Freelance media and PR adviser

Small businesses, local professionals such as dentists or accountants, authors, not-for-profits and community organisations.

Monthly retainer, a fixed fee per media release or campaign, or an hourly rate for advice and interview coaching.

• Clear, punchy writing
• Knowing how newsrooms work
• Confident phone and email pitching
• Good judgement under pressure

• Get an ABN and check whether you need to register for GST once your turnover grows
• Consider professional indemnity and public liability insurance in case advice or content causes a client loss
• Check with your local council whether running a business from home needs approval
• Take care with claims in client material, as advertising and consumer law rules may apply
• Results depend on journalists, so avoid promising specific coverage

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on your equipment, software, insurance and how you set up your website and media lists. Working from home keeps overheads low.

Get an ABN and check when GST registration applies. Consider professional indemnity and public liability insurance, check whether your council requires approval for a home business, and take care with claims in client material under advertising and consumer law.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $800 to $5,000, depending on your client numbers, the services you offer and your hours. The estimates assume at least about 6 hours a week. Avoid promising specific coverage, as results depend on journalists.