Startup cost
$500–$5k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a WordPress Website Consultant Business
Decision Snapshot
Wordpress Website Consultant
Idea Score
69
Profit margin
41%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Low
Time commitment
Flexible
Part 1 - How to start a WordPress Website Consultant business - Background
WordPress is by far the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world – powering 35% of the internet as of 2020. With such a large user base, there are plenty of people in need of help with the WordPress platform. WordPress website consultants provide that help, assisting clients with their WordPress sites. They help clients solve problems and learn to better use WordPress to achieve their website goals.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Wordpress Website Consultant business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a WordPress Website Consultant Business?
The cost of starting your own WordPress consulting business does not have to be high – especially if you already have the right training and experience. You can spend a little money creating and hosting your own consultant business website and go from there. However, if you are not well versed in WordPress yet, you will need to read books, take courses, and so on. There are plenty of free resources out there for this, but it may be faster to pay the money to take professional coursework.
What are the ongoing expenses for a WordPress Website Consultant Business?
When you are just starting out, your ongoing expenses are going to be minimal. You will have to pay for web hosting for your site and keep your equipment in good working order. You are probably already paying for a phone and internet service which can be used for your business. Of course, when your business grows, costs will increase. For example, web hosting costs go up when your website traffic increases beyond a certain threshold.
Advertising is an additional cost that you will need to consider. You may or may not want to pay for advertising, but if you do, you will want to budget for it.
Who is the target market?
The target market for WordPress website consulting businesses is typically other businesses. For individual consultants just starting out, that usually means targeting small businesses that need help with their websites. Target markets can also include subsections beyond just small businesses, such as ecommerce businesses.
How does a WordPress Website Consultant Business make money?
Your business will make money through consulting fees. You can use different billing structures depending on what kind of consulting work you are doing. Some consultants charge a flat fee, others charge an hourly fee, and some use a mix of both. For example, if a client wants help setting up a WordPress site and you know about how long it will take, you could charge a flat fee for the service. However, if a client wants you to take them through the entire process of designing their own theme, it may be harder to estimate how long it will take. In that case, you could charge an hourly fee.
How much can you charge customers?
Some WordPress consultants charge $50 an hour, while others may charge $500 an hour. The rates vary so widely due to experience and the type of services offered. A consultant that serves mom and pop businesses will have a different rate than one that serves large corporations.
If you are unsure what to charge, research competitors that are offering similar consulting services to yours and are targeting a similar market. If you ask, many will tell you their rates.
How much profit can a WordPress Website Consultant Business make?
Just as the rate charged by WordPress consultants varies widely, so too does the profit potential of these businesses. Some consultant businesses that are just starting out may earn $20,000 to $30,000 in a year. Other consultants with a well-established client base of larger businesses may earn $200,000 to $300,000 a year.
How can you make your business more profitable?
The most effective way to make your business more profitable is to draw in more clients and/or better-paying clients. Initially, it is usually most effective to get more clients. Small businesses are not going to be as critical of your credentials as larger businesses will be. However, once you build a good reputation, you can earn more for your time by serving bigger businesses. They have larger budgets and are more willing to pay top dollar for your consulting services.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a WordPress Website Consultant Business?
A typical day as a WordPress website consultant begins with processing your communications from clients and potential clients. As with all consultant businesses, you have to balance serving current clients with getting new clients – otherwise, you can hit a dry spell without any work. That means that some days you will spend most of your time helping clients solve problems and learn to use WordPress. Other days, you will spend most of your time marketing your services to potential clients.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful WordPress Website Consultant Business?
You need significant WordPress skills and experience to be a consultant. Clients are going to expect you to know the platform inside and out. Many WordPress consultants are also developers who understand the code and systems behind the platform — but not all. Whether you know how to build your own WordPress site from scratch or not, the most important part is that you can teach others how to use the platform and help them solve their problems.
What is the growth potential for a WordPress Website Consultant Business?
There is significant growth potential for a WordPress consulting business. After all, there are millions of WordPress users and the number grows daily. It is the dominant CMS for websites, including business websites, and business website owners are often willing to pay for help. It may take some time to establish yourself as a trusted consultant and to attract bigger clients, but growing your business into a reputable brand can certainly be done.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a WordPress Website Consultant Business?
Your business needs clients. One area where many WordPress experts are not very comfortable is self-promotion, so it can be hard to get your first clients. If you find yourself in this type of situation, consider calling on your various connections to put the word out about your services. For example, if you worked at a website development business, let your colleagues know that you have set up your own shop. If they liked your work – or you in general – they may funnel clients your way.
How and when to build a team
You can only help so many clients before you run out of time. Some consultants fall into the common trap of spending all of their time consulting and none of their time running and growing the business. Once you reach the point where you have so many clients you can’t keep up with the other parts of your business, it’s time to hire help.
Some WordPress consulting companies hire more consultants that have a broad range of skills, while others hire specialists in specific aspects of WordPress. By the time you need to hire help, you should have a good idea of what skills your business needs.
Part 2 - Is a WordPress Website Consultant business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Wordpress Website Consultant business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Wordpress Website Consultant Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your WordPress Website Consultant business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.