How to Start a Resume Writing Business – 17+ Steps
Hey there,
If you were wondering,
How to start a Resume Writing Business?
You are in the right place.
Whether you’re a professional copywriter or a recent college graduate with a passion for writing, starting a resume-writing business may be your perfect side hustle.
With the rise of new job applicants and the advent of digital technology, there is an increasing need for services that specialize in crafting resumes that stand out from the competition. Here’s how to start your journey as an entrepreneur in resume writing.
What is a Resume Writing Business?
What is a Resume Writing Business? A resume-writing business is a service that specializes in creating resumes that help job applicants stand out from the competition. This type of business is becoming increasingly popular as more people seek help crafting their resumes to make them stand out and get noticed.
A resume writing business typically takes help from professional copywriters who are experienced in quickly pulling together all the relevant details of a candidate’s experience and qualifications into a practical and attractive resume.
The process can often include client interviews and feedback, helping to create an effective story for potential employers. The result is a detailed, impactful document that will give the applicant the best chance of success in their job search.
How to start a Resume Writing Business made easy: a step-by-step guide.
Have you been thinking about starting a resume-writing business? Here’s your easy step-by-step guide to making the process simple and stress-free! With the right know-how, you can set up your successful resume-writing service in just a few steps.
1- Market Research & Business Focus
Starting a resume-writing business requires a good understanding of the services you will offer, the market for those services, and how you plan to stand out. Researching your competition is essential, as it will indicate the demand in the local area for resume writers.
Understanding what makes a great resume will be handy when creating portfolios and advertising your services. When deciding on the focus of your business, consider what core services you can provide and if there are any specialized skills or topics that distinguish you from other writers.
Think about whether there are any changes or trends in the market that could potentially impact your business, and be sure to stay up-to-date with best practice methods for crafting successful resumes. With a clear business focus, goal setting and planning become more achievable tasks that can lead to success.
2- Business Plan & Registration
Creating a plan is essential to starting your resume writing business. Making this detailed outline of your services, pricing structure, and marketing methods will help you stay on track and succeed.
Additionally, you’ll need to decide whether to operate as a sole proprietor or a limited company. While registering either type of business requires some paperwork, it will give you the official recognition and legitimacy that can be useful when networking with potential clients or pitching for new contracts.
Consider speaking with a qualified accountant or business consultant to get advice on which route is best for you. Once registered, ensure that your systems are up-to-date with the most recent data protection regulations to secure your business from hackers and malicious attacks.
3- Online Presence & Work Samples
Once you have your business plan, it’s time to think about how you will build an online presence. A website and social media accounts are essential for networking and showcasing your services.
Strategically promote yourself by engaging on professional platforms such as LinkedIn or writing blog posts demonstrating your expertise in the field. You can also reach out to potential clients through email campaigns or cold calling if you comply with data protection laws.
Finally, make sure to create a portfolio of samples that you can show off to prospective customers. These work samples should reflect the best of your work, showing attention to detail and creativity.
As such, creating a library that stands out from the crowd is essential if you want to make yourself memorable in an increasingly saturated market.
4- Get Your Licenses, Certificates, and Insurance in Place
Before launching your resume writing business, it’s essential to make sure you have the relevant licenses, certifications, and insurance in place. Depending on where you are located, you may need to obtain a business license or permit from your local authority.
Additionally, some countries have specific laws that apply to resume writing businesses, and it is always beneficial to research any regulations before starting. You may also want to consider being certified by a professional organization, as this will demonstrate your competence in the field and can improve customer confidence.
Ensure you have the right insurance coverage for the services you intend to offer. Taking out the necessary professional indemnity, public liability, and product liability policies will help protect you, and your customers should anything go wrong.
5- Pricing & Payment Terms
Deciding how to price your resume writing services is essential for the success of your business. You must consider your competitors, geographical location, experience, and desired profit margins.
Determine whether you will be charging an hourly rate or a flat fee. Researching average industry prices can also help you set competitive yet realistic rates.
Additionally, it’s crucial to think about any discounts or offers you may want to provide, especially if you are starting and trying to build your customer base.
Once prices have been established, ensure that customers understand exactly what they will be paying for when payment is due and any other associated costs, such as taxes or shipping fees. The invoice should communicate this clearly for customer satisfaction and legal compliance.
6- Create Service Contracts & Documents
Creating service contracts and documents is essential to running a resume-writing business. Start by developing your terms and conditions, which should include everything you and the customer are responsible for during the project.
It’s also helpful to have templates for project briefs, questionnaires, feedback forms, and invoices so that everything is consistent and all information is recorded accurately.
Consider having a separate privacy policy if you store customer data on any digital platform. This will give customers peace of mind knowing their information is secure. Keeping these documents up to date should provide an excellent foundation for any successful working relationship.
7- Promotion & Networking
Promoting your resume writing business and networking with other professionals are essential strategies for success. Start by creating a website or blog to serve as an online portfolio and showcase your work.
Utilize social media accounts to post helpful tips, testimonials, and updates. Where possible, join local business networks and attend related events to meet potential collaborators or clients.
Participating in forums or webinars could also be beneficial if you want to expand your reach further. Don’t forget the power of word-of-mouth either – encourage customers to spread the word about your services and reward them for referrals, if possible.
Planning these activities strategically will mean that more people know who you are and what you do – potentially leading to increased opportunities for growth.
8- Building Relationships with Hr and Recruitment Contacts
Building relationships with HR and recruitment contacts can be hugely beneficial when starting a resume-writing business.
Reach out to local recruiters and human resources professionals to inform them about your services so that they understand what you offer when potential opportunities arise.
You could also try using LinkedIn to connect with prospective clients or partners in the field. Don’t forget to take advantage of cold emailing, research email addresses associated with relevant companies, and introduce yourself with a friendly, informative message.
By forming solid connections in the industry, you can create an effective network that could be instrumental in helping your business grow.
9- Offer Consultations and Taster Sessions
Offering consultations and taster sessions are a great way to introduce potential customers to your services. Provide prospective clients with an opportunity to ‘try before they buy’ – this could be a discounted consultation or even a free resume review.
Doing so could help build trust and provide potential customers with the information they need to decide whether your services are right for them.
It can also demonstrate what you have to offer and go into detail about the different packages available. Consultations may also reveal gaps in the market which you can use to develop your business further, hence providing you with an opportunity to innovate.
10- Get an SEO-Optimized Website
An SEO-optimized website is essential for any business looking to stand out. You can drastically increase visibility and reach more potential customers by ensuring that your website is up-to-date and optimized for search engines.
Make sure that all of your web pages are well-written and informative, with relevant keywords included throughout.
Also, think about ways to differentiate yourself from other resume-writing businesses – this could be through adding a blog or featuring customer reviews on your homepage.
Keep in mind that website optimization takes time; however, by consistently updating your content and keeping an eye out for new SEO trends, you can stay ahead of the competition.
11- Building Client Relationships
Building a successful business starts with building solid relationships with your clients. You can understand their needs and tailor your services by getting to know them.
Additionally, invest in customer relationship management (CRM) software to keep track of all conversations, invoices, and payments. Keep in touch regularly with your customers through email newsletters and social media campaigns.
Make sure each customer feels valued and appreciated – this could be done through discounts or free advice sessions. Finally, use feedback from past clients to improve what you offer in the future and ensure you are meeting their needs as best as possible.
12- Offering Discounts and Additional Services
Offering discounts and additional services can be a great way to encourage new customers to sign up for your resume-writing business. It will help bring in more revenue and make the customer feel like they are getting a better value than if they used another service.
Discounts could include price reductions or free consultations, while extra services could cover letter advice or interview coaching.
Studies have shown that people are generally more likely to purchase when an offer is included. Offering these deals makes potential customers more inclined to choose your services over other businesses.
13- Tracking Results and Feedback from Customers
Tracking results and customer feedback is integral to running a successful resume-writing business. Keeping records of your services’ performance helps you identify trends or areas for improvement.
Ask clients for feedback after each job and use this to refine your offerings. Regularly check reviews on social media, review sites, or your website so that you can address any issues promptly.
You may also wish to monitor key metrics such as customer acquisition rate, repeat customers, conversion rate, customer lifetime value, and customer satisfaction rate to understand better how successful you are in providing a satisfactory service.
14- Invest in Resume-writing Software
Investing in resume-writing software can be a great way to streamline the process of creating resumes for customers.
Software programs, like Microsoft Word and other word processing applications, make it easy to customize each individual’s resume, allowing you to tailor it to the customer’s unique skills and qualifications.
Some software also includes templates and pre-made designs, providing a more professional finish than manually created documents.
Additionally, these specialized programs often come with extra features like spellchecking, grammar correcting, and automated formatting so that your customers’ resumes look perfect before submission.
Conclusion How to Start a Resume Writing Business
Starting a resume-writing business can be a great way to turn your passion into a profitable venture. From understanding the customer’s needs and researching the job market to crafting the perfect resume and tracking results for feedback, there are plenty of steps needed for success.
Investing in the right tools, such as resume-writing software, is essential for quickly, efficiently, and profitably creating high-quality resumes. With commitment, dedication, and an eye for detail, you can set yourself up for success with a successful resume-writing business.
SickofTheBoss.com is the brainchild of Jack Bastide. It is designed for entrepreneurs and those that want to be. You can find Jack on Facebook or Linked-In.
