility.
Can you easily change colors, fonts, and layouts? A good template should offer customization options without requiring extensive coding knowledge.
Read user reviews and ratings.
They often provide valuable insights into a template’s performance and potential limitations.
Matching Templates to Your Business Goals
Think about your side hustle’s nature and target audience.
Are you selling products, offering services, or showcasing a portfolio? Choose a template that supports your specific needs.
For e-commerce, look for templates with built-in shopping cart features.
If you’re a freelancer, prioritize portfolio-style templates that highlight your work.
Consider your brand’s personality.
Is it professional and minimalist or creative and bold? Select a template that reflects this vibe to create a cohesive brand image.
Customizing Templates Effectively
Once you’ve chosen a template, it’s time to make it your own.
Start by replacing placeholder content with your unique text and images.
This immediately gives your site a personalized feel.
Adjust color schemes to match your brand.
Many templates allow you to easily change background colors, text colors, and accent hues.
Don’t forget about fonts.
Choose typefaces that are readable and align with your brand’s style.
Most templates offer several font options.
Add your logo and any other brand elements to create a consistent look across your site.
This helps build brand recognition and professionalism.
Remember, less is often more.
Avoid cluttering your pages with unnecessary elements.
Keep navigation simple and intuitive for the best user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Digital templates offer exciting opportunities for side hustlers to generate income and build thriving online businesses.
From finding free resources to marketing strategies, here are answers to common questions about succeeding with templates.
How can I generate passive income by selling digital templates?
You can create custom templates for platforms like Canva or Etsy and earn royalties each time they’re purchased.
Focus on in-demand niches like social media graphics, planners, or resume designs.
Continuously expand your template portfolio to increase earning potential.
What are the best platforms for finding free templates to kickstart my side hustle?
Canva offers thousands of free templates for stunning graphics to jumpstart your designs.
Trello provides organizational templates, while Squarespace has website starters to build your online presence.
Notion and Mailchimp also offer free templates for note-taking and email campaigns respectively.
What tips do successful Canva Creators offer for making money on the platform?
Successful Canva Creators recommend studying trending designs and creating templates that solve specific problems.
Offer versatile, customizable templates that appeal to a wide audience.
Use eye-catching thumbnails and descriptive titles to attract buyers.
Are there any effective side hustles that I can start online and manage in my free time?
Selling digital templates is an ideal side hustle you can manage in your spare time.
Other options include freelance writing, virtual assistance, or social media management.
These allow flexible schedules and can be scaled as your skills and client base grow.
How can I validate the legitimacy of my side hustle and operate it legally?
Research local business regulations and register your side hustle if required.
Keep accurate financial records and pay taxes on your earnings.
Consider forming an LLC for added protection and credibility as your business grows.
What are some strategies for marketing self-created templates to potential customers?
Leverage social media to showcase your templates and connect with potential buyers.
Create a professional website or Etsy shop to display your portfolio.
You can also offer free templates as lead magnets to build an email list for marketing future paid products.
