Start a freelance desktop publishing business

Small businesses, charities, clubs, schools, local councils and individuals who need a polished document but have no in-house designer.

A fixed price per project or an hourly rate, plus charges for extra rounds of changes. Regular clients can add repeat work such as monthly newsletters or yearly catalogues.

• Layout software such as InDesign, Affinity Publisher or Canva
• Good eye for typography and spacing
• Careful proofreading
• Clear communication with clients

• Check software licences allow commercial use, and the cost of subscriptions
• Make sure you have the right to use any fonts and images you include, and check licence terms
• Consider professional indemnity insurance in case of costly errors in printed work
• Agree scope, number of revisions and payment terms in writing before you start
• Check whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows you to work from home

Startup costs are typically around £200 to £2,000, depending on the software subscriptions and equipment you choose. Check that your software licences allow commercial use, as subscription costs can add up over time.

Check your software licences allow commercial use, and that you have the right to use any fonts and images. Consider professional indemnity insurance, agree scope, revisions and payment terms in writing, and check whether your landlord or lender allows home working.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £300 to £3,000, depending on how many clients you win and the projects you take. The estimate starts at about 6 hours a week.