Raise your hand if you’re a stay-at-home mom AND a mama blogger?
There’s many of us right? It seems that one of the best ways to connect with others and to share your experiences is to start your own mom blog. I mean that’s one of the reasons why I started Twins Mommy – I wanted to share some of my twin stories with other moms.
So, there you are, blogging away when something clicks.
You want to actually make money with your blog. I mean you see other mom’s posting income reports and you’re like – yeah, I want to do that.
But then the next question becomes,
How do I monetize my blog?
Hold up! Let’s back track. What if you’re a SAHM without a blog? If you’re reading this and don’t have a blog, but want to start one, I have an easy step-by-step tutorial on how to start a blog using SiteGround!
Before we begin, if you want to know the absolutely quickest way to make money then grab my guide on the #1 way to make money as a stay-at-home mama.
Okay, so there’s a lot of ways to make money with your blog but I’m going to share with you the only BEST ways to make an income on the side as a stay-at-home mom.
Ready?
1. Offer a Service
An easy way to start generating income with your blog is to offer a service. It can really be anything – graphic design, virtual assisting or coaching.
Having a service-based business is the perfect fit for stay-at-home moms.
Why?
- You set your own schedule – this means you can work around your child’s nap schedule
- You’re in control – you set your rate, you decide how many hours you work in a day and you call the shots on whether or not you take a client
- It gives you flexibility – many projects you have with clients are pretty flexible or have a long deadline
If you’re stuck on what kind of service to offer, check out my post on 22 different freelance services for stay-at-home moms.
So, how do you start?
After you decide what you want to offer, the next thing you want to do is put up a services page on your blog. This is a page that details what you offer.
Kelly from Take Action WAHM has many services she offers like blog coaching, WordPress installation, and eBook covers. On her service page she lists what she does for each of those services:
Once you have a service page what you can do next is create blog posts that highlight your services. So, if one of your services is eBook covers, then maybe creating a blog post on why eBooks are the best lead magnet for your blog and then linking to your services page in the post can generate some income.
Finally, you want to create a graphic for your services so you can share it on social media.
2. Dabble in Affiliate Marketing
Okay, a lot of bloggers are trying out affiliate marketing, because it does work. It’s an easy way to start making any money from your blog.
But if you are only doing affiliate marketing, you’re going to have a hard time making a living. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are bloggers that are totally making a viable income from purely doing affiliate marketing.
What you – stay-at-home mama – can do is dabble in affiliate marketing. Get your “feet” wet and see how the whole process goes.
If you’re unsure what affiliate marketing is, it’s when you promote other people’s products or services and earn a commission from it.
A lot of bloggers become an affiliate for their hosting company or for tools they use like Tailwind. For example, here’s SiteGround’s affiliate commissions:
So how do you start?
Once you figure out what you want to become an affiliate for (most likely it’s a tool, theme, plugin or course you’ve had first-hand experience with), you’re going to want to make a tutorial post.
Why a tutorial post and not some other type post?
Because when you show step-by-step instructions on HOW to use your affiliate product, people will be more likely to buy what you are promoting.
It sort of helps drop the veil of uncertainty for many bloggers.
For example, Melyssa Griffin did a tutorial post on how to create a free library recourse on your WordPress blog.
And what she did that was smart, because she made a video tutorial. Since this was a plugin she was referring to her readers, actually showing how to use it is way more beneficial than just writing the steps out (and it was probably easier too!)
Once you make a tutorial based post, you can promote it on social media. From there you want to place your special referral link in all relevant posts on your blog.
If you have been doing some affiliate marketing and want to increase your commissions, here’s a post on how to triple your affiliate earnings.
3. Create a Digital Product
Now this is a turning point for many mama bloggers. You’re actually going from mom to mompreneur here. It’s a big move mama, but one that I know many of you are want to do.
I made the switched from offering a service to offering a product over on my freelance writing site a little over a half a year ago and it was the best decision I ever made!
Creating a product – eBook, course, video series, planners – is awesome because once you make it, you can sell it over and over again. It also has the potential for passive income.
I’m always shocked when I learn I made sales when I was sleeping!
It’s the best feeling.
But, wait a minute – not sure you have the time or know-how to create a digital product?
Some easy products you can create are:
- an eBook
- printables
- stock photos
One that’s a bit bigger is creating an online course. My Ready Set Blog for Traffic is my first course for Twins Mommy. I used Teachable to host my course and created video lessons.
I needed a microphone and a video editing software to create the lessons.
Once you create your product, set up a PayPal page on your blog (or use Teachable to host your sales page and payment plan), and a thank you email, you’re good to go.
4. Open Up an Etsy Shop
Are you a crafty person? Maybe you know how to knit, sew or create custom decor pieces. Why not turn that hobby into an actual business?
You can do that by opening up an Etsy shop. I know many stay-at-home moms doing this and making a decent income too!
And you don’t even need to sell physical products. You can create subway art, printables, banners or media kits if you want.
Pretty cool huh?
Start Making A Side Income Today
Using your blog to make money is a goal for many mamas. It can be a challenge to turn your blog into a business, but these four income ideas can help get you easily started.
And don’t forget to grab the free guide on the quickest way to make money as a stay-at-home mom.
Over to you – are you side hustling it? If so, how you are earning an income from your blog?
This post is remarkably thorough. Such an empowering piece to equip moms. I’ve recently begun work as an online affiliate marketer from home and the income potential is staggering. It all depends on the commission rate of the products and/or services promoted. I’m thrilled to be home with my babes, while contributing to our household income and I love equipping other moms to do the same. #LifeWithoutRegret
Hi Sara!
You’re right about the commission rate on affiliate products. That’s why I don’t promote every product out there with an affiliate program. If the commission rate is right AND I love the product then I will promote it. Thanks for stopping by!
There is always ways to make extra income if you take the time to look around.
Great post!
Hi Elna,
These tips are very helpful. I’m currently looking for opportunities online as I’m going to be SAHM after I give birth. I’m looking into monetizing my blog and trying affiliate marketing. I hope it wil work for me. Btw, I regularly follow your blogs. You’re an inspiration.
I hope to start a blog one day I know it is harder than it seems. I have applied for many jobs at home and it seems to get me down when you are getting nowhere. I love your ideas they keep me hopeful!
Hi Ashley!
Keep going and keep taking action! Starting a blog isn’t as hard or as expensive as many people think! You get a self-hosted blog with a URL for under $100 a year! I also have a step-by-step tutorial you should check out! https://twinsmommy.com/start-a-blog-for-beginner/
As for working from home, I honestly feel starting a service-based business like freelance writing is the best way to get money quickly. Of course, affiliate marketing is another way, but it takes more time to get that level of income that you would receive from a service. I also have a lot of info on freelance writing over on my blog ElnaCain.com!
I am a stay at home mom I’ve found your post very informative.Thanks for sharing this great tips at least this an eye opener to Stay-at-Home Moms that are so many jobs that can do at home while looking after their children.
Hi Lucy!
You’re welcome 🙂 I hope you found a great biz to try out at home.
Hey Elna,
Thanks for your post. I’ve been trying desperately to think of a product I could offer but it always seems like one million other moms have already beaten me to it. I also feel like I’m limited as well because I really would like this future product to relate to my already existing blog (Italian lifestyle-food-mommy blog). Would be a shame to start something entirely different (like teaching aerobics/dance/piano)…or can it be done?
Hi!
I know what you mean. I feel the same way. I want to create a course or some product for Twins Mommy but feel everything has been done before. So, I’m just sitting on it for now. I would still go forward with your idea for your food-mommy blog. If you have an audience then you should have no problem!
Hi Elna!
I am reading another one of your blog posts. I am thinking about freelancing because having side money seems nice. But it doesn’t seem very fun when writing becomes solely about making money. I like to write (mostly fiction) because it’s fun. It’s a stress relief for me. But if I approach the ideas you’ve listed with making money as my end goal, it loses its appeal.
Your post offers some interesting ideas but blogging is about all I good for – but I don’t think the things I blog about would grow a following big enough to make money. I don’t have a head for business, lol.
How do you keep writing fun while making money?
Hey Lacey,
That’s a great question. I get paid to write on topics that I LOVE to write about. Things like lead generation, blogging tips, email marketing and more.
I also have two pleasure blogs (TwinsMommy and Elna Cain) where I help moms and freelance writers. I create content that I want to write about.
All of that helps me combat sort of the daily grind of writing content for my clients, because yes, it can get a little boring or un-creative at times.
But, I don’t say no to $300 for a 1,000 word post!
Hey Elna!
I LOVED reading this post. It was very inspiration, especially to a rookie 😉 Thank you so much for taking time to be so helpful to others and very informative. From one momma to another, I know how busy the day can get! Your post is fabulous! Maybe one day soon, I too will be freelancing it up!
Thanks again girl! Have a great day and God bless!
Hey Sha!
Thanks so much. I love connecting with other mama bloggers. So happy you found some good ideas to make some extra cash! I LOVE freelance writing and blogging so it’s fun to get paid to write things like email marketing, blogging tips, lead generation and Pinterest! 🙂
Thank you for sharing Elna. You’ve definitely helped my with growing my online biz and blog.
Hey Tori!
Thanks so much! Glad you liked my post.
I agree! In this modern and innovative world, we have to be resourceful in looking for great ideas for home-based work.
Thanks Jackie,
Yes, blogging has been great to helping moms stay home and help them get money! Yay!
This is such a great post! Even works if you’re not a stay at home mom. I been wanting to try to create a digital product but have been kind of hesitant. Might help me make some extra cash though so I can invest back into my business. I’ll have to think about it.
Hey Vanessa,
I know you what you mean. I’m thinking about making another course (well a new course for this blog) but I just don’t have the time. But it’s not a huge priority at the moment.
Hey Elna,
Nowadays there are many mamas who are working from home and handling an online business. They should have a perfect schedule to follow.
We all know that it’s hard to handle the business and the family together. The points you have mentioned are really helpful.
I am sure many women will learn from it.
An informative post indeed.
Hope you are having a great time.
~Ravi
Hey Ravi,
Thanks so much. Being a mom and a blogger and solopreneur is tough for sure! But I wouldn’t change it for the world 🙂
These are great suggestions Elna. You sure came up with some great ideas for mamas who want to run their own business. I’m working on a couple of these myself. It’ taking me a little longer now that my schedule has changed but I’m making progress. 🙂
You know I’m passing this along! I hope you had a great weekend. Have a great new week.
Cori
Hey Corina,
Thanks so much for sharing my post over on FB. I really appreciate it 🙂 You’re doing amazing girl! Love both of your blogs and love how you are updating the look too.
That’s great to hear you are doing some of these strategies. Which one is the most successful for you?
Thanks for stopping by!
Very helpful advice. I bookmarked it for future reference.
Hey Irina!
Thanks a bunch. Glad you liked it.
Awesome tips! I’ve been going back and forth with a service concept to offer but I think I’ve finally narrowed it down. Next step get my butt into action. I’m not a stay at home mom, I work full time and have 3 kids (ages 2,4 and 10) so its just never enough time in the day.
Hey Kara,
Thanks so much. So happy to hear you have narrowed down your plan to offer a service! Way to go!
Great information, thanks Elna 🙂 There seems to be a lot of ways to make money online these days (if you’re willing to put in the time and effort to making it work). Its hard to know which to pursue!
I’m attempting a combination of services (freelance writing – just getting started), affiliate links and hope to add digital products in the near future.
I hope you don’t mind my sharing but I read an interesting tip the other day on Blog Tyrant about effective affiliate marketing – the gist of it was to make a post title like “Why I switched from MailChimp to ConvertKit (and why you should too).” Now, I haven’t done this myself but I think its definitely got potential. What do you think?
Hey Cath!
Thanks so much and I L-O-V-E love your blog design and content! I’m marking it in my big list of blogs to visit (I NEED to transfer this to G docs or somewhere b/c my last notebook got trashed!)
That’s great you’re offering freelance writing services. You know I’m also a freelance writer over on ElnaCain.com? I love it and I also love coaching and helping out my course students.
Would love to learn more about your journey on your blog! I find doing income or traffic reports so helpful!
Anyways, the title you mentioned is a good one. If you know what the mainstream consensus is on a product and then offer a better alternative, then making a post on why you did that can totally help out in the affiliate marketing arena.
Thanks so much for the huge compliment 😀 I just finished completely overhauling the design last night (its one of my weaknesses, I love playing with design!) I’m totally chuffed you love it and my content 🙂 Its a real confidence booster!
I’ve had my eye on your course for a while now actually, its on my list of things to do next. I’ve been trying my luck at Upwork, with minimal success and I’m ready for a change.
I might have to venture into the realm of income/traffic reports. I’ve avoided reading them on blogs in the past, because I thought they were just showing off, but yours are really helpful. I love that you include what you plan to do next, it gives me ideas of what I could/should be doing!
Hey Cath!
You’re welcome. Love your eye for design! It’s my weakness too 🙂 Wow that’s nice to know that you’ve had an eye on my course for awhile now. Are you taking the free course (I actually have two free courses)? You can access to two lessons!
Yeah, Upwork sucks. Sorry. I used Guru and oDesk (what Upwork was before) and I didn’t land ANY gigs. Yeah you should definitely do some traffic reports. It actually helps bring in more traffic! I haven’t started the monetizing part but know that I should!
Can’t wait to read more of your posts.
Thanks Elna 🙂 You can tell when someone has the design bug – I love what you’ve done with Twins Mommy 🙂 Looks very professional.
I need to go back through your free course – it was an eye opener! I’ve only landed one gig at Upwork but I don’t spend much time there anymore – the lowball job offers annoy me too much.
You should definitely start monetizing your site already 🙂 And I’ll put traffic reports on my list of posts to do.
Hey Cath!
Thanks! Oh that’s good to hear you took my free email course! Yeah I wouldn’t look at Upwork. I read some of your posts and you’re very knowledgeable in the digital marketing industry. I would try to land jobs in that niche and link to your Keyword post and other posts of that nature if you don’t have any guest blogs.
I learned a lot in those posts of yours 🙂
And yes, I SHOULD be monetizing but I just don’t have the time to do a full-on tutorial for my affiliate product but we will see.
This is so helpful with starting my own blog. Thanks for your help and tips!
Hey Jehava!
Thanks so much. Glad you found my income ideas for stay-at-home mamas good for you. Good luck!
Really great tips Elna, I love how you included examples of how other people do it right in the post, so much easier to see how it CAN be done. 🙂 Thank you so much!
Hey Jen,
Thanks for commenting here! Yes I love blog posts that give examples from other bloggers 🙂 It makes it much more cohesive and easier to “get.”