If you are a mum with a creative streak, a love for social media, or an eye for design, starting a digital marketing company might be the business adventure you have been looking for. In 2025, flexible work is no longer a dream, it is a growing reality. Businesses everywhere need help standing out online, and if you can help them do that, there is real opportunity.
You do not need a marketing degree or a fancy office. You do need a laptop, a strong Wi-Fi connection, and a plan. Whether you have worked with a social media marketing agency before or you are a budding website designer, this guide is for you.
Here is how to build your own digital marketing company from the ground up.
What Is A Digital Marketing Company?
Think of it as a business that helps other businesses get noticed online. That could mean:
- Running their social media (like Instagram or Facebook)
- Designing their website
- Writing emails that turn readers into customers
- Creating ads that pop up on Google or YouTube
Your business can focus on one of these or mix a few together. The beauty is, you choose the services that suit your skills and lifestyle.
Step 1: Choose Your Niche
Before you get a logo or website, ask yourself: Who do I want to help? and What do I want to help them with? Choosing a niche will help you narrow down your focus, rather than trying to market to everyone.
A niche is just a fancy way of saying, “a specific group of people you want to work with.” You will get more clients when you are clear about who you serve. This can also help give your business direction.
Some ideas:
- Instagram marketing for beauty salons
- Website design for local trades
- Email newsletters for online boutiques
- Social media help for other mums in business
Step 2: Make It Official
Starting a business means sorting out the legal and financial side too. Here is what you will likely need:
- A business name
- An ABN (Australian Business Number) if you are in Australia
- A simple spreadsheet or bookkeeping tool (like Xero or Wave)
- A place to keep business income separate (a new bank account)
If necessary, you can get help from a bookkeeper or accountant when you are ready, but this is enough to begin.
Step 3: Create A Portfolio
Here is a secret: most business owners do not care where you studied. They care whether you can help them.
If you do not have clients yet, make up a few pretend ones. Create example social media posts, redesign a fake website homepage, or write a short blog article for a made-up shop.
These samples show off your style, your thinking, and your skills. Add them to a simple website or even a Google Drive folder you can share.
Step 4: Do Not Do It All Yourself
Keep in mind, you do not have to become an expert in everything. A digital marketing company can be just you, or you plus a few freelancers.
You might work with:
- Website designers to help build beautiful pages
- A virtual assistant to help schedule posts or respond to emails
- A copywriter to write catchy headlines or blog posts
- A graphic designer for logos and Instagram templates
Or use tools like Canva for design, ChatGPT for writing ideas, and Buffer to schedule posts, these save time and make you look super polished.
Step 5: Market Yourself First
Here is a fun twist: your first marketing client is YOU.
Use your own social media pages to show what you do. Share tips, before-and-after examples, or stories from your own journey. Talk about what problems you help solve.
Do not stress about being perfect. Just show up, be helpful, and talk like a real person. Clients often choose someone who “gets them” over someone with a fancy portfolio.
Step 6: Set Your Prices With Confidence
It is easy to doubt yourself when starting out. But remember: you are saving your clients time, reducing their stress, and helping them grow. That has real value.
Here are a few ways to charge:
- Hourly (e.g. $50/hour for coaching or strategy)
- Per project (e.g. $500 for a small website or $250/month for social media management)
- Monthly packages (e.g. $1,000/month for regular content, emails, and reports)
Start with what feels fair and adjust as your experience grows. The right clients will pay for peace of mind and good results.
Final Thoughts
Starting a digital marketing company is not just about building a business, it is about building a life that works for you. Whether you are working during nap time, school hours, or evenings with a cup of tea, you get to choose your path.
Remember, your business does not have to be big right away. It just has to begin!
