What are the best ways to start an SEO consulting business as a side hustle?

2 Build your portfolio

Another important step to start an SEO consulting business is to build your portfolio. This means creating a website that showcases your SEO skills, services, and results. Your portfolio should include your bio, contact information, testimonials, case studies, and samples of your work. You can also use your website as a platform to share your SEO knowledge, tips, and insights through a blog or a newsletter. To build your portfolio, you can start by offering free or discounted SEO services to friends, family, or local businesses.

3 Set your rates

One of the most challenging steps to start an SEO consulting business is to set your rates. This means deciding how much to charge for your SEO services, based on your value, skills, experience, and market rates. You can choose to charge by the hour, by the project, or by the results. You can also offer different packages or plans to suit different budgets and needs. To set your rates, you can research what other SEO consultants charge, calculate your expenses and desired income, and test different pricing strategies.

4 Find your clients

One of the most exciting steps to start an SEO consulting business is to find your clients. This means reaching out to potential customers who need your SEO services and convincing them to hire you. You can find your clients through various channels, such as referrals, networking, social media, online platforms, cold emails, or ads. To find your clients, you need to have a clear value proposition, a compelling pitch, and a strong reputation.

5 Deliver your services

One of the most rewarding steps to start an SEO consulting business is to deliver your services. This means providing high-quality SEO solutions that meet your clients' goals and expectations. You can deliver your services through different formats, such as audits, reports, strategies, implementations, or trainings. To deliver your services, you need to have a clear scope of work, a realistic timeline, a regular communication system, and a feedback mechanism.

6 Grow your business

One of the most important steps to start an SEO consulting business is to grow your business. This means expanding your client base, increasing your revenue, and scaling your operations. You can grow your business through various strategies, such as upselling, cross-selling, recurring contracts, referrals, testimonials, partnerships, or outsourcing. To grow your business, you need to have a clear vision, a smart plan, and a consistent action.