Many moms are interested in starting a home business because it gives them more options and freedom from working a typical job. When you see inspiring stories such as a 35-year-old mom turning an eBay side hustle into a business and making $141 million in sales, it shows the potential that is possible for you.
If you are ready to start your own business, educating yourself is the first step. Consider the following online courses to help you earn extra income at home.
1. Bookkeeping
If you are good with numbers or have experience working in an accounting environment, you can put your skills to use in your own bookkeeping business at home. The Stay at Home Bookkeeper Academy offers an online course for moms even if you have no experience.
The course covers bookkeeping basics and financial statements, working with multiple businesses and finding your own clients. It also helps you become an expert in QuickBooks online.
2. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants (VAs) are the online version of a personal assistant (PA). They can help clients with tasks such as administrative work, scheduling, making travel arrangements, managing email and social media. VAs can work from anywhere as long as they can access the internet.
The Work From Home as a Virtual Assistant Udemy course teaches you how to start your own business. It helps you figure out if being a virtual assistant is right for you and presents the steps you need to take before opening for business. You learn how to set your policies, rates and processes to run a VA business.
3. Consultant
Based on your background, you can become an independent consultant in public relations, software development, data science, strategic management, finance or other areas. Completing an online certificate can help boost your skills and credibility.
One option is to get certification from the Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants (AASBC). You can use the certificate to work as a small business consultant and help companies. You can choose from an Accredited Small Business Consultant (ASBC) or Accredited SME Consultant (ASMEC designation for international members).
4. Content Marketing
Companies need content, and that means content marketers are in demand. A content marketing course can equip you with the skills to start your own content marketing agency and help companies convey their ideas.
The Content Marketing Masterclass Udemy class teaches you how to handle the entire process, including content creation, promotion, copywriting, SEO and email marketing. You learn how to use content to increase traffic to a website and grow sales. You discover the connection between effective writing and marketing.
5. Freelance Writing
If you enjoy writing, a freelance writing business is a good option. Elna Cain is a mom of twins and has built a successful freelance writing business. She offers a Get Paid to Write course to others interested in starting their business.
The course covers how to turn your hobby or love of writing into a business. It teaches you how to create writing samples, start a blog and find clients. You learn how to land multiple writing gigs to earn an income from home.
6. Teaching English Online
Taking a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate is often necessary for some jobs. TEFL courses can be completed in 120 hours. The certificate means you are recognized as able to teach English in schools and communities. You are qualified to teach English to non-native English speakers.
TEFL courses cover everything from managing a classroom to ice breakers. There are basics covered like grammar and spelling along with more complex topics like getting a student to talk. Teaching strategies and lesson plans are also included.
7. Starting an Online Shop
If you love shopping, then you will probably be good at selling too. But you need to learn how to start an online shop. You can set up your own online shop or sell on eBay or Amazon. The 35-year-old mom who made $141 million started by using eBay as a side hustle. She was able to quit her job and focus on the business full-time.
There are training programs from eBay for new sellers that you can take. They teach you about fees, selling online and the basics of taxes. You learn how to manage and photograph inventory. You also learn how to market your business to increase sales.
Starting an online business is a good option for moms who want to work at home and do not want to commute to a job every day. There is enormous flexibility in working at home that allows you to continue to be a caregiver for your family. Then you are thinking about starting a business, start by taking some online courses to learn more and become familiar with the basics.