Consulting Business Ideas: 27 Ways to Start in 2026

The consulting industry is thriving, and not showing any signs of slowing down. In 2025, consultancy is valued at $371.04 billion and is projected to climb to $469.28 billion by 2030, expanding at a steady 4.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).

The surge reflects the rising need for experts who can help businesses adapt to change and uncover new growth opportunities, which makes this a great time to explore consulting business ideas.

If you have specialized experience in finance, marketing, operations, or strategy, starting a consulting business is a great way to share your expertise on your own terms. You get the flexibility to choose your clients, set your schedule, and focus on projects that play to your strengths.

Consultants are often the behind-the-scenes problem solvers who help companies evolve. Whether it’s shaping a new strategy or improving efficiency, you’ll have the opportunity to influence big decisions. Ahead are some top consulting business ideas to help you get started.

Top 27 profitable consulting business ideas

If you’re looking for more flexibility in your workday and like the idea of helping teams solve complex challenges, consulting could be the perfect fit.

Here are 27 consulting business ideas to consider:

Marketing consultant
Management consultant
Social media consultant
Ecommerce consultant
SEO consultant
AI/ML consultant
Event consultant
Cybersecurity consultant
Risk management consultant
Data analytics consultant
Stress management consultant
IT consultant
PR consultant
Career consultant
Environmental consultant
Supply chain consultant
Legal consultant
Brand consultant
Franchise consultant
HR consultant
Regulatory compliance consultant
Business financial consultant
Personal finance consultant
Real estate consultant
Safety consultant
Nonprofit consultant
Health and fitness consultant

1. Marketing consultant

Marketing consultants help brands build awareness, attract customers, and drive revenue. It’s one of the most versatile types of consulting. You can specialize in everything from content marketing strategies that grow organic traffic to lead generation campaigns and paid media that turn clicks into customers.

Depending on a company’s stage of growth, marketing consulting might involve market research, brand messaging, digital marketing plans, or channel optimization across SEO, social media, and email. The goal is to create a strategy that connects with the right audience and fuels measurable growth.

Part of the skill set of a marketing consultant is the ability to harness the strengths of a team with varying levels of experience into a cohesive vision and launch plan.

Certifications can help build credibility and show clients you’re up to date with industry best practices.

Here are a few courses to get started with:

Income potential: Most marketing consultants charge $50 to $200 per hour or offer project-based packages, depending on scope and expertise.

2. Management consultant

Management consultants help businesses improve performance and solve complex challenges across operations, strategy, and team management.

You might:

Streamline processes like workflow, inventory, or fulfillment
Advise on business strategy and planning
Support leadership and team development
Guide hiring and talent acquisition

The role often involves working closely with teams over time. You will likely analyze data, understand how the business runs, and then make practical, evidence-based recommendations. Start by identifying the client’s main challenges so you can define your project scope and goals early on.

Certifications like Project Management Professional (PMP) or Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) can strengthen your credibility, especially if your consulting work focuses on process optimization or project execution.

Income potential: Management consultants earn an average of between $28 and $97 per hour.

3. Social media consultant

Most small business owners know how important social media is. But many don’t have the time or resources to manage it full-time. That’s where a social media consultant comes in.

You can help brands:

Develop a social media strategy that supports their business goals
Train teams on platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn
Create a content plan and posting schedule that builds consistency
Engage with followers and manage customer comments
Optimize content performance using analytics and best practices

Some consultants also offer part-time management services, helping businesses stay active online without the cost of a full-time hire.

Income potential: Social media specialists earn an average of between $12 and $36 per hour.

4. Ecommerce consultant

Ecommerce consulting is one of the fastest-growing niches as more businesses move online and need expert guidance to stay competitive. As an ecommerce consultant, you help brands optimize their online stores, improve conversion rates, and streamline order fulfillment so they can scale with confidence.

You might:

Recommend the right platform, like Shopify, for a client’s goals
Set up an intuitive checkout experience to reduce cart abandonment
Fine-tune product pages to boost sales and engagement
Analyze store data to find what’s working and where shoppers drop off
Suggest strategies to increase traffic and encourage repeat purchases

Income potential: Ecommerce consultants earn an average of between $158 to $494 per day.

5. SEO consultant

Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the most in-demand consulting niches for online businesses. As an SEO consultant, you help brands improve their organic visibility so they can attract the right audience without relying on paid ads.

Your work might include:

Keyword research to uncover high-value search opportunities
Technical site audits to fix performance or crawl issues
Content optimization to improve rankings and readability
Link-building strategies to boost domain authority
Ongoing reporting and analysis to track progress over time

Unlike general marketing consultants, SEO consultants specialize in the technical and strategic side of organic growth. Your expertise helps businesses turn search intent into long-term traffic and sales.

Income potential: SEO consultants earn an average of $170 to $607 per day.

6. AI/ML consultant

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are changing how businesses operate. Consultants who can turn complex tech into practical results are in high demand.

As an AI/ML consultant, you help companies integrate AI tools, automate processes, and create smart strategies that boost efficiency and decision-making.

AI/ML consultant roles can vary, but you could start with:

Personalizing customer experiences using AI-driven recommendations
Automating inventory forecasting or other repetitive tasks
Setting up AI-powered chatbots to improve customer support
Developing AI adoption road maps and train teams to use new tools effectively

With more businesses racing to stay competitive in the new AI landscape, AI and ML consulting has become one of the fastest-growing specialties.

Income potential: AI consultants charge an average of $29 to $72 per hour.

7. Event consultant

If you’ve ever been to an event that didn’t quite hit the mark, you know how hard it can be to pull off a large gathering with style, energy, and efficiency.

Great event planners make everything look and feel effortless; they make a career out of managing all the moving parts with clear communication and a tireless knack for project management.

You can choose to specialize in certain types of events, such as:

Weddings
Birthdays
Conferences
Trade shows

Experience (and, in some cases, certification with organizations like the Professional Convention Management Association) is a big bonus for anyone looking to work as an event consultant, as is developing relationships with various contractors and vendors.

Income potential: Event consultants earn an average of $15 to $39 per hour, although there’s potential to earn more if you specialize in an in-demand niche.

8. Cybersecurity consultant

With online threats on the rise, cybersecurity consulting is one of the most sought-after consulting specialties. As a cybersecurity consultant, you help businesses protect their data, systems, and customers from attacks and vulnerabilities.

Depending on your client’s needs, you could:

Assess security risks and test networks for weaknesses
Create response and recovery plans to minimize damage
Train employees to spot phishing, fraud, and social engineering attempts
Secure online payment systems and protect customer information
Ensure compliance with privacy and data protection regulations

For ecommerce brands, cybersecurity is especially critical. One breach can break customer trust overnight. So consultants in this space play a vital role in helping businesses build safer and more resilient online operations.

Income potential: Cybersecurity consultants earn an average of $29 to $91 per hour.

9. Risk management consultant

Risk management consultants help businesses spot potential threats before they become costly problems. These risks might include natural disasters, financial instability, supply chain disruptions, or regulatory changes that affect daily operations.

This type of consulting is closely tied to business management, but focuses more on prevention and protection.

Risk managers often:

Assess vulnerabilities across operations, finances, or compliance
Develop contingency and crisis response plans
Use trusted frameworks like ISO 31000 or COSO ERM to guide risk analysis
Advise on mitigation strategies to minimize impact

Certifications such as Certified Risk Manager (CRM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) can help strengthen credibility and show clients you understand how to balance risk and reward across an organization.

Income potential: Risk management consultants earn an average of $242 to $577 per day.

10. Data analytics consultant

Every business collects data, but not every business knows how to use it. As a data analytics consultant, you help companies turn numbers into insights so they can make smarter decisions.

Your day to day would involve:

Building dashboards that track key performance metrics
Analyzing trends to find new growth or cost-saving opportunities
Setting up analytics tools and train teams to use them effectively
Creating reporting frameworks that show what’s working over time

With more companies embracing better data-driven decision-making, data analytics consulting has become one of the most in-demand niches. It bridges the gap between raw information and real-world strategy.

Income potential: Data analytics consultants earn an average of $449 to $982 per day.

11. Stress management consultant

If you have experience in counseling, therapy, or life coaching, you might consider starting a stress management consulting business.

Stress management comes in many forms, much like stressors themselves, which makes it a diverse and wide-ranging profession.

Consultants in this field offer their services to:

Corporate teams
Shelters
Resource centers
Individuals

Income potential: Stress management consultants earn an average of $30 to $104 per hour.

12. IT consultant

IT consulting is a great way to turn your technical skills into a profitable business. As an IT consultant, you help companies set up and optimize their tech stack from cloud services and internal systems to software integrations.

With your IT consulting business, you could:

Provide on-call IT support for small businesses
Specialize in web performance or server management
Help companies migrate to the cloud or automate everyday workflows
Evaluate and implement new tools to improve efficiency and scalability

With nearly every business relying on technology, IT consultants play a crucial role in keeping systems connected, secure, and up to date.

Income potential: IT consultants earn an average of $280 to $878 per day.

13. PR consultant

Public relations (PR) consultants help businesses manage their public image and build strong relationships with the media. That could mean securing coverage for a new product launch or protecting a brand’s reputation during a crisis.

While large companies often have in-house PR teams, many smaller businesses hire consultants for specific campaigns or events.

You could:

Write and distribute press releases to announce major updates
Coordinate media coverage and manage interview requests
Craft crisis communication plans to handle sensitive situations
Build relationships with journalists, influencers, and media outlets

In PR, connections are everything. Strong relationships and a deep understanding of the media landscape are key to helping brands share their stories and stay visible.

Income potential: PR consultants earn an average of $65 per hour. However, this can increase with experience or niche expertise.

14. Career consultant

Career consultants help people navigate career changes and professional challenges with confidence. They guide job seekers and professionals looking to grow or transition into new fields.

Depending on your clients’ exact needs, you may:

Share job search strategies to help clients stand out
Coach interviewing and communication skills
Support leadership and career development
Advice on salary negotiation and career advancement
Help clients pivot into new industries or roles

A background in human resources, recruiting, or leadership training can be a big advantage, along with strong communication skills and a genuine interest in helping others succeed.

Income potential: Career consultants earn an average of $160 to $329 per day.

15. Environmental consultant

Environmental consultants help businesses stay compliant with environmental laws and adopt sustainable business practices. Their work ensures companies meet regulations while minimizing their impact on the planet.

Depending on the industry, you might:

Conduct compliance testing, sampling, and environmental reporting
Advise on retrofitting buildings for better energy efficiency
Recommend waste reduction and recycling strategies
Support sustainable business practices and green certifications

As more companies focus on sustainability and social responsibility, environmental consulting is a growing niche that combines regulatory expertise with a commitment to long-term impact.

Income potential: Environmental consultants earn an average of $14 to $54 per hour.

16. Supply chain consultant

For ecommerce brands, an efficient supply chain can make or break the customer experience. Supply chain consultants help businesses optimize logistics, inventory management, and fulfillment to keep products moving smoothly from supplier to doorstep.

Here’s what your offerings can look like:

Negotiate with suppliers to reduce costs and improve reliability
Streamline warehouse operations to speed up fulfillment
Implement software tools that track inventory in real time
Develop sustainable sourcing strategies or contingency plans for disruptions

As online sales continue to rise, supply chain consulting has become a high-demand niche. You can help brands deliver faster, lower costs, and stay competitive.

Income potential: Supply chain consultants earn an average of $19 to $98 per hour.

17. Legal consultant

Legal consultants provide expert advice to individuals and businesses on a wide range of legal matters. They help clients understand regulations, manage risk, and make informed decisions.

Some tasks legal consultants perform include:

Reviewing or drafting contracts for business partnerships or clients
Advising on mergers, acquisitions, or corporate structure
Ensuring compliance with local and federal laws
Offering general legal guidance to small businesses and startups

If you plan to start your own legal consultancy, you’ll need to be licensed to practice law in your state. With businesses facing an ever-changing legal landscape, legal consultants play a vital role in keeping operations compliant and protected.

Income potential: Legal consultants earn an average of $29 to $69 per hour.

18. Brand consultant

Brand consultants help businesses define, refine, and elevate their brand identity. They work with both new and established companies to develop a strong, consistent image that resonates with their audience.

Brand consultants:

Assess brand positioning and identify opportunities for growth
Research competitors to understand the broader market landscape
Guide visual and verbal identity, from logos to tone of voice
Support rebranding projects for businesses looking to refresh their image
Collaborate on marketing materials like media kits or content strategies

While branding often overlaps with marketing consulting, it’s a specialized niche that focuses on building long-term recognition, trust, and loyalty.

Income potential: Brand consultants earn an average of $270 to $764 per day.

19. Franchise consultant

Franchise consultants help entrepreneurs navigate the world of franchising. You might help clients buy into an existing brand or turn their business into a franchise.

Your role would involve:

Guiding clients through franchise selection and brand comparisons
Explaining legal and financial requirements
Assessing profitability to ensure the investment makes sense
Setting up operations and training systems for new franchisees
Ensuring compliance with franchise regulations and agreements

As franchising expands across industries like food, retail, fitness, and home services, franchise consultants are in high demand for their ability to help clients make confident, well-informed business decisions.

Income potential: Franchise consultants earn an average of $236 to $477 per day.

20. HR consultant

HR consultants help businesses build and support great teams. Unlike career consultants who work with individuals, HR consultants partner with companies to improve how they hire, train, and retain employees.

HR consultants:

Develop talent acquisition strategies to attract the right candidates
Create retention plans that reduce turnover
Design diversity and inclusion policies that reflect company values
Boost employee engagement through training or recognition programs
Ensure compliance with labor laws and HR best practices

As workplaces evolve and employee expectations change, HR consulting has become a valuable niche. It helps companies attract top talent and build cultures where people want to stay.

Income potential: HR consultants can earn an average of $236 to $787 per day.

21. Regulatory compliance consultant

Regulatory compliance consultants help businesses stay compliant with local, state, and federal laws. They guide clients through complex regulations to ensure operations meet all necessary standards.

Regulatory compliance consultants:

Assist with licensing and permit applications
Advise on data privacy, workplace safety, or environmental compliance
Prepare businesses for audits and regulatory reviews
Develop compliance training programs for employees
Keep documentation up to date as laws and regulations evolve

With new rules emerging across industries, compliance consulting is a fast-growing niche that helps businesses operate confidently and avoid costly penalties.

Income potential: Regulatory compliance consultants earn an average of $19 to $103 per hour.

22. Business financial consultant

For small business owners without a finance background, financial consultants offer a clear road map for managing money and planning for growth.

A business consultant can help with:

Building budgets and tracking cash flow
Working with investors and preparing for fundraising rounds
Setting financial goals that support long-term sustainability

Income potential: Business financial consultants earn an average of $200 to $700 per day.

23. Personal finance consultant

Personal finance consultants help individuals take control of their money and build better financial habits. Unlike business financial consultants who focus on companies, personal finance consultants work one-on-one with clients to strengthen their budgeting, debt management, savings, and investment planning skills.

Personal finance consultants:

Create personalized budgets that align with financial goals
Reduce high-interest debt through structured repayment plans
Develop long-term savings and retirement strategies
Build emergency funds or start simple investment portfolios

As more people seek trusted, independent financial advice, personal finance consulting has become a fast-growing and rewarding niche.

Income potential: Personal finance consultants earn an average of $186 to $630 per day when they start out.

24. Real estate consultant

Real estate consultants help clients make smart decisions about property—whether they’re buying, leasing, or investing. Unlike agents or brokers who focus on closing deals, consultants provide independent, strategic advice to guide clients through every step of the process.

A real estate consultant:

Conducts market research to identify opportunities
Analyzes property values or investment potential
Recommends leasing, development, or diversification strategies
Advises clients on residential, commercial, or mixed-use properties

Many consultants use tools like CoStar, Zillow, or LoopNet to track listings, compare market trends, and back recommendations with real data.

With property markets constantly changing, real estate consultants help clients make confident, well-informed decisions that align with their goals and budgets.

Income potential: Real estate consultants earn an average of $36 to $50 per hour. But there’s the opportunity to earn more in niche markets or on a commission basis.

25. Safety consultant

Safety consultants help their clients comply with workplace regulations, like the Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) standards, to create a safe working environment for their employees. This often includes safety audits and inspections, which inform businesses of any potential hazards and highlight how they can improve their general conditions.

Safety consultants typically:

Conduct workplace safety audits and inspections to identify potential hazards
Develop health and safety programs tailored to a client’s industry
Train employees on compliance standards and emergency procedures
Recommend updates to equipment and workflows to prevent accidents

Starting your own workplace safety consulting business requires various certifications, depending on your focus.

Income potential: Safety consultants earn an average of $12.50 to $67 per hour.

26. Nonprofit consultant

Nonprofit consultants help mission-driven organizations grow their impact and operate more effectively. Unlike business consultants who focus on profits, nonprofit consultants guide clients toward achieving social, educational, or community goals.

Nonprofit consultants:

Develop fundraising and donor engagement strategies
Write grant proposals and help secure funding
Evaluate program performance and impact
Support board development and governance best practices
Improve internal systems to make better use of limited resources

As nonprofits face increasing pressure to do more with less, nonprofit consulting offers a meaningful way to blend business strategy with purpose-driven work—helping organizations maximize both mission and impact.

Income potential: Nonprofit consultants earn an average of $10 to $60 per hour.

27. Health and fitness consultant

Health and fitness consultants help people improve their well-being through personalized plans and expert guidance. This niche can take many forms. You might be a nutritionist, personal trainer, or physical therapist, each with its own area of specialization.

You can the following services:

Create customized exercise or nutrition plans for clients
Lead classes or wellness programs that promote healthy habits
Work with companies to build employee wellness initiatives
Track progress and adjust programs to meet individual goals

While most consultants focus on individual coaching, others collaborate with corporate teams or wellness startups looking to integrate health-focused programs into their benefits or products.

Income potential: Health and fitness consultants earn an average of $8 to $30 per hour.

How to start a successful consulting business

Starting a consulting business begins with identifying where your expertise meets market demand. Focus on a niche you know well. Whether that’s marketing, finance, operations, or IT, check that businesses are actively seeking that kind of help.

Once you’ve found your niche:

Validate demand. Talk to potential clients, research competitors, and gauge what businesses are already paying for similar services.
Register your business. Choose a legal structure (like an LLC or sole proprietorship), secure any required licenses, and set up a dedicated business bank account.
Set your pricing. Decide whether you’ll charge hourly, per project, or on retainer. Review competitor rates and start with transparent, easy-to-communicate packages.
Build your brand. Create a simple website and brand identity that showcases your expertise and client results. Use professional tools like Shopify’s free logo maker or invoice generator to streamline setup.
Find your first clients. Start by leveraging your network and professional platforms like LinkedIn. Share valuable insights, join niche communities, and reach out directly to businesses that fit your ideal client profile.
Choose your tools. Use project management software, client communication tools, and invoicing platforms to stay organized. Shopify even allows consultants to sell services or digital resources through an online storefront.

With clear positioning, strong branding, and consistent outreach, you can turn your expertise into a scalable consulting business that attracts the right clients and grows sustainably.

Your time is valuable

Shopify’s integrated appointment booking apps let you effortlessly manage your availability. Allow clients to schedule services directly from your online store—no coding needed.

Explore appointment booking apps

Consulting business ideas FAQ

Which consulting business is best?

There are many types of profitable consulting businesses, and the one that’s the right fit for you will depend on your experience, interests, and abilities. Some popular consulting types include management consulting, financial consulting, and event consulting.

Is consulting a profitable business?

Yes, consulting can be a very profitable business. The industry is growing steadily, showing strong demand for specialized expertise. In 2025, the global consulting market was worth $371 billion and is expected to reach $469 billion by 2030, expanding at a 4.8% annual growth rate.

The most successful consultants find a clear market fit and build a personal brand around their expertise. When your skills solve real business challenges, companies are willing to pay for your insight and results.

From strategy to marketing to finance, businesses will always need consultants who can step in, problem-solve, and help them grow.

How do you start a consulting business?

Much of starting your own consulting business comes down to confirming there’s real demand for your skills. Once you’ve validated your niche, register your business and make sure you have any required licenses or certifications in place.

Next, set pricing that reflects your expertise and market rates. Many new consultants start with hourly packages, then move to project-based or retainer pricing as they grow.

To find your first clients, create a simple website or portfolio that highlights your experience and results. You can start by offering your services on freelancer platforms like Upwork or reaching out to contacts through LinkedIn, industry groups, or social media. Word-of-mouth referrals and networking often become your strongest growth channels over time.

Do you need an LLC to be a consultant?

You don’t need an LLC to start consulting, but forming one can be a smart move. An LLC (limited liability company) separates your personal and business finances, which helps protect your assets if legal or financial issues arise. Many consultants start as sole proprietors and switch to an LLC once their income grows or they begin working with larger clients.

How much do consultants typically charge?

Consulting rates vary widely based on experience, industry, and project scope. Most consultants charge $100 to $300 per hour, though specialized experts can earn significantly more. New consultants often start with hourly or project-based pricing, then move to monthly retainers as they build long-term client relationships.