Have you ever dreamed of starting a business all on your own?
Just think about waking up each day free to do what you love, feeling excited about building something from scratch, and feeling proud as your hard work starts to pay off.
It sounds great. But it’s not always easy.
That’s why I took a couple of hours and created this list of one-person business ideas that are good for people like you who want to start their own business with as little effort as possible.
So, if you’re ready for the challenge, keep reading.
What is a One-Person Business?
A one-person business, also known as a sole proprietorship or solopreneur business, is a type of business where there is only one individual who owns and operates the entire business.
In other words, it is a business that has a low entry barrier, and a single person runs it without any employees.
This means that the person behind the business has to handle a lot of responsibilities, such as making important decisions, managing finances, and handling marketing efforts.
Yes, it’s not a secret, running a business isn’t easy like playing with Legos.
But, even though running a business alone can be a difficult thing, we now have tons of digital tools and many easy ways to make something a reality from an idea that pops out in our heads.
10 One-Person Business Ideas for 2025
So if you’re looking for some good ideas to start with, here are ten options you might want to check out in 2025. These are all businesses you can run by yourself and actually earn a good living from:
1. Freelance Writing
Freelance writing and content creation have become increasingly popular because of the growing demand for high-quality content.
It’s estimated that there are approximately 1.57 billion freelancers in the global workforce; on average, writers earn $3-40 per hour.
If you’re a skilled writer, you have the opportunity to offer your services to businesses, publications, or individuals, creating compelling articles, blog posts, website copy, or even books.
There are many freelance marketplaces available, such as Fiverr and Upwork, so it might be worth considering trying them out if you have writing skills.
2. Virtual Assistant Services
Many businesses and professionals are turning to virtual assistance as a means to optimize their operations.
A virtual assistant can help them cut down on hiring expenses, address salary worries, decrease utility bills, and reduce equipment costs.
As a virtual assistant, you have the incredible opportunity to offer remote administrative support, scheduling assistance, data entry, research services, and even customer service.
It’s important to have exceptional organizational and communication skills so that you can effectively serve clients from various industries, providing them with invaluable support while enjoying the flexibility of working from anywhere.
You can either start your own service or offer your services on marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr.
3. Online Tutoring
Sharing your knowledge and expertise through online tutoring or coaching can be another rewarding and profitable one-person business.
No matter your expertise in academic subjects, language learning, or personal development, platforms such as Skillshare, Udemy, or your own Teachable website can help you reach students around the world.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that you are connecting with someone to educate them, which may require teaching skills and in-depth knowledge of the subject matter to develop educational content.
And, it’s important to think about video creation too.
Luckily, there are some really user-friendly online tools out there, like VEED.IO, that can help you with that.
It might take a little bit of effort on your end, but there are some easy tools that you can use so you don’t have to rely on expensive PC software.
Plus, you probably have your mobile camera, so it’s not that difficult.
4. Blogging
If you have a passion for a particular topic or niche, blogging can be an excellent one-person business opportunity.
By creating helpful and interesting content, you can build a loyal audience and make money from your blog in different ways, like affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or selling digital products such as ebooks or courses.
However, this is not the kind of business that can be built in a day, a week, or even a month. You need time for it to grow and for people to find and interact with your content.
If you truly enjoy writing and have the time to commit to it, the challenge becomes easier to handle.
Start a blog with no experience
Our free guide will take you through every step of the way.
5. eCommerce Store
The rise of eCommerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon has made it easier than ever to start an online store.
Even if you’re into selling handcrafted items, vintage finds, or curated products, an eCommerce store is more than just trying to sell to your local customers.
But you need to focus on building a strong brand, optimizing your product listings, marketing, and providing great customer service to stand out in the competition.
Not only does it require some effort, but you also need to have a plan and a clear understanding of how things work. It’s always good to learn before taking action.
Shopify offers some free eCommerce courses, so it’s worth giving them a try.
6. Home Organizing and Decluttering Services
These types of services help individuals and families create balanced and organized living spaces.
As a home organizer, you offer customized solutions for each client, including decluttering, optimizing closets, organizing home offices, and downsizing.
It’s important to note that not all professional organizers offer the same set of services.
The average hourly rate for a professional organizer is typically around $55 per hour.
However, it’s important to note that pricing can vary depending on the nature of the project and the organizer’s level of expertise.
In some cases, the rate may be as low as $30 per hour, while in others it could be as high as $130 per hour.
You might need to learn some basic skills and get your hands on the necessary tools to serve customers. Do some research on how similar businesses operate in your area to gain a little bit of insight.
7. Graphic Design and Branding Services
Graphic design and branding are important for businesses to compete and win their target audience, no matter how big they are.
So there is a high demand for these skills.
In the US, graphic designers earn an average of $31.01 per hour.
As a skilled graphic designer, you have the opportunity to offer a range of services, including logo design, branding packages, social media graphics, and website design.
To attract clients, it’s a must to showcase your work through a portfolio or explore freelance websites for graphic design work.
Even if you’re a beginner and looking to improve your skills, consider taking courses on platforms like Skillshare.
And let’s not forget about the power of YouTube! It’s not just for cat videos and epic fails; it’s actually a super helpful resource for you.
8. Social Media Management and Marketing
Social media has become a main part of modern marketing strategies.
As a social media manager or marketer, you can help businesses build and maintain a strong online presence, create engaging content, manage advertising campaigns, and analyze performance metrics.
Becoming a social media expert is not an easy task. You need experience, so first think about seeking internships.
This will help you improve your resume and gain valuable experience in the field.
Additionally, you can volunteer with clubs or nonprofits, or work on building your own social media presence to level up your skills.
You may need to improve your skills in copywriting, proofreading and editing, graphic design, data analysis, and strategy development.
Good communication, being creative, and being adaptable are also important.
9. Resume Writing Service
As a resume writer, you can help job seekers present their skills and experiences effectively, so they can get the positions they want.
To start, it’s important to improve your resume writing skills, stay updated on industry trends, and understand different job markets.
By offering personalized consultations, understanding your clients’ career goals, and highlighting their strengths, you can create impactful resumes that catch the attention of employers.
Additionally, building a strong online presence, partnering with career coaches and employment agencies, and providing great customer service is important for a successful resume writing service.
With expertise and a passion for helping others succeed in their careers, your resume-writing business can have a meaningful impact on your clients’ professional lives.
10. Photography Services
With the rise of social media and the demand for appealing content, photography services remain a lucrative business for individuals.
Whether you love portraits, event coverage, product photography, or stock images, there are various ways to make money.
You can work with clients, sell prints or digital downloads, or offer photography workshops or tutorials.
It’s also worth considering smaller events like birthday parties or gatherings as starting points, but keep in mind that investing in high-quality camera equipment may require a significant amount of money.
Final Words
We both know, starting a business on your own can be an exciting thing.
As I mentioned, freelance writing, virtual assistant services, online tutoring, blogging, eCommerce stores, home organizing and decluttering services, graphic design, social media management and marketing, resume writing services, and photography services are all great examples of one-person businesses.
However, starting and running a business takes some serious work.
Here are some questions that I think you should ask yourself when running a one-person business:
- Do I know who my customers are, what they need, and who my rivals are so I can tailor my products or services?
- Have I handled the legal and money matters by registering my business, getting needed permits, and opening a separate business bank account?
- Have I built a good website and been active on social media to boost my online presence and draw in customers?
- Am I growing a network of contacts in my field for teamwork and partnerships to create new chances and get helpful support?
- Am I staying flexible and open to change to handle surprise challenges in the business world?
- Have I put self-care first and kept a good work-life balance to avoid getting too tired while running my business?
And another important thing to remember is that the success you’re looking for may not come overnight; you need to invest time and effort into growing your business, day and night.
I wish you the best of luck on your journey!
