Hey there, fellow dads. I know what it's like to come home after a gruelling day at work. You're exhausted, your back hurts, and you only want a moment of peace. But instead, you walk into chaos: kids screaming, your wife frustrated, and a never-ending list of things that need your attention. It's enough to make anyone feel trapped. But I've found a way to break free, and I want to share it with you.
The Realization
After years of working as a tradesman—whether plastering, electrical work, or plumbing—I realized I had a wealth of knowledge I wasn't fully utilizing. I knew how much jobs cost, the potential revenue, and the profit margins. I thought, why not use this knowledge to build something on the side? Something that could eventually give me the freedom to spend more time with my family and do what I love.
The First Steps
I decided to take a sensible side step into digital marketing. I picked up a domain related to my trade—plumbing, in my case. I knew this would allow me to get results much quicker than someone who didn't have my expertise. I started by creating a simple website. Platforms like Wix or Squarespace made it easy. I registered a Google listing and showed my address to get my listing to show up quickly.
Building and Ranking the Website
I built out the website with pages for each service I offer: roof plumbing, toilet plumbing, drainage plumbing—you name it. I focused on SEO to get my site to rank for relevant search terms. This was crucial because getting those leads meant everything. I even ran a few Google Ads to speed up the process.
Monetizing the Leads
Once the leads started trickling in, I had a few options. I could service the leads myself, but that would mean more of the same work I was trying to escape from. Instead, I decided to sell the leads to other businesses or use them to negotiate better deals with my current boss. The key was to create a side hustle that generated residual income without tying me down.
Leveraging My Knowledge
My deep knowledge of the trade opened up other opportunities as well. I built an affiliate marketing site promoting tools and products related to plumbing. I contacted manufacturers and became an influencer for specific products. How many doors opened once I started leveraging my industry knowledge was amazing.
The Bigger Picture
This journey reminded me of investing and trading, where discipline and continuous learning are crucial. I started small, diversified my efforts, and gradually increased my investments as I became more comfortable. Setting clear, realistic goals and sticking to my plan was essential.
Freedom and Family
I aimed to spend more time with my kids and pursue what I love. This side hustle was the key. I built a sustainable income stream by creating digital marketing assets, focusing on SEO, and monetizing leads. Now, I have more control over my time and financial future.