The Best Ideas to Make $1000 Making an extra $1,000 per month can change your life.
I’m going to talk here about the best way to make money, because there are people who still don’t know
For some, it’s the key to paying off debt, finally traveling, or escaping the 9–5 grind. The best part? You don’t need to launch a startup or invent the next big app. With the right side hustle—and a little consistency—you can absolutely get there.
In this post, we’ll break down the most realistic, beginner-friendly, and scalable side hustles you can start today. We’ll also share insider tips, income potential, and even ways to automate and scale. Let’s go.
1. Freelancing (Writing, Design, Video, Coding… Anything!)
Why it works:
The Best Ideas to Make $1000 freelancing turns your skills into cash. And thanks to platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal, beginners can get started with zero connections.
Popular services:
- Copywriting & blog writing
- Web design or development
- Video editing
- Logo design
- Virtual assistance
- Translation
Realistic path to $1,000/month:
- Start with $50–$100 gigs
- Deliver quality + fast turnaround
- Upsell recurring work (e.g., weekly blog posts)
- Build client relationships
Tip: Use ChatGPT to help you brainstorm gig titles, write proposals, or even co-create content. AI is your freelancing partner now.
Automation tip:
Once you’re busy, outsource parts of the process (like editing or formatting) to a VA or use tools like Notion, Zapier, or Canva to streamline.
2. Affiliate Marketing (Yes, Still Works in 2025)
The Best Ideas to Make $1000
Why it works:
You recommend products → people buy → you earn commission. No inventory, no customer support, no upfront cost.
Best platforms:
- Amazon Associates
- Impact.com
- ClickBank
- PartnerStack
- ShareASale
Best niches:
- Personal finance
- Fitness
- Tech/gadgets
- Software (high commissions!)
- Online education
Realistic path to $1,000/month:
- Pick 1–2 platforms (e.g., YouTube + Instagram)
- Review or compare products
- Use SEO or short-form content to get traffic
- Optimize CTAs and links
Example: A creator reviewing budgeting apps can earn $50–$100 per signup through fintech affiliate programs.
Automation tip:
Use Linktree or Beacons to manage all your affiliate links. Use ChatGPT to script your videos or write blog posts. Then, recycle content across platforms.
3. AI-Powered Shopify Store
The Best Ideas to Make $1000
Why it works:
With dropshipping or POD (Print-on-Demand), you don’t need to handle inventory. And with AI, you can build and run a Shopify store faster than ever.
Step-by-step:
- Choose a niche (e.g., gym gear, gifts for pet owners)
- Use ChatGPT to generate product descriptions
- Use Midjourney or Canva to create designs
- Use Printify or CJ Dropshipping to fulfill orders
- Set up your Shopify store
Realistic path to $1,000/month:
- 10 sales/day at $10 profit = $300/month
- Scale with TikTok organic or paid ads
- Upsell + use email marketing
Automation tip:
Use apps like DSers, Klaviyo, and Zendrop. AI tools can also automate customer service (using bots).
4. Airbnb Side Hustle (Without Owning Property)
The Best Ideas to Make $1000
Why it works:
With Airbnb arbitrage, you rent a property long-term, furnish it, and sublet it short-term.
Bonus: You can also manage other people’s properties for a fee (Airbnb co-hosting).
What you need:
- Rental agreement that allows subletting
- Furniture and décor (can be done cheaply)
- Great photos and a professional listing
Realistic path to $1,000/month:
- Rent for $1,500 → make $2,800 on Airbnb
- Profit after expenses: ~$1,000
- OR manage 1–2 listings for $500/month each
Automation tip:
Use Hospitable or Guesty to automate messages, reviews, check-ins, etc.
5. Selling Digital Products
The Best Ideas to Make $1000
Why it works:
You create once, sell forever. Margins are nearly 100%, and platforms like Etsy and Gumroad make it easy to list and sell.
Popular ideas:
- Notion templates
- Budgeting spreadsheets
- Wedding planners
- Digital wall art
- Resume templates
Realistic path to $1,000/month:
- Sell 5 products/day at $7 = $1,050/month
- Use TikTok or Pinterest to drive traffic
- Build a mini-audience on Instagram or email
Automation tip:
Connect Gumroad + ConvertKit for email follow-ups. Let ChatGPT help write product descriptions and thank-you emails.
6. Flipping on eBay, Facebook, or Craigslist
The Best Ideas to Make $1000
Why it works:
You buy low, sell high. Simple. With a $100 investment, you can turn trash into treasure.
Where to find flips:
- Thrift stores
- Garage sales
- Clearance racks
- Facebook Marketplace
- Amazon/Target clearance
Great niches:
- Vintage electronics
- Sneakers
- Books and textbooks
- Used tools
Realistic path to $1,000/month:
- Profit $20–$50 per flip
- 25–40 sales/month = $1,000+
Automation tip:
Use apps like Vendoo or List Perfectly to cross-post. Use AI to write product listings in seconds.
7. Print-on-Demand with Etsy
Why it works:
You create designs once, and platforms like Printful or Printify handle printing and shipping. Etsy brings the traffic.
Best-selling ideas:
- T-shirts, hoodies, mugs
- Wedding or bachelorette party gear
- Gifts for dog moms, teachers, dads
Realistic path to $1,000/month:
- Profit ~$5–$10 per item
- Sell 100–200 units/month (3–7/day)
- Scale with SEO + social content
Automation tip:
Use ChatGPT for slogans, Canva for designs, and integrate Printify with Etsy for full automation.
8. YouTube Faceless Channel
Why it works:
You don’t need to show your face or talk. AI + screen recording tools make video creation easier than ever.
Popular niches:
- Finance and investing
- AI tutorials and tools
- Motivational/quotes videos
- Compilation or facts content
Realistic path to $1,000/month:
- Monetize with YouTube ads
- Affiliate links in description
- Get ~50k–100k views/month to hit $1k in revenue
Automation tip:
Use ChatGPT to script, Pictory or CapCut to edit, ElevenLabs for voiceovers.
9. Selling Notion Templates
Why it works:
Notion has exploded in popularity, and people are hungry for beautifully designed productivity systems.
Best-selling types:
- Life planners
- Student dashboards
- Content calendars
- Finance/budgeting tools
Realistic path to $1,000/month:
- Sell templates for $10–$25 each
- Promote via TikTok, Reddit, YouTube
- Build a mini audience or bundle with coaching
Automation tip:
Host your templates on Gumroad or Lemon Squeezy. Use ChatGPT to help write your sales page.
10. Online Tutoring or Coaching
Why it works:
You can teach anything — math, writing, language, even Fortnite skills — and get paid hourly.
Platforms to start:
- Wyzant
- Superprof
- Preply
- Teachable (for building your own course)
Realistic path to $1,000/month:
- $25/hour = 40 hours/month (10/week)
- $50/hour = 20 hours/month (5/week)
Automation tip:
Use Calendly to schedule sessions. Use Loom to record async lessons. Create templates for onboarding.
Final Thoughts
The best side hustle isn’t the trendiest—it’s the one you’ll stick with.
Pick one idea from this list that matches your skills, lifestyle, and goals. Focus on getting your first result: your first $10, your first happy customer, your first video online. Then, keep going.
Remember: $1,000/month = $33/day. It’s not about hustling harder. It’s about being strategic, consistent, and using the tools (like AI!) that give you leverage.
Which one will you try first?
Looking for one of these top-selling gadgets?
Support the blog and level up your tech by buying through our Amazon partner store — you pay the same price, AND you’re helping us create more content like this! Just click the link, choose your product:
Smartphones:
Notebooks:
Smartwatches:
Audio & Streaming:
Thanks so much for your support!
