Passion for Profit: How to Turn Your Hobby into an Online Business

by Startacus Admin

Thinking about turning your hobby into an online business? Here are some basic tips on how you can do just that

Just about everyone could use a bit more cash right now. What if you could quickly and easily turn your hobby into a business by offering goods or services online? This article will point you in the right direction and is from the office of a prominent Philadelphia bankruptcy attorney. Start making money almost immediately! 

First, Identify Skills You Can and Want to Monetize

It is important only to offer a product or service you enjoy and are comfortable sharing with others. Consider carefully. You do not want to enslave your passion to your pocketbook - you want to continue to engage in a hobby you enjoy and happen to make some profit from doing it.

Can You Make Something People Want?

Many people turn to art, crafts, and construction as hobbies. Are you a:

• Potter

• Woodworker

• Painter

• Sculptor

• Blacksmith

• Knitter

• Crochet artist

• Needlepoint artist

• Stained glass artist

• Mosaic artist

• General crafter

You may have works you have already made. Would you be comfortable offering your creations for sale, or advertising the kind of works you create and accepting commissions? Think about it. Do you envision yourself continuing to create what you want and seeing if it sells, or taking some direction from your clients?

Can You Do Something People Want Done?

If you enjoy and are good at any of the following, you should consider these possibilities for monetizing your skills:

• Sewing - tailor clothing; costume or clothing design

• Woodworking - artistic creations, furniture repair or creation, some home repair

• Antiquing - searching for and procuring what clients want; offering undervalued items for auction online

• Cooking - baking cakes, pies, or cookies for special occasions; creating jarred goods for sale; offering ready-made meals

• Gardening - offering fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs to your neighbours seasonally

• Reading - offering to read to children or the elderly as a service

• Writing - resume services; blog; create online content or blog for other businesses

These are only a few of the skills people have. In truth, the possibilities are endless. What do you like to do, have time to do, and would not mind doing for others?

Can You Do Something People Want to Be Taught to Do?

Tutoring and giving lessons is a popular way to make extra money. If you are a musician, cook, gardener, baker, artist of any kind, or if you speak a second language, you can offer lessons virtually or in-person. If you are a nutritionist or bodybuilder, you can offer individual coaching.

Second, Decide How to Offer Your Product or Service

Most products and many services can be delivered online. You have choices.

There are free commercial website hosting and building companies such as Freewebstore where you can offer your goods and services. You can also create a Facebook or Etsy page for your new business. If it is a product you are offering, you can auction it on eBay.

Some services can only be delivered in person. In this case, advertising on your town’s Facebook page or NextDoor page will reach your target market.

Third, Start Your Online Business!

You have identified the product or service you want to offer and created your free commercial website, made your Facebook or Etsy page, listed your service on your town’s Facebook page or NextDoor page, or created your eBay listing. You’ve also set up your virtual payment methods, whether they are Paypal, Stripe, or ApplePay. 

Now what?

Advertise Using Your Social Media

Let everyone know you are starting this new business and ask them to tell their friends. Post on Twitter and to online sites and forums where your target audience will see. Be sure to post updates, such as clients’ or students’ successes or recommendations or products made and sold, on your personal social media accounts as well as your business’ social media accounts.

Consider Whether You Need a Formal Business Structure

There is always the issue of liability. What if something you made harms a customer, or a service you provide harms a client?

You can always post a disclaimer of liability on your website or ask your customers or clients to sign a waiver of liability. However, forming a corporation or LLC proactively shifts liability to your business and shields your personal assets from any legal judgments. If your business is taking off and you are concerned about this, consult with a business attorney about your options.

Good luck!

About the Author

Veronica Baxter is a legal assistant and blogger living and working in the great city of Philadelphia. She frequently works with David Offen, Esq., a busy Philadelphia bankruptcy lawyer offering free case evaluations.

 

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Published on: 6th January 2021