12 Solopreneur Business Ideas For Time & Financial Freedom

Last Updated on July 25, 2023 by John Cirelly

Did you know 80% of the 24 million businesses in the United States are run by one person? But where do you start? What are some viable business options for you as a solopreneur?

This article outlines 12 promising solopreneur business ideas, each with its unique appeal and potential. From digital freelancing to growing microgreens, there’s something for everyone.

What is a Solopreneur?

A solopreneur is an individual who starts and runs a business single-handedly. Unlike entrepreneurs who may delegate tasks to employees or co-founders, solopreneurs handle every aspect of their business themselves, from product development and marketing to customer service and finance.

This business model has numerous benefits:

1. Complete control: Solopreneurs have the ultimate decision-making power, allowing them to steer their business in any direction they choose.
2. Flexibility: Without a physical office or employees, solopreneurs have the flexibility to work from anywhere, anytime.
3. Low startup costs: With no employee salaries or office rental costs, the financial barrier to entry is significantly lower.
4. Direct connection with customers: Solopreneurs can create a personalized customer experience, building strong customer relationships.
5. Rapid decision-making and adaptation: With no need for consensus, solopreneurs can quickly pivot their strategies as needed.

Being a solopreneur can be both challenging and rewarding. It requires a diverse skill set, resilience, and self-motivation. However, the freedom, control, and potential rewards make solopreneurship a compelling choice for many business-minded individuals.

Solopreneur Business Ideas For 2024

1. Digital Freelancing

Starting an online freelancing business is an outstanding solo business opportunity. It’s versatile, low in startup costs, and allows you to work from anywhere. Get started by identifying your niche, setting up a professional portfolio, and reaching out to potential clients.

A few profitable skills that do well in the freelance market include:

• Programming
• SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
• Web Design
• Copywriting
• Social Media Management

2. YouTube

Starting a YouTube channel is an excellent solo business venture. It’s a powerful platform for self-expression and influencing audiences worldwide. Start by identifying a niche you’re passionate about, create quality content, and focus on growing your subscriber base.

Monetizing a YouTube channel can be achieved through:

1. Ad revenue: Earn money from ads displayed on your videos.
2. Channel memberships: Offer exclusive content or perks to paying members.
3. Merchandise shelf: Sell your branded merchandise directly from your YouTube page.
4. Super Chat and Super Stickers: Viewers can purchase these during live chats to have their comments highlighted.
5. Sponsored videos: Partner with brands relevant to your niche for sponsored content.

Consistency is key on YouTube. Regular, engaging content will help build your audience and increase your income potential. Embrace your creativity and turn your passion into profit with YouTube!

3. Blogging

Starting a blog is a great solo business option for anyone with a flair for writing and a passion to share. Start by choosing a subject you love, create a blog site, and consistently publish high-quality, engaging posts that rank for topics your audience is searching for.

Blogging provides numerous monetization options:

1. Ad placements: Use ad networks like Google AdSense to earn revenue from your site’s traffic.
2. Affiliate marketing: Recommend products or services in your posts and earn a commission on sales.
3. Sponsored posts: Charge a fee to publish promotional content from other businesses.
4. Selling products or services: Use your blog as a platform to sell digital products, online courses, or consulting services.

With blogging, it’s important to build your audience and maintain their interest with regular, value-driven content. Turn your expertise into income with blogging and explore the unlimited potential it offers!

4. Starting a Newsletter

Starting a newsletter is a fantastic solo business option for those looking to share knowledge, build a community, or curate content around a specific niche. Begin by identifying your target audience, choose an email marketing platform, and develop engaging, value-added content.

Newsletters offer multiple monetization possibilities:

1. Subscription-based model: Charge for premium newsletters packed with exclusive insights.
2. Sponsorships: Feature sponsored content or messages from brands relevant to your audience.
3. Affiliate marketing: Include affiliate links and earn a commission on the sales generated.
4. Selling products or services: Promote your own products or services directly to your subscribers.
5. Donations: Use platforms like Patreon to allow your dedicated readers to support your work.

Newsletters are about providing value consistently. Regular and compelling content will not only retain your existing subscribers but also attract new ones.

5. Selling Crafts

Selling crafts is an amazing solo business opportunity for those with a knack for creativity and design. Start by identifying a product line, source your materials, make your unique crafts, and open a shop on platforms like Etsy or Amazon Handmade.

Craft selling can be monetized in several ways:

1. Online marketplaces: Sell your crafts on sites like Etsy, eBay, or Amazon Handmade.
2. Your own e-commerce store: Use platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce to sell directly to customers.
3. Craft fairs or local markets: Rent a booth and sell to shoppers in person.
4. Wholesale to retailers: Sell your crafts in bulk to local or online retailers.
5. Teach crafting: Create online courses or tutorials teaching others your craft-making skills.

Uniqueness and quality are key when selling crafts. Showcase your passion and creativity through your work and let your crafts be the source of your income. Craft your way to success today!

6. Print on Demand

Launching a Print on Demand business is a promising solo business opportunity for creative minds. It allows you to sell custom products with minimal upfront costs or inventory. Start by selecting a niche, design unique products, and partner with a print-on-demand provider.

Monetizing with print on demand can be achieved through:

1. E-commerce store: Sell your custom designs on your own online store using platforms like Shopify.
2. Third-party marketplaces: Use platforms like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay to reach a broader audience.
3. Dropshipping: Partner with a print-on-demand service to handle manufacturing and shipping.
4. Affiliate marketing: Promote your products on social media or blogs and earn a commission on sales.
5. Collaborations: Partner with influencers or brands to create exclusive designs.

Successful print-on-demand businesses rely on unique, quality designs and effective marketing strategies. Tap into your creativity, create your brand, and start profiting with print-on-demand today!

7. Start an E-commerce Brand

Starting an e-commerce brand is a fantastic solo business idea. It allows you to create and sell products directly to consumers globally. Begin by identifying a product niche, sourcing your products, and setting up your online store.

E-commerce offers numerous monetization opportunities:

1. Direct sales: Sell products directly to consumers through your online store.
2. Dropshipping: Sell products without having to deal with inventory or shipping.
3. Affiliate marketing: Promote other brands’ products and earn a commission on sales.
4. Subscription boxes: Offer a curated selection of products on a recurring basis.
5. Digital products: Sell ebooks, online courses, software, or downloadable art.

Running a successful e-commerce brand requires a focus on product quality, customer service, and effective marketing.

8. Create and Sell a Course

Creating and selling online courses is a profitable solo business opportunity. It lets you share your expertise with a global audience while earning income. Start by identifying a topic you’re well-versed in, create a comprehensive course, and choose a platform to host your course.

You can monetize your knowledge through:

1. Course sales: Sell your courses on platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or your own website.
2. Membership sites: Offer ongoing access to multiple courses for a recurring subscription fee.
3. Corporate training: Develop courses for businesses and offer them as part of their employee training programs.
4. Webinars: Conduct live sessions on specific topics and charge admission.
5. Consulting services: Use your course as a launching pad to offer one-on-one consulting.

Creating a successful online course involves providing real value, promoting effectively, and continually updating your content.

9. Drone Photography

Drone photography offers a unique solo business opportunity for those passionate about photography and technology. By providing spectacular aerial views, you can cater to a variety of industries like real estate, weddings, or tourism. Start by getting a high-quality drone, learn how to operate it proficiently, and develop your photography skills.

Drone photography can be monetized in several ways:

1. Aerial photography services: Offer your services to individuals, businesses, or events.
2. Selling photos or videos: Sell your high-quality aerial footage on stock photo sites.
3. Real estate photography: Capture stunning property images for real estate agencies.
4. Drone training: Teach aspiring drone pilots the art of aerial photography.
5. Inspection services: Provide aerial inspection services for industries like construction, agriculture, or insurance.

In the drone photography business, the quality of your work and your ability to market your services effectively are paramount. Consider working with real estate agents, photographers, and land surveyors to find natural needs for your aerial shots.

10. Junk Removal

Junk removal is an often overlooked solo business option for those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty. It caters to a consistent demand for clean, clutter-free spaces. Start by investing in a sturdy vehicle, securing necessary permits, and promoting your services locally.

Junk removal can be monetized in various ways:

1. Pickup and disposal fees: Charge customers based on the volume or weight of the junk removed.
2. Recycling services: Earn extra income by recycling certain types of junk.
3. Reselling items: Salvage and sell valuable items found in the junk.
4. Contract services: Partner with real estate agents, landlords, or property managers for regular cleanups.
5. Debris removal: Offer services to construction sites for the disposal of building debris.

In the junk removal business, great customer service, reliability, and competitive pricing are key to success. Start a junk removal business today and help people declutter while you earn!

11. Growing Microgreens

Growing microgreens is a lucrative solo business for green-thumbed entrepreneurs. These nutrient-packed greens are in high demand among health enthusiasts, chefs, and farmers’ markets. Start by learning about different types of microgreens, setting up your indoor garden, and mastering the growing process.

You can monetize a microgreens business in various ways:

1. Direct sales: Sell your microgreens at farmers’ markets, to local restaurants, or directly to consumers.
2. Subscription service: Offer weekly or monthly deliveries of fresh microgreens to regular customers.
3. Online sales: Use e-commerce platforms to reach a wider customer base.
4. Growing kits and seeds: Sell microgreen kits and seeds to other aspiring growers.
5. Workshops and tutorials: Teach others how to grow their own microgreens.

In this business, quality, freshness, and variety of your microgreens are key. While there are some startup costs you can typically recoup these on your first one or two sales.

12. Consulting

Consulting is an excellent solo business opportunity for experts in any field. It allows you to leverage your knowledge to help other businesses or individuals achieve their goals. Start by identifying your area of expertise, set your consulting rates, and build a network of potential clients.

Consulting can be monetized in several ways:

1. Hourly or project-based fees: Charge clients based on the time spent or on the project scope.
2. Retainer agreements: Offer ongoing services to clients for a monthly fee.
3. Commission-based consulting: Earn a commission for the business you bring to a client.
4. Productized consulting: Offer standardized consulting packages at fixed prices.
5. Online courses or webinars: Share your expertise with a wider audience by hosting paid courses or webinars.

In the consulting business, your reputation and results are key to attracting and retaining clients. Start your consulting business today and make your knowledge work for you!