10 Service-Based Businesses for Stay-at-Home Moms—How to Start and Profit

Being a stay-at-home mom doesn’t mean putting your career dreams on hold. In fact, it can be the perfect opportunity to start a profitable service-based business right from home. Whether you're looking for a side hustle or a full-time income, service-based businesses are an excellent choice because they require little to no startup costs, can be launched quickly, and allow you to work around your family's schedule.

If you're wondering how to turn your skills into a thriving business, you're in the right place! Let’s dive into 10 service-based businesses perfect for stay-at-home moms, along with tips on how to get started and maximize your profits.

1. Virtual Assistant

How to Start: If you're organized, detail-oriented, and great at administrative tasks, becoming a virtual assistant (VA) can be a fantastic opportunity. Businesses, bloggers, and entrepreneurs often need help with email management, scheduling, customer service, and social media. You can offer services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or create a website to market yourself.

How to Profit: Start with an hourly rate of $15-$25 as a beginner, then increase your rates as you gain experience. Specializing in high-demand tasks like email marketing or bookkeeping can help you charge premium rates of $50+ per hour.

2. Freelance Writing

How to Start: If you enjoy writing, there’s a huge demand for content writers in industries like blogging, marketing, and business. Create writing samples, start a simple website or portfolio, and apply for jobs on sites like ProBlogger, Contently, or LinkedIn.

How to Profit: Many writers begin at $0.05-$0.10 per word, but with experience, you can charge $100+ per article. Niching down to technical writing, SEO writing, or ghostwriting books can significantly increase your earnings.

3. Social Media Management

How to Start: If you love Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, use your skills to help small businesses grow online. Learn the basics of content creation, engagement strategies, and analytics. Create a portfolio by managing your own social media accounts or offering free services to a local business in exchange for testimonials.

How to Profit: Start with $300-$500 per month per client for basic management and increase rates as you offer additional services like ad management or influencer outreach. With 5-10 clients, you could make $3,000+ per month.

4. Online Coaching or Consulting

How to Start: If you have expertise in fitness, parenting, business, or even mindset coaching, you can offer one-on-one coaching or group programs. Define your niche, create an Instagram or YouTube presence, and offer free content to attract potential clients.

How to Profit: Charge $50-$200 per session depending on your niche. Creating group coaching programs or online courses can boost your income to $5,000+ per month.

5. Graphic Design

How to Start: If you have an eye for design, learn Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Photoshop to create social media graphics, logos, and branding materials for businesses. Offer your services on Etsy, Fiverr, or by reaching out to small business owners.

How to Profit: Sell logo packages for $150-$500 or custom branding services for $1,000+. You can also create digital products like templates and sell them on Etsy for passive income.

6. Homeschool Tutoring or Lesson Planning

How to Start: With the rise in homeschooling, many parents are looking for tutors or custom lesson plans. If you have teaching experience or a passion for education, you can offer one-on-one virtual tutoring or sell printable lesson plans on Etsy.

How to Profit: Charge $25-$50 per hour for tutoring or create a monthly subscription for lesson plans that parents can purchase.

7. Photography Services

How to Start: If you love taking pictures, start a home photography business specializing in family, newborn, or branding photography. Invest in a decent camera, build a portfolio with free or discounted shoots, and promote your work on social media.

How to Profit: Mini sessions can bring in $150-$300 for a 30-minute shoot, while full sessions can be $500+. Offering digital prints, albums, and upsells can significantly increase your earnings.

8. Event Planning or Virtual Event Coordination

How to Start: If you love organizing parties and coordinating details, start an event planning business for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events. You can also offer virtual event coordination for online summits or Zoom weddings.

How to Profit: Charge a flat fee of $500-$2,000 per event, or offer ongoing planning services for corporate clients. Partnering with vendors for commissions can add an extra revenue stream.

9. Meal Prep or Baking Business

How to Start: If you enjoy cooking or baking, turn it into a business by offering meal prep services for busy families or selling homemade baked goods. Start by taking custom orders from friends and family and expand through word-of-mouth and social media.

How to Profit: Charge per meal plan or baked good batch. Many meal preppers make $500-$2,000 per month, while home bakers can earn even more by selling at farmers' markets or setting up a local delivery service.

10. House Cleaning or Home Organization Services

How to Start: Many busy families need help keeping their homes clean or organized. Offer services such as decluttering, deep cleaning, or closet organization. Advertise on Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or create a simple website.

How to Profit: Start by charging $50-$100 per session for organizing services and $100-$200 per cleaning job. Expanding to Airbnb cleanings or luxury home organization can significantly boost profits.

Turn Your Skills into Profit!

The key to success as a stay-at-home mom entrepreneur is choosing a business that fits your skills, interests, and schedule. The beauty of service-based businesses is that they don’t require a large investment, and you can start earning money almost immediately. Whether you want to work a few hours a week or build a full-fledged business, there’s a service-based business waiting for you.

So, what’s stopping you? Pick one, start small, and watch your business grow!

What business idea excites you the most? Let’s chat in the comments!