Hi, I’m Eugene, a father and digital marketing expert who’s poured over 20,000 hours into building and ranking websites. I wasn’t always in this position—working for myself, doing what I love, and living on my terms. My journey began as a dad who wanted freedom, not just financially, but the freedom that lets you be present for your family while pursuing something meaningful.
For me, that “something” was SEO. If you’re wondering if SEO can work for you in 2025, let me share my story and a roadmap for starting small, building your confidence, and taking steps toward a life you love.
Starting Small: Building the Foundations
I’ll admit it—when I first dabbled in SEO, I had no idea what I was doing. I began by building websites for family and friends, free of charge, in industries ranging from medical to legal and beyond. At the time, I didn’t realise that these small projects taught me the foundations of SEO—how to build a site, write content, and optimise search engines.
If you’re considering SEO as a side hustle, start small. Don’t aim for massive keywords like “Best Dentist in Sydney” or “Luxury Hotels in Melbourne.” Instead, focus on niche, low-competition terms. Think “Lawn Mowing Bondi” or “Tree Removal Paddington.” Keywords with just a handful of monthly searches may seem insignificant, but they’re the stepping stones to bigger things.
The real value lies in the process. Building a website from scratch forces you to learn how to:
- Set up WordPress and customise themes.
- Create service pages and blog posts that convert.
- Optimise your content and internal links.
- Track rankings and adjust your strategy.
When you see those first few visitors land on your site or notice your ranking increase, you realise you’re capable. Those small wins build confidence—and confidence is everything.
The Journey That Changed Everything
What started as a hobby soon became an obsession. I found myself picking up domains to experiment with. I’d buy something like “Podiatrist Bondi” or “Eyebrow Tattoo Melbourne” and build a site to test different strategies. Sometimes, these sites would sit dormant for months, but eventually, they’d start to rank, generate traffic, and even lead.
It wasn’t about the money but the thrill of solving the puzzle. The first time I saw a lead come through one of my sites, I couldn’t believe it. I reached out to local businesses and offered them the leads for free. You’d think they’d jump at the chance, but many were hesitant. Eventually, I found businesses that appreciated the value, and that’s when I realised this could be more than a side hustle—it could be a gateway to freedom.
Learning and Growing Along the Way
SEO in 2025 isn’t easy, but it’s never been more accessible. Tools like AI have revolutionised the way we create content and analyse competition. When I started, I’d manually write every word of content for my sites. Now, with tools like ChatGPT, I can analyse my competitors, brainstorm topics, and generate unique content in a fraction of the time.
But the basics still matter. To succeed, you need to:
- Track Your Progress: Use rank trackers to monitor your site’s performance.
- Experiment with Links: Learn how to build links to your site—guest posts, directories, and even basic outreach.
- Leverage Google My Business: Create local listings, gather reviews, and treat your test sites like real businesses.
The beauty of SEO is that every step teaches you something new. You don’t have to be perfect—you have to start.
Balancing Fatherhood and Freedom
As a dad, I didn’t just want success—I wanted to be there for my family. SEO gave me that chance. Instead of chasing a 9-to-5 grind, I could work on my terms, spend time with my kids, and build something that truly mattered.
There’s a misconception that freedom comes overnight. The truth is, it’s a long-term game. When you’re starting, it can feel like nothing is happening. Your site won’t rank immediately, and traffic won’t pour in. But if you stay consistent, things start to shift.
I now manage sites across thousands of niches, from psychologists to accountants to gardeners. Each site is a puzzle piece, generating leads and creating opportunities I never imagined.
Why SEO Works for You
The best part about SEO is that it’s accessible to anyone willing to put in the work. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone with a bit of technical know-how, you can start today:
- Choose a simple niche and domain.
- Build a site using tools like WordPress and page builders like WP Astra.
- Write content using AI tools to save time.
- Track your progress and tweak your strategy.
The tools available today make it easier than ever to get started. But don’t expect instant results. SEO is about patience and persistence. Let your sites marinate. Build new ones while optimising old ones. Over time, you’ll see the fruits of your labour.
What’s Next?
SEO has given me more than financial freedom—it’s given me the freedom to live on my terms. And as a dad, that’s priceless. Watching my kids grow, being there for the big moments, and building something I’m proud of—that’s what it’s all about.
If you’re thinking about starting an SEO side hustle, don’t wait. The journey might surprise you, and the opportunities it creates could change your life.
So, pick up that domain, build that first site, and take the leap. Who knows? You might find the freedom you’ve been searching for.