Freelance PR consultant working from home

Small businesses, start-ups, charities and local professionals who want coverage but have no in-house PR person.

Monthly retainer per client, or a fixed fee per project such as a product launch or press campaign.

• Clear, persuasive writing
• Building relationships with journalists
• Spotting a good story
• Staying calm when something goes wrong

• Professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance, check what cover suits your work
• Never promise guaranteed press coverage, as results depend on journalists and the story
• Check that claims in client press material are accurate and follow advertising and data protection rules (UK GDPR if you hold contact lists)
• Retainers can end at short notice, so avoid relying on one or two clients
• Check your lease or mortgage terms before running a business from home

Startup costs are typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on the equipment, software, insurance and website or marketing materials you choose. These are estimates, so compare insurance quotes and only buy what you need to win your first clients.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on how many retainer clients you win and what you charge. That is revenue, not profit, and retainers can end at short notice, so avoid relying on one or two clients.

Check which professional indemnity and public liability cover suits your work. Never promise guaranteed press coverage. Check client claims are accurate and follow advertising and data protection rules, including UK GDPR for contact lists, and your lease or mortgage terms.