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How I Started Making Money Online as a Stay-at-Home Mom
Introduction
When I became a stay-at-home mom, I knew I was making the right choice for my family—but it didn’t take long before I started to feel a pull for something more. I missed using my skills, contributing financially, and having something of my own. That’s when I started looking for ways to make money online.
In this blog post, I’m sharing my real journey from zero to building a small but growing online income—all from home and while raising my kids. If you’re a fellow mom looking to make a similar leap, this post is for you.
My Life Before I Discovered Online Work
Before I got into the world of online work, my days were filled with diapers, nap schedules, and laundry mountains. I loved being present with my children, but a part of me felt like I was losing my identity outside of motherhood.
I had a background in marketing and design, but I hadn’t touched a laptop for anything beyond online grocery shopping in months. I didn’t even know where to begin. Making money online seemed like a dream that other people got to live—bloggers, influencers, tech wizards. Not me.
The First Steps I Took
My journey began in small, awkward steps. First, I started researching legitimate ways to make money online. I quickly learned that not all opportunities are created equal. Surveys paid pennies, and MLMs drained time without return.
Then, I stumbled across the idea of blogging. That changed everything. It sounded like something I could do—writing from my experience, sharing my life, and building something slowly.
I chose a simple name for my blog, signed up for hosting with (I love their customer support!), and used to design my blog graphics. No fancy designer, just templates and a little creativity.
To capture emails from the start, I signed up for, which made it easy to add forms and start a list—even before I had much to offer.
What Worked and What Failed
What Worked:
Blogging consistently: Even when I had only five readers, I kept writing. Content builds trust.
Creating a lead magnet: I made a simple Beginner Guide PDF and offered it in exchange for emails. That guide eventually became my first digital product.
Affiliate marketing: I signed up for affiliate programs from tools I was already using—SiteGround, ConvertKit, and Canva. They paid me when readers signed up through my links.
What Failed:
Trying to do everything at once: At first, I was trying to run Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and blog all at once. It burned me out.
Overthinking branding: I spent weeks tweaking fonts instead of publishing content.
Ignoring SEO: For months, my blog was invisible on Google. Once I started learning basic SEO, my traffic grew.
First $100
My first $100 came from an affiliate commission—someone signed up for SiteGround through my link after reading my post on “How to Start a Blog.” I still remember the excitement. It proved that this could work.
Soon after, a few readers downloaded my free PDF and joined my list. I upgraded the PDF into a low-cost beginner’s guide, priced at $9. Within a few weeks, I sold 15 copies.
That was my lightbulb moment.
What I’d Do Differently
If I were starting again, I’d focus less on perfect visuals and more on delivering value:
Start my email list from day one. ConvertKit made this easy, but I wish I had created my lead magnet sooner.
Pick one platform: I’d choose either Pinterest or SEO and master it before moving to the next.
Create and sell a product earlier. I waited until I had an audience. Now I know even 50 subscribers is enough to start testing ideas.
Getting Started Today
If you’re a stay-at-home mom ready to dive into online income, here’s what I suggest:
Pick your platform: I recommend starting a blog. Sign up with.
Design with ease: Use to make your site look professional without hiring a designer.
Start your email list: is beginner-friendly and powerful.
Offer a freebie: Create a short guide, checklist, or printable to grow your list.
Create a simple digital product: Sell it through your blog or ConvertKit automations.
Share what you know: Be honest, helpful, and consistent.
Putting It All Together
Making money online as a stay-at-home mom isn’t instant—but it is absolutely possible. I started with zero experience in blogging, zero budget for fancy tools, and zero confidence. But step by step, I built something real.
I now earn a few hundred dollars per month, and it’s growing. More importantly, I feel like myself again—creative, purposeful, and connected.
Whether you’re here for side income, creative expression, or long-term freedom, this journey is for you.
Want to get started the way I did? to start building your online income today.
You’ve got this, mama.
