If you are a stay-at-home mom looking for business ideas, look no further. Let’s make one thing clear: stay-at-home moms already have a job. In fact, they have several. Salary.com estimated that if stay-at-home parents were to be paid for their jobs, they would easily have a salary of $184,000. Stay-at-home parents deserve more than a day of recognition a year, they deserve a month and a pay raise.
Stay-at-home moms have a history of finding creative ways to make additional income from home. It’s estimated that 43% of small businesses are owned by women and that 1 in every 3 is owned by a mom. Mom-owned businesses tend to find creative solutions to problems in the marketplace and lean towards services, healthcare, and social assistance.
Whether you are looking to bring in a little additional income to support your family, or want to create a flourishing business you can pass down to your children, here is a list of business ideas for stay-at-home moms that will help you reach your goals.
Bonus tip: This list is ordered from least income potential to most (best estimates, that is). I’ve also included estimated time commitment and flexibility so you can find the business model that best fits your needs.
In this blog:
- Business ideas for stay-at-home moms
- How to make $2,000 a month as a stay-at-home mom
- Business plan inspiration for stay-at-home moms
- How can a stay-at-home mom get a job?
Business Ideas for Stay-at-Home Moms
1. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Service
If you are an animal lover, offer pet sitting and dog walking services. Time commitment and earnings vary based on the number of clients you take on. Flexibility allows you to work around your schedule.
To get started, spread the word in your local community and through social media. Earning potential depends on location and client base. You can learn more here.
2. Handmade Crafts Online Shop
Turn your crafting hobby into a business by selling handmade items like jewelry, home decor, or accessories. Time commitment and earnings depend on the complexity of your products and marketing efforts. Platforms like Etsy or your own website can be used to get started. Earnings vary, but successful shops can generate steady income.
3. Blogging
Start a blog about a topic you’re passionate about. Blogging demands consistent effort to create content and build an audience. Flexibility lies in choosing your writing schedule. Earnings come from ads, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing. Check out platforms like WordPress to begin for free.
Learn more about starting a blog here.
4. Virtual Event Planning
Organize virtual events such as webinars, workshops, or parties for clients. Time commitment varies with the scale of events. Flexibility comes from managing your time and workload. Start by networking and offering your services. Earnings depend on the event complexity and clientele but can exceed six figures.
You can learn more here.
5. Home Baking Business
If you love baking, start a home-based bakery or cake shop. Time commitment depends on the orders. You’ll have the flexibility to choose when and how many orders you want to take on. Ensure compliance with local health regulations and you’ll be on your way! Earnings can vary based on pricing and demand.
There are some more tips on how to start a baking business here.
6. Online Coaching
Offer coaching services in fields you’re knowledgeable about, like fitness, parenting, or career development. Time commitment will depend on the number of clients and session duration. Flexibility exists in setting your own availability. To get started, establish your online presence and network to find clients. Earnings can increase with expertise and demand.
If you want more information on how to start a coaching business, check out this article.
7. Freelance Photography
Use your photography skills to offer portrait photography services. Time commitment varies based on bookings. Flexibility is possible, but often you will have to work around the schedule of your clients. Building a strong portfolio and an online presence will help you get started and scale your business. Earnings depend on your skill level, client base, and location, and can range from $50 for portrait sessions to thousands of dollars for wedding weekends.
Indeed wrote this article to get you started.
8. Social Media Consulting
Help businesses enhance their social media presence. Time commitment depends on the number of clients you take on, but this can be an extremely flexible job that you work around you and your child’s needs.
9. Content Creation Services
Offer content writing, graphic design, or video editing services to businesses. A great place to start is by reaching out to small businesses and solopreneurs. This business can be super flexible, as long as you have good time management. You will likely need a portfolio to get started. There is so much room for earning potential as your skill level increases.
10. Virtual Fitness Training
Become a virtual fitness trainer, offering personalized workout and nutrition plans. Your time commitment will vary, based on how many clients you choose to take on and how much time you want to put into marketing. You’ll want to obtain relevant certifications and build an online presence. Your earnings can grow based on how many clients you take on and how much you charge per session.
You can learn more about becoming a virtual fitness trainer here.
11. Online Language Lessons
Offer language lessons via video chat. Your time commitment will depend on how many students you take on and any additional work you have to do outside of your sessions (planning your curriculum, grading homework assignments, and building a clientele). You can advertise your services on social media and language learning platforms.
12. Online Handmade Jewelry Store
Design and sell handmade jewelry online. Your time commitment will depend on the complexity of your designs, but if you choose one or two designs to focus on, you can create a streamlined process that becomes easier and easier each time you make a new batch. There is a lot of flexibility in this business, but it will require that you are self-motivated and manage your time well. Start by utilizing platforms like Etsy or create your own website on Shopify.
13. Interior Desing Consultancy
Provide virtual interior design consultation for clients seeking to transform their spaces. Time commitment varies based on project scope. You can set your office hours and work on projects during your children’s nap time. Start by building a portfolio and promoting your services online.
You can learn more about starting an interior design consultancy here.
14. Virtual Assistant Agency
Manage a team of virtual assistants providing administrative support to businesses. Time commitment will depend on your agency size. Your flexibility will be dependent on how much networking and promoting you need to do to book new clients and hire virtual assistants. The more you grow your agency, you higher you can charge for your services.
15. Online Course Platform
Create and sell online courses on platforms like Udemy. Time commitment depends on course complexity. You’ll have flexibility on when you create your course and any additional marketing you choose to do. To get started, you’ll want to research your niche, create engaging content, and market your courses. Once the course is complete, your earnings will come from sales of the course.
Learn more about starting an online course platform here.
16. Dropshipping Businesses
Set up an online store and partner with suppliers to fulfill orders. Your time commitment will vary, but the great part about this job is that when a customer makes an order, you aren’t involved in the shipping process. A whole sale can take place without your involvement, which means you can make money in your sleep. Choose a niche, find reliable suppliers, and promote your products. Earnings will depend on your sales and marketing strategies, but if you find the right flow, you can make over six figures.
17. E-book Publishing
Write and self-publish e-books on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. Your time commitment primarily depends on how quickly you can write the eBook(s), but your schedule can be as flexible as you need it to be. You’ll want to focus on writing engaging content, creating an eye-catching cover, and marketing your e-book. Earnings will depend on book popularity and pricing, but if you have several e-books you are selling that are in popular niches, you could see consistent income that far outweighs the number of hours this type of business can take.
18. Online Marketing Agency
Offer a range of online marketing services to businesses, such as SEO, content creation, and digital advertising. Time commitment varies based on your client load and how many additional staff members you choose to manage. This is another great job that offers lots of flexibility for when you work as it is fully remote and able to be adapted to your scheduling needs. In the beginning, you’ll need to develop a strong online presence and provide case studies. Earnings grow with client success and expansion.
Semrush is a great tool to help out online marketers. They wrote an article to get you started here.
19. Affiliate Marketing
Promote products from other companies and earn commissions for sales generated through your unique links. Your time commitment is up to you- how much do you want to scale, and how do you want to go about it? A popular strategy is to create content and gain a following that you can promote your affiliate links to. You’ll want to research affiliate programs, build a platform, and focus on targeted marketing. Earnings depend on sales and product choices.
20. E-commerce Store Owner
Launch your own online store selling physical products. The time commitment will vary greatly depending on the type of products and your marketing strategies. You’ll have a lot of flexibility to work on your desired schedule and, depending on your goals, can grow your team to delegate tasks so that your primary role is overseeing. Another option is to start an e-commerce store on Amazon which can give you the same time flexibility and a platform already available to start selling on.
You can learn more about starting an e-commerce business here.
How to Make $2,000 a Month as a Stay-at-Home Mom
Looking to bring in just a little extra on the side? Let’s explore some easy revenue streams to earn $2,000 a month without leaving the comfort of your home.
Whether you are looking for something temporary to help pay off debt, want to save for something special, or are looking for some extra change to start investing, let’s break down some easy ways to generate an additional $2,000 a month.
The easiest way to get inspired (and feel prepared) to start your business as a stay-at-home mom is to see examples of how making money is actually possible. Here are some examples of business plans to help inspire you to create your own map to success.
Note: These are just examples and are by no means guaranteed to help you make $2,000 a month.
If you want to start a Virtual Assistant Business, here’s your inspiration
The Game Plan
Service: Offer virtual assistance services to businesses, such as administrative tasks, scheduling, and social media management.
Client Needed: Secure 10 clients per month.
Income Per Client: Charge $200 per client per month.
Total Monthly Income: $2,000 (10 clients *200 per client).
Marketing Strategy
Create a Professional Profile: Craft an appealing profile on freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, highlighting your skills and experiences.
Network on LinkedIn: Leverage LinkedIn to connect with potential clients in need of virtual assistance.
Cold Outreach: Send personalized emails to businesses that could benefit from your services, offering a free consultation.
Utilize Social Media: Share valuable tips on managing tasks virtually, and showcase your expertise.
If You Want to Start a Blog, Here is Your Inspiration
The Game Plan
Niche Selection: Choose a niche you are passionate about, like home organization or healthy recipes.
Audience Building: Aim to reach 20,000 monthly pageviews on your blog.
Income Streams: Utilize affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling digital products.
Monthly Income Goals: Earn an average of $2,000 per month.
Marketing Strategy
Consistent Content: Publish high-quality, engaging blogs at least twice a week.
SEO Optimization: Research relevant keywords and optimize your posts for search engines.
Engage on Social Media: Promote your blog posts on platforms where your target audience hangs out.
Networking with Influencers: Collaborate with influencers in your niche to expand your reach.
If You Want to Start a Home-Based E-Commerce Store, Here’s Your Inspiration
The Game Plan
Product Niche: Select a niche such as handmade candles or personalized gifts.
Products Needed to Sell: Aim to sell 200 products per month.
Average Profit per Sale: Assume a profit of $10 per product sold.
Total Monthly Revenue: $2,000 (200 products *$10 profit per product).
Marketing Strategy
Create a captivating Store: Design an attractive online store using platforms like Etsy or Shopify.
High-Quality Imagery: Display your products with professional-quality images.
Social Media Promotion: Share visually appealing posts on Instagram and Facebook showcasing your products.
Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with social media influencers to feature your products.
If You Want to Start an Online Tutoring Business, Here’s Your Inspiration
The Game Plan
Subject Expertise: Choose a subject you’re proficient in, like math or language learning.
Students Needed: Aim to have 40 students in total per month.
Rate Per Student: Charge $50 for a package of four sessions.
Total Monthly Income: $2,000 (40 students *$50 per student).
Marketing Strategy
Optimize Online Profile: Create a detailed and professional profile on online tutoring platforms.
Highlight Credentials: Showcase your qualifications and expertise to build trust.
Offer Free Introductory Sessions: Attract potential students with a free session, demonstrating your teaching style.
Leverage Social Media: Share your success stories and testimonials from satisfied students.
Remember, these business plans are meant to provide ideas for how you could earn $2,000 a month from home. Feel free to adapt them according to your strengths, preferences, and circumstances. Consistency, dedication, and a pinch of creativity will undoubtedly bring you closer to achieving your financial goals while enjoying the perks of being a stay-at-home mom.
How Can a Stay-at-Home Mom Get a Job?
If you are looking to increase your income but aren’t sure about starting a business, getting connected to a remote job might be a great option. If you have been a stay-at-home parent for a few years, it might feel intimidating to re-enter the workforce. Here are a few tips to help you feel prepared.
1. Self-Assessment
Begin by evaluating your skills, strengths, and interests. Reflect on your previous work experience, education, and any new skills you may have acquired during your time as a stay-at-home mom. Identify transferable skills (yes, there are many!).
2. Research Potential Jobs
Research job opportunities that match your skills and interests. Use online job boards, company websites, and recruitment agencies to identify suitable positions. Tailor your job search based on your preferred work hours, location, and the type of role you’re looking for. I recommend doing this before you update your resume so that you can create a resume that is aligned with the roles that you want.
3. Update Your Resume
Craft a well-structured resume that highlights your skills, experiences, and achievements. Focus on showcasing relevant accomplishments and experiences that align with the job you’re targeting.
4. Networking
Leverage your personal and professional network to learn about job opportunities. Inform friends, family, and acquaintances that you’re looking for a job- you never know who might have a lead. Other great ways to network are by starting conversations on LinkedIn with people who have the role you are aspiring to.
Final Thoughts
Creating a business as a stay-at-home mom can give you options to increase your family’s income to help pay off debt, invest, and pay for necessities. Your work as a stay-at-home parent is incredibly important and is more than a full-time role. Building your own business can help you have flexibility in your time commitment and when you choose to work. What type of business you choose will make a difference in what your time commitment is like, your start-up fees, and your potential for income.
Creating a business plan with a marketing strategy is a great way to help you get started and stay on track with your goals. One of the best ways to get started is to have an ultimate monthly income in mind and then break it down according to how many products or clients you would need each month to meet your goals. For instance, if your goal is to make $2,000 a month, and you sell products with a $10 profit margin, you would need to sell 200 products per month.
Utilize online platforms and social media to help you network and promote your business. You would be amazed at how generous other entrepreneurs are with the knowledge they have, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation! If you really want to grow your business, it could be beneficial to invest in additional training in your field or hire a business coach.
Making additional income from home can help you invest, get out of debt, or save for a family vacation all while you get to play a major role in your kid’s childhood. Being a stay-at-home mom is a business in and of itself, so as you prepare to start a new business, it’s a good idea to keep in mind your goals for work-life balance and family dynamics.
Starting a business from home is easier than ever with remote possibilities and tools you can access from anywhere thanks to the internet. If you are strategic and manage your time well, there are endless options for you to find success as a business owner and stay-at-home mom. Good luck!
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