If you’re juggling a 9-to-5 and a side business, you know that time is your most precious resource. You can’t afford to waste it on disorganized to-do lists or scattered notes. That’s where Notion templates come in. They give you a ready-made system so you can focus on the actual work. But with hundreds of templates out there, how do you choose? Here’s my guide to the best types of templates for side-hustlers in 2024.
## 1. The All-in-One Dashboard
A dashboard is your home base. It gives you a bird’s-eye view of your entire business: tasks, projects, appointments, revenue goals, and more. The best dashboards have multiple views—calendar, list, board—so you can see your week at a glance or zoom into a specific project.
For side-hustlers, I recommend a dashboard that’s minimal but powerful. You want to see your top priorities for the day, upcoming deadlines, and any client work that needs attention. Avoid dashboards with too many widgets; they can overwhelm you. A clean, visual layout with clear sections works best.
## 2. The Content Planner
If you’re a blogger, YouTuber, or Instagrammer, a content planner is essential. It helps you brainstorm ideas, schedule posts, and track performance. Look for a template that includes a content calendar (monthly or weekly), a database for ideas with tags, and a place to store drafts or links.
In 2024, the trend is toward batching. You can batch-create content for a week in one sitting, then schedule it out. A good content planner will have a workflow that supports this—like a ‘queue’ view where you can see what’s ready to post, what’s in progress, and what’s done.
## 3. The Client Manager
If you do client work, a client manager template is a game-changer. It tracks each client’s info, project status, invoices, and communication history. This way, you never forget a deliverable or miss a payment.
The key features to look for: a client database with properties like contact details, project type, status, and due dates. A linked tasks database where you can assign tasks to each client. And a invoicing section where you can log sent invoices and mark them as paid.
## 4. The Goal Tracker
Side-hustlers often have big dreams but limited time. A goal tracker helps you break down long-term goals into actionable steps. It might have a vision board, a list of goals with deadlines, and a weekly review section to track your progress.
When choosing a goal tracker, make sure it’s not just a list of goals. It should have a way to connect each goal to specific tasks. For example, if your goal is to launch a podcast, you should be able to create tasks like ‘record first episode’ and link them to that goal.
## How to Choose the Right Template for You
Start by identifying your biggest pain point. Are you always forgetting deadlines? Get a dashboard with a strong calendar view. Struggling with content ideas? Get a content planner with idea prompts. Don’t buy a template just because it looks pretty—make sure it addresses a real need.
Also, consider the learning curve. Some templates are complex, with multiple linked databases and formulas. If you’re new to Notion, start with a simpler template and upgrade later. You can always duplicate a template and tweak it as you learn.
Finally, read the reviews. Real user feedback can tell you if a template is actually useful or just a pretty face. I’ve seen templates with 4.9-star ratings because they solve a specific problem well. Trust the community.
## The Bottom Line
Notion templates are a powerful tool for side-hustlers. They can save you hours of setup time and give you a system that feels professional. The best template is the one you’ll actually use—so choose based on your workflow, not just the look.
In 2024, the emphasis is on simplicity and flexibility. Templates that are too rigid will frustrate you; templates that are too open-ended will confuse you. Find the sweet spot, and you’ll have a side-hustle that runs like clockwork.
If you’re looking for a place to start, check out my library. I’ve created templates specifically for creative solopreneurs—designed to be beautiful, functional, and easy to adapt. Happy hustling!