How to Start a Side Hustle That Runs Itself
Have you ever dreamed of waking up to see money coming in — even while you’re asleep?
That’s not just a fantasy anymore. Thanks to automation tools and smart online systems, it’s possible to create a side hustle that works for you, not the other way around.
If you’ve ever felt too busy, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to start, this guide will show you how to build a simple, automated income stream from home — even if you’re a complete beginner.
Step 1: Pick a Side Hustle That Can Be Automated
Not all side hustles are created equal.
Some require you to trade time for money forever (like driving or freelancing), while others can eventually run on autopilot once they’re set up.
The best automated side hustles include:
Selling digital products or ebooks
Affiliate marketing (recommending tools you love)
Online courses or templates
Email funnels that sell for you automatically
Each of these starts small — but once built, they can earn you passive income day after day.
Step 2: Understand What “Automation” Really Means
Automation doesn’t mean “do nothing.”
It means setting up systems that do the repetitive work for you — like sending emails, processing payments, or following up with leads — so you can focus on creating and growing your business.
For example:
An email sequence can promote your products automatically.
A digital storefront can sell your ebooks 24/7.
A sales funnel can turn visitors into customers without manual effort.
This is where most new entrepreneurs get stuck — they know they want automation but don’t know how to build it.
Step 3: Use the Right Tool to Build Your Funnel
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to be tech-savvy or spend weeks coding to automate your business.
All you need is a tool that helps you organize everything — your landing pages, products, and emails — in one place.
That’s exactly what ClickFunnels does.
ClickFunnels makes it simple to:
Create professional landing pages and opt-in forms (no design skills needed).
Set up automatic email follow-ups and sales funnels.
Track your traffic, sales, and performance all in one dashboard.
It’s perfect for beginners who want to start earning without needing a website developer or complicated setup.
You can even start with a free trial to test it for yourself and see how quickly your side hustle could come to life:
👉 Try ClickFunnels Free Here
Step 4: Combine Automation With Consistency
The secret to real success online is consistency.
Once your system is live, keep adding value:
Create new ebooks or digital products.
Add fresh Pinterest pins every week.
Send helpful emails that build trust with your audience.
Every new piece of content becomes part of your automated income engine.
Step 5: Let Your Funnel Work for You
After a few weeks, you’ll notice something powerful:
People start discovering your content → signing up → and buying — without you being online 24/7.
That’s the magic of automation.
With a simple funnel built using ClickFunnels, your side hustle can run quietly in the background — while you focus on creating more or enjoying your free time.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been putting off starting a side hustle because you thought you didn’t have enough time, this is your sign.
You don’t need to hustle harder — you just need to set up smarter.
Start small, automate early, and let your funnel handle the heavy lifting.
👉 Start your free ClickFunnels trial here and build a side hustle that runs itself.
