Are you a single mom that needs to earn some extra money, but not sure where to start? Here are some of my favorite ways to generate additional streams of income as a full-time single WAHM. All of these are things that you can do in your free time; however, if you work hard, you can eventually turn them into full-time businesses.
Blogging
If you enjoy writing, feel like you have valuable insight to share with people, and have a topic you are passionate about, blogging might be right up your alley. Though it is far from a get-rich-quick thing, it is very possible to earn a significant amount of money by implementing a few monetization methods. The following are five ways you can use your blog to generate income.
Blog Monetization Method #1: Advertising
I am sure you have noticed that many websites have advertisements that show up in various places on their blog. Typically, you want to include advertisements that align well with your blog content and your audience. If your readers take specific actions (such as clicking on an ad from your site), you are compensated. When it comes to advertising on your blog, you can join ad networks (some popular ones are Google AdSense, BlogHer, Sovrn, Sway, and Media.net). Ad networks are companies that serve as a middle man between you (the blogger) and the advertisers who want access to your audience. Another option would be to work with the advertisers directly by offering private ads on your blog at a rate that you set.
Blog Monetization Method #2: Sponsored Content
If you like the idea of spreading the word about products and services that you love, but you’re not too keen on your blog being used as an online billboard, another option is to write sponsored content. This is when a company (or sometimes an individual entrepreneur) pays you to essentially tell a story to your audience that ties into their product or service. As with advertisements, you can either reach out to companies on your own to explain the benefits of working with you or you can align yourself with blog networks such as Massive Sway, Clever Girls Collective, The Women Bloggers, Linqia, Social Spark, Social Fabric, and Pollinate.
Blog Monetization Method #3: Affiliate Marketing
Another way to get paid for spreading the word about things you love is to dive into affiliate marketing. This is when you send people directly to a specific company or entrepreneur to buy a product or service. The best way to do this is to write a blog post telling a story about how the product or service has helped you and then to provide a link letting people know how they can learn more. Whenever someone uses your link to make a purchase, you are compensated a percentage of the sale or a set amount. (Tip: Check out this Affiliate Marketing Basics Beginner’s Guide)
Blog Monetization Method #4: Offer Services
You can also offer you own services on your blog. It could be anything. I recommend finding something that you love, that you are good at, and that people are willing to pay for. For example, I offer freelance writing services on my blog. Others offer things like coaching services, photography, catering, graphic design, web design, and a myriad of other services.
Blog Monetization Method #5: Sell Digital and Physical Products
In addition to offering your services, you can also offer to sell products that people can either download/view online (such as printable planners, ebooks, courses, digital wall art, etc) or that you ship to them (clothes, accessories, books, etc). These are just a few examples of the many things that people can and do offer online. Think about what you are good at creating and do some research into how you can make a successful business offering it to people on your blog.
Tip: Check out my post on how to start a mom blog (or any other niche you have in mind).
Freelancing
I briefly mentioned that you can offer freelance services on a blog. However, you don’t have to have a blog in order to be a freelancer (though having at least a website with your rates, services, and portfolio definitely helps). Again, think about what you love to do, what you are good at, and what people are willing to pay for. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box for freelance ideas. Chances are that you could start a viable freelance business doing something that you are already doing for free and that people would love to pay you for. Especially if you are willing to put in time and effort.
Offer Virtual Assistant Services
One income option that I have noticed growing in popularity is becoming a virtual assistant. As more and more people make the leap into becoming bloggers and entrepreneurs, there seems to be more of a need for people to help them grow and manage their business. Virtual assistants offer a variety of services that enable their clients to focus on the income-producing aspects of their business. If you are organized and have a variety of marketable skills that you think a business owner could utilize, this might be just the thing for you. There are several websites that can help you find freelance work.
Work Remotely for a Company
Another popular way to earn extra money is to work for a company that allows (or even prefers) people to work from home. There are a wide variety of companies that hire remote workers. I am sure that you can find one that fits your needs.
As you can see, becoming a single mom does not mean that you have no options. There are definitely a wide variety of ways single moms can earn money from home. You just have to be willing to think outside the box, keep your eyes open, and work hard.
I love to hear from you guys and find out ways I can serve you even more. What are some of the concerns or questions you have about working from home?
