Online ads for local businesses
Run Google and Facebook ads from home for tradies, cafes and shops that want more local customers.
- A$300-2k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A one-person service managing paid search and social media ad campaigns for small local businesses, including setup, tracking and monthly reporting.
Your first three steps
- Complete the free Google Ads and Meta Blueprint training and run a small test campaign for yourself or a friend's business
- Register an ABN, set up a simple website and write up one or two case studies
- Contact ten local businesses you know and offer a low-cost trial month with clear reporting
Who pays
Local tradies, cafes, gyms, clinics and shops that want more enquiries but have no time or skills to run ads themselves.
How it makes money
A monthly management fee per client, often with a one-off setup fee. Clients pay their ad spend directly to the platforms.
Skills that help
- Google Ads and Meta Ads basics
- Reading numbers and reports
- Clear communication with non-technical owners
Watch out for
- Professional indemnity and public liability insurance, check what suits you
- Australian Consumer Law: don't promise results you can't control and keep ad claims honest
- Check whether you need council approval to run a business from home
- Clients who don't pay ad spend on time or expect instant sales
- GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: online ads for local businesses
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 a freelance online ads business?
Startup costs are typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on your software, insurance and any training you choose. Treat this as an estimate, and check what insurance suits you before taking on clients.
How much can I earn managing ads for local businesses?
Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many clients you take on and what you charge. Watch for clients who don't pay ad spend on time or expect instant sales.
What rules should I check before running ads for clients?
Check professional indemnity and public liability insurance, and Australian Consumer Law so you don't promise results you can't control. Also check whether you need council approval to run a business from home, and when GST registration applies.
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