Starting a SEM consultant small business

Basics

[karyam]

I was recently working for a company as an SEM manager and found another job (in the same position)at another company.

My former company has asked me if I would consider continuing working for them as a consultant. I like the idea and I know I could do it, but I am not sure on how to proceed.

I am in California.

- Do I need to create a business entity? (I do not intend on having more clients)
- How should I go about invoicing?
- What is a decent monthly fee for managing Overture and Google campaigns (about 800 keywords each) and advising on SEO?
- What types of services should I include or not include?

Any advice or testimonial would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for your time.

[johntabita]

You don't have to create another business entity if you work under your own name. If you decide to have a "business name" like ABC Consulting, then you'll name to register a Fictitious Business Name, commonly referred to as a "DBA" - Doing Business As.

Unless you plan on getting additional clients, then I'd forego the DBA. Just have the company make checks out to you personally (assuming they're okay with that), deposit it in your bank account and be sure to report it as additional income when you file year-end taxes.

[Jack_Hughes]

Make sure your current contract of employment permits outside work. No point in getting outside work only to lose your main source of employment.

[hp11]

What is a decent monthly fee for managing Overture and Google campaigns (about 800 keywords each) and advising on SEO?

Anywhere from 15% and up for Overture & Adwords. if you believe that there isn't enough revenue this way, make it a dollar amount that you and your client agree upon (as long as it is adjustable with increased volume).

As far as advice on what to charge for your SEO work, that really is a tough one. It really depends on how much you are doing, as well as what is expected of you time wise and the goals for their site. Sorry if it sounds vague, but SEO pricing is different for every client.

[karyam]

Thanks everyone for your input. After getting some legal advice, it doesn't sound like a good idea for me to follow this path, as there may be a conflict of interest with my current job.