Freelance marketing consultant

Independent shops, tradespeople, restaurants, clinics and other small firms without their own marketing person.

A fixed fee per project such as a marketing plan or brand review, or a monthly retainer for ongoing advice and support.

• Understanding how customers choose businesses
• Clear writing and presenting
• Planning and organising
• Confidence talking to business owners

• Professional indemnity insurance, as clients may blame you if advice does not work. Check cover levels with an insurer
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC and keep track of the VAT threshold
• Use a written agreement that sets out what you will deliver and make clear that results cannot be guaranteed
• Check your tenancy or mortgage terms if working from home
• Income can be uneven at first, so plan for gaps between projects

Startup costs are typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on the equipment, software, website and insurance you choose. These are estimates, so decide which tools you genuinely need before spending.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on how many clients you take on and whether you work by project or monthly. Income can be uneven at first, so plan for gaps between projects.

Check professional indemnity insurance cover, registering as a sole trader with HMRC and the VAT threshold. Use a written agreement that sets out deliverables and says results cannot be guaranteed. If working from home, check your tenancy or mortgage terms.