In this video and blog post, I want to show you how to set up realistic money goals for your online business. When you first discover the idea of making money online, it is very easy to become enthusiastic. You picture the freedom, the flexibility, and the extra income. However, enthusiasm on its own is not enough. To move from ideas to results, you need clear and realistic money goals.
In this post, I want to share some simple thoughts on setting money goals for your online business. These ideas are based on my own experience and on what I have learned inside the Wealthy Affiliate platform over the years. You can also see the post on my Facebook page here.
Why Money Goals Matter
Many people start an online business with a vague aim such as “I want to make more money” or “I would like to work from home.” The problem with vague goals is that you never really know what you are working towards, and you cannot measure your progress.
When you set a clear money goal, even if it is small, everything becomes easier. A simple, written goal gives you:
- Direction – you know what you are aiming at.
- Focus – you can decide what is important and what is a distraction.
- Something to track – you can see whether your actions are moving you forward.
If you have not already done so, it may help to read my post on the basic process of earning online in,
How Making Money Online Really Works. It will give you a simple overview of how the money actually flows in an online business.
Start With Realistic Numbers
When I joined Wealthy Affiliate, one of the first profile tasks was to set some money goals. Looking back, I probably set mine too high. Big goals can be motivating, but they can also become discouraging if they are completely out of reach for where you are right now.
My suggestion is to start with realistic numbers and build from there. For example, instead of saying “I want to make thousands per month next week,” you might say:
- “I would like my online business to reach £100 per month within the next few months.”
- “From there, I want to build up to £300, £500, and beyond over time.”
There is nothing wrong with having bigger long-term goals, but it is wise to break them down into steps that you can honestly see yourself achieving.
Break Big Goals Into Smaller Milestones
Once you have a main target in mind, the next step is to break it down into smaller milestones. This makes progress feel manageable rather than overwhelming.
Here is a simple example of how you might break down a goal of £500 per month:
- Month 1: Aim for £50.
- Month 2: Aim for £100.
- Month 3: Aim for £200.
- Month 4: Aim for £300.
- Month 5: Aim for £400.
- Month 6: Aim for £500.
You can do the same with non-financial goals that lead towards your income. For example, a certain number of helpful posts, YouTube videos, or visitors to your website each month. These activity goals are often what move the money goals forward.
Track Your Goals Without Becoming Obsessed
Tracking is important, but it is also very easy to overdo it. I know of people who are constantly logging in to their accounts and checking every small change in earnings. The danger is that you can waste a lot of time staring at statistics instead of building your business.
Personally, I think a simple monthly review is enough for most people. Once a month, sit down and ask:
- Did I reach my goal this month?
- Was the goal too high or too low?
- What did I do that worked well?
- What do I need to adjust for next month?
This keeps you in touch with your numbers without allowing them to dominate your day. Most of your time is far better spent creating useful content, improving your website, or making helpful videos for your audience.
Adjust Your Goals As You Learn
Goals are not set in stone. As your business grows and you gain experience, you can adjust your targets. If you find that a goal is far too easy, there is nothing wrong with increasing it. If a goal is unrealistically high, you can bring it down to something more sensible and build up from there.
The key point is to stay honest with yourself. Be real about where you are, the time you have available, and the work you are willing to put in. Steady, consistent progress is better than chasing huge numbers that only leave you frustrated.
How Wealthy Affiliate Helps With Money Goals
You do not have to be a Wealthy Affiliate member to set money goals, but I have found the platform very helpful over the years. It gives you structured training, website hosting, and a community of people who are also building online businesses.
If you would like to see more about what is inside the platform, you might find these posts useful:
- What Is Wealthy Affiliate? A Look Inside The Platform
- Why Wealthy Affiliate Training Really Works
- Wealthy Affiliate Tools Explained
If you are completely new and just want to test things properly before you commit, I also have a step-by-step guide on how to start as a free member here:
How To Start A Free Account At Wealthy Affiliate
Putting It All Together
To bring everything together, here is a simple way to approach money goals for your online business:
- Write down a clear, realistic monthly income target.
- Break that number into smaller milestones over several months.
- Decide what actions you will take each week to move towards those milestones.
- Track your results once a month and make honest adjustments.
- Use training and community support, such as Wealthy Affiliate, to keep you moving forward.
If you want a more detailed look at getting started quickly, you may also like my post
How To Start Making Money Online Within 48 Hours (With Personal Help).
Final Thoughts
Setting money goals is not about putting yourself under pressure. It is about giving yourself a clear direction and a way to measure progress. Start small, be honest, and build gradually. Adjust as you go, and do not be afraid to ask questions or seek help when you need it.
If you have any questions about setting money goals for your own online business, feel free to leave a comment below and I will do my best to reply.