Starting a business doesn’t always mean building a big team. Many successful businesses are run by just one person. Whether you want more freedom, flexibility, or simply to be your own boss, one-person businesses offer plenty of opportunities.
The idea of running a business on your own might sound challenging, but the truth is, it’s more achievable than ever. With the right tools and a good idea, you can launch and grow a profitable business—all on your own.
In fact, more people are choosing to start businesses by themselves. In 2023, there were more than 41 million small businesses in the U.S., many of which are solo ventures. From online businesses to service-based industries, one-person businesses are thriving.
If you’re looking for inspiration or wondering how to get started, this guide has got you covered.
We’ll explore some of the best one-person business ideas, so you can find one that fits your skills, interests, and goals. It’s all about working smarter, not harder
- Affiliate Marketing
- App Development
- Content Writing and Blogging
- Digital Marketing
- E-commerce and Dropshipping
- Graphic and Web Design
- Social Media Management
- Tutoring and Education Services
- Video Editing
- Virtual Assistance
- Freelance Photography
- Personal Coaching
- Online Course Creation
- Podcasting
- Stock Photography
- Transcription Services
- Voice-over Acting
- SEO Consultant
- Handmade Crafts
- Translation Services
- Resume Writing Services
- Personal Shopper
- Mobile Car Wash and Detailing
- Event Planning
- Online Fitness Trainer
- Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
- Affiliate Website Creation
- Custom T-Shirt Printing
- Online Tech Support
- Copywriting Services
Affiliate marketing is a business model where you promote other companies’ products and earn a commission on sales made through your unique referral link. It’s one of the easiest ways to make money online because you don’t have to create your own product. You simply help others find what they need.
- You can join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale.
- Start by sharing links on your website, blog, or social media platforms.
- The more people click on your link and make a purchase, the more you earn.
Many people start affiliate marketing alongside their regular job, and it can grow into a full-time income if you put in the effort.
If you have an interest in technology or coding, app development could be a great option. The app market is huge, with people constantly looking for useful tools or games to download. You don’t need a big team to get started—just your skills and creativity.
- You can create apps for smartphones, tablets, or even desktop computers.
- Focus on solving a problem or offering something unique.
- Once developed, you can sell your app on platforms like the App Store or Google Play.
Many independent app developers start small and slowly scale up as they gain more users and feedback. If your app becomes popular, it can lead to a steady stream of income.
If you enjoy writing, content writing and blogging are perfect one-person business ideas. You can write about topics you love, from personal finance to travel to health and wellness, and monetize it through ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate links.
- Start by building a blog or contributing to existing websites.
- Write consistently and focus on topics with demand.
- Over time, your blog can attract traffic, and advertisers may pay for space on your site.
Blogging has helped many people create a flexible income. As your audience grows, so do the opportunities for earning.
Digital marketing involves promoting products or services online through various channels, like social media, email, and search engines. You can help small businesses or individuals increase their online presence, drive traffic, and boost sales.
- It includes social media marketing, email campaigns, SEO, and more.
- You don’t need to be an expert to start; there are plenty of tools and online courses available.
- Offer your services as a freelancer or start your own agency.
Digital marketing is in demand, and with the right knowledge, you can work with clients globally, all from the comfort of your home.
E-commerce is the process of selling physical or digital products online. Dropshipping is a specific type of e-commerce where you sell products directly from a supplier to your customer without ever handling the inventory.
- Find a niche product you believe people will buy.
- Set up an online store on platforms like Shopify or Etsy.
- Partner with suppliers who ship directly to your customers when they make a purchase.
You don’t need to invest in inventory upfront, which makes dropshipping a low-cost way to start. With the right marketing and strategy, your online store can grow into a profitable business.
If you have a creative eye and enjoy working with design tools, graphic and web design could be a great one-person business idea. You can help businesses or individuals create websites, logos, social media posts, and more.
- You’ll need basic skills in design software like Photoshop, Illustrator, or website builders like WordPress.
- Focus on building a portfolio to showcase your work.
- Offer your services through freelancing platforms or start your own design business.
With the growing need for a strong online presence, there’s always demand for skilled designers. Plus, you can set your own schedule and work on projects that interest you.
Social media management involves running social media accounts for businesses or individuals. If you’re good at creating engaging posts, interacting with followers, and building online communities, this could be a perfect fit.
- Manage platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
- Help clients with content creation, post scheduling, and audience engagement.
- Use tools like Hootsuite or Buffer to organize your posts and track performance.
Many businesses look for help with social media, and if you enjoy the work, it can become a steady source of income. You can work with several clients at once, making it a flexible business option.
If you’re an expert in a particular subject or skill, tutoring can be a rewarding business. You can teach anything from math to languages to music or even life skills. It’s a great option if you enjoy helping others learn.
- Offer online tutoring via platforms like Zoom or Skype.
- Create courses or resources to sell on sites like Udemy or Teachable.
- You can also provide one-on-one lessons or group classes.
Education is always in demand, and you can cater to students of all ages. Plus, it’s easy to scale, especially if you move from in-person tutoring to online courses.
Video editing is an essential skill with the growing popularity of video content online. Whether it's for YouTube, social media, or businesses, there’s always a need for skilled video editors to polish and finalize videos.
- Learn basic editing software like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro.
- Offer services like cutting, adding transitions, sound editing, and color correction.
- You can also create your own YouTube channel and monetize it through ads or sponsorships.
With video becoming a top content format, there’s a lot of opportunity to build a business around editing, either through freelance work or your own content creation.
Virtual assistants (VAs) help businesses or entrepreneurs with administrative tasks, from managing emails to scheduling meetings and even handling customer service. It’s a great business if you're organized and detail-oriented.
- Services include answering emails, managing calendars, social media, or data entry.
- You can find clients through job boards or websites like Upwork.
- As your business grows, you can expand by offering more services or hiring additional assistants.
VAs are in high demand, and with minimal startup costs, it’s a business you can start right away. Plus, it’s a flexible job, allowing you to work from home.
Freelance photography is a great business if you love taking pictures and have a good eye for detail. You can work with clients for events like weddings, parties, or product shoots. You can also sell your photos to websites or use them for social media content.
- You’ll need a camera, some basic editing skills, and a portfolio.
- You can promote your services on social media or through a website.
- If you’re skilled, you can even sell prints or license your images online.
Many photographers start small and grow their business as they get more clients. It’s a flexible job, and you can work on your own schedule.
Personal coaching is a great way to help others reach their goals, whether in fitness, life, or career. If you’re passionate about motivating people and have a skill set in a particular area, you can guide others on their personal journey.
- You can offer coaching over the phone or via video calls.
- Create personalized plans for your clients to follow.
- You can also build an online community or offer group coaching sessions.
As a coach, your income depends on the number of clients you work with and how much you charge. If you build a strong reputation, you could make a significant income.
Creating online courses is a profitable business idea if you have expertise in a subject and enjoy teaching others. You can teach anything from cooking to coding, as long as there’s a demand for it.
- Platforms like venturz, Udemy, Teachable, or Skillshare make it easy to host and sell your courses.
- You’ll need to create video lessons, quizzes, and additional resources.
- Once your course is ready, it can keep making money over time as people sign up.
Creating online courses is a great way to earn passive income. Once the course is made, you can continue earning with little ongoing effort.
Podcasting is a fantastic way to share your thoughts, stories, or interviews with the world. If you enjoy speaking and have something interesting to say, starting a podcast could be a fun business.
- You can talk about topics you love, from entertainment to business advice.
- You can grow an audience by being consistent and engaging.
- Monetization can come from ads, sponsorships, or listener donations.
Podcasts are growing in popularity, and it’s possible to turn it into a profitable venture with enough listeners. Plus, it’s a flexible and creative way to work on your own.
Stock photography involves taking photos and selling them to businesses, websites, and other content creators who need high-quality images for their projects. It’s an easy way to turn your photography hobby into a business.
- You can upload your photos to stock photo websites like Shutterstock or iStock.
- You don’t need a big client list to make money; your photos can sell repeatedly.
- Focus on capturing popular subjects that people need, like business scenes, landscapes, or lifestyle shots.
Stock photography is a great way to make passive income from your photography, as your images can keep earning you money long after you’ve uploaded them.
Transcription services involve listening to audio or video content and typing it out word for word. It's a job that many companies, podcasters, and content creators need for turning their recorded content into written form.
- Great listening and typing skills are key to success.
- Tools like Otter.ai or Rev help speed up the process.
- Work from home, setting your own hours.
This business is ideal for anyone who likes to listen and type. With low startup costs and no need for complex equipment, you can start right away. Plus, as you gain experience, you can take on more clients and increase your earnings.
Voice-over acting involves lending your voice to different projects like advertisements, audiobooks, animated characters, and videos. If you have a clear voice and enjoy performing, this could be a great opportunity to make money.
- Create sample demos of your voice work.
- Join platforms like Voices.com to find clients.
- Work from home with basic recording equipment.
As you build your reputation, you can work on bigger projects and earn more. Voice-over acting offers flexibility, and the variety of work keeps things exciting.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is all about helping websites rank higher on search engines like Google. As an SEO consultant, you can help businesses grow by optimizing their websites to get more traffic and reach a larger audience.
- Learn SEO basics like keyword research and link-building.
- Use tools like Google Analytics and SEMrush for tracking.
- Offer services to small businesses looking to boost their online presence.
SEO is in high demand, as nearly every business wants to appear at the top of search engine results. With the right knowledge, you can turn this skill into a full-time business.
If you love to make things with your hands, selling handmade crafts can be a rewarding business. Whether it’s jewelry, candles, home decor, or knitted items, people love unique and personal creations.
- Sell on platforms like Etsy or set up your own online shop.
- Focus on making quality, one-of-a-kind products.
- Promote your crafts through social media to reach a larger audience.
Handmade crafts are popular because they have a personal touch. Starting your own craft business allows you to be creative and earn money while doing something you enjoy.
Translation services involve converting written material from one language to another. If you're fluent in multiple languages, you can offer your services to businesses, authors, or individuals who need documents translated accurately.
- Specialize in specific fields like legal or medical translation.
- Platforms like ProZ and TranslatorsCafe connect you with clients.
- Build a reputation for accuracy and reliability.
Translation is a skill that’s always in demand. Whether it’s for business contracts or creative content, being bilingual can lead to a steady stream of opportunities. With the right clients, this could turn into a full-time business.
If you have a knack for writing and understand what makes a strong resume, offering resume writing services could be a great business. Many people need help putting together resumes that stand out to employers.
- Focus on creating clear, easy-to-read resumes.
- Help clients highlight their skills and experience in the best way.
- Offer a variety of services like cover letters and LinkedIn profile optimization.
With job seekers always looking for ways to improve their chances, this service is always in demand. Plus, you can work from home and set your own hours.
Being a personal shopper involves helping people pick out clothes, accessories, or even groceries based on their style and needs. If you have a good eye for fashion or know how to save money while shopping, this could be a fun business.
- Work with clients to understand their preferences.
- Shop in person or online, depending on what your client prefers.
- Offer additional services like styling or wardrobe organization.
This job allows you to be creative while helping people feel good about their choices. You can even build long-term relationships with clients who need your services regularly.
A mobile car wash and detailing service is a great one-person business idea, especially if you enjoy working outdoors. You go to your client’s location and clean their car inside and out.
- Minimal startup costs for equipment like a pressure washer and cleaning supplies.
- Offer services like washing, waxing, and interior cleaning.
- Work around your client’s schedule to offer flexibility.
It’s a business you can start with little investment and grow by getting repeat customers. People love the convenience of having their cars cleaned at home or work.
Event planning is all about organizing events like parties, weddings, or corporate meetings. If you’re good at coordinating details and keeping things organized, this could be a perfect business for you.
- Work with clients to plan every detail, from invitations to decorations.
- Handle logistics like booking venues, catering, and entertainment.
- Offer services for a variety of events, from small gatherings to big celebrations.
This business requires strong organizational skills, but it can be very rewarding when you see an event come together. With enough experience, you could expand by working on larger events or even creating your own event planning company.
If you’re passionate about fitness and enjoy helping others reach their health goals, becoming an online fitness trainer could be a great business. You can offer personalized workout plans, coaching, and advice—all from the comfort of your home.
- Offer one-on-one virtual training sessions or group classes.
- Create fitness plans based on clients’ goals, like weight loss or muscle gain.
- Use video calls, social media, or apps to stay connected with clients.
This business is flexible and allows you to reach a global audience. Plus, it’s a rewarding way to help others lead healthier, happier lives.
If you love animals, pet sitting and dog walking can be a great way to earn money. Many pet owners need someone to care for their pets while they’re away or take their dogs for a walk when they don’t have time.
- Take care of pets in their own home or at your place.
- Offer services like feeding, walking, and playing with pets.
- Set flexible hours that work for you and the pet owners.
This business allows you to work with animals, which can be a lot of fun. Plus, there’s always demand for trustworthy pet sitters and dog walkers.
Creating an affiliate website involves building a site where you promote other companies’ products and earn a commission when people buy through your links. It’s a great way to make money online with little upfront cost.
- Choose a niche that interests you, like tech gadgets or beauty products.
- Write product reviews, blog posts, or comparisons that link to affiliate products.
- Use our platform to create and manage your website.
Once your website is up and running, you can earn passive income. With the right traffic, it can grow into a profitable business.
If you’re creative and enjoy making designs, custom t-shirt printing could be a fun and profitable business. You can create your own designs or print custom designs for others.
- Use platforms like Printful or Teespring to create and sell your shirts.
- Focus on creating unique, trendy designs that people will want to wear.
- Market your designs through social media or your own website.
Custom t-shirt printing is a business you can run from home, and with the right designs, you can make it a full-time income.
If you’re tech-savvy, offering online tech support is a great way to help people with their tech problems. Whether it’s fixing computer issues, setting up software, or helping with online accounts, there’s always a need for tech support.
- Offer services through online platforms like Zoom or Skype.
- Help individuals or businesses troubleshoot and resolve their tech issues.
- Set your own rates and work hours.
Tech support is always in demand, and as more people rely on technology, this service will continue to grow. You can work with clients around the world from your home.
Copywriting is the art of writing text for marketing or advertising. If you have a way with words, you can offer copywriting services to businesses, websites, or bloggers who need help with their content.
- Write product descriptions, email newsletters, blog posts, and ads.
- Learn about SEO to make your content more visible on search engines.
- Offer your services to small businesses or larger companies.
Good copywriters are always in demand because businesses need to attract customers with strong, persuasive writing. If you enjoy writing, copywriting can turn into a steady and rewarding business.
If you have a business idea and are ready to take the next step, Ventutrz is the perfect platform to help you get started. It offers everything you need in one place—from building a website to marketing your services.
You don’t have to worry about complicated tech stuff. Ventutrz makes it easy for anyone to launch and manage a business. With simple tools and resources, you can focus on what matters most: growing your idea.
Whether it’s a personal service or a product-based business, Ventutrz has the tools to support your journey. It’s a great way to get started without feeling overwhelmed.
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