how to start an SMM panel business step-by-step

Here’s a clear, practical step-by-step guide to starting an SMM panel business, from zero to first sales:

✅ Step 1: Understand the Business Model

An SMM panel is a reselling business:

• You buy social media services (followers, likes, views, etc.) at wholesale prices

• You resell them at higher prices

• Profit = Selling price − Supplier price

You do NOT need to create the services yourself.

✅ Step 2: Choose Your Niche (Very Important)

Don’t try to sell everything at first.

Popular niches:

• Instagram growth

• TikTok views & followers

• YouTube views & watch time

• Facebook page growth

• Reseller-focused panels

👉 Tip: Start with 1–2 platforms only.

✅ Step 3: Find Reliable SMM Suppliers

You need panel suppliers who provide services via dashboard or API.

What to check:

• Fast delivery speed

• Refill / guarantee options

• Cheap base prices

• Good uptime

⚠️ Never rely on one supplier only — have backups.

✅ Step 4: Create Your Own SMM Panel Website

You have 2 options:

Option A: Ready-Made SMM Panel Script (Most Common)

• Buy a script (monthly or lifetime)

• Install on hosting

• Connect suppliers via API

Common features:

• User dashboard

• Order system

• API integration

• Payment gateways

Option B: Custom Development

• More expensive

• Only recommended if scaling big

✅ Step 5: Buy Domain & Hosting

Minimum setup:

• Domain name (brand-style, simple)

• VPS or shared hosting (VPS is better later)

👉 Example:

• Domain: yourpanel.com

• Hosting: VPS (2GB RAM minimum)

✅ Step 6: Add Payment Methods

Essential payment options:

• PayPal (if possible)

• Stripe

• Crypto (USDT, BTC)

• Local payment gateways (country-specific)

The easier you make payments, the more you sell.

✅ Step 7: Set Prices (Markup Strategy)

Typical markup:

• Beginners: 100%–200%

• Established panels: 200%–400%

Example:

• Supplier price: $1 per 1k followers

• Your price: $3–$5 per 1k

⚠️ Don’t underprice too much — it kills profit.

✅ Step 8: Add Services & Categories

Organize services clearly:

• Instagram Followers

• Instagram Likes

• TikTok Views

• YouTube Views

• Premium / Refill Services

Clear service descriptions reduce refunds & complaints.

✅ Step 9: Test Everything

Before launch:

• Place test orders

• Check delivery speed

• Test refunds & cancellations

• Test payment processing

Never launch without testing.

✅ Step 10: Launch & Market Your Panel

Best marketing methods:

• Instagram pages & reels

• Telegram groups

• YouTube tutorials

• Fiverr / Upwork

• Facebook groups

• SEO (blogs)

👉 Offer:

• Welcome bonus

• Cheap trial services

• Reseller discounts

✅ Step 11: Customer Support & Trust

This business runs on trust.

Must-have:

• Ticket system

• Fast replies

• Clear refund rules

• Refill guarantees

Happy customers = repeat income.

✅ Step 12: Scale the Business

Once stable:

• Add more suppliers

• Add more platforms (Twitter, Threads, etc.)

• Create reseller API access

• Run paid ads

• Build a brand

💰 Startup Cost (Rough Estimate)

⚠️ Important Warnings

• Many services violate social media platform policies

• Accounts can drop followers (normal in this industry)

• Always mention “no guarantee” where needed

📌 Realistic Timeline

• Setup: 1–3 days

• First sales: 1–2 weeks

• Profit stage: 1–2 months (with marketing)