Niche branding agency with a small team

Businesses in your chosen niche, such as restaurant owners, dental or wellness practices, or local franchises, that are opening or rebranding.

Higher-priced project fees for full brand packages, plus ongoing retainers for updates, marketing materials and new launches.

• Brand strategy and naming
• Design leadership and art direction
• Selling and pitching projects
• Managing freelancers and project timelines

• Form an LLC or similar and get an EIN, and check with your state and city about registration and business licenses
• General liability and professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, worth checking before taking larger clients
• Contractors versus employees: check IRS rules and your state's rules, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Cash flow gaps on big projects, so use milestone payments
• Written agreements with freelancers covering ownership of the work they create

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your tools, website and how much you spend on winning your first clients. Costs also vary with whether you work with freelancers or hire staff.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your niche, project prices and how many clients you handle. The idea assumes at least about 30 hours a week. Big projects can cause cash flow gaps, so milestone payments help.

Check with your state and city about LLC formation, an EIN, registration and business licenses. Look into general liability and professional liability insurance before taking larger clients, and check IRS and state rules on contractors versus employees. Use written agreements with freelancers covering who owns the work.