To be honest with you: Then I couldn’t believe that it was possible.
Making money online seemed to be among those things you could only do if you were an influencer or a tech geek or if you were lucky. I wasn't any of those. I had no unique abilities, no great fan base, and totally zero idea of how to begin. However, it took some trial and error moments before I actually made my first $500 online and it felt wonderful.
And if you’re a beginner and asking yourself how, read on. I’ll show you step-by-step, in very easy-to-follow steps, how I did this. Even beginners. If you are a student, a stay at home parent, in need of a side hustle, this guide is for you.
Why $500? Why Not More?
That’s a fair question.
The fact is that when you start out $500 is a realistic, motivating goal. It’s not rocket science but it’s not a waste. It could be spent to pay bills, buy groceries, or even to set a small savings fund.
However, once you reach that first milestone, you’ll see, you can go higher.
Step 1: Make one choice to make money online.
There are thousands of ways to make money on the net. The problem? A lot of choice can be confusing. This is what I did at the outset – skipping from idea to idea without really giving any proper thing a go.
So here’s my advice: Choose one and use it for 30 days.
Here are some beginner-friendly options:
- Freelance (writing, graphic design, translation etc).
- Digital products (eBooks, templates, printable) selling.
- Affiliate marketing (picking items and receiving commission)
- Online tutoring or teaching
- Selling stuff on the internet (used clothes, handmade crafts and so on).
For me, the one that proved a working one was freelance writing. I enjoyed writing and why not try and get paid for it.
Step 2: Teaching people a Just-Enough Syllabus for them to get going, that is, Learn Just Enough to get Started.
You don’t have to have a degree or an expensive course to get started.
I began with a Google search “how to be a freelance writer” and watched some YouTube videos. I also read free blog posts and became a member of writing groups in Facebook.
The aim is not to become an expert any time soon – but to learn and to act.
A few things I learned fast:
- How to write simple blog pots (such as this one!)
- Where to look for beginner jobs (I’m going into details below)
- How to write a short pitch about me.
If writing isn’t your thing, it is the same with whatever approach you take. Learn just that which will get you started. Don’t overthink it.
Step 3: Get Your First Small Win
This is where most people drop out – but this is also where the magic starts.
I opened and developed a free profile on Upwork and started sending in my pitches to small job listings. At the beginning, I didn’t receive any reply. That’s okay. Most don’t react immediately. But I kept going.
Then one day someone simply said “yes”.
It cost twenty five dollars to write a blog post. No fancy but my first true online income. I was over the moon. That puny $25.00 seemed a $2,500.00 because it’s proof that this stuff works.
After that, things picked up. One job led to another. I made my profile better, acquired reviews, and created a little portfolio.
Step 4: Repeat and Build Momentum
All you do after your first dollar online is made is simple: do more of what worked.
This is how I recognized my way to $500.
- First week: Made $25
- Second week: Made $75
- Third week: Hit $200
- After a month, she: Crossed $500
I didn’t work full-time. I just stayed consistent. I sent 2-3 applications every day and I wrote for a couple of hours.
I also kept learning. I didn’t become a better writer, but I learned how to price my work better and got better clients. Hand by hand it began to grow.
Step 5: Be True to Form and Do Not Quit
Face it; getting started is the most difficult thing. You might face rejection. You might feel unsure. That’s normal.
Yet if you can keep at it (even when you aren’t sure it is working), you will be surprised at how much is possible. I was just a few steps from quitting multiple times, but I’m so happy I didn’t.
No expert is born an expert. And every earner online made their first dollar before their first grand
Pieces of Advice Which Will Make You Successful Faster
- Take it slow – Don’t worry about making thousands at the onset.
- Use what you got – Can you organize – can you tick the box if yes. Try virtual assistant work. Speak more than one language? Try translation.
- Ask questions – Keep in search of how things can be better.
- Show up consistently – Talent can be beaten by consistency.
What You Can Do Today
If you’re really determined to make your first $500 from home, here’s what you need to do.
- Pick just one (freelance, selling, affiliate marketing, etc.).
- Learn the basics (YouTube, blogs, free stuff)
- Open a standard profile or shop (Upwork, Etsy, Fiverr, and so forth).
- 3 small opportunities for which to apply this week
- Don’t quit after a try- keep appearing
Final Thoughts
I’m not a guru. I’m not a hustler or anything, just someone who wanted to make a bit of extra money online, and did it by taking little steps, calm and determined. It is something I would do, so can you.
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