How To Start a Web Based Social Media Consulting Business

In the current economic climate and job market, more and more people are turning to home based businesses for a source of income. By far one of the hottest industries to work in right now is Social Media. Networks like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram have become a part of our everyday lives and as such advertisers are flocking to these platforms to connect with new and existing customers. This has created the demand for skilled social media strategists and community managers.

While there are large PR and marketing firms that handle corporate accounts, there are still countless small and medium size businesses that require digital media specialist within their organizations as well as externally. For the purpose of this post we will be addressing the role of the freelance social media strategist and how to start a consulting business.

The first piece of advice I would give any aspiring consultant is to master a single social network. Business owners don’t have the time to learn all the nuances and internal culture of a specific network. But you do! So take the time to really understand what makes a particular online community tick. For example how do you start conversations with complete strangers, what is the best content to share to Twitter vs Pinterest? When is the best time to post content and how to generate more interactions with your followers?

Once you’ve truly learned the heart and soul of a particular network (for me it was Twitter), then you can take that knowledge and expand it to Instagram, Path, Vine, Pinterest etc. Eventually you will get a feel for the strengths and weaknesses of each network. By now you would have gained the social muscles and personal success online to go forth and offer your skills to businesses that need your intimate knowledge of social networking.

Outside of your presence on several leading networks, it is imperative that you have a personal blog. Your blog is the main tool you will use to build your personal brand and establish thought leadership online.

Below I have provided an overview of the process that goes into starting a web based social media consulting business.

You first need to identify if you intend this to be a part-time or full-time endeavor?

• Figure out how much you need to make each month
• Set milestones that you want to achieve

How much to charge as a consultant?

• Some people will say you are too expensive and some will say you are too cheap
• You are what you say you are worth!
• Deliver value for the price that you charge

What is the consultation process?

• Client emails you and says they are interested in your services
• They inquire about your experience and ask how much do you charge?
• Once they show interest move on to a phone call followed by offering a multi-tiered package
• Give them a range for your services, for example: $500 — $3,000. Good-Better-Best
• Once they accept, then send them a contract detailing your fees and services
• Create a detailed strategy so that everyone is on the same page.
• Charge a one-time fee for the strategy and then a retainer for executing it month to month.

Pro-Tip: Get a stable month to month income by offering additional services beyond consulting, such as being a page admin or online customer support etc.

Constantly expand your knowledge base.

• Blogs are the best way to learn more about social media
• Watch videos to learn new technical skills

Did you find this intro to social media consulting helpful? Let me know in the comments below.

You can follow me here: @KevinMinott