Consultants usually specialize in a business type, industry, platform, or israel phone number list strategic approach. This helps them stand out, charge higher rates, and deliver focused results. For example, a consultant might specialize in Instagram marketing for small businesses, tapping their understanding of Instagram's algorithm, content best practices, and strategies for driving sales through the platform.
When you're just starting out, it's best to focus on one or two social media platforms. Each one has its own way of working — the algorithms are different, the audiences are different, and the content that does well is different. Trying to be an expert on everything will burn you out and compromise your results.
You'll also want to pick an industry or two that you specialize in. Even if two businesses use the same platforms, their social media needs can vary. An online clothing store and a real estate agency will have very different social strategies, even on Facebook.
Now it’s time to create a business plan to work out the nuts and bolts of your consulting service.
Start by researching the current industry trends, your target market, and your competition. This will give you a clear understanding of the landscape you're entering. Assess your own skills in comparison — are there any gaps you need to fill?
Next, decide on the structure of your business. Will you operate as a solo freelancer or do you want to set out on the path of building an agency? There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but many consultants start as freelancers and decide to start an agency later.
On the practical side, make sure you get all the legal and financial ducks in a row. Set up a business bank account, familiarize yourself with taxes and filing requirements, and consider hiring an accountant and lawyer to help you navigate the paperwork.
At this stage, you can also start planning what tools, processes, and workflows you’re going to use to make your business run smoothly. For example, consider how you’ll manage clients from start to finish. This looks like developing proposal templates, contract templates, on-boarding workflows, and invoicing terms.
You should also consider what tools you’ll need, as this is a critical piece of your overhead, or cost of doing business. Will you need to collaborate with your clients on calendars and content strategies in a social media management software? Will you need content creation tools, like a design or video editing software? Will you need bookkeeping software to keep your financials in check?
Be realistic about what you can afford at an early stage — when you're just starting out it won't hurt you to forego software and take care of certain processes manually.
