The Simplest Way to Start a One-Person Business (With Microproducts)
Starting a business can feel overwhelming. The planning, the logistics, the fear of failure—all of it can paralyze even the most motivated person.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need a fancy website, a team, or even a perfect plan to get started. You don’t need investors, offices, or a huge social media following.
What you need is a simple system and the willingness to take small, consistent steps.
That’s where the concept of a one-person business with microproducts comes in.
Microproducts are small, digital products or services you can create quickly and sell directly to your audience. They’re the fastest, lowest-cost way to start making money online—and they can grow into something much bigger over time.
Whether you’re starting with just a few dollars to your name or simply want a low-risk way to dip your toes into entrepreneurship, this approach works.
Here’s exactly how to start your own one-person business, step by step.
Step 1: Set Up a Simple Digital Toolkit
Your business doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, simplicity is your biggest advantage when starting out.
To run a one-person business, you need only four things:
A place to generate traffic (social media).
A place to collect emails (a newsletter).
A place to sell your products (a simple checkout system).
A place to save ideas and write content (your creative workspace).
1. A Place to Generate Traffic
Your first goal is to attract attention, and the easiest, cheapest way to do that is through social media.
Pick one platform to focus on:
LinkedIn: Ideal for professional audiences.
X (formerly Twitter): Great for deep thinkers and conversationalists.
Substack: Beginner-friendly with less market sophistication.
Social media is free, and anyone can succeed with enough practice. Start by writing posts that share your ideas, stories, and expertise.
2. A Place to Collect Emails
Social media gets you visibility, but email gets you conversions. Why? Because your inbox is a direct line to people who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer.
Use a tool like Kit (free for up to 1,000 subscribers) to start building your email list. Create a simple, value-packed newsletter that speaks directly to your audience’s needs.
3. A Place to Sell Your Products
You don’t need a massive online store to sell microproducts. Use platforms like Stan or Gumroad to create landing pages and accept payments.
Choose a tool that also allows you to host digital products, schedule coaching calls, or run online communities—keeping everything in one place.
4. A Place to Save Ideas
Most of your business will be built on your ideas:
Ideas for products.
Ideas for content.
Ideas for newsletters.
Use a tool like Notion, Google Keep, or even a simple Google Doc to capture and organize everything. Write down your thoughts, flesh out your digital products, and outline your content in one place.
Step 2: What Are You Good At?
Now that your toolkit is set up, it’s time to figure out what your business will be about.
Here are some questions to help you narrow it down:
What skills or knowledge do you already have?
What transformation have you achieved in your life?
What problems do people come to you for advice on?
What books, podcasts, or topics excite you the most?
Once you have a rough idea, break it down into smaller topics:
Your main area of expertise (e.g., fitness, coding, productivity).
Three subtopics within that area.
Five pain points or challenges your audience faces within those subtopics.
For example:
Main Area: Productivity.
Subtopics: Time management, digital tools, focus hacks.
Pain Points: “I don’t know where to start,” “I’m overwhelmed by too many tools,” “I procrastinate all the time.”
These become the foundation for your content, newsletter, and microproducts.
Step 3: Create Your First Microproduct
Here’s the fun part: turning your knowledge into something people can pay for.
There are two types of microproducts to consider:
1. The Microproduct
A microproduct is a small, digital product like an eBook, template, or guide. It’s quick to create and easy to sell.
Example:
A $10 template for freelancers to track client projects.
A $19 guide on optimizing your LinkedIn profile.
A $29 video tutorial on time management hacks.
Real-Life Inspiration:
John Hu, CEO of Stan, started by selling his old Goldman Sachs resume on TikTok for $10. It wasn’t fancy, but it was valuable—and it quickly made him $1,000.
You probably already have something you can turn into a microproduct. Think about:
Templates or frameworks you’ve created for yourself or clients.
A simple process you’ve mastered.
An experience you’ve been through that others could learn from.
2. The Microservice
A microservice is a small, time-limited offer like a coaching session, consulting call, or audit.
Example:
A $750 coaching package with 4x Zoom calls to teach someone coding basics.
A $500 consulting call to help someone optimize their LinkedIn profile.
Microservices are great because they:
Require zero upfront investment.
Validate your skills and pricing.
Provide immediate income.
Step 4: Write Offer-Driven Content
To sell your microproduct or service, you need to write content that speaks directly to your audience’s pain points and desires.
Here’s how to start:
Your Personal Story: Share your journey, struggles, and lessons learned.
Pain Points: Write posts that highlight specific problems your audience faces.
Actionable Ideas: Share tips, frameworks, or insights that solve those problems.
Example Post for a Productivity Product:
"Do you feel like you’re constantly busy but never productive? I used to be the same. Then I discovered this simple time-blocking method that doubled my output. Here’s how you can do it too: [link]."
Step 5: Promote Yourself (Without Fear)
Most people fail not because their product isn’t good, but because they don’t promote it enough.
Here’s the truth:
People can’t buy from you if they don’t know what you’re selling.
Promoting yourself doesn’t make you pushy—it makes you visible.
You’ll improve your sales skills with practice, but only if you start selling.
Every piece of content you create should point back to your product or service. Mention it in your posts, emails, and newsletters.
Final Thoughts
The simplest way to start a one-person business is by creating microproducts or microservices that solve real problems. You don’t need a website, a logo, or a perfect plan—just a simple system and the willingness to start.
Generate traffic with social media.
Collect emails with a newsletter.
Sell your first microproduct or service.
Write content that connects and converts.
Start small. Start scrappy. Start today.
Your one-person business doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to exist. Every big success starts with a messy first step.
Go make it happen.
PS. If you want to start by putting your Offer in a Google Doc, I’ll give you a free walkthrough here.