Blogging as a Side Hustle [Side Hustle Case Study]

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Here’s the next installment in our side hustle case study series, where real people share how they make extra money in their spare time!

This week, Clare from My Money Cottage is sharing how she makes a great extra income from blogging – alongside three children, a part time job and other side hustles!

I love this interview because Clare is living proof that it’s possible to make a life-changing income from your side hustle, even if you only have limited time.

Blogging as a side hustle with Clare from My Money Cottage

Please tell us a little about yourself and your side hustle.

I first got into side hustles about 10 years ago, when both myself and my husband were made redundant at the same time just before Christmas. I was pregnant at the time and we really struggled to get through until my husband found work again.

I’ve only been blogging for about two years but it’s quickly taken over all my other side hustles and I’m now actually making more money from blogging than I do from my part time job!

How long have you been doing your side hustle? How did you get into it?

Initially, I started blogging as a way of documenting the other side hustles I was doing. But I quickly discovered that I could actually turn my blog into a side hustle too. I started applying for sponsored posts about six months after launching my blog and things have steadily progressed from there.

Initially, I was actually quite embarrassed about my blog, I felt that it was such a personal thing to be out there for all to see. But now I’m really pleased to be able to help other people to make extra money too.

I’ve been actually making money properly for the last year or so, and it’s only over the last six months that I’ve seen a big increase in my blog earnings. I think that since my youngest started full-time preschool I’ve started to think of my blog as a business, setting aside every afternoon as blog work time.

What does the work actually involve? What does a typical day/work session look like for you?

I work from home 25 hours per week, spread out over six days. I work two hours in the mornings and then another two hours in the evening (with an extra hour on a Friday).

I have three children, so my day starts off getting them all off to school and preschool before heading home, doing any housework etc before starting work at 10am. I work 10-12 and then the rest of the day up until 3pm is set aside for blogging.

My days vary a lot depending on what work I’ve got going on at the time. I might have paid content to write up, regular content to write, social media scheduling, pitching for jobs, and I have started to run a number of other websites too, so they need a lot of time dedicating to them.

How much can you make blogging?

The earning potential from blogging is pretty limitless. There are bloggers in the UK earning over £100,000 every year. I’m only just building my business up, but I usually make over £1,000 every month which is actually a life-changing amount for us. I hope to keep building this as my blog becomes more well-known.

Are there any start-up costs and/or ongoing expenses with this side hustle?

There are a few costs initially – you’ll need to buy a domain and hosting, but those costs aren’t too big.

Many bloggers start to pay a Virtual Assistant as their income starts to grow, but I’m managing on my own for now!

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to get started?

Just do it. Don’t be worried about putting yourself out there, if you have something to share then share it!

Any recommended websites or resources?

There are lots of Facebook groups for UK bloggers where you can find work and support. Depending on your blog niche, you may also be able to find a dedicated Facebook group for that too.

If you need help with the technical aspects of blogging, then this group is really useful.

Where can we find you?

I blog at My Money Cottage, you can also find me on Facebook and Twitter.

I also run a group for UK bargain hunters where we share daily deals and offers.

Thank you Clare!

Has Clare inspired you to start your own blogging side hustle? If so, I have a full tutorial (with screenshots!) on how to start a blog and make money.

You can find the other posts in the side hustle case studies series here.

I’m currently looking for more contributions to this series! If you have a unique side hustle you’d like to share, please contact me and let me know what it is!