Get help starting a social media consulting business

Required Skills

You need to have the right qualifications to be hired as a social media consultant. Your personal social media presence can help build credibility. It will help to have more than 1,000 Facebook friends or 2,000 Instagram followers to demonstrate that you know how to grow a following.

Social media consultants should also have:

• An understanding of the client’s business and target audience

• An understanding of branding and the ability to maintain the brand’s voice

• Creative ability to increase engagement and drive sales

• An operational understanding of how to make effective posts across the major social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube). Some social media consultants specialize in one or more of these social networks.

• The ability to run paid social campaigns

• An understanding of the metrics of success and tools for tracking those metrics 

You can take online courses to boost your knowledge and credentials. Udemy offers social media management courses at no cost and advanced courses for as low as $10. Complete a course and you’ll receive an online certificate that you can post on your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn also offers some great free resources. 

Create a Business Plan

A few of the things you may want to include are:

• The rate you’ll charge for your services

• Your target demographic

• Costs associated with licensing and certification

• Your monthly budget and break-even rate

• Your business objectives and goals

Identify the target audience

Look for local businesses that could use a better social media strategy. Offer consulting services and establish a relationship. Think about some local organizations that could use consulting assistance. Do they need a better online presence? More sales or foot traffic? 

Promoting your business

• Website. Having a professional website is a great way to show potential clients your online presence. Include testimonials from satisfied clients and a list of the services you provide and your pricing.  

• Social media. Promoting your social media consulting business on social media is almost a no-brainer. Advertising on Facebook is very inexpensive and lets you customize the people who will see your ads. Create active social media sites for your business and post frequently.

• Networking. Reach out to friends, business associates and family and ask them to promote your services to their associates and friends.

• Business cards, Brochures and flyers. Have simple, but professional business cards, brochures or flyers made to distribute to potential clients.

Business licenses or special permits

Check local business rules and regulations to see if you need any licensing. 

What can help you be 5X more successful?

Working with a mentor can make you 5 times more likely to succeed! Entrepreneurs who work with a mentor can help you get started and help you grow. They have experience in business and can help connect you with information and contacts and avoid obstacles. Best of all, a mentor believes in you and your dream and will listen to any ideas or concerns you have. 

Entrepreneurs with mentors are 5X more likely to launch, grow, and stay in business.