“Being a mom is a full-time job” (honestly…I hate it when people say that nonsense, because it’s MUCH more than that).

From diaper changes to school drop-offs, it can feel like there’s never a moment to breathe, let alone think about generating income.

But what if I told you that you could turn those precious hours while your kids are at school into a money-making machine? Yes, you heard me right! With the right strategies, you can transform your free time into passive income and say goodbye to financial stress.

Welcome to the world of “Diapers to Dollars” – your ultimate guide to creating passive income while the kids are at school.

The Magic of Passive Income

First, let’s demystify the concept of passive income. Unlike active income, where you trade your time for money (think 9-5 jobs), passive income allows you to earn money with minimal ongoing effort. It’s like planting a money tree in your backyard – you nurture it initially, and then it grows and bears fruit with little maintenance. Sounds dreamy, right?

Why Passive Income is Perfect for Moms

As a mom, your time is precious and often fragmented. You need an income stream that doesn’t require you to be glued to a desk all day. Passive income fits perfectly into this picture, allowing you to juggle your mom duties while still earning. Plus, it offers the flexibility to scale up as you get more comfortable.

Getting Started: Turning Your Skills into Income

1. Blogging

Remember those hilarious and heartwarming stories you share with your friends about your kids? Why not turn them into a blog? Blogging can be a fantastic way to share your experiences, tips, and hacks with other moms. Choose a niche that you are passionate about – parenting, cooking, DIY crafts, or fitness.

Monetize your blog through:

• Affiliate Marketing: Promote products you love and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral link.
• Sponsored Posts: Collaborate with brands for paid promotions.
• Ad Revenue: Use ad networks like Google AdSense to display ads on your blog and earn money per click.

2. Create and Sell Online Courses

Are you a whiz at organizing, budgeting, or meal planning? Turn your expertise into an online course. Platforms like Teachable and Udemy make it easy to create, host, and sell courses. Once your course is up and running, it can generate income for you on autopilot.

3. Create and Sell Digital Products

Do you have a flair for writing? Pen down an eBook on a topic you’re passionate about. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a great platform to publish and sell your eBook. Whether it’s a parenting guide, a collection of recipes, or a self-help book, your eBook can bring in a steady stream of income. Creating digital products (like eBooks and audiobooks) is how I make most of my own income.

4. Become a UGC Creator

What IS a UGC creator?

A UGC (User-Generated Content) creator is an individual who produces content that is created by users rather than by brands or professional content creators. This content can include photos, videos, reviews, blog posts, social media posts, and other types of media that are shared on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and other social networks.

Key Characteristics of UGC Creators:

1. Authenticity: UGC creators typically provide genuine and relatable content that resonates with their audience. This authenticity can be more persuasive than traditional advertising.
2. Diverse Content: The content created by UGC creators can vary widely, from product reviews and unboxing videos to tutorials, lifestyle posts, and personal stories.
3. Engagement: UGC is often more engaging because it feels more personal and less like an advertisement. Audiences tend to trust recommendations from real people over branded messages.
4. Community-Driven: UGC creators often have a strong connection with their audience, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
5. Cost-Effective for Brands: For brands, using UGC can be a cost-effective way to generate marketing content, as it leverages the creativity and influence of everyday users.

Benefits of UGC for Brands:

1. Increased Trust: Consumers tend to trust user-generated content more than traditional advertisements.
2. Enhanced Credibility: Featuring real customers using and endorsing products can boost a brand’s credibility.
3. Higher Engagement: UGC often leads to higher engagement rates compared to brand-created content.
4. Cost Efficiency: Brands can save on content creation costs by leveraging content created by their users.
5. Improved Reach: UGC can help brands reach new audiences through the networks of the content creators.

Examples of UGC:

• A customer posting a photo on Instagram wearing a new outfit from their favorite clothing brand.
• A YouTube video where a user unboxes and reviews a tech gadget.
• Tweets or Facebook posts sharing experiences at a restaurant or using a particular product.
• Blog posts or reviews on websites discussing the pros and cons of a service or product.

Becoming a UGC Creator:

To become a UGC creator, you typically need to:

1. Identify Your Niche: Focus on an area you’re passionate about and have knowledge in, whether it’s fashion, tech, beauty, travel, etc.
2. Create Quality Content: Produce high-quality, engaging, and authentic content that resonates with your audience.
3. Build Your Audience: Use social media platforms to grow your audience and engage with them regularly.
4. Collaborate with Brands: Reach out to brands or join platforms that connect UGC creators with brands looking for user-generated content.

In summary, a UGC creator plays a vital role in the modern digital marketing landscape, offering authentic, relatable, and engaging content that brands can leverage to enhance their marketing efforts.

5. Create a YouTube Channel

Lights, camera, action! If you’re comfortable in front of the camera, start a YouTube channel. Share your daily mom routines, tips, DIY projects, or even fun family vlogs. Monetize your channel through ad revenue, sponsored videos, and affiliate marketing.

6. Create Niche Websites

Are you handy with a camera? Sell your photos on stock photography websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and iStock. Every time someone downloads your photo, you earn a commission. Capture those picture-perfect moments and turn them into cash.

7. Print on Demand

Unleash your creative side with print on demand. Design custom t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more. Platforms like Printful and Teespring handle the production, shipping, and customer service. You just need to create and promote your designs.

The Importance of Consistency

Creating passive income isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It requires dedication, consistency, and a bit of patience. But the good news is that once you set up your passive income streams, they can continue to generate money with little ongoing effort. It’s like setting up a machine that keeps working for you even when you’re not actively involved.

Balancing Mom Life and Passive Income Projects

Here are some tips to help you balance your mom duties with your passive income projects:

Time Management

• Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve and break it down into manageable tasks.
• Create a Schedule: Allocate specific times for your passive income projects. Stick to your schedule as much as possible.
• Use Productivity Tools: Tools like Trello, Asana, and Google Calendar can help you stay organized and on track.

Prioritize Self-Care

• Take Breaks: Don’t burn yourself out. Take regular breaks to recharge.
• Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask your partner, family, or friends for help when needed.
• Stay Healthy: Eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep. A healthy body and mind are crucial for productivity.

Involve Your Kids

• Make It Fun: If possible, involve your kids in your projects. It can be a fun bonding experience and they can learn valuable skills too.

Success Stories: Real Moms Who Made It Happen

Let’s draw some inspiration from real moms who turned their free time into a goldmine:

Sarah’s Blog Success

Sarah, a stay-at-home mom, started a parenting blog to share her journey. With engaging content and smart monetization strategies, her blog now earns over $5,000 a month.

Jessica’s Online Courses

Jessica, a former teacher, created online courses on homeschooling. Her courses became so popular that she now earns a six-figure income passively.

Emily’s eBook Empire

Emily, a passionate writer, published a series of children’s eBooks. Thanks to Amazon KDP, she now enjoys a steady stream of income from her book sales.

Final Thoughts

Creating passive income while the kids are at school is not just a dream; it’s entirely achievable with the right mindset and strategies. From blogging to real estate crowdfunding, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. So, put on your entrepreneurial hat, embrace the journey, and turn those diaper days into dollar days!

Remember, every small step you take today brings you closer to financial freedom. So, go ahead, take the plunge, and watch your passive income streams grow!

So, you’ve got this brilliant idea for a digital product, and you’re ready to dive headfirst into the world of digital business?

In this guide, I’ll walk through everything you need to know about launching a digital product business in 2024.

From ideation to execution, I’ve got you covered.

So grab a cup of coffee (or your beverage of choice) and let’s get started!

Understanding the Landscape

Before we get into the dirty details of starting a digital product business in 2024, let’s take a step back and take a good look at what we’re talking about.

Digital business is constantly changing, and so is the way that you’ll get eyeballs on your work, so you’ll need to stay ahead of the curve if you want your new business to succeed.

In 2024, we’re seeing a few key trends shaping the digital product space:

Ideation and Validation

Now that we have a grasp of what’s going on in the digital space now, it’s time to brainstorm ideas for your digital product.

Start by pinpointing a problem or pain point that your product can solve. Depending on your target audience, this could be anything from streamlining workflow processes to simplifying everyday tasks.

Once you have an idea in mind, it’s crucial to validate it before moving forward. Conduct market research to determine if there’s a demand for your product and if there are any existing solutions on the market. You can use tools like Google Trends, Keyword Planner, and surveys to gather data and insights.

Developing Your Product

With a validated idea in hand, it’s time to start developing your digital product. Depending on the complexity of your product, you may need to enlist the help of developers, designers, and other specialists.

But from a mom’s point of view, I’d advise you to come up with something that you can create yourself. It doesn’t need to be insanely elaborate. Think about your audience, and what they might like to have in terms of digital products. Also think about whether you’d like to build this product from scratch, or use a platform like this one, which has a zillion products that you can buy and alter in some way, then sell it.

While you’re developing your idea, you’ll need to prioritize user experience and feedback. Incorporate usability testing and iterate on your product based on user input. This will ensure that your product meets the needs and expectations of your target audience.

Marketing and Launch

Once your product is developed and tested, it’s time to prepare for launch!

Start by creating a marketing strategy that outlines how you’ll promote your product to your target audience. This could include a combination of content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, and paid advertising.

In addition to traditional marketing channels, consider leveraging influencer partnerships and collaborations to reach a wider audience. Engage with your audience on social media platforms and build anticipation for your launch through teasers, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes content.

Monetization and Growth

Congratulations, your product is live, and the hard work is paying off! But the journey doesn’t end here – now it’s time to focus on monetization and growth.

There are a few ways you can start monetizing your business, including;

Subscription Model: Offer tiered subscription plans with different features and pricing tiers.

• Freemium Model: Provide a basic version of your product for free, with premium features available for a fee.
• One-time Purchase: Charge a one-time fee for access to your product or specific features.
• In-app Purchases: Offer additional content or features for purchase within your app or platform.

In addition to monetization, focus on growing your audience and expanding your reach. Get feedback from your audience and test your product based on their needs and preferences. Spend money (on ads) getting new customers, to keep users engaged and coming back for more.

Conclusion

Starting a digital product business in 2024 is an exciting journey filled with opportunities and challenges.

By understanding the current landscape, validating your idea, developing a high-quality product, and implementing effective marketing and growth strategies, you can set yourself up for success in the digital marketplace.

So what are you waiting for?

If you spend any time on social media (doesn’t matter which platform), you’ve probably noticed that there’s a TON of content being created about how to make money online in some way, shape or form. 

I’ve been in the digital space since 2003, and since that time, I’ve watched social media and online business go from a few people actually making money, to a sea of people making money talking about how they make money online. 

And for a lot of those people, that’s all it is…talk.

The digital space has changed so much in the last 20+ years, it’s crazy. 

I remember when you could start out on Facebook and actually have people see what you were posting, without having to spend money. Pinterest was much easier to make headway in. There were more tools to help you spread your content as well, and those tools were inexpensive to use.

Ahh…good times. 

But that all changed in 2013 when the Almighty Facebook drastically reduced our reach. We then had to start paying for the people that we brought to their platform, to see what we were posting on our business pages. 

There are a lot of people who will tell you that starting a digital business is the way to go in 2024, and as a card carrying digital business junkie, I would have to agree.

When it comes to writing content with the intention of selling that content, it’s become more and more difficult to get your foot in the door. With every man, woman and child creating God knows how much content hoping for virality, it’s unrealistic to simply expect that your content is going to make any kind of headway with one or two products. 

That said, I’m about to burst the bubble of anyone who expects to start a digital business thinking that it’s going to be a cakewalk. 

It’s anything but. 

Don’t get me wrong, once you create products that you can sell over and over, you’ll feel like you’re literally printing money, and THAT is a great feeling! 🙂

BUT…I should also say that if it’s your passion to start a business that’s based on creating and selling digital content (and that’s exactly what a digital business is), it should be in a niche that you’re passionate about. 

I’m passionate about digital business. Whether that’s digital product creation or marketing/selling someone else’s digital product, I can’t say enough about how enamoured I STILL am with the power of a few keystrokes. I’m still dumbfounded at this thing that we call ‘the internet’ and it’s power to let us reach millions of eyeballs with our content while still in our pajamas. 

I’m also a single mom. Even though my kids are adults now, I remember how difficult it was to make money without leaving the house. So I’m passionate about helping other moms (single and not) money with a digital business, while the kids are at school (because let’s face it, that’s the only time you’re really gonna get any real peace). 

Anyway…I said all that to say, it is entirely possible to succeed with a digital business in 2024, but you’ve gotta be realistic.

Most of the information that I’m seeing online about this topic is trash (sorry but I don’t make it true) info that makes money for the ‘creator’, but will have you running around in circles, and draining your pockets. It’s usually information that will have you wondering why it’s not working for you, but ‘so and so guru’ managed to make it work. 

It’s all bogus. 

There are too many courses that promise to teach you how to do this thing or that thing online, and charge you thousand$ for the privilege and get you no further ahead. 

Digital businesses aren’t just about eBooks and affiliate marketing. There are literally dozens of ways to have a digital business selling just about anything you can imagine.

I started my digital business back in 2007, completely by accident. I bought an ebook (can’t remember what it was about), and after reading it, I decided to create a one page blog talking about how much I enjoyed the book.

Back then, I wasn’t ‘brave’ enough to try to use WordPress because it can be challenging at the best of times (if you know, you know), so I used Blogger to set up my page. 

It was a super simple one page ‘testimonial’ type of post.

What you should also know is that this particular book had an affiliate program attached. The payout was only $7, but I wasn’t thinking about that. At that time, affiliate marketing was fairly new, and I sort of wanted to test it out. I actually had trouble believing that you could write about something that someone else created and get paid anything for doing it.

Anyway…

I wrote my little post, included my affiliate link and went about my business.

It must have been a couple of days later that I checked my affiliate account, and to my surprise, there was $7 in it. Someone read my little post, clicked on that affiliate link, bought that book, and I got paid.

I was gobsmacked. 

SEVEN DOLLARS??? And while I was off doing whatever else? I made SEVEN DOLLARS?? (Not that $7 is a lot, but it was the concept…)

And you have to remember that this was back in 2007, so there was no Pinterest, or Facebook, or Twitter to spread the word about my post. And still, someone managed to find it, and BUY that book.

So at that point, not only did I dig deeper into the affiliate marketing space, but I thought “If I paid $14 for that book, and made $7, that means that someone wrote that book, and made $7 when I “sold” it…”

So I started writing eBooks and I have NOT looked back.

Anyway…

With everything that’s going on in the world, nothing is certain. Your job that you thought was so secure, could can you tomorrow. I tell young women to start their own businesses, regardless of how certain they are about what they’re doing now.

The whole world has gone digital. Don’t get left behind. Figure out what you’re passionate about, who your product(s) will be targeted at, and get to work. All you really need is a wifi connection, an idea and a laptop (and you don’t even really need the laptop these days). 

These are my 7 steps to starting your digital business:

1. Figure out if you want to write and sell digital products, or just sell someone else’s digital products. 
2. Figure out who those digital products will be targeted at (pick a niche).
3. Figure out how you’re going to create and/or sell those products (are you going to start a blog or ecommerce site, or use social media to sell?).
4. Figure out which platforms you’re going to use to market your work (or someone else’s work); Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok, etc.
5. Start watching videos, or checking out inexpensive courses to get the basics down. (I found that Udemy has an awesome selection of courses on just about every subject imaginable that aren’t expensive).
6. Find a creator whose opinion and instruction you trust, and milk their content for all they’ve got. LOL.
7. Come up with a name for your new endeavour. Once you’ve decided on a name, buy the domain name as well. Regardless of what you decide to do, you’ll probably need to have your own website, so you might as well get on this earlier rather than later.

That’s all I’ve got for now. But I’ll be back soon 🙂

Peace.