Social Networking Consultancy?

**redroom** · 07-15-2010 05:32 PM

Ok so alot of companies are taking advantage of social media right now and expanding their business through it. However, many smaller businesses (look around your neighbourhood) that are less net-savvy or 'out of touch' are completely missing out on massive free(ish) promo.

My rough idea was to arrange meetings and offer a package for each client. This package would include the design of a social networking site with blog, a Foursquare account etc etc.. Basically get them up and running completely online and then let them take the reigns, so to speak. Or you could offer to keep everything updated for them for a fee, though this would take extra manpower I guess.

Start up costs: the price of a few business cards.

Opinions/ideas?

**Marco Santori** · 07-16-2010 07:42 PM

Go for it. You do have a competitor, though: buddymedia dot com.

**akula** · 07-16-2010 08:58 PM

yea..these guys are doing well too Social Spin | Premier Social Media Marketing Solutions
it's a good opportunity

**Stone** · 07-16-2010 10:41 PM

This is a great idea and a great way to create an ongoing residual income with just a few clients. Doing internet marketing for local businesses is huge and the buzz word in intrenet marketing at the moment is social media, the most important thing is that the small business benefits and you deliver a quality product. There is big potential here, you might find this link helpful, it is all about becoming a social media manager - just like you are thinking about https://touchstone.infusionsoft.com/go/lgs/a10408/

**Marco Santori** · 07-19-2010 11:14 AM

As to startup costs, you'll need a simple contract, called a Master Service Agreement, for your clients to sign. To save cash, you can download and draw one up yourself, then have an attorney take a look at it after you've already detailed what you want from it. As I've mentioned before, this is the single most important issue for social media managment companies because it defines what services you're obligated to perform, and under what circumstances you get paid! Don't try to solicit business without one. I promise it'll be an issue way before you want it to be.

**Chaseb731** · 07-19-2010 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by redroom

Ok so alot of companies are taking advantage of social media right now and expanding their business through it. However, many smaller businesses (look around your neighbourhood) that are less net-savvy or 'out of touch' are completely missing out on massive free(ish) promo.

My rough idea was to arrange meetings and offer a package for each client. This package would include the design of a social networking site with blog, a Foursquare account etc etc.. Basically get them up and running completely online and then let them take the reigns, so to speak. Or you could offer to keep everything updated for them for a fee, though this would take extra manpower I guess.

Start up costs: the price of a few business cards.

Opinions/ideas?

What type of experience do you have with social media marketing?

**c9consulting** · 07-19-2010 07:57 PM

Great idea, if I were one of those companies I'd definitely bite on keeping up with marketing trends of larger corporations.

**Sam Bakker** · 07-26-2010 09:06 PM

Yea good idea, I have a friend who does this locally in a small type way. Small businesses love it, only thing that I would be cautious about though is how much you charge and what they would expect in return. With times a little tough I know companies will be pushing you for results if you go ahead with it so make sure your not to cheap or overworked so it's worth your while. Iv been doing small business consulting for years and it has been very profitable. Just make sure that you pick companies that you can make good money with

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**mattnelson** · 07-26-2010 10:24 PM

My advice would be rather than make it a monthly service, make it more a tutoring/initial setup phase/demonstration kind of thing. Small businesses will probably find it easier/more cost effective to do it themselves, plus once they realise how simple it is, they may just walk away from you. To create a small residual income stream I would recommend also having a blog somewhere on your website and monetize it somehow

**rogercbryan** · 07-27-2010 09:26 AM

I guess the question comes down to what is your experience in this field? If you have a sellable skill set then I say go for it. I pay a company to manage one of my Twitter Accounts so this is a service I buy. If you have experience with Facebook Marketing let me know as I'm looking to start a campaign for one of my sites.

**WisePepper** · 07-27-2010 01:10 PM

How much exposure does a local business really get unless you are in a metropolis? If you are in a suburban area where the population is small, you can probably reach your target market through word of mouth.

**guidemesingapore** · 07-27-2010 01:42 PM

Startup costs are quite negligible. Its a good idea. Although there is a lot of competition right now in this field, there is enough business for everyone still. Go for it.