How to start a lifestyle business & make money online
In 2008, I made the decision to start a blog and let me tell you, it was the best decision I have ever made. I am passionate that every woman use her wisdom, talents & creativity to start her very own lifestyle business.
Not only to make an income but to live a beautiful, blissful and fulfilled life. Listen to this episode on the lifestyle business blueprint ⬇️.
The idea of a lifestyle business has gained traction in recent years, offering freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment. Unlike traditional career paths or high-stakes startups, lifestyle businesses are centered around designing a life you love while earning a sustainable income.
If you’ve ever dreamed of being your own boss while maintaining balance, this guide will show you how to start and succeed with a lifestyle business.
What Is a Lifestyle Business?
A lifestyle business is a venture designed to support your ideal way of living. Unlike startups aiming for rapid growth or small businesses with fixed local footprints, lifestyle businesses prioritize personal goals over aggressive expansion.
Key Traits:
Focus on freedom (time, location, and creative freedom).
Built around personal passions or expertise.
Scalable to maintain a steady income without excessive workload.
Prioritizes quality of life over profit maximization.
For example, a digital nomad running an online course business earns enough to travel the world while working a few hours a day.
HOW a Lifestyle Business Will Change Your Life
Freedom to Live on Your Terms
With a lifestyle business, you set your own schedule, choose where you work, and decide how much you want to earn based on your effort.Fulfillment from Doing What You Love
Your business is often aligned with your passions, making work feel less like a chore and more like a purpose-driven activity.Sustainability Over Burnout
Since lifestyle businesses prioritize balance, they are less likely to lead to the exhaustion associated with traditional business ventures or corporate jobs.Location Independence
Many lifestyle businesses operate online, allowing you to live anywhere while running your business.Building Passive Income
By creating systems (e.g., digital products, courses, affiliate marketing), you can earn income even when not actively working.
Related Reading: How to start a profitable blog from scratch
Best Lifestyle Business Examples
Here are some of the most popular lifestyle business models to inspire you:
Content Creation
Blogging, YouTube, or podcasting on topics you love.
Revenue: Ads, sponsorships, affiliate marketing.
Success story: Debbie from The Flooring Girl makes over $20,000/month on her blog.
Online Courses or Coaching
Teach a skill or mentor others.
Revenue: Course sales, memberships.
Success Story: Dani from Dani The Explorer blog makes over $10k month coaching.
E-Commerce
Selling digital products (e-books, printables) or dropshipping physical goods.
Success Story: Lori from Guitar and Lace blog has made $46,869 in 2020 from selling downloadable iphone app icons on etsy.
Freelancing or Consulting
Provide services like graphic design, writing, or business strategy.
Affiliate Marketing
Earn commissions promoting products or services.
Success Story: Michelle from Making Sense of Cents made over one million dollars from affiliate marketing.
Travel Planning or Digital Nomad Services
Help others achieve a flexible lifestyle while enjoying yours.
Success Story: Annette from Bucket list journey makes over $10,000 per month from her blog alone.
How to Choose Your Lifestyle Business Niche
Picking the right niche is crucial for a sustainable lifestyle business. You want to do what you LOVE to do, especially if you are going to be working at this day in and day out. So, getting clear on what it is that you want to be doing with your time is essential.
Identify Your Passion
What topics light you up? Example: If you love fitness, consider becoming an online personal trainer. If you love homemaking, you may want to help people shop for home decor and be an affiliate marketer.
Find something that you can help people with. What solutions are you really good at implementing? What do people come to you for advice on?
If you need help with this, take a look at your birth chart. You have a very specific blueprint on what your soul came to do, astrology can help you unlock that.
Evaluate Your Skills
What can you offer that others would pay for?
Example: If you’re a great writer, freelancing might be a fit.
Research Market Demand
Validate your niche by identifying your target audience and their pain points.
Tools like Google Trends, AnswerThePublic, and social media can help.
Align with Your Lifestyle Goals
Does this business model allow you to live how you want (e.g., work remotely, part-time)?
How You Can Start a Lifestyle Business
Define Your Vision
What do you want your days to look like?
Set clear income and work-life balance goals.
Choose a Scalable Model
Avoid models that require you to constantly trade time for money (e.g., opt for digital products or recurring revenue streams).
Build an Online Presence
HOW TO Build an Online Presence
In today’s digital world, having an online presence is essential for reaching your audience and growing your lifestyle business. It serves as the foundation for your credibility, visibility, and ability to connect with potential customers. Here’s how to strategically create and optimize your online presence:
1. Create a Professional Website
Your website is the digital storefront for your lifestyle business. Whether you’re selling products, offering services, or sharing content, a well-designed website is non-negotiable.
Choose the Right Platform
Platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix are user-friendly and versatile. I made the switch from Wordpress to Squarespace and I am very happy with it.
For e-commerce, Shopify is a strong option.
Must-Have Pages
Home: A clear introduction to who you are and what you offer.
About: Share your story and connect with your audience on a personal level.
Services/Products: Showcase what you’re offering with clear descriptions and calls to action.
Contact: Make it easy for visitors to reach you.
Blog (Optional): Share valuable content related to your niche to attract organic traffic.
2. CREATE CONTENT & Leverage Social Media
Social media platforms are powerful tools for building connections, driving traffic, and increasing your visibility.
Pick the Right Platforms
Focus on platforms where your target audience hangs out.
For a visually driven niche (e.g., travel, fashion): Instagram or Pinterest.
For business services or networking: LinkedIn or Twitter.
For video-based content: YouTube or TikTok.
Post Consistently
Develop a content calendar to post regularly and stay relevant.
Share a mix of promotional, educational, and personal content to build authenticity.
Engage with Your Audience
Respond to comments and messages promptly to build trust.
Use polls, stories, and live sessions to interact with followers.
3. Optimize for Search Engines (SEO)
SEO ensures that your website and content rank well on search engines like Google, helping you attract organic traffic.
Keyword Research
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find terms your audience is searching for.
On-Page SEO
Incorporate relevant keywords naturally into your website copy, blog posts, and metadata.
Use clear headings (H1, H2, etc.), alt text for images, and fast-loading designs.
Off-Page SEO
Build backlinks by collaborating with other blogs or websites in your niche.
4. Build an Email List
An email list is a direct line of communication with your audience, free from algorithm changes on social media.
Start with a Freebie
Offer a valuable freebie (e.g., an e-book, checklist, or mini-course) in exchange for email sign-ups.
Use Email Marketing Tools
Platforms like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or Kajabi simplify email list management.
Nurture Your Subscribers
Send regular newsletters with updates, tips, and exclusive offers.
5. Establish Your Brand Identity
Your brand identity is how people perceive your business online. A cohesive and professional image builds trust and recognition.
Visual Elements
Use consistent colors, fonts, and logos across all platforms.
Tone and Voice
Develop a brand voice that resonates with your target audience. Are you formal, conversational, or inspirational?
Photography and Graphics
High-quality visuals make a huge difference in catching attention and creating a polished look.
6. Collaborate and Network Online
Expanding your reach often requires tapping into other audiences.
Guest Blogging or Podcasts
Share your expertise on others’ platforms to introduce yourself to new audiences.
Social Media Collaborations
Partner with influencers or similar businesses to cross-promote.
Online Communities
Participate in niche forums, Facebook groups, or Reddit communities to connect authentically. I built mine specifically in Kajabi.
7. Track and Improve Your Online Presence
Analytics are essential for understanding what works and what doesn’t.
Use Analytics Tools
Google Analytics for website traffic.
Social media insights for engagement metrics.
Refine Your Strategy
Double down on high-performing content and experiment with new ideas to stay innovative.
By building a robust online presence, you create a virtual home for your lifestyle business that not only attracts customers but also positions you as an authority in your niche.
A lifestyle business isn’t just about earning an income; it’s about reclaiming your time, prioritizing your passions, and creating a life that feels truly yours. Whether you dream of working from a beach in Bali or simply having more time for family, a lifestyle business is your gateway to freedom.
Now that you have a roadmap, the only question is: What lifestyle business will you start today?
You may also like:
💛 How to start a profitable blog (step-by-step)
💛 The 12 Best books on Manifestation that transformed my life
💛 The 8 phases of Manifestation you need to know.
Download my FREE Manifestation Mindset Makeover workbook here.
Please feel free to email me at ashlina@thedecorista.com if you have any questions! I’m always happy to help with decorating, life advice or even picking out a specific perfume! Have an amazing day!!
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As always, thank you so much for stopping by today, I truly appreciate all of you! xo, Ashlina
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