Becoming a professional internet marketing consultant is a
business opportunity that individuals who are well-versed in e-
business and internet marketing may be interested in pursuing. If
you are new to internet marketing, you could certainly become a
professional internet marketing consultant; however, a lot of
preparation is needed because providing professional services as
an internet marketing consultant requires knowledge and
experience with a variety of different types of internet
marketing.
If you are interested in become a professional internet marketing
consultant you should analyze your internet marketing skills,
identify your strengths and weaknesses, and craft a plan for
educating yourself and strengthening your internet marketing
skills in areas that are lacking. Developing your expertise in
the field of internet marketing prior to offering services as an
internet marketing consultant is crucial.
As an internet marketing consultant you will come in contact with
a variety of clients with varying levels of knowledge about
business and internet marketing. Some will be completely new to
business and will need basic guidance from their internet
marketing consultant in regard to basic business matters as well
as entry-level internet marketing concepts. On the other hand,
you may have business professionals who are seasoned in business
and marketing but are clueless about internet marketing. Last but
not least are the e-business professionals who commission an
internet marketing consultant for research, planning and internet
marketing services including management of marketing campaigns.
As an internet marketing consultant you can provide full-service
consultations, or you can target specific internet marketing
areas in which you have gained expertise. Sometimes the latter is
best because not only is there less for you to learn which
enables you to truly provide expert services, but a narrowed
scope of services can also provide a niche market which gives you
potential for developing a thriving practice as an internet
marketing consultant.
Niche areas you may wish to pursue as an internet marketing
consultant include:
1. Market research
2. Preparation of marketing plans and/or business plans
3. Search engine optimization
4. Pay-per-click campaign management
5. Email marketing
6. Viral marketing
7. Link campaign management
8. Ezine advertising
9. Newsletter publishing
10. Distribution of expert articles
11. Media campaigns
12. Copywriting
13. Website development
14. Web hosting
15. Coaching services
16. Training and education
17. Publication of internet marketing books
18. Operation of a subscription service with
information about internet marketing
These are all services that an internet marketing consultant may
offer. The service menu for an internet marketing consultant may
focus on one specific type of internet marketing, a few different
types of services, or full-service internet marketing
consultation that includes all of the suggested services and even
more. While providing some of the service offerings would require
an internet marketing consultant to pursue self-development
opportunities through continuing education and experience, some
areas are easy to master without extensive experience or
training.
When you specialize in a specific area of internet marketing, the
fact that you are specialized can actually build your credibility
as a professional internet marketing consultant. You can also
participate in online forums about internet marketing or publish
expert articles about internet marketing which can position you
as an expert in internet marketing consultant further building
trust and credibility which will enhance your business through
word of mouth referrals.
With the exception of web hosting, no expensive equipment is
needed to provide services as an internet marketing consultant.
To provide services as an internet marketing consultant you will
need access to various resources and publications which will keep
you abreast of changes in the internet marketing industry. Basic
computer equipment and some specialized software may also be
necessary. The most important factor to remember is – to be a
professional and credible internet marketing consultant you must
develop expertise in whichever area of internet marketing you
wish to consult in.