Thinking about solopreneurship? There's no better time to explore building a one-person business than right now.
Countless tools make it possible to create profitable one-person businesses without spending a fortune.
If you have work experience, chances are, you have valuable knowledge that people will pay for.
Once you realize this, you have an opportunity to become your own boss and set up a business around your skillset.
In this article, I'll share 7 types of solopreneurs with examples.
I hope one or more of these will inspire you to take your first step.
Different types of solopreneurs
- Content Creator
- Freelancer
- Consultant
- Wellness educator
- Executive coach
- Agency owner
- Community builder
1. The Content Creator
Are you looking for a solopreneur path with the potential for revenue diversification?
Content creation may be for you.
These solopreneurs use their creativity, skills, and knowledge to produce engaging and informative content that attracts and retains an audience.
As a content creator, you may publish your work on social media, blogs, websites, and video-sharing platforms like YouTube.
Many content creators work on a freelance basis and offer consulting services.
Content creator business ideas
- Ghostwriter: Ghostwrite social media, web copy, and/or blog content for founders, CEOs, and businesses
- Course creator: Create and sell courses around your skillsets and expertise
- Photographer: Offer photography services or sell prints online
- Blogger: Partner with brands to promote sales and new products on your personal blog
- Mentor: Provide accountability, guidance, and actionable tips to help other content creators overcome roadblocks
Example of a content creator: Justin Welsh (That's Me)
Let me introduce myself — I'm Justin Welsh.
Most people know me today as the guy who champions solopreneurship, but I started my journey as a content creator (and I still am).
Since committing to writing on LinkedIn 4 years ago, I've generated 162M+ impressions that power my product, sponsorship, brand partner, and subscription revenue streams.
Additionally, I've:
- Crossed $7.5M in revenue with zero ads while operating at a 90% margin
- Produced 4.1K+ unique pieces of content
- Attracted 1.05M+ social followers
- Launched 3 courses with 35,000+ students
- Started a weekly newsletter (that sponsors help to keep free)
Over the years, I've come up with effective systems that help me create high-quality content quickly and easily.
Recently, I was named the #1 Global LinkedIn Influencer by Favikon 4x in a row.
My courses, The LinkedIn Operating System and The Content Operating System teach people how to build a personal brand on LinkedIn and produce content at scale.
2. The Freelancer
Most new solo business owners start as freelancers.
The freelancer has a specialized skill. They market that skill, attract clients, and work with them on a per-project or retainer basis.
You can become a freelancer with an in-demand skill, a laptop, and an internet connection.
Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Contra are excellent places to find freelance gigs within your expertise.
As freelancers grow their one-person business, they may venture out to do other projects, like starting an agency or becoming a mentor.
Freelance business ideas
- Ghostwriter: Write SEO content in the voices of founders, CEOs, and businesses
- Graphic designer: Create beautiful, functional logos and graphics
- Photographer: Photograph people, homes, and portraits (and sell them)
- Virtual assistant: Help busy business owners with administrative and creative tasks
- Social media manager: Build a community online for brands by identifying trends, analyzing engagement data, and implementing content strategies
Example of a freelancer: Charles Miller
Charles Miller started out as a freelance writer helping brands communicate their expertise and build consumer trust through impactful content.
After some time freelance writing, Charles saw the potential to design a life of freedom by helping others build million-dollar personal brands on social media.
In addition to 1-on-1 consultations, he offers a writing and personal branding course that teaches people how to write well, grow their following, and monetize their authority.
3. Consultant
Consultants are skilled professionals with niched expertise. They bring fresh perspectives and objective analysis to complex problems.
Their main goal is to help clients make informed decisions and achieve their goals more efficiently.
With specialized knowledge and experience, consultants can identify and address issues that may be difficult for their clients to recognize or resolve independently.
Consulting is a high-value solopreneur venture because it can significantly improve a business's performance, productivity, and profitability.
Consultant business ideas
- Service provider: Teach your skills to a cohort of people
- Author: Package everything you know into a book that people can buy indefinitely
- Business coach: Provide 1-on-1 support to someone looking to get better at what you excel at
- Digital product creator: Create and sell templates, guides, and checklists that will save your customers' time and make their lives easier
Example of a consultant: Richard Moore
Richard Moore is a true master of sales and communication.
Richard helps coaches win at the Linkedin game, guiding them on creating valuable content, attracting ideal clients, and scaling conversions.
Solopreneurs with 9-figure businesses hire him as their trusted consultant. In addition to consulting, Richard also offers courses, coaching, and lectures, where he teaches people the art of selling through LinkedIn.
Notable LinkedIn figures, including Chris Do and Lara Acosta, have achieved outstanding results through Richard’s guidance.
4. The Wellness Educator
A wellness educator teaches and promotes healthy lifestyle choices and habits. They provide guidance, education, and resources on topics like nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
Passionate about living a healthy lifestyle? Want to empower others to reach their wellness goals?
You could begin your solopreneurial journey as a wellness educator.
Wellness educator business ideas
- Coach: Teach people how to live their healthiest lives
- Personal trainer: Tailor exercise plans to people's specific fitness needs and goals
- Public speaker: Spread awareness about wellness and encourage healthy habits at retreats, schools, and organizations
- Course creator: Create videos and guides about exercises and foods for optimal health
Example of a wellness educator: Dan Go
Dan Go is the first person that comes to mind when I think of health and wellness.
Dan shares insightful knowledge and actionable tips for busy entrepreneurs wanting to stay fit. Besides sharing free value on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, he monetizes his expertise through strategy calls and a course.
Dan's High-Performance Accelerator Call is ideal for those ready to identify improvement areas and learn the exact steps to achieve their fitness goals.
In his Lean Body 90 course, Dan shares a repeatable system that helps high performers break bad health habits, build muscle, burn fat, and increase energy without disrupting their lifestyles.
5. The Executive Coach
An executive coach works closely with business leaders, CEOs, and high-level professionals to:
- Unlock their full potential
- Improve their leadership skills
- Achieve their career aspirations
They provide insights, strategies, and tools to help people navigate their roles, make better decisions, and lead their teams more effectively.
Have you been inspired by the leadership styles of top CEOs? Think you have the knack to guide and mentor? Starting your solopreneur journey as an executive coach might be your calling.
Executive coach business ideas
- Mentor: Offer one-on-one sessions to guide executives in their leadership journey
- Workshop facilitator: Conduct workshops for companies aiming to upskill their leadership teams
- Online course creator: Design courses that delve deep into leadership strategies, decision-making, and team management
- Speaker: Share leadership insights and experiences at conferences, seminars, and corporate events
Example of an executive coach: Eric Partaker
Eric Partaker has been instrumental in transforming the leadership styles of many top executives.
Not only does he share valuable insights on platforms like LinkedIn, but he also offers specialized services for people looking to elevate their executive game. His coaching sessions are a goldmine for those wanting to pinpoint their leadership challenges and find actionable solutions.
Through his tailored coaching programs, Eric provides a clear roadmap for ambitious entrepreneurs to improve their leadership skills, make impactful decisions, and lead their teams to success.
6. Agency Owner
I know some brilliant freelancers and technical experts who have taken the next step and created an agency.
Agency owners collaborate with other freelancers who share similar or complementary skills. For example, an SEO expert may work with freelance writers and editors to produce content for clients.
While this approach is more like a partnership, the agency owner can still be a solopreneur if they don't have employees.
Agency owner business ideas
- Staffing agency: Connect employers with job searchers for temporary or permanent employment opportunities
- Creative agency: Provide services like web design, copywriting, and photography to help businesses communicate their message to their target audience
- Public relations agency: Help businesses manage and maintain their public image and reputation through strategic communication and media relations
Example of an agency owner: Jake Ward
If there's anyone who can break down SEO's complexities into digestible chunks for people to understand, it's Jake Ward.
At the age of 17, he became obsessed with SEO and has since become a master at it.
Jake is the go-to SEO guy on LinkedIn, sharing incredible case studies outlining how he turns blogs into 6-figure sales channels. In just 7 months, he grew his following from 0 to 80K+.
Today, Jake runs a lucrative content agency, Content Growth. He works with talented freelancers to scale companies through conversion-focused SEO and content marketing.
7. The Community Builder
A community builder recognizes the power of collective growth and creates spaces where like-minded people can connect, collaborate, and thrive.
They design environments where members can share experiences, learn from one another, and accelerate their personal and professional journeys.
Community builder business ideas
- Online forum creator: Design platforms where professionals can discuss, share, and grow together
- Networking event organizer: Host events that bring people together from similar industries or interests
- Mastermind group leader: Facilitate groups where members can brainstorm, support, and hold each other accountable
- Membership site founder: Create exclusive spaces where members can access resources, webinars, and expert sessions
Example of a community builder: Jay Clouse
Jay Clouse is an impactful community builder. He's the mastermind behind The Lab, a vibrant space tailored for dedicated creators.
In The Lab, members don't just progress on their own; they benefit from the shared experiences, experiments, and results of their peers. It's a place where creators evolve together, push boundaries, and set new benchmarks.
Next steps for your solopreneurial journey
As you can see, the options are endless when it comes to starting your own business.
Not all will suit you, but you won't know which one will until you experiment with a few.
Ready to build your empire?
Here are some tips to get you on the right track:
- Identify your best skill and greatest obsession
- Pick a business idea and stick with it
- Don't drown in research
- Learn from others who are where you'd like to be
- Share your learnings online (LinkedIn is the easiest/best IMO)
- Build a community of like-minded people
- Take advantage of free resources
Finally, show up. Learn as you go. Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth.
Do this every day, and success will be on your side.
