As Stay-At-Home Moms, many of us find ourselves needing an income but not wanting to leave the comfort of our homes. Thankfully, a wide array of home-based business ideas for stay-at-home moms can bring in additional money without sacrificing precious family time.
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By doing something we enjoy, such as selling handmade crafts online or providing virtual assistant services to local business owners, we can make extra money for our families while still having the flexibility to take care of our children and other household tasks. With some research and creative thinking, any stay-at-home mom can find ways to supplement her family’s income from the comfort of her own home.
Staying at home with your kids can be a fulfilling experience, but it can also be a challenge. When you’re not working outside the home, you may feel like you have less to show for your efforts than when you were employed outside the home. The good news is you’ll find plenty of ways for stay-at-home moms to earn money—and often more than they would make by returning to work full-time!
You can work from home as a consultant or writer, take on clients as an online tutor, or start your own business. The options available to you are only limited by your imagination and the time you have available each day.
Below, we’ll look at some of the most popular business ideas for stay-at-home moms to earn money and what you should study before starting!
Skills, Abilities, and Things to Learn Before You Start Working Online
To make money online as a stay-at-home mom, you’ll have to learn the skills and abilities to help you succeed.
There are many skills we’d recommend you know, but first and foremost,
If you are new to online work, here are some skills that will help you succeed:
1. A Basic understanding of business principles and economics
This includes knowing how to make a profit, manage costs, and increase the value of your business. However, I don’t mean taking economics classes at a university.
Instead, you’ll want to learn the gritty stuff, like how the expenses of working online compare against the profits you’re earning. This question especially comes up if you’re doing one of two things, both of which need a bit of expense on your part:
● Hosting a website: This is often a good option if you’re trying to get in on the advertising revenue scene. However, hosting a blog or vlog means paying hosting fees, storage fees, and several other small expenses that add up. To reduce the strain, it puts on your personal finances, you’ll want to look for providers with the most competitive fees, like A2 Hosting or Bluehost for WordPress, and start optimizing free marketing techniques like SEO to make the most out of your website.
● Going for online degrees: If you’re going for online degrees to boost your work profile, are you earning enough to offset that cost? If not, you should rethink your strategy. You don’t need a formal degree to be successful in many fields of work, and even if you do want one, you can shop around for course providers that have low fees.
2. An ability to take risks
Online businesses sometimes pay off, but if you have the confidence and determination to stick with it, your chances of success increase dramatically.
The same is true for self-employment. If you’re a risk-taker willing to start your own business, you’re more likely to succeed than someone who prefers the security of working for an established company.
I’m bringing this up because you absolutely have to be open to trying out new ideas. If there’s a new trend going through the Internet, you should be open to trying it out, even if it means taking on a little extra strain or investing a small fee into whatever it is. It’s a risk, but like in many other fields, taking risks is the only way you’ll earn enough to succeed!
3. Gauging Real Job Offers vs. Fake Ones
One of THE most important entries on this particular list, this skill is one that you’re only ever going to learn from experience. You’ll learn how to spot fake job offers, and you’ll also learn what real ones look like.
This is an essential skill you can have in your arsenal as a freelancer because there are so many scams that will try to take advantage of your time and energy.
4. Basic Marketing Skills Anybody Can Learn
Online marketing sounds like a tough nut to crack without a formal education, but today, this scene is evolving. New ways to drive visits and views to your blogs and videos are popping up by the day, and if you’ve got the will to learn, there’s no stopping you. All it takes is a little effort, some time on your hands (this isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme), and a willingness to learn new things.
If you’re already doing this for other businesses or clients, try applying what you know to your marketing efforts. Here are some basic marketing skills that can help you get started:
● Content Marketing: Creating compelling content that resonates with your audience will send them running back for more. Learn how to write good ads that engage readers and compel them to take action.
● Keyword Optimization: Having your business website appear in search results is important, and keyword optimization can help. Learn what keywords to target, how to create a content strategy for those keywords, and how to use them in your copywriting.
● Social Media Marketing: The more you engage with your audience, the more they’ll return for more. You’ll need to create a social media strategy that helps you build relationships and drive traffic to your website.
● Email Marketing: Getting subscribers is important, but keeping them engaged is vital! Learn how to create compelling email campaigns that get results (psst: you’ll find lots of tips online for writing marketing emails, and even some AI tools that will do the entire thing for you once you provide a prompt based on your topic!).
5. The ability to work hard
You can read up for hours and hours, but in the end, you will only get ahead with the willingness to work hard. If you’re looking for a quick fix, this isn’t the place. You’ll need to work (and even suffer through some failures) before you start seeing results.
And now, since you have a basic idea of what you’ll need to start working online, we’ve arrived at the part. Below, I’m going to tell you about the best profitable business ideas you can find online, what they’ll usually involve, and if it’s a good pick for stay-at-home parents or a single bustling momma.
Stay-at-Home Business Ideas
As I mentioned above, you can make money in many different ways from the comfort of your own home. And while most of them involve some marketing or advertising (which is sometimes good), some are more straightforward and freelancer-friendly. In addition, none of these small business ideas require a business plan writer and allow you the flexibility to plan special events with your family. So, here’s a list of my favorite business ideas for stay-at-home moms that want to work online with home business ideas that fit that description:
Graphic Designer
If you’re a stay-at-home mom, there’s a good chance you spend your days working from home. You may be the primary caregiver for your children and other family members, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop working.
A freelance graphic designer is a great business option for stay-at-home moms looking for extra income. And since you’re already home with your kids, it’s not like you need to work outside the house.
As a graphic or web designer, you will work with clients to create beautiful and perfect designs for their needs. A freelance graphic designer has many options, including working from home or at a local coffee shop.
If you’re interested in working as a freelance graphic designer, start by researching companies and individuals who hire designers in your area. You can also start your search online by going to sites such as Freelancer or Upwork.
Freelance Writer
A freelance writing business is one of the best ways to supplement your stay-at-home mom income. It allows you to work from home and control your schedule. Plus, you can work with some of the best companies.
When you start out, it’s important to build your reputation as an expert in your chosen field. For example, if you know how to write well, this will come naturally to you, but sometimes people only see that they’re good at something once they’ve tried it. Creating your own website to showcase your writing can show you have experience. A lot of people start with a website.
The best way to get noticed is by creating content that others will want to read and share with their friends. You can also create content that complements other people’s work and spreads awareness about their products or services. This could be as simple as linking back to them in your article or blog post so that they are more likely to notice your link and connect with you on social media platforms like Facebook.
Social Media Manager
Becoming a social media manager is ideal for moms with flexible schedules. As a social media manager, you’ll manage a company’s social media accounts and content strategy. Depending on your skillset and clientele, you can expect to earn between $500 – $2,500 per month or even more!
It’s important to note that being a successful social media manager requires knowledge of the various platforms available (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) and an understanding of how they work together to promote the company’s brand and message. Even small business owners need help with their social media profiles.
Blog Writing
If you’re a stay-at-home mom who doesn’t have hours and hours for a full-time job, YouTube is a great platform to start a channel. It’s easy to do, and you’ll have an audience from your social circles.
You should consider starting a YouTube channel for stay-at-home moms for several reasons:
1. It’s easy to set up. You don’t need any special equipment or software. You can get started with nothing more than a computer and an internet connection!
2. You can earn money through affiliate marketing. For example, if your audience likes your content, they could be interested in the recommended products. This can help you earn passive income while also growing your channel organically.
3. You’ll be able to learn new skills through video editing, composition, and other related topics. These skills will help you grow your business and keep it running smoothly once it’s established! I have yet to do this. (Forgive me, I’m so introverted)
Writing Blog Posts
One of THE best side hustles in 2023 is writing blog posts, especially for moms with writing skills.
Writing blog posts can be a great way to supplement your income while being able to work from home. It’s also possible to do this from anywhere in the world, which makes it a perfect side hustle.
Even better, because blogging requires little writing time and no upfront investment, it’s easy for anyone to get started. With the popularity of blogging, it’s easy for anyone to create blogs. You don’t need any expensive equipment or technical knowledge. All you need is a computer and ideas! As a result, mommy blogging has exploded, and many busy moms are looking for answers.
Virtual Assistant
One of the best business ideas for stay-at-home moms is a virtual assistant.
Virtual assistant work can be a great way to make extra cash. It’s flexible, allowing you to work from home and set your own schedule. You can even create your website and offer yourself as a virtual assistant for a fee. This home-based business idea has been an excellent way for stay-at-home moms to work around the schedules of their own children.
What does a virtual assistant do? You’ll help clients with various tasks, from writing blog posts to scheduling social media updates. You can also help with email management, research projects, and more. In addition, some people offer virtual assistant services as their side hustle.
However, if you’re looking for a full-time job, this will only cut it if you’re willing to dedicate yourself entirely to it. You can receive 60+ FREE tools to help you work from home and many other free start-up resources to start your virtual assistant business. The average virtual assistant makes about $20 per hour and 59k per year.
Research Assistant
A research assistant helps professors conduct research for their book. In return, you’ll get access to the professor’s notes and papers and experience writing academic papers. If you’re thinking of a career in academia, this is an easy way to start. To do this job well, however, you’ll need to know how to use statistics software like SPSS and have excellent writing skills.
Be warned, however, that if you’re thinking of becoming a research assistant, you’ll have to choose a field to specialize in and have some idea of its basic concepts.
So, for example, if you’re going to be a research assistant in economics, you’ll need to know some basic economic theory. If you’re doing research for an English professor, you’ll have to be familiar with literary criticism and history concepts.
Social Media Influencer
Stay-at-home moms who want to be their boss can also become social media influencers.
While social media influencers are not always paid for their content, some receive compensation or gifts in exchange for the content they produce and post on their social media accounts. The amount of compensation that is offered varies from person to person.
The key is to find a niche you’re passionate about and then create a following of people who share your interests. Next, consider what kind of content you want to produce and how to promote it on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Your audience will be more engaged if they feel part of something bigger than just one person’s personal life.
The best way to become a lucrative social media influencer is by building your following through your social media accounts. That means growing your audience by interacting with them, and while it can be hard work, it’s also an excellent opportunity for a side hustle that needs you to be passionate about the things you like!
Proofreading
A proofreading business is ideal for stay-at-home moms with an eye for detail and a passion for reading. Proofreading involves reading through written text and checking it for mistakes or errors in grammar or punctuation before publication. Strong analytical skills are necessary. To consider starting a proofreading business, you need excellent writing skills and attention to detail.
Bookkeeping
If you’re thinking a bookkeeping business is an excellent idea, it also makes it one of the most lucrative business ideas for stay-at-home moms.
A bookkeeping business may be the perfect opportunity for you. It requires minimal start-up costs and can provide flexibility with working from home. Plus, it’s an on-demand service.
To start your own bookkeeping business, focus on building your skill set and understanding the fundamentals of bookkeeping. Next, determine what services you want to offer, such as tax preparation and payroll services. Then create a plan to market your services and establish fees.
Or cut your learning curve significantly by checking out this very informative training to see how you can start a bookkeeping business. The training will show you how to build a hyper-profitable virtual bookkeeping business!
Related: Why Bookkeeping for Stay-At-Home Moms Is Best
Red Flags When Looking for Freelance Gigs
Looking for freelance jobs is always challenging. Still, if you are determined to go the freelancer route, you must be knowledgeable about your services, the job market, and the economy.
Here are some things to watch out for when looking for online freelance jobs:
1. Make sure you have a portfolio of work that demonstrates what kind of quality work you can produce
Your portfolio should contain samples of different types of projects and different levels of complexity. This way, potential clients can see the quality they will get when they hire you.
You should also have a portfolio of testimonials from previous clients. This will verify that you are a reliable freelancer who delivers on time and follows through with the work. You want potential clients to be reassured that they can trust you with their projects, so make sure your portfolio shows them that you are trustworthy and dependable.
2. Get involved with other freelancers in your niche.
You want to network with other freelance professionals to understand your field. Find active websites or chat rooms where people share best practices for finding freelance jobs. You’ll also find out what types of projects are in demand and how much they pay. This will help you choose good work for yourself to build a reputation as a reliable freelancer.
3. You should be able to talk with clients clearly and effectively so they understand what you’re doing for them and how long it takes you to finish it.
I can’t stress this enough. If you’re thinking of working online, you absolutely should be able to keep a cool head first, second, and third. The Internet is big but can feel very small if you argue with a customer. You need to be able to deal with people who are being unreasonable or difficult without losing your cool.
You must also be aware of cultural differences between countries and regions to avoid offending by accident.
4. You need to have the ability to work well under pressure because sometimes there are times when you have only 24 hours or less between getting paid and having your next project due!
Working under pressure is one of a freelancer’s most remarkable qualities. Of course, this might conflict with your home life, but that’s where experiences come in, right?
What I’m trying to help you understand is that freelancers must be able to juggle many things at once. So, while you shouldn’t be working on so many projects that you’re having trouble getting even one to the finish line, you should be comfortable taking on more significant work assignments without getting pressured.
This can be stressful, but it’s also a good way to learn how to manage your time wisely.
5. Don’t just accept work that you can do, but also look for work that you’re excited about doing (e.g., if you’re an artist, look for art projects)
You might be up for doing any project now, but if you’re still working on stuff that doesn’t interest you after a few months, you will be burnt out. Being burnt out affects your work, and it’s better to be picky about what you do early on than to take whatever comes your way.
How can you do this? A great way to stay energized is to pick projects focusing on exciting topics. For example, if you’re an artist, look for art projects. If you’re a writer, look for writing projects. If you’re into technology and business development, look for tech and startup opportunities (keep in mind that these might be more challenging to find).
You don’t have to turn down work if it’s not something that interests you—remember that it’s okay to say no if something doesn’t fit your goals or interests.
Managing Your Time When Working Online
Time management is a crucial part of working online, and it becomes even more critical if you’re a single mom who has to manage a family too. You’ve got to set aside a part of the day for your online work activities and devote the rest to what you usually do.
And it’s not just about family either. If you’re working 24/7, you’ll be tired and overstressed, and that’s the last thing anybody wants. After all, the extra income source is supposed to make you happy, right?
That’s why below, we’ve outlined some great ideas for creating a balance between your online work life and your personal life:
● Have a plan
Before starting any new project, make sure that you have an estimate of how much time each task will take. This will allow you to avoid wasting valuable time on tasks that don’t need to be done immediately. As well as keeping track of your deadlines will also help manage your expectations and ensure that there’s enough time left in the day for other things (like exercise).
● Set goals
Create a list of tasks, deadlines, and projects that need completion for the week or month ahead. Make sure you know what you want to achieve to manage your time effectively.
● Track your time
Use Toggl — an online timer — to track how much time different projects take and ensure you don’t get swamped by them all at once. It also helps you set realistic deadlines for each project so that you aren’t taken by surprise if something slips through the cracks!
● Stay focused!
When working on multiple projects simultaneously, it’s easy for one task to become distracting instead of helping improve productivity overall. However, keeping yourself focused throughout the day will make meeting deadlines easier without distractions from other projects.
● Be organized
It sounds like a pain, but it always helps to have an itinerary of the day planned out ahead of time so that everything goes smoothly throughout the day. This will help ensure that all tasks are completed on time and efficiently, so you don’t forget projects and must complete them minutes before the deadline.
● Track your income and expenses (the ones related to your online work life)
Knowing where your money is going is important, especially if you’re self-employed. You need to track your income and expenses to determine how well a project or business venture has done.
Investing money into your online work life (for example, ads for your site or a marketing course) also helps you understand your expenditure ratio to income.
Are These Home-Based Business Ideas for You?
The goal of this guide isn’t to make you feel overwhelmed or afraid but rather to encourage you to think about the possibilities that working online has opened up for you. Stay-at-home moms have options.
If you’re interested in making money from your home, These Stay-at-home mom business ideas give you plenty of ways to do so without quitting your day job. It’s definitely not exhaustive, but if you’re planning on working online, this guide’s a great place to start.