Looking For Another Income Stream? Learn How To Start An Online Business

"How Can I Start an Online Business?" - Here’s What I Learnt on My Journey

Woman enjoying financial freedom and independence.

Why Starting Your Own Online Business Is So Important

Chatting to a friend over the weekend I realised that many of us feel that since 2020 our lives have changed dramatically. Is that what you are feeling too?

In 2019 I lived in a beautiful home, my children were both at university and then the lockdowns came and we had to close our business - and with no income we had to sell our house,  as we could no longer afford the mortgage.

It was an awful stressful time and we ended up having to move to a rent free remote farmhouse. I felt like such a loser plus loney and isolated.

I realized something else, I was missing purpose and freedom.

I Felt Trapped and Dependent

Maybe you’ve felt this too. Like your life is no longer your own. Like you're stuck in one place, not just physically but emotionally.

You wake up each day feeling lost and even if doing what you’ve always done, something deep inside you whispers:

“There must be more than this.”

I hated feeling desperate and being financially dependent. I wanted to contribute more, to stand on my own feet. But at over 50, starting something new felt scary. I wondered if I was too old to learn new skills or build something of my own.

My husband Colin and myself


The Question That Changed Everything

One day, I typed into Google:

How can I start an online business?”

That question changed my life.

At first, I was completely overwhelmed. There were so many options: blogging, freelancing, selling products, affiliate marketing, online courses, coaching, ebooks, YouTube, digital art, low content books—the list went on and on.

But I didn’t need to learn everything. I just needed to start.


What I Learnt (And What You Can Do Too)

I’ve spent the past few years learning, trying, failing, trying again, and slowly finding a way to build an online business that fits my life. Here’s what I discovered—and what might help you if you’re wondering where to begin:


1. You Don’t Need to Be a Tech Wizard

The idea of building a website or using social media for business was terrifying.

But here’s what I learned: you only need to know the next step.

There are simple tools now that guide you through everything. Platforms like WordPress, Canva, and ConvertKit are designed for beginners. And if you get stuck, there’s always a YouTube video or an online coach who can help.

If I could figure it out, so can you.


2. Start With What You Love

At first, I tried to chase the easiest and quickest way to make money. I signed up for surveys, tried drop-shipping, and dabbled in low content books. Some of these worked a little, but they also didn’t light me up.

Then I remembered what brought me joy:

  • Writing

  • Animals

  • Helping other women like me

  • Travel

That’s when I started Freedom For You 2. My goal is to help women over 50 who feel stuck, financially dependent, or unsure of what’s next. I show them how they can start an online business to earn extra money and gain the freedom to live on their terms—whether that means travelling, pursuing passions, or simply feeling independent again.

Start by asking yourself:
“What do I care about?”
“What do I enjoy doing?”
Your answers will guide you toward the kind of business that suits you.


3. Progress is Better Than Perfection

I used to wait until everything was perfect. The perfect idea. The perfect website. The perfect logo. The perfect plan.

But waiting kept me stuck.

What helped me was taking small, messy steps forward. I started by writing blog posts. I posted about my journey. I created a logo. I made Pinterest pins. I added affiliate links.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress.

Your first attempt won’t be your final one. That’s okay. Every step teaches you something.


4. Your Story Matters

One of the biggest surprises? People connected most with my story.

It wasn’t the fancy graphics or slick sales pages. It was when I shared how I felt lost, how I wanted more, how I tried and failed and kept going.

If you’re starting an online business, your perseverance will be your greatest strength. People want to follow real people, trustworthy content not polished brands.

You don’t have to pretend you have it all figured out. Just be honest. Be you.


5. You Can Make Money While Helping Others

At first, I wasn’t sure how this could even make money. But I found the best teachers to help me create a business that I love. I learned about things like:

  • Affiliate marketing (earning a small commission when people buy through your link)

  • Selling digital products (like printables or ebooks)

  • Selling physical products (through Amazon FBA or own store)

  • Monetizing a blog or email list

  • Offering courses, coaching, or workshops

It’s not instant riches—but if you stay consistent, the income grows.
And the best part? You earn by helping others. By sharing what you’ve learned. By creating useful or joyful content.

That’s the kind of business that feels good to run.


So... How Can You Start an Online Business?

Here’s a simple plan based on what worked for me:


✅ Step 1: Get Clear on Your “Why”

Ask yourself:

  • Why do I want an online business?

  • What will freedom look like for me?

Your “why” will keep you going when it gets tough.


✅ Step 2: Pick One Path to Start

Choose something that feels exciting, even if a little scary. Here are beginner-friendly ideas:

  • Start a blog (like I did!)

  • Create a simple Etsy store

  • Sell art or printables

  • Write and self-publish children’s books

  • Promote affiliate links on Pinterest

  • Teach something you already know (even if it’s basic!)


✅ Step 3: Set Tiny, Weekly Goals

Don’t think about the whole mountain. Just focus on the next step.

  • Week 1: Pick a name for your blog or business

  • Week 2: Watch 2 tutorials

  • Week 3: Write your first blog post

  • Week 4: Open a Google account

Each week builds on the next. You’ll look back and be amazed at how far you’ve come.


✅ Step 4: Join a Supportive Community

This made all the difference for me. Being around other women who understood my journey helped me keep going.

Find groups on Facebook or follow women online who are a step ahead of you. You don’t have to do this alone.


✅ Step 5: Believe You’re Not Too Old

This one’s important.

Many of us over 50 believe it’s too late to start. But I promise you—it’s not.

In fact, you bring something powerful to the table:
life experience.
You know how to manage your time. You’ve faced real challenges. You care about people. You’re wise. That’s a superpower in the online world.


The farm I moved to

You Deserve This

You don’t have to feel hopeless or stay stuck.
You’re allowed to grow, to earn, to dream again.
Starting an online business is possible—even if you’re scared, even if you don’t have much time, even if you feel like you’re starting from scratch.

You are not too old. You are just getting started.

And I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

The Time is Now: Why It's Never Too Late to Start Earning Online

I refused to let my dreams die. I discovered the power of online business. Not just any online business, but one that could earn money without tying me down to a desk or a schedule. I now have two websites up - one is for my passion of travel.

I'm still on my journey, I haven't got the millions in the bank yet, but step by step and day by day I am moving closer to my goals. My goal of earning while I sleep, living a location independent life, having a more secure retirement and being able to travel again when I want.

Funnily enough I still live on the farm - it is remote but I've grown to love the beauty and peace and I'm in no rush to live in town if I don't have to.

Starting an online business in your 50s, 60s, or beyond isn't just possible – it's advantageous. You know who you are, what you want, and you've got the determination to make it happen.

Here's why now is the perfect time to start:

  1. Technology has made it easier than ever. You don't need to be a tech whiz to succeed online.
  2. There's a huge market for authentic, experienced voices. Your life story is your unique selling point.
  3. Online businesses offer flexibility. You can work from anywhere, anytime.
  4. The skills you've honed over the years are invaluable in the online world.
  5. Your desire for freedom and security will fuel your success.

Remember, every day you wait is another day you're not living your dreams. But it doesn't have to be that way. You can start small, learn as you go, and build something that gives you the freedom to explore the world.

I did it, and so can you. It won't always be easy, but I promise you, it's worth it. Imagine waking up each morning, knowing you're in control of your life and your income.

That life of freedom and security you've been dreaming of? It's not just a fantasy. It's a real possibility, and it starts with taking that first step.

So, are you ready to turn your dreams into reality? To prove that it's never too late to start living the life you've always wanted? The time is now. Your adventure is waiting.

Have a look at the wonderful training that I used to get my online businesses up and working for me.

 

Artistic workspace featuring calligraphy and digital design on a tablet and laptop.