Are you looking for legitimate work at home business ideas that can generate enough income to allow you to quit your day job? If you've got skills, basic office equipment, patience and diligence, you can become one of many business owners enjoying the rewards of being their own boss. Here are some online business ideas to consider:

1. Freelance Writing

The best home based business for anyone with a passion and skill for writing is freelance writing. The internet consists mostly of written content, and someone has to do all that writing. You can write content for local businesses who have or want an online presence, or for individuals and companies that want a global presence. Freelancers don't have benefits, but they can get health care through unions and associations. Typical monthly earnings range anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000. A few even make 6 figures every year from freelance writing and blogging.

2. Virtual Assistant

Many small businesses and most home based businesses don't have the resources to hire a full-time staff. They'd rather hire an independent contractor to take care of administrative and other routine tasks. A virtual assistant meets those needs remotely at a fraction of the cost. It will be easier to work as a virtual assistant in an industry that you're familiar with due to prior work experience. If you don't have experience working in a particular field, then you'll need to acquire the necessary administrative and secretarial skills to support clients in that area. Because you'll work primarily over the web, it's important to become proficient in typing, word processing and internet use.

3. Consulting

Another work at home business idea that you can pursue is consulting. Do you have expertise in a particular industry? You can put your knowledge to work by advising others while generating income. You may need special licenses or certificates (for legal reasons) for your profession or simply to compete effectively. Research your state's laws to determine what is required. When looking for business, having a certificate may make the difference in landing a client over your competition.

4. Bookkeeping

Small business owners who are not in a position to hire a full-time staff will delegate their bookkeeping tasks to independent contractors when they don't have the skills or time to do it themselves. If you have record-keeping, billing or accounting skills and are fast and reliable, then you might find yourself overflowing with work as a bookkeeper. Decide which clients you want to serve and the size of the businesses you'll market yourself to. You can base your decision on your interests, as well as your ability to deliver the services you're contracted for. You can also focus on specific services you'll provide from minimal data entry to creating complex financial statements. The typical rates for bookkeeping services range from $20 to $40 per hour. Rates depend on your level of education, the market you serve and your experience.

There are other legitimate work at home business ideas that you can pursue in addition to this list. These have been proven to actually generate income and are worth pursuing if you're able to.

Daphne Mallory, Esq. is the co-owner of Mallory Writing Services and has written more than 100 articles helping home based business owners and entrepreneurs start and market their business. You can learn more about her here.