Starting a side hustle isn’t just about extra income—it’s about building independence, testing your ideas in the real world, and creating opportunities that don’t depend on a single paycheck.
With so many digital tools now within reach, you can turn your skills, hobbies, or curiosities into something profitable faster than ever.
The challenge? Knowing where to start.
That’s where ChatGPT can become a surprisingly powerful brainstorming partner. With the right prompts, it can help you find your niche, shape your offer, and even plan your first customers’ experience.
In this article, you’ll get five specific ChatGPT prompts designed to move you from idea to action.
And along the way, we’ll show how pairing these with smart email marketing (using tools like MailDrip.io) can give your new side hustle a serious head start.
Prompt 1: Find Your Profitable Niche
Prompt to use: “List 10 niche business ideas based on [your skill or interest], ranked by ease of starting and potential profitability. Include why each niche is currently in demand.”
Why it works:
Instead of generic “business ideas,” you’ll get suggestions tied directly to what you know or enjoy doing. Adding ranking criteria helps you quickly spot low-barrier, high-potential options.
How to act on it:
Once you have a shortlist, research the top 2–3 ideas further. Look for gaps in the market you can fill, or ways to make your offer stand out. This is also the perfect time to set up an early email signup form—people love to follow along with a new venture from day one.
MailDrip.io tip: Create a “coming soon” drip campaign that shares behind-the-scenes updates, builds curiosity, and primes your first subscribers to become your first customers.
Prompt 2: Define Your Ideal Customer
Prompt to use: “Create a detailed customer profile for someone most likely to buy [your product or service]. Include demographics, motivations, common problems, and where they spend time online.”
Why it works:
The clearer you are about who you’re helping, the easier it is to create offers, write content, and choose where to promote. ChatGPT can help you imagine your customer beyond the usual “25–40 years old, likes coffee” level of detail.
How to act on it:
Once you’ve got a detailed profile, use it to guide everything—from the language in your website to the topics in your emails.
MailDrip.io tip: Segment your email list based on customer interests or pain points. That way, each subscriber gets messages that feel written just for them, not a generic broadcast.
Prompt 3: Plan Your Offer and Pricing
Prompt to use: “Suggest three tiered pricing options for [your product/service idea] that balance affordability and profitability. Explain what’s included in each tier and why it would appeal to my target audience.”
Why it works:
Many new side hustlers underprice themselves or offer just one option. By asking for three tiers, you open the door to upselling and give customers more control over how much they invest.
How to act on it:
Start with the simplest tier to test the market. Then, as you gain experience and feedback, introduce higher-value tiers.
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MailDrip.io tip: Use automated sequences to nurture people toward your higher tiers. For example, a welcome series could show the value of your mid-tier package, while a follow-up series highlights the benefits of the premium tier.
Prompt 4: Map Your First 30 Days of Marketing
Prompt to use: “Create a 30-day marketing plan for launching [your side hustle], using low-cost or free strategies to build awareness and attract first customers.”
Why it works:
A launch plan with clear, daily actions keeps you from stalling. ChatGPT can help you break big marketing goals into manageable steps, so you don’t waste time wondering what to do next.
How to act on it:
Follow your 30-day plan strictly, but leave space for testing and adjusting. Early feedback is your best friend.
MailDrip.io tip: Automate key touchpoints in your 30-day launch—like a welcome email, follow-up on an inquiry, or a “one week after launch” check-in. Automation keeps your momentum going even on busy days.
Prompt 5: Create Content That Sells Without Feeling Salesy
Prompt to use: “Write 5 blog post or social media content ideas for [your niche] that educate or inspire while naturally leading readers to my product or service.”
Why it works:
The best marketing doesn’t scream “buy now.” It solves problems, shares insights, and earns trust. This prompt helps you find ways to talk about your offer indirectly but effectively.
How to act on it:
Create and publish one of these ideas each week. Share them with your email list to stay top-of-mind.
MailDrip.io tip: Use content as part of a drip campaign. For example, an educational article could be the first email in a series that slowly introduces your service over time, making the sale feel like a natural next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ChatGPT help me start a business?
Yes—but think of it as a co-pilot, not the pilot. It can speed up brainstorming, save you research time, and help organize your thoughts. The real magic happens when you take those ideas and put them into action.
How do I make sure my side hustle stands out?
Start with a niche, understand your audience deeply, and communicate your value. Consistent, personalized follow-up—especially through email—goes a long way toward staying memorable.
Why use email marketing if I’m just starting out?
Because social media posts disappear quickly, while email lands directly in your customer’s inbox. Even with a tiny list, you can build real relationships and get your first sales.
Is MailDrip.io only for established businesses?
Not at all. Our Pay As You Go plan is designed for creators and side hustlers who don’t want a huge monthly bill. You can send as often—or as little—as you need, without paying for unused credits.
Final Thoughts
Starting a side hustle can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into small, focused steps—and having the right tools—makes it far more achievable.
ChatGPT can help you shape your ideas into something real, and platforms like MailDrip.io can make sure your audience hears about it.
So, here’s the question:
If you gave yourself 30 days to start a side hustle, what’s the very first step you’d take today?
