11 Solopreneur Business Ideas You Can Start Today
With solopreneurs and one-person businesses becoming more and more successful, you might be looking to start your own solo enterprise.
And I don’t blame you. Having been on the solopreneur journey for the last few years myself, I can 100% say that it’s worth it. It’s so rewarding to see a business that you’ve poured your heart and soul into succeeding.
However, one of the most difficult parts of starting your own business is coming up with a great idea. What’s more, starting your own solo business is even harder as you have to make sure that you’ll be able to work on your idea yourself.
That’s why in this article, I’m going to show you 11 business ideas that you can start yourself.
By the way, if you’re interested in becoming a solopreneur, I’d recommend you read my introductory article here.
A Foreword To Starting Your Business as a Solopreneur
Before I introduce these solo business ideas, I want to warn you that you need to validate your idea before getting started.
When I was starting out on my solopreneur journey, I made the mistake of rushing into working on an idea that I thought was great before validating it with actual customers.
Excitement and enthusiasm got the better of me, and I was convinced that my concept would take off. However, the reality was quite different. The business failed surprisingly quickly because, as it turned out, potential customers simply weren’t interested in my product.
It was a humbling experience that taught me the importance of market research and customer feedback in the world of solopreneurship.
If you are looking at taking up one of these ideas, then I’d really recommend that you read my guides to validating your startup idea and mastering the customer feedback loop before you commit to working on the product.
Top Solopreneur Ideas to Kickstart Today
Now that you know the importance of validating your startup idea, let’s dive into the 11 solo business ideas that have low overheads to get up and running.
Blogging
A blogger is someone who writes content on a website for others to read online. Bloggers can be considered the original social media influencers, serving as content creators and thought leaders in their specific industries.
Typically, bloggers focus on a specific topic or niche, such as fashion, recipes, or interior design, and consistently write posts that attract and grow their audience.
Blogs are normally monetized through affiliate links or adverts, but can be used to build an audience to advertise other products through (which I’d definitely recommend).
If you’re looking to start writing content online, I’d recommend that you:
- Define your blog’s focus: Determine the subject matter or areas of expertise you wish to explore. Having a unique or niche blog can help you stand out from the crowd.
- Choose a blogging platform: This could be a self-hosted website, a profile on popular blogging platforms like Medium or Blogger, or any other suitable option. (Check out my guide to creating a free Ghost blog if you’re looking to get started).
- Develop a content strategy: A well-thought-out content strategy is crucial for success. Consider what topics you will cover, how you will attract traffic, and when and how you plan to monetize your blog.
By developing your blogging skills you can create engaging content and gain a large audience that you can sell almost anything to – take it from me that blogging can be an extremely lucrative business once you’ve put in the time to set it up.
If you’re interested in getting started with blogging, check out my 5 part guide to SEO and creating a blog.
Create Videos or Podcasts
Leading on from creating a blog, you can also start a YouTube channel or podcast as your business. If you’ve got a passion for something, then you’re in great sted to start a video or podcast career.
To get started in this space, make sure to consider the following:
- Recording Equipment: Whether it’s a podcasting microphone or a high-quality video camera, having the right equipment is essential. While production quality isn’t the sole determinant, it can help your content stand out to attract new viewers.
- Creator Profile: Developing your personal brand and establishing a profile on your chosen platform is crucial. Pay attention to your presentation and first impressions, contemplating whether you wish to publish under your own name, a persona, or an alternative identity.
- Editing Software: Perfecting content often requires editing. Invest in suitable editing software to refine and enhance your videos or podcasts, making them more polished and engaging.
Copywriting
If you’ve got strong writing skills but don’t want to start your own blog, maybe freelance copyrighting could be for you.
Similar to graphic design, your main source of income will come from providing writing services to businesses in need of support. This can involve creating articles, writing advertising copy, or developing product information for websites, among other things.
To thrive in creating a freelance copywriting business, consider the following:
- Make yourself discoverable: Begin by establishing a presence on freelance platforms and gradually build up a list of clients. This allows businesses seeking writing expertise to find and connect with you.
- Build up a portfolio: Showcase your writing abilities by creating a portfolio that highlights your range as a writer. If you have existing work that can be repurposed, that’s fantastic. Otherwise, challenge yourself with mock briefs and strive to fulfil them. Seek feedback from peers and be open to constructive criticism. Once you’re satisfied with your portfolio, make it accessible to prospective clients.
Dog Grooming & Walking
If like me you love animals, then potentially starting a dog grooming or walking business could be for you.
While somewhat of a cliche idea, this solo venture can generate a good income through client bookings, whether on a recurring or intermittent basis.
Here are some essential considerations if you want to start a pet-based business:
- Get certified: While experience with dogs is crucial, obtaining certifications can provide an added advantage. Although not legally required for dog groomers, consider enrolling in grooming and styling courses to enhance your skills and reassure potential customers.
- Expand your repertoire: If you’re not exclusively a dog person, you can broaden your services to include cat sitting, catering to the needs of cat owners who require assistance when away from home.
- Get organised: Maximizing the number of bookings while maintaining service quality is vital for profitability. Being well-organised is key.
Become a Consultant
If you have a good career in a specific field, consultancy may be a compelling path for you.
Consultants are specialists who offer their knowledge and expertise to businesses in various areas such as business strategy, marketing, or other specific domains. They generate income by providing direct project support, conducting training workshops, or advising leaders on strategic decisions.
When I was launching my first few businesses, consultancy was definitely on the cards for me. As a software engineer, finding consultancy work to saturate my income while I was getting started would have been easy.
If consultancy intrigues you, here are some key considerations that I’ve found:
- Pick a niche aligned with your skills and experience: Consultancy thrives on proven expertise. If you have spent years working in a particular industry, it can be advantageous in establishing your consultancy career.
- Get accredited: While not always mandatory, certifications can add credibility, especially in fields like accounting or law. Acquiring relevant qualifications in your chosen area of specialisation can solidify your authority and enhance your marketability.
- Choose a target market: Identify the area where your expertise is most needed. Consider which businesses commonly require assistance in this domain. Are there specific types of businesses that struggle on their own? Is there a demand for affordable consultancy services? Understanding your target audience will help you tailor your offerings effectively.
- Build a network: Once you have conducted market research, focus on reaching your target audience. Utilize social media, advertising, and email outreach to establish your presence. Your existing network, including former clients and industry contacts, can also be valuable in jumpstarting your consultancy journey.
- Make a lasting impression: As a consultant, it’s not only about delivering excellent work but also about building your personal brand and reputation.
Start an Etsy or Amazon Store
If you’re passionate about creating unique crafts or books, then maybe creating an Etsy or Amazon store could be for you!
If your creations are of high quality and have market appeal, why not turn your hobby into a profitable business? Whether you excel in jewellery making, woodworking, knitting, or any other craft, there is likely an audience out there eager to purchase your products.
If you’re ready to transform your skills into a thriving Etsy / Amazon business, consider the following tips:
- Discover Your Craft: Assess your skills and identify the crafts that have market potential.
- Set Up Your Seller Profile: Once you’ve chosen your target market, it’s time to establish your business presence.
- Make a Lasting Impression: Invest in professional product photography to showcase your crafts in the best light possible. Take time to craft a compelling shop name and brand identity that resonates with your target audience, leaving a positive impression on potential customers.
- Consider Fulfillment: Determine how you will deliver your products to customers. Depending on your offerings, the delivery process will vary. If you’re selling tables, you’ll have different delivery needs compared to shipping custom greeting cards.
- Maintain Solid Financial Records: Transitioning from a hobby to a business requires good financial management.
I’ve created a complete guide to launching your product on Amazon, which I’d recommend you read if you’re looking forward to getting started with this idea.
Tutoring
If you’ve got extensive knowledge in a certain area, then maybe a tutoring business could be for you. Starting a tutoring business allows you to ignite minds and make a profound impact on the academic success and personal growth of students.
As a tutor, you have the incredible opportunity to guide and support learners of all ages, helping them overcome challenges, build confidence, and excel in their educational pursuits.
The foundation of a successful tutoring business lies in your expertise and passion for the subject that you teach. I’d recommend reflecting on your educational background, professional experiences, and areas of proficiency to identify which subject you are most knowledgeable and passionate about.
Create a Coffee Shop
An idea that I’ve always been interested in is starting a coffee shop. Starting your own one-person coffee shop allows you to embrace the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, create a warm and inviting space, and bring joy to the lives of coffee lovers in your community.
As the sole proprietor of your coffee shop, you have the opportunity to curate a unique and personalized experience for your customers, showcasing your passion for coffee, hospitality, and creating a cozy atmosphere.
Create Online Courses
On a similar vein to online teaching, if you’ve got a wealth of experience in a particular area, then creating an online course could make you some extra money on the side.
To start, you need to identify your area of expertise, considering the specific topics that you’re knowledgeable about. You then need to start creating high-quality and engaging course content. Break down complex concepts into digestible modules or lessons, ensuring clarity and a logical flow of information.
I’d recommend that you incorporate real-life examples, case studies, and practical exercises to make the learning experience interactive and applicable. Use multimedia tools and platforms to deliver your content effectively, such as learning management systems (LMS), video hosting platforms, or online course marketplaces.
Social Media Management
If unlike me, you’ve got a gift for creating social media posts, then I’d recommend that you look into starting a social media business. Most companies nowadays are looking for someone to manage their social media presence and increase customer interactions.
When starting a social media business, it’s important to keep yourself familiarized with the latest trends and best practices. I’d recommend hopping on some trends to promote your own business first, as this will give you some free marketing as well as a portfolio to show to your potential clients.
Sponsorship Broker
If you’ve watched YouTube at all, you probably know that most content creators have their videos sponsored by big brands in exchange for a hefty price tag (on average $25k per video for medium-sized channels in our research).
You can bag yourself a portion of this money (normally around 10%) by creating a sponsorship broker business. This business involves connecting content creators with sponsors and helping them to secure consistent deals.
Conclusion
Now you have a wealth of ideas to embark on your solopreneurial journey, check out our article on the basics of solopreneurship, see the 11 ways to boost website conversion or find out how you can harness the power of AI to boost your solopreneur success.
