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How to make $1,000 a week: 10 Ideas for profits in 2025

March 11, 2025 12 minutes

Side hustle made easy – Print, sell, profit.

Wondering how to make $1,000 a week? It might seem like a dream, but with the right approach, it’s entirely possible. Whether it’s extra income on the side or a full-time online business, there are plenty of ways to reach this goal.

From launching a print-on-demand (POD) business to tapping into the gig economy, we’ll cover ten proven ways to earn money with low start-up costs.

Disclaimer

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you.

First things first: Set realistic goals

There’s no magic answer to how to make a grand in a week. It takes strategy, consistency, and the right mindset. You won’t wake up tomorrow and have cash falling from the sky. But with thoughtful planning and action, you can get there.

What’s your target?

Define your goal – are you looking to increase your savings, pay off debt, or quit your day job? Or are you aiming for full financial freedom? Having a specific number keeps you focused, whether it’s an extra $1,000 a week or the foundation of a long-term empire.

Find your approach

Not every money-making method is suitable for everyone. Some are quick and easy, while others take more time but offer greater rewards.

  • Need fast cash? Try freelancing, odd jobs, or selling digital products.
  • Want passive income? Print-on-demand, dropshipping, and affiliate programs are great options.
  • Love social media? Monetize your audience through content creation and brand deals.

Be patient

Making $1,000 a week should be about playing the long game. Some ideas start paying in days (freelancing, gig work), while others take weeks or months to scale (POD, social media). The trick? Stick with it and adjust your strategy as you go.

10 Ideas how to make $1,000 a week

1. Start a print-on-demand business

A smiling woman sitting in a wooden woven chair, wearing a custom “Doing my best” light-purple hoodie.

If you have t-shirt ideas, creative designs, or an eye for trends, POD is a low-risk, high-reward way to make money online. Instead of keeping inventory, you sell custom products (like t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, wall art, and phone cases), and a third-party supplier handles printing and shipping. You make money – they do the heavy lifting.

How it works

  • Pick a POD platform (like Printify).
  • Choose from over 1,300 blank products from the Printify Catalog.
  • Upload your graphics to the Product Creator (or easily create designs from scratch).
  • Connect to your store (Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, and more).
  • Promote your products and start making sales.

Why it works

  • No inventory, no upfront costs – You only pay when you make a sale.
  • Massive profit potential – Scale up and add more products over time.
  • Passive income – Once set up, sales roll in while you focus on growth.

Easily start earning $1,000 a week selling custom products with Printify.

2. Join an affiliate program

A man in a multi-color shirt, sitting on a beach chair, working outside using a laptop.

Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways to earn passive income by promoting products you believe in. It’s a low-effort, high-reward model, especially when choosing the right affiliate program.

How it works

  • Sign up for a trusted program like Printify’s Affiliate Program.
  • Get a unique referral link and share it on your website, blog, social media, or email list.
  • Earn a commission on every successful conversion.
  • Get paid usually on a monthly basis.

Why it works

  • Limitless earnings – No cap on how much you make.
  • Fully passive – Recommend a product once and earn commissions for a year.
  • Perfect for content creators – Monetize a YouTube channel, blog, or eCommerce business.
  • Free to join – No investment, just start earning.
Fun fact

Printify’s active affiliates earn an average of $1,000 per month. Ready to earn thanks to your audience?

3. Become a social media creator

Social media is a real business opportunity. Whether you’re into TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter, creating content can turn into a serious income stream. The key? Building an engaged audience.

How it works

  • Choose a niche that aligns with your interests and skills.
  • Create engaging videos, posts, or blogs that attract interested buyers.
  • Monetize through ads, sponsorships, affiliate programs, and digital products.
  • Grow your platform into a profitable business online.

Why it works

  • Low startup costs – All you need is a phone.
  • Multiple income streams – Earn from brand deals, ads, and affiliate links.
  • Scalable success – Build a following and turn it into a full-time income.

This is a great way how to make $1,000 a week from home – many social media creators easily hit this mark by leveraging multiple income streams.

4. Freelance

A woman typing on a laptop keyboard and searching how to make $1,000 a week.

Freelancing is one of the quickest ways to make money. If you have practical skills, creative talents, or industry expertise, offer services to clients and start earning right away. 

It’s a great opportunity to work on your own terms (though, let’s be honest, freelancing often means working beyond the typical nine-to-five) while building a solid income.

How it works

  • Identify your skills – for example, writing, design, programming, social media, or consulting.
  • Create a profile on Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to connect with your target audience.
  • Offer high-demand services and set competitive rates.
  • Deliver quality work, build your reputation, and scale your business.

Why it works

  • Instant earning potential – Start making money within days.
  • Flexibility – Work when and where you want.
  • Scalability – Turn it into a full-time business or keep it as extra income.

The key to freelance success is niching down and offering in-demand services. Start with one skill, like being a social media manager, price your work competitively, and deliver outstanding results to build long-term client relationships.

5. Fill out surveys or enter data

If you’re looking for a simple way to earn more money, filling out online surveys and data entry jobs can bring in extra income without requiring specific skills. While it won’t make you rich overnight, it’s a great side hustle anyone can do.

How it works

  • Sign up for legit survey platforms like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, or Survey Junkie.
  • Complete paid surveys and get rewarded with cash, gift cards, or PayPal payouts.
  • Find data entry jobs on sites like Upwork and Fiverr – many don’t require experience.
  • Combine multiple survey sites and data entry tasks to increase weekly earnings.

Why it works

  • Zero expenses – All you need is a phone or laptop.
  • Flexible schedule – Work anytime, anywhere.
  • Quick cash – Payouts are often instant or within a few days.

While surveys and entering data alone might not make $1,000 a week, they can be stacked with other income streams. Many freelancers use this as a stepping stone to more profitable online jobs.

6. Sell digital products

A man sitting at a desk, wearing a hat and a check shirt, designing visual assets using a laptop and a PC.

Selling digital products is one of the best ways to earn passive income. Unlike physical items, digital goods require no inventory, no shipping, and no ongoing costs – create once and sell forever.

What to sell

  • Printables – Planners, to-do lists, budget trackers, habit journals.
  • Stickers – For digital use (GoodNotes, Notion) or printable designs.
  • Stock photography – Sell royalty-free images on Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.
  • eBooks and guides – How-to manuals, recipe books, study guides.
  • Graphic templates – Logos, social media posts, business cards, presentations.
  • Courses and tutorials – Teach about topics like freelancing, side hustles, or business growth.

Where to sell

  • Etsy – Perfect for printables, planners, and digital stickers.
  • Gumroad – Great for selling eBooks, PDFs, and online courses.
  • Shutterstock and Adobe Stock – Top platforms for selling stock photos.
  • Your own website or blog – Maximize profits by selling directly.

Why it works

  • 100% passive – Sell the same file repeatedly with zero extra hassle.
  • Low startup costs – All you need is a design tool like Canva or Photoshop.
  • Scalable – Earnings grow fast once you build a catalog of profitable items.

Digital products are great for monetizing your skills and creating long-term passive income. Whether you sell on Etsy, your own website, or stock photography platforms, this is one of the easiest ways to make money online.

7. Do odd jobs or become a handyman

Not into the online hustle? No problem. Odd jobs and handyman services are an excellent way to make extra money fast. If you have practical skills like fixing things, assembling furniture, or basic home repairs, people are willing to pay for your help.

How it works

  • Offer home repairs, painting, or yard work.
  • Sign up for gig platforms like TaskRabbit, Handy, or Thumbtack.
  • Find odd jobs like moving furniture, dog walking, or running errands.
  • Search for local gigs through Craigslist, Facebook groups, or neighborhood apps.
  • Buy secondhand tools to keep start-up expenses low.

Why it works

  • No degree needed – Just willingness to work.
  • Flexible schedule – Pick jobs that fit your time.
  • Fast cash – Many gigs pay same-day or weekly.

This is a great way to build a good income without being tied to a day job.

8. Do gig economy work

A man packing a food delivery bag with multiple food boxes.

If you want more money without committing to a full-time job, the gig economy is your chance to earn on your own schedule. Whether you drive, deliver, or work remotely, there’s always a demand for flexible services.

How it works

  • Drive for Uber or Lyft to earn fast cash.
  • Deliver food or groceries with DoorDash, Instacart, or Uber Eats.
  • Work as a virtual assistant, helping businesses with admin tasks.
  • Sell products through dropshipping or local marketplaces.
  • Offer niche services on Fiverr, Upwork, or TaskRabbit.

Why it works

  • Free entry – Use your phone, car, or existing skills.
  • Flexible schedule – Work whenever and for as long as you choose.
  • Great for gaining experience – Build skills while making extra money online and off.

Combining multiple gigs is a great way how to make a thousand dollars in a week. The benefits of the gig economy are endless – more freedom, more income, and more control over your time.

9. Resell items

Reselling is one of the fastest ways to earn money without creating anything from scratch. Easily scale this into a full-time business or a side hustle by sourcing products for less and flipping them for a profit.

How it works

  • Find undervalued items at thrift stores, garage sales, or liquidation sites.
  • Purchase products at a lower price and list them for resale on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or Depop.
  • Source the products by looking for trending fashion, electronics, and collectible items.
  • Buy discounted items from Amazon, Walmart, or clearances and resell at a higher margin.

Why it works

  • Low overhead – Buy in small batches and scale up as you sell.
  • Quick profits – Some items sell within hours of listing.
  • Limitless potential – Reselling can be a weekend gig or a full-time business.

Example: Someone buys used sneakers at a thrift store for $20 and flips them on Poshmark for $80. With the right sourcing strategy, resellers can make good money.

10. Run a dropshipping eCommerce business

Two women standing in front of a desk with delivery boxes and smiling.

Dropshipping is a low-cost business with high profit. In fact, it’s one of the most profitable product-based business models in eCommerce. 

It lets you sell items without holding inventory – your supplier handles storage, packaging, and shipping while you focus on marketing and sales.

How it works

  • Choose a niche and find trending products using platforms like AliExpress or SaleHoo.
  • Select a reliable dropshipping supplier with a smooth sourcing process to avoid delays.
  • Set up an online store on Shopify, WooCommerce, or another eCommerce platform.
  • Optimize pricing – sell at a higher price than your supplier’s cost for profit.
  • Attract customers with ads, SEO, and influencer marketing.
  • Process orders and let your supplier handle inventory and shipping.

Why it works

  • Low-cost entry – No need to buy products upfront.
  • Scalable – Expand your store with more best-selling products over time.
  • Flexibility – Run your store from anywhere.

Example: A store owner chooses products, say, pet accessories, at a low price from a supplier. They then set a higher price on their website or Amazon and use Instagram ads to target interested buyers. Each sale is pure profit without inventory headaches.

Quick tip

Printify integrates with Amazon, giving you access to a massive marketplace in just a few clicks. Sell print-on-demand products featuring your art or designs through seamless dropshipping.

Tips to stay consistent and start earning $1,000 a week

A smiling young woman in an orange dress sitting outside and working using a laptop.

Making $1,000 a week isn’t just about finding the right opportunity – it’s about consistency and long-term growth. 

Whether you’re freelancing, running a dropshipping business, or working as a virtual assistant, these tips will help you stay focused, attract customers, and maximize your earnings.

Invest in your skills

The more valuable your skills, the higher your earning potential. Take online courses, practice daily, and specialize in high-demand fields like social media management, copywriting, or eCommerce.

Increase your network

Connections lead to opportunities. Engage with customers, business owners, and fellow freelancers on platforms like LinkedIn, Fiverr, and Reddit. The benefits of networking? More referrals, higher-paying gigs, and repeat purchases from loyal customers.

Try multiple ideas

Mix active work (like freelancing or gig jobs) with passive income streams like selling digital products. Testing different business models helps you find what works best for you.

Track and adjust

Monitor which strategies bring in the most money and adjust accordingly. If one method isn’t working, pivot. If customers purchase more from a certain sales channel, focus on scaling that stream. Tracking progress is key to long-term success.

Quick tip

The benefits of staying consistent? More financial freedom and saving money while building a sustainable income.

Start a print-on-demand business with Printify

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Sign up

Create a free Printify account and access a global network of Print Providers. No start-up costs or inventory needed – sign up and start selling.

Pick your products

Choose from over 1,300 customizable products – apparel, accessories, home decor, and more. Select high-demand items to maximize profits.

Design your products

Upload artwork, create mockups, and customize designs with Printify’s free tools like the pattern creator, photo background remover, AI image generator, text editor, and more. Simply drag, drop, adjust, and list in your store.

Decide where to sell and focus on growth

Seamlessly connect your store to platforms like Etsy, Shopify, Amazon, and more with our easy integrations. Attract buyers with effective marketing strategies and scale your business risk-free – Printify’s trusted partners will handle fulfillment.

FAQ

Combine multiple income streams like freelancing, POD, reselling, or gig work. Offer your expertise in fields with real demand, scale your efforts, and stay consistent. Clever pricing, low start-up costs, and targeting the right buyers will help you hit your goal.

Earning $1,000 a week equals $52,000 per year before taxes, assuming a full-time schedule. Freelancers and entrepreneurs earning this amount often have flexible work hours and multiple income sources.

Depends on your location and lifestyle. In many places, $1,000 a week is a good income, covering expenses and allowing savings. However, costs vary, so maximizing profit margins and reducing expenses is key.

Yes, $1,500 a week translates to $78,000 a year, the average US income. This level of earnings provides financial flexibility, the ability to save money, and room to invest or scale a business.

How to make $1,000 a week: Conclusion

Making $1,000 a week is about strategy, consistency, and playing the right game. Whether you’re stacking side hustles, working as a virtual assistant, flipping finds from garage sales, or starting a print-on-demand business with Printify, the opportunities are out there. 

This article has covered side jobs almost anyone can tackle – no fancy degree or big investment needed. Found your perfect opportunity? Pick your lane, take action, and start earning.

Make it your way!

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