17 TOP Side Hustles for Moms [2024]
Being a mom is a full-time job on its own, but many even working moms are looking to add a side hustle to their busy schedules. Whether you're trying to pay off debt, save up for a vacation, or just earn some extra spending money, there's a number of side jobs that can fit into your busy life.
In this article, we will discuss the 17 best side hustles for moms in 2024. Every one of these ideas has been selected to be flexible, feasible, and profitable.
1. Freelance Writing
Every mom who has a way with words should consider freelance writing as a side job. You will, therefore, be able to write articles, blog posts, product descriptions, among so many other things. And, of course, the best part is that you can do it from home at any time that works for you. At the same time, freelance writing allows one to choose topics of interest—giving you the chance to earn extra income in an enjoyable way.
To get started, you will need a computer with internet access and a real portfolio. If you don’t have a portfolio yet, then consider creating at least a blog to show your writing skills.
For tips on how to start and improve, check ProBlogger platform and Elna Cain. She is a successful freelance writer and coach. Elna started her freelance writing career while raising twins and now runs a thriving business.
2. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants have a rather large market. It ranges from organizing emails and keeping track of social media to booking your travel arrangements to research. It is flexible work, suitable, especially for the busy mom who needs to do her work according to her children's schedule.
Well, you will need to be an organized person with great communication skills and experience in several office applications. Offer your services initially to friends, family, or through platforms like Upwork.
If you have no idea where to start, Virtual Assistant Academy will help you for training and certification programs.
3. Online Tutoring
If you are expert in some subject, then consider online tutoring. This is a great way to put your skills towards the success of the students and earn money additionally. The online tutoring can be comfortably done from your home place and offers flexible hours.
You will need a reliable internet connection, a PC, and quiet space with as few distractions as possible. All of the following websites would be useful to start with: Chegg Tutors, Tutor.com.
As an example, look at Jessica Holsman, or as many know her, "Study With Jess". She built an entire career out of tutoring and creating educational content. Be sure to check out her Instagram profile @studywithjess for motivation and additional tips and tricks.
4. Etsy Shop Owner
In case you're handy at making things, an Etsy shop could be a perfect side hustle. Be it jewelry, home decor, and a host of other sundry items, or digital downloads, Etsy avails a marketplace to reach the globe. An Etsy shop offers an individual avenue to turn hobbies into business.
First, research what is selling well on Etsy, then create a few examples of your product. Next, take some good pics of those products. Finally, create your Etsy shop with a memorable name and brief descriptions of each product.
The Etsy Seller Handbook is full of tips and best practices, while Marmalead can help so much with SEO and product listing help.
5. Social Media Manager
Lots of businesses are scrambling to keep up with their social media accounts. So, if you are savvy on Instagram, Facebook, and other popular platforms, then this could prove to be very rewarding. Social media managers create content and schedule posts for it, while interacting with followers to gain brand awareness.
First, learn the basics. There are several free resources and several courses to get you up to speed on anything new, such as social media marketing. Build your portfolio by offering free or deeply discounted work for friends, family, or small businesses.
For more efficient work, use these tools: Hootsuite, Later. Highly recommend checking out Dana Nicole. She is a successful social media manager who started from scratch. Her site, Dana Nicole, offers very useful information and multiple tips about the profession.
6. Blogging
When you're passionate about something, one way to self-express is through blogging; definitely, with a lot of money coming from ads, sponsored articles, and affiliate marketing. While this area is going to consume most of your precious time to build your audience, it actually is worth it.
Most importantly, start a blog and choose a niche that really turns your gears. You can do this through platforms like WordPress. Create high-quality content and make it engaging, then share it on your social media platforms. Share it with your friends to help you get more people interested and reading your blog.
For example, Abby Lawson of Just a Girl and Her Blog turned her passion for organization and home decor into a successful blog. She now earns a full-time income through her blog and gives advice for new bloggers.
7. Graphic Design
If you have a head for design, you can offer businesses logo design, marketing material design, and even social media graphics. Thing with graphic design is that it's always in demand.
You'll need a good computer with Adobe Creative Suite or other design software and a killer portfolio. Offer your services on places like 99designs to build your client base.
See Rachel, of Pencil Shavings Studio , who began her business in graphic design from home while raising her kids, growing a successful business. She documents her design journey and portfolio at her website.
8. Childcare Services
If you like looking after kids, the babysitting or daycare business can be a great side hustle. You'll be working from home, entirely on your own time, therefore giving a significant service to the rest of the parents in your community.
Begin by acquiring the essential licenses and certifications in your area. Boost the word through local community boards, social media, and sites like Care.com.
9. Pet Sitting
Pet sitting and dog walking are ideal for animal lovers. It is the most flexible side job that puts one among furry friends as money accrues into their pocket. At the head start, make a profile on pet-sitting platforms like Rover. Offer your services to friends and neighbors so you are able to build your very first clientele.
For example, Colleen Paige started as a pet sitter and now runs a successful pet care business. She shares her experience on her website Colleen Paige Pet Care.
If you are really into this, then Pet Sitters International will help you with professional development and certification.
10. Dropshipping
With dropshipping, you can just operate a store and never hold one piece of inventory. Sell products straight from suppliers without having any hassles of shipping. It's absolutely risk-free to start an e-commerce business.
Choose your niche, find the right suppliers, and set up your online store by using places like Shopify or Oberlo. Move on to marketing and customer service—these are the ways to grow a business.
See Sarah Crisp at Wholesale Ted to get inspired. She has been very successful with a dropshipping business and, more than that, is helping other people achieve the same through a YouTube channel and courses.
11. Photography
With a good eye and a decent camera, photography can be an extra income idea. You can offer family portraits, event photography, or sell stock photos online on Shutterstock.
Invest in a good camera and photography equipment. Build a portfolio by taking photos for free for friends and family. Create a website or use platforms like Instagram to show off your work.
Jenna Kutcher, for instance, a successful mom, who turned her passion into a full-time career. She says on her website, "I love sharing my journey and photography tips."
12. Meal Prep Services
Here is another good option for moms who love to cook. If you can scale up a little to make some extra dollars by adding an extra plate for those families busy around your community, which may require meal prep services on a weekly basis.
Design a menu of the kind of meals you can prepare. Acquire food handling certifications and licenses that are required. Advertise via social media, local Facebook groups, community boards like Nextdoor , and word of mouth.
Learn how Liz Harris of The Lemon Bowl operates a meal prep business that has come from her blog. She shares recipes and meal prep tips in her blog. Check it out!
13. Fitness Coaching
If you love keeping fit, become a personal trainer or a fitness coach. You can take your fitness classes virtually or even one-on-one sessions. In that way, you will manage to stay fit and help other people reach their fitness goals.
Get accredited in becoming a personal trainer through ACE Fitness. Give free sessions to friends and family for getting clients. Promote on social media.
Discover Katrina Scott and Karena Dawn and how they built Tone It Up, an empire that turned their fitness coaching business into a recognizable brand. With workouts, nutrition, and a supportive community, they rule in this niche.
14. Handmade Products
Similar to an Etsy shop, sales of handmade soaps, candles, beauty products, etc., can all become truly satisfying second jobs for moms. You could choose to have an online sale or go to the local markets.
First, create a few sample products and take high-quality photos. Then, set up an online store using platforms like Etsy, Shopify. Additionally, sell your products on social media or at local events. Pinterest is excellent for marketing your products. Create boards to showcase your work and attract potential customers.
Rachel Meyers might be your role model. She started her handmade jewelry business, Honey My Heart, while juggling her responsibilities as a mom. She now runs a successful shop and shares her journey and tips for other aspiring handmade business owners on her blog.
15. Online Courses
If you happen to be an expert in something, creating an online course is a good way of sharing the knowledge and making money passively. Online courses may be sold on Udemy or Teachable .
Choose something you are really passionate about and outline the course around that. Record any lessons and develop any relevant material for that lesson, then upload it to an online platform. Share on media and via email newsletters.
For guidance and advice, check out Melyssa Griffin. Melyssa took her knowledge of blogging and online businesses and turned it into a very successful online course business.
16. Real Estate Investing
For mothers with slightly more capital to invest, real estate can be a profitable side job. Not only can renting houses be an adventure, but house flipping is also a fun exercise. Real estate investments can therefore provide both steady income and long-term growth.
At first, learn the basics about investing in real estate. For example, read this book Real Estate Investing for Dummies for a comprehensive guide.
Start with one investment property and learn through your own experience. Join forums for real estate investors, such as BiggerPockets, and follow its instructions.
17. Freelance Proofreading
If you have a critical eye for details, then proofreading probably is the best fit. It means you can work on books, articles, and other literary material from home. It brings along its benefit in flexible hours and working from anywhere.
Take the first step by taking a class in proofreading to train yourself. Build your portfolio by working free or low-priced. Use such platforms like ProofreadingServices.com and Scribendi.
Caitlin Pyle has managed to nurture proofreading skills into a six-figure entrepreneurial success and now engages in teaching others the very same thing. You may want to look up her website, Proofread Anywhere, for tips and courses.
Balancing motherhood with a side hustle can be challenging, but with determination and the right resources, you can achieve financial freedom and fulfilment. What's more, these side hustles bring additional income and give the opportunity to follow your passion and put various skills into practice.
Why not dive in right now into the journey of the side hustle? Possibilities are endless, with rewards life-changing.
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