The Ultimate Guide to 9 Solopreneur Types Crushing It Solo

Solopreneurship is on fire right now. With more tools, tech, and flexibility than ever, running a business of one has become a bold—and totally viable—career choice for various solopreneur types.

But here’s the thing: not all solopreneurs take the same path. From the creative freelancers and savvy consultants to the digital nomads redefining “work from anywhere,” each type of solopreneur has a unique way of thriving solo.

In this guide, we’re diving into 9 distinct solopreneur types who are absolutely crushing it. Ready to meet the trailblazers of the solopreneur world? Let’s dive in!

9 Types of Solopreneurs with Real-Life Success Stories

1. Freelancers

Freelancers are one of the most common types of solopreneurs, offering specialized services like writing, design, or web development, often for multiple clients on a contract basis. They set their own rates, choose projects, and enjoy flexibility, but also juggle roles in marketing, contract negotiation, and client management. 

Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr help with client acquisition amid fierce competition, and those who excel build strong networks, gaining control over their work-life balance.

Real-Life Example: Emma Gannon

Emma Gannon demonstrates how freelancers can monetize multiple talents. As a writer, podcast host, and speaker, Gannon showcases how solopreneurs can diversify their revenue streams without being tied to a single niche.

2. Consultants

Consultants provide specialized insights to help businesses or individuals overcome specific challenges, with a focus on strategic advisory roles rather than hands-on project work. Common niches include management consulting, marketing strategy, and SEO optimization. 

They often build long-term client relationships, requiring ongoing networking and skill development to stay relevant. Platforms like LinkedIn and Catalant aid in client acquisition, though maintaining steady work demands consistent effort and persistence.

Real-Life Example: Alan Weiss

Alan Weiss, author of Million Dollar Consulting, built a highly profitable business offering high-level advice. His journey proves that impact and profitability don’t require large teams—only expertise and positioning.

3. Content Creators

Content creators build loyal audiences by sharing valuable content across social media, blogs, videos, and podcasts. Wearing multiple hats as marketers, editors, and brand managers, they rely on platforms like YouTube and Patreon to monetize. To stay resilient amid platform changes, creators diversify their revenue streams.

Real-Life Example: Kevin Espiritu, Epic Gardening

Kevin Espiritu grew Epic Gardening from a blog into a leading source for gardening content. His success reflects how creators can build both influence and income by engaging with niche audiences.

4. Coaches and Mentors

Coaches and mentors offer tailored guidance through one-on-one sessions or group programs, supporting clients in areas like fitness, business, and career development. As one of the versatile solopreneur types, they focus on personal growth and skill-building, helping clients achieve specific goals and overcome obstacles.

To broaden their reach, many also create digital resources, such as courses or memberships. Maintaining steady clients requires strong relationship-building, continuous skill development, and active networking on platforms like LinkedIn.

Real-Life Example: Marie Forleo

Marie Forleo built her coaching business by starting small and scaling with online courses like B-School. Her journey highlights the value of digital products in expanding reach and generating passive income.

5. eCommerce Solopreneurs

These solopreneurs sell physical or digital products on platforms like Shopify or Etsy, handling everything from sourcing to fulfillment. Many leverage drop shipping or print-on-demand to skip inventory management. 

While automation tools like Shopify apps streamline operations, eCommerce solopreneurs still need strong skills in marketing, customer service, and design to succeed.

Real-Life Example: Kitty Meow Boutique on Etsy

Catherine, owner of Kitty Meow Boutique, started her Etsy shop selling stylish, personalized stationery and party supplies. Known for its playful, chic designs, her brand has built a loyal following, demonstrating how solopreneurs can turn a creative passion into a thriving business.

6. Developers and Digital Product Creators

Developers and digital product creators, as one of the innovative solopreneur types, use their technical skills to build apps, software, or online courses that generate passive income, delivering value even when they’re not actively involved.

This path demands both technical and marketing abilities, with platforms like Gumroad and Teachable simplifying product delivery and payment processing. By combining expertise with automation, these solopreneurs create scalable income sources.

Real-Life Example: Pieter Levels, Nomad List

Pieter Levels built Nomad List, a remote workers platform focusing on a niche audience. His success shows how solopreneurs can launch scalable businesses by leveraging membership models and automated processes.

7. Wellness Educators

Some solopreneurs focus on health and wellness in addition to creative and consulting fields. Yoga teachers, nutritionists, and mental health coaches often combine live sessions and digital products for sustainable income.

Real-Life Example: Dan Go, Fitness Educator for Entrepreneurs

Dan Go runs a solo wellness business focused on helping entrepreneurs stay fit through habit-building programs. He leverages platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to share free health tips while monetizing his expertise through strategy calls and digital courses, such as the “Lean Body 90” program.

8. Agency Owners

Some agency owners operate as solopreneurs, running lean operations by managing projects independently and collaborating with freelancers rather than hiring full-time employees. 

These solopreneurs focus on assembling specialized talent for specific projects, allowing them to deliver services like SEO, marketing, or design without scaling to a traditional business model. 

Real-Life Example: Jake Ward, Content Growth Agency

Jake Ward turned his SEO expertise into a content agency that partners with freelancers to deliver conversion-focused strategies. His agency helps clients scale their blogs into revenue-generating channels. 

Jake’s journey shows how agency owners can scale operations while staying lean by outsourcing talent.

9. Community Builders

Some community builders operate as solopreneurs by independently creating and managing spaces where members connect, collaborate, and grow, either online or in person. These solopreneurs handle everything—from content and engagement strategies to platform management—without the help of full-time staff, maintaining full control over their community’s vision and direction.

This model demands strong relationship-building skills and an understanding of community dynamics. While community builders may rely on platforms like Slack or Mighty Networks, they remain the primary force behind their community’s growth and sustainability.

Real-Life Example: Jay Clouse, The Lab

Jay Clouse founded The Lab, a community for creators to share ideas and insights. By managing his platform solo and building a close-knit membership, Jay illustrates how solopreneur community builders can create meaningful networks while retaining the independence central to solopreneurship.

Embrace Solopreneurship and Take the Leap

The examples of different solopreneur types offer an exciting opportunity for those who want to build a business on their terms. Whether you see yourself as a freelancer, consultant, coach, eCommerce seller, or digital product creator, there’s a path that aligns with your skills and passions. 

While this journey comes with challenges—like managing everything yourself and facing uncertain income—the rewards of autonomy, flexibility, and creative freedom make it worthwhile for many people.

So, If you’re considering starting your solopreneur journey, now is the best time. Start small, explore your passions, and embrace the learning process—because every great business starts with a single step.