How I Made My First $100 Using Instagram Threads (No Ads, No Selling!)
Introduction
If you're tired of dancing on TikTok, overwhelmed by Instagram reels, and not into cold pitching... Instagram Threads might be your secret weapon.
I used Threads—without running ads, doing affiliate marketing, or selling a product upfront—and made my first $100.
It was simple, faceless, and honest.
This is a step-by-step breakdown of how I did it—and how you can do it too.
What is Instagram Threads?
Instagram Threads is Meta’s text-first platform designed to rival Twitter.
Think micro-blogging meets community building.
Unlike Instagram, where visuals dominate, Threads lets your words lead.
You can post short updates, share opinions, give quick tips, and engage with other creators in a low-pressure way.
My Initial Setup
Here’s what I did first:
- Profile Bio: Clear niche + a value-based tagline
- Pinned Thread: A mini-intro thread sharing who I help and how
- Link-in-Bio: A freebie (more on that below)
Think of this as your digital storefront—even though you’re not selling yet.
How I Chose My Niche
I didn’t pick a trendy topic—I chose one I actually enjoy and know about: faceless digital products.
I focused on helping people launch their first passive product, even if they’re shy, burnt out, or just starting.
💡 Tip: Pick something you can give tips about without needing to Google every time.
The Type of Content I Posted
I didn’t try to be viral—I aimed to be valuable.
Here are examples of what worked:
- “3 tools I use to make money without being on camera”
- “Why your first digital product shouldn’t be a course”
- “Faceless income is the introvert’s dream—here’s why”
Each thread was relatable, useful, and short.
How I Built Engagement Without Selling
A major key to my growth on Threads was conversation, not conversion.
Here’s what I did:
- Asked small questions like “What’s your biggest block with starting a digital product?”
- Replied to comments generously (this boosted visibility)
- Used storytelling in 1-2 thread posts per week
Each post made readers feel seen—and when people feel seen, they stick around.
The Digital Freebie That Built My Audience
This was the game changer.
I created a faceless freebie:
“3 Faceless Income Ideas You Can Start This Week (With Tools & Templates)”
It was a simple PDF made in Canva, with:
- 3 ideas
- Starter tools
- Soft mention of a low-ticket product
I linked it using my Shopify in the bio, and Threads gave it visibility without me pushing it.
Where the $100 Came From
Here’s the moment:
A follower DM’d me saying, “I loved your free guide.
Do you have something I can buy that’s more in-depth?”
I sent them a Notion template I had made earlier for myself.
I priced it at $17, and they bought it—along with 4 others over the next few days.
That’s how I made my first $100—not by pushing, but by serving.
Platforms and Tools I Used
| Need | Tool I Used |
|---|---|
| Link in bio | Shopify |
| Design | Canva |
| Landing page | Gumroad |
| Freebie PDF | Canva & Notion |
| Threads scheduling | Manual (no scheduler yet) |
These free or low-cost tools were all I needed to look polished and stay organized.
How Long It Took to Earn
From posting my first thread to making the first sale:
9 days.
That included:
- 5 threads posted
- 1 freebie launched
- 1 DM conversation
Your timeline may be faster or slower—but if you’re clear and helpful, it does happen.
Lessons I Learned Along the Way
-
You don’t need to go viral to get paid
Small, consistent engagement adds up. -
People pay for clarity
My freebie was simple, actionable, and clean. -
Your vibe attracts your tribe
I leaned into quiet, faceless, non-salesy energy—and it worked.
How to Replicate This Strategy
You can use this exact framework to start earning on Threads:
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Set up your Threads bio | Include a niche + link to freebie |
| 2. Create a faceless freebie | Use Canva to make something helpful |
| 3. Post 3x/week | Mix tips, relatable content, and value threads |
| 4. Add a soft product mention | A $7–$27 product is perfect |
| 5. Stay consistent | It compounds fast! |
Mistakes to Avoid on Threads
- 🚫 Over-selling in every post
- 🚫 Linking too early without context
- 🚫 Copy-pasting viral tweets
- 🚫 Ignoring replies or being robotic
Be real, helpful, and accessible — even if you’re building a faceless brand.
💬 FAQs: Earning on Threads
1. Do I need a big audience to make money?
Nope! I made my first $100 with under 150 followers.
2. Can I do this without showing my face?
Absolutely. Everything I shared was faceless and vibe-first.
3. How do I create a digital freebie?
Use Canva or Notion. Focus on value, not length.
4. What can I sell for under $30?
Notion templates, micro guides, swipe files, toolkits.
5. Can this strategy work on other platforms too?
Yes — but Threads is extra effective because of low competition and high curiosity.
6. Should I launch a product before or after building an audience?
Either works. I recommend starting with a freebie first.
Where to Start If You're Brand New to Threads
Ready to turn Threads into your first $100 but don’t know what to post, sell, or even link?
Start here:
| Starter Step | What Helped Me Make That $100 |
|---|---|
| Learn how Threads actually works | Threads Unleashed |
| Build confidence with content that sells | Overnight Pay Method |
| Create your first digital offer | Mini-Offer Creation Bootcamp (coming soon) |
| Need a push or clarity? | Royal Business Academy (comes with strategy + products) |
Want a shortcut?
Grab Threads Unleashed and follow it step-by-step.
It’s literally the strategy I used to go from “posting for fun” to making my first $100 from a single thread.
✨ Conclusion
Making your first $100 online doesn’t have to be loud, aggressive, or complicated.
With Instagram Threads, you can do it quietly, honestly, and facelessly.
Whether you're building side income or crafting a soft life business — this path is for you.