Running a technology concierge practice isn’t about fixing broken printers or setting up Wi-Fi. It’s about becoming the trusted guide someone turns to when tech feels overwhelming. People don’t want another IT guy. They want someone who understands their life, their schedule, their fears-and makes tech work for them, not against them.
Start with the right clients
You can’t serve everyone. Trying to help every senior citizen, busy parent, and startup founder at once will burn you out. The most successful tech concierges focus on one group. For example, many thrive serving professionals over 50 who are tech-savvy enough to own devices but overwhelmed by updates, cloud backups, or video call settings. Others build practices around busy executives who need seamless integration between their phone, laptop, smart home, and calendar. Pick your niche. Know their pain points. Then tailor everything you do to fix those.
One concierge in Austin works exclusively with retired educators. Her clients don’t need to know how to code. They need to know how to video call their grandkids without fumbling with passwords. She created a simple illustrated guide-printed and laminated-so they can reference it when she’s not there. That’s the kind of detail that builds loyalty.
Don’t sell tech. Sell peace of mind.
When someone hires you, they’re not buying a software license or a new router. They’re buying silence. They’re buying not having to say, “I don’t know how to do this.” They’re buying the feeling that their devices won’t fail at the worst moment.
Your pricing should reflect that. Charge for outcomes, not hours. Instead of $75/hour, try a monthly retainer: “$199/month for unlimited tech help, device setup, and emergency remote support.” That removes the fear of being charged for every small question. It turns you from a vendor into a partner.
One concierge in Portland charges $249/month and includes one in-person visit per quarter. His clients love it because they know he’ll show up before their holiday video call with out-of-town family. No panic. No last-minute Google searches. Just a calm, “I’ve got this.”
Build systems, not just service
If you’re still typing the same instructions into emails or writing the same setup guides over and over, you’re working too hard. Successful tech concierges create repeatable systems.
- A standardized onboarding checklist for new clients
- A library of short video tutorials (under 90 seconds) for common tasks
- A secure client portal where they can submit requests and track progress
- A backup protocol: “If your phone dies, here’s how to get your photos back using iCloud or Google Photos”
These systems don’t make you robotic-they make you reliable. Clients don’t want a hero. They want a dependable system that works every time.
Use remote tools wisely
You don’t need to be onsite for 80% of your work. Tools like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or even built-in remote support in macOS and Windows let you fix most issues without leaving your desk. But here’s the catch: never use remote access without permission. Always walk the client through the process. Say, “I’m going to ask you to open this app and click ‘Allow.’ I’ll be right there with you.”
One concierge in Minneapolis built a reputation by doing all remote support during lunchtime. Clients knew they could text him at noon, and he’d fix their email glitch before they finished their sandwich. That kind of responsiveness turns casual users into lifelong clients.
Teach, don’t take over
The biggest mistake new tech concierges make is doing everything for the client. That creates dependency-and resentment. When the client can’t do even the simplest thing without you, they start to feel incompetent.
Instead, teach in layers. First, fix it. Then, show them how. Then, ask them to do it once with you watching. Finally, let them do it alone. Use phrases like, “This is how it works. Next time, try it yourself. I’ll be here if you get stuck.”
One client in Seattle told her concierge, “I used to hate my iPad. Now I send my grandkids videos every week. You didn’t just fix it-you gave me back my confidence.” That’s the goal.
Stay ahead of the curve
Tech changes fast. A concierge who learned how to set up a smart thermostat in 2022 might be useless in 2026 if they don’t keep learning. The best ones spend at least 4 hours a month exploring new tools: voice assistants, health trackers, home automation, AI photo organizers, or even wearable tech for aging parents.
They don’t need to be engineers. They just need to be curious. Subscribe to one tech newsletter for older adults. Watch one YouTube tutorial a week. Test one new app on your own device. Then ask: “Who in my client base would benefit from this?”
One concierge in Denver started offering “Digital Legacy Setup” after a client’s spouse passed away. He helped the widow organize photos, passwords, and cloud accounts so her children could access them. It wasn’t in his original service list-but it became his most meaningful offering.
Measure what matters
Don’t track how many tickets you closed. Track how many clients say, “I don’t stress about tech anymore.”
Send a simple quarterly survey: “On a scale of 1 to 10, how much does tech stress you out now compared to when we started?” Ask for one sentence about what changed. Look for patterns. If three clients mention “I finally understand Zoom,” you’ve found a repeatable win. Double down on that.
Also, track referrals. If 70% of your new clients come from word-of-mouth, you’re doing something right. If not, ask your best clients: “What would you tell a friend about working with me?” Their answer is your marketing message.
It’s not about tech. It’s about trust.
At its core, a technology concierge practice is a relationship business. You’re not selling software. You’re selling safety. You’re selling time. You’re selling dignity.
The best ones don’t have the fanciest tools. They have the deepest understanding of their clients. They remember birthdays. They know who hates phone calls and prefers texts. They show up when it matters-whether it’s helping someone connect with a grandchild or resetting a smart fridge after a power outage.
Technology will keep changing. But the need for someone who listens, who cares, and who makes tech feel human? That’s not going anywhere.
Do I need technical certifications to start a tech concierge practice?
No. Certifications like CompTIA or A+ are helpful but not required. What matters more is your ability to communicate clearly, build trust, and solve real problems. Many successful tech concierges come from backgrounds in education, customer service, or elder care-not IT. Focus on empathy and consistency, not credentials.
How much should I charge for a tech concierge service?
Most successful practices charge between $150 and $300 per month for ongoing support. Entry-level packages start at $99/month for limited help, while premium tiers with in-person visits and 24/7 access can go up to $500. The key is bundling services into predictable monthly plans. Hourly rates rarely work-they make clients hesitate to ask questions.
What’s the biggest mistake new tech concierges make?
Trying to be everything to everyone. You’ll burn out. You’ll dilute your message. You’ll end up helping tech novices, teens, and CEOs all at once-and doing none of them well. Pick one client type. Master their needs. Then expand. Specialization builds authority-and makes marketing easier.
Can I run a tech concierge business part-time?
Absolutely. Many start with 5-10 clients on evenings and weekends. One concierge in Chicago built a $60,000/year side business by helping just 12 families. She worked 8 hours a week. Her clients paid $199/month. She didn’t need a website-just referrals from satisfied clients. Part-time is not a limitation. It’s a strategy.
How do I find my first clients?
Start where you already have trust. Ask friends, neighbors, or people at your church, gym, or senior center if they’d like help with tech. Offer a free 20-minute “tech checkup.” Most people will say yes. After three successful sessions, ask if they’d refer you to someone else. Word-of-mouth is your most powerful tool.
There’s no magic formula. No app that replaces human care. The best tech concierges aren’t the fastest or the most knowledgeable. They’re the ones who show up, listen, and make their clients feel like they’re not alone in a world that moves too fast.
