Are you wondering how to make money while on maternity leave? Whether you’re looking to supplement your income, gain a little extra financial security, or just want something productive to do during this time, there are several passive income ideas that can help you. Some of these require minimal effort once set up, while others may need a bit of attention but offer great flexibility.
Among the most popular ways to make passive income during maternity leave is local lead generation, but you’ll also find affiliate marketing, selling digital products, and even investing as great ways to earn from home. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the best ways to make money while on maternity leave.
1. Local Lead Generation
Local lead generation is one of the top ways to generate passive income. It involves building small, local websites that generate leads for businesses in your area. This type of business works on the “rank and rent” model, where you create a website, rank it in search engines, and then rent it out to local businesses.
For example, you could create a website about plumbing services, get it ranked on Google, and then rent it to a local plumber who will pay you for every lead they receive through your site. The best part? Once your website ranks, you can sit back and collect monthly income with minimal upkeep.
This business does require some learning, especially if you’re unfamiliar with SEO (Search Engine Optimization). However, it can be highly profitable with little competition compared to other income-generating ideas. Once set up, a site can generate anywhere from $500 to $3,000 per month.
2. Affiliate Marketing
If you have a blog or a social media following, affiliate marketing can be a lucrative option. You earn a commission by promoting products and services using affiliate links. Every time someone makes a purchase through your link, you get paid a percentage of the sale.
Amazon’s affiliate program, for instance, is a popular starting point for many moms. You can recommend products you love, and every time someone buys, you make money. Affiliate marketing doesn’t require you to hold inventory, making it a great hands-off business model.
Although it takes time to build up, affiliate marketing can be a consistent source of income if you create content or a platform that resonates with your audience. The key to success here is patience and consistency.
3. Selling Digital Products
If you have a knack for creating content, selling digital products can be an excellent source of passive income. Digital products range from eBooks and printables to presets and courses.
For example, if you’re skilled in graphic design, you can sell design templates or printables on platforms like Etsy. Similarly, if you have expertise in a specific area, like finance or parenting, you can create and sell eBooks or online courses on platforms like Teachable or Udemy.
Digital products are great because they only require a one-time effort to create, but they can be sold repeatedly, generating passive income over time.
4. High-Ticket Affiliate Marketing
High-ticket affiliate marketing is similar to regular affiliate marketing, but the difference lies in the price of the products you’re promoting. High-ticket items often include luxury goods, expensive software, or premium courses, and the commissions for each sale can be substantial.
While regular affiliate marketing can take a long time to build up, high-ticket affiliate marketing can result in larger payoffs with fewer sales. However, it does require a good understanding of your audience and strategic marketing to drive conversions for such high-cost items.
5. Writing eBooks
If you enjoy writing or have expertise in a specific field, writing and selling eBooks can be a great way to earn money while on maternity leave. You can write about anything you’re passionate about, whether it’s parenting tips, fitness, or financial advice.
Once written, your eBook can be uploaded to platforms like Amazon Kindle, where it can sell automatically without much ongoing effort. This is an excellent way to generate passive income since you create the book once and can sell it over and over.
6. Record Audiobooks
With the rising popularity of audiobooks, recording your own can be a great passive income stream. If you’ve already written an eBook, consider turning it into an audiobook using platforms like Audible.
Recording can be done at home with minimal equipment, but if you’re not comfortable recording yourself, you can always hire a professional to do the narration for you.
7. Amazon FBA
If you’ve ever thought about selling products online, Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is a great platform to consider. With Amazon FBA, you don’t have to worry about shipping, handling, or customer service, as Amazon takes care of all these aspects for you.
You simply send your products to an Amazon warehouse, and they handle everything from storage to shipping. This can be a good option if you have a product idea and are looking for a relatively passive way to sell online.
8. Creating Online Courses
If you’re knowledgeable in a particular field, creating and selling online courses can be a very lucrative way to generate passive income. Platforms like Udemy and Teachable make it easy to upload your course and start selling.
For example, if you have expertise in digital marketing or parenting tips, you can create a course teaching others what you know. Once the course is created and uploaded, it can continue to generate income over time.
9. Investing in Stocks or REITs
Investing in the stock market or REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) can provide passive income through dividends. While this option may require some upfront knowledge and financial resources, it can be an effective way to generate steady income.
Before diving into the stock market, it’s essential to do thorough research or consult a financial advisor to understand which stocks or REITs are worth investing in. Once you invest, dividends can provide a regular income stream, even during your maternity leave.
10. Rent Out a Room or Property
If you have extra space in your home, renting out a room or property through platforms like Airbnb can be a fast way to make extra money. Many people are looking for short-term rentals, making this an easy and flexible way to generate income while you’re at home with your baby.
Be sure to set clear rules and boundaries for renters to ensure a smooth experience, especially with a newborn at home.
11. Sell Handmade Crafts or Products
If you enjoy crafting, you can turn your hobby into a source of income by selling handmade products on platforms like Etsy or Shopify. Whether it’s knitted baby clothes, handmade jewelry, or personalized gifts, the market for unique, handmade items is thriving.
You can start creating these items during your pregnancy and stock up on inventory. Once you’ve built a collection, you can set up your shop and promote your products through social media.
12. Teach Online Classes or Tutoring
If you have expertise in a particular subject, you can offer online tutoring or teach classes via platforms like VIPKid, Tutor.com, or even Zoom. Teaching allows you to set flexible hours, and you can often work while your baby naps or is being cared for.
Whether you are fluent in a second language, have a strong background in math, or know how to play an instrument, there’s a demand for online tutors.
13. Start a Virtual Assistant Business
Virtual assistants (VAs) help business owners with tasks like managing emails, scheduling appointments, or handling social media accounts. This job is highly flexible and can be done from home, making it an ideal option for new moms.
If you’re organized and have good communication skills, you can offer VA services on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or even set up your own website to attract clients. It’s a great way to generate income without having to leave the house.
14. Sell Stock Photos or Videos
If you have a passion for photography, consider selling stock photos or videos to sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Getty Images. You can take pictures of everyday objects, landscapes, or even your own maternity journey and sell them as stock media.
While this won’t make you rich overnight, it can become a good passive income stream over time as more of your photos get downloaded and used by companies or individuals.
15. Create and Sell Printables
Printables, such as planners, coloring pages, or educational worksheets, are popular digital products that people buy and print at home. If you have some graphic design skills, you can create printables and sell them on platforms like Etsy.
The best part is that printables are easy to create, and once designed, they can be sold repeatedly without the need for shipping or inventory. You can market printables like budgeting sheets, to-do lists, or even baby milestone charts to cater to new parents.
16. Rent Out Baby Equipment
As a new mom, you’ll accumulate plenty of baby gear. If you have extra baby equipment that’s not in use, consider renting it out through platforms like BabyQuip. Many traveling parents look to rent baby strollers, cribs, or high chairs when they’re on vacation, so this can be a great way to make money from your unused items.
17. Participate in Online Surveys and Focus Groups
While not entirely passive, participating in online surveys and focus groups can be an easy way to make extra cash without too much effort. Websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or UserTesting pay users to share their opinions about various products or services.
You won’t make a lot of money from these, but they can be a quick way to earn a little extra income during your free time.
18. Launch a Subscription Box Service
If you have a specific passion or expertise, starting a subscription box service can be a profitable venture. Subscription boxes have become increasingly popular in niches like beauty, fitness, and even baby care.
You can start small by curating a monthly box of products around a theme (e.g., eco-friendly baby products or pregnancy care). Once your subscription service gains traction, it can provide a steady stream of income each month.
19. Create a Dropshipping Store
Dropshipping is an e-commerce model that allows you to sell products online without keeping inventory. You partner with a supplier who handles the shipping and fulfillment, so your focus is only on marketing and customer service.
Using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, you can set up a dropshipping store selling products related to motherhood, baby care, or any niche you’re passionate about. This is a flexible business model that can generate passive income with minimal upfront costs.
20. Rent Out Your Car
If you have a car that you’re not using while on maternity leave, you can rent it out through services like Turo or Getaround. These platforms allow people to rent your car for short periods, and you can earn money while your vehicle is not in use.
This is a great option if you’re homebound for most of your leave and don’t need your car regularly.
Final Thoughts
Maternity leave is a wonderful time to bond with your new baby, but it can also be an opportunity to start generating passive income. Whether it’s local lead generation, affiliate marketing, or selling digital products, there are plenty of ways to make money while you focus on your new role as a mom.
Choose an option that aligns with your skills and interests and start working on it before your leave begins. With the right approach, you can create a lasting income stream that supports you even when you return to work.