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How to Begin an Online Software Consulting company using WordPress (6 Steps to a Sustainable Business)

Apr 21, 2023

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(6 Steps to Success for Sustainable Living)

If you are an expert in a particular technology, software, or programming language you are qualified to become a consultant in software.

Information sharing can be an extremely lucrative venture in particular when companies struggle to find the right talent who have the right software training and knowledge.

And if you're fed up with the corporate rat race, the time is ripe to begin an own business consulting software.

There's nothing more fulfilling than becoming the master of your destiny and being in complete controlover the way your work and personal life develop. There's also a lot of satisfying personal fulfillmentin becoming an authority in your field.

Andy Samberg Boss GIF by reactionseditor - Find & Share on GIPHY

If you're thinking that this all sounds like a pipe dream, get prepared for an unexpected surprise. The process is much simpler than you think!

In this article this article, we'll guide you through the steps to begin a software consulting business and set yourself up to achieve long-term growth.

What Tools You'll Need

It's likely that you follow the software expert via Instagram or LinkedIn posting ideas and techniques to make use of software. Perhaps you've heard of them in articles or podcasts, talking up their success.

A lot of them use a subscription model for their own software-related consulting companies - and for good reason.

A consultant's subscription model does two things to you:

  1. Your time is freed up so you can gain even greater expertise in your field that you can share with your subscribers.

In any case this is a checklist of the equipment you'll need to start:

  1. WordPress is a free content management system (CMS) that comes with numerous plugins that can help you build the exact website you're looking for.

How to Start a Software Consulting business: Your 6 Step Plan

Step 1: Get WordPress and install

The plugin allows you to set up and manage all kinds of streams of income that are regular. These include subscriptions, memberships and premium communities, as well as on-line courses and paywalls.

It is also one of the top-rated member-based platform worldwide. With its constantly growing list of features, the plugin is highly flexible.

You also have extraordinary control over your paid content and the people who have access to it.

Step 2. Create and add Content

The creation of content is an ongoing process. Before you begin to offer subscriptions, you must be armed with a collection of material as well as offerings for new members.

Decide what kind of content you would like to develop. You should concentrate on adding value! Content has to be all killer, no filler. Consider who your audience is and the content they'll value.

Videos Courses

Are you comfortable with the camera? video content is consistently better when it comes to interaction, so if are, you should shoot some video tutorials and upload them to your site.

Start with the template footage, stock footage and even transitions, to ensure that your videos appear professional in no time!

Webinars, Workshops, and Seminars

If making yourself a recording and editing give you a heebie-jeebies then you'd be more comfortable hosting live video webcasts or workshops.

Zoom allows you to broadcast webinars that can reach up to 50,000 view-only attendees. If you want to increase the number of viewers, you'll have plenty of space.

But if Zoom's steep price is just a little much for your venture, CrowdCast offers a comprehensive alternative that is more economical for workshops, webinars, live conference and much many more.

1:1 Consulting Services and Coaching

Sticking to a more traditional software consultancy model? It's no problem. You are able to offer your knowledge by providing 1:1 consultation or coaching packages for pro clients.

Since you'll be giving advice on a one-to-one basis that requires more work from the person giving advice. However, you'll also get a lot of satisfaction by this approach that is more personal.

Podcasts

Like the sound of your own voice? Podcasts are the way to get there.

Ask clients and professional subscribers to be interviewed for a discussion of different use cases and applications to the program. Talk to industry experts for useful insight for your users.

As a software expert or software developer, you could create podcasts on the most frequently asked questions about troubleshooting you encounter in your day-to-day.

Ebooks

If you love writing, then why not create software ebooks to help your customers?

ebooks can be a fantastic way of providing detailed information to your subscribers. Use templates, walkthroughs, and templates for useful ebook content your members can profit from.

And if writing a whole book seems daunting, then send chapters out to your readers as you go.

Blogs and articles

It may be better for you to present written material in the form of blog posts and articles. Discuss your experience with software, tips, tricks, research reports and product reviews.

Create your content visually appealing by including gifs as well as infographics and pictures.

Take inspiration from the suggestions below, but don't be limited! You can mix and match the types of content you are offering. Consider what will work best for your needs and that of your target audience.

Step 3. You must pay for the content you want to keep.

 Would you like to create different memberships?

Tiered memberships can be a fantastic option to draw people in the front door. Before committing to your priciest package, members can sample your offerings and see for themselves the value your company can provide.

This also provides a more affordable option for those on a budget.

For example, you can choose Propackages, for example, Basic and Propackages as well as individual and Corporatepackages.

To add memberships, go on to the WordPress dashboard and head to  > Members> Create New.

Here you can add an introduction and a description as well as set a cost, billing type, and access standards. That brings us to our following big issue:

 What is the price you wish to establish?

Rule 1 is to not undervalue your self-worth! Don't just think about the amount of time and effort you've put into your work. Take into consideration the amount of time required to attain your level of expertise as well as the value the members you offer.

 Do you want subscribers to pay monthly or annually?

Annual subscriptions ensure that your subscribers are committed throughout the year while monthly subscriptions are easily digestible for businesses or individuals with a tight budget.

For a detailed walkthrough on how to make memberships through  this tutorial, click here:

Watch >> how to create memberships (+ an overview and setup)

Next question:

Are you looking to paywallet every single piece of content you publish?

In the next step, you must create rules for limiting what non-members and different-tiered members are able to access.

Within the dashboard of your WordPress Dashboard, click Your WordPress dashboard, go to> Rules> Add New.

Then, in the Content and Accesssection Select from the dropdown menu what items you wish to safeguard:

You can, for instance, choose the All Content optionto keep all of your content behind a paywall, like Netflix.

But this isn't the case if you offer tiered memberships. Also, it's a good idea to offer a part of your content free to ensure that prospective customers can get an idea about what they're paying for.

Through , it's easy to create really specific rules. There are endless options to customize the paywall's content. For example, you can make a rule for publish content on paywalls with a particular tag or category.

Take a look at what you can expect to see with our walkthrough video

WATCH >> PROTECTING YOUR SITE'S CONTENT: HOW TO Utilize Rules

Step 4: Sign up for a Freelance or Start an LLC

Therefore, you'll have to know laws and procedures to sign up with the proper authorities and file the appropriate taxes and fees. Also, you'll need to make sure that you have insurance for your business that is in place for your business venture.

Additionally, you may want to set up the LLC (Limited Liability company) in order to shield your business from legal issues. This is especially important if you're planning on expanding the scope of your company.

The Freelancer's Union is a fantastic resource for freelancers throughout the US including blogs about creating an LLC as well as other information!

Step 5: Self-Promote, Self-Promote, Self-Promote

In the beginning and go! Make sure you spread the word and don't be shy about your self-promotion as an authority on the subject.

Also, the old tricks remain effective, such as attending meetings and events for industry as well as wine and dine customers. Anything you can do!

Do not invest in an office. Instead, invest the majority of your time and money in self-promotion as well as building customer relationships as much as you can.

Step 6: Continue to Develop Your Knowledge

First of all, don't think you are able to rest on your laurels. As a consultant in software You are aware that your industry is constantly changing.

Keep abreast of the latest software updates and trends, and continue to develop your knowledge.

Consultant Business Examples for Software Consultant Business Examples

Check out a couple of software consultant businesses and what they offer on their sites!

 Dan's tutorials

Dan of Dan's Tutorials is a specialist in all things Apple. Starting from Apple watches to Mac iOS, Dan's Tutorials are your best resource.

On his -powered website, customers can pick between a monthly, quarterly or an annual subscription for access to:

  • Over 1800 video tutorials.
  • Live online classes
  • Webinars.
  • Online courses.
  • News articles aggregated from multiple sources.

All plans also come with a free 14-day trial!

A Cloud Guru

Discover how to be a cloud expert through A Cloud Guru.

They offer extensive courses as well as training materials for the most popular cloud systems including AWS, Google Cloud, Linux, Azure, and more.

They provide business and personal memberships, as well as a tiered membership, and the ability to pay annually or monthly at a discounted rate.

Conclusion

The days of the requirements for becoming a software consultant included an smoking jacket as well as the ability to play golf. As with many other industries consulting, software has become digital.

This is great news for those planning to launch a software consulting business! Especially considering how easy it is to set up an online business from the privacy of your home.

With WordPress you can put up a website that will provide you with a , which is easy to scale when your company expands.

To recap, if you're thinking about starting a software consulting business, follow these 6 steps to achieve success over time:

  •   Step 1: Install WordPress and Install  
  •   Step 2: Create and add Content  
  •   Step 3. Make sure you paywall your content  
  •   Step 4: either Freelance or Create an LLC.  
  •   Step 5: Self-Promote, Self-Promote, Self-Promote  
  •   Step 6: Continue to Build Your Expertise  

If you follow these steps, be committed to online marketing, and there's no limit in the possibilities.

Got any questions about how to start your own software-based consultancy company ? Tell us about it via the comment section in the bottom of this post.

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