NEW: Small business consultant services for photographers (and service-based pros)

Running a small business isn’t for the faint of heart. Whether you’re a photographer, designer, or service-based pro, juggling the creative side of your work with the endless tasks of running a business can feel overwhelming.

As a full time Portland photographer, I know the struggle well. Over the past two years, I've honed a marketing system that keeps my business going strong, even in the slow months.

This year, I'm offering small business consultant services tailored specifically for creatives

These small business consulting services are tailored to your specific business goals and capacity. No cookie-cutter advice—just actionable strategies to help you grow, thrive, and keep doing what you love.

Let’s dive into how small business coaching can help you take your business to the next level.

What can a Small Business Marketing Consultant do for your business?

What you get when you sign up for small business marketing consultant services.

1. Custom Marketing Strategies

We’ll develop a marketing plan that works for you—whether it’s leveraging social media, SEO, email marketing, or something else entirely. Forget the one-size-fits-all templates. This is about crafting a strategy as unique as your business.

2. Brand Clarity and Messaging

What makes you different? Why should clients choose you? Together, we’ll uncover the heart of your brand and make sure your messaging resonates with your ideal audience.

3. Pricing and Service Packages

Struggling to figure out what to charge or how to structure your offerings? I’ll help you create pricing that reflects your value and service packages that clients can’t resist.

4. Time-Saving Systems

From client onboarding to invoicing, we’ll optimize your workflow with tools and systems designed to save you time and headaches.

5. Goal Setting and Accountability

We’ll set actionable goals and create a roadmap to achieve them. Plus, I’ll help you stay accountable so you can keep moving forward.

In a nutshell, a small business coach helps you stop wasting time on random tactics and start using strategies that actually work. They're pros at figuring out where you should be focusing your energy to attract the right clients, boost your visibility, and grow your biz.

Here’s a peek at what else I can bring to the table:

Market Research (aka Knowing WTF Your Audience Wants): They dive deep into who your dream clients are, where they hang out, and what makes them pull the trigger on hiring you.

Branding (Because Your Logo Isn’t Enough): It’s more than a killer logo. A marketing consultant helps you develop a brand voice and message that screams *you*, so your work stands out in the sea of sameness.

Content Strategy (No More Posting Random Stuff): They create a plan for your website, social media, and blog that actually builds your authority and keeps clients coming back. Oh, and you’ll stop staring at Instagram like it’s a black hole of lost time.

Advertising & SEO (Getting Found by People Who Matter): They help you run ads that don’t feel spammy and tweak your website so it pops up when people are searching for the services you offer. Hello, inbound leads!

For When You Have a Business Idea but Don’t Know Where to Start: You’ve got an idea for your business (hell yeah!), but turning that idea into a reality can be overwhelming. It’s like staring at a blank canvas, not knowing which color to pick first. A small business marketing consultant helps you get organized and kick things off the right way.

Setting Realistic Goals: It’s easy to dream big, but a consultant helps you set realistic, actionable goals for your business. Whether it’s booking five new clients in the next three months or launching your website, they break down the steps so you don’t get overwhelmed.

How to Know When It’s Time to Hire a Small Business Marketing Consultant

If you're constantly overwhelmed by marketing tasks, or you’ve hit a ceiling with your growth, it’s probably time to bring in some help. Here are a few telltale signs:

- You have no real marketing strategy (posting once in a while on Instagram doesn’t count).

- You're struggling to consistently find clients and aren’t sure why.

- Your income has plateaued, and you’re not sure how to scale.

- You’re spending more time marketing than actually doing what you love—whether that’s shooting photos, designing logos, or writing killer copy.

So why Do You Absolutely Need a Small Business Coach?

Now, you might be thinking, "Cool, but can’t I just figure this stuff out myself?" Technically, yes. But here’s the catch: DIY marketing often leads to endless trial and error, wasted time, and frustration. You’re an expert at what you do—photography, design, writing—so why burn yourself out trying to become a marketing guru too? Here’s why bringing in a pro is a game-changer:

Save Time (and Your Sanity): You have enough on your plate running the day-to-day. A marketing consultant takes the guesswork out of promoting your biz so you can focus on what you actually love doing.

Grow Faster: Want to speed up the time it takes to go from side hustle to full-time success? A consultant can shortcut the process by putting strategies in place that are proven to work. No more throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks.

Customized Strategy (Not a Cookie-Cutter Plan): Every business is different, especially in creative fields. A marketing consultant crafts a strategy specifically for *your* goals, strengths, and audience. No generic "one-size-fits-all" nonsense.

Accountability and Fresh Ideas: Sometimes you need someone to help you zoom out, look at the bigger picture, and push you out of your comfort zone. A consultant not only keeps you on track but also brings fresh ideas you might’ve never thought of on your own.

The Bottom Line

A small business marketing consultant can be the difference between struggling to stay afloat and thriving in your creative business. They help you hone your messaging, get in front of the right people, and build a sustainable strategy for growth. So if you’re ready to get serious about taking your side hustle or freelance gig to the next level, a marketing consultant might just be your secret weapon.

Ready to take the next step in your small business journey? Reach out today to chat consulting services.