10 Tools to Automate Your Side Hustle

🤖 No more manual work. These 10 tools will automate your side hustle’s workflows. From social media to client management—free up time to focus on growth.

1. Zapier

AUTOMATION

💡 What it does: Connect apps with zero coding.

Automate workflows between apps like Google Sheets, Trello, and Slack. Zapier’s pre-built templates save setup time.

How to Start:

1. Create a Zap that adds new contacts to a spreadsheet
2. Automate task updates from email to Trello
3. Test workflows with a free trial

💡 Tip: Use Zapier’s "Data Operations" tools to clean client data.

Automate Workflows →

2. Buffer

SOCIAL MEDIA

💡 What it does: Schedule posts and analyze performance.

Automate Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn posts. Use Buffer’s analytics to refine your strategy.

How to Start:

1. Import content into Buffer’s queue
2. Schedule posts for optimal times
3. Use "Boost" to promote top-performing posts

💡 Tip: Use Buffer’s "Content Library" to reuse evergreen posts.

Schedule Posts →

3. Trello

TASKS

💡 What it does: Organize projects and deadlines.

Use boards to track client deliverables, deadlines, or creative workflows. Integrate with Slack or Google Drive.

How to Start:

1. Create a board for "Q2 Client Projects"
2. Add cards for tasks and deadlines
3. Use "Power-Ups" like calendar sync

💡 Tip: Use labels like "Urgent" or "On Hold" to prioritize.

Organize Tasks →

4. Hootsuite

SOCIAL

💡 What it does: Manage multiple social profiles.

Schedule posts, monitor mentions, and analyze engagement across Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

How to Start:

1. Create a dashboard for your profiles
2. Schedule a content calendar
3. Use analytics to optimize posting times

💡 Tip: Use Hootsuite’s "Content Library" to store reusable posts.

Manage Social →

5. Calendly

SCHEDULING

💡 What it does: Automate client scheduling.

Create scheduling links for consultations, coaching sessions, or creative projects. Integrate with Zoom or Google Calendar.

How to Start:

1. Set up a scheduling link for consultations
2. Customize availability for your side hustle hours
3. Share with clients via email

💡 Tip: Use Calendly’s "Time Zones" feature to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Automate Scheduling →

6. QuickBooks

FINANCE

💡 What it does: Track income, expenses, and taxes.

Automate invoicing, receipts, and tax prep. QuickBooks Self-Employed is perfect for side hustlers.

How to Start:

1. Set up a QuickBooks Self-Employed account
2. Automate invoice reminders
3. Link bank accounts for expense tracking

💡 Tip: Use "Time Tracking" to log billable hours effortlessly.

Track Finances →

7. Canva

DESIGN

💡 What it does: Create professional graphics in minutes.

Use templates for social media posts, invoices, or client proposals. Zapier integrates Canva with your workflows.

How to Start:

1. Choose a template for client deliverables
2. Customize with your brand colors
3. Save designs for future use

💡 Tip: Use "Magic Design" to auto-generate layouts.

Design Graphics →

8. Dubsado

CLIENTS

💡 What it does: Automate client onboarding and contracts.

Create templates for proposals, contracts, and payment reminders. Perfect for creatives or coaches.

How to Start:

1. Build a client intake form
2. Automate contract signing
3. Set up payment reminders

💡 Tip: Use Dubsado’s "Magic Links" for seamless client interactions.

Automate Client Workflows →

9. Notion

WORKSPACE

💡 What it does: Centralize tasks, contracts, and ideas.

Create databases for clients, track deadlines, and store templates. Use Notion’s automation features to save time.

How to Start:

1. Set up a client database
2. Automate reminders for deadlines
3. Create templates for project plans

💡 Tip: Use "Task Automation" to update statuses automatically.

Organize Everything →

10. Asana

PLANNING

💡 What it does: Plan projects and deadlines.

Assign tasks to yourself or team members. Use timelines to visualize workflows. Integrates with Slack and Google Drive.

How to Start:

1. Create a project for "Q3 Launch"
2. Assign tasks with deadlines
3. Use "Timeline View" for big-picture planning

💡 Tip: Enable "Auto-Reminders" to avoid missed deadlines.

Plan Projects →

🚀 Your Action Plan

Today:

• Sign up for Calendly
• Set up a QuickBooks account
• Create a Trello board

This Week:

• Automate social media posts with Buffer
• Build a client workflow in Dubsado
• Create a Notion dashboard

Automate today—your future self will thank you. Pick one tool and start saving hours on repetitive tasks! 🚀