How to start a consulting brand from scratch in 2025 (Quick Reference Guide)

Starting a consulting brand in 2025 is an exciting journey, but it can feel overwhelming without a clear roadmap. This guide breaks the process into actionable steps to help you launch, grow, and secure your first clients in a way that feels strategic and achievable. We go into much more detail inside our incubator: Consulting Launch Lab.

1. Identify Your Niche (and the Problem You Solve)

Your niche is the cornerstone of your consulting brand. To identify it:

• Focus on your expertise and passions.

• Consider the problems you’re uniquely positioned to solve.

• Research your target audience’s pain points and unmet needs.

2. Create Your Consulting Brand, Website, and LinkedIn Profile

Your brand needs to resonate with your target audience and establish credibility.

• Brand Name and Messaging: Keep it clear, memorable, and aligned with your niche.

• Website: Create a professional website that showcases your expertise, services, and testimonials.

• LinkedIn: Optimize your profile with a strong headline, summary, and featured work.

• Engage actively in relevant industry groups.

3. Rapidly Build Connections (Your Audience and Allies)

Your connections are your future clients and collaborators. Build them strategically:

• Personal Network: Start by reaching out to colleagues, friends, and acquaintances who can refer or connect you.

• Podcast: Launch a niche-specific podcast to interview industry leaders and position yourself as an authority.

• Survey: Create a survey to gather insights from your audience. This data builds credibility and can double as a lead generation tool.

• Book: Writing a short, targeted book or eBook positions you as a thought leader.

4. Define Your Main Proposition (Offer)

A clear and compelling offer is key to converting interest into sales.

• Describe your solution in one sentence: “I help [target audience] achieve [result] through [method].”

• Package your services into options that corporate clients understand (e.g. project-based engagements).

5. Get Clear on Your Magic Metrics

Track metrics that matter to your consulting goals, such as:

• Lead Generation: Number of conversations started or survey completions.

• Client Conversion: Percentage of proposals turned into contracts.

• Revenue Goals: Your monthly or quarterly financial benchmarks.

6. Build Your Team

You don’t have to do it all alone. Assemble a team to scale your operations:

• Start with virtual assistants for admin tasks.

• Outsource design, copywriting, or technical needs as necessary.

• Hire an associate consultant to extend your capacity.

• Partner with other experts that you can sub-contract work to.

7. Create Your Target List

Identify and prioritize potential clients or partners:

• Compile a list of 50-100 ideal companies or individuals you want to work with.

• Research their pain points and how your services align with their needs.

8. Create a Sales Event or Directly Ask for a Meeting

Engage your target audience by:

• Hosting a webinar, workshop, or exclusive roundtable on a topic relevant to your niche.

• Sending personalized outreach messages to schedule one-on-one meetings.

9. Propose & Pitch

Tailor your proposal to each client:

• Highlight their pain points and how your offer solves them.

• Break down deliverables, timelines, and costs in a clear format.

• Use storytelling to emphasize the value of your services.

10. Close Your First Deal

• Be proactive in following up with prospects.

• Address objections with confidence and provide social proof.

• Celebrate when you close your first deal: it’s the start of your consulting brand's success story!

Starting a consulting brand in 2025 may require a mix of boldness, strategy, and creativity, but with these steps, you’re well on your way to building a thriving business.