As a dad who has broken free from the traditional 9-to-5 grind, I find immense joy and fulfilment in building and ranking websites. This journey is about financial success, pursuing what I love, and achieving freedom. Recently, I hit a significant milestone that underscores the excitement and potential of this path.
The First Lead Excitement
We just got our first lead! The thrill of receiving the first genuine inquiry from a website I built for myself is unmatched. This particular site is in the fencing industry, targeting fencing contractors. I built it about a year ago, allowing it to marinate and gradually gain traction. Building and ranking websites for the rank and rent model is a passion of mine, and seeing the fruits of this labour is exhilarating.
The Rank and Rent Model
I have a process for creating numerous websites, focusing on various service industries. These sites undergo an initial setup phase with service pages, a blog section, and some initial backlinks. They then enter a marination stage, where they are updated and monitored over time. This method may take years, but it's a proven strategy where only a few successful sites can yield significant returns.
The First Inquiry
The first inquiry from this fencing site was for a colour bond fence, potentially a $3,000-$4,000 job. I quickly identified local businesses that could benefit from this lead, focusing on those with minimal online presence. This strategy ensures that these businesses, either starting up or haven't mastered marketing, can get a boost from the leads my site generates.
Building Relationships
Instantly, one business responded positively. I offered them the lead and suggested updating the website with their contact details. While the site continues to marinate, there might not be a flood of leads, but even a few can help build a solid relationship. This approach allows me to test new SEO tactics and refine strategies.
Expanding the Network
I have numerous sites across various industries, like pressure washing, which recently started generating inquiries. I connect with local service providers for each site, offering them leads and the potential to enhance their online presence. This collaborative effort often leads to further business opportunities, including site ranking and lead generation services.
Optimizing and Refining
The next steps for the fencing site involve customizing the site with the client's details, improving the inquiry process, and enhancing SEO. This includes refining the text, embedding Google reviews, and optimizing pages close to ranking higher on Google. This ongoing optimization is crucial for maintaining and boosting the site's performance.
Targeting Local SEO
Focusing on local SEO is essential. These websites gain better local search visibility by targeting keywords specific to the service area and optimizing the Google My Business listing. Encouraging satisfied customers to leave positive reviews also boosts credibility and rankings. For a dad like me, it's about creating a sustainable business model that supports my family while doing what I love.
The Importance of a Professional Website
Having a professional, user-friendly website is crucial for attracting and converting leads. Regularly updating the blog with informative content related to the specific industry engages visitors and improves SEO. Maintaining an active social media presence helps reach a broader audience and showcase the work I'm passionate about.
Strong Backlink Strategy
Developing a strong backlink strategy by earning links from reputable sites in the industry is vital. Ensuring the website is mobile-friendly is another critical aspect, as a significant portion of traffic comes from mobile devices. Regularly monitoring SEO performance and making necessary adjustments based on analytics helps keep the sites performing well.
Conclusion
The journey of building and ranking websites for rank and rent is not just about making money; it's about the freedom to do what I love and the thrill of seeing these sites succeed. By focusing on local SEO, building strong relationships with local businesses, and continuously optimizing the sites, I've found a fulfilling path that offers both professional and personal satisfaction. If you're a dad looking to break free and pursue your passion, this might be how to do it.