As a father and digital marketing expert, the journey to where I am now could have been smoother sailing. But it was one fueled by determination to break free, do what I love, and build something of my own. Over the years, I've spent countless hours—over 20,000—building websites, running SEO campaigns, and helping businesses grow. It wasn't just about the money or the technical aspects of ranking websites; it was about creating freedom and flexibility for my family and myself.
And that's where my story begins. A story about how I broke out of the routine, discovered a niche in rank and rent, and created a lifestyle that allows me to be present as a father while pursuing what I love.
Starting Small, Dreaming Big
When you're just starting, it can feel overwhelming. There's so much to learn, and getting lost in the noise is easy. I often discuss how I started with the "rank and rent" model. This strategy is simple: you pick up a domain, build out a website, rank it for specific local terms, and then rent the site to local businesses. It's a great way to generate passive income and gain hands-on experience in digital marketing.
But as a dad, I wasn't just looking for another side hustle; I was looking for something that could give me time back with my family while also helping businesses thrive. When I first began, I focused on small suburbs where few businesses invested in SEO. These areas may have low search volumes, but they are also much easier to rank for, which makes it the perfect testing ground for someone starting.
I remember targeting a keyword like "roof restoration Cranbourne." It wasn't a big, glamorous keyword, but it got 260 hits a month, which was more than enough to build confidence. By focusing on smaller markets, I could rank my first site faster and get those initial leads rolling in.
Finding Confidence in the Process
Building that first website was challenging. I had to create service pages, build a brand from scratch, and even set up Google My Business listings. But each small victory gave me more confidence. It was hard at first, no doubt about it. There were nights I stayed up late after the kids went to bed, tweaking the site, optimizing the content, and studying the competition.
But what kept me going was the idea that, with each step, I was creating something that could generate long-term passive income—something that could give me more time with my family.
When the first lead came in, it was like a light switched on. Suddenly, I knew I could do this. And if I could do it once, I could do it again. That's the beauty of rank and rent. You don't have to stop at one site. You can replicate the process across multiple industries or locations, whether roofing, plumbing, accounting, or even finance.
Overcoming the Doubts
There were plenty of moments when doubt crept in. The leads needed to be coming faster, or the rankings needed to improve faster than I had hoped. But I learned something invaluable during those moments: trust is everything. If a site isn't converting leads, it usually means it needs to be more trustworthy in the eyes of your visitors.
I took the time to revisit the top competing websites, study what made them successful, and incorporate those elements into my sites. That often meant adding more customer reviews, improving the overall design, and building a reliable and professional brand. These little changes made a world of difference.
Once I cracked the code, I saw consistent inquiries come in for my roofing sites and other niches.
Using My Skills to Help Others
As a dad, I've always had a natural inclination to help others, especially those trying to build something from the ground up. I gravitated toward working with tradespeople—roofers, electricians, plumbers—because they're often skilled at their craft but lack the digital expertise to get their services out to the right customers.
There's something incredibly rewarding about helping these small businesses get their first leads, seeing their excitement as their phone rings with new inquiries. It reminds me of my journey, that sense of accomplishment when you've built something that works.
That's what keeps me going, both as a dad and a business owner. I use my skills to help people succeed while creating a life where I can be present for my family. I've built a business that aligns with my values and gives me the freedom to spend time with my kids while still pursuing my passion.
Building Long-Term Success
Looking back, I realize the importance of starting small and scaling up slowly. The idea is not to get rich after a while but to build something sustainable, something that provides consistent income while allowing you to grow over time.
Initially, I targeted smaller suburbs and low-competition keywords, which paid off. Once I gained confidence, I expanded into other industries and locations. I would give the same advice to anyone just starting out: pick a niche, focus on building trust, and be patient.
The success will come if you stay committed to the process. You don't need to be an expert immediately, but you need to take action, learn from your mistakes, and keep pushing forward.
The Freedom to Do What You Love
As a dad, the most important thing to me has always been creating a life where I can do what I love while still being there for my family. The rank-and-rent model has given me the freedom to achieve that balance. It's allowed me to work on passionate projects, help small businesses thrive, and, most importantly, be present for my kids.
If you're a dad like me, dreaming of breaking free and doing what you love, my advice is simple: start small, leap, and trust the process. It won't always be easy, but with each step forward, you'll be closer to the freedom you've been searching for.