49 Profitable Consulting Business Ideas For 2024
Interested to start a consulting business but not quite sure what to start?
The good news is, there are so many opportunities to become an entrepreneur and provide a worthy service in this line of work.
If you're looking to start your own consulting business, there are several low-investment options you can choose from.
We put a list together below of the most profitable consulting business ideas you can start today!
Here they are:
1. Start a fashion consulting business
Fashion consulting is becoming increasingly popular, with the rise of small start-ups and new eCommerce sites. As the world becomes more visual, fashion consultants, image consultants, and image coaches are in high demand.
As a fashion consultant, your tasks will be varied and could include: sourcing products, making recommendations on fashion trends and styles, advising on colors, fabrics, and cut, sizing, and quality.
A fashion consulting business can be a profitable and enjoyable way to work with high-end clothing. It is an easy and relatively passive way to make money working online.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $134,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
This case study showcases the journey of Tradlands, a women's clothing brand generating $134k in monthly revenue, which was started with just $15k, and grew through email marketing, Instagram, and influencer collaborations.
2. Start a technology consulting business
Technology is critical to helping drive corporate strategy and ensuring its success. Not all startup owners are from an IT background, so keeping up with current technology trends can be challenging. Such entrepreneurs rely on technology consultants to help them harness technology.
Technology consultants connect businesses with experienced technology innovation advisors to solve critical enterprise challenges. Technology consulting is essential to helping organizations use technology to drive innovation and growth.
You may consider starting your technology consulting business if you have IT skills and some experience in the technology sector.
How much you can make: $150 — $1,200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
How a Ph.D. in computer engineering created a patented agile framework and turned it into a profitable training and consulting business, after realizing that his accumulated technology knowledge was losing value over time.
3. Become an IT consultant
Are you an IT graduate still looking for that dream job? Then becoming an IT consultant might be the right choice for you.
An IT consultant is an external analyst in charge of evaluating a company’s IT systems and helping them meets its business objectives. IT consultants analyze and diagnose a company’s IT infrastructure, understand the client’s needs, and design solutions to help companies’ IT problems.
How much you can make: $2,100 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
This case study features Md. Yousuf Ali, the founder of Rank Trends, who shares how he started a successful digital marketing agency, which generated a revenue of over $6k per month through SEO and video production services.
4. Become a business law consultant
Navigating the complexities of business law can be daunting for many companies. Enter the business law consultant. In simple terms, a business law consultant provides expert legal advice to businesses, ensuring they comply with laws and regulations while protecting their interests.
By offering services such as contract reviews, compliance auditing, and legal risk assessments, you can help businesses steer clear of costly legal pitfalls. For those with a background in law, this is an enriching avenue to utilize specialized knowledge and skills.
There is a significant and growing demand for such services as the regulatory environment becomes increasingly complex. Starting a business law consultancy allows you to offer critical support to businesses, helping them thrive in a legally sound manner. It’s a chance to build a reputation as an indispensable advisor, ensuring companies stay ahead of legal challenges confidently.
How much you can make: $80,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Rankings.io is a hyper-focused SEO agency that helps elite personal injury law firms dominate first page rankings and was ranked #858 in the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America for 2018, with a current revenue just under $300,000 per month, with plans for a record-breaking year.
5. Start a resume writing business
The resume writing business is a service that helps job applicants write professional resumes, provide details about their past experiences, and highlight their skills. Resume writing makes it easier for clients to capture hiring managers’ attention and shows they are fully qualified on paper.
A successful resume writer should have strong communication skills, proofreading skills, typing skills, and relevant business experience. Besides, the resume writer should have strong interpersonal skills and proven success.
According to glassdoor, 68% of job seekers who hire professional resume writers find a job within 90 days. The study also points out that professionally written resumes score jobs faster and earn more.
Therefore, the demand for professional resume-writing businesses will keep increasing.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $62,500/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
This case study follows a business owner who doubled his income from side hustles in two years, earning over $30,000 annually by writing resumes and LinkedIn copy, blogging weekly, and increasing rates as he attracted more clients from online platforms like Craigslist and LinkedIn.
6. Become an online dating consultant
An online dating consultant is a person who provides advice to people in the world of Internet dating. An online dating consultant can help you direct your profile, help you write your first message to an online match, and help you make a great impression on your date.
Online dating can potentially be one of the world’s most remarkable customer service industries.
How much you can make: $1,300 — $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 47 days (?)
The Match Artist helps singles take amazing photos for their online dating profiles through a 3-hour executive shoot, coaching, and email course, pioneering a new genre of photography, with an average monthly revenue of $5,000-$6,000 and a plan to double down on paid ad campaigns in the future.
7. Start a PPC consulting agency
Paid advertising offers a 200% ROI. Considering the enormous potential PPC brings to a business, startups incorporate the same in their marketing strategy. However, many business owners do not understand how to implement PPC campaigns.
Do you understand digital marketing and how paid advertising works? Starting a PPC consulting business can be rewarding. If you do not know how Google ads work, you can outsource a PPC consultant to enhance your paid advertising campaigns.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $390,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Big Flare is a location-independent PPC advertising agency that spends over $3M per year on Google Ads for their small to mid-sized e-commerce clients, with a team of five spread across five different countries and timezones, and plans to grow to a $10M+ company within 10 years.
8. Become a college counselor
A college counselor is a professional who assists students with their educational and professional goals. The role helps students navigate careers they hope to pursue after college. Therefore, in this business, you support students undergoing personal or familiar challenges in choosing their career paths. To become a successful college counselor, you must possess the following qualities:
- Organized with your practice
- Practice ethically and professionally
- Educate yourself
- Confidence in your position and responsibility.
- Respectful and non-judgmental
The demand for school and college counselors is growing tremendously. Therefore, it is a great time to start offering the services.
How much you can make: $50,000 — $57,345/month
EdTech company ConnecPath created WeAdmit, a platform for data science-backed college counseling, acquiring a $50,000 per month run rate, 20 paid contracts and 10 about to be signed, which aims to match students with the right mentors and offer a predictions service based on IQ and personality.
9. Become a Facebook ads consultant
Facebook ads are a great way to drive traffic to your website. If you run Facebook ads and promote the right products, it will bring you many customers. Knowing how to manage campaigns successfully to obtain the best results is essential.
Facebook ads consultant business is one of the favorite types of new businesses to start. Facebook ads consultant businesses are popping up all over the place. More and more consultants are finding success in this arena.
Starting a Facebook ads consultant business can make you earn an extra passive and predictable income. But the amount of money you can make depends on your niche, ad budget, and other factors.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $8,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $550 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
MonetizeMore founder and CEO shares his success story of growing his ad optimization business to over $20M in annual revenues by focusing on the offering that delivered the best results, using content marketing for lead generation, and establishing strategic partnerships with complimentary businesses.
10. Start an environmental consulting business
Environment consulting business acts as a preeminent impact partner and advisor on sustainability, climate, energy transition, environmental, and social & governance. The consultants work with clients to lead a wave of innovation and economic growth to safeguard the planet and advance sustainability.
Are you passionate about environment conservancy? You can start an environmental consulting business today. To start, you can get into a franchise or partnership with an experienced environmental consultant.
How much you can make: $15,468 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How one founder launched a coaching business during lockdown, bringing in an average of over $15k revenue a month through coaching startups and scale-ups, and has plans to scale up by adding complementary services and creating cross-company support networks.
11. Start a career consulting business
Navigating today's competitive job market can be a daunting task. Starting a career consulting business could be your answer.
This venture involves guiding individuals through career transitions, job searches, and professional development. You'll help clients identify their strengths, optimize their resumes, improve their interview skills, and ultimately find fulfilling careers.
Career consulting taps into the ever-present demand for professional growth and transition. It's a field with significant impact, as you assist people in reaching their career goals and improving their quality of life.
To succeed, you'll need expertise in human resources, strong communication skills, and a genuine interest in helping others succeed. Building a robust network and staying updated on industry trends will also be crucial. Career consulting offers an opportunity not just to make a living, but to make a difference in others' lives. It’s an ideal business for those committed to long-term client relationships and ongoing development.
How much you can make: $1,100 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Career Sidekick founder Biron Clark shares how he turned his job search advice website into a multiple six-figure per year business, earning approximately $25,000 per month from revenue streams predominantly based on display advertising and affiliate marketing.
12. Start a marketing consulting business
Marketing consulting is a business that helps other businesses and organizations improve their marketing strategies and tactics. The improvement involves conducting market research, analyzing data, developing marketing plans, and offering guidance on effectively reaching target audiences.
To start a marketing consulting business, you will need a strong understanding of marketing principles and how to apply them in a business context. Marketing consultancy requires formal education or training in marketing or a related field and experience working in the industry. You will also need strong communication and problem-solving skills to consult with clients effectively.
To operate a successful marketing consulting business, you will need to be able to effectively assess a client’s marketing needs and develop a plan to address those needs. Managing clients’ needs involve market research, analyzing data, and creating marketing materials such as brochures, websites, and social media campaigns. You will also need to be able to communicate your recommendations to clients and work with them to implement the marketing plan.
In addition to these technical skills, you will also need to be able to manage your business effectively. Managing a business involves setting fees, marketing your services to potential clients, and managing your finances.
Overall, a marketing consulting business can be a rewarding and challenging career for those passionate about helping businesses succeed through effective marketing strategies.
How much you can make: $100 — $1,250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
13. Start a google advert consulting business
Starting a business in the world of digital marketing can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the ins and outs of advertising on platforms like Google. That’s where a Google Advert Consulting business comes in.
As a Google Advert Consultant, you’ll help clients create and optimize their Google Ad campaigns to reach their target audience and achieve their business goals. You’ll be responsible for researching keywords, writing ad copy, setting up and managing campaigns, and analyzing data to track performance and make adjustments.
To start a successful Google Advert Consulting business, you’ll need a strong understanding of how Google Ads work and how to effectively target and reach your client’s target audience. You’ll also need excellent communication skills, as you’ll work closely with clients to understand their needs and goals.
Additionally, you’ll need to be well-versed in analytics and data analysis, as you’ll be responsible for tracking the performance of campaigns and making recommendations for improvements. You’ll also need to be up to date on the latest trends and best practices in digital marketing to ensure that your clients get the most out of their ad spend.
Overall, a Google Advert Consulting business is a great opportunity for anyone with a passion for digital marketing and a desire to help businesses succeed online. With the right knowledge and skills, you can start and run a successful Google Advert Consulting business and make a difference for your clients.
How much you can make: $40,000 — $110,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Huckabuy, an SEO software platform, has grown to make $110,000 in monthly revenue, having landed big enterprise contracts such as SAP and Salesforce, by starting out focusing on building a great product, networking, and securing lucky breaks from podcasts and interviews.
14. Start a team-building consulting business
All organizations aim to achieve the best results possible. Two crucial factors affecting employee productivity in any organization are employee input and coordination. Team building activities help employees develop better coordination.
Therefore, companies hire team-building specialists to help their employees foster better coordination. Team-building companies organize retreats and corporate training services to provide employees with memorable and impactful team-building experiences.
If you are interested in starting a business within the human resource industry, a team-building company can be a profitable business idea. Identify potential companies within your area and advertise your business.
How much you can make: $15,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study details how a veteran-owned leadership consulting company was started with one main coaching offer, which has now expanded to include video series, corporate training modules, and custom requests from clients, generating a profit and aiming to make leadership a more diverse and inclusive practice worldwide.
15. Become a professional hair consultant
A professional hair consultant is a business idea that provides expert advice and guidance to clients on how to care for and style their hair. As a professional hair consultant, you will be responsible for helping clients choose the right hair care products and techniques based on their individual needs and preferences.
To run a successful professional hair consultant business, you will need to thoroughly understand the various hair types, textures, and styles. You should also be well-versed in the latest hair care techniques and trends and be able to provide your clients with tailored recommendations based on their specific needs.
Some key skills and resources you will need to run a professional hair consultant business include:
Strong communication and interpersonal skills: As a professional hair consultant, you will work closely with clients to understand their hair care needs and preferences. You must be able to communicate effectively with them and provide them with clear and concise guidance.
Expert knowledge of hair care products and techniques: You will need to deeply understand the various hair care products available on the market and be able to recommend the best ones for your clients. You should also be proficient in various hair care techniques, such as styling, coloring, and cutting, to provide your clients with the best possible service.
A welcoming and professional atmosphere: The atmosphere of your business will play a significant role in attracting and retaining clients. You should create a welcoming and professional environment conducive to high-quality hair care services.
There are numerous benefits to running a professional hair consultant business. Some of the key ones include:
The opportunity to work with a diverse clientele: As a professional hair consultant, you will have the chance to work with clients from all walks of life, which can be both rewarding and challenging.
The ability to set your schedule: As a professional hair consultant, you will have the flexibility to set your schedule, which can be a great benefit if you are looking for a career that allows you more control over your time.
The chance to build your own business: Running a professional hair consultant business allows you to be your boss and build a business that reflects your values and goals. This can be an excellent opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to make a difference in their industry.
How much you can make: $7,000 — $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $751 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
This case study follows Diane German, founder of Hair Fetish LLC, who has built a successful styling service and hair product business with over $90k in revenue, and plans to expand to an organic hair care line, despite experiencing setbacks and failures along the way.
16. Start a health and wellness consulting business
Feeling drained and unmotivated? Imagine if you could guide others to a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle. Welcome to the world of health and wellness consulting.
This business revolves around advising clients on how to improve their overall well-being through better nutrition, regular physical activity, and effective stress management techniques. You'll craft personalized plans that align with each individual's unique needs and goals.
Why consider this venture? Health and wellness consulting taps into a growing market of people eager to invest in their health. You don't need a medical degree, but certification and continuous learning are key to staying credible and effective.
It's a rewarding path that requires dedication and a deep understanding of wellness principles. Are you ready to inspire and transform lives? Dive into health and wellness consulting and start making a meaningful impact today.
How much you can make: $100 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Bey Moss, an e-commerce platform selling sea moss-infused health and wellness products, made over $800,000 to-date with less than $10,000 overall in ads after validating the product idea through reviews and feedback and leveraging their social media following to build a Bey Moss community.
17. Become a retirement & personal finance consultant
As individuals are retiring earlier and more often than ever, there is an increasing demand for these types of services. A retirement consulting business can tap into a growing market of individuals seeking professional guidance for their post-work years.
A retirement consultant specializes in helping individuals plan for a secure and fulfilling retirement.
They assess clients' financial situations, recommend strategies for savings and investments, and guide them on how to achieve a comfortable retirement lifestyle.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $30,000/month
How long does it take to build: 360 days (?)
The Modest Wallet is a personal finance website founded by Ricardo Pina that generates an average of $8,500 a month in revenue by using an affiliate commission revenue model, with a strong emphasis on SEO to drive website traffic.
18. Start a bookkeeping consulting business
If you have a knack for numbers and a meticulous eye for detail, starting a bookkeeping consulting business could be your next venture.
In simple terms, this business involves helping other companies manage their financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Bookkeepers oversee invoices, payroll, and financial statements, providing crucial insights into a business's financial health.
What makes this business intriguing is the ever-present demand for financial clarity. Many small to medium-sized businesses either don't have the expertise or the time to keep immaculate books, creating a significant opportunity for you.
Launching this venture involves building up a clientele, often starting with local businesses or through online platforms like QuickBooks ProAdvisor. Certification and expertise in accounting software can boost your credibility and attract more clients.
It's a promising path if you’re methodical and numbers-driven, offering the potential for steady, reliable income.
19. Become a social media consultant
Social media has become popular due to its ability to link businesses to their target customers. Social media consultants are professionals who help their clients improve, optimize and grow their social media presence.
Becoming a social media consultant comes with work flexibility and higher earning potential, but it also takes time and work commitment to grow the business.
To become a social media consultant, you must first become adept at using social media platforms and industry tools. Take online or offline courses like content marketing, public relations, and communication skills. Social media experts can choose a general practice or opt to focus on a niche.
How much you can make: $100 — $550,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
20. Start a fundraising consulting business
A fundraising consulting business helps organizations, non-profits, and individuals raise money for various causes or projects.
As a consultant, you would identify funding needs and develop and implement a strategy to meet them, including researching funding sources, writing grant proposals, organizing fundraising events, and managing donor relations.
To start this business, you will need a strong understanding of fundraising, a network of potential funding sources, and possibly licenses or certifications.
To be successful, you will need excellent communication and networking skills, the ability to think creatively and strategically, and an understanding of industry trends and best practices. You will also need to manage your business finances, including setting service prices and tracking income and expenses.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $150,000/month
How long does it take to build: 195 days (?)
ConnectionPoint's founder and CEO, Daryl Hatton, shares his experience of launching an enterprise-class crowdfunding-as-a-service platform that has helped almost 200,000 projects in 40+ countries raise over $200 million, and offers valuable insights on taking a focused approach to growth and pivoting the business to solve customer problems.
21. Start a travel consulting business
Many people dream of traveling the world. Starting a travel consulting business is an excellent way to make a passive income, explore different parts of the world, and help others do the same.
As a travel consultant, you will provide advice to clients on various aspects of travel, including destinations, airfare, accommodations, and activities.
The objective is to assist tourists and travelers in planning personalized vacations, offer travel advice, and provide end-to-end travel arrangements for a fee.
By making use of industry knowledge and relationships with hotels, airlines, and destination experts, travel consultants can save their clients time and effort in designing their dream trips.
How much you can make: $20,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Rayna Tours and Travels, founded by Kamlesh Ramchandani and Manoj Tulsani, began its journey as a small travel counter inside a Dubai hotel, and has now grown into one of the UAE’s leading destination management companies with earnings exceeding $40 million per year.
22. Start an e-commerce implementation consulting business
E-Commerce consulting business targets sellers who lack experience and resources, helping them create, optimize, and execute product listings and storefronts to achieve their business goals and objectives.
eCommerce implementation consultant can provide complete catalog management or selected services, where the agency will assist online sellers on things like online advertising campaigns. Therefore, the consulting agency plays an essential role in helping the business meet its goals.
Starting an e-commerce implementation consulting agency is a massive and lucrative business opportunity. To be successful, you must put in hard work, research, dedication, and an adequate budget. By working hard and researching, you can maximize your potential to start and build a successful business.
How much you can make: $290,000 — $390,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Digital Position, a digital marketing agency, was founded by Roger Parent, who was unhappy being underpaid at his job; the company is now generating over $330k/month in revenue, and aims to generate $5m in 2022, with a long-term goal of hitting $30m before Parent is 40.
23. Start a SEO agency
An SEO agency is a company that provides search engine optimization services to businesses. The function of an SEO agency is to help businesses rank higher in search engines through organic or paid means.
SEO is a rapidly growing industry, with experts across all aspects of the field already making six-figure incomes and expecting to see these earnings grow dramatically over the next few years. Getting into SEO today, before it gets too saturated, will allow you to establish a strong base in a new career, with an excellent chance for success.
It’s easier than ever to start your SEO agency. The tools are there, and the competition isn’t as stiff as it used to be. If you’re considering starting an SEO or digital marketing agency, it might be a good idea to learn how other digital agencies succeed.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Rankings.io is a hyper-focused SEO agency that helps elite personal injury law firms dominate first page rankings and was ranked #858 in the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America for 2018, with a current revenue just under $300,000 per month, with plans for a record-breaking year.
24. Start a teaching & consulting business
Do you want to share your expertise and help others achieve their goals? Consider starting a teaching and consulting business.
In simple terms, you’ll offer your knowledge and advice to help individuals or businesses overcome challenges and reach their potential. Whether it's teaching a new skill, offering career advice, or providing business strategy consultations, the opportunities are vast and varied.
The real appeal lies in the ability to make a tangible impact on others’ lives while utilizing your skills and knowledge. Plus, this business model offers flexibility, allowing you to set your own schedule and choose the clients you work with.
If you have a skill set or knowledge base that’s in demand, this could be a rewarding way to turn your expertise into a successful business.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $293,220/month
How much does it cost to start: $150 (?)
How long does it take to build: 18 days (?)
College student, Whitney Bowen, launched Fem 'n STEM during the COVID-19 lockdown selling STEM boxes for kids between the ages of 8-12 and has earned $1.5k in monthly revenue within the first month of launch using social media to advertise and using WIX to create an online store.
25. Become a shopify consultant
A Shopify consultant business helps small businesses and entrepreneurs set up and optimize their online stores using the Shopify platform. You will work with clients as a Shopify consultant to understand their business goals and create a customized e-commerce strategy. This may include setting up their store, configuring payment and shipping options, adding products and descriptions, and implementing marketing and sales tactics.
To run a successful Shopify consulting business, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the Shopify platform and e-commerce best practices. You should also be able to communicate effectively with clients and have strong problem-solving skills to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Some tips for running a successful Shopify consulting business include:
Offer value-added services: In addition to setting up and optimizing clients’ stores, consider offering additional services such as website design, content creation, and social media management to help clients grow their online presence.
Stay up to date: The e-commerce landscape is constantly evolving, so staying updated on the latest trends and changes to the Shopify platform is essential. This will help you provide the best service to your clients.
Focus on customer service: Providing excellent customer service is key to building a successful business. Make sure to respond to client inquiries promptly and be available to provide support as needed.
Diversify your services: While Shopify consulting is your primary focus, consider offering services related to other e-commerce platforms or digital marketing to broaden your customer base.
A Shopify consulting business is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to help small businesses succeed online. You can build a successful and rewarding business by offering a range of services and providing excellent customer service, helping others grow their online presence.
How much you can make: $30,000 — $110,000/month
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
Founder Leighton Taylor shares how his eCommerce marketing agency for Shopify has grown to approximately $30k/month, working with about 350 eCommerce brands and an ideal client with annual revenue from $1-10 million, while focusing on clear communication, punctuality and content marketing through a podcast.
26. Start a direct mail service consulting business
Direct mail is a form of marketing that involves sending physical pieces of promotional material through postal service or other courier services to a home or business.
The consulting service provider understands the complex nature of direct mail marketing and, as the expert, works collaboratively with the client to create and implement the direct mail strategy that guarantees results.
Therefore, to become a direct mail consultant, you must understand how direct mail works.
To start your business, choose a niche and identify target customers. Then, market your services to your target customers, compelling them why your service is important to their business.
How much you can make: $40,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Concept Marketing Group, a full-service marketing company, started by Barb Ferrigno in 1978, has grown to 6 employees and 8 subcontractors, with 8,000 clients globally and $480k in revenue annually, offering services such as Email Marketing Lists, Consulting, Social Media, PR services, and Business Coaching for the Executive Staff.
27. Start a product development consulting business
Struggling to turn ideas into market-ready products? Consider diving into product development consulting. This business involves helping companies transform their concepts into tangible, sellable products.
As a consultant, you'll guide businesses through market research, prototype creation, and product launch strategies. The expertise you bring can save companies time and resources while maximizing their product's potential.
This field offers a blend of creative problem-solving and strategic planning. You get to interact with various industries, keeping your work dynamic and engaging. With each project, you build a reputation, creating rewarding and impactful relationships with clients.
Starting a product development consulting business requires a solid understanding of various markets and a knack for innovation. If you're detail-oriented and love bringing ideas to life, this could be your path to a fulfilling business venture.
How much you can make: $21,000 — $200,001/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 14 days (?)
This case study is about a founder who launched a paywall platform for content creators in 2019, bootstrapping it from $0 and eventually selling it for $3.5M on Flippa, with the platform generating between $125,000 - $142,000 in Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) on 95% margins.
28. Start a risk management consulting business
A risk management consultant is an advisor who helps individuals and businesses assess their risks and develop a plan to minimize their risk exposure.
To become a risk management consultant, register for a bachelor’s degree in business management, statistics, finance, or a related area. Earning specific fellowship certifications and professional credentials will help you become a professional risk management expert.
How much you can make: $25,000 — $100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
White Bullet CEO and founder, Peter Szyszko, discusses how he identified and began targeting IP-infringing websites and apps with his IPI Analytics Platform, which has seen the company grow and expand into new areas such as social media antipiracy and connected TV.
29. Start a quality management consulting business
Quality management consulting is a path worth exploring if you're passionate about continuous improvement and operational excellence. Essentially, this business involves guiding organizations through the complexities of maintaining and enhancing the quality of their products or services.
By offering expert advice on strategic planning, process optimization, and compliance with industry standards, you position yourself as an essential partner for companies striving for higher efficiency and customer satisfaction. This field requires a deep understanding of best practices, regulations, and quality frameworks like ISO standards.
Starting a quality management consulting business involves building a solid reputation, networking, and a commitment to staying current with industry trends. For those willing to invest in acquiring certifications and honing their expertise, this can be a rewarding venture with the potential for long-term client relationships and substantial impact on business success.
How much you can make: $25,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Innovolo, an innovation and product development consultancy, went from offering fixed-sum product development to providing product development chain management with a unique program called Unlimited Innovation-as-a-Service, shortening their client's product expedited time significantly, and increasing revenue astronomically since their launch in 2018.
30. Start an interior design consulting business
If you have a passion for interior design and want to turn it into a successful business, starting an interior design consulting company may be the perfect opportunity. As an interior design consultant, you will help clients create beautiful and functional spaces within their homes or commercial buildings.
To start an interior design consulting business, you must have a strong understanding of design principles and the ability to visualize and communicate your ideas to clients. You should also have a portfolio of past design projects to showcase your skills and style. In addition to your design skills, you will also need business skills such as marketing, budgeting, and project management to run your business successfully.
Some of the services you may offer as an interior design consultant include space planning, furniture selection, color consultation, and accessorizing. You may also work with contractors and other professionals to ensure that your design plans are properly implemented.
To succeed in the interior design consulting industry, staying up-to-date on the latest design trends and continually expanding your knowledge and skills is important. Building a strong network of professionals and establishing a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy designer will also help you attract new clients and grow your business.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $110,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Mother and daughter duo turn passion for antiques and design into a boutique design firm with over $1 million in annual revenue and hundreds of trophy projects, showcasing the importance of grit, determination, and passion in building a successful business.
31. Start a management consulting business
Management consulting helps organizations improve performance by developing strategies to solve issues, create value, and maximize growth. A management consultant deploys his skills in providing objective advice and expertise to help organizations develop skills they may lack.
The management consultant is primarily concerned with the company's strategy, structure, management, and operations.
The role of a management consultant is to review operations and identify options for the organization and suggest recommendations for change, as well as advise on additional resources. Management consulting offers the flexibility of working as a full-time employee, a self-employed professional, or a contractual consultant.
To become a management consultant, complete a relevant degree program and work as an intern to gain experience so you can discharge your duties confidently.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Consulting Success® is a 7-figure, highly profitable business that offers courses and coaching programs for consultants looking to start or grow their consulting business, built through iterative content creation and audience validation.
32. Start a budget consultant business
If you have a keen interest in finance and understand budgeting, starting a budget consulting business could be a great idea for you.
With this business, you can offer personalized financial advice, expense analysis, and savings strategies to both individuals and small businesses.
Whether it's retirement planning, debt management, or creating a savings plan, you can help clients achieve their financial objectives and make a meaningful impact in their lives.
One of the best things about this business is that it provides flexibility in terms of scheduling.
You can make it your side hustle or turn it into a full-time venture, depending on your preference and availability.
By starting your own consulting business, you can tap into this market and empower others to take control of their financial future.
How much you can make: $7,000 — $50,000/month
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
Learn how Steffa Mantilla transitioned from being a zookeeper to earning $7,000/month gross income through her personal finance blog, Money Tamer, by offering digital printables and focusing on SEO and email marketing.
33. Start a website consulting business
Looking to help businesses enhance their online presence? Start a website consulting business. This enterprise involves advising clients on website design, user experience, SEO, and digital strategy.
You'll work with companies to optimize their websites for better performance, accessibility, and conversion rates. Your expertise can turn a struggling site into a high-performing asset.
With more businesses recognizing the importance of a strong online presence, the demand for website consulting services is growing. From small startups to established corporations, everyone needs a well-designed, functional website.
This business allows you to leverage your digital skills and offer tangible benefits to clients. While it requires a solid understanding of web technologies and trends, the payoff can be substantial. You'll directly impact your clients' success, making it a fulfilling venture.
How much you can make: $1,300 — $541,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
How a self-taught engineer built a software development studio, Materialize, into a 18-person team with a revenue of $125k per month, by leveraging his technical expertise and establishing well-defined processes to build products efficiently and cost-effectively.
34. Start an e-bay consulting business
35. Start a green auditing and consulting business
36. Start an employee motivation consulting buiness
How much you can make: $6,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Blue Sky Coaching is a personal and professional coaching practice that launched in March 2020 and has built a sustainable business through consistency in branding, nurturing relationships, and offering effective coaching services in areas such as agile working and employee engagement.
37. Start a patient care consulting business
38. Start a tax consulting business
A tax consulting business involves providing tax preparation, planning, and advisory services to help clients manage their financial obligations and opportunities.
As a consultant, you use your expertise to oversee tax filings, maximize returns, and minimize liabilities while identifying legal savings strategies.
Given the complexity of tax codes, the demand for specialized guidance tailored to individual situations creates a great opportunity for building a successful practice.
If you have strong financial acumen, a tax consultancy presents a versatile business model that combines vital compliance services with year-round planning and advisory services, leading to robust revenue potential.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
A4E, a full-service accounting business, grew five times from when it started about a year ago when it was only offering tax services, and its current MRR is around $8k with a targeted MRR of $13k, providing 100% done-for-you accounting solutions that combine bookkeeping, taxes and CFO services under one roof and for an amazing value for US-based businesses in tech-related industries and services.
39. Start a wedding consulting business
Tired of generic weddings and endless stress for the bride and groom? Enter the wedding consulting business. This idea involves you stepping in as an expert to guide couples through one of the most important days of their lives.
In essence, a wedding consultant handles all the logistics, vendor coordination, and timeline management. This frees up couples to focus on celebrating their love rather than sweating the details.
Starting this business requires a blend of organizational prowess and a knack for negotiation. Networking with venues, florists, and caterers is just the beginning. From intimate beach ceremonies to grand hotel receptions, the scope is vast and rewarding.
If you have a passion for creating memorable experiences and excel at managing moving parts, a wedding consulting business offers both personal and financial fulfillment. It's not a stroll in the park, but seeing a flawless wedding day come together makes the effort worthwhile.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $10,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
The Budget Savvy Bride is a top wedding planning resource and support community that grew from a passion project into a successful business, reaching millions of readers annually and breaking revenue records in 2020 with a 46.6% increase in revenue and a 21.28% increase in traffic.
40. Start an agricultural consulting business
Agricultural consultants advice farmers helping them to make technical, financial, and commercial decisions.
As an agricultural consultant, your role will be to ensure your clients, businesses, and enterprises are running as efficiently as possible.
To become an agricultural consultant, consider taking a course in agriculture, horticulture, crop/plant science, or animal science.
With the proper qualifications, you can advise farmers and other key players appropriately and help them make a difference.
How much you can make: $1,000,000/month
Shark Wheel reinvented the wheel, starting in the skateboard industry with a highly successful Kickstarter campaign and going on to secure issued patents in over 33 countries, with plans to expand into the industrial market.
41. Start a human resources consulting business
Human resources consulting is a growing field that helps businesses manage employees and improve overall HR practices. This business advises and supports companies on recruiting, training, employee relations, and compliance with HR laws and regulations.
To start human resources consulting business, you will need a strong background in HR and a good understanding of the needs of different types of businesses. You should also have excellent communication and problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and manage your own time.
In addition to your professional skills, you will also need some basic business essentials to get started. This includes creating a business plan, creating a website, and marketing your services to potential clients. You may also need to invest in basic business tools, such as a computer and office equipment.
Overall, running successful human resources consulting business requires professional expertise and strong business acumen. By offering valuable HR services to companies, you can help them improve employee satisfaction and productivity, ultimately leading to increased profits and success.
42. Start a computer consulting business
43. Start an efficiency consulting business
How much you can make: $25,000/month
VComply CEO and Founder Harshvardhan Kariwala turned an internal governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) tool into a successful business, raising seed and Series A rounds of $2.5M and $6M, respectively, and projecting expansion into Australia, New Zealand, and Europe in 2022.
44. Start a safety consulting business
45. Start a stress management consulting business
Feeling overwhelmed in today's fast-paced world? Consider starting a stress management consulting business. This venture involves helping individuals and organizations develop strategies to manage and reduce stress effectively.
You’ll start by building a solid foundation in psychology, wellness, or counseling, then offer personalized techniques and strategies to clients. These might include mindfulness training, relaxation techniques, and time management workshops. By providing customized stress management plans, you’ll make a tangible difference in people's lives.
The potential for success in this field is substantial, given the rising awareness around mental health and wellness. This business not only offers the opportunity to earn a steady income but also the personal satisfaction of knowing you’re making a positive impact. Utilize digital marketing, social media, and word-of-mouth to grow your client base. Whether you operate online or in-person, the keys to this business are empathy, expertise, and effective communication.
How much you can make: $300,000/month
This case study article follows Vicki Mayo, who developed a stress-reducing wearable product for her company TouchPoint, which achieved over $2 million in sales in the first couple of years and has been used for stress relief over 3 million times.
46. Start an image consulting business
Image consultants are specialists who improve a client's personal or professional image. The image consultants evaluate, enhance and upgrade client appearances, behavior, and communication skills.
How much you can make: $3,799 — $10,000/month
47. Start a pr consulting business
48. Start a lactation consulting business
Lactation consulting is a business that helps new mothers with breastfeeding their infants. As a lactation consultant, you will be responsible for providing education, support, and guidance to mothers struggling with breastfeeding or having questions about the process.
To start a lactation consulting business, you must have a strong background in breastfeeding and lactation. This may include a degree in nursing, midwifery, or a related field and certification as a lactation consultant. In addition to your education and training, you will need to have excellent communication and problem-solving skills and the ability to empathize with your clients.
To run a successful lactation consulting business, you will need to be able to work with clients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private homes. You will also need to be able to adapt your approach to each individual client, as every mother and baby is unique. Additionally, it will be important to stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in lactation and maintain strong relationships with other healthcare professionals in your community.
Lactation consulting is a rewarding business that allows you to help new mothers and their babies get off to a healthy start. With the right education, training, and skills, you can succeed in this field and make a real difference in your clients' lives.
49. Start a diversity consulting business
How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
