Top 15 Discount Tools and Software for Side Hustlers: Budget-Friendly Essentials for Your Gig

Side hustles have become increasingly popular as people seek additional income streams.

With the right tools and software, you can streamline your operations and boost your earnings potential.

These digital resources can help you manage tasks, track finances, and grow your side business more efficiently.

Discovering affordable tools and software can significantly impact your side hustle’s success and profitability. By leveraging discounted options, you’ll be able to access powerful features without breaking the bank.

From productivity apps to marketing platforms, these budget-friendly solutions can help you take your side gig to the next level while keeping costs low.

1) HoneyBook

HoneyBook is a top-notch tool for side hustlers looking to streamline their business operations.

This all-in-one software helps you manage clients, projects, and finances with ease.

You’ll love HoneyBook’s customizable invoices and proposals, which give your side hustle a professional touch.

The client portal feature keeps all your communications and documents in one place, making it simple to stay organized.

Online payment processing is another standout feature, allowing you to get paid faster and more efficiently.

No more chasing down clients for checks or dealing with complicated payment systems.

HoneyBook offers different pricing tiers to suit your needs, ranging from $16 to $66 per month when paid annually.

This flexibility makes it accessible for side hustlers at various stages of growth.

With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive tools, HoneyBook can help you take your side hustle to the next level.

It’s an investment that can save you time and hassle, letting you focus on what you do best.

2) Fiverr

A desk with a laptop, tablet, and various tools and software packages scattered around.</p><p>A stack of papers and a coffee mug sit nearby

Fiverr is a popular online marketplace where you can find affordable services for your side hustle.

It offers a wide range of freelance services across various categories, from graphic design to writing and programming.

As a side hustler, you can use Fiverr to outsource tasks you’re not skilled at or don’t have time for.

This allows you to focus on your core business activities while professionals handle other aspects of your work.

You can find logo design, website creation, and marketing services at competitive prices.

Many gigs start at just $5, making it accessible for those on a tight budget.

Fiverr also provides an opportunity to earn money by offering your own skills.

If you have expertise in a particular area, you can create a gig and start selling your services to other entrepreneurs and businesses.

The platform’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to browse through options, compare prices, and read reviews from previous clients.

This helps you make informed decisions when choosing service providers for your side hustle needs.

3) Canva Pro

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Canva Pro is a powerful design tool that can supercharge your side hustle.

With its user-friendly interface, you can create stunning visuals for your business without needing advanced design skills.

As a side hustler, you’ll appreciate the unlimited access to premium photos and media that Canva Pro offers.

This feature alone can save you hundreds of dollars on stock imagery.

The Brand Kit tool is another game-changer.

It allows you to store your logos, fonts, and color palettes, ensuring your designs maintain a consistent look across all platforms.

Canva Pro’s Background Remover is a time-saver for product photos or social media content.

With just a click, you can remove backgrounds and create professional-looking images.

You can make money using Canva in various ways.

Create and sell digital products like ebooks, calendars, or wall art.

Or offer design services to other businesses.

The best part? Canva Pro offers a free trial, so you can test drive all these features before committing.

It’s an investment that can significantly boost your side hustle’s visual appeal and productivity.

4) QuickBooks Self-Employed

QuickBooks Self-Employed is a powerful tool designed specifically for freelancers and side hustlers.

It helps you manage your finances and simplify tax preparation.

With this software, you can easily track income and expenses.

It allows you to separate personal and business transactions, making it easier to claim deductions come tax time.

One of the standout features is the ability to track and bill for time, especially useful if you work with subcontractors.

The app also integrates seamlessly with TSheets for efficient time tracking.

QuickBooks Self-Employed offers three pricing tiers to suit different needs.

The basic plan starts at $15 per month, while the most comprehensive option costs $35 monthly.

The software can help you estimate and pay quarterly taxes directly from the app.

This feature is particularly valuable for those new to self-employment who might struggle with tax obligations.

You’ll appreciate the user-friendly mobile app, which lets you manage your finances on the go.

It’s perfect for busy side hustlers who need to stay on top of their business finances while juggling other responsibilities.

5) Grammarly Premium

As a side hustler, clear communication is crucial.

Grammarly Premium can be your secret weapon for polished writing.

This tool goes beyond basic spell-checking to help you craft more effective messages.

You’ll get advanced grammar and punctuation suggestions to elevate your writing.

The detailed feedback helps improve your skills over time, making writing less of a chore.

Grammarly Premium offers style and tone recommendations to match your intended audience.

This is particularly useful when crafting professional emails or client proposals.

The plagiarism checker ensures your content is original, a must for freelance writers or bloggers.

You’ll also get vocabulary enhancement suggestions to make your writing more engaging.

While the free version is helpful, Premium unlocks features that can truly boost your productivity.

At around $12 per month, it’s an investment in your professional image.

Keep an eye out for promotional offers to snag a discount.

Grammarly occasionally runs specials that can make the Premium plan more affordable for budget-conscious side hustlers.

6) Adobe Creative Cloud

Adobe Creative Cloud offers a suite of powerful tools for creative professionals and side hustlers alike.

You can access industry-standard software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for your design projects.

As a side hustler, you might think these tools are out of your budget.

But Adobe offers discounts for students and teachers, making it more affordable if you qualify.

Even if you’re not in education, you can still find ways to save.

Keep an eye out for Adobe Creative Cloud deals throughout the year.

They often run promotions during major shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Week.

You don’t always need the full suite.

Consider subscribing to individual apps that are most relevant to your side hustle.

This can be a more cost-effective option if you only need one or two specific tools.

For maximum savings, look for annual prepaid plans.

These often come at a lower price compared to monthly subscriptions.

Remember, investing in quality tools can help elevate your side hustle and potentially lead to more income.

7) Shopify

A computer screen displaying various discount tools and software logos arranged in a grid, with Shopify's logo prominently featured at the top

Shopify offers powerful discount tools to help side hustlers boost sales and attract customers.

You can easily create and manage various types of discounts directly through your Shopify admin panel.

With Shopify, you have the flexibility to set up percentage discounts, fixed amount discounts, or free shipping offers.

You can apply these discounts to specific products, collections, or even your entire store.

One of Shopify’s standout features is the ability to generate unique discount codes.

This allows you to track the performance of different marketing campaigns and reward loyal customers with exclusive offers.

Shopify also supports automatic discounts, which apply to eligible orders without requiring a code.

This can streamline the checkout process and increase conversion rates.

For more advanced discount strategies, Shopify offers a range of discount apps in its app store.

These apps can help you create tiered discounts, bundle deals, and other promotional offers to drive sales.

Some popular Shopify discount apps include Sales Popup, which displays special offers to new visitors, and Bulk Discount & Sales Manager, which allows you to set up bulk discounts across your store.

8) Squarespace

Squarespace offers a user-friendly platform for creating professional websites without coding skills.

It’s an excellent choice for side hustlers looking to establish an online presence quickly.

You’ll find a variety of templates and design tools to customize your site.

These features make it easy to showcase your products or services attractively.

Squarespace’s e-commerce capabilities are particularly valuable for side businesses.

You can set up an online store, process payments, and manage inventory all in one place.

The platform also provides built-in SEO tools to help your site rank better in search results.

This can be crucial for attracting potential customers to your side hustle.

Mobile app analytics are coming soon, allowing you to monitor your business on the go.

This feature will be handy for busy side hustlers juggling multiple responsibilities.

You can enhance your Squarespace site with plugins for additional functionality.

These add-ons can help you create custom filters, improve user experience, and streamline your operations.

While Squarespace isn’t free, its all-in-one solution can save you time and money in the long run.

Consider it an investment in your side hustle’s growth and professionalism.

9) Hootsuite

A cluttered desk with a laptop, smartphone, and various discount tools and software packages scattered around.</p><p>A calendar and notepad with scribbled notes sit nearby

Hootsuite is a popular social media management tool that can help streamline your side hustle’s online presence.

It allows you to manage multiple social media accounts from a single dashboard.

With Hootsuite, you can schedule posts in advance, saving you time and ensuring consistent content delivery.

This feature is especially useful when you’re juggling your side gig with other responsibilities.

The platform offers social media monitoring capabilities, letting you track mentions of your brand and engage with your audience more effectively.

You can also analyze your social media performance using Hootsuite’s built-in analytics tools.

While Hootsuite is a powerful tool, it’s worth noting that there are cheaper alternatives available.

Some of these options may offer similar features at a lower cost, which could be beneficial for budget-conscious side hustlers.

If you’re looking to boost your social media game without breaking the bank, consider exploring Hootsuite’s free plan or comparing it with other tools.

This way, you can find the best fit for your side hustle’s needs and budget.

10) MailChimp

A cluttered desk with a laptop, smartphone, and various tools and software icons.</p><p>A prominent MailChimp logo is displayed on the computer screen

MailChimp is a popular email marketing platform that can help you grow your side hustle.

You can use it to create and send newsletters, promotional emails, and automated campaigns.

With MailChimp’s free plan, you can manage up to 2,000 contacts and send up to 10,000 emails per month.

This is perfect if you’re just starting out and want to test the waters.

The platform offers user-friendly drag-and-drop email builders, making it easy to create professional-looking emails without design skills.

You can also choose from a variety of pre-designed templates to save time.

MailChimp provides valuable analytics to help you understand your audience better.

You can track open rates, click-through rates, and other important metrics to improve your campaigns.

As your side hustle grows, you can upgrade to paid plans for more advanced features.

These include A/B testing, custom branding, and advanced segmentation options.

While MailChimp is a solid choice, it’s worth noting that there are several alternatives available.

Some may offer better pricing or features that suit your specific needs.

11) Buffer

A cluttered workbench with various tools and software packages arranged neatly, with a prominent "Top 15 Discount" label

Buffer is a must-have tool for side hustlers looking to streamline their social media presence.

This user-friendly platform allows you to schedule and manage posts across multiple social networks from one convenient dashboard.

With Buffer, you can plan your content in advance, saving you precious time and ensuring a consistent online presence.

The free plan offers basic features for up to three social accounts, perfect for those just starting out.

Upgrade to paid plans for more advanced analytics, team collaboration, and additional account connections.

Buffer’s intuitive interface makes it easy to craft engaging posts and optimize your posting schedule for maximum engagement.

You’ll love the ability to customize your content for each platform, ensuring your message resonates with different audiences.

The built-in analytics help you track your performance and refine your social media strategy over time.

Buffer integrates seamlessly with popular tools like Canva and WordPress, further simplifying your workflow.

As your side hustle grows, Buffer scales with you, offering features to support your expanding social media needs.

12) Notion

A cluttered desk with a laptop, smartphone, and various discount tools and software scattered around

Notion is a versatile productivity tool that can help streamline your side hustle operations.

You’ll find it’s an all-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, and project management.

With Notion, you can create custom databases to track clients, projects, or inventory.

Its flexible interface allows you to design layouts that fit your specific needs.

You’ll appreciate Notion’s collaboration features if you’re working with a team.

Share pages, assign tasks, and communicate all within the platform.

The tool offers templates for various use cases, saving you time on setup.

Whether you need a content calendar or a sales CRM, you’ll likely find a pre-made template to get started quickly.

Notion’s free plan is quite generous, making it an excellent choice for side hustlers on a budget.

You can create unlimited pages and blocks, perfect for organizing your ideas and workflows.

As your side hustle grows, you might find Notion’s integration capabilities useful.

Connect it with other tools you use to create a seamless work environment.

13) Evernote

Evernote is a versatile note-taking app that can boost your side hustle productivity.

You can use it to jot down ideas, create to-do lists, and organize your thoughts on the go.

With Evernote, you’ll have access to your notes across all your devices.

This means you can start a project on your phone and finish it on your computer without missing a beat.

The app offers a free basic plan that’s great for getting started.

It includes features like note syncing, web clipping, and the ability to attach files to your notes.

If you need more storage or advanced features, Evernote offers paid plans with additional perks.

These include offline access, PDF annotation, and integration with other productivity tools.

Evernote’s search function is powerful, allowing you to quickly find what you need among your notes.

This can be a real time-saver when you’re juggling multiple side hustle projects.

You can also use Evernote to collaborate with others.

Share notes and notebooks with team members or clients to streamline your workflow and keep everyone on the same page.

14) Zoom Pro

Zoom Pro is a game-changer for side hustlers who need reliable video conferencing.

You’ll get more features than the free version, making it easier to host professional meetings and webinars.

With Zoom Pro, you can host longer meetings – up to 30 hours! This is perfect for in-depth client consultations or team collaborations.

No more worrying about time limits cutting your important discussions short.

You’ll also get cloud recording capabilities.

This means you can save your meetings and presentations for future reference or to share with clients who couldn’t attend live.

Group meetings become a breeze with Zoom Pro.

You can host up to 100 participants, making it ideal for larger workshops or networking events.

Plus, you’ll have access to scheduling software options that integrate smoothly with Zoom.

Social media streaming is another great feature.

You can broadcast your meetings or webinars directly to platforms like Facebook Live, reaching a wider audience effortlessly.

Zoom’s pricing is competitive, making it an affordable option for side hustlers.

You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck, helping you present a professional image without breaking the bank.

15) Slack

Slack is a game-changer for side hustlers looking to streamline their communication and collaboration.

This powerful tool brings all your conversations and files into one centralized hub.

You can create dedicated channels for different projects or clients, keeping everything organized and easily accessible.

Slack’s search function is a lifesaver, allowing you to quickly find important information buried in past conversations.

The platform offers a free plan that’s perfect for most side hustlers.

It includes features like file sharing, voice and video calls, and integration with other popular apps.

Slack’s mobile app ensures you stay connected on the go, perfect for managing your side hustle alongside a day job.

You can set up notifications to keep you in the loop without getting overwhelmed.

Integrations with other essential tools like Google Calendar and Asana can supercharge your productivity.

These connections help you manage tasks and schedules without constantly switching between apps.

Streamlining Operations

Discount tools can streamline your workflow, making your side hustle more efficient.

Many offer automation features that handle repetitive tasks, freeing up your time for more important work.

These tools often integrate seamlessly with each other, creating a smooth operational flow.

For example, your scheduling software might sync with your invoicing system, reducing manual data entry.

You’ll find user-friendly interfaces that are easy to learn and use.

This means less time spent figuring out complex systems and more time actually running your business.

Many discount tools offer mobile apps, letting you manage your side hustle on the go.

This flexibility can be crucial when juggling multiple responsibilities.

Key Features to Look For

When selecting discount tools and software for your side hustle, prioritize features that enhance productivity and streamline operations.

Focus on user-friendliness, system compatibility, and reliable customer support to maximize the value of your investment.

User-Friendly Interface

A intuitive interface is crucial for side hustlers.

Look for software with clean layouts and logical navigation.

Drag-and-drop functionality and customizable dashboards can save you time and reduce frustration.

Seek out tools that offer comprehensive onboarding processes or tutorials.

These resources help you quickly learn the software’s capabilities and start using it effectively.

Consider mobile responsiveness too.

Many side hustles require on-the-go management, so choose tools with robust mobile apps or responsive web designs.

This flexibility allows you to update projects, communicate with clients, or process payments from anywhere.

Compatibility with Existing Systems

Your new tools should integrate seamlessly with your current tech stack.

Check for broad integration capabilities to ensure smooth data flow between applications.

Look for software that supports API access.

This feature allows for custom integrations if needed, giving you more control over your workflow.

Consider scalability as well.

As your side hustle grows, your tools should grow with you.

Opt for solutions that offer tiered plans or modular add-ons to accommodate future expansion without requiring a complete system overhaul.

Customer Support

Reliable support is vital when issues arise.

Prioritize tools that offer multiple support channels such as live chat, email, and phone assistance.

Check for extensive knowledge bases and community forums.

These resources can provide quick solutions to common problems and valuable tips from other users.

Look into support hours, especially if you often work outside typical business hours.

Some providers offer 24/7 support, which can be crucial for time-sensitive issues.

Consider the quality of documentation provided.

Clear, up-to-date guides and tutorials can help you resolve many issues on your own, saving time and frustration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Side hustlers have many options for discounted tools, flexible work arrangements, and lucrative opportunities.

You can find various strategies to maximize your earnings and efficiency in today’s gig economy.

What are some of the best software tools that offer discounts for part-time entrepreneurs?

HoneyBook offers special pricing for freelancers and small business owners.

You can manage clients, send invoices, and track projects at a reduced rate.

Canva Pro provides discounts for side hustlers needing design tools.

You’ll get access to premium templates and features at a lower cost than the regular subscription.

How can I find side hustles that allow me to work from home?

Fiverr is an excellent platform for finding remote gigs.

You can offer various services from graphic design to writing, all from the comfort of your home.

The Steady app lists numerous online jobs.

You’ll find both part-time and full-time remote opportunities to suit your schedule.

What are some high-paying side hustles available today?

Freelance writing can be quite lucrative.

You can earn a significant income by specializing in technical or industry-specific content.

Web development is another high-paying option.

Many businesses need skilled developers for short-term projects, offering competitive rates.

Which side hustles offer the flexibility of weekly payouts?

Ride-sharing services often provide weekly payment options.

You can drive on your own schedule and receive earnings at the end of each week.

Food delivery apps typically offer flexible payout schedules.

You can choose to cash out your earnings weekly or even daily in some cases.

Can you recommend effective side hustles that are suitable for the current year?

Virtual tutoring has seen a surge in demand.

You can teach subjects you’re knowledgeable about to students around the world.

Social media management remains a popular choice.

Many businesses need help maintaining their online presence, offering steady work.

What strategies exist for generating a daily income from side hustles?

Diversify your income streams.

By combining multiple side hustles, you can ensure a more consistent daily income.

Use Stripe to process payments quickly.

This tool allows you to accept payments efficiently, helping you maintain a steady cash flow.