Home/r/Entrepreneur/2025-07-13/#making-money-online-2025-starting-from-scratch
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If You Lost Everything Today, How Would You Actually Make Money Online in 2025? (My current state)

r/Entrepreneur
7/12/2025

Content Summary

The post asks for realistic ways to make money online in 2025 starting from scratch with $100-$200 and no followers. The author has tried dropshipping, ads, and TikTok organic growth without sustainable success. Commenters suggest various approaches: freelancing (e.g., video editing, SEO), local lead generation, B2B micro-automation, creating digital products, or getting a job first to gain capital and experience. Many emphasize the importance of starting small, leveraging AI tools, and focusing on niche markets. Building in public and content creation are highlighted as effective growth strategies.

Opinion Analysis

Mainstream opinions favor practical, low-risk approaches: 1) Getting a job first to build capital/experience (supported by u/ehcsor, u/mynameisgiles), 2) Freelancing or local services for quick cash flow (u/Md-Arif_202, u/[deleted]), 3) Digital products for scalability (u/Intelligent_Rip7920). Controversial viewpoints include: a) Debate on online vs offline opportunities (u/SilencedObserver argues trades are more reliable), b) Skepticism about quick online success (u/IseeAlgorithms notes market saturation), c) AI hype vs reality (u/Artforartsake99 sees AI opportunities while u/Decent_Gap1067 points to high costs). Niche strategies like B2B automation (u/anya_020) and ghostwriting (u/Mujtaba_17) gain traction. Overall, most agree online businesses require long-term commitment despite the post's 3-month ROI focus.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
ChatGPTNot specifiedAI AssistantUsed to speed up service delivery in freelancing
MazaalNot specifiedAutomationUsed for B2B micro-automation
n8nNot specifiedAutomationUsed with ChatGPT for automation tasks
CeroNot specifiedGhostwritingTool for LinkedIn ghostwriting
CopilotNot specifiedAI AssistantSuggested for research and idea validation

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty in making sustainable online income
  • High competition in online spaces
  • Lack of capital to start a business
  • Need for quick ROI with minimal investment
  • Saturation in popular niches like dropshipping and TikTok

Problems to Solve:

  • How to start an online business with $100-$200 and no followers
  • Finding a sustainable business model (e.g., e-commerce, digital products, freelancing, local lead gen)
  • Acquiring first clients with zero budget
  • Balancing immediate income needs with long-term business building

Potential Solutions:

  • Freelancing services (e.g., video editing, writing, SEO) using platforms like Upwork or Twitter
  • Local lead generation for small businesses
  • B2B micro-automation solving repetitive tasks
  • Creating digital products with high profit margins
  • Getting a job first to gain experience and capital
  • Hybrid approach: freelancing while building content/audience

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Starting with freelancing to build capital and experience
  • Focusing on niche markets with less competition
  • Building in public to document progress and attract clients
  • Leveraging AI tools to increase efficiency

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Using free platforms like Craigslist/FB Marketplace for lead gen
  • Networking locally and attending events
  • Content creation on TikTok/LinkedIn to build audience
  • Offering free services in exchange for testimonials

Monetization & Product:

  • Digital products for high-margin recurring revenue
  • Retainer-based pricing for services like lead generation
  • Tiered offerings: free lead magnet → email funnel → paid product
  • Micro-automation as a low-cost entry point

User Engagement:

  • Daily content sharing (e.g., tweets) about journey, failures, and wins
  • Building close relationships with local clients
  • Using testimonials and case studies to build trust
  • Community participation on platforms like Reddit for feedback