Moms Helping Moms Make Money

The U.S. Census Bureau notes that by 1992, women owned 10 million home-based businesses, and that today, they own 17 million home-based businesses. That's 70% of all home-based businesses. In addition, according to the National Foundation of Women Business Owners, 2.1 million of these women business owners have children. These numbers are impressive.

What's behind this boom in women-owned home-based businesses? Part of it, I believe, is a determination by many mothers to be at home with their children. But another important aspect of this societal and economic phenomenon is the explosion of the Internet into our lives, and the reach it provides to many women who want to start a business from home, but have a limited budget for advertising.

Advertising your home-based business on the Internet is far less expensive than the older traditional methods. Word of mouth is free, and it's one of the best ways to promote your home business, particularly if your business has a web presence. There are many forums where you can not only enjoy the community of other women, but also advertise your home business in your signature line.

A blog connected to your business is another great way to advertise and also network. Google Adwords is affordable for most small businesses. Business owners specify how much they are willing to pay per click by a potential customer and what words they want to generate their ad. No longer are businesses limited to a local clientele. The Internet makes it possible to reach a worldwide audience.

Most importantly though, women business owners are taking advantage of the opportunity to network with each other by exchanging links and sharing useful information and support. A great example of this is The Mom Pack, a site that's all about "Moms Promoting Moms." There you'll find everything from free web site templates to coupons to a link exchange program. And the best part, it doesn't cost a thing!