41 Side Hustle Tools, Apps, and Resources I Use to Run My Online Business.

Looking to grow your side hustle efficiently with the best tools and strategies for success? In this article, we're diving into the best apps, resources, and software that Nick Loper from Side Hustle Nation and Nikaela Matthews Okome from Side Hustle Pro use to run their successful businesses. This summary is based on the YouTube video titled "41 Side Hustle Tools, Apps, and Resources I Use to Run My Online Business" by Side Hustle Nation, where they reveal the ultimate toolbox for solopreneurs looking to work smarter, not harder. Check out the full video here: Watch on YouTube.

1. Email Marketing Is Essential for Growth

"For the email list, hugely important part of the business... you want to be able to take an anonymous podcast listener and communicate proactively with them instead of just whenever they happen to download the thing."

Email marketing is a crucial aspect of any side hustle, and it becomes even more important as you scale your business. Nick and Nikaela both emphasize how ConvertKit (now rebranded as "Kit") helps solopreneurs easily connect with their audience and automate communications. The beauty of using a tool like Kit lies in its ability to create a direct line to your audience. It turns casual viewers or listeners into dedicated followers.

With Kit, you can automate sequences, tag your subscribers for better segmentation, and ensure that each person receives personalized content that matters to them. This means not only growing your email list but also ensuring that your messages are impactful and tailored. As Nikaela put it, she loves being able to “customize their experience” when people sign up, whether it’s through follow-up reminders for webinars or targeted offers. Email automation allows you to nurture relationships with your audience without being glued to your computer.

For solopreneurs, every minute counts. Kit helps make the most of your time while still fostering meaningful relationships that can drive your business forward. If you're still not leveraging email marketing to its full potential, now is the time to start, and Kit could be the tool that takes your side hustle to the next level.

2. Productivity through Automation

If somebody enrolls in one of the courses on Teachable, Make will automatically send their information over to ConvertKit... removes me from that process and just makes it happen automatically."

Automation is the secret weapon for solopreneurs trying to do it all. The more you can automate routine tasks, the more time you have to focus on creative and strategic efforts that grow your business. Nick shared how Make.com (formerly Integromat) helps him automate various workflows, such as transferring new course enrollees from Teachable into Kit. This simple step eliminates the need for manual data entry and ensures that new students immediately receive the right follow-up communication.

Think about all the small, repetitive tasks you do every day—updating spreadsheets, sending reminders, transferring information from one platform to another, or manually logging expenses into a tracker. Tools like Make.com can handle these jobs seamlessly, so you don’t have to. Not only does this reduce the risk of human error, but it also gives you peace of mind, knowing that crucial tasks are being handled efficiently without your constant intervention.

For solopreneurs, automating workflows means you can multiply your effectiveness without hiring a full team. If you've been feeling overwhelmed with the little things, consider exploring automation tools like Make.com to give yourself the time and mental bandwidth you need to focus on bigger, high-impact goals.

3. Automate Social Media Management

"I like using a tool called Later... schedule out posts, and my social media manager schedules out posts across the different channels."

Social media is essential for reaching your audience, but it can quickly become a full-time job if you're manually posting on multiple platforms. For solopreneurs, tools like Later and Buffer can make a world of difference in managing your social media strategy effectively. Nick and Nikaela both use these tools to schedule posts in advance, ensuring that they maintain an active online presence without being glued to their devices 24/7.

Later allows you to plan and schedule your content across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more. Scheduling content in advance can help reduce stress and allow for more strategic planning, ensuring you always have a consistent presence without the daily hassle. This means you can spend a dedicated block of time once a week (or once a month) to create and schedule your posts, rather than stressing about it every day. Social media consistency is crucial for staying top-of-mind with your audience, and tools like Later help ensure that consistency without adding to your daily workload.

For solopreneurs, time is money. By using social media scheduling tools, you can automate one of the most time-consuming aspects of modern marketing. This not only helps you stay consistent but also gives you the freedom to engage with your audience in more meaningful ways when you're not bogged down by the logistics of posting.

Conclusion

These powerful tools and strategies can help you take your side hustle to the next level by automating key tasks, building relationships, and ensuring consistency. Start by choosing one of these tools today and see how it can bring immediate benefits to your workflow. From email marketing with Kit to workflow automation with Make.com, and social media management with Later, these resources are all about helping you work smarter, not harder.

Big thanks to Nick Loper from Side Hustle Nation and Nikaela Matthews Okome from Side Hustle Pro for sharing their insights and experiences. If you'd like to explore more tools to streamline your side hustle, check out the full video here: Watch on YouTube.

Let's continue to build, automate, and grow—one smart tool at a time.