Brandon, the second-largest city in Manitoba, offers several interesting opportunities for those looking to diversify their income with a side job. Whether you’re a student, a stay-at-home parent, or simply seeking extra income, side hustles provide great flexibility and significant earning potential. Here are five side hustle ideas to explore in Brandon, along with some tips for making the most of them.
1. Freelancing in Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is on the rise, and Brandon is no exception. If you have skills in social media management or SEO, freelancing in this area would be an excellent source of supplemental income. Local small businesses often seek to increase their online visibility but lack the resources to hire a full-time agency.
How to benefit from it: Start by creating an online portfolio to showcase your skills and experience. You can offer your services on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, and build local connections in Brandon through entrepreneur groups or community events. The key is to remain flexible and tailor your services to the specific needs of each client.
If this topic interests you, we also recommend checking out: 10 Profitable Side Hustles in Ottawa in 2024
2. Online Coaching or Tutoring
Whether you’re an expert in a particular field, such as math, or have professional skills to share, online coaching or tutoring is an excellent way to earn money. With the rise of online course platforms, residents of Brandon can easily offer their services to students around the world.
How to benefit from it: Use platforms like Zoom or Google Meet to conduct virtual classes. Create a profile on specialized sites like Superprof or Preply to attract clients. If you’re skilled in marketing, you can also develop a presence on social media and promote your services locally.
3. Creating and Selling Handmade Products
Brandon is home to markets like Global Market Brandon and Riverbank Discovery Centre Market that showcase artisanal talents. If you’re skilled at making jewelry, decorative items, or any other type of handmade product, creating and selling handmade goods can become a lucrative side hustle. Handmade products offer unique added value, and many consumers are looking to purchase locally made items.
How to benefit from it: Start by selling your products on platforms like Etsy or dedicated Facebook groups. You can also participate in local craft markets to reach customers in person. Be sure to carefully calculate your costs to set prices that allow you to make a profit while remaining competitive.
Also read: 6 Side Hustles in Corner Brook to Supplement Your Income
4. Renting Out Equipment or Gear
If you have tools, camping gear, or even technology equipment that you don’t use regularly, you could rent them out to individuals or businesses. This allows you to monetize items you already own while providing a service to those who don’t want to purchase expensive equipment for occasional use. This activity can earn you between $50,000 and $200,000 a year if you have good demand and a diverse offering.
How to benefit from it: List the items or equipment you can rent out and assess their value. Platforms like Kijiji or RentMyGear allow you to easily post rental listings. To maximize your income, maintain your equipment so that it is always in good condition and ready for use by renters.
5. Creating Video Content on YouTube or TikTok
If you enjoy creating video content, YouTube and TikTok are fantastic platforms to monetize your passions. Whether you’re passionate about travel, cooking, or gaming, there is bound to be an audience for your content. The key is to produce content that is both entertaining and informative while being authentic in your approach.
How to benefit from it: Identify a niche that you are passionate about and that has potential in terms of audience. Create content regularly and engage with your community. Once you reach a certain number of subscribers, you can monetize your channel through ads, sponsorships, or selling merchandise. Be patient, as growing a YouTube or TikTok channel takes time, but the results can be very rewarding.
Tips for success in these side hustles
To fully benefit from side hustles in Brandon, here are some essential tips:
Success in a side hustle often relies on effective time management. Create a schedule that allows you to balance this activity with your main job or studies without sacrificing your well-being.
Even though many side hustles take place online, you should stay connected with the local community. Attend events, join entrepreneur groups, or sign up for online forums to meet other freelancers or local small businesses that may be interested in your services.
Don't neglect continuing education. Whether you're in digital marketing, crafting, or coaching, improving your skills will enable you to offer higher-quality services and remain competitive.
Each side hustle presents its own challenges. Take the time to regularly assess your performance and adjust your strategies based on the results you achieve. Sometimes, it may be necessary to try multiple approaches before finding the one that works best for you.
If one of your side hustles isn’t performing as well as expected, don’t hesitate to try others. Diversifying your income sources is often the key to success in the side hustle economy. If you want to learn more about side hustles, read: Side Hustles in Vancouver: 8 Ideas to Quickly Supplement Your Income
