10 Best Business Ideas for Stay-At-Home Moms to Make Money

 

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Welcome to the modern era, where the boundaries between home and office are becoming increasingly blurred.

Being at home no longer signifies being sidelined from the fast-paced entrepreneurial realm. In fact, it can serve as your springboard to a thriving work-from-home job or online venture. No matter the hour, be it the bustle of the day or the quiet of late-night work, your home can be your workspace.

Contrary to popular belief, starting a business isn’t always linked with colossal financial investment. In today’s entrepreneurial world, many prosperous home-based and online jobs began with modest funding but an immense investment of time, sweat, and unyielding passion. Forget about amassing a considerable start-up fund; your true assets lie in your resilience, determination, and unwavering focus.

You’re right where you need to be for our new article, “10 Best Business Ideas for Stay-At-Home Moms to Make Money.” This isn’t just a guide; it’s your secret recipe to kick off your entrepreneurial journey, right from where your heart is – home.

Whether you’re on a parenting hiatus, in the midst of maternity leave, or simply looking for ways to supplement your family’s income, there’s no need to let financial stress add to your burden. With the right mindset and tools, you can establish a robust, home-based business, becoming your own beacon of financial resilience, and alleviating stress about family finances.

 

 

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What is the best business to start for moms?

There are a lot of businesses that moms can do, not only from a brick-and-mortar store but also from the comfort of their own homes. But I know there’s already a lot on their minds that they’re not sure where to start or what the best option might be.

There’s no one business that’s the best for moms to start. I believe the best business for someone is one where their interests and skills can shine. By aligning your business with what you love and excel at, it will be easier for you to be motivated and productive.

 

Based on my experience, I had to try out a few different business ideas before finding the right fit for me. I flipped furniture, upcycled and sold used clothes, and even launched this personal finance blog. As you can see, this blog is what really stuck with me since it’s where I’m able to bring out my passion and skills. I enjoy sharing my tips on saving money, giving side hustle ideas, and helping my readers get to their financial freedom.

So, for moms out there, the key is to explore different business ideas until you find one that fits your skills, passion, and even schedule! Do you have a talent for crafting or creating handmade items? Consider starting an Etsy shop. Is the kitchen your safe place and the oven your best friend? Maybe you could start a home-based bakery. The possibilities are endless!

To narrow down your choices, I’ve curated this list of some of the best business ideas you can do from home. You’ll surely see something that balances what you love and what you’re good at. I hope you find the right fit for you!

 

 

1. Start A Profitable Blog

Some people enjoy the corporate world, but at some point, we’ve all thought about going away from endless meetings, constant deadlines, and office politics. No one wants those because they feel like pointless things that consume most of your day, leaving you with little time for yourself and your family. I know that feeling like the back of my hand.

So while I was still working my 9-to-5, I always wondered if this was really how I wanted to spend my days. Despite my paycheck covering the bills and more, it sucked the life out of me. I’m not the only one because a staggering 50% of American workers are unhappy with their jobs! I guess misery does love company, huh?

This feeling creeps in because we’re doing jobs we don’t like. Why settle for something that doesn’t make us happy?

That’s why when I got fed up, I found myself neck-deep in research for new side gigs. I wanted something more rewarding and scaleable than the profitable hobby of flipping furniture. Sure, that was fun and lucrative, but I wanted something with more potential.

 

I’m so lucky that I stumbled upon the idea of blogging. I was skeptical at first because I saw that people were making money by sharing their thoughts and experiences online. It seemed too good to be true! But I thought… I wouldn’t lose anything if I tried. So try I did. Now here I am!

Like me, you might be suspicious of this whole thing. That’s why I’m going to tell you how you can actually earn money by blogging.

 

How to make money blogging

Before I start telling you about how you can make money through this venture, I want to take my time to set some expectations. Yes, blogging is a lucrative idea, but it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. Building a successful and profitable blog takes time, effort, and dedication. If you don’t have the patience to continuously learn and adjust, this might not be for you.

For those who are willing to commit, there are many ways to monetize your blog!

The most common way, and what most bloggers start with, is by displaying ads on your blog. There are ad networks like Google AdSense and Mediavine that allow you to display ads on your site. Every time someone sees or clicks on the ad, you earn a small amount of money.

 

 

Display ads can give a steady stream of income, but you also have to make sure you don’t overwhelm your audience with ads. After all, no one wants to visit a blog that has more ads than valuable content.

To give you an idea of how much you can earn from display ads, here’s a screenshot of my monthly earnings from one blog. Thanks to mastering Pinterest traffic tactics, my blog is generating over $500 daily.

 

 

 

 

 Blogging isn’t just about ads; there are other avenues too. Selling digital products — like eBooks, online courses, or cute printables — to your readers can be surprisingly lucrative. Take a look at my digital product sales below. I’ve had days where I’ve earned a fast $1,000 in a day from my cozy home office.

 

 

 

Then there’s affiliate marketing (my favorite monetizing strategy), which is partnering with brands and earning a commission whenever someone buys a product or service via your blog. For example, if you’re a home decor enthusiast. You could affiliate with a furniture company and earn each time a reader purchases using your link.

Again, remember, blogging isn’t some magic beanstalk leading to instant riches. It demands time, dedication, and grit. But if you’re willing to put in the work, the rewards — personal fulfillment and financial — can be well worth the journey.

Letting what you love shine through is what really matters when you’re writing a blog. That’s how my journey began with Finsavvy Panda, where I turned my casual coffee shop talks about personal finance and side hustles into a resourceful hub for others.

For example, you could start a blog about:

• Digital Parenting: Navigate the complexities of raising children in the Internet age.
• Sustainable Living: Explore eco-friendly solutions for everyday life.
• Ethical Fashion: Advocate for responsible consumption in the fashion industry.
• Minimalist Lifestyle: Discuss the benefits of living with less in a consumer-driven world.
• Gourmet Cooking: Share unique recipes, food pairings, and cooking techniques.
• DIY Crafts: Provide guides on creating homemade crafts with a focus on upcycling.
• Adventure Travel: Offer insights into off-the-beaten-path destinations and unique travel experiences.
• Pet Care: Provide professional advice on various aspects of pet care and training.

 

 

Curious about the ins and outs of my blogging journey? Check out my unfiltered income reports to see my rocky start, all the way to earning over $25,000 a month.

Eager to start your blogging journey but feeling a bit lost? Sign up for my FREE 7-day email course to learn the ropes of starting a profitable blog. I’ll guide you step-by-step through the entire process.

Pros: Potential to earn more than your full-time job in the comfort of your home. Blogging allowed me to quit my corporate job and become my own boss.

 

 Cons: Requires many hours of learning and persistence to make money through blogging.

 

 

2. Social Media Manager

Did you know that your daily social media habits, combined with a curiosity to learn and adapt, could be the stepping stone to a fulfilling and profitable home-based career? Whether you’re juggling nap times or coordinating school pickups, you can build and grow a business that aligns with your interests and skills.

You love scrolling through social media, spotting trends, and sharing content that catches your eye. What if that time spent on Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest could transform you into a successful mompreneur?

Social media as a moneymaker? Yep, you heard that right!

It’s not all cat videos and food pics. You, my friend, have been training for this without even knowing it. Every laugh at a meme, every tear at a touching video, every share of an inspiring post – it’s all been leading up to this. Now it’s about cracking the code and understanding the wild world of algorithms on the platforms you’re already using.

 

 

Think of social media as the bustling downtown of the digital world. It’s where people hang out, share stories, and do their window shopping. It’s alive and ever-changing. Businesses? They’re the street performers, the shopkeepers, and the food truck chefs, all trying to catch the eye of the passersby. And you? You could be the savvy guide showing them how to make their mark.

This isn’t about stiff marketing campaigns or boring ads. It’s about making connections, sparking interest, and building a community. You’re not becoming a cold, calculating marketer; you’re turning into a digital artist, a modern storyteller, a connector of people. Who knew that all those hours spent scrolling through feeds would lead to this? It’s a wild idea, but it just might work.

Think of your role as a social media manager like that of a director crafting a captivating cinematic experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. This entails:

• Engaging in conversations with customers
• Crafting share-worthy posts
• Analyzing feedback and adapting strategies
• Tapping into trending topics to connect with audiences
• Implementing growth strategies to enhance online presence

Your casual browsing could become a systematic approach to boosting a brand’s visibility. It’s about turning those likes and shares into tangible results for your clients.

 

 

Freelancing in social media management offers flexibility that fits perfectly with mom life. You set your schedule, choose your clients, and even negotiate payment terms that suit you, whether that’s daily or weekly.

My adventure with social media management started with Pinterest, of all things. At first, I was just using it like anyone else, looking for ideas for home decor and bathroom makeovers. But then, something clicked.

I noticed that Pinterest could actually send people to my blog. So, I started playing around with it, trying different things, and seeing what worked and what didn’t. Little by little, I got the hang of it, and I began to see more and more people visiting my blog. It was so exciting!

Social media apps weren’t there to kill time only. I came to the realization that this could be a viable job – a means to earn money as a full-time blogger from home.

By investing time to learn how to utilize Pinterest effectively and drive traffic to my website, I broke free from the prospect of being stuck in an unfulfilling job. If you’re reading this and contemplating something similar, let my journey be proof that it’s attainable. You don’t need to be an expert or hold a marketing degree; all it takes is curiosity, a willingness to explore, and the perseverance to learn from the inevitable mishaps along the way.

 

Pros: Being able to make popular posts on social media increases your worth. Social media does more than just entertain; it helps you spread your influence and find opportunities to grow and succeed.

Cons: Frequent updates to social media algorithms can affect reach and engagement, making it challenging and time-consuming for experts to adapt their strategies.

 

 

3. Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is more than a profession; it’s a path to freedom for many stay-at-home moms who have a talent for words. You don’t need to be a celebrated author or have a degree in literature to get paid to write. The digital world has opened doors to writing opportunities that are lucrative, flexible, and rewarding.

You might be wondering what exactly a freelance writer does. Well, it’s all about creating content that shines. From vibrant blog posts to alluring product descriptions and engaging social media posts, your words become the voice of businesses and organizations.

What makes freelance writing attractive? The ability to work from home, sit on your favorite chair, choose your hours, and meet those all-important deadlines. No more battling daily commutes or stuffy office spaces; your workspace is wherever your creativity thrives.

 

When it comes to earning, freelance writing offers a promising income stream. New writers can expect around $0.10-$0.15 per word, which can add up quickly. Step into specialized content like eBooks or whitepapers, and the potential earnings can soar into the thousands. Experienced writers? The sky’s the limit with charges that can reach $500-$1,000 for an article.

Finding writing gigs might seem daunting at first, but platforms like Constant Content are designed to connect writers with clients. You can also proactively reach out to bloggers and businesses, offering your unique voice and style.

Freelance writing isn’t just a job; it’s a craft, an adventure, a way to turn passion into profit. Whether you’re scribbling down ideas for a fun blog post or crafting a vital business document, each word you write carries value.

Pros: Writing for different clients and industries opens a world of diverse opportunities, keeping work fresh and exciting. It’s a journey that helps build a versatile portfolio, enriching your experience and skills.

Cons: On the flip side, the life of a freelance writer can feel like a maze. Building and maintaining a client base demands continuous networking efforts. It’s time-consuming, stressful, and full of unexpected twists, adding pressure to the creativity that sparked your writing passion in the first place.

 

4. Make and sell crafts

Starting a home-based craft business is an exciting idea for stay-at-home moms. I craft myself and have sold items in the past as a side hustle, so I know how it feels to be able to profit from your creativity and bring happiness to people’s lives.

With this idea, you can use your creativity to make and sell crafts, like Grinch decorations (one of my personal favorites for Christmas) or Easter bunnies for spring. Yes, you guessed right. Holidays are usually the hottest times to market your beloved handmade goods.

This venture allows you to explore your artistic side while fitting into your family routine. It’s a joyful experience when you’re in a crafting area, surrounded by a variety of colorful materials, as you create unique holiday items. Each craft, whether a playful Disney ornament or a soft, pastel-colored bunny, brings a personal and happy touch to anyone’s celebrations.

When I was doing this as a side gig, I promoted my creations through social media like Instagram or Facebook Marketplace to connect with people who appreciate handmade, heartfelt items. This business not only nurtures your creativity but also builds community connections, making it an ideal choice for stay-at-home moms looking to engage in a fulfilling and meaningful activity.

Pros: There’s a lot of flexibility for you since you can make crafts on a schedule that fits you. It’s also a great outlet for your creativity.

Cons: It can be time-consuming especially if the crafts you make are a bit more complicated.

 

5. Become an Etsy Seller

Creative moms with a passion for crafting, this moment is yours! The tranquility of crafting, whether it’s handcrafting jewelry or designing DIY home decor, could be more than just an affordable hobby. Your cherished hobby has the potential to become something truly special: an opportunity to make money selling things on Etsy, all from the warmth and comfort of your home. It’s a chance to weave together the demands of family life with a career that genuinely excites you.

Turning your beloved hobby into a thriving business doesn’t call for degrees or formal training. Your hands can sculpt personalized masterpieces, and your heart can drive substantial earnings by selling these creations online. Those intricate earrings you’ve designed or the cozy blankets you’ve lovingly knit could soon blossom into a rewarding and profitable venture.

Platforms like Etsy are there to support and celebrate crafters like you, offering a perfect showcase for your handmade goods. Or perhaps you’d prefer to share your creativity with local stores? Both paths are open and waiting for you.

Here’s a real-life example to inspire you further: Jen Glantz, a creator just like you, took her artistic skills to Etsy. She designed digital products known as printables, a form of passive income that now earns her an impressive $160,000 a year – all while balancing family life at home.

So, if you enjoy working independently and are skilled in crafting, this could be a prime opportunity to not only make some extra cash but also sustain a full-time income from doing what you love. Your creativity is your asset, and the world is ready to see what you can create!

Pros: Etsy draws in people who love crafts, making it a great platform to reach a specific audience interested in handmade and one-of-a-kind products. This increases the opportunities for successful sales.

Cons: Selling fees (i.e. listing and transaction fees) add up quickly so you need to factor in these costs when setting your prices.

 

6. Become A Virtual Assistant

Moms, have you ever considered turning your household management skills into a thriving business? The virtual assistant (VA) industry is on the rise, projected to reach $45 billion by 2028. This isn’t just a passing trend. It’s a real opportunity to achieve financial independence and creative fulfillment, all without the traditional 9-to-5 grind.

Your daily routine already includes keeping track of schedules, connecting with family, and handling tasks like a pro. These mom superpowers are exactly what the professional world needs.

Becoming a VA doesn’t require a fancy degree or office. Your supermom skills – communication, organization, and go-getter attitude – are all you need. Keep everyone in the loop, just like you do with your family, and don’t be afraid to address problems openly. Transparency is key!

Embrace the tools that can make your VA role shine, such as Trello for task management or Asana for tracking progress. These digital tools can become your new best friends, helping you both professionally and at home.

Looking for flexible work hours? The VA industry offers part-time or early morning opportunities, allowing you to turn this into a full-on business and earn up to six figures without missing out on family time.

Ready to take the plunge? Here’s your starting line-up for breaking into the VA game:

• Fiverr: Perfect for beginners.
• Upwork: Ideal for diverse opportunities.
• LinkedIn: Connect directly with businesses.

The chaos of managing your family doesn’t have to be just a chore. With the VA industry booming, it could be your next big career move.

Pros: Virtual assistants’ skills in administration, marketing, and customer support are transferable across various industries, allowing you to find projects that match your interests and abilities.

Cons: Burnout risk is real. The demanding balance of virtual assistant tasks and family duties can become overwhelming. Juggling both work and home schedules may lead to burnout or a drop in productivity.

 

7. Launch A Catering Business

Starting a catering business from home is a fantastic avenue for moms to merge their culinary passion with a sustainable income source. Mothers often find themselves at the heart of family meals, honing their culinary skills daily. Imagine getting those compliments at every family dinner and then hearing them from complete strangers who pay you!

Operating from home means you get to boss around your hours, not the other way around. Family picnic in the afternoon? No problem. Need to be at your kid’s recital? Schedule around it. Plus, your bank account will thank you since there’s no pricey commercial space rental biting into your profits.

However, just like in those movies, there’s always a twist. Navigating the complex world of health standards and licenses is a mini-adventure of its own. Then there’s the juggling act of being both mom-extraordinaire and the newest entrepreneur on the block. Luckily, moms are natural at multitasking!

To kickstart the venture, you can tap into your personal networks — family, friends, and community groups. Starting with smaller catering events, you can gradually build a portfolio, showcasing your culinary creations on social media platforms. Apps like Instagram can act as digital portfolios, drawing in local clientele. With dedication and strategic planning, transforming a love for cooking into a thriving business is well within reach for you.

Pros: Costs like a chunk of your mortgage or rent, your utility bills, and even some home improvements could give you tax breaks.

Cons: Home kitchens might not be cut out for big-time catering. If your business booms, you could outgrow your space quickly!

 

8. Flip Things For Money

Ever stared at that old side table in the garage, the one with peeling paint and a wobbly leg? I used to see junk, but one day I saw an opportunity. Could it be a magic carpet for a thriving at-home business? Sounds crazy, but hang on.

Before my blogging days, I was like a treasure hunter, but in reverse. Instead of finding treasure, I made it. Old furniture became my gold, and with a sprinkle of creativity and some DIY tools, I was making an extra $500 to $1,000 each month flipping and selling used furniture. No kidding, that ugly table could turn into a sleek nightstand or a chic coffee table.

Who would’ve thought? All from crafting smaller pieces like nightstands, coffee tables, and consoles. And that’s not even tapping into the larger furniture market with woodworking for even bigger profits! With dedication and scaling up, a full-time income is totally doable.

It’s like being an artist but without the starving part. You create, you innovate, and you give old furniture another life. The moment when you hand over that revamped coffee table to a smiling customer, trust me, the satisfaction beats any paycheck.

Of course, you’ll get paint on your hands, maybe in your shirt and even your hair (don’t ask), and you’ll break a sweat or two. But isn’t that what makes anything worthwhile?

Next time you look at that old table or a worn-out chair, don’t just see a piece of furniture. See a canvas, a business, a new beginning. Who knows? That forgotten piece of wood might just be the start of something big.

Pros: High-profit margins can be achieved in flipping as items can often be bought at a very low price, or even for free when people are giving them away, and then sold at a higher price.

Cons: Storing items before selling them in the flipping business may require significant space, potentially leading to clutter in your home or the need for additional storage facilities, which can be inconvenient or costly.

 

9. Offer Daycare Services

Work, kids, social plans – it’s a juggling act, isn’t it? And daycare? That’s not everyone’s cup of tea, especially now. Maybe you’ve noticed, but these days, people are on the hunt for good babysitters. Trustworthy ones. Like you, perhaps?

Listen, babysitting has really changed. It’s not just a gig for teens anymore. Did you know Fortune reported that childcare costs, including babysitting, have shot up by 41% since the pandemic? It’s a sign that parents are really feeling the need.

Now, you might be thinking, ‘Me? A babysitter?’ But here’s the thing, starting your own babysitting adventure might not be as big of a mountain as you think. Got family and friends with kids? Just chat with them. They might be thrilled to have someone like you take care of their little ones. And trust me, it’s not just a favor; it’s a first step in building real experience and a resume that can impress others.

Feeling bold? Put yourself out there on Facebook or give Care.com a try. It’s the 21st century, after all. You might be surprised at how your natural way with kids can turn into something more. Maybe even a real business.

Want a little secret to stand out? Think about a CPR or first aid class. It’s not required, but the American Red Cross has some that won’t break the bank. It’s just that little something extra that could make parents feel even better about leaving their kids with you.

Pros: Establishing trust and a strong reputation in your community can lead to repeat clients and referrals from satisfied parents, allowing you to charge premium prices.

Cons: Meeting the expectations of parents as a babysitter can be daunting due to varying parenting styles and preferences. Strong communication skills and the ability to adapt are essential for dealing with both positive and negative feedback.

 

10. Start a Pet Boarding Business

Moms know all too well that their houses can feel like a zoo. Chaos is a daily reality for them. So maybe it’s time to turn that chaos into cash?

If you already have eternal love for dogs, cats, or any other furry companions, starting a pet boarding business from home will be the “purr-fect” opportunity to indulge in what you love while filling your pockets. Your house can be a place where fur parents can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing their beloved pets are in good hands while they’re away.

But before you start counting your kibbles, you have to make sure that this idea is feasible for you. Although your home feels like a zoo, do you still have enough space to accommodate more than one pet? You’ll need to create a designated and comfortable area for the pets to eat, sleep, and play.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a big space, you can still push through, but limit your bookings to only one or two pets. After all, good things come in small packages!

To look for clients, start by reaching out to your friends, family, and neighbors who have pets and letting them know about your new venture. Word of mouth is a powerful tool and should be used! You can also widen your reach by using apps like Rover or Wag, which connect pet owners with local pet sitters and boarders.

Expect there to be a lot of adjustments when you start, but don’t let that stop you. With a little determination and a whole lot of love for furry friends, you’ll be well on your way to turning your home into a pet paradise. It’s a very rewarding business idea, especially when you see the joy on the faces of fur parents.

Pros: You get to spend your time with pets, which is a very rewarding experience!

Cons: There will be space limitations on top of the potential mess and damage that can happen, so you might have to limit the number of pets you allow.