What are the best ways to start an SEO consulting business as a side hustle? (2024)

Last updated on Dec 22, 2023

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Define your niche

2

Build your portfolio

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3

Set your rates

Be the first to add your personal experience

4

Find your clients

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5

Deliver your services

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6

Grow your business

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7

Here’s what else to consider

If you have a passion and skill for search engine optimization (SEO), you might be wondering how to turn it into a profitable side hustle. SEO consulting is a high-demand service that can help businesses improve their online visibility, traffic, and conversions. But how do you start an SEO consulting business without quitting your day job or investing a lot of money? Here are some of the best ways to launch your SEO consulting career as a side hustle.

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  • Sarah Chaya Presch Digital Marketing Director @ Dragon Metrics│Co-Founder @ Neurodivergents in SEO

    What are the best ways to start an SEO consulting business as a side hustle? (3) 3

What are the best ways to start an SEO consulting business as a side hustle? (4) What are the best ways to start an SEO consulting business as a side hustle? (5) What are the best ways to start an SEO consulting business as a side hustle? (6)

1 Define your niche

One of the first steps to start an SEO consulting business is to define your niche. This means choosing a specific industry, market, or type of client that you want to serve. By focusing on a niche, you can showcase your expertise, stand out from the competition, and attract your ideal customers. For example, you might specialize in SEO for dentists, e-commerce, or local businesses. To find your niche, consider your interests, skills, experience, and market demand.

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  • To start an SEO consulting business as a side hustle:Gain Expertise: Stay updated with SEO trends and Google algorithm changes.Build a Portfolio: Start with small projects, even pro bono, to showcase your skills.Network: Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with potential clientsCreate a Website: Showcase your services, expertise, and case studies.Offer Free AuditsSet Competitive Pricing: Research market rates and set competitive prices.Utilize Social Media: Promote your services on platforms like LinkedIn.Get Testimonials: Use client feedback to build credibility.Manage Time Efficiently: Balance your side hustle with other commitments.Stay Client-Focused: Provide personalized, results-driven services

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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  • Sarah Chaya Presch Digital Marketing Director @ Dragon Metrics│Co-Founder @ Neurodivergents in SEO

    SEO should never be thought of as a quick way to make money or something you can just do as a side hustle. You need a great deal of experience before you can become a consultant. If you don't you're going to be providing clients with a sub-par service and giving the SEO industry a bad name.

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What are the best ways to start an SEO consulting business as a side hustle? (2024)

FAQs

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

Once you're an expert, you can make money by opening your own SEO consulting shop. If you can help clients increase traffic to their websites, boost sales and meet their business goals, your services will be in high demand.

Can you do SEO as a side hustle? ›

Once you're an expert, you can make money by opening your own SEO consulting shop. If you can help clients increase traffic to their websites, boost sales and meet their business goals, your services will be in high demand.

How to start a SEO consulting business? ›

The Blueprint for Starting an SEO Agency
  1. Choose a niche. Starting a generic “SEO agency” is a bad idea, in part because competition is stiff. ...
  2. Decide which services you want to offer. ...
  3. Develop your own online presence. ...
  4. Perfect your offerings. ...
  5. Start a portfolio. ...
  6. Attract prospects. ...
  7. Close deals. ...
  8. Retain your clients.

How to get clients for SEO services? ›

9 Proven Ways to Get SEO Clients
  1. Do Free SEO Site Audits.
  2. Specialize in a Specific Niche.
  3. Partner With a Design Agency.
  4. Speak at Marketing Conferences.
  5. Publish “Pillar Content”
  6. Share Your SEO Expertise On Social Media.
  7. Send (Non-Spammy) Outreach Messages on LinkedIn.
  8. Create Monthly SEO Packages.
Mar 29, 2024

Is SEO business profitable? ›

Although competitive, selling SEO can be profitable. SEO is one of the most effective marketing strategies to increase website traffic and generate leads. As more businesses go online, SEO services are growing in demand. Typically, an SEO freelancer charges $75-100/hour, whereas a consultant $100-150/hour.

Can you become a millionaire from SEO? ›

It is possible for some people to become millionaires through SEO (Search Engine Optimization), but it is not a guaranteed outcome.

How much can SEO freelancers make? ›

Seo Freelancer Salary
Annual SalaryHourly Wage
Top Earners$130,000$62
75th Percentile$121,500$58
Average$113,333$54
25th Percentile$102,500$49

How much should an SEO consultant charge? ›

SEO consultants around the world charge $139.29 per hour on average. SEO consultants in the U.S. charge $144.68 per hour on average. Half of SEO providers around the world require a monthly retainer of less than $3,000 per month.

What is the hourly rate for SEO consultants? ›

On average, freelance SEO specialists charge between $50 to $150 per hour, but some may charge as low as $30 per hour, while others may charge upwards of $200 per hour or more. Some freelancers may also offer project-based pricing, where they charge a flat fee for a specific project, rather than hourly rates.

What is the hourly rate for freelance SEO consultants? ›

However, the most common hourly rate for SEO agencies and freelancers is the same: $75–100/hour. For SEO consultants, it's $100–150/hour.

How do I charge my SEO client? ›

How Much Does SEO Cost?
  1. 78.2% of SEOs charge monthly retainers for some or all of their services.
  2. 54.5% of SEOs only offer one pricing model (i.e., hourly, retainer, or per-project).
  3. $501–$1,000 is the most popular monthly retainer.
  4. $75–$100 is the most popular hourly rate.
Mar 17, 2023

How do you charge clients for SEO services? ›

Some of the most common pricing models used are an hourly rate, a monthly retainer, a project based rate (fixed or variable), and a performance-based rate. Another factor that contributes to how much SEO can cost a small business is the quality of the services they have selected.

How can I sell my SEO services? ›

Let's do a quick recap of how you can better sell SEO to business:
  1. Always be prepared. The better prepared you are, the more chances you have of closing SEO clients. ...
  2. Reach out to SEO clients. ...
  3. Build rapport and desire. ...
  4. Overcome objections. ...
  5. Close with confidence. ...
  6. Don't stop adding value.
Aug 5, 2016

How much do SEO agency owners make? ›

The estimated total pay for a Digital Marketing Agency Owner is $130,073 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $80,884 per year.

Is SEO still in demand? ›

Yes, Even after the AI revolution, SEO is the most profitable type of online marketing. After this revolution AI is making work easier for SEO Experts but they will be still in demand.

How much is SEO per month? ›

Comprehensive Local SEO services can be as much as $3,000-$5,000 per month. Most businesses have budgets that range from $500/month to $10,000/month. Average hourly SEO services cost $100-$300 per hour. For small businesses, spend at least $500 per month on SEO to see results (Search Engine Journal).

Can I do SEO freelancing? ›

SEO freelancing can be very lucrative. As an SEO freelancer, your earning potential is often influenced by your level of expertise, the types of projects you handle, your reputation, and the demand for your services. And SEO freelancers have the potential to earn significantly more than their salaried counterparts.

Can you do freelance SEO? ›

If you want to become an SEO freelancer, you're in good company. This is a popular choice for freelancers and an in-demand field. Any place with a website wants its webpages to show up on the top search results. It can make or break their business or income stream.

How much money can I make doing SEO? ›

In SEO roles, your earnings vary based on experience and location: Entry-Level: $35,000 - $50,000 per year. Mid-Level: $50,000 - $80,000 per year. Senior: $80,000 - $120,000+ per year. Freelancers set their own rates, often earning well.

Is SEO a high paying job? ›

Highest salary that a SEO can earn is ₹8.0 Lakhs per year (₹66.7k per month). How does SEO Salary in India change with experience? An Entry Level SEO with less than three years of experience earns an average salary of ₹2.5 Lakhs per year.

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