How to Start a Data Backup and Disaster Recovery Planning Service for SMEs?

Selling 'Business Continuity' and Peace of Mind 💾☁️ SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) often overlook disaster recovery until it's too late. You are selling essential insurance against data loss. 1. The Core Service: The Audit: Start with a low-cost Data Risk Assessment and Audit. Charge a fixed fee to analyze the SME's current data storage, critical systems, and risk exposure (e.g., "Your server is 7 years old and you only back up once a week"). 2. The Implementation: Based on the audit, offer a tiered solution: * Tier 1 (The Essentials): Simple, automated cloud backup solutions (using affordable services like Google Workspace/AWS S3/Azure) for critical financial and customer data. * Tier 2 (Disaster Recovery Plan): A documented, step-by-step plan for the SME to restore operations within a defined timeframe (RTO/RPO) after a major incident. This includes employee training on the plan. 3. The Business Model: Recurring Revenue is Key. Sell your service as a monthly/quarterly maintenance and verification subscription. You are paid to routinely check the backups, perform test restores, and update the recovery plan. Target lawyers, small manufacturers, and boutique service firms—they often have sensitive data and strict compliance needs but no dedicated IT staff.