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 internet marketing, so they are looking to outsource this job. Here's where an online marketing business is useful. Someone specializing in internet 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 internet 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 internet marketing business, consider offering the following services:

  • Web copy/content writing
  • SEO
  • Marketing through social media
  • Marketing through email
  • Advertising with PPC (Pay Per Click)
  • Marketing through web articles

Advantages of an Internet Marketing Services Home Business

There are many perks to starting a marketing business. The average income is calculated to be $42,638 for internet marketing specialists, so the potential to make money is great. Plus, it's easy to conduct business without an office from the comfort of your own home or a favorite coffee shop. 

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. 

Disadvantages of an Internet Marketing Services Home Business

One of the most challenging parts of any business startup is gathering your first clients. If you build a good level of experience through freelancing online with sites like Upwork, you'll have a base to show clients you know what you're doing. There are many internet marketing groups and networking sites for entrepreneurs that can help you gain recognition.

If your marketing business takes off, the work may become too much for one person, requiring you to hire help or offer internships. 

Online resources are constantly growing and changing, so you'll want to make sure you are always aware of new marketing tools available to businesses and internet trends. 

Clients want to know that you're going to get results with your marketing strategies, so be ready to keep track of how your work is benefiting their business.

What You Need to Start an Online Marketing Business

Before you start your marketing business, you'll want to be sure you have the following:

  • Good, general marketing experience
  • Previous work with copywriting
  • Understanding of internet marketing strategies
  • A business website to show your abilities, services, and strategies for successful marketing
  • A well-developed selection of services available (SEO or social media focused, or all-encompassing plans)
  • An easy-to-use website for your business
  • A target client (go with something you have special knowledge or interest in)

You'll need to be able to pitch yourself to potential clients, as well as convince them of the need for a strong online presence for marketing results. 

Don't forget to have the basic needs of your business worked out and ready to go, including:

  • Business address
  • Proper licensing to conduct business in your state, city, and county
  • Bank account (ideally separate from your personal one)
  • Rate card detailing services and prices
  • Distinguished name for your business

You'll want to make sure you find a particular industry to focus on. This will be your niche. With the demand for online marketing skyrocketing, your business will face lots of competition. An easy way to cut down on that competition is to zero in on a particular type of company you  specialize in, rather than just general, basic marketing. If you have a particular interest in any type of business, advertise services catered specifically to that type of industry. This will help make you more noticeable and attractive to potential clients.

If you need help with learning how to start a marketing business, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.