Let me be honest with you — the first $100 you make online is the hardest, but it’s also the most life-changing.
Once you make that first $100, you stop asking “Can I really do this?” and start thinking “How far can I go?”
In this post, I’m going to walk you through the exact steps I used (and still use) to make my first $100 online — even if you have zero experience, no budget, and no idea where to start.
Let’s go.
🎯 Step 1: Choose ONE Simple Earning Method to Start
Before anything else, you need focus. Not 10 methods. Not 5.
One.
Here are 3 realistic and beginner-friendly ways to earn your first $100:
- Freelancing – Offer skills like writing, data entry, design, or video editing on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
- Selling Digital Products – Create simple printables or templates on Canva and sell them on Etsy or Gumroad.
- Affiliate Marketing – Promote a product you like and earn a commission when someone buys through your link.
💡 Beginner Tip:
Start with what you already know. If you can write emails, you can write product descriptions. If you use social media, you can learn to promote affiliate links.
🛠️ Step 2: Set Up a Basic “Home” Online
You don’t need a fancy website.
You just need a place people can find you or buy from you.
Here’s what that could look like:
- Freelancer? Create a profile on Fiverr or Upwork with a strong description of what you offer.
- Affiliate? Sign up for free affiliate programs (like Amazon Associates, Impact, or Digistore24) and get your unique links.
- Selling digital products? Use Canva to create something simple (like a planner, checklist, or resume template), then upload it to Etsy or Gumroad.
This part is quick — you can set it up in 1 day.
🧲 Step 3: Get Your First Few Visitors or Buyers
Now it’s time to drive a little attention your way.
If you’re freelancing:
- Use Facebook groups, Reddit, or Quora to answer questions and subtly promote your services.
- Reach out to small businesses or creators with a quick message like:
“Hey, I noticed your Instagram page doesn’t have a link bio. I can help you design one that boosts traffic — happy to do the first one for $10 so you can test it risk-free.”
If you’re doing affiliate marketing:
- Create short form content on TikTok or YouTube Shorts explaining the product (no face needed — use screen recordings).
- Or write helpful posts on forums like Reddit or Medium linking your product with value-based content.
If you’re selling digital products:
- Use Pinterest (yes, it still works) to post pins linked to your product.
- Share your product in relevant Facebook groups (but never spam — offer value first).
The goal here is simple: get 10–15 people to see your offer.
💵 Step 4: Make That First Sale — Even If It’s Just $5
A huge mistake people make?
Waiting to charge $50 or $100 right away.
Start small.
Offer something valuable for $5–$10 to get your first few buyers. This builds:
- Confidence
- Experience
- And most importantly — testimonials
I personally started selling a $7 guide on Gumroad that only took me a day to make. It sold 19 copies in 2 weeks. That’s $133.
You can do the same with:
- A digital template
- A simple eBook or guide
- A basic service like proofreading or logo design
Once you have your first happy customer, others follow.
🚀 Step 5: Scale to $100 and Beyond
Once you’ve made your first $5, you now know what works.
Now double down:
- Refine your offer
- Improve your landing page or Fiverr gig
- Add more digital products or upsells
- Reach out to more people
- Share proof (a review, a sale screenshot) to build trust
You don’t need viral traffic. You need consistency.
Most people quit right before their breakthrough.
Stay in the game. That’s how you win.
✅ Final Thoughts: Your First $100 Is Just the Beginning
Here’s the truth no one tells you:
The people making $5,000/month online?
They didn’t start with some secret formula.
They just didn’t quit after making their first $5.
Your first $100 proves it’s possible.
Then it becomes $300. Then $1,000. Then more.
You don’t need permission.
You just need to start.
