49 Profitable Consulting Business Ideas For 2024

Updated: July 24th, 2023

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:

Consulting Business Ideas

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 — $75,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

How I Started A $3.5K/Month Business Helping People That Want To Start Shoe Brands

Susannah Davda explains how she started a niche consultancy business helping people start shoe brands, earning $3.5k per month through personalized services and a highly successful online course.

About
Susannah started The Shoe Consultant Ltd about 9 years ago
Revenue
Susannah grew the business to $4K/month
Costs
It cost Susannah $700 to start the business
Read by 8,808 founders

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: $10,000 — $43,700,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Designed And Patented A $40K/Month Agile Framework

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.

Revenue
David grew the business to $40K/month
Read by 7,497 founders

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: $500 — $2,400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Built An Airtable Plugin That Lets Users Manage Their Data Better [$80K/Year]

Data Fetcher is a no-code tool that imports data into Airtable which has reached 190 paying customers in just over a year after launch and is making $6500 in MRR, with a goal of reaching $30k+ in MRR, for aspiring founders looking to bootstrap an app to life-changing revenue as a solo founder.

About
Andy started Data Fetcher over 3 years ago
Revenue
Andy grew the business to $23K/month
Costs
It cost Andy $100 to start the business
Read by 4,188 founders

4. Become a business law consultant

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: 400 days (?)

How I Started An SEO Agency For Lawyers Generating $3.6M/Year

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.

About
Chris started Rankings.io about 11 years ago
Revenue
Chris grew the business to $700K/month
Read by 36,651 founders

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 (?)

How I Make $30K/Year On The Side Writing Resumes

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.

About
Mike started Critical Path Action about 9 years ago
Revenue
Mike grew the business to $3K/month
Read by 8,438 founders

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: $5,200 — $11,250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

How I Built My Own Business Improving Online Dating Profiles

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.

About
Shane started The Match Artist over 6 years ago
Revenue
Shane grew the business to $5.2K/month
Read by 11,719 founders

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: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Turned My Jobs on Upwork Into A Full Scale Marketing Agency

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.

About
Daryl started Big Flare over 10 years ago
Revenue
Daryl grew the business to $40K/month
Costs
It cost Daryl $500 to start the business
Read by 11,900 founders

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/month

How We Created A $50,000/Month Platform To Give Better College Counseling

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.

About
Pradeep started WeAdmit over 6 years ago
Revenue
Pradeep grew the business to $50K/month
Read by 7,177 founders

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: $35,000 — $8,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $550 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

How I Disrupted The Ad Industry And Grew My Business To $20M/Year

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.

About
Kean started MonetizeMore over 14 years ago
Revenue
Kean grew the business to $8M/month
Read by 17,841 founders

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.

11. Start a career consulting business

How much you can make: $1,100 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $25K/Month Job Search Advice Website

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.

About
Biron started Career Sidekick almost 11 years ago
Revenue
Biron grew the business to $50K/month
Costs
It cost Biron $200 to start the business
Read by 10,259 founders

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: $1,000 — $3,100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

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.

About
Jeremy started Counterweight Creative almost 8 years ago
Revenue
Jeremy grew the business to $16K/month
Read by 17,640 founders

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 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

After Multiple Failures, I Now Run A $1.2M/Year Digital Agency

Ogline Digital is a digital marketing agency that helps small to medium-sized businesses profitably gain customers with only one service managing a marketing system for clients; the company's founder, Dylan Ogline, started as a freelancer and grew it to become a million-dollar business.

About
Dylan started Ogline Digital over 7 years ago
Revenue
Dylan grew the business to $100K/month
Costs
It cost Dylan $100 to start the business
Read by 3,052 founders

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 — $2,110,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How I Started A $15K/Month Leadership Consulting Business

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.

About
Dave started Cain Consulting, Inc. over 13 years ago
Revenue
Dave grew the business to $15K/month
Costs
It cost Dave $2500 to start the business
Read by 7,220 founders

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/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How I Started A $7K/Month Styling Services Business And A Hair Products Brand

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.

About
Diane started Hair Fetish over 11 years ago
Revenue
Diane grew the business to $7K/month
Costs
It cost Diane $1500 to start the business
Read by 6,228 founders

16. Start a health and wellness consulting business

How much you can make: $3,600 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)

How long does it take to build: 500 days (?)

Leaving A Geologist Career To Start A Wellness And Acupuncture Center

Licensed acupuncturist, Moira McCarthy, shares her journey of leaving her career as an environmental geologist to start her own practice, which averages 65 to 70 clients per month at $90 per session, by attending health fairs and making public appearances to promote her practice.

About
Moira started Acupuncture Wellness Center over 26 years ago
Revenue
Moira grew the business to $6K/month
Costs
It cost Moira $15000 to start the business
Read by 5,371 founders

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: $100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 360 days (?)

HOW DEACON HAYES BUILT A BLOG TO OVER A MILLION VISITORS AND $100,000 A MONTH

This case study showcases the success of a personal finance expert who has grown his business to make over $100,000 in revenue per month while helping individuals with financial assistance.

About
Deacon started Well Kept Wallet over 11 years ago
Revenue
Deacon grew the business to $100K/month
Read by 750 founders

18. Start a bookkeeping consulting business

How much you can make: $83,000/month

Josh Pigford, Founder of Baremetrics

Baremetrics, a subscription analysis platform, started as a side project by founder Josh Pigford, generating over $1 million in revenue annually, with close to $27,000 in recurring monthly revenue and 280-300 users within one year of operating, and was sold for $4 million in November 2020.

Revenue
Josh grew the business to $83K/month
Read by 545 founders

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 — $990,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

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.

About
Chris started MeetEdgar over 10 years ago
Revenue
Chris grew the business to $333K/month
Read by 14,147 founders

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: $7,000 — $166,666,666/month

How long does it take to build: 195 days (?)

How I Started A Crowdfunding-As-A-Service Platform That Helped 200K Projects Raise Over $200M

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.

About
Daryl started ConnectionPoint over 15 years ago
Revenue
Daryl grew the business to $150K/month
Costs
It cost Daryl $600000 to start the business
Read by 5,939 founders

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: $14,167 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Started The $35M/Year Dubai's Leading Tour Operator

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.

About
Manoj started Rayna Tours over 18 years ago
Revenue
Manoj grew the business to $500K/month
Read by 6,639 founders

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 — $2,033,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

I Got Tired Of Being Underpaid And Left To Start A $4M/Year PPC & SEO Growth Agency

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.

About
Roger started Digital Position™ almost 10 years ago
Revenue
Roger grew the business to $390K/month
Costs
It cost Roger $1000 to start the business
Read by 8,074 founders

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: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started An SEO Agency For Lawyers Generating $3.6M/Year

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.

About
Chris started Rankings.io about 11 years ago
Revenue
Chris grew the business to $700K/month
Read by 36,651 founders

24. Start a teaching & consulting business

How much you can make: $12,000 — $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)

How I Launched A $1K/Month Business Growth Course For Freelancers

Learn how writer and brand strategist Austin L. Church accidentally started his own freelance writing business, and eventually launched his $1K/month business growth course, Freelance Cake, distilling a decade's worth of hard-earned insights on how to thrive as a freelancer or consultant.

About
Austin started Freelance Cake over 4 years ago
Revenue
Austin grew the business to $20K/month
Read by 6,923 founders

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: $80,000 — $83,333/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How Quitting My Job Allowed Me To Grow My Advertising Side Hustle Into An $80K/Month Agency

Adjust Media is a digital strategy agency offering services such as paid media management and email management that grossed ~$1M by the end of 2021 with impeccable service, a proactive performance, and a "merchant-first mentality" that keeps over half of their clients for over two years.

About
Uri started Adjust Media about 7 years ago
Revenue
Uri grew the business to $80K/month
Read by 4,138 founders

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 — $100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

A Successful Full-Service Marketing Company Started With $500 And A Desktop Computer 43 Years Ago

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.

About
Barbara started Concept Marketing Group over 46 years ago
Revenue
Barbara grew the business to $40K/month
Costs
It cost Barbara $10000 to start the business
Read by 2,902 founders

27. Start a product development consulting business

How much you can make: $35,000 — $200,001/month

How long does it take to build: 14 days (?)

Inspired By My Father, I Started A $72K/Mo Digital & Management Firm [Baltimore]

Digital and management firm theta. has served over six government agencies since its inception, providing innovative solutions to unique computing problems that meet client needs so effectively, it has doubled its employee number and is aiming for a 50/50 prime-subcontractor revenue split.

About
Emmanuel started theta. about 9 years ago
Revenue
Emmanuel grew the business to $72K/month
Read by 3,781 founders

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.

29. Start a quality management consulting business

How much you can make: $110,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How I Started A $110K/Month QA Testing Agency After Being Rejected By Uber

JDAQA is a quality assurance testing powerhouse that partners with startups and has grown to about 20 people with a revenue of $110K/month by providing a scalable, concierge QA service that can grow with your company and ensuring that builders can get back to the building while they handle the bugs.

About
Jay started JDAQA about 8 years ago
Revenue
Jay grew the business to $110K/month
Costs
It cost Jay $500 to start the business
Read by 4,321 founders

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 — $40,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

I Left My Dream Job To Build An Online Community For Creatives And Designers

The Design Database is an online platform and community for creatives that connects them with clients who are looking to hire now, providing tools and resources for them to successfully build their careers, and has gained over 200 creatives and 25 companies since its launch in late July, as well as receiving grant funding from the HerRise Pitch Competition by HerSuiteSpot and raising over $10,000 on Kickstarter.

About
Courtlyn started The Design Database over 2 years ago
Revenue
Courtlyn grew the business to $5K/month
Costs
It cost Courtlyn $5000 to start the business
Read by 3,520 founders

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: $8,696 — $433,000/month

How long does it take to build: 42 days (?)

How I Use Linkedin To Grow My $18K/Month Outbound Growth Services Business

BizzBee Solutions, a LinkedIn and email outreach specialist, grew from 2 to 20+ employees in just 12 months, serving 400+ clients globally, after switching from being generalists to specialists in outreach for high-ticket service providers, agencies, software development companies, and consultants.

About
Dancho started BizzBee Solutions about 9 years ago
Revenue
Dancho grew the business to $26K/month
Costs
It cost Dancho $4250 to start the business
Read by 5,022 founders

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 (?)

How I Transitioned From Vocational Zookeeper To Starting A $7K/Month Blog About Personal Finance And Budgeting

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.

About
Steffa started Money Tamer (Now HerPaperRoute) about 6 years ago
Revenue
Steffa grew the business to $7K/month
Costs
It cost Steffa $300 to start the business
Read by 5,790 founders

33. Start a website consulting business

How much you can make: $15,000 — $541,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How This Self-Taught Developer Started A $125K/Month Software Agency

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.

About
Alex started Materialize about 6 years ago
Revenue
Alex grew the business to $125K/month
Costs
It cost Alex $3000 to start the business
Read by 8,349 founders

34. Start an e-bay consulting business

35. Start a green auditing and consulting business

36. Start an employee motivation consulting buiness

How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

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: $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Building A $4M/Year Company For SMEs: A Slow And Sustainable Growth Approach

Dubai-based SimplySolved has flourished since it was founded six years ago, thanks to its ISO certifications and skilled team. It manages more than 300 companies, handling all aspects of their back-office operations, and turns over $4m annually, experiencing growth of 40% a year, while retaining 4.9 out of five in Google rankings. Founder Haroon Juma says a solid platform, automation and providing a seamless user experience were among his priorities when launching.

About
Haroon started SimplySolved almost 7 years ago
Revenue
Haroon grew the business to $500K/month
Costs
It cost Haroon $500000 to start the business
Read by 1,364 founders

39. Start a wedding consulting business

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

How We Literally Reinvented The Wheel And Built A $1M Company

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.

About
Zack started Shark Wheel over 11 years ago
Revenue
Zack grew the business to $1M/month
Costs
It cost Zack $100000 to start the business
Read by 13,650 founders

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

44. Start a safety consulting business

45. Start a stress management consulting business

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.

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 (?)

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.