30+ One-Person Business Ideas You Can Start Today
30+ One-Person Business Ideas You Can Start Today
Introduction
Introduction
Looking to ditch the 9-to-5 and start your own one-person business? Whether you're ready to become a solopreneur or simply exploring side-hustles, the world is packed with ideas for a single man or woman business. Below, we’ll cover a mix of easy-to-start LLC ideas, up-and-coming business concepts, and online options perfect for a solopreneur or one-man show.
Why Start a One-Person Business?
Running a one-person business has a ton of perks. You get the flexibility to set your schedule, the freedom to be your own boss, and the ability to turn a passion into profit without needing a massive upfront investment. Many of these ideas are low-cost and can be started from home, making them perfect for beginners or anyone looking to start a business with little money.
How to Choose the Right Business for You
Before diving in, think about your skills, interests, and available resources. Ask yourself:
Do I want to work from home or outside?
How much capital can I invest?
Am I ready to handle marketing, accounting, and customer service?
With these questions in mind, let’s explore the 30+ business ideas that are ideal for one-person businesses.
Looking to ditch the 9-to-5 and start your own one-person business? Whether you're ready to become a solopreneur or simply exploring side-hustles, the world is packed with ideas for a single man or woman business. Below, we’ll cover a mix of easy-to-start LLC ideas, up-and-coming business concepts, and online options perfect for a solopreneur or one-man show.
Why Start a One-Person Business?
Running a one-person business has a ton of perks. You get the flexibility to set your schedule, the freedom to be your own boss, and the ability to turn a passion into profit without needing a massive upfront investment. Many of these ideas are low-cost and can be started from home, making them perfect for beginners or anyone looking to start a business with little money.
How to Choose the Right Business for You
Before diving in, think about your skills, interests, and available resources. Ask yourself:
Do I want to work from home or outside?
How much capital can I invest?
Am I ready to handle marketing, accounting, and customer service?
With these questions in mind, let’s explore the 30+ business ideas that are ideal for one-person businesses.
Contents
Contents
1. Freelance Services
1. Freelance Services
Graphic Design
Best for creative individuals with design skills. Start offering services like logo design, social media graphics, and even website graphics. Sites like Fiverr and Upwork make it easy to get started and build a portfolio.
Copywriting
Perfect for wordsmiths. Copywriting is a booming field in need of skilled individuals to write blog posts, product descriptions, and ad copy. You can work for companies or create an LLC for more serious clients.
Social Media Management
With so many small businesses needing a social presence, this is an ideal option. Offer to create content calendars, run social campaigns, and manage social accounts.
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant (VA) handles tasks like email management, scheduling, and data entry. It’s an excellent choice if you’re organized and detail-oriented.
Graphic Design
Best for creative individuals with design skills. Start offering services like logo design, social media graphics, and even website graphics. Sites like Fiverr and Upwork make it easy to get started and build a portfolio.
Copywriting
Perfect for wordsmiths. Copywriting is a booming field in need of skilled individuals to write blog posts, product descriptions, and ad copy. You can work for companies or create an LLC for more serious clients.
Social Media Management
With so many small businesses needing a social presence, this is an ideal option. Offer to create content calendars, run social campaigns, and manage social accounts.
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant (VA) handles tasks like email management, scheduling, and data entry. It’s an excellent choice if you’re organized and detail-oriented.
2. Home-Based and Local Services
2. Home-Based and Local Services
House Cleaning
If you’re looking for a simple but profitable business idea, cleaning services are always in demand. You can start small and grow as you gain regular clients.
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Perfect for animal lovers, pet sitting and dog walking can be run solo. You can set up an LLC for added credibility and liability protection.
Lawn Care and Gardening
This classic business has low start-up costs. With a lawnmower and some basic gardening tools, you’re good to go.
Handyman Services
If you’re good with tools, handyman services can be a lucrative small business. Consider starting with basic repair services and adding more specialized skills as you go.
House Cleaning
If you’re looking for a simple but profitable business idea, cleaning services are always in demand. You can start small and grow as you gain regular clients.
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Perfect for animal lovers, pet sitting and dog walking can be run solo. You can set up an LLC for added credibility and liability protection.
Lawn Care and Gardening
This classic business has low start-up costs. With a lawnmower and some basic gardening tools, you’re good to go.
Handyman Services
If you’re good with tools, handyman services can be a lucrative small business. Consider starting with basic repair services and adding more specialized skills as you go.
3. Online Business Ideas
3. Online Business Ideas
Blogging and Content Creation
Blogging is a great way to share knowledge and earn passive income through ads and affiliate marketing. Pick a niche, create engaging content, and watch your site grow.
E-commerce Store
Start a simple e-commerce store selling products in a niche you love. Platforms like Shopify and Etsy make it easy to set up, even with limited experience.
YouTube Channel
If you’re comfortable in front of a camera, consider starting a YouTube channel. With the right content, you can generate income through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
Online Courses and Tutoring
If you have expertise in a specific field, you could make money teaching others. Sites like Teachable and Udemy make it easy to publish courses and reach a wide audience.
Blogging and Content Creation
Blogging is a great way to share knowledge and earn passive income through ads and affiliate marketing. Pick a niche, create engaging content, and watch your site grow.
E-commerce Store
Start a simple e-commerce store selling products in a niche you love. Platforms like Shopify and Etsy make it easy to set up, even with limited experience.
YouTube Channel
If you’re comfortable in front of a camera, consider starting a YouTube channel. With the right content, you can generate income through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
Online Courses and Tutoring
If you have expertise in a specific field, you could make money teaching others. Sites like Teachable and Udemy make it easy to publish courses and reach a wide audience.
4. Consulting and Coaching
4. Consulting and Coaching
Business Consulting
If you have business experience, consulting can be a lucrative way to help others succeed. Many small businesses look for affordable experts to guide their growth.
Life Coaching
Life coaches help clients reach their personal goals, providing motivation and strategies. Certification can add credibility, but it’s not always required.
Financial Coaching
Financial coaches help clients budget, save, and plan for the future. If you have a financial background, this can be a very profitable small business.
Business Consulting
If you have business experience, consulting can be a lucrative way to help others succeed. Many small businesses look for affordable experts to guide their growth.
Life Coaching
Life coaches help clients reach their personal goals, providing motivation and strategies. Certification can add credibility, but it’s not always required.
Financial Coaching
Financial coaches help clients budget, save, and plan for the future. If you have a financial background, this can be a very profitable small business.
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➤ Every week, we dig up stories of how regular people started and grew their businesses—
➤ Plus the marketing hacks that won them customers.
➤ Then, we share those insights with you.
➤ Every week, we dig up stories of how regular people started and grew their businesses—
➤ Plus the marketing hacks that won them customers.
➤ Then, we share those insights with you.
5. Health and Wellness
5. Health and Wellness
Personal Training
Certified trainers can offer one-on-one or online coaching. You don’t need a gym—clients can train from their own homes, too.
Yoga Instructor
As wellness continues to grow in popularity, yoga instructors are in demand. Virtual classes allow you to reach more clients without a physical studio.
Nutrition Consulting
If you’re a certified nutritionist, you could help clients reach their health goals through diet planning. You could specialize in weight loss, sports nutrition, or vegan diets.
Personal Training
Certified trainers can offer one-on-one or online coaching. You don’t need a gym—clients can train from their own homes, too.
Yoga Instructor
As wellness continues to grow in popularity, yoga instructors are in demand. Virtual classes allow you to reach more clients without a physical studio.
Nutrition Consulting
If you’re a certified nutritionist, you could help clients reach their health goals through diet planning. You could specialize in weight loss, sports nutrition, or vegan diets.
6. Creative and Artistic Services
6. Creative and Artistic Services
Photography
From portraits to product photography, there’s no shortage of opportunities for a skilled photographer. You can even offer photo editing services if you prefer staying behind the screen.
Painting and Artwork
Artists can create pieces for sale or commission custom works. Platforms like Etsy are excellent for selling unique pieces or prints.
Music Lessons
Musicians can make money by offering virtual lessons in piano, guitar, or vocal coaching. This can be a fulfilling and profitable venture.
Photography
From portraits to product photography, there’s no shortage of opportunities for a skilled photographer. You can even offer photo editing services if you prefer staying behind the screen.
Painting and Artwork
Artists can create pieces for sale or commission custom works. Platforms like Etsy are excellent for selling unique pieces or prints.
Music Lessons
Musicians can make money by offering virtual lessons in piano, guitar, or vocal coaching. This can be a fulfilling and profitable venture.
7. Technology and Digital Solutions
7. Technology and Digital Solutions
Web Development
If you know coding, building websites can be a profitable one-person business. Many small businesses need simple websites, and you can charge by project.
App Development
Mobile app developers are in high demand. You could create custom apps for small businesses or work on creating your own to sell.
SEO Consulting
SEO consultants help businesses get found online. If you’re knowledgeable in search engine optimization, this is a high-paying field with little start-up cost.
Web Development
If you know coding, building websites can be a profitable one-person business. Many small businesses need simple websites, and you can charge by project.
App Development
Mobile app developers are in high demand. You could create custom apps for small businesses or work on creating your own to sell.
SEO Consulting
SEO consultants help businesses get found online. If you’re knowledgeable in search engine optimization, this is a high-paying field with little start-up cost.
8. Product-Based Businesses
8. Product-Based Businesses
Handmade Crafts
From candles to jewelry, handmade crafts are highly popular and can be sold on platforms like Etsy or on Shopify (if you can attract your own audience).
Dropshipping
This online retail method lets you sell products without holding inventory. It’s a low-cost, low-risk way to get into e-commerce.
Print on Demand
Use a service like Printify to design and sell t-shirts, mugs, or other merchandise without handling the physical products yourself.
Subscription Boxes
Subscription boxes are a popular trend. Curate a selection of products in a specific niche—like beauty or fitness—and sell them as monthly subscriptions.
Handmade Crafts
From candles to jewelry, handmade crafts are highly popular and can be sold on platforms like Etsy or on Shopify (if you can attract your own audience).
Dropshipping
This online retail method lets you sell products without holding inventory. It’s a low-cost, low-risk way to get into e-commerce.
Print on Demand
Use a service like Printify to design and sell t-shirts, mugs, or other merchandise without handling the physical products yourself.
Subscription Boxes
Subscription boxes are a popular trend. Curate a selection of products in a specific niche—like beauty or fitness—and sell them as monthly subscriptions.
9. Content and Publishing
9. Content and Publishing
Self-Publishing
If you enjoy writing, self-publishing eBooks on Amazon is a great way to make money. Nonfiction books on trending topics are often more profitable.
Podcasting
Podcasting allows you to reach an audience while discussing topics you love. With ad sponsorships, you can make money once you grow a listener base.
Ghostwriting
Many businesses need content but don’t have the time to create it. Ghostwriting blog posts or books can be a lucrative business.
Self-Publishing
If you enjoy writing, self-publishing eBooks on Amazon is a great way to make money. Nonfiction books on trending topics are often more profitable.
Podcasting
Podcasting allows you to reach an audience while discussing topics you love. With ad sponsorships, you can make money once you grow a listener base.
Ghostwriting
Many businesses need content but don’t have the time to create it. Ghostwriting blog posts or books can be a lucrative business.
10. Miscellaneous Ideas
10. Miscellaneous Ideas
Event Planning
From corporate events to small weddings, an event planner can run the show. Start with small events and work your way up.
Personal Shopper
If you have a knack for style, offer personal shopping services. This could include fashion, grocery shopping, or even gift selection.
Car Detailing
People love a clean car, and mobile detailing services are very popular. It’s a great way to make money on weekends.
Resume Writing
Good resume writers are in demand, especially for mid-career professionals. Offer packages that include resume writing, cover letters, and LinkedIn profile optimizations.
Event Planning
From corporate events to small weddings, an event planner can run the show. Start with small events and work your way up.
Personal Shopper
If you have a knack for style, offer personal shopping services. This could include fashion, grocery shopping, or even gift selection.
Car Detailing
People love a clean car, and mobile detailing services are very popular. It’s a great way to make money on weekends.
Resume Writing
Good resume writers are in demand, especially for mid-career professionals. Offer packages that include resume writing, cover letters, and LinkedIn profile optimizations.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Running a one-person business gives you freedom, flexibility, and control over your career path. With a small investment and a commitment to building your brand, you can launch a business that fits your goals. The key is to start small, test your idea, and adapt as you go.
Do me a favor and pass this on to a pal or share? It'll take just 20 seconds—this one took me hours to research and write 🫠
P.S. I’ve got a weekly newsletter where I share stories about founders who have started successful online businesses, growth strategies, business ideas, and tips to start/grow your own business. I would love for you to join here
Running a one-person business gives you freedom, flexibility, and control over your career path. With a small investment and a commitment to building your brand, you can launch a business that fits your goals. The key is to start small, test your idea, and adapt as you go.
Do me a favor and pass this on to a pal or share? It'll take just 20 seconds—this one took me hours to research and write 🫠
P.S. I’ve got a weekly newsletter where I share stories about founders who have started successful online businesses, growth strategies, business ideas, and tips to start/grow your own business. I would love for you to join here
