Earlier this week, I got an email that stopped me in my tracks.
It was from a 78-year-old man, living on Social Security, who’d been exploring ways to earn money online. He’d come across ChatGPT Cash Stack and other systems I’ve shared.
Here’s what he said (I’m summarizing):
“I have the time – I just don’t have the focus or big-picture understanding to make all the pieces work. Can someone with limited knowledge still earn money with your systems? Do you really think it’s possible for someone like me to go from Social Security to $1,000/week?”
I’ll be honest…that email hit me in the heart.
Because I do believe it’s possible. But only if we tell the truth about how to actually get there.
Not with hype or push-button dreams.
And not by trying to do everything all at once.
So today, I want to share the real way beginners of any age can start making money online. Whether you’re 48 or 78, here’s how to build something small, simple and sustainable.
If you’re more advanced, there’s something here for you too – I always think going back to basics is the best way to remind yourself of the foundational principles of success and check that yours are firmly in place.
Step 1: Start with your email list (your digital safety net)
You don’t need a website or social media or even a product to get started.
What you do need is a way to collect email addresses from people who are interested in what you’re sharing. This is your most valuable asset online because you own this audience.
Free & beginner-friendly options:
- Beehiiv – Clean and simple to use, with powerful features for growth. Sign up for Beehiiv here
- Kit (Free plan) – Great support and automations, designed for creators. Start with Kit’s free plan
- MailerLite – Very beginner-friendly with free landing pages and automation. Explore MailerLite’s free plan
Step-by-step guides:
- Video Guide: Beehiiv Tutorial For Beginners | How To Use Beehiiv (Published Jan 2024, still very relevant)
- Kit Academy – Start Your Newsletter (A comprehensive guide from Kit)
- Podcast Episode: Listen to an episode on list building from a leading podcast. The Smart Passive Income Podcast has many episodes on this topic. Here’s their main podcast page; you can search for “email list” within their episodes: The Smart Passive Income Podcast
Step 2: Create a free giveaway (aka lead magnet)
This is what you offer people in exchange for joining your email list. It’s often called a lead magnet because it “magnetizes” leads (potential subscribers) to your list.
It could be:
- A simple checklist
- A 1-page guide
- A short list of tips or tools
Tools to create one:
- Canva -Try searching “lead magnet” or “checklist” for stunning, easy-to-customize templates. Design on Canva for free
- ChatGPT – Use this prompt: “Create a simple checklist for beginners who want to start making money online. Make it clear, friendly, and one page.”
After ChatGPT gives you the content, copy and paste it into Canva to make it visually appealing!
Need help visualizing it?
- Video Guide: How To Create a Lead Magnet In Canva (Checklist, Cheat Sheet, Ebook) (Excellent, detailed tutorial from Dec 2024)
- 21 Lead Magnet Examples That Convert [+ Templates 2025] (A comprehensive article with great ideas.)
Step 3: Build your email collection page
This is the one small page you’ll share to offer your lead magnet. It’s called an opt-in page or landing page. The goal is simple: get people to enter their email address.
No code, no tech headaches. These tools make it incredibly easy.
Tools to build one easily:
- Kit Landing Pages (Free) – Seamlessly integrates with your Kit email list. Create a landing page with Kit
- Carrd – Just $19/year (or free for basic sites) and perfect for simple, one-page sites. Build a simple site with Carrd
- MailerLite’s Free Landing Page Builder – Drag-and-drop ease, built right into your MailerLite account. Discover MailerLite’s landing page features
How to do it:
- Kit: How to Create a Landing Page & Forms (Kit’s official guide)
- Carrd Website Tutorial for Complete Beginners (A clear walkthrough from April 2024 by No Code MBA)
Step 4: Add a small offer or recommend tools you trust
This is where the income begins. And it doesn’t have to be your own product right away! Many beginners start by recommending tools or products they already use and trust.
You can start by:
- Creating a $5 or $10 digital download (like a guide or printable)
- Or promoting affiliate products (you earn a small % when someone buys through your unique link)
Affiliate platforms that work well for beginners (besides WarriorPlus):
- Amazon Associates – Easy to use, wide range of products. Join Amazon Associates (This is the UK link. Adjust to .com, .ca, etc., based on your audience.)
- Creative Fabrica – For digital creatives (fonts, graphics, craft patterns). Become a Creative Fabrica affiliate
- ShareASale – A large network with programs for many different niches. Explore ShareASale programs
- AppSumo – Great for tools and software deals, often with generous commissions. Check out AppSumo’s affiliate program
Create & sell simple products with:
- Payhip – Free and super easy to set up your digital storefront. Sell with Payhip
- Gumroad – Also beginner-friendly, designed for creators selling digital products. Start selling on Gumroad
Tutorials:
- Video Guide: 5 Steps to Create & Sell Your First Digital Product (Without the Overwhelm) (Published June 2025, very current and actionable)
- Affiliate Marketing for Beginners: A No-Fluff Guide by Authority Hacker (Excellent, comprehensive resource.)
- Podcast Episode: Listen to this episode from The BossBabe Podcast on digital products: Digital Products I Would NOT Create If I Were Just Getting Started (Relevant from Jan 2024)
Step 5: Share it – no tech, no hype
Now, all you need to do is gently point people toward what you’ve created. Don’t overthink it; start where your potential audience already spends time.
Start with:
- Sharing your link in helpful Facebook group comments (where allowed and relevant, don’t spam!)
- Posting tips from your freebie on Pinterest with a link back to your opt-in page.
- Repurposing your content into short blog posts or emails (even just a personal email to friends and family).
Helpful tutorials:
- Video Guide: Pinterest Marketing Best Practices for Beginners (Published Jan 2025, current and helpful)
- The Secret Way To Explode Your Traffic With Facebook (A good article on strategic Facebook group use from Feb 2025)
- Podcast Episode: Listen to “My Favorite Strategies to Build an Audience Without Social Media” from Health Coach Power with Michelle Leotta (Published Sept 2024, highly relevant for your audience).
Ultimately, you have to do this one step at a time.
To the 78-year-old gentleman who wrote to me:
Yes, you can absolutely do this. You don’t need to master everything at once. You do need a simple system and the patience to go one small step at a time. Whether you’re 38 or 78, it’s not too late. You’re not behind.
And the path forward doesn’t need to be complicated.
To answer another part of your question, ChatGPT Cash Stack can help you create all the content mentioned here along with products. ChatGPT Traffic Stack can help you get eyeballs to all of those things so you get leads, subscribers and buyers. What you need is the structure I’ve laid out here and I promise that it’s simple enough to set up.
To help you even more, I created a fillable checklist you can use alongside this to make sure you cover all the steps in the right order.
You can download that by clicking here
Your TED talk this week will help you by encouraging you to try something new for 30 days…I recommend you try putting all I’ve given you here into action:
I realise this is a lot so I’ll be giving you more on this topic in next week’s newsletter.