The Graft Plan: A No-Nonsense Guide to Starting an Online Business (Even If You’ve Never Sold So Much as a Bootlace Online)

This isn’t for the shiny lot with private masterminds and ring lights. This is for ordinary people. The ones with an old laptop, a mobile on its last legs, and a gut feeling that they’re meant for more than overtime and overdrafts.

You don’t need a marketing degree. You don’t need “passive income” from crypto you can’t spell. You need a graft plan—simple, doable steps that actually move you forward.

girl-typing-on-laptop-at-des

📍 STEP 1: Pick a Niche That Makes Sense (To You, Not to Google)

Don’t spend six weeks meditating on “niche clarity” while the rent’s due.
Just ask yourself:

  • What do I know a bit about?
  • What have I struggled with and solved?
  • What do people ask me for help with?
  • What can I stomach talking about for the next 12 months?

“I once tried to sell handmade bookmarks to bikers. Bad move.”

Write down 3 ideas. Pick the one you wouldn’t mind explaining to your cousin down the pub.

🛠 STEP 2: Build a “One Page Business” First

Forget fancy logos and ten-page websites.
You need one thing: A page that says who you help, how, and what they should do next.

  • Use a tool like Systeme.io (free) or Carrd.
  • Slap your face on it. Be human.
  • Add a button: “Download this” / “Join the list” / “Get started.”

“My first landing page looked like it was built during a power cut. Still got my first subscriber though—cheers, Auntie Kath.”

✍️ STEP 3: Start a Blog or Newsletter (or Both)

Now you talk to people. Not like a brochure. Like a mate.

Write 1–2 posts a week:

  • Tell a story.
  • Share a tip.
  • Link it to your product, lead magnet, or just a good read.

AI tools like ChatGPT can help, but don’t let it write for you—let it write with you.

“I asked AI to write a post about email marketing. It wrote like a Canadian estate agent on MDMA.”

🎁 STEP 4: Make Something You Can Sell (Fast)

Forget dropshipping or starting a clothing brand with 12 quid in the bank.

Start with:

  • A short e-book (10–15 pages) that solves one problem.
  • A checklist, template, or spreadsheet.
  • A “how-to” PDF or video course.

“I sold my first e-book for £4.99 and used the money to buy chips. Tasted like freedom.”

🤖 STEP 5: Use AI Tools to Save Your Sanity (Not to Replace Your Soul)

The trick is not to use AI to become someone you’re not. Use it to help you:

  • Brainstorm content ideas.
  • Draft emails or blog posts faster.
  • Turn messy notes into neat outlines.
  • Create lead magnets or landing pages quicker.

Recommended tools:

  • ChatGPT (obviously)
  • Canva (for decent-looking stuff)
  • Notion AI (if you’re into organising chaos)
  • Systeme.io (to build and sell your stuff)

“Think of AI as a mate who helps you with the boring bits—not someone you let drive the car.”

📢 STEP 6: Get Your First Visitors Without Paying a Penny

You don’t need ads yet. You need eyeballs. Try:

  • Posting short, honest stories or tips on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.
  • Joining 2–3 niche Facebook groups and being genuinely helpful.
  • Sending your blog to friends, mates, your dog’s Instagram followers—anyone.

“My first traffic came from posting in a group called ‘Mums Who Moan About Broadband’. It worked.”

💸 STEP 7: Get Your First Sale (Before You Think You’re Ready)

It won’t be perfect. That’s the point.

Your first product is just proof that someone out there will give you money in exchange for something you made. That feeling is like crack (but more sustainable and less jail-timey).

Offer:

  • Your mini-product (ebook, checklist)
  • A one-off consultation
  • Or even a “founding member” offer for your course, if you’re feeling bold

“First sale: £9. Second sale: £18. Third sale: pint and a takeaway. I was off and running.”

🧭 Where to Next?

Once you’ve got this lot ticking over, you can:

  • Build an email list
  • Launch bigger products
  • Try affiliate marketing
  • Get deeper into automation and funnels
  • Bring in guest writers or readers’ stories

You build as you go. No rush. No pretending you’re a “CEO” when you’ve just opened your first Gmail account.

FINAL THOUGHT:

This plan works. Not because it’s clever, but because it’s doable.

One step a week. One post at a time. No bull, no hype. Just honest graft.