Small full-service advertising agency
Run a small team that plans, designs and buys media for a steady list of business clients.
- A$8k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small agency with a designer, copywriter and account manager (some may be contractors) that develops campaigns end to end, from strategy and creative to media buying and reporting.
Your first three steps
- Line up two or three anchor clients or a past employer relationship before you commit to rent or staff
- Decide which roles to hire and which to use freelancers or contractors for, and cost out a first-year budget
- Set up your business structure (sole trader or company with ASIC), ABN and accounting, and put in place client agreements and a pitch deck
Who pays
Medium-sized local and regional businesses, franchises, tourism operators and councils or associations with ongoing advertising budgets.
How it makes money
Monthly retainers, project fees for campaigns and brand work, and agreed fees for planning and buying media on clients' behalf.
Skills that help
- Campaign planning and media buying
- Managing creative people and deadlines
- Pitching and winning clients
- Budgeting and invoicing
Watch out for
- Workers compensation insurance is needed once you hire staff, check your state's scheme
- Check the difference between contractors and employees with the ATO before engaging people
- Professional indemnity and public liability insurance are worth checking for
- Clients can pay late, so manage cash flow, especially if you pay for media upfront
- Check local zoning and lease terms before taking on an office or studio
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: small full-service advertising agency
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an advertising agency in Australia?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your premises, equipment and how many people you bring on at the start, so plan your first hires carefully.
How much can a small advertising agency earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your client list, the size of your team and how much media you buy. Revenue is not profit, so allow for wages, rent and software.
What insurance and rules should I check before opening an agency?
Check workers compensation requirements in your state once you hire staff, and confirm with the ATO whether people are contractors or employees. Also look into professional indemnity and public liability insurance, and local zoning and lease terms for any office.
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