For many stay-at-home moms, balancing home life with the desire for financial independence is a constant challenge.
Thanks to the digital age and the rapid growth of remote jobs, stay-at-home moms can now earn money from home without sacrificing flexibility.
This guide will take you through some of the best ways to make money as a stay-at-home mom. Whether you’re interested in turning your passions into a business or need an extra income, these tips can help you start your journey to financial freedom.
1. Start a blog
Over the past decade, blogging has become a popular side hustle and a steady income source for many people. As of 2024, there are 600 million active blogs. Among these are stay-at-home moms gaining income with their parenthood-themed blogs, better known as “mommy blogging.”
Here are a few examples:
So why are so many people starting blogs? Here are a few key benefits:
Low start-up costs
Starting a blog is both easy and affordable. You don’t need a significant investment to start and maintain one. All you need is a device where you write blog posts, whether it’s a laptop, tablet, or even your phone.
Several blogging platforms like WordPress provide a great starting point, and many budget-friendly web hosting and design services can simplify setting up your blog with minimal costs.
Creative freedom
Blogging comes in many forms and platforms, making it a great creative outlet for anyone to express their passions, ideas, and expertise. Whether you’re into parenting, travel, fashion, cooking, or health, blogging allows you to share your knowledge with a broader audience.
As your blog grows, so do your opportunities to monetize it. Here are some popular ways you can monetize your blog:
- Affiliate marketing. This allows you to earn a commission when you promote a business’s products or services. You can earn money whenever someone clicks on the referral link you include in your blog.
- Sponsored posts. Companies can pay you to write blog posts about them or their products and services.
- Display ads. If your blog continuously attracts significant traffic, you can generate income using Google AdSense.
Although building an audience and generating income takes time, it’s important to stay patient if you want to evolve your blog into a full-fledged business. Use several digital marketing strategies, like search engine optimization (SEO) and social media to boost your blog’s visibility.
2. Launch an online store
If you have a talent for creating handmade goods, you can sell your own products online to earn extra cash. This is because of the gradual increase in demand for online shopping over the past few years.
Also, more customers are looking for convenient ways to buy unique items from small businesses worldwide.
Here’s how to get started with an eCommerce site:
1. Select a product to sell
Before creating an eCommerce website, consider the products you plan to sell. If you’re crafty, you can sell handmade goods like jewelry, home decor, or clothing. For those lacking craft skills, you can also opt for digital products (printables, eBooks, or digital artworks) or dropshipped items.
2. Set up your online store
You can sell your goods on popular online marketplaces like Etsy, Shopify, and Facebook Marketplace, which make it easy to get started. However, these platforms have limitations, such as listing your products alongside other sellers, which make it harder to stand out.
On the other hand, having your own eCommerce website gives you full control of your shop’s design, branding, and customer experience. With your own site, you can use various marketing strategies like business listings, to drive targeted customers directly to you.
Building your own eCommerce website might seem hard, but you don’t need to be a coding expert to do it.
Web.com’s Online Store Builder makes the process as easy as can be.
3. Promote your website and products
Promoting your eCommerce store on social media lets you target your ideal customers. You can leverage each platform’s various features to showcase your products. If you have an extra budget, you can also try other marketing strategies like targeted pay-per-click advertising.
3. Become a social media manager
With the rise of technology and social media, many businesses seek ways to manage their accounts and pages. This has led to a high demand for social media managers over the years.
As a social media manager, you’ll create and schedule content, engage with followers, and monitor impressions and audience growth. Here’s how to get started:
Here’s how to get started:
1. Learn the basics
If you don’t have any experience in social media management, don’t worry—there are many online courses and free resources where you can learn the basics. These courses will give you in-depth knowledge about social media strategies, content creation, and analytics.
2. Set your service package
Social media managers are in demand, which increases your competition. To stand out among competitors, set a service package that contains what you can offer. This could mean which social media platforms you’ll handle, how many, and which strategies you excel in. You can research to see what’s in demand and the standard rates.
3. Create a portfolio
In addition to your service package, it also helps to have a website portfolio of your social media skills. You don’t have to get clients to build a portfolio; your account is a good starting point. Treat your profiles as if they were for business and create case studies about the results you achieved on your profiles.
4. Find clients
Usually, you can find clients on freelancing websites like Upwork or Fiverr. If you’re having trouble landing a client on these platforms, contact small businesses or startups directly or explore job bulletin boards. Joining social media marketing groups on Facebook or LinkedIn connects you with potential clients.
4. Launch a YouTube channel
If you love sharing your knowledge and expertise but are not confident in your writing skills, starting a YouTube channel could be the perfect alternative to blogging and a source of extra income.
The positive side of starting a YouTube channel is that you can expect a more expansive reach because of the platform’s massive user base. As of 2024, YouTube is the second most-visited website after Google.
Here’s how you can start your YouTube channel:
1. Pick a niche
YouTube offers a vast platform for creators to make content based on any topic, but it’s better to choose a specific niche you’re interested in. This way, you’ll have a more cohesive channel theme, and you can easily attract your target audience.
Whether fitness, cooking tutorials, lifestyle tips, or crafting, ensure your channel’s niche is your passion so you remain motivated and consistent.
2. Optimize your channel
Set up your channel’s layout and appearance with professional-looking logos and images that reflect what your audience can expect from your content.
3. Create engaging content
To grow your channel, you’ll need to attract your target viewers with engaging content they’ll be interested in. You don’t need to buy an expensive camera to record a video. Your mobile phone is enough.
What’s important is the value your content brings to your audience, whether educational, inspirational, or entertaining. Aside from creating relevant content, remember that consistency is key. Try to stick to a regular posting schedule to keep your viewers coming back for more
4. Monetize your channel
Once you’ve started to grow your audience, you can apply for the YouTube Partner Program. However, it’s important to note that monetization is not automatic, and you need to meet specific criteria before your channel can apply for the partnership program. Here’s what you’ll need to have:
- At least 1,000 subscribers
- Over 4,000 watch hours
Once you meet these criteria, YouTube will place ads on your videos, and you can generate substantial income based on impressions, clicks, and views. Aside from ad revenue, you can attract brand sponsorships as your channel grows.
5. Become a freelance writer
For stay-at-home moms who don’t want to maintain their own blog but have excellent writing skills or marketing experience, freelance writing is a fantastic remote work role that offers flexible hours.
Many businesses have a section dedicated to blogs on their website, where you can help them create high-quality content.
Here’s how you can get started as a freelance writer:
1. Compile your sample articles and blog posts
Your portfolio is one of your most important tools in freelance writing.
If you have experience writing blogs or personal writing, you can compile them into a portfolio. Remember to include various written samples to show versatility, such as blogs, newsletters, website copies, social media content, and product descriptions.
2. Choose a specific expertise
While being versatile is an impressive skill to have as a writer, it’s easier to stand out in a crowded market if you have a niche. Additionally, marketing yourself as an expert on one niche can attract high-paying clients who need specialized content.
3. Pitch your services
As a freelancer, you need to reach out to potential clients proactively. You can pitch your services to digital marketing agencies and businesses. Remember to tailor your pitches to their current needs and explain how you can add value to their business.
6. Offer online tutoring
Online tutoring offers stay-at-home moms a flexible way to earn money while balancing family life. If you enjoy helping your kids or other family members with homework, teaching other children virtually for a few hours could be a great side hustle.
Tutoring allows you to help students with their academic struggles, whether you excel in math, English, or other subjects.
Here’s how you can start tutoring online:
1. Determine your niche
Figure out which subject you excel at and at which level you prefer. Are you good at geometry or physics? Or do you excel at teaching elementary-level subjects? You can also offer test preparation for SATs, ACTs, and GREs.
2. Set up your tutoring space
If you prefer to tutor in person, ensure you have a quiet and distraction-free space in your living space for conducting sessions. For virtual tutoring, prepare a reliable computer with a headset, microphone, webcam, and stable internet connection.
3. Choose a tutoring platform
Sign up on online platforms like Tutor.com and Care.com to connect directly with students seeking assistance. Additionally, you can promote your services through your personal social media accounts or local Facebook groups, expanding your reach and attracting potential clients within your community.
7. Participate in online surveys and market research
Although participating in surveys and research might not be as lucrative as the other methods on this list, it is still a great way to earn money. It’s a perfect option for busy parents looking to make extra money in their spare time.
Here’s how to earn money taking surveys:
1. Register with trusted survey sites
Research trusted and legitimate platforms to avoid scams. Some examples of reliable sites include Swagbucks and Survey Junkie. These well-established platforms provide legitimate survey opportunities and are recognized for their reliability.
2. Sign up and verify your details
Complete your profile to receive surveys that match your demographic. This improves your chances of qualifying for more surveys. Also, remember to set up your payment methods for the payout. Some platforms offer cash, and some give gift cards.
3. Check frequently
To maximize your earnings, check these platforms often and take many surveys you can do in your own time. You can also sign up to multiple survey sites to increase the number of available surveys.
8. Start a pet sitting service
Are you an animal lover or have pets of your own? Starting a pet-sitting business or dog-walking service might be a fun and rewarding way for stay-at-home moms to make money.
Many pet owners are looking for reliable caregivers to look after their pets while they are away or during busy workdays. You can offer pet sitting, dog walking, or even daycare in your home.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Research regulations
If you’re making a home-based pet daycare, research safety regulations and business requirements first. Take note that laws vary depending on your location, but there are general rules to follow:
- Facility regulations. This involves meeting building codes related to accessibility, safety, and sanitation. Ensure your home offers all of these for the well-being of the pets you care for.
- Maintenance. Your home-based pet daycare should always be comfortable. Check that your home has the proper ventilation, lighting, temperature, and access to clean food and water.
- Operational regulations. This involves ensuring all pets in your daycare comply with the vaccination requirements and health screenings to avoid the transmission of diseases among animals.
2. Secure permits and authorization
After researching and ensuring your pet daycare follows the rules, get permissions and licenses from your neighborhood association or local authorities. You might also need to secure pet care facility permits, health department inspections, and business permits.
3. Research the market in your area
To check the demand in your area, conduct market research about how many pet owners are in your area and if they need pet-sitting services. You can also get insights into what services they need that you can offer. Also, research what competitors are already offering to see if there’s any gap your services can fill.
Remember that not every pet owner will be a potential customer because many prefer to leave their pet at home or with a family member. Thorough market research helps narrow your target audience better.
4. Finalize your business plan
Once you have gained enough information about the market, you can use this data to finalize your business plan. Your business plan should also consider the following:
- Services. Provide a comprehensive overview of your business’s offers. Highlight your unique selling proposition, which you derived from your competitor research. Also, consider how you’ll charge hourly or per visit for your services.
- Policies and procedures. Develop a set of rules for daily operations, such as feeding, behavior management, and exercise. Consider having contingency plans. Remember to set guidelines for pet owners regarding drop-off and pick-up procedures.
- Tools and equipment. Ensure you have the necessary equipment, such as grooming supplies, dog beds, crates, and toys. These tools should be regularly cleaned and maintained and size-appropriate for the pets you’ll be looking after.
- Marketing strategies. Set measurable and specific marketing goals you want to achieve. For instance, you want to increase brand awareness or grow your social media following. Once you’ve figured this out, plan your marketing strategy to help achieve these goals. An example includes Web.com’s directory services that boost your visibility.
5. Promote your services
As previously mentioned, planning your marketing strategies helps promote your services. While traditional marketing can be helpful, a solid digital marketing strategy is important in today’s market.
Platforms such as Rover.com or a Facebook page are great places to start promoting your services, but having your own website offers more advantages beyond brand awareness.
9. Offer transcription and translation services
If you’re bilingual, multilingual, or excellent with languages in general, offering translations and transcription services can be an excellent source of income. Many companies need help translating their websites, content, and marketing materials to extend their engagement to international customers.
Here’s how to start:
1. Choose a niche
Consider whether you can do both or focus on translation services or transcriptions only. When deciding, it’s important to assess your skills and fluency. Look into what topics you’re passionate about or interested in, whether it’s healthcare, pop culture, or finance. Choosing an industry that interests you keeps you motivated.
Also, evaluate the type of services you will be offering. For example, if you’re offering translation services, mention what materials you can work on (interviews, podcasts, blog posts, etc). Make sure to highlight any specialization that you have on any topic.
2. Look for clients
To find clients, sign up on freelancing platforms. You can also scout for clients on social media such as LinkedIn or Facebook. Some companies also post on job boards.
10. Sell stock photos
If you’re a stay-at-home mom with a creative eye and a passion for photography, you can monetize your skills by sending them to stock photo websites. This provides a great source of passive income because you’ll continue earning money whenever someone downloads your creations.
Note that you don’t need a high-end digital camera to sell stock photos; smartphones are enough to capture high-resolution images.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Choose a platform
There are many stock photo websites where you can sell your creations. Top options include:
These platforms allow you to upload and sell your images to businesses, bloggers, and content creators looking for high-quality pictures. Consider their features, submissions, and payment structures to see which works best for your goals.
2. Research market trends
Since anyone can sell stock photos, you also have many competitors. To stand out, research what’s in demand to see which subjects will be more challenging to stand out or easier to sell. Also, take note of the current market trends.
Here are popular categories to consider:
- Seasonal. This pertains to pictures of major holidays and occasions like Christmas, Halloween, or Thanksgiving.
- Food. If you love cooking and have a lot of food pictures on your phone, you can turn them into profitable stock photos.
- Corporate. This could be pictures of meetings, job interviews, or employees working together.
- Health and beauty. This includes beauty products, procedures, fitness, and healthy living.
- Technology. This could be pictures of your smartphone, computer, or laptop.
- Travel. If you have many landscape pictures from your travels, you can also sell them for extra income.
11. Do data entry
Data entry jobs involve typing, verifying, editing, and entering data into computers. This industry includes various occupations. Here are a few examples:
- Typist. This role requires fast typing speed because it involves transcribing handwritten documents and reports. Before applying for this role, ensure you have a high accuracy rate and a keen eye for details.
- Data coder. This role focuses on managing and inputting coding information into systems and databases. Since it is very technical, you need to have basic knowledge of coding languages, including HTML, CSS, etc.
- Word processor. A word processor is responsible for proofreading and editing existing documents. This role requires excellent formatting and editing skills.
- Virtual assistant. Virtual assistants’ primary duties are usually clerical tasks, but they can also work on creative projects like managing social media or creating presentation materials.
Once you’ve chosen which type of data entry job is the right fit, here’s how to get started:
1. Assess your skills
Different data entry jobs require different skill sets and requirements. It’s important to assess your skills and see if they are up to standard. For example, if you’re applying for a typing job, check if you meet the required words per minute.
Consider getting basic training for technical skills to familiarize yourself with more tools and techniques.
2. Check if you have the right equipment
To get started in data entry, you must have the right tools to do your tasks efficiently and accurately. Here are some of the tools you might need:
- Stable internet connection
- Writing software (like Microsoft Word or Google Docs)
- Spreadsheet software (like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets)
- Communication tools (like email and messaging platforms)
- Time management and tracking tools
- File management and storage
Note that the software and tools required can depend on the company and client.
3. Create a portfolio or resume
Prepare a resume highlighting your skill set, relevant work experience, and certifications. Include your niche expertise or unique selling point to stand out. A well-organized portfolio with a few examples of work also showcases your potential. You can create your own project if you don’t have any relevant work.
For example, if you’re interested in a transcription job, you can choose a public YouTube video or podcast and transcribe parts of it.
4. Check job postings
Once you’ve finalized your resume and portfolio, scout entry-level data entry jobs on freelancing websites and remote job boards. Regularly monitor these websites and tailor your resume to each role to increase your chances of landing your first data entry job.
12. Resell preloved items
If you’ve been decluttering your home and have a pile of preloved items you’d like to get rid of, why not turn them into cash? Aside from holding garage sales, you can also sell secondhand items online.
To start selling your secondhand items, here’s what you need to do:
1. Select a selling platform
From Depop to eBay, there are many resale websites where you can resell preloved items. For clothes, some of the popular platforms include the following:
As for collectibles, books, and other items, you can sell them here:
Each of these platforms has different features and audiences. Explore each site to determine which best suits the item you’re selling.
2. Create a listing
Your listing includes pictures of your item, details, descriptions, sizing, and pricing. Here are a few ways to attract potential buyers with your listing:
- Take high-quality photos that show the item’s condition. Consider the background and lighting, and make sure the background isn’t cluttered.
- Give your item a proper presentation. If you’re selling clothes, you can nicely hang them to show their complete appearance. You can also model them if you like.
- Show different angles. Ensure you have multiple shots of the front, back, tag, and other details. This helps customers see the overall condition of the item better.
- Set the right price. When selling preloved items, the general rule of thumb is to price them according to their condition. However, you should also research competitor’s prices.
Once your listing is live, be responsive to customers’ inquiries regarding the sizing and condition. Be open to negotiating payment and shipping options.
13. Become a travel agent or advisor
If you’re passionate about traveling and love sharing tips with other people, consider starting a travel agency from home. According to Phocuswright’s summary report, 72% of travel advisors are home-based and independent. Making this role perfect for stay-at-home moms.
For this role, you can consider starting your travel agency or working as an independent contractor for a host agency.
Here’s how to get started as a travel agent from home:
1. Build a professional brand
You need an online presence to attract clients. Start by building your brand around your niche or specialties, and enhance your social media page with aspirational travel content that reflects your expertise. Remember to remain consistent when posting content and interacting with your followers.
To stand out from competitors, create a professional website that showcases your services and testimonials.
2. Create an office space
Have a distraction-free designated workspace at home where you can work productively and comfortably. Ensure you have the following remote work essentials:
- Ergonomic desk and chair
- A reliable computer
- High-quality headset
- Printer and scanner
- A dedicated phone line
3. Get training and certifications
If you want to broaden your expertise or gain new skills, sign up for any tourism-related courses. Gaining certifications builds your professional branding and credibility as a travel agent.
Build your home-based business with an enhanced digital presence
Thanks to the internet, stay-at-home moms now have more remote work opportunities than ever to earn money from home without sacrificing time with their families.
Whether starting a blog, offering pet-sitting services, or becoming a freelance writer, there’s a side hustle to match every skill set and interest. To turn your idea into a successful home-based business, consider building out your professional online presence to attract potential customers to your products and services.
At Web.com, we can help your business succeed online. If you need an eCommerce website, our online store builder makes it easy to create a sleek, professional shop that’s ready to sell. If you need a portfolio to showcase your skills, our website builder helps you design a stunning site that puts your best work front and center. And when it’s time to grow your audience, our marketing solutions, like SEO, business email, and PPC, can help you connect with your ideal customers.
Your business deserves a powerful online presence. Create your website with Web.com and start earning today!
