Make Your First $100 (even if you are crazy busy and don’t know how to start)
Let’s Make That First $100 (Fast, Simple, and From Your Couch)
You don’t need a business plan, fancy gear, or even a website to get started. What you need is a goal—and this one’s small, doable, and powerful: Make your first $100 online.
These 10 ideas are simple, quick to start, and totally doable for busy people. Whether you’re squeezing in a side hustle after work, between errands, or during weekend downtime, you can use what you already know to start earning now.
This isn’t about becoming rich overnight. It’s about getting that first win—because once you do, you’ll see how possible this really is.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Start
There’s never been an easier or more flexible time to earn money online. Companies, creators, and customers are all looking for help—from simple tasks and services to creative content and feedback.
You don’t need to wait until you “have more time” or “figure it all out.” You’ll learn faster by doing. The tools are free. The demand is real. And your skills are more valuable than you think.
Every dollar you earn is proof: You can make money on your own terms.
Why $100 Is the Magic Number
Making your first $100 may not seem like much—but it’s everything.
It’s proof that you can earn independently. It builds confidence. It teaches you what works. And it turns you from a "wannabe" into a real earner.
Once you know how to earn $100, you can do it again. You can double it. Turn it into a monthly income. Use it to pay a bill, fund your next idea, or even build a full business from home.
Small wins grow fast when you keep going.
How to Turn This Into Paid Gigs (Even Long-Term Work)
Your first $100 is just the beginning. Each task you complete—each thing you sell or service you offer—is something you can add to your resume or share in your portfolio.
- Did you sell something on Facebook? That’s sales experience.
- Did you write a product description? That’s copywriting.
- Did you edit a video or test a website? That’s digital media or UX testing.
- Did you help someone with a quick task? That’s virtual assistance.
Take screenshots. Save links. Ask for reviews. These are the proof points you can show when pitching for higher-paying work later.
Before you know it, that first quick gig becomes a paying client. That $100 turns into $500. That side hustle becomes your side income—and maybe even your main one.
Now let’s dive in.
Pick one idea, take action, and get ready to hit your first $100 faster than you ever thought possible.
Sell Stuff You Already Own
This might be the simplest and least intimidating thing to start with. It’s low stress and no risk. And if you like this gig, it’s easy to expand it to online reselling.
Perfect for: Anyone with extra clothes, books, or household items.
What you need: A phone camera, Facebook account, or resale app.
Tip: Start with 5–10 easy-to-sell items like name-brand clothes, unopened gifts, or gadgets.
Three Action Steps:
- Gather unused items from your closet, kitchen, or garage.
- Take clear photos and write honest, simple descriptions.
- Post on Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or eBay.
2. Answer Surveys or Do Microtasks
This is truly a Netflix-n-chill type of gig that you can do anywhere, anytime. Waiting for kids to finish soccer practice? Got a few minutes waiting for your DoorDash? You can do surveys and microtasks. You won’t make a lot of money (think a couple of dollars for each task) but this eases you into the idea of making money with online tasks.
Perfect for: Busy adults with random downtime (TV time, lunch breaks).
What you need: A smartphone or laptop.
Tip: Stick to platforms with real payout history like Swagbucks or UserTesting.
Three Action Steps:
- Sign up for 2–3 sites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and UserTesting.
- Complete profile info fully to get better-paying tasks.
- Aim to complete 2–5 short tasks or surveys each day.
3. Offer a Simple Gig on Fiverr
If you have any type of specialized skills, you can probably find a buyer on Fivver. From designing to writing and even simple tasks like formatting documents, there are gigs on Fiverr.
Perfect for: Anyone with a skill like writing, editing, voiceover, or admin work.
What you need: A Fiverr account and a basic service offer.
Tip: Keep it specific—“I’ll write a 150-word bio” is better than “I do writing.”
Three Action Steps:
- Create a Fiverr profile and write a clear, catchy gig title.
- Add one sample of your work (even a personal project).
- Share your Fiverr link with 5 friends or on Facebook.
4. Be a Virtual Friend or Listener
Are you the person who chats up strangers in the checkout line? Do you enjoy talking (and listening) to people? This could be an ideal gig for you.
Perfect for: Friendly people who enjoy conversation and helping others.
What you need: Phone or laptop, listening skills, and kindness.
Tip: Try RentAFriend.com, Papa, or look for virtual companionship roles.
Three Action Steps:
- Sign up on a virtual companionship or chat site.
- Write a short intro that highlights your personality.
- Respond to 3 potential client messages or offers.
5. Write Reviews or Comments for Pay
Did you know you can get paid to write reviews? The pay structure can vary; you may be paid by commission, by review, or by how helpful your reviews are.
Perfect for: Fast typists, detail-oriented folks, or bloggers.
What you need: Basic writing skills and a few free accounts.
Tip: Avoid offers that require payment upfront—stick with legit microtask sites.
Three Action Steps:
- Join platforms like Microworkers, Clickworker, or RapidWorkers.
- Accept a few short writing tasks or comment requests.
- Submit results and keep track of your earnings.
6. Resell Dollar Finds or Freebies
You can find things that are discounted, cheap, (or free) and offer them for sale. You might sell as-is, clean them, or combine them into packages. Everything from books to toys and craft supplies could be your gig.
Perfect for: Resourceful people who love thrifting, deals, or creative selling.
What you need: Access to dollar stores, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist Free.
Tip: Clean up and photograph items nicely—even $5 flips add up.
Three Action Steps:
- Find 3 items for $1 or less or grab clean freebies.
- Take clear photos and write a friendly description.
- List for $5–$15 and offer porch pickup.
7. Test Websites or Apps for Feedback
Website and app developers need to have independent users test their systems and give them reviews and feedback on usability and features. You can get paid to test these systems.
Perfect for: Observant people who enjoy trying new things.
What you need: Laptop, headphones, and a quiet space.
Tip: Speak clearly and describe your actions as you use the site.
Three Action Steps:
- Sign up on UserTesting, TryMyUI, or Userlytics.
- Watch the intro video to understand how to record tests.
- Complete your first test and submit for payment.
8. Offer “Quick Help” Services in Groups
Find groups where people are trying to solve problems that you can help with. Proofreading, editing, rewriting, or computer tech help could be your perfect fast money gig. Or you might want to try hands on gigs like assembling furniture or running errands.
Perfect for: Helpers who enjoy problem-solving or admin tasks.
What you need: Time, internet access, and basic skills like writing, organizing, or editing.
Tip: Think small: “I’ll edit your resume for $20” or “I’ll organize your email inbox.”
Three Action Steps:
- Join 3 Facebook or Nextdoor groups where people ask for help.
- Post a simple offer with a flat rate (“I’ll help you with XYZ for $25”).
- Reply to interested comments or messages.
9. Create and Sell a Printable or Template
Are you the one in your group who hands out checklists for the group trip or creates the plan for the monthly bookclub? Does checking things off give you a certain thrill? Then creating planners, templates, and checklists may be the perfect no-risk gig for you.
Perfect for: Creative planners, budgeters, teachers, or checklist-lovers.
What you need: Canva (free) and an idea (like a planner or budget tracker).
Tip: Focus on everyday needs like meal plans, chore charts, or fitness logs.
Three Action Steps:
- Make one printable in Canva and save as PDF.
- Set up a free store on Gumroad or Etsy.
- Post your download link in a few Facebook groups or stories.
10. Be a Feedback Reader or Content Tester
If you are a critical reader and enjoy giving feedback, this side gig might be exactly your perfect fit. Content testing may involve reading, testing links, or looking at continuity.
Perfect for: Readers who love giving honest opinions and helping others improve.
What you need: Google Docs access and basic reading comprehension.
Tip: Writers often post in Facebook groups looking for readers.
Three Action Steps:
- Join writing or entrepreneur Facebook groups.
- Offer to give feedback on blog drafts, resumes, or short stories.
- Charge $15–$30 per session, based on word count or time.
You’ve Got This—Let’s Make It Happen
Getting started is the hardest part—but you’ve already done the hardest thing: you showed up. You’re here, reading this, and thinking seriously about making money on your own terms. That’s huge.
Now it’s time to move from thinking to doing. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to take the next small step.
5 Simple Steps to Take Right Now:
- Pick one idea from the list that feels doable and interesting.
- Set a tiny goal—$20 from one task or one product sold.
- Block off 30 minutes this week to get started.
- Tell one person what you’re doing—they might become your first customer.
- Track your progress using the First $100 Tracker and celebrate every win.
Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” You’ll feel ready after you start. Action builds confidence. That first $100 is closer than you think—and once you earn it, you’ll realize just how capable you really are.
Let’s go!
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