How to Start an Online Business as an Introvert: The First Steps
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📖 Estimated Read Time: 5-6 minutes
If you’re an introvert who dreams of working for yourself, setting your own schedule, and building a business that aligns with your energy, you’re in the right place.
But let’s be honest—the idea of starting from scratch can feel overwhelming.
Between the endless options, the fear of putting yourself out there, and the sheer exhaustion of doing all the things, you might be wondering if you’re even cut out for this. (Spoiler: You absolutely are.)
But you might be asking yourself…
✔ What kind of business should I start?
✔ Do I need to be on social media 24/7?
✔ How do I make money online without burning out?
You don’t need to have it all figured out today. You just need to take the first step. So, this post will walk you through the essential first steps to building an online business that honors your quiet power, creativity, and desire for freedom.
Step 1: Get Clear on Your Strengths & Interests
Cassie, our extroverted entrepreneurial friend (more of an acquaintance, really), jumps into new business ideas headfirst, chasing trends and launching offers at lightning speed. Meanwhile, you prefer a more thoughtful, intentional approach.
Instead of trying to keep up with Cassie’s high-energy hustle, focus on building a business that aligns with your strengths.
So, before choosing a business model, take a step back and ask yourself:
✔ What am I naturally good at?
✔ What do I enjoy doing—even when no one is paying me?
✔ What skills or knowledge do I already have that could help others?
💡 My Advice: Your first business doesn’t have to be your “forever” business. The key is to start with something aligned with your strengths and interests—something you won’t get bored of in six months.
For example, if you love writing, blogging or copywriting could be great options. If you enjoy design, creating digital products like planners or templates could be a smart path. If you’re the go-to person for organizing friend trips, you might have a future in travel consulting.
Thing is, I started my own online business while dog-sitting in someone else’s backyard, armed with a laptop and a desperate desire for more freedom. My first offer wasn’t perfect (far from it), but it got me moving—and that’s the key.
Step 2: Choose an Introvert-Friendly Business Model
Not all businesses require high-energy networking or constant client interaction.
Cassie may thrive on live webinars, constant networking, and showing up on every platform. But if the idea of daily visibility exhausts you, your best path to success will look different—and that’s okay. Introvert-friendly business models prioritize deep work, sustainability, and quiet impact.
Here are a few online business models that work well for introverts (this blog post will give you even more ideas):
Blogging & Niche Websites – Write once, earn forever through SEO & affiliate marketing.
Freelance Writing or Editing – Work behind the scenes on projects at your own pace.
Selling Digital Products – Create ebooks, templates, or online courses for passive income.
Affiliate Marketing – Recommend products you love & earn commissions without selling directly.
Membership Communities – Build a subscription-based platform with exclusive content.
💡 My Advice: If the idea of live coaching calls or daily client work makes you anxious, choose a business model that allows for more asynchronous (on-your-own-time) work.
Also, if you’re sitting there worried about “putting yourself out there,” remember—visibility doesn’t mean being loud. It means being present in a way that aligns with you.
Step 3: Validate Your Idea Before You Build
One of the biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make? Spending months (or years) creating something before knowing if people actually want it. Instead, test your idea with these simple strategies:
✔ Stalk to Your Ideal Audience – Find Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or Pinterest boards where your ideal clients are discussing their problems. What questions are they asking? What do they need help with?
✔ Create a Simple Freebie – A checklist, guide, or mini-training that solves a small problem can help gauge interest.
✔ Presell Before You Build – Offer your product or service at a discounted rate before it’s fully created. If people buy, you have validation!
💡 My Advice: If no one is asking for what you’re creating, but you know the world needs it, try pivoting slightly and gather as much market research from your potential ideal clients or customers as possible. Business success isn’t about forcing an idea—it’s about solving a real problem.
The world needs quiet leaders. Just because your approach is different doesn’t mean it’s less valuable.
💡 Want to build an online business without burnout? Grab my free 3-part video series to learn how to start strong, grow sustainably, and make money in a way that works for YOU.
Step 4: Set Up a Simple Online Presence
You don’t need a fancy website or complicated branding to start.
While Cassie is at the co-working space obsessing over color palettes and Instagram aesthetics, you know that substance matters more than style. Instead of getting stuck in perfectionism, focus on creating valuable content and building an engaged audience.
Here’s what you actually need:
✔ A Simple Website or Landing Page – Use platforms like Squarespace or Wix to create a clean, professional-looking home base.
✔ An Email List – Set up an opt-in form with a freebie to start growing your audience (here’s the email platform I use).
✔ A Content Plan – Choose one long-form content platform (blogging, YouTube, or podcasting) and one distribution platform (Pinterest, email, or SEO).
💡 My Advice: Social media is optional! You can build a thriving business without daily Instagram posts or endless TikTok videos.
Full transparency, I wasted months trying to make my brand “perfect” before realizing—your message matters more than your logo. Don’t let perfectionism keep you stuck.
Step 5: Start Small & Stay Consistent
Many new entrepreneurs feel pressure to launch a perfect business right away. But business growth is a process (anyone who’s on a personal development journey can relate 😅). Instead of overcomplicating things, focus on these small, sustainable steps:
✔ Create 1-2 pieces of high-value content per week–blog posts, emails, Pinterest pins
✔ Engage with your audience–reply to comments, emails, or DMs in a way that feels aligned.
✔ Improve as you go—don’t wait for perfection before launching (because perfection doesn’t exist!)
✔ Set gentle boundaries to protect your energy as you grow.
💡 My Advice: Progress > Perfection errrry dayum day. Your first digital product, blog post, or service offer won’t be perfect—and that’s okay. Growth comes from taking action, learning, and refining as you go.
Remember, success isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing the right things consistently.
Final Thoughts: Your Business Starts with One Simple Step
Your introvert-friendly business starts with one simple step.
If you’re ready to take action, get exclusive strategies inside my free 3-part video series designed to help you build an aligned, sustainable online business