As a full-time solopreneur, I love (and loathe) the freedom it brings.
Best thing about solopreneurship: There’s nobody telling me what to do.
Worst thing about solopreneurship: There’s nobody telling me what to do.
The beauty of solopreneurship is that you can make money on your own terms, with no office politics or rigid 9-to-5 schedule.
But, not all solopreneurships meet the 9-to-5 mode. For many solo gigs, the work can get done at any hour of the day.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are 20 ideas to get you started.
1. Freelance writing and content creation
If you have a way with words, freelance writing is a solid way to start making money as a solopreneur. You can write blog posts, website copy, newsletters, white papers, or technical content. High-demand niches include finance, health, SaaS, and legal writing.
If you haven’t worked in journalism or marketing before, It’s not always easy to break into this field. To start, you can leverage your existing network of contacts. Ask them what you can write for them for $5, get experience, and build from there.
You may have heard that chatbots and other AI tools are going to take away all writing jobs. As someone who earns a six-figure living writing, I don’t believe this is universally true. Truly good writers will always be able to find work; mediocre writers will be replaced.
Additionally, Google is valuing content that reflects human expertise over more generic content that covers high-search keywords.
Tools to get started: Facebook, LinkedIn, Fiverr, Upwork, ProBlogger, WordBrew.
2. Consulting and coaching
Have expertise in marketing, business, fitness, or finance? Offer one-on-one coaching or consulting services. You can work with clients virtually and charge premium rates based on your experience and results.
Platforms to use: Clarity.fm, Thinkific (for course creation), LinkedIn, or Teachable.
3. Virtual assistance (VA)
VAs handle tasks like email management, scheduling, bookkeeping, and social media for busy entrepreneurs. If you’re highly organized, you can charge hourly rates or package deals for services.
Getting started: Look for gigs on Fiverr, Belay, LinkedIn, or Fancy Hands.
4. Graphic design
From logo creation to social media graphics, businesses always need visual content. If you’re skilled in Photoshop, Canva, or Adobe Illustrator, you can charge per project or set up a retainer model.
Many non-designers use Canva to create designs that they then sell online in Etsy shops.
Platforms to sell your designs: Etsy, Zazzle, Society6, RedBubble
5. E-commerce and dropshipping
Selling products without holding inventory is an easy way to start an online business. Use platforms like Shopify to sell print-on-demand shirts, mugs, digital projects, or even W2C (Warehouse to Consumer) goods.
In my earlier research on Temu, I found that many third-party sellers are sourcing their goods from Temu, Shein, and similar websites and then selling them at a markup on Amazon, Wolf & Badger, and other online retailers. (I compared 20 different items; you can read the full Temu or Amazon review here.)
Top suppliers: Printful, Spocket, Alibaba, and Zendrop.
6. Podcasting
If you love talking and have a niche idea, podcasting can be a lucrative solopreneur path. Podcasts can be monetized through sponsorships, ads, and Patreon subscriptions.
I happen to know many novice podcasters who got started from scratch. Kelsey H., mother of two, created Parently while she was on maternity leave with her first child. In her musings about family, children, and different approaches to parenting, she started a podcast to interview other parents and find out how they approach the journey. She got started with a smartphone and her dining room table, and today, the podcast reaches a large nationwide audience.
Tools to get started: Audacity, Riverside.fm, GarageBand, Podcast Maker, Buzzsprout (analytics).
7. Online courses and digital products
Create courses, templates, or e-books that provide value to a specific audience. Once created, they can be a source of passive income.
It doesn’t need to be technically or academically rigorous in nature. Topics can cover anything, from how to legally evict a problem tenant, how to nail your first Tinder date, or even how to teach your kids to tie their shoelaces.
Platforms to sell on: Gumroad, Teachable, Amazon, and Udemy.
8. Web development and coding
If you know how to build websites or software, companies of all sizes will pay for your skills. Web developers can offer website design, SEO optimization, and maintenance services.
Even if you yourself are not a coder, but you know how to set up a basic Shopify or WordPress site for someone, you still have a marketable skill.
Freelance job boards: Toptal, Freelancer, Upwork, Facebook, LinkedIn.
Many small business owners don’t have the time to manage their social media — or they’re just plum intimidated by social media in its vast array of formats and platforms today.
As a solopreneur, you can offer content creation, engagement, and growth strategies. Reach out to existing local businesses or small online businesses to pick up work. Those with a limited budget may be willing to offer you free products or services in exchange for your work.
Social creation and monitoring tools: Buffer, Hootsuite, and Canva.
10. Affiliate and influencer marketing
Affiliate marketers promote other companies’ products and earn a commission for each sale. This can be a solid option for those who have an existing blog, YouTube channel, or a large social media presence.
Best programs: Amazon Associates, Impact, Upfluence, and ShareASale.
11. Photography and stock photos
If you’re handy with a camera, you can sell your photos to stock sites or provide freelance photography services for events, businesses, and influencers.
The photos don’t need to be ultra-high quality. Businesses need professionally shot pictures and amateur ones too. Smartphone pics of national retail stores and Amazon packages can do well as there is a high demand for these sorts of shots.
Stock sites to sell on: Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Unsplash.
12. SEO specialist
Algorithms come and go. New waves of “disruptive” technology are constant. But businesses continually look for ways to rank higher on Google. If you understand keyword research, backlinks, and technical SEO, this can be a high-paying solopreneur gig.
You’ll need to stay up-to-date on the latest Google and AI trends, and be familiar with Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and other SEO measurement tools.
Courses to learn SEO: Moz, Ahrefs Academy, and SEMrush Academy.
13. Online reselling and flipping
Find undervalued items at thrift stores or online marketplaces and resell them for a profit.
While my involvement has dwindled in recent years, I have made $30K flipping designer clothing on Facebook (Marketplace and Buy Sell Trade groups), Poshmark, Mercari, and similar resale apps.
Goodwill, other thrift stores, garage sales, and church rummage sales are all solid locations to spot well-priced treasures.
Where to sell: eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, Depop, Facebook.
14. T-shirt and merch printing
Use print-on-demand services to sell custom-designed t-shirts, hoodies, and stickers without keeping inventory.
Successful sellers follow current social and news trends, and then quickly create designs that match the moment. Using platforms like Canva, you don’t need to be a professional to come up with high-quality, popular designs.
Platforms to use: Redbubble, Etsy, Printful, and TeeSpring.
15. Voiceover artist
Voiceover artists provide narration for videos, commercials, and audiobooks. If you have a “voice for the radio,” you can make money with minimal equipment.
Where to start: Fiverr, Voices.com, ACX.
16. Professional tutoring
If you excel in math, science, or language, online tutoring can be a great solopreneur business. You can teach students one-on-one or create an online course.
My family has used in-home tutoring before. If you are able to work on-site, you can command higher rates.
Best platforms: VIPKid, Wyzant, Tutors.com, and Chegg Tutors.
17. Pet sitting and dog walking
Pet lovers can make money by offering pet-sitting services or dog walking. It’s flexible and has minimal startup costs.
Initially, business may be slow until you get your first few clients and can build up your profile with reviews. Setting your rates low to start or leveraging your friends (ask them to book your services) can help.
Platforms to use: Rover, Wag, and PetBacker.
18. Professional organizer (Miracle worker)
From digital clutter (like inbox cleanups) to physical spaces (closets, kitchens, garages), professional organizers help clients streamline their lives. Some specialize in downsizing for retirees, while others focus on ADHD-friendly organization methods. You can work in person or virtually.
Platforms to use: TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, Clutter Healing, Nextdoor.
19. AI workflow consultant
Many businesses struggle to integrate AI into their daily processes. If you have a background in product or project management, and you understand AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, or Midjourney, you can help companies streamline their content creation, customer service, or operations with AI-powered solutions.
Tools to know: Zapier, OpenAI, Notion AI, Midjourney, Copilot.
20. Virtual reality (VR) tour creator
Real estate agents, hotels, and event spaces are all investing in VR tours to give potential clients an immersive preview. If you can capture and stitch together high-quality 360-degree photos, you can offer this as a service.
Tools to use: Matterport, Kuula, Google Street View.
Final thoughts
Solopreneurship isn’t for everyone, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The freedom, the flexibility, the ability to build something on my own terms — it’s all worth the occasional chaos. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success comes from experimenting, adapting, and finding what works
Not every idea will take off, and that’s okay. The key is to start, test, tweak, and grow. Whether you’re freelancing, selling products, or building a brand, the best solopreneur business is the one that fits your skills, interests, and lifestyle.
And if you’re not quite ready to go all in, exploring a remote side hustle opportunity is a lower-risk way to test the waters.
