Self-employed professionals and solo business owners are everywhere. They are roughly 15 million in number, according to the Christian Science Monitor, and inundate the U.S. business landscape.

New web- and cloud-based technologies are allowing individuals to employ themselves and contribute services with previously unseen efficiency. Publishing tools, blogs, social media, search engine optimization and even mobile technologies allow individuals to promote and sell their services on a more even playing field.

However, solo entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals should not fall into the trap of assuming that their operations can only grow so much. There are plenty of strategies you can leverage to expand your business’ reach. And technology is just one such tool that can be used to accomplish this goal.

“From scheduling newsletters and social-media dispatches to issuing blog-post notifications via email, automate as much as possible,” writes Carol Tice for Entrepreneur magazine. “Collaboration tools … can also help you readily pass off or work in the same document with colleagues and consultants without having to send giant email attachments or deal with a courier service.”

While hiring may be a solid investment for some small business owners, others simply may not be able to afford it. For that matter, consider outsourcing some of your business processes. The outsourcing market is growing rapidly, and horizontals such as human resources, IT, customer service and accounting are growing in demand.

Working from home all the time can be distracting. While you realize the need to hunker down on a certain project or make a conference call, it’s tempting to turn on the TV, go for a run or make a lavish meal. Resist this. Designate a certain area of your home to work and limit the temptation to do something else. You need to view your home as an office, and this will, in turn, help you see yourself as a true professional.

Another perk of being a home-based solo entrepreneur is the low overhead: no office rent, no payrolls (other than yourself) and no commutes. However, that doesn’t mean you can get away without investing in your business.

“Yes, being home-based can help reduce overhead, but you still need to put money into the business to keep it thriving,” Tice points out. “After all, you’ve got to spend money to make money, remember? And that’s true no matter where your business is based.”

It’s also important not to let your home become a cell. Don’t assume that all business can be conducted from the confines of your home. Go out of your way to meet with clients. Attend trade shows and networking events. Assert yourself as a proactive and competitive member of a business community and a serious contender in your market.