How to Start a Consulting Business
Updated: Mar 2
Starting a consulting business can be a great way to share your expertise with others and turn your skills and knowledge into a profitable business. Here are some steps to follow to start your own consulting business:
Determine your niche: Identify your area of expertise and the types of services you want to offer. Consider what you are passionate about, what skills you have, and what you can offer that is unique compared to other consulting businesses.
Conduct market research: Research your target market and potential clients. Look at the competition in your niche and see what services they offer, what their pricing is like, and what their unique selling points are. This will help you to identify gaps in the market and potential opportunities for your business.
Develop a business plan: Develop a business plan that outlines your goals, target market, services, pricing, marketing strategies, and financial projections. This will help you to stay focused and organized as you start your consulting business.
Choose a business structure: Decide on the legal structure of your business, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. Consult with a lawyer or accountant to determine which structure is best for your business.
Register your business: Register your business with your state and obtain any necessary licenses and permits. Check with your local government to see what regulations and requirements apply to your specific type of consulting business.
Build your brand: Develop a brand for your consulting business, including a name, logo, website, and social media presence. Create a professional image that reflects your expertise and credibility.
Develop your services: Develop a range of consulting services that meet the needs of your target market. Determine your pricing structure and create packages that offer value to your clients.
Market your business: Develop a marketing strategy that targets your ideal clients. This could include networking, social media, content marketing, speaking engagements, and advertising. Build relationships with potential clients and establish yourself as an authority in your niche.
Starting a consulting business takes time, effort, and dedication, but with the right strategies and approach, you can build a successful and profitable business.
TARGET MARKET
The target market for a consulting business depends on the type of consulting services being offered. However, generally speaking, consulting services are typically aimed at businesses and organizations that need expert advice and guidance in a specific area of their operations.
For example, a marketing consulting business might target small to medium-sized businesses that need help with their branding, digital marketing, and lead generation strategies. A management consulting business might target larger corporations that need help with restructuring, process improvement, and leadership development.
Here are some common target markets for consulting businesses:
Small and medium-sized businesses: These businesses may lack the expertise or resources to handle certain aspects of their operations, such as marketing, finance, or human resources.
Startups: New businesses may need help with everything from business planning to product development to marketing and sales.
Non-profit organizations: Non-profits may need help with fundraising, grant writing, board development, and other areas of their operations.
Government agencies: Consulting services may be needed by government agencies at the local, state, or federal level to improve their operations, policies, or services.
Healthcare providers: Consulting services may be needed by hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers to improve patient care, reduce costs, or comply with regulations.
Educational institutions: Consulting services may be needed by schools, colleges, and universities to improve their curriculum, teaching methods, and administrative operations.
Professional services firms: Consulting services may be needed by law firms, accounting firms, and other professional services firms to improve their operations or expand their service offerings.
By identifying your target market, you can tailor your marketing and sales efforts to attract the clients that are most likely to benefit from your consulting services and become loyal customers.
Feature | ZenBusiness | Swyft Filings | MyCompanyWorks | Inc Authority | NW Registered Agent LLC | CorpNet | Better Legal |
Starting Price | $49 | $49 | $79 | $0 | $225 | $79 | $299 |
Turnaround Time | 2 weeks | 2 weeks | 2 weeks | 2 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 weeks |
Registered Agent Service | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
Ongoing Compliance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Add-On Services | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Customer Support | Phone, email, chat | Phone, email, chat | Phone, email, chat | Phone, email, chat | Phone, email, chat | Phone, email, chat | Phone, email, chat |
BBB Rating | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ |
IncFIle Customer Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 |
ZEN BUSINESS
ZenBusiness is a popular LLC formation service that offers affordable packages with a variety of features and services. Here's a breakdown of their offering:
Pricing: ZenBusiness offers LLC formation packages starting at $49, which includes the filing of Articles of Organization, a personalized dashboard, and a compliance guarantee. They also offer additional packages that include features such as registered agent service, EIN application, operating agreement, and more.
Pros:
Affordable pricing with transparent fees
Good customer support with a range of channels available
Offers a range of add-on services to suit different business needs
Cons:
Some customers have reported issues with the website and dashboard not functioning properly
Some of the add-on services can be pricey
Features: ZenBusiness includes a range of features in their LLC formation packages, including:
Filing of Articles of Organization
Personalized dashboard to manage your business information and compliance requirements
Compliance guarantee to ensure that your business stays compliant with state regulations
Registered agent service
EIN application
Operating agreement
Business website and domain name
Business bank account
Customer Support: ZenBusiness offers customer support via phone, email, and chat. They have generally positive reviews of their customer service, with customers reporting that they are responsive and helpful.
SWYFT FILINGS
Swyft Filings is an LLC formation service that offers affordable packages with a range of features and services. Here's a breakdown of their offering:
Pricing: Swyft Filings offers LLC formation packages starting at $49, which includes the filing of Articles of Organization, a compliance guarantee, and a personalized dashboard. They also offer additional packages that include features such as registered agent service, EIN application, operating agreement, and more.
Pros:
Affordable pricing with transparent fees
Offers a range of add-on services to suit different business needs
Good customer support with positive reviews of their responsiveness and helpfulness
Cons:
Some customers have reported issues with the website and dashboard not functioning properly
Features: Swyft Filings includes a range of features in their LLC formation packages, including:
Filing of Articles of Organization
Personalized dashboard to manage your business information and compliance requirements
Compliance guarantee to ensure that your business stays compliant with state regulations
Registered agent service
EIN application
Operating agreement
Business website and domain name
Business bank account
Customer Support: Swyft Filings offers customer support via phone, email, and chat. They have positive reviews of their customer service, with customers reporting that they are responsive and helpful.
MYCOMPANYWORKS
MyCompanyWorks is an LLC formation service that offers a variety of packages with a range of features and services. Here's a breakdown of their offering:
Pricing: MyCompanyWorks offers LLC formation packages starting at $79, which includes the filing of Articles of Organization, a personalized dashboard, and a compliance guarantee. They also offer additional packages that include features such as registered agent service, EIN application, operating agreement, and more.
Pros:
Offers a range of add-on services to suit different business needs
Good customer support with positive reviews of their responsiveness and helpfulness
Provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
Higher pricing compared to some other LLC formation services
Features: MyCompanyWorks includes a range of features in their LLC formation packages, including:
Filing of Articles of Organization
Personalized dashboard to manage your business information and compliance requirements
Compliance guarantee to ensure that your business stays compliant with state regulations
Registered agent service
Operating agreement
Business website and domain name
Business bank account
Customer Support: MyCompanyWorks offers customer support via phone, email, and chat. They have positive reviews of their customer service, with customers reporting that they are responsive and helpful.
INC AUTHORITY
Inc Authority is an LLC formation service that offers affordable packages with a range of features and services. Here's a breakdown of their offering:
Pricing: Inc Authority offers LLC formation packages starting at $0 (plus state fees), which includes the filing of Articles of Organization, a compliance guarantee, and a personalized dashboard. They also offer additional packages that include features such as registered agent service, EIN application, operating agreement, and more.
Pros:
Offers a free LLC formation package (plus state fees)
Good customer support with positive reviews of their customer service
Offers a range of add-on services to suit different business needs
Cons:
Some customers have reported issues with the dashboard not functioning properly
The free package may not include all the features that some businesses need
Features: Inc Authority includes a range of features in their LLC formation packages, including:
Filing of Articles of Organization
Personalized dashboard to manage your business information and compliance requirements
Compliance guarantee to ensure that your business stays compliant with state regulations
Registered agent service
EIN application
Operating agreement
Business website and domain name
Business bank account
Customer Support: Inc Authority offers customer support via phone, email, and chat. They have positive reviews of their customer service, with customers reporting that they are responsive and helpful.
NW REGISTERED AGENT LLC
NW Registered Agent LLC is an LLC formation service that focuses on personalized service and includes registered agent service in its LLC formation packages. Here's a breakdown of their offering:
Pricing: NW Registered Agent LLC offers LLC formation packages starting at $225, which includes one year of registered agent service, a compliance guarantee, and a personalized dashboard. They also offer additional packages that include features such as EIN application, operating agreement, and more.
Pros:
Offers personalized service with a dedicated representative for your business
Includes registered agent service in its LLC formation packages
Offers a range of add-on services to suit different business needs
Cons:
Higher pricing compared to some other LLC formation services
Does not offer a free or low-cost LLC formation package
Features: NW Registered Agent LLC includes a range of features in their LLC formation packages, including:
Filing of Articles of Organization
Personalized dashboard to manage your business information and compliance requirements
Compliance guarantee to ensure that your business stays compliant with state regulations
One year of registered agent service
EIN application
Operating agreement
Business website and domain name
Business bank account
Customer Support: NW Registered Agent LLC offers customer support via phone and email. They have positive reviews of their personalized service and attention to detail.
CORPNET
CorpNet is an LLC formation service that offers affordable packages with a variety of features and services. Here's a breakdown of their offering:
Pricing: CorpNet offers LLC formation packages starting at $79, which includes the filing of Articles of Organization, a personalized dashboard, and a compliance guarantee. They also offer additional packages that include features such as registered agent service, EIN application, operating agreement, and more.
Pros:
Affordable pricing with transparent fees
Offers a range of add-on services to suit different business needs
Good customer support with positive reviews of their responsiveness and helpfulness
Cons:
Some customers have reported issues with the website and dashboard not functioning properly
Features: CorpNet includes a range of features in their LLC formation packages, including:
Filing of Articles of Organization
Personalized dashboard to manage your business information and compliance requirements
Compliance guarantee to ensure that your business stays compliant with state regulations
Registered agent service (for an additional fee)
EIN application
Operating agreement
Business website and domain name
Business bank account
DBA registration
Foreign qualification
Customer Support: CorpNet offers customer support via phone, email, and chat. They have positive reviews of their responsiveness and helpfulness.
BETTER LEGAL
Better Legal is an LLC formation service that offers a range of unique features, such as IRS form filing and corporate resolutions. Here's a breakdown of their offering:
Pricing: Better Legal offers LLC formation packages starting at $299, which includes the filing of Articles of Organization, a personalized dashboard, and a compliance guarantee. They also offer additional packages that include features such as registered agent service, EIN application, operating agreement, and more.
Pros:
Offers unique features such as IRS form filing and corporate resolutions
Offers a range of add-on services to suit different business needs
Good customer support with generally positive reviews of their service
Cons:
Higher pricing compared to some other LLC formation services
Mixed reviews of their responsiveness and helpfulness
Features: Better Legal includes a range of features in their LLC formation packages, including:
Filing of Articles of Organization
Personalized dashboard to manage your business information and compliance requirements
Compliance guarantee to ensure that your business stays compliant with state regulations
Registered agent service (for an additional fee)
EIN application
Operating agreement
Business website and domain name
Business bank account
IRS form filing
Corporate resolutions
Customer Support: Better Legal offers customer support via phone and email. They have mixed reviews of their responsiveness and helpfulness.
In summary, each LLC formation service has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. When choosing an LLC formation service, it's important to consider your budget, timeline, and business needs to make the best decision for your company.