Freelance marketing consultant for local businesses

Local tradies, cafes, clinics, real estate agents and other small business owners who have no time or in-house marketing skills.

A fixed fee for projects such as a marketing plan, or a monthly retainer for ongoing advice and campaign management. Some consultants also charge an hourly rate for ad-hoc help.

• Understanding of marketing basics and how to measure results
• Clear writing and presenting
• Listening to what a business owner really needs
• Managing your own time and clients

• You need an ABN, and check when you must register for GST based on your turnover
• Consider professional indemnity and public liability insurance, as clients may rely on your advice
• Check whether your local council has rules for running a business from home
• Be careful promising results, and follow Australian advertising and consumer law rules (check with the ACCC) and privacy rules when handling customer data
• Use written agreements that set out scope, fees and who owns the work

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your computer and software, a simple website and any insurance. These are estimates, so most spending can wait until you have clients.

You need an ABN, and check when GST registration applies. Consider professional indemnity and public liability insurance, council rules for home businesses, and ACCC advertising and consumer law and privacy rules. Use written agreements covering scope, fees and ownership of work.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on how many clients you have and whether you work on projects or retainers. That is revenue, not profit. It typically takes at least around 8 hours a week.