I Built 25 Local Lead Generation Sites That Generate $1,000 In Passive Income Within 6 Months By Selling Leads

In this case study, I will detail the process of creating 25 local lead generation websites that generated $1,000 in passive income within six months by selling leads. As a Local SEO expert, this trial project aimed to test the feasibility and profitability of building and managing multiple lead generation sites with minimal investment. 

The entire process, from niche selection and keyword research to site building, off-page SEO, and lead selling, is documented to provide insights and actionable strategies for aspiring local lead generation professionals.

Goal

The primary goal of this project was to establish a passive income stream by selling local leads. Specifically, the objective was to launch 25 sites within 1.5 months, starting on December 23, and achieve a monthly passive income of $1,000 within six months. This project was undertaken with a focus on minimal spending, making it a cost-effective trial to test the viability of such an approach.

Niche Selection and Keyword Research

Selected Niche: Fencing

Choosing the right niche is critical for the success of local lead generation sites. For this project, the fencing niche was selected due to its consistent demand and relatively low competition. Fencing services are essential for both residential and commercial properties, making it a lucrative niche for lead generation.

City Selection Criteria

To maximize the chances of success, I targeted 25 different cities with populations ranging from 100,000 to 200,000. This population range ensures a substantial demand for fencing services while keeping competition manageable. Cities with populations in this range typically have enough businesses to generate leads but are not so large that the market becomes oversaturated.

Keyword Research

Keyword research was conducted using tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs to identify low-competition keywords with high search volume. The focus was on long-tail keywords specific to each city, such as “fence installation in [city]” and “fence repair in [city].” By targeting these localized keywords, the sites could rank more easily in search engine results pages (SERPs) and attract relevant traffic.

Domain and Hosting

Domain Selection

Exact Match Domains (EMDs) were chosen for each site to improve search engine rankings. EMDs contain the primary keyword and location, such as “FenceInstallersChicago.com.” This strategy helps in gaining quick visibility on search engines.

Domain Registration

Domains were registered through Namecheap due to their competitive pricing and reliable service.

Hosting

For hosting, I used two providers: Hostarmada and Hostinger. Both offer affordable and reliable hosting solutions, which was crucial for keeping the project within budget. Splitting the sites between two hosts also provided redundancy and minimized the risk of downtime.

Site Building

Template Creation

To streamline the process, I first created a master template using WordPress. This template included all essential pages, such as the homepage, service pages, contact page, and blog. The design was optimized for conversion, with clear calls-to-action and contact forms on each page.

Site Duplication

Once the template was finalized, it was duplicated for each of the 25 sites. This approach saved significant time and ensured consistency across all sites.

WordPress Setup

Each site was built using WordPress, which offers flexibility and ease of use. The Kadence Blocks plugin was used to create custom layouts and designs without needing to code.

Essential Plugins

Several essential plugins were installed on each site to enhance functionality and SEO performance:

  • Yoast SEO: For on-page SEO optimization
  • WPForms: For contact forms
  • WP Rocket: For caching and improving site speed
  • UpdraftPlus: For backups
  • MonsterInsights: For Google Analytics integration

Off-Page SEO

Indexing

After launching the 25 sites, I waited two months for them to index properly. To speed up the indexing process, I used the Indexing API. This ensured that the sites appeared in search results faster, allowing for quicker traffic and lead generation.

Backlink Strategy

A comprehensive off-page SEO strategy was implemented to build authority and improve rankings. The following tactics were used:

Profile Backlinks

Profile backlinks were created on high-authority websites to provide initial link juice and boost domain authority.

Citations

Local citations were built on various business directories and review sites. This not only improved local SEO but also increased the visibility of the sites in local search results.

Web 2.0

Web 2.0 properties were created to publish content and link back to the main sites. These properties acted as secondary sites that supported the primary sites with additional backlinks.

Private Blog Networks (PBNs)

PBNs were utilized to build high-quality backlinks. These networks of websites were controlled by me and provided strong, relevant links to the lead generation sites.

Social Media Creation

Social media profiles were created for each site on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These profiles helped in building brand presence and driving traffic to the sites.

YouTube Videos

YouTube videos were produced for each site, showcasing services and customer testimonials. These videos were optimized for relevant keywords and linked back to the respective sites, providing additional SEO benefits and driving traffic.

Call Tracking

To track and manage leads effectively, I used Twilio for call tracking. This allowed me to assign unique phone numbers to each site and monitor the call volume and lead quality. Call tracking also provided valuable insights into which sites were performing best and generating the most leads.

Lead Generation and Selling

Lead Generation

Within three months, the sites started generating leads. This was achieved through a combination of on-page and off-page SEO efforts, which drove targeted traffic to the sites and converted visitors into leads through optimized contact forms and calls-to-action.

Selling Leads

I partnered with LeadSmart Inc., which offers a premium package for buying leads. After presenting my lead generation capabilities and demonstrating the quality of the leads, they accepted my offer and started purchasing leads regularly.

Tools Used

To manage the project effectively, I utilized several tools:

  • Google Docs and Google Sheets: For documentation and tracking progress
  • SEMrush and Ahrefs: For keyword research and competitor analysis
  • Twilio: For call tracking and lead management
  • Serpfox: For tracking keyword rankings

Current Situation

As of now, the project is a resounding success. The sites are consistently generating leads, which I sell directly to LeadSmart Inc. and rent out to local businesses. The passive income has already reached $500 per month, and I have successfully recouped the initial investment put into the project. This achievement is a testament to the effectiveness of the strategies employed and the potential for further growth and profitability.

Financial Milestones

  • Monthly Passive Income: $500
  • Investment Recouped: Yes

Next Steps

Given the success, I am now exploring opportunities to:

  • Increase Monthly Revenue: By optimizing the current sites and possibly adding more.
  • Sell Some Sites: For a profit, to reinvest in new projects or expand the current one.
  • Scale the Operation: By applying the same model to different niches and locations.

The progress made so far validates the potential of local lead generation sites as a sustainable and profitable business model. The next phase will focus on scaling and optimizing to maximize returns.

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