Online consultant for one type of business
Advise one kind of business, like clinics or online shops, by video call and shared documents, wherever the client is.
- A$500-4k
- Side hustle
- Online
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A focused consultancy for one sector or problem, such as cash flow for tradies or operations for allied health clinics. Work is done by video call, shared spreadsheets and written reports, so clients can be anywhere in Australia.
Your first three steps
- Choose one niche and one problem, then talk to five owners to check they would pay to fix it
- Create a simple package with a fixed price and a clear deliverable, and set up a basic website or LinkedIn profile
- Share useful tips in industry Facebook groups or LinkedIn and book a few free intro calls to win your first clients
Who pays
Owners in your chosen niche who want expert help without paying for a large firm, plus industry groups or franchisors who book workshops.
How it makes money
Fixed-price packages (such as a diagnostic plus action plan), monthly retainers for ongoing support, and paid online workshops.
Skills that help
- Deep knowledge of one industry
- Building simple tools like templates and dashboards
- Confident video presenting
- Writing clear reports and proposals
Watch out for
- Professional indemnity insurance, check it covers advice given remotely
- Giving financial, tax or legal advice can be regulated, check with ASIC and the Tax Practitioners Board
- ABN and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold
- Privacy of client financial data, store and share files securely
- Winning trust without meeting face to face takes time and proof of results
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: online consultant for one type of business
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 online consultancy?
Startup costs are typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your video and document tools, website, templates and insurance. These are estimates, and they can be lower if you already have the equipment and software.
How much can an online niche consultant earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $9,000, depending on your niche, pricing and how many clients you take on. The estimate starts at about 8 hours a week. Winning trust without meeting in person can take time.
What should I check before advising businesses online?
Check that your professional indemnity insurance covers advice given remotely, and that financial, tax or legal advice is checked with ASIC and the Tax Practitioners Board. Also check ABN and GST registration, and how you store and share client financial data securely.
Other ways to run this business
Similar business services ideas
Home-based desktop claims assessor
Assess smaller or straightforward claims from home using photos, quotes and policy documents, working for insurers and adjusting firms.
- A$1k-4k
- Part-time
- From home
Visiting bookkeeper for local trades and shops
Visit small businesses on a regular day to sort receipts, payroll and accounts in person.
- A$1k-4k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Professional presentation coach for businesses
Coach staff and executives on professional presentation, grooming and dress for client-facing roles, paid by companies.
- A$800-4k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Short-stay property manager (home-based)
Run bookings, guest messages and cleaner rosters for a handful of owners' holiday apartments, from home.
- A$500-4k
- Side hustle
- From home
Second-hand shop fixtures reseller
Buy shelving, counters and displays from closing shops and resell them to start-up retailers online.
- A$500-4k
- Side hustle
- From home
Online health cover help for students and visa holders
Guide international students and temporary visa holders to the right health cover, with clear online guides and video calls.
- A$800-4k
- Side hustle
- Online