It’s not impossible to think that a skilled individual or small team could create a fully operational marketing agency from scratch within a few months (with a little help, of course).
Companies are spending more of their marketing budgets on digital advertising than ever before, and everyone wants a piece of the action.
What Is an Online Marketing Business?
Learning how to start a marketing business is becoming very popular and sought after by all different types of companies, especially online. Most modern businesses have internet presences, not only in the form of websites, but many also use social media. Starting your own internet marketing business offers an inexpensive startup, and the need is high.
Business owners don't usually have the time or desire to manage their own online marketing, so they are looking to outsource this job. Here's where an online marketing business is useful. Someone specializing in online marketing can be paid to create a plan for the business's online representation and even sometimes put said plan into practice and manage it.
There are many ways a marketing specialist can help promote a business online. Here are a few ways businesses can boost their internet presence:
- Marketing through email
- Using social media ads and professional accounts
- Getting noticed through SEO (search engine optimization)
A hired specialist can consult with the business's owner or public relations department to set up plans or systems for online marketing. Once plans are in place, the management can happen through the actual business, or the consultant can then become the manager.
If you decide to start an online marketing business,Some examples of internet services include:
- Web copy/content writing
- Social media marketing
- Email marketing
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Advertising with PPC (Pay Per Click)
Advantages of an Online Marketing Business
You won't need a lot of money to get started, and your services should be in demand as the need for online marketing continues to grow, so the income potential is strong.
Usually, marketing businesses charge between $20 to $100 per hour for consulting or management services, depending on the services they provide and level of skill. Some companies will agree to award bonuses or commissions when certain strategies create beneficial results.
All work can be completed virtually. You can work from home or anywhere in the world.
Disadvantages of an Online Marketing Business
Finding initial clients can be a challenge. You should be able to gain some experience through freelancing sites such as Upwork, but you probably won't earn as much initially. Networking and joining internet groups can help considerably.
You might eventually have to hire subcontractors or employees or train interns as your business grows.
Tools and resources come and go quickly online, so you'll have to stay abreast of all the latest online trends.
It isn't enough to just add SEO to a client's website. You must be able to prove your results. This means tracking data to show that your changes are resulting in increased traffic, or whatever goal you and your client have set.
What You Need to Start an Online Marketing Business
It's important that you have the ability to sell the importance of online marketing to potential clients.
You should have a solid understanding of and experience in marketing and copywriting in general, as well as specific online tactics.
You'll need tools and resources to help you manage strategies, such as social media scheduling, and you should have a way to track results so you can assess how your marketing plan is working. This will also let you show clients the fruits of your efforts.
How to Start an Online Marketing Business
Promote yourself first. Put yourself out there on social media sites so others can check you out when you begin building a client list.
Decide exactly what services you'll provide. Will you focus only on social media or on a particular platform, such as Pinterest expert? Or will you over a variety of services?
Do some research to determine if there's a need for the services you want to provide and identify the best market for those services.
Decide on your service pricing. You can offer a host of service packages. For example, you can offer a website SEO assessment. Your services can be a one-off in which you set up a system and then you're done, or you can offer ongoing services, such as social media or PPC advertising.
Write a business plan that provides an overview of your business goals, your current situation, and your strategies for success.
Set up your home business by determining your business structure and business name. Get permits required by your city, county, or state, if any.
Create your own business website to showcase your internet services and talents.
Determine your target. Who is your ideal client, how will you reach them, and what services are most in-demand for the market you're trying to attract? Will you target a specific group of businesses?
Promote your business. Use your knowledge and skills to find clients. Consider networking and offering free marketing consults to businesses in your target market. Make sure you have a way to get referrals and record testimonials.
Make a Decision
If you’re reading this post, you have probably already ventured out on your own or you’re thinking about it. My overarching advice is to make a decision and stick to it.
Managing your own business has many ups and downs to it and you’ll have to be able to weather the storm to enjoy the benefits. It’s a dramatic life event and you have to treat it as such. If you feel early on that you aren’t cut out for it, then don’t drag yourself along for any longer than you have to. If you make a decision but don’t believe in it, you’re going to fail. You have to commit. Once you do that you may discover how extremely fulfilling running your own online marketing business.
If you need help with learning how to start a online marketing business, you can join 15-Day Online Business Challenge. This training for beginner and intermediate marketers who are looking to start and grow their own online businesses.
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