How to Make $10K a Month in 2024: 15 Crazy Income Ideas (Here’s How Others Are Doing It!)

The digital age has opened up countless opportunities to earn a substantial income.

Yet, financial freedom comes the hard way.

The classic 9-to-5 mentality is all about trading time for money. You clock in, do your job, and collect a paycheck at the end of the month. It is a predictable and secure path. However, growth is often capped.

Freelancing flips this script. The potential is limitless. BUT, making a consistent income becomes tough. Hence, the question remains: how to make 10k in a month?

Well, this isn’t JUST a theoretical piece. This blog is a result of research, interviews, and personal experiences. I’ve spent countless hours, or rather, 120 to be EXACT, digging deep into these crazy income ideas.

Why? Well because I was tired of the rat race. 

We’ll dive into specific income ideas in the upcoming sections.

• Diverse and innovative income ideas for 2024.
• Steps to implement these ideas and GUIDE you to start earning asap.
• Real-life examples and Case studies with PROOF to inspire you.

But first, let’s start by understanding what it takes to break the 10k barrier.

Why Set 10K a Month as Your Income Goal?

Earning a consistent 10k a month is more than just a number. For many, it is a financial milestone that can drastically change your life. Personally, I LOVE the idea of financial freedom, the ability to pursue passions, and the security of knowing that my bills are covered. 

That’s the power of a 10k income. However, it requires dedication, strategic thinking, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.

I am not discussing any get-rich-quick schemes. These are more about building sustainable income streams. And NOTE that achieving this goal requires more than just luck. 

It demands a specific mindset. You need to be disciplined, persistent and result-oriented. Fear of failure NEEDS to be replaced with a hunger for success. Equally important are the skills. Whether it’s sales, marketing, or technical expertise, having a strong skill set IS your foundation. After all, it is NOT about hard work; it is about smart work. 

15 Proven Ways to Make 10k a Month (You’ll Wish You Started Sooner!)

Listed below are 15 unconventional ways that state how to make $10k a month. We’ll explore everything from digital nomads to niche marketplaces. I have also listed actionable steps and real-world case studies with PROOF to guide you toward your goal.

1. Freelancing

Freelancing is like having a superpower you DIDN’T even know you had. Imagine waking up every day, deciding your own hours, and getting paid to do what you love. That is the magic of freelancing. It’s more than just a job. In fact, it’s more like a lifestyle. You’re the boss, the creative director, and the CEO of your own empire. (Well, a mini version at least!)

But there’s a catch. It isn’t just about freedom. It is about mastering certain skills that can boost your finances. Try focusing on what you’re really good at. Own your expertise. Keep refining it. The more specialized your skills, the higher you can charge. 

Some high-income freelancing skills include:

• Copywriting/Content Writing
• UX/UI Design
• Graphic Designing
• Mobile App Development 
• Digital Marketing
• Video Editing

Each of these skills is in high demand and can help you command premium rates. This road is not gonna be easy. But all it needs is upskilling and a LOT of patience!

Once you have the skills, you need a platform to offer your services. There are several launchpads where you can grab some solid freelancing gigs. Some of these include:

• Upwork
• Fiverr
• Freelancer 
• PeoplePerHour
• LinkedIn
• Toptal

These are excellent starting points to help you connect with clients from all over the world. Besides this, you can connect with agencies that offer the services you’re FINE at! They often have a variety of projects in hand that can match your skill set. 

However, relying solely on these platforms isn’t enough. To make 10K a month, you NEED to build your own client base. Here’s how:

1. Retain Clients: It is not just about landing clients. It is about keeping them and making them come back for more. Deliver amazing work consistently to keep clients satisfied. Build long-term relationships. 
2. Give Your All: Exceed their expectations. Create a stunning portfolio. Go above and beyond in every project. Try working on multiple projects to gain maximum experience.
3. Upskill with Time: Keep track of the latest trends and upskill yourself. Once done, don’t forget to review and increase your rates. (Because this time, you have the experience + you’re offering more.)
4. Network More: Networking has unbelievable potential. Try doing it more, both online and offline. Establish a strong presence on social media to attract higher-paying clients directly. 
5. Diversify: Most importantly, diversify your income streams. Start offering complimentary services or products.

Case Study

Paul’s Upwork success story is a real eye-opener. Starting from scratch, he built a 100% job success score and racked up over $40k by doing one thing really well: going above and beyond for every client. He didn’t just meet expectations; he blew them away. Paul’s tip? NAIL your profile and use the Upwork Project Catalog to snag opportunities. His secret is simple; deliver exceptional value, build strong client relationships, be consistent, show up, and success WILL follow.

2. Consulting

People don’t flock to consulting just for the cash. If that’s all you are after, top finance jobs have you covered. And if it’s the perks you are after, Tech has the edge. 

So what’s the point of joining? Maybe, because consulting gives you the whole package: money, perks, and that elusive work-life balance all wrapped into one. I mean, how cool is that!

Yet again, Consulting can only be your golden ticket IF you can land some high-paying gigs in fields like:

• Information Technology
• Business Strategy 
• Financial Planning
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Legal Consulting
• Management Consulting
• Digital Planning

In consulting, YOU are the superhero companies turn to when they are battling big problems. You might even be the one to show them how to boost productivity with some of your expert tricks. 

However, getting those gigs is the first hurdle to leap over (a big one in fact!). The key? Building a killer network and a solid client base. Here’s how:

How to Network and Use Online Platforms to Find Clients? 

First things first, you’ve got to accept a tough truth. Unless you are already a rock star in your field, your dream clients are NOT going to just show up at your doorstep. It is up to YOU to reach out and make those connections through online platforms.

Check out these essential tips to score your first consulting gig and start pulling in that 10k a month:

• Network Like a Pro: To hit the big leagues, you need to widen your circle by connecting with three major groups: industry peers, senior consultants, and founders/agency owners.
• Attend Industry-Specific Webinars: Webinars hosted by consulting firms are your new best friend. Just join in, soak up the trends, and connect with other consultants. If not anything, you can learn something new.
• Build Personal Branding: Show the world what you have got. Share your expertise by creating content and posting it on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

💡 Pro Tip: LinkedIn is your ultimate tool for networking and reaching out to clients. Optimize your profile, build those connections, and you never know, your NEXT BIG client could be just a message away, (right in your connections).

Case Study

Thomas, a social media consultant, earned $40k as a beginner by mastering Upwork. His secret? He created personalized social media strategies, nailed his profile, and used Upwork’s features to land high-paying clients quickly. His advice: Understand your client’s needs, BE UNIQUE, and let your results shine.

3. Blogging

Blogging is the ultimate gig that has me buzzing with excitement. But here’s the truth: it demands patience. It isn’t gonna reap quick results. Your effort must be consistent, and the results might take weeks (or even months) at a stretch.

In short, starting a blog and keeping at it requires serious dedication and hard work. But the payoff is worth every minute. The hours you invest will eventually translate into significant dollars, helping you hit that coveted $10k a month. 

However, the real game-changer is learning how to monetize your blog. While you will find a list of ways to do that, I will share some realistic strategies to make that $10k a month a reality. Here’s what successful bloggers are doing, and you CAN too:

• Ad Revenue: This is important. Always choose a niche that attracts at least 1,000 visitors daily. Then, let ad networks like Google AdSense and Media.net place ads on your site, and start earning from those clicks.
• Affiliate Marketing: This is one of the best ways to generate passive income. Integrate affiliate links into your blog content. In no time, you’ll watch those earnings roll in as your audience clicks and buys that product/service.
• Sponsored Posts: Try partnering with brands to create and publish posts promoting their products. If your content is top-notch, brands WILL be eager to collaborate and compensate you for it! 

Bonus: Avoid the most common pitfalls bloggers face by reading our blog on common blogging mistakes.

Case Study

Lizzie is a SaaS and e-commerce writer and content consultant who has successfully scaled her freelance blogging business. In her journey, she transformed her rates from £38.86 per piece to £1,000 per piece, ultimately earning £10,000 a month. She shared her journey, tips, and strategies for increasing her rates and consistently landing high-paying clients. She also provided insights and proof of her income growth throughout her freelance career.

4. YouTube Channel

If you’re wondering how to make 10k a month on YouTube, this is it. YouTube is your playground for making serious money if you are a well of ideas that constantly bring something fresh to the table. All you need to do is plug in your creative mode, create some engaging video content on in-demand niches, add stellar editing, and watch the tables turn. Some of the popular YouTube niches you can try out are:

• Technology Reviews
• Personal Finance
• Health and Fitness
• Beauty and Makeup Tutorials
• Travel Vlogs
• Gaming
• DIY and Crafts
• Cooking and Recipes
• Educational Content
• Product Unboxings

Some of the popular video formats you can try are:

• How-To Guides
• Listicles and Top 10s
• Reviews and Comparisons
• Vlogs
• Tutorials and Demonstrations
• Q&A Sessions
• Reaction Videos
• Challenges
• Interviews
• Live Streams

Yet again, let’s be clear. It is NOT a quick-money scheme. YouTube success requires patience and relentless hard work. Keep producing high-quality content, and eventually, a video could go viral. And that’s all you need. 

Trust me when I say, one viral video can take your earnings to a level that you have never dreamt of! However, your earnings depend on your audience and subscribers. To grow your YouTube audience and maximize your revenue, here’s what you need to focus on:

• Create High-Quality Content: This is your golden rule. Ensure every video you produce is polished AND valuable.
• Craft Intriguing Titles: This is so IMPORTANT. Your titles should grab attention without being misleading. Please the algorithm gods.
• Write Engaging Descriptions: Summarize your content precisely to enhance searchability and attract viewers.
• Design Eye-Catching Thumbnails: First impressions ALWAYS count. Create thumbnails that stand out and entice viewers to click.
• Master SEO Basics: Use well-researched keywords in your titles, tags, and descriptions to enhance discoverability.
• Timing is Key: Post your videos at optimal times to catch the wave of high traffic and maximize views. Overwhelmed again? Here’s an ultimate TIME guide for you.

All in all, consistently delivering top-notch content can help you build a substantial subscriber base and increase your earnings. If you search through the internet, you’ll find thousands of success stories supporting it. In short, there’s no limit to how much money YouTubers make and you CAN too!

Case Study

Pashak, a US-based YouTuber, shares his earnings from a small channel with just 4,000 subscribers. He reveals how much he made from 500,000 views and discusses his income during the first 90 days after monetization. Pashak highlights the ways for how to make 10k a month online and how it is more accessible than ever and explains that his earnings while promising, are reinvested into his channel for software and equipment. His video is all about inspiring and informing others about the potential of building a brand and generating income online. 

Note: The earnings entirely depend on the number of views on a video and the total number of subscribers on your channel.

5. Etsy Shop

This one is like turning your creative passion into a money-making venture! One of my friends recently made a great income by selling her handcrafted contemporary jewelry online. The trick? Mastering the e-commerce game to rack up that $10k a month.

Etsy is a goldmine for this. If you’re into crafting unique jewelry or other handmade goodies, this is your playground. All you need to do is keep going, and you’ll get there in no time. Here’s a list of hot-selling categories on Etsy to get you inspired:

• Craft and Supplies
• Handmade Items
• Jewelry
• Wedding
• Accessories
• Paper and Party Supplies
• Clothing
• Vintage
• Home & Living
• Art & Collectibles

But just listing your products isn’t enough. To stand out among Etsy’s 539 million monthly visitors, you need to level up your game. Here’s how to make 10k a month on Etsy:

• Nail Those Keywords: Use the words your potential buyers are searching for in your titles and descriptions. Let Etsy’s search algorithm work its magic.
• Pick the Perfect Category: The more specific, the better. For example, “dark chocolate cake” might get more attention than just “chocolate cake.”
• Photos Steal the Show: A high-quality image can MAKE all the difference in your ranking and sales.
• Take Advantage of Social Media: Post eye-catching content on platforms where your audience spends MOST of their time.
• Team Up with Influencers: Start collaborating with influencers who align with your market and make sure you provide a link back to your Etsy store.

Case Study

Rich, a US-based YouTuber, shows how he made $10K on Etsy in just 1 month. In his video, he explains his straightforward strategy, which includes optimizing product listings, leveraging Etsy’s marketing tools, and focusing on high-demand niches. His advice: Implement a simple, effective strategy to boost visibility and sales, and watch your Etsy store thrive. He also shares his MISTAKES, so you know where to avoid those!

6. Real Estate Investment

Making money while you sleep sounds like a dream. But for investors, it’s more of a rule to live by. You see, this is exactly why having passive income streams is such a big win, and investing in real estate? Well, that’s a CLASSIC that never goes out of style.

But here’s the best part: you don’t need to empty your bank account to get started. Even with $100, you can step into real estate and still have time for your other side hustles. Here are some simple and solid ways to make that $10k a month without breaking a sweat:

• Rental Properties: If your ancestors have been kind enough to bless you with properties, renting them out is a no-brainer. This one’s a steady stream of income and can EVEN help with managing your taxes.

• REITs: You can take REITs more like dividend-paying stocks, but better. They are perfect if you are into long-term, cash-generating assets like malls and office buildings.

• Crowdfunding: Online real estate platforms let you diversify your investments without the headache of high management fees. My opinion? That’s a smart way to spread your risk.

However, you must have this perspective that real estate is tough, investing is tough. Well, it isn’t as tough as it seems. A friend of mine just raked in some serious profits. As a beginner, these golden tips might help you:

• Understand the Market: Study CAREFULLY how successful investors are making money.
• Research Strategies: Research investment strategies and find what suits you best.
• Define Your Role: Know what kind of investor you want to be. 
• Get Your Finances in Order: Secure your funds before making a move.
• Make Your First Purchase: ONLY when you’re ready, jump in with your first buy.
• Find Tenants Fast: The quicker you fill those properties, the sooner you start maximizing profits.

Case Study

An investor from Silicon Valley purchased a condo in Hawaii and listed it on Airbnb. Despite initial doubts and warnings from friends, the property turned out to be a success, generating $50,000 in just six months. By focusing on top-notch hospitality—like premium bedding, fresh fruit for guests, and thoughtful amenities—the condo quickly became a high-demand rental. Their key takeaway? “Quality service brings high returns. With the right approach, short-term rentals can be a lucrative investment.”

7. Dividend Stocks

If you’re looking for investments that can offer you a regular passive income, dividend stocks are a solid bet. These are shares in companies that pay you a portion of their earnings regularly. The best part? They’re low-risk because these companies are usually well-established and stable.

I’ve found that dividend investing is one of the most reliable ways to build wealth, especially when inflation is washing away the value of other assets like bonds. Plus, dividends add a nice layer of stability to your portfolio.

Here’s what I did when I was picking my dividend stocks, and you might want to do the same:

• Check Past Records: I only went for companies that have a solid history of paying dividends consistently.
• Look for Increasing Yields: I chose companies that showed a rise in their dividend yields year after year.
• Focus on Lower Payout Ratios: Lower payout ratios were key for me. They indicate that the company is growing sustainably.
• Avoid Unrealistic Projections: I just steered clear of companies making unrealistic earnings projections and focused on those with steady growth.
• Stay Away from High-Debt Companies: High debt can lead to reduced or suspended dividends, so I avoided those companies entirely.

Pro Tip: I also consulted with a financial advisor to make smarter choices. This is ALWAYS a good move. These experts can help you pick high-yielding dividends, manage your investments, and ensure you get the best returns. By far, this is the best advice on how to make 10k a month as a student.

Case Study

Ari Gutman shares how much he earned through dividend investing, using his video to prove that this strategy works. He shares the power of consistent, long-term investments in dividend-paying stocks, showing how these returns can accumulate over time. Ari’s key takeaway: Dividend investing is a reliable way to generate passive income and build wealth. However, it’s all about making smart investment choices.

8. Affiliate Marketing

This is one of the most exciting and practical ways to hit that $10k a month mark. All you need to do is promote a company’s products or services, and every time someone makes a purchase, you earn a commission. The best part? There’s NO upfront cost from your side, and you DON’T have to wait forever for sales to start rolling in.

If you’re eager to dive into affiliate marketing, here’s what can work for you:

• Choose a Product or Service You Love: Start by promoting something that you are genuinely excited about. Eg: software, service, etc.
• Pick the Right Affiliate Platform: This is important. Find a platform that suits your niche.
• Create High-Quality Content: Focus on creating valuable content to level up your chances of getting approved for affiliate programs.
• Join Affiliate Networks: Start by applying to networks and partner with merchants that align with your interests.
• Integrate Affiliate Links: Add these links to your website, blog, and social media.
• Review and Optimize: Check your results every month and STUDY which merchants are bringing in the most profit.
• Double Down: Once you find a winning product, create more content around it AND maximize your earnings.

Now, you might be wondering what to promote. I found that online training and programs are great starting points, especially in niches like fitness, where there are plenty of free affiliate programs available. 

Here are some other options perfect for newbies:

• Software and Tools
• E-books and Guides
• Subscription Services
• Digital Downloads

Summing up I would say, affiliate marketing is simple yet rewarding, and something you CAN scale quickly once you find your groove.

Case Study

Sara is a finance course creator from the US who has earned $67K in JUST 30 days in 2024 through affiliate marketing. Her secret? Consistency! She also provides courses in affiliate marketing, on how to leverage your expertise and financial knowledge. By offering detailed strategies and actionable tips, she helps others replicate her success. Her advice: Create valuable content, choose the right affiliate products, and build a strong email list to maximize your earnings. Here’s a video of the same.

9. Creating and Selling Digital Products

Now, this is another interesting one. It is impressive how entrepreneurs are building businesses right from scratch by selling digital products. And guess what? You can do it too! Whether it’s eBooks, online courses, custom templates, or software, the digital world is full of opportunities. It all depends on how well you sell! 

Here are a few digital product ideas that I found most intriguing:

• Online Courses: Create and sell digital courses in the form of recorded videos or presentations. This way, you are sharing your knowledge and earning passive income too!
• eBooks: eBooks are a fantastic option to consider. With the rise of e-readers and smartphones, people are diving back into reading. ONLY now, it’s all digital.
• Software: Selling software products is my personal favorite. Why? Because they’re always in demand among online marketers and digital entrepreneurs. Plus, with subscription fees, you only need to sell once and keep earning monthly commissions.

But here’s the thing, your amazing digital products need a killer marketplace to really shine. I’ve put together a list of top platforms where you can start selling before the year is out:

• Gumroad: This is the go-to platform for selling digital products like eBooks and software. It’s simple, effective, and user-friendly.
• Udemy: This is a bomb in the online learning space. If you’ve got expertise to share, Udemy can help you reach a global audience and hit that $10k a month.
• Envato: This digital marketplace is perfect for selling web design, graphics, and multimedia projects. It’s where creativity meets opportunity.
• Sellfy: If you’re just starting out, Sellfy is an incredibly straightforward eCommerce platform. Whether it’s eBooks, presentations, or other downloads, Sellfy has you covered.
• Thinkific: No matter your niche, Thinkific makes building and selling online courses a breeze. It’s quick and easy, and you can earn money in no time.

Case Study

Amber Sharniece is a lifestyle, beauty, and home vlogger who shares her journey of making $5,000 in just 7 days by selling digital products. She guides beginners on how to start their own digital product business, emphasizing that with the right approach, anyone can turn their passions into profit. Amber shares how selling digital goods can be a quick and effective way to generate income, especially when combined with engaging content like vlogs.

10. Print on Demand

Okay, this one is interesting. Although this is a bit more professional, it’s all about designing eye-catching infographics. However, print-on-demand comes with a twist. You need to create designs and graphics for actual products. It is a pretty cool side hustle where you can collaborate with a manufacturing partner and get paid for your creativity.

Imagine coming up with some quirky caricatures for t-shirts on Etsy’s print-on-demand store. Tempting, right? I bet you liked the idea, and by now, are intrigued to open a new Chrome tab to search the HOW TO!  But, I’ve done the legwork for you. Check how it’s done: 

• Pick a niche you love: What gets your creative juices flowing? Fitness, dark chocolate cakes, adorable dogs? Anything goes. If you’re unsure, just hit up Google Trends to see what’s hot right now.
• Decide what you can sell: Don’t feel like you have to stick to hoodies and coffee mugs like everyone else. Try creating some trendy tote bags with mandala art instead.
• Create designs: You don’t need to be the next Paul Rand to start a print-on-demand store. Just make sure your designs stand out and reflect your unique style. Create your brand.
• Choose your selling platform: There are plenty of platforms to sell your designs. If you’re just starting out, eCommerce giants like Etsy, Shopify, or eBay are great options. I’ll list some of these below!
• Set up your online store: Once you’ve picked your platform, it’s time to set up your store. Don’t forget to enable the payment methods and shipping options.
• Pick your supplier: This is the most important part of all. Find a reliable supplier who can handle your orders GENUINELY.

As promised, when it comes to platforms, here are a few that I’d recommend:

• Printful: One of my favorite print-on-demand suppliers that specializes in all forms of custom-printed products.
• Teespring: Perfect for running campaigns with designs that can be printed on demand.
• Redbubble: I found this to be the biggest online print-on-demand store that encourages independent artists. Give it a try!

Case Study

Ryan Hogue scaled his print-on-demand business from $0 to $10K per month. His secret? He leveraged his YouTube channel to share valuable insights on print-on-demand and passive income, curated niche-specific designs and utilized excellent marketing strategies. His advice: Focus on high-quality designs, use social media for promotion, and consistently engage with your audience to build a successful passive income stream.

11. Dropshipping

If you’ve got a knack for selling, dropshipping might just be your thing. As an entrepreneur, you won’t need to worry about stocking inventory or handling shipping. Instead, you’ll focus on picking the right supplier who’s got the logistics covered. Let me break down how it all works:

• Pick a niche: Once again, find a niche that hits two birds with one stone, something you’re passionate about and something that’s IN DEMAND.
• Research competitors: Take a close look at what other drop shippers are doing. What products are they selling? What’s their marketing strategy? Read THEM.
• Choose the right supplier: Don’t skimp on this step. Your supplier will handle everything from inventory to shipping. So, make sure they are reliable.
• Select your products and set prices: Shortlist products based on what’s performing well in competitor stores. Next, come up with a certain pricing strategy that can keep your business sustainable.
• Build your eCommerce store: Start marketing and displaying your products on your very own online store. You’ll experience excellent traffic from your social media ads marching right toward your digital store.

Now, if you’re still stuck on the first step, here are some trending niches that are always in demand. You can try your luck in these and start your business in 2024.

The most popular niches for your dropshipping business that buyers can’t resist include:

• Car Accessories
• Kitchen and Dining
• Home and Bedroom
• Child and Baby
• Home Office and Office Products
• Phone Accessories

Case Study

MoMike Chamberlin made $18,000 in just 30 days with dropshipping. He has a dedicated page for the same on YouTube, where he shares his monthly income by dropshipping, holds challenges, and so much more. By choosing the right products and marketing them effectively, he turned his online store into a quick money-maker. In this video, Mike shares how to make over 10k a month by dropshipping.

12. Pet Services

I never realized how profitable pet-related services could be until my neighbor hired a pet sitter for her Beagle. She said that the pet sitter charged $20 per hour for every drop-in visit. That blew my mind right there! 

My next advice? Well, you probably know. IF you love spending time with pets, you should absolutely consider this side hustle. In fact, as a pet lover, you can try any of the following listed below or even ALL of them!

• Pet Grooming: If you’re creative and love seeing those poodles and Eskimos get their hair trimmed, pet grooming might be your perfect match.
• Dog Walking: Dogs need their daily walks too! If you find walking a bit boring, start dog walking and get paid hourly by busy pet owners. It is that simple! There are several platforms like Rover that’ll help you get clients. Just list out your services, and you’re good to go! 
• Pet Sitting: Pet sitting is pretty much like babysitting. But, you’ve got to be on your toes since these adorable creatures are always in super-active mode. This includes offering daycare, drop-in visits, etc. 

However, remember that this profession is built on trust. So, first, let people know how dearly you love pets and treat them like they ARE your own. Here are some actionable ways to reach out to pet owners:

• Promote Your Pet Business on Social Media: Social media is always a messiah for small business owners. And that’s what I love about it. Start creating amazing content that highlights your service and DO share it on different platforms.
• Collaborate: Look for non-competitive businesses that provide pet owners’ needs. Try collaborating with them by cross-promoting each other.
• Host Local Dog-Friendly Events: Hosting events like these can be an excellent way to meet pet owners. Let people know that you’re available to take care of their pets at a reasonable price. 

Case Study

While doing my research, I came across an interesting case where a pet sitter revealed how much he was earning per hour! It’s incredible how Hannibal takes this as a side hustle, and yet gathers $3000 a week! He makes $55 per night by dog boarding. Here’s a small glimpse of his upcoming weekly earnings on the Rover app.

13. Fitness Coaching

If you are a total fitness junkie who lives and breathes workouts, protein shakes, and all things healthy, WHY NOT! Turn that passion into some serious cash by helping others get fit too. But, before you jump in, there’s a bit of homework that you need to do. Because, obviously, your clients’ health IS a big deal.

First up, you need to get certified. And not just any certification. You’ll need one of these two heavy hitters:

• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
• American Council on Exercise (ACE)

Now, these aren’t just certificates you can print out online. They require some real focus on the curriculum. But hold on, you might obviously want to go the extra mile with some specialized training. So, I got the lowdown on these certifications from my trainer, and they are gold. Try getting certifications on: 

• Functional Movement Screen (FMS)
• Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
• Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES)
• Precision Nutrition Certification
• National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF)

Get these under your belt, and you’ll be miles ahead with your bank account. 

However, you must probably be thinking, “How do I even find clients?” Well, here are some excellent strategies that not only will bring you clients but also teach you to retain them.

• Build Your Online Presence: First things first, people need to know you exist. A professional website is a MUST. But, don’t stop there. Hit up social media like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook to show off your services and share fitness tips.
• Networking and Referrals: Get out there and connect with others in the fitness world. Join groups, hang out at gyms, or just start conversations. My trainer found me at a community event. The point is, opportunities are EVERYWHERE!
• Retain Your Clients: Getting clients is one thing; keeping them is another. Show them how dedicated you are. Throw in a little extra here and there, like a free session or some personalized advice. Stay in touch regularly with texts or calls, and keep educating them about their health journey.
• Build a Community and Get Feedback: Create a tight-knit group with your clients. Start a Facebook group or a WhatsApp chat where they can share their progress. And DON’T forget to ask for feedback. Those glowing testimonials can help you attract even more clients!

Case Study

We found a case study that shows the power of online fitness coaching. Jake, a certified personal trainer, transformed his career by launching an online fitness coaching business. Starting with a small client base, he built a customized coaching program and used digital marketing to grow his reach. Within a year, his online fitness courses generated over $100,000 in revenue, allowing him to coach clients globally from his home gym. His success tip? “Deliver real results and build a strong online presence—loyal clients and a six-figure income will follow.”

14. Language Tutoring

Connecting with your students is the real game-changer in language tutoring. I joined an online language class, (to learn French), and let’s just say, it wasn’t exactly a thrill ride. The teacher was nice enough, but the endless grammar drills? Total snooze fest. She had hundreds of students in her class. But guess what? I eventually dropped out, because I couldn’t deal with how boring it was.

My advice for this? Language tutoring is such a lucrative skill you can have. But, if you’re thinking about jumping into this field, your top priority should be keeping your students HOOKED. Once you nail that, everything else falls into place.  (Especially with all the awesome online platforms out there) So, if you’re aiming to hit that $10k a month mark in this career, here are a few platform details for you:

• iTalki: This is an excellent platform since it provides you with 1-1 virtual classes. So, you can easily get students that resonate with your teaching style.
• Verbling: This is another cool platform for someone who’s looking for language learning services for business. If you have good communication skills you can get a lot of students. 
• Preply: If you’re a pro at foreign languages, this platform is gold. Teach people how to level up their communication game and watch the money roll in.

All in all, this is an excellent example of how to make 10k a month from home. But, here’s the thing, the language tutoring market is crowded (especially the online ones). Standing out isn’t a walk in the park. To REALLY make your mark, you’ll need to do something different. Here are some tips to help you crush it:

• Pick a Niche: Be super specific about WHO you want to teach. Maybe focus on business pros or students preparing for exams.
• Get to Know New Cultures: Understanding your students’ cultures can make your lessons way more engaging.
• Make it Fun: Language classes can be a drag. Hence, mix things up with games, eBooks, or just sprinkle in some humor. 
• Be Online: Build a strong presence on social media and share cool content to attract more students. Find your tribe.
• Team Up: Collaborate with influencers or other tutors to expand your reach and get more students in the door.

Case Study

Tanmay D is an Indian freelancer who has successfully turned his language and math tutoring into a profitable side hustle on Preply. By teaching English, Hindi, Bengali, and math, he has managed to earn a significant income while investing just a few hours of his day. He has shared his entire Preply experience in this video.

15. App Development

This is the ultimate idea on how to make 10k a month. Apps are the new gold. They are everywhere, solving problems, entertaining us, and even making us money. Now, imagine creating something that millions of people CAN’T live without. That’s the power of app development.

However, to build the next big thing, you need to learn the language. And this doesn’t come easy. If you already have an idea/are skilled in this field, you’re already winning. However, if you don’t, here’s what you need to start this business:

• Learn the basics of programming from sources like YouTube and online tutorials. 
• Go for a coding boot camp that will help you with basic programming skills.
• Get a good command of building and testing apps.

Besides this, you can check out some solid resources. Some of the best courses and platforms, especially geared towards those based in the U.S are:

• Udemy: Offers a wide range of beginner to advanced app development courses.
• Coursera: This one’s partnered with top universities. It provides in-depth courses, including certification.
• Codecademy: Another great platform for interactive learning with courses on different programming languages.
• Treehouse: Focuses on project-based learning to help you build apps from scratch.
• General Assembly: Offers exciting boot camps for those serious about app development.

Once your app is up and running, the next step is figuring out how to monetize it effectively. Here are five strategies that are proven to work:

• In-App Purchases: This one is smart. If you want unlimited lives, add extra features. Users pay for additional features or content directly within the app.
• Subscriptions: Charge users a recurring fee for access to premium content or services. This will give you a consistent monthly income.
• Advertisements: Partner with ad networks to display ads within your app. This way, you can earn revenue per impression or click.
• Freemium Model: Offer a basic version for free. Once users get the idea, you can charge them for advanced features and better experience.
• Paid Apps: This one is old school, yet effective. Charge a one-time fee to download the app. However, note that this is ONLY suitable for apps with high upfront value.

Case Study

Steven Cravotta reveals how he builds mobile apps that generate $30K PER month passively. He treats mobile apps as digital real estate that earns money while you sleep. By focusing on Micro SaaS, Steven maximizes the exit potential and builds profitable, scalable apps. His advice: Invest in high-quality app development, target niche markets, and optimize for passive income to achieve significant financial returns. Here in this video, he provides a step-by-step guide on building apps from A to Z that can help you earn money around the clock.

Wrapping It Up

Now that I am done dropping the bomb of how to make 10k a month, it’s your turn to build your empire. Although making 10k isn’t a walk in the park, I have tried putting an option for everyone.

You gotta be ready to hustle and try new things. Pick something you love, give your 200 percent, and watch the cash roll in. But again, achieving this goal requires more than just picking an idea and running with it.

We’ve provided the roadmap, but YOU are the driver. Choose the path that aligns with your interests and skill set. Either way, DON’T forget to enjoy the journey!

What do you think—are you ready to aim for 10k a month?

Which of these income ideas caught your attention the most?

Let’s hear your thoughts or any experiences you’ve had with these methods in the comments below!

And if you’re curious to explore more ways to grow your income and find unique financial insights, stay connected with us on Penchise.

FAQs | Best Ways To Make $10K/Month