Making money online might seem like a distant dream if you're just starting out, but the truth is, anyone with a smartphone or computer and internet access can earn their first $100 online. You don’t need a fancy degree or years of experience. What you need is a simple plan, consistency, and the right tools. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk through practical and proven ways to make your first $100 online.
Why Earning Online is Ideal for Beginner
Before we dive into how you can make your first $100, let’s look at why the online world is a perfect starting point:
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Low startup costs: Many online platforms are free to join.
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Flexibility: Work whenever and wherever you want.
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Scalability: What starts as $100 can grow into thousands over time.
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Multiple income streams: You can try different methods and diversify.
Let’s explore easy and beginner-friendly methods you can start today.
Method 1: Freelancing on Online Marketplaces
Freelancing is one of the most accessible ways to earn money online. You don't need prior clients or a portfolio to get started.
Platforms to Try
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Fiverr
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Upwork
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Freelancer
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PeoplePerHour
Beginner-Friendly Skills to Offer
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Logo designing using Canva
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Data entry
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Simple writing tasks or blog posts
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Virtual assistance
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Transcription services
How to Get Started
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Create a profile showcasing your skills.
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Start with competitive pricing (e.g., $5–$10 gigs).
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Deliver quality work and collect positive reviews.
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Scale up as your reputation grows.
If you land 5 small gigs worth $20 each, that’s your first $100!
Method 2: Sell Digital Products or Printables
Selling digital goods can be a passive income source, and beginners can tap into it without technical skills.
What You Can Sell
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Printable planners or journals
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Worksheets
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Instagram templates
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Resume templates
Where to Sell
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Etsy
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Gumroad
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Payhip
Tools to Use
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Canva (for design)
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ChatGPT (for writing help)
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Creative Market (for inspiration)
You can create one digital product and sell it multiple times. Selling just 10 items at $10 each = $100.
Method 3: Participate in Online Surveys and Microtasks
While this method won’t make you rich, it’s the easiest way to get started with zero skills.
Sites to Sign Up For
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Swagbucks
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InboxDollars
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Amazon Mechanical Turk
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Clickworker
Types of Tasks
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Watching videos
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Taking surveys
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Testing websites
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Tagging images
By spending just 30–60 minutes daily, you can accumulate enough points or cash to earn your first $100 within a few weeks.
Method 4: Sell Unused Items Online
Do you have unused clothes, books, or electronics lying around? Turn them into cash.
Where to Sell
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Facebook Marketplace
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eBay
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Poshmark
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Depop
Tips for Beginners
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Take clear photos.
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Write detailed descriptions.
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Be honest about item conditions.
Even if you sell five items at $20 each, that adds up to your first $100.
Method 5: Start a Simple Blog or Niche Website
If you're interested in long-term income, starting a blog or niche website is a great path.
Steps to Start
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Choose a niche (e.g., fitness tips, cooking, or tech reviews).
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Use free platforms like Medium or Blogger to begin.
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Write valuable content.
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Monetize with Google AdSense, affiliate links, or sponsored posts.
You may not hit $100 instantly, but even small affiliate sales or ad revenue can quickly add up.
Method 6: Become a Social Media Manager
If you enjoy being on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, you can turn your time into income.
Services You Can Offer
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Scheduling posts
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Creating simple graphics
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Writing captions
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Engaging with followers
Where to Find Clients
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Facebook business groups
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Upwork
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Fiverr
Charge just $50 per client per month. Two small clients = $100.
Method 7: Affiliate Marketing for Beginners
Affiliate marketing involves promoting someone else’s product and earning a commission when someone buys through your link.
Easy Programs to Join
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Amazon Associates
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ShareASale
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CJ Affiliate
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ClickBank
Where to Promote
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Your blog
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Pinterest
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Facebook groups
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WhatsApp status
Sell a few items with $10 commissions, and you’ll hit $100 in no time.
Method 8: Teach or Tutor Online
If you’re good at explaining things, teaching online is a great way to earn.
Platforms for Beginners
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Preply
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Cambly
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Chegg Tutors
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Skillshare (create courses)
Teach basic English, math, or even how to use tools like Canva. One student at $20/hour = $100 in just 5 sessions.
Tips to Make Your First $100 Faster
1. Focus on One Method First
Don’t try everything at once. Pick one method and stay consistent.
2. Treat It Like a Real Job
Set daily or weekly goals. For example, "I will send 10 proposals on Upwork today."
3. Use Free Tools
Take advantage of free resources like
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Grammarly for editing
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Canva for design
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Trello for task management
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ChatGPT for content ideas or writing help
4. Build a Simple Portfolio
Even if you’re new, create samples to show potential clients. For instance, design a logo for a fictional brand.
5. Join Online Communities
Reddit, Facebook groups, and Discord communities can help you find gigs and mentorship.
Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid
❌ Trying to Make Quick Money with Scams
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes.
❌ Underpricing Too Much
While it's okay to start low, don't undervalue your work long-term. Raise your rates as you gain experience.
❌ Giving Up Too Soon
Success doesn’t come overnight. Stick with one method for at least a month before switching.
Your Next Steps Toward Your First $100
Now that you’ve seen multiple beginner-friendly ways to earn online, it’s time to act:
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Choose one method that fits your interest and time.
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Sign up on the right platform.
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Set a realistic goal to make your first $20.
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Repeat and scale to reach $100.
Remember, the first $100 is the hardest. But once you cross that milestone, your confidence and earnings will grow quickly. The online world offers endless opportunities—you just have to start.
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