How to Start a Web Consulting Business

Starting a web-consulting business requires in-depth knowledge of the Internet, from website development to programming and design. It is important to be familiar with the latest web-development programs, such as Joomla, Flash and Dreamweaver, and to have the ability to translate client ideas into website designs.

Instructions

1. Establish your specific expertise. Web consultants specialize in a variety of skill sets, from website design and development to programming. Determine what your specialty will be and hone that skill. It's important to have a niche that nets a specific market of customers.

2. Put together a website that showcases your professional portfolio, and include links to sites you've completed as well as testimonials from satisfied customers. Post as much information as you can on your site without overwhelming visitors, touting your skills and services as a web consultant. Be sure to include an area where potential customers can contact you.

3. Actively pursue new web-consulting projects. Look on popular job boards for people in need of web consulting. Freelance graphic-design job boards usually have a number of Web-consulting jobs (see Resources section).

4. Set business goals, both financial and growth-based. Start small by saying you will net a certain amount of new business each month, then start setting income goals. Having a goal in mind will give you incentive to work on growing your business every day.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep overhead low by doing much of the work yourself at first. You can add subcontractors later as they're needed.

Resources

• eLance
• Project 4 Hire
• Solo Gig