18 Business Ideas For Loners [2024]
Being a loner doesn't mean you have to miss out on exciting business opportunities. In fact, 2024 offers a variety of ventures perfect for those who prefer solitude. Here, you'll find ideas that allow you to thrive on your own terms.
You could start a freelance writing business, crafting articles or marketing content from the comfort of your home. Another option might be developing an e-commerce store, where you control the entire process from product selection to customer service. If you have a knack for coding, creating software or mobile apps could be a profitable and solitary pursuit.
These ideas are tailored to suit your preference for working alone while still offering respectable returns. Whether you're looking to supplement your income or build a full-fledged business, there are plenty of paths you could explore. Let these possibilities inspire your next entrepreneurial move.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other loner businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog could be an excellent venture for a loner since it allows you to share your expertise with a passionate online community. By focusing on a specific, underserved topic like fashion, video games, or cooking, you could create engaging and unique content that attracts a dedicated audience. This kind of business allows you to work independently, avoiding the constant interaction typically required in other business models.
Creating informative articles, how-to guides, and reviews can help grow your blog's visibility and followers. To monetize your efforts, you could provide affiliate links, collaborate with relevant brands, and potentially speak at events. For more insights, check out how to start a niche blog.
Why start a niche blog?
- Gain independence by working alone and on your terms.
- Utilize your passion and expertise to attract a dedicated audience.
- Create multiple income streams through ads, affiliate links, and sponsored content.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
2. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
For those who prefer solitary work and have a knack for deep-dive research, starting a niche website might be the perfect business venture. A niche website centers around a specialized topic, allowing you to share your expertise and passion with a targeted audience. This focused approach can drive traffic and revenue through methods like affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products.
Building a successful niche website involves selecting a topic you’re genuinely interested in, producing engaging content, and employing SEO strategies to attract loyal followers. Over time, a well-maintained niche site can generate passive income and potentially become a reliable secondary or even primary source of revenue. If you’re entrepreneurial and prefer working independently, this could be a fulfilling and profitable avenue to explore. For further inspiration, check out some of the success stories on Starter Story.
Why start a niche website?
- You can work independently, aligning perfectly with a loner's preference for solitary activities.
- It offers creative freedom to explore and monetize a subject you're passionate about.
- Once established, it can generate passive income, freeing up your time for other pursuits.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
3. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Looking for a low-key way to earn passive income? An affiliate marketing business might be perfect for you. This online venture allows you to promote products and services from the comfort of your own home. With the right partnerships, you could steadily earn commissions for each sale you generate, making it an ideal side hustle or even a full-time business for those who prefer working solo. For more information, you can check this guide on how to start an affiliate marketing business.
Why consider starting an affiliate marketing business?
- It provides flexibility to work at your own pace and from anywhere.
- You need minimal upfront investment, making it easy to start small.
- It offers scalable income opportunities, enabling you to grow your earnings over time.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
4. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel might be the perfect side hustle or even a full-time business for someone who enjoys creating compelling video content and wants to work independently. You could share your expertise, passions, or hobbies, potentially earning revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. This platform allows you the flexibility to focus on anything from how-to guides and vlogs to educational content and entertainment, making it a versatile opportunity where creativity meets financial reward.
While building a successful channel does require consistent content creation, shooting, and editing videos, as well as audience engagement, the payoff can be significant. If you’re ready to dedicate time and effort, you might find this venture both rewarding and fulfilling. Check out Starter Story for some inspiring success stories.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You have the freedom to express your unique voice without the need for constant social interaction.
- With dedication, you could turn your passion into a substantial income.
- It provides a creative outlet and a sense of accomplishment in producing original content.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
5. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast is an ideal side business for loners. It allows you to dive deep into topics you're passionate about and share your expertise with an audience, all from the comfort of your own space. With just a microphone, headphones, and a hosting platform, you could create compelling audio content that entertains and informs listeners. As your audience grows, there are opportunities to monetize through sponsors and advertisers.
Why start a podcast?
- Allows you to work independently in your own space without needing to interact with many people.
- Provides a platform to share your expertise and passions with a like-minded audience.
- Can be started on a low budget with basic recording equipment and free or affordable hosting options.
For more tips on starting your podcast, check out this guide on profitability.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
6. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Starting an online course sales business could be a fantastic opportunity for loners looking to supplement their income or even build a full-fledged business. This venture allows you to share your expertise in areas like music, cooking, coding, or web design without constant social interaction. The e-learning market is booming, with projections indicating it will be worth over $645 billion in the coming years, providing a lucrative platform for monetizing your skills. Check out this insightful page on how to get started with an online course sales business (https://www.starterstory.com/ideas/online-course-sales-business/startup-costs).
Why consider starting an online course sales business?
- You could enjoy a flexible work environment, allowing you to work from anywhere and on your own schedule.
- The potential for passive income is significant, as once the course is created, it can generate revenue perpetually.
- It offers a low-cost entry point, enabling you to leverage existing skills without substantial upfront investments.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
7. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Starting a health and wellness app could provide you as a loner with a fantastic opportunity to make extra income or turn it into a full-fledged business. Creating an app that offers personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, mental well-being exercises, and progress tracking allows you to leverage your passion for health and technology while making a positive impact on users' lives. Plus, with the growing market demand for digital health solutions, you could find great success by addressing individual health needs.
Building such an app would involve market research, collaborating with health experts, and effective marketing strategies, which you can manage independently or outsource selectively. By doing so, you’ll create a virtual coach in users' pockets, guiding them toward healthier lifestyles. For more details on how to start, consider checking out success stories and potential startup costs related to health and wellness apps.
Why consider building a health and wellness app?
- You could have flexible working hours, giving you the freedom to develop the app at your own pace.
- Digital products like apps can scale effectively, allowing you to reach a broad audience without needing large infrastructure.
- The health and wellness industry continues to grow, providing a lucrative opportunity if you tap into current trends and demands.
For more insights and ideas, visit health and wellness app success stories at Starter Story.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
8. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Developing a mobile app could be an ideal business venture for a loner, offering a high degree of autonomy and creative control. With time and dedication, you could turn your unique idea into a fully functioning app, all while working from the comfort of your own space. Additionally, the increasing reliance on smartphones means there’s an ever-growing market for engaging and practical apps. For more insights, you might want to explore these mobile app success stories.
Why develop a mobile app?
- You’ll have the freedom to work independently, at your own pace, minimizing social interactions.
- A well-crafted app can scale quickly, allowing you to reach a wide audience without extensive outreach efforts.
- Developing an app lets you leverage your technical skills and creativity, turning ideas into profitable ventures.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
9. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Considering starting a side business that involves leveraging cutting-edge technology? An AI-based business solution may be just the ticket. By integrating artificial intelligence into various business processes—such as customer service, inventory management, and data analysis—you could significantly increase operational efficiency and minimize costs. Moreover, AI tools are designed to automate mundane tasks and offer invaluable insights without needing a deep tech background, all thanks to user-friendly platforms.
With the demand for AI solutions skyrocketing as businesses seek to gain a competitive edge, this is a promising venture for loners looking to innovate and enhance business performance. Not only could it be highly lucrative, but it also offers the flexibility to work independently, away from the hustle and bustle of traditional office environments. For more inspiration on profitability and startup costs, you can check out this comprehensive guide.
Why consider starting an AI-based business solution?
- It allows for greater operational efficiency and automation of repetitive tasks, enabling you to focus on higher-value activities.
- The user-friendly platforms and robust support systems make it accessible even without a tech background.
- The growing demand for AI solutions offers a lucrative market with significant opportunities for innovation and business growth.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
10. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business makes sense for a loner because it minimizes the need for physical interaction and large upfront investments. By partnering with third-party suppliers who handle inventory and shipping, you could focus solely on marketing and customer service from the comfort of your home. All you need is a niche, a reliable supplier, and an online store platform like Shopify or WooCommerce.
Explore more on the profitability of dropshipping here.
Why start a dropshipping business?
- It requires minimal upfront costs since you don't hold inventory.
- You could run your business entirely online, reducing the need for face-to-face interactions.
- With flexible working hours, you manage your time and workload independently, making it perfect for introverts.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
11. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business is an excellent option for those who prefer working alone, as it allows you to leverage your technical skills to create valuable solutions for website owners. By developing plugins that solve specific problems, you could tap into a massive market of website administrators who need easy-to-install software to enhance their sites. Whether you choose to sell your plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon or through your personal blog, the barriers to entry are relatively low, and the potential for profit is high.
Why consider a WordPress plugin business?
- The demand is significant. Millions of WordPress websites need plugins to run smoothly and efficiently.
- You can work independently. From conceptualization to coding, you control every aspect of your business.
- Low overhead costs. All you need is a computer and internet connection to get started.
For more insights on starting a WordPress plugin business, check out our comprehensive guide here.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
12. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business is an excellent way for loners to supplement their income or launch a side venture. By utilizing dropshipping production and fulfillment services, you could sell customized products like apparel, phone cases, and home goods without the need for upfront inventory costs or face-to-face interactions. This model allows you to focus on designing trendy and unique items from the comfort of your home while leveraging online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy to reach a global audience.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- You could work independently and manage the business entirely online, avoiding the need for physical interaction.
- The startup costs are minimal, making it a low-risk way to test your entrepreneurial skills.
- You could channel your creativity into unique designs, turning your passions into profit with scalable potential.
Looking to get started? Check out inspiring print-on-demand business success stories on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
13. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business is an ideal venture for loners looking to supplement their income or build an entire business. You could work independently, capturing and editing photos on your schedule. With an eye for detail and creativity, you can build an impressive portfolio, supplying high-quality photos to various businesses while earning passive income. For more information, check out these success stories of stock photography entrepreneurs.
Why start a stock photography business?
- You could work solo. Capture, edit, and upload photos without needing to interact with others regularly.
- It offers passive income potential. Earn money from your photos long after you’ve taken them.
- Flexibility and creativity. You could explore various subjects and settings at your own pace, turning your passion into profit.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
14. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
Starting a cold email service business is an excellent opportunity for someone who prefers solitude and has a talent for crafting compelling email content. This business involves researching potential clients, creating engaging email campaigns, and using software to track metrics such as open rates and conversions. If you enjoy working independently and have a strategic mindset, you could find success in helping companies reach new customers through targeted email campaigns. Plus, the potential for scaling your business as your success stories grow could provide significant long-term rewards.
Why consider a cold email service business?
- You could work independently, relying on your writing and analytical skills.
- The demand for lead generation services is consistent, ensuring a steady stream of clients.
- Scaling your business is possible as you gain more experience and build a portfolio of successful campaigns.
For more insights, consider exploring cold email service business success stories.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
15. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
Developing a lead generation tool could be an ideal business for a loner, offering the perfect combination of autonomy and technical innovation. You could automate the tedious task of finding potential customers for businesses, allowing these companies to concentrate on converting leads into paying clients. By tapping into the high demand for streamlined marketing solutions, you could create a profitable venture that leverages your tech-savvy skills and understanding of market dynamics.
If you’re interested in this entrepreneurial path, you may want to check out some successful stories about lead generation tools here.
Why consider starting a lead generation tool?
- You could work independently, managing the development and maintenance of the tool on your own.
- It leverages automation, reducing the need for constant human intervention, making it perfect for solitary workers.
- High demand and scalability offer significant profit potential with minimal overhead costs.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
16. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
Venturing into the creation of an AI writing tool is a solid business idea for loners due to its self-sustaining nature. Tapping into a rapidly growing industry, this enterprise allows you to leverage advanced technology to develop a tool that generates engaging, error-free content for bloggers, businesses, and students. With artificial intelligence at its core, the tool offers time-efficient solutions, making it an indispensable resource in today's digital age.
Why start an AI writing tool business?
- You could work independently, with minimal collaboration, making it ideal for loners.
- The demand for AI-generated content is skyrocketing, opening a market with significant revenue potential.
- This business can be managed remotely, giving you the flexibility to work from anywhere.
For insights into the profitability and startup costs of launching an AI writing tool, check out this link.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
17. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
Starting an email marketing tool as a loner can be an excellent choice due to the flexibility and scalability of this business model. With the global email marketing tool market expected to reach $2.53B in 2028, there's a growing demand for innovative solutions that cater to various business needs. This venture allows you to operate remotely, automated much of the processes, and connect with clients through digital means, making it ideal for those who prefer less social interaction.
Creating a successful email marketing tool requires minimal upfront investment, mainly involving a domain, hosting account, and the software development. The potential for growth is substantial, as almost every industry can benefit from an effective email marketing strategy. For further insights, explore tips for building a profitable email marketing tool on Starter Story.
Why start an email marketing tool?
- You could work independently and automate many processes, reducing the need for constant social interactions.
- The initial investment is relatively low compared to other business models, making it more accessible.
- There’s a high demand for email marketing tools across various industries, promising a profitable venture.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
18. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Imagining managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth—this is the essence of a social media automation business. As a loner, this opportunity allows you to leverage technology to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms, saving your clients time while enhancing their social media presence. This business could be particularly fulfilling for those with a knack for technology and marketing, offering a blend of autonomy and creativity.
With the growing need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there's significant demand for automation services. As a bonus, you could develop software solutions, stay updated on the latest trends, and build relationships with clients—all from the comfort of your own space. For more insights on how to capitalize on this, explore social media automation business success stories on Starter Story.
Why start a social media automation business?
- Allows for flexible work arrangements, ideal for those who prefer solitude.
- High demand for social media management services ensures a profitable venture.
- You can use your tech and marketing skills to create innovative solutions, all while working independently.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
