When I joined Skool 19 months ago, I had no grand plan to turn it into a profit center.

I just wanted a simple, private place to host my community for digital and print-on-demand creators — somewhere that felt friendlier than Facebook and simpler than a full-blown course platform.

But here’s what happened: over those 19 months, by posting short pieces of helpful content and offering a bit of free coaching, I’ve made a net profit of $9,333.45.

And I do it while spending between 5 and 20 minutes a day, about five days a week.

🎯 The Premise: Build, Don’t Chase

When most people think “online income,” they picture funnels, ads, or complicated launches.

What I built on Skool was much lighter: a community that sells itself because it delivers quick wins and genuine connection.

I post simple things:

• Canva templates that members can use instantly
• Quick digital product ideas that spark action
• Encouraging “mini-lessons” about Etsy, Shopify, and print-on-demand

The content is valuable, but more than that — it’s personal.

Members feel seen, and that’s what keeps them subscribed month after month.

💸 The Numbers

Here’s the part most people skip. Let’s get real:

• 19 months active
• Total Gross: $11,223.45 — Net Profit After Skool Fee: $9,333.45
• Average monthly time commitment: ~6 hours total
• Startup cost: Skool Premium ($99/month at the time) #affiliatelinks
• Current cost: Skool Basic ($9/month)

When Skool introduced its new $9/month Basic Membership, I downgraded immediately — because the platform already does everything I need:

👉 community + classroom + calendar + DMs in one place.

That simple switch massively improved my margins overnight.

Now, every dollar after that $9 fee is almost pure profit.

⚙️ What I Actually Do Each Week

People assume I’m glued to the screen all day, but here’s my real schedule:

🕓 Monday–Friday:

• 5–10 minutes posting or replying to members
• One short video or PDF uploaded per week
• I comment, encourage, and spotlight success stories

That’s it. No endless content calendar. No live calls unless I decide to go that route. Right now, it is inspirational daily posts and new content.

The community runs on momentum and good vibes — not algorithms.

🤖 What I Teach Inside

My niche is simple: helping everyday people create and sell digital + print-on-demand products.

I show how to:

• ➡️Use AI tools like ChatGPT to write and design faster
• ➡️ Done-for-you Product mockups in Canva
• ➡️ List and promote on Etsy or Shopify
• Bundle digital downloads for recurring income

And the cool part?

Many members have used some of these guides (in particular, Pinterest) to see their first sales come in. Watching that happen keeps me motivated to keep showing up. And one of my long-time members just opened up her own new Skool — that really made me super happy.

🔄 Why Skool Works (When Other Platforms Don’t)

I’ve hosted communities on Facebook, Thinkific, a Wordpress blog — you name it.

But Skool feels different because:

• Members see everything in one feed (no disappearing posts)
• The gamified levels actually encourage engagement
• It’s lightweight, clean, and distraction-free

And now, at $9/month for the Basic plan, it’s one of the best returns on investment I’ve ever had.

📊 Lessons Learned Along the Way

1️⃣ Keep it consistent. Posting five minutes a day beats ghosting for weeks.
2️⃣ Give free coaching. It builds trust — and your members will happily buy your paid courses later.
3️⃣ Simplify everything. You don’t need fancy funnels. One clear offer, one link, one goal.
4️⃣ Downgrade expenses early. Profit isn’t how much you make — it’s how much you keep.
5️⃣ Celebrate every milestone. My first $500 felt as good as $9,000 because it proved the system worked.

✨ Final Thoughts

There are plenty of flashy “AI side hustles” out there promising instant riches.

But this quiet little Skool community has been my most stable, authentic stream of income — and one of the most enjoyable to maintain.

If you’re building your own digital or print-on-demand business, remember:

You don’t need to overcomplicate it. You need consistency, connection, and one good system that fits your lifestyle.

Mine just happens to be Skool because my members love it, and it’s a happy place for me online!

⚖️ Disclosure & Earnings Disclaimer

All income figures mentioned are real but not guaranteed for anyone else.
Results vary depending on effort, niche, and strategy. This post is for educational and inspirational purposes only — not a promise of future earnings.

But within minutes, I had a 10-chapter outline, a book title, and a strange feeling that something had just changed forever.

What started as an experiment turned into a real digital product — one that started selling faster than I could post about it.

Let’s be real — the internet is changing fast.

AI isn’t just some buzzword anymore. It’s a digital assistant, a business partner, and for creative entrepreneurs — a shortcut to freedom.

If you’ve ever dreamed about making money online or building a business that runs even while you sleep, this is the post to read.

💡 Step 1: Choose the Right Ebook Topic

Every successful ebook starts with one thing: a topic people actually want.

You don’t need to be an expert — you just need to solve a problem or inspire action.

Here’s how I find winning ideas:

• Search Pinterest or Etsy for trending “how to” topics.
• Type your niche into Google + “ideas” or “checklist.”
• Use ChatGPT or AnswerThePublic.com to discover what questions people are asking. Here are some of my personal results…

=>If you want more details, check out the entire process here…

Once you have a few ideas, pick one that excites you. Passion makes your writing flow easier — even if AI does most of the heavy lifting.

🤖 Step 2: Let AI Do the Heavy Lifting

This is where things get fun.

Open ChatGPT (or your favorite AI tool) and say something like:

“Create a 10-chapter outline for an ebook called [Your Topic] that helps beginners take action.”

AI will map it all out for you — chapters, sections, and even titles. Then, go one step further:

“Write Chapter 1 in a friendly, conversational tone with real-life examples.”

Just like that, you’ve written your first chapter in minutes.

💬 Pro tip: Don’t just copy and paste. Add your own experiences, stories, or opinions. That’s what makes readers trust you — and buy from you later.

🎨 Step 3: Design Your Ebook Like a Pro (Without Being a Designer)

Head over to Canva.

Choose an ebook or A4 page template and drop in your AI-written content. Add photos, icons, and a splash of your brand colors.

It’s easier than you think — Canva does most of the work.

When you’re done, download your file as a PDF. Boom — your ebook is ready to sell.

=>Want some Canva Templates already set up for you? Check this out.

💰 Step 4: Set Up Your Digital Store

Now it’s time to put your creation in front of buyers.

If you use Shopify, you can upload your PDF as a digital product and let apps like Digital Downloads by Shopify handle delivery automatically.

Or list it on Etsy, Gumroad, or Stan Store if you prefer simpler setups.

Pricing ideas:

• $7–$17 → Mini guide or checklist
• $27–$47 → Full ebook or workbook bundle
• $97+ → Ebook + video course bundle

(I sell a few AI-powered packs like this inside my own store, and they sell daily.)

📈 Step 5: Market It the Smart Way

Don’t just publish and pray.

Here’s how to get traffic that actually converts:

• Create Pinterest pins that lead to your product or blog post.
• Write short Medium posts like this one that link back to your store.
• Share before-and-after AI examples on TikTok or Reels.
• Use a simple Facebook ad ($5–$10/day) targeting side hustlers or creators.

💥 Each click adds up — and a single good post can keep bringing in buyers for months.

🧩 Step 6: Turn One Ebook Into a $1,000/Day System

Here’s the real magic: don’t stop at one ebook.

Bundle your ebooks, add Canva templates, or record short video lessons.

Each layer adds more value — and more profit.

A few examples:

• 376 “How-To” Ebook Ideas (great for writers)
• =>AI + Canva Ebook Templates (done-for-you design
• =>Now, I have my ebook, how do I sell it?
• Etsy 300 Digital ideas

You get the picture.

Bundle everything together, and suddenly you’re not just selling an ebook — you’re selling a system.

⚖️ Quick Reality Check

It’s tempting to think AI = instant money.

But like any business, results take consistency, creativity, and courage.

AI doesn’t replace your effort — it amplifies it.

You bring the vision. AI brings the speed. Together, they build something real.

✨ Final Thought

Whether you want to make an extra $500 a month or scale to $1,000+ days, it starts the same way — with your first digital product.

One ebook. One idea. One upload.

You don’t need to wait for perfect — you just need to start.

=>Get the detailed version with free templates here.

⚖️ FTC Disclosure & Earnings Disclaimer

Results, income, or earnings mentioned in this article are not guaranteed and are provided for educational purposes only.Your success depends on your effort, timing, and strategy. Always do your own due diligence before starting any business.

🛍️ Founder of Kristie Chiles Co. — where everyday entrepreneurs learn to build profitable printable + digital product businesses.

💌 If you’d like to see the exact AI templates and ebook system I use, you can check it out here:

👉 All-Access Ebook Empire Pack

But when you are new to online marketing, it is difficult, if not impossible without hiring a team of developers or learning the techie skills yourself to set up a website, a lead capture page, and an email autoresponder. In the emaoil autoresponder, you are required to write a series of never-endong follow-up emails to “nurture” your audience to make a sale of that product you are raving about.

Why is this so necessary you may wonder? I am glad you asked! Remember the last time you set down to watch a movie with “free” ads and you almost went crazy having to see the SAME commercial over and over? That is purely inentional because sales psychology goes like this. A person needs to see the same message at leasst 7 times before makign a ppurchase. That is why at the end of what should have been a 30 minute sitcom, you wind up sitting ther for an hour annoyed because the rest of those 60 minutes was filled with mind-numbing commercials about products that your demographic buys.

Enter the world of buildling an email list. How can you “buy” an email list that is permission based marketing on a daily basis? there is a website that provides 100 leads a day from people who have agreed to “see” similar kemail business opportunities. That’s where My Lead Gen Secret Email Software enters the picture.

Unless you have a free way of generating leads, you will have to choose at some point to “buy” the audience of others. The other way you could get a “free” audience is to go online and find blogs and other websites of prople who have audiences similar to yours.

And there really is no such thing as “free” ways of marketing your offers, if you are spending hours making videos for Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, Facebook or Tiktok. You are “spending” your precious time, so in reality, it’s really not “free” after all. The only thing we cannot buy is time. So, with that in mind, having someone else go to the work of setting up a website and buying leads that are United States based, is crucial (and helpful too).

The pros and cons of My Lead Gen Secret.

The pros are that it is a website with a built-in autoresponder and built-in leads. You can even buy the upsell that is pre-written emails that you can tweak or use as is. I would recommend that you tweak them to make them sound like “your voice.” If you don’t know what your online voice sounds like, just use the recommended emails after you edit them to not sound too salesy. They often a very low-ticket solution to a very real problem of having to generate leads and an audience to market “how-to” offers and services.

The cons are that I would like to be able to send emails every 12 hours, but that is probably too frequent so the system regulates my aggressive email style which is really a pro.

Overall, I am very pleased with my results having just rejoined in 2024. I logged in and found $41.00 of unclaimed recurring sales. I was delighted and the payout was within 12 hours.

Plus, you get 100 new leads a day, plus other perks.

=>Take a look at all of that offer here.

1. Building an Email (Subscriber List)

At the heart of my online ventures lies a powerful asset — my email list. If all else goes south, I can depend on my email list. The company I use has proven to be reliable and doesn’t mind affiliate links, so I’ve stuck with it for a long time. Daily building this list through Pinterest and Youtuve videos and and nurturing a community of engaged subscribers is not just a marketing tactic; it’s a strategic investment in the future of my business. And I highly recommend it. Had I listened to other successful entrepreneurs earlier in my adventure of working online, I would have built a larger list much faster!

Through compelling content, exclusive affiliate offers, and personalized daily emails, I’ve transformed casual onlookers into a dedicated audience and for this, I am so grateful. This is truly key to being able to generate potential income through email marketing. This simply works.

The process of constructing this email empire involves more than just collecting addresses. It’s about creating a value exchange, where subscribers receive content that resonates with their interests and challenges. By consistently delivering high-quality material, I’ve earned the trust of my audience, turning one-time visitors into repeat customers who buy again and again.

The real magic happens when it’s time to monetize this cultivated relationship. From product launches to exclusive promotions, my email list becomes the gateway to a myriad of income opportunities. Whether introducing a new service or offering a limited-time discount, the engaged audience eagerly responds, turning these campaigns into profitable and worthwhile daily events. I wake up, write an email about my newest product such as this one creating a quick website with Canva, or review someone else’s products and hit SEND.

2. Affiliate Opportunities.

In the vast expanse of the online marketplace, strategic alliances can be a catalyst for financial growth. The second pillar of my online revenue strategy involves affiliate marketing — a symbiotic relationship where everyone wins. By carefully selecting products or services that align with my audience’s interests, I send targeted affiliate emails.

How do I know what my audience is most interested in?

If I offer them three free PLR daily printables that they can download instantly and turn around and resell for profit and they put in their email in the form. They have essentially said Yes, I am interested in printables and planners. This niche tripled my income in 2020 by promoting a simple form on Pinterest giving away this appealing offer.

By leveraging the goodwill I’ve established with my subscribers, I introduce them to valuable solutions that genuinely enhance their lives, or their wish to build their own online business. My latest offer is a simple brief video showing how to create a simple website with a graphic tool (free to sign up) called Canva. Simultaneously, I earn commissions for each successful referral, creating a win-win scenario.

The key to affiliate alchemy lies in authenticity. I only endorse products or services that I genuinely believe in, ensuring that my recommendations align with the expectations and needs of my audience. This approach not only preserves the trust I’ve cultivated but also enhances the overall credibility of my brand.

3. Printables Profits in Membership Bliss:

Recognizing this, and in my desire for some monthly recurring revenue, I decided about a year and a half ago to again dip my toe into the membership model. It has proven to be a wise move. After my experience with Pinterest and promoting printables in 2020 profitably, I dove into the realm of selling printables through a monthly membership site. The concept is simple yet powerful — creating visually appealing and useful printables that cater to my audience’s needs. Plus, it also comes with marketing materials already ready to download including Canva Video Pins and Instagram Video Pins which have proven to be an audience pleaser.

The membership site serves as an exclusive hub for those seeking premium content. By offering a diverse range of printables — from planners and checklists — I’ve created a space where members feel a sense of belonging. This not only generates a consistent stream of income but also establishes a loyal community invested in the value my brand provides.

Moreover, the membership model encourages recurring revenue, as members pay a subscription fee for ongoing access to exclusive content. This steady income stream contributes to the overall financial stability of my online endeavors, allowing me to plan for long-term growth and expansion.

In conclusion, the success of my online ventures is rooted in the strategic integration of these three income-generating strategies: building an email empire, practicing affiliate alchemy, and exploring the profitability of printables within a membership framework. By continually adapting and innovating, I’ve not only diversified my revenue streams but also built a resilient and flourishing online business. If that is useful for you, let me know? And if you would like three free printables, start here. Wishing you much success.

What is print on demand and how is it changing the landscape with online sellers?

Etsy (a huge buyer’s marketplace) is likened to an “online mall” where millions of people go to shop. It is filled with both handmade and “made to order’ items such as shirts, hoodies, pillows, tote bags and baby onesies, just to name a few.

What is unique about Etsy is that most people come here to buy versus browse which presents a unique opportunity for sellers. I happen to be both. I love to sell on Etsy and I love to buy on Etsy, so I’m speaking from personal experience.

My daughter-in-law was able to retire from her fifth grade teaching position when her Etsy income actually replaced her teacher’s salary within about a year’s time, but her sales fluctuate every season.

However, as an online marketer, I sat up and paid attention and began to market my own Etsy shop with fresh and renewed enthusiasm.

Plus, it is a much more “viable” position to tell your relatives at the family reunion, when they ask…now what IS it you do for a living again?

If you say “affiliate marketing” it is greeted with a blank stare, and a polite clearing of the throat….Oh I see! But the truth? They don’t really “see” at all, and it is certainly not their fault.

But when you say, “ I sell tshirts,” they immediately mentally conjure up the last time they saw some hanging on a rack at the local department store, and they feel assured that you’re doing okay after all.

But family pride aside, the opportunity for selling any “physical” item online has recently increased dramatically. According to stats gathered from the internet, online e-commerce is growing by leaps and bounds. While traditional brick and mortar stores are hosting “WE ARE CLOSING” sales, online sales and predictions have never been better.

So, when is the best time to open your own online store, be it Etsy or another platform? The best answer? Now. Yesterday. This minute if you can. We hosted a free webinar to show you an overview of how you can open your own Etsy shop very quickly, if you’re able to cut and paste. If you’re not, then you can certainly learn.

The best news is that people buy all year long. Think through this with me for a moment. It is ALWAYS someone’s birthday. Someone is ALWAYS having a wedding shower, or announcing “I’m pregnant”! Every summer people graduate from nursing school, pharmacy school, or how about just plain ‘ol high school. If you’re lucky enough to receive an invitation in the mail, your next thought is, what should we buy them as a gift?

That’s when Etsy comes into play because many items can be “customized”, even print on demand items. That’s why I love Etsy and Print on Demand. You can provide what the Etsy buyer (you and me), loves and customize it too. After all, with Print on Demand and Etsy, you CAN have your cake and eat it too! (Complete with YOUR name on it)…and it doesn’t get any better than that.

Sign up for our Free Webinar (have your favorite beverage and cake on hand to enjoy while you watch). We promise not to bore you. In fact, you’re only 60 minutes away from opening your very own online store. Join us here.

I don’t recall where or who first introduced me to Clickfunnels and Russell’s ongoing success building sales funnels. Looking back on my online journey, I’m really happy that the introduction was made via a random email.

I’d like to introduce you to Russell by “giving” away his Free Book (you pay the postage). His books are ALL golden and all the marketing geniuses rave about them, with good reason. Russell has gone from rags to riches to rags to riches, so he’s very “REAL” about what works and what doesn’t. Even though some of Russell’s methods are a bit “hypey,” I’ve found that his program is legitimate, and his sales methods are world-class.

Russell’s goal is to get you to enter into his sales process at the beginning of his sales funnel by asking you to join his subscriber list which leads you to other products in his “sales funnel.” It is like the idea of “do you want fries with that?” upsell that the fast food restaurants use all day long to get us to buy that one more THING! Then, you’ll be introduced to his software called “Clickfunnels” which allows you to build sales pages that link to each other creating an “experience” without feeling like you’ve been “sold” to.

They work for digital products, ecommerce stores, real estate leads, and any other business that requires customers to build their business. So, practically anyone with a business to run!

Using and promoting Clickfunnels to sell a teaching video course has brought us:

• SALES KNOWLEDGE & INSIGHT
• CUSTOMERS
• AFFILIATE COMMISSIONS
• VIDEO TEACHING COURSE SALES

In fact, I’ve made affiliate commissions from simply sharing one of Clickfunnel’s banners on my website and Pinterest as well. Clickfunnels’ email follow-up sequence follows up with your customers like clockwork

The best part? It can also help you to begin to build your ownlist of subscribers that you can email weekly with similar offers. It all works together like a huge puzzle.

However, it is very easy to go into “overwhelm” mode, so I would suggest learning from a successful marketer like Russell, who is offering his free book (you do have to pay for shipping). Russell will take you one step at a time.

There’s a lifetime of free training available for you by watching Russell’s videos and reading his blog, so be sure to take advantage of that and soak up every word to learn from a successful online entrepreneur.

It will be an amazing step for you to discover how to create a passive income online for many years to come. As a former teacher, I love people who can “teach it” and Russell is one of those guys. You can get your copy of that book here. Stay tuned as I will be talking more about Clickfunnels and how it can help you build your business online.