Unlock a new skill and turn it into cash. With endless resources at your fingertips, earning an extra $1,000 a month online is now more possible than ever. Boost your income or even replace your full-time job by finding a side hustle that taps into the expertise you already have. 

There are countless opportunities to earn extra money through side hustles, so we saved you hours of research and created this guide to walk you through 10 realistic methods of making money online. We'll start with the one we know best—self-publishing!

1. Self-Publishing on Amazon Kindle

We may be playing favorites by putting this at the top, but we have seen thousands of people find success with this Amazon side hustle by self-publishing with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).

Why Self-Publishing is the Best

If you're searching for a side hustle with low barriers to entry and high income potential, self-publishing might be your best option. Digital reading has become huge over the past few years, and there's never been a better time to self-publish your first book, even if you're a beginner. Plus, self-publishing offers passive income, allowing you to earn while you sleep.

• Low Startup Costs: You can upload and publish your book for free without upfront investment. Many use AI to cut publishing costs during every stage in the process!

• Passive Income Potential: Once your book is published, you can generate more money without any additional effort.

• Global Audience: Amazon has over 300 million users, which means your book could reach readers worldwide.

How to Get Started with Self-Publishing

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, then let's look at your options:

Free Webinar  

We offer a free webinar that will bring you up to speed on the self-publishing industry and guide you through the self-publishing process. Don’t assume that you can't do it; we have people from all walks of life sign up now and learn from fellow self-publishers.

Guidance and Premium Support

Ready to jump in feet first? Alright! The tips and advice we share in our AI Publishing Academy has empowered thousands of students to achieve self-publishing success. With modules covering everything from choosing a book topic to multiplying your income streams, you'll have all the tools you need to succeed.

AIA Course Modules  

Below, you’ll see titles for just a handful of the things we cover in our course modules. This course was developed after our Founders, the Mikkelsen Twins, tried countless side hustles and had major success in self-publishing. They tested and repeated processes that work, and now you can use them as your inspiration to make money online.

• Choosing a Topic  
• Creating Your Book  
• Book Launch  
• Multiplying Income Streams  

Get access to the modules now!

How to Publish a Book on Amazon  

Do you still need more information? Our blog post can help you get started with how to publish a book on Amazon.

See Success in Action

Your success depends on the time and energy you put into your self-publishing business. Some of our students are proud to make one sale a day, and others have much larger aspirations. We want to showcase a few of our student success stories, all at various points in their journey and all with varying levels of experience. 

Daniel was new, and even though he didn't have much experience, he trusted us and got results, all without paying extra for ads!

After working with our coaches and attending workshop calls, Leasa landed well over the $1,000-a-month mark, and she’s just getting started!

In just five months, Mele made leaps and bounds of change and has a huge headstart on great momentum for a book she plans to publish in the future. $10k a month is possible, but everyone’s experience and situation are unique.

2. Freelance Writing: Get Paid for Your Words

If writing is a passion of yours, freelance writing can be a lucrative side hustle. There’s demand for content writers across industries, and AI tools can help make creating content easier. Freelance writing offers flexibility in work hours, allowing you to earn at your own pace.How to Start Freelance Writing  

• Build a Portfolio: Showcase your writing skills by creating sample pieces.
• Find Clients: Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are great places to find freelance gigs.  
• Set Your Rates: Start with competitive rates and gradually scale as you build your reputation.

3. Affiliate Marketing: Earn Commissions

Earn a commission by promoting other people's various products and services. It’s all about choosing things you believe in, promoting them, and getting paid for each sale generated through your referral links. If you’re on social media, chances are some of your favorite influencers are making money doing it, so why not you?How to Start Affiliate Marketing  

• Choose the Right Affiliate Networks: Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale.  
• Build a Website or Blog: Use your site to drive traffic to your affiliate links.  
• Create Content That Converts: Write content that addresses the needs of your target audience.  
• Use Social Media and Paid Ads: Expand your reach by promoting your affiliate links through social media or paid advertisements.

4. Online Course: Share Your Knowledge

If you have niche expertise, you can spend your days turning that knowledge into an online course. Whether it's photography, marketing, or even fitness, people are willing to pay for valuable insights.How to Create an Online Course  

• Choose a Course Topic: Focus on something you’re passionate about, and that solves a problem for others.  
• Record and Edit Lessons: Use tools like Zoom or Camtasia to create engaging video content.  
• Publish on Platforms: Platforms like Udemy or Teachable are great for hosting your course and reaching students.

5. Dropshipping: Run an Online Store

Run an online store without holding any inventory. With just a few hundred dollars, you can set up a store with a list of products, and when someone makes a purchase, your supplier ships the product directly to the customer.How to Start a Dropshipping Business  

• Choose a Profitable Niche: Find a niche that’s in demand but not oversaturated.  
• Set Up Your Store: Use platforms like Shopify to create your online store.  
• Find and Contact Suppliers: Connect with suppliers who accept dropshipping.  
• Drive Traffic: Use SEO and paid ads to attract customers to your store.

6. Online Surveys: Share Your Opinion

Online surveys are a low-effort way to earn extra money. They are good for quick money but often difficult to sustain. Nonetheless, it's easy to get into, and you can complete surveys from anywhere. After all, a few bucks can really add up.How to Get Started with Online Surveys  

• Sign Up for Survey Sites: Join platforms like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie to access survey opportunities.  
• Maximize Your Earnings: Complete surveys regularly and check for high-paying opportunities.  
• Payout Options: Receive your extra cash through PayPal, gift cards, or other rewards.

7. Online Tutoring: Teach Students

If you have a strong understanding of a subject, online tutoring could be a rewarding and flexible way to earn money online. Subjects like math, English, and science are always in demand, and you can set your own schedule.How to Get Started with Online Tutoring  

• Choose a Subject Area: Select a subject in which you excel.  
• Find Students: Use platforms like VIPKid or Tutor.com to connect with students.  
• Set Your Rates: Charge based on your expertise and the demand for your subject.

8. Virtual Assistant: Support Businesses Remotely

Virtual assistants (VAs) handle a variety of tasks for businesses, including email management, social media, and customer support. As a VA you can work from home, but flexibility can differ depending on the company.How to Start as a Virtual Assistant  

• Build Your Skill Set: Offer your services as an administrative assistant, social media manager, or email marketer. 
• Find Clients: Use platforms like Upwork or market your services independently.  
• Set Your Rates: Start with competitive rates and make more money as you gain more experience.

9. Blogging: Content Creation

Blogging can be a long-term income strategy if done correctly. With the right content, you can monetize your blog for extra income through ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsored posts.How to Start a Blog  

• Choose a Profitable Niche: Focus on a topic with high search demand and low competition.  
• Write SEO-Friendly Content: Research and optimize your blog posts for search engines to attract traffic.  
• Monetize Your Blog: Use ads, affiliate links, and sponsored content to generate more revenue.

10. YouTube Channel: Monetize Your Videos

YouTube offers multiple income streams, from ad revenue to sponsorships. The key is producing a lot of high-quality, engaging content in a specific niche.How to Start a YouTube Channel  

• Choose a Niche: Pick a topic you’re passionate about.  
• Invest in Quality Equipment: A good camera and microphone can enhance your video production.  
• Create Engaging Content: Keep your audience entertained in fresh new ways while providing valuable information.  
• Monetize with Ads and Sponsorships: Once your channel grows, enable ads and partner with local businesses and sponsors for additional revenue.

With so many possibilities to choose from, you’re sure to find something that can help you earn some extra money. Our advice is that whatever you choose—an eBook, a video, or a blog—just get it done. It doesn't have to be perfect; you just need to see it through. That’ll give you the momentum you need to meet your goal of $1000 a month online. The money is out there; you just have to be willing to learn and stay consistent!