How Do I Make 10,000 a Month Online By Not Blogging, Affiliate Marketing, and Dropshipping?

Introduction

Making $10,000 a month online without blogging, affiliate marketing, or dropshipping may sound tricky, but it’s possible with the right strategies.

A lot of online income methods often seem to revolve around these three popular models, but they aren’t the only options.

There are plenty of other approaches that can be just as effective, if not more so, depending on your skills and interests.

In fact, many people are earning consistent five-figure incomes by using less talked about, but highly profitable methods.

How Do I Make 10,000 a Month Online By Not Blogging, Affiliate Marketing, and Dropshipping?

So, how can I hit that $10,000 a-month mark without following the crowded paths of affiliate marketing, blogging, or dropshipping? Here’s how I can make it happen.

1. Freelancing in High-Demand Fields.

Freelancing is one of the most straightforward ways to build an income online, especially if I have specialized skills.

Freelancers in fields like web development, design, and copywriting can easily charge upwards of $50 to $150 per hour. At that rate, working 20–40 hours a week can bring in $10,000 a month or more.

For example, top-tier web developers are pulling in $70,000 to $120,000 annually, according to Upwork’s freelancer survey. And that’s often for remote, project-based work, meaning no long-term commitment.

2. Online Courses & Digital Products.

If I have expertise in a particular field, creating and selling online courses can be a game changer. Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Gumroad make it easy to get started. Once the course is created, it becomes a source of passive income.

For example, online course creators like Wes Bos, who teaches web development, make over $300,000 a year. I could even bundle courses or sell downloadable guides, eBooks, or templates.

With the rise of e-learning, the global online learning market is expected to reach $375 billion by 2026, which makes now a perfect time to jump in.

3. Consulting and Coaching.

Another lucrative option is consulting or coaching. If I’m knowledgeable in a specific area (e.g., business strategy, health, finance), people will pay for that insight.

A consultant typically charges anywhere from $100 to $300 an hour, and coaching programs can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000, depending on the niche.

With just a few clients a month, it’s entirely possible to meet or exceed that $10,000 goal.

4. Selling on Etsy or Creating Digital Products.

If I’m more creatively inclined, selling handmade products or printables on Etsy is another way to hit that goal.

There’s a huge demand for unique, custom-made items, from jewellery to wedding invitations to home decor. And with digital products, once I create them, I don’t have to worry about inventory or shipping.

For instance, many Etsy sellers make between $1,000 to $10,000+ a month selling products ranging from planners to SVG files.

5. YouTube or Podcasting.

While YouTube and podcasting may seem like indirect versions of blogging, they’re completely different in format.

Video content is growing exponentially, with YouTube creators making significant money through ad revenue, sponsorships, and memberships. Some YouTubers make upwards of $20,000 a month just from ad revenue once they build a loyal following.

I could also monetize a podcast through sponsorships, Patreon supporters, or selling courses/consulting off the back of it. Building a personal brand in these ways might take some time, but once it picks up momentum, the revenue can scale.

Pros of Making $10,000 a Month Through These Methods

• More Control Over Earnings: Unlike affiliate marketing or dropshipping where I depend on third-party platforms, these methods allow me to control how much I earn.
• Scalable Income: Whether it’s consulting or creating courses, I can scale income with more clients or additional products without needing a physical storefront or inventory.
• Utilizes Expertise: Freelancing, consulting, and coaching allow me to leverage my existing knowledge and skills, potentially charging premium rates for specialized work.
• Long-Term Sustainability: Selling digital products, and courses, or working with recurring clients can lead to a more sustainable, long-term income stream.

Cons of These Methods

• Time Investment: Freelancing, coaching, or creating courses takes a significant time investment, especially up front, compared to something more passive like affiliate marketing.
• Client Acquisition: Freelancers and consultants often need to spend time finding clients, which can be unpredictable. Marketing myself will become a regular part of the job.
• Not Entirely Passive: Unlike dropshipping, these income streams (except for digital products or courses) require ongoing work, whether it’s managing clients or continuously creating new content.
• Steep Learning Curve: For things like creating online courses or building a successful YouTube channel, there’s a learning curve, especially when starting from scratch.

Conclusion.

Making $10,000 a month online doesn’t have to involve blogging, affiliate marketing, or dropshipping.

There are many other legitimate ways to build a substantial income, from freelancing to selling online courses, or consulting.

These methods often require specific skills and an upfront time investment, but they offer flexibility, scalability, and the potential for high earnings.

With the right approach, I can build a solid, profitable online income without following the typical paths.

What matters most is finding a method that fits my strengths, interests, and long-term goals. Each approach has its own pros and cons, but with consistent effort and the right strategy, hitting that $10,000 mark is definitely achievable.