Starting an Online Business as a Mom: 7 Tips and Tricks

Jul 17, 2019

Are you a stay-at-home mom or a working mom looking for a side hustle? Moms wear many hats: chef, nurse, nanny, tutor, chauffeur, and the list goes on. Why not add entrepreneur to the list? If you're a mom who wants to pursue her passions while being able to earn more, read on.

Becoming an Online Mompreneur

If you tried to sell beauty products, offer tutoring or childcare services, you have an entrepreneur mindset.

All these are great ways to earn money, but with an online business, you can earn while cooking or nursing the baby. You can work on your business at home.

Online businesses for moms

Parenting, beauty, health, and fitness — these are sectors for moms. Sell products on Etsy, eBay, Amazon, or Facebook Marketplace. Create a Facebook page and invite friends to share your product. Write an ebook or online course and sell it online.

You can also offer services to a broader community online. Moms can offer freelance photography, writing, web design, social media management, bookkeeping, event planning, public speaking, coaching, and consultancy.

Tips for running an online business

1. Do your research

Do a self-assessment of your passions, talents, expertise, knowledge, and skills. Then, curate a list of online business ideas you can do based on your self-assessment.

For example, a great cook can sell gourmet bottled food online, sell a recipe ebook, or start a food blog or vlog. Learn as much as you can before diving into business. Ensure the business is profitable and there is a large need before you invest.

2. Write a business plan and a budget

Plan at least 2 to 3 years for your online business. If you plan to start a blog, generate topics for the next 24 months so you have blogs to post regularly.

Plan for funds too. Create a budget for expenses like registration, startup capital, your website, and outsourcing. And, open a separate account for your business.

3. Make it legal

If you're selling goods and services from your home, find out if your neighborhood allows this. Register your online business with your local government and file taxes. Doing so establishes a growth mindset and shows integrity and honesty towards customers.

4. Enable online payments

Acquaint yourself with online banking, Amazon Pay, PayPal, and Transferwise. Give your customers safe and convenient payment options online. While you're at it, automate household payments too including bills and tuition fees.

5. Create a system for productivity

You need a system that will align with your family, work, and business needs. Plan routines, schedules, budgets, meals, and childcare to make it easier for you to cope.

Plan your business processes with growth in mind.

Most important, plan quality family time to avoid mom guilt. Preparation is key so you won't feel overwhelmed and pulled in many directions.

6. Prioritize time for your online business

Make the most of early mornings, school hours, weekends, and vacations. You may have to say no to meet-ups with friends and errands for the family at the beginning. Plan for carpools for soccer practice and piano lessons with other moms. Get your hubby or mom to help with your kids. Make every effort to free up time to work on your business.

7. Use your phone wisely

You can process orders, write a blog, or send an invoice on your phone while putting your kids to sleep. Use tools that will help you streamline your processes like Trello or Asana.

Trello is great for collaboration with a small team as well as managing chores and homework. Asana includes a calendar so you can see ahead and plan minute details of your business.

Sync a timer like PomoDoneApp to Trello or Asana to put you in laser focus when working on your online business.

Wrap Up

Moms are multi-taskers so you can imagine moms going into business. Moms do everything to give their family a comfortable and sustainable life. Whether you are planning to sell products or services online, let this article motivate you to turn your plans into reality.