Local Lead Gen: The Unsexy Cash Machine
Rank simple websites for local service keywords. Rent the leads to businesses. It's not glamorous, but it works.
The Model
Build a simple site targeting "[service] + [city]"—"plumber Detroit" or "roofer Phoenix." Rank it on Google. When calls come in, forward them to a local business for $50-500/lead depending on industry.
What Works
High-value services: roofing, HVAC, legal, medical. Enough search volume to generate leads. Not so competitive that ranking is impossible.
Getting Started
Pick a city and service. Build a basic site (WordPress is fine). Get a tracking number (CallRail, CallTrackingMetrics). Do basic SEO. Wait 3-6 months. Then start calling businesses to pitch the leads.
Income Reality
One good site might generate $500-2000/month. The game is building multiple sites across multiple cities. The work is front-loaded—building and ranking takes months, but maintenance is minimal once ranked.