By Categories: SEOTags: , , , , 0 Comments on 12 Ways to Make Money with SEO: Ranked!

 

SEO is one of the most powerful skills you can have, but did you know that there are twelve different ways to make money with it? In this post, we’re ranking them from least effective to the absolute best. The strategies presented here could completely transform your business or career. So, if you’re ready to level up your SEO game, let’s dive right in!

Table of Contents

1. Start an SEO Software Business (F Tier)

Starting an SEO software business lands in the F tier. While SaaS businesses have high income potential and scalability, they require substantial upfront capital. My partner and I have invested nearly $500,000 into our SEO content optimization software, Rankability. The initial investment for SaaS typically ranges from $10,000 to $30,000 and can escalate into six figures if you need to hire developers. Additionally, the competition in the SEO software industry is fierce, with over 287 different SEO tools available. Competing against well-funded companies like Semrush, which has raised at least $40 million, makes this a challenging entry point for newcomers.

2. One-on-One SEO Consulting or Coaching (B Tier)

Next up is one-on-one SEO consulting or coaching, which falls into the B tier. This can be a lucrative income stream; for example, I charge $1,000 per hour for SEO consulting. However, there are downsides—your income potential is capped because there’s only one of you, and it’s not scalable as you need to do the work and show up for calls. On the plus side, this model requires zero upfront capital and poses low risk.

3. Get Hired as an In-House SEO Professional (D Tier)

Getting hired as an in-house SEO professional lands in the D tier due to its limited income potential. The average salary for an SEO professional in the US is around $62,000. Even if you rise to an SEO director, which can earn you about $142,000 per year, most people will not reach that level. Job security in this role is also a myth; layoffs can happen, leaving you without income overnight. As Dan Kennedy famously said, your income is directly proportional to the value you add to the marketplace.

4. Selling Productized SEO Services (A Tier)

Selling productized SEO services is one of my favorite techniques, landing in the A tier. The competition is lower, and it’s easier to build a brand around specific productized services. If I were starting today, I’d consider offering SEO content optimization services, as this market has a significant gap. While the income potential on the front end isn’t as high as full-service SEO, you can generate substantial revenue on the backend by upselling comprehensive services.

Starting a link building services agency surprisingly lands in the F tier. Although I made over $470,000 selling backlinks in 2016, the margins are thin now due to high costs associated with backlinks. The biggest challenge is competition; nearly everyone has a link-building company these days. If you choose to go this route, consider targeting B2B SaaS companies instead of being a general link-building agency.

6. Start an Authority Website (D Tier)

Starting an authority website is another option, but it ranks in the D tier. While authority sites can potentially generate unlimited income, they require a massive upfront investment of capital and time. You need to create high-quality SEO content and maintain a robust link-building campaign. If you’re not prepared for this, it may not be the best choice for beginners.

7. Build a Micro Niche Website (C Tier)

Building a micro niche website lands in the C tier. These sites require minimal capital to start, only needing a domain and hosting. They are typically in lower competition niches, making them less risky. You don’t need extensive SEO experience to achieve results, and you can leverage your success to attract SEO clients, using their revenue to reinvest in a more lucrative authority website.

8. Starting a City-Focused SEO Agency (S Tier)

Starting a city-focused SEO agency is one of the top methods to make money with SEO, landing in the S tier. By focusing on a specific city, you can dominate the local market instead of targeting a broader audience. I successfully ranked for “St. Louis SEO” in 2013, which became a major source of leads for my agency. There’s a wealth of opportunity available when you think small and target your local area.

9. Offering White Label SEO Services to Agencies (A Tier)

Offering white label SEO services to agencies also ranks in the A tier. This model has almost no upfront capital requirements and lower competition as it targets agencies rather than small businesses. You only need a few agency clients to generate significant income since they handle all marketing, sales, and customer service. However, the investment per campaign might be lower due to the agency needing to make a profit.

10. Start a National SEO Agency (F Tier)

Starting a national SEO agency is another option, but it ranks in the F tier. While the income potential is high, you need strong business development skills and considerable capital to succeed. The competition is fierce, and the skill level required is substantial, making it risky for beginners.

11. Starting a Niche SEO Agency (S Tier)

Finally, starting a niche SEO agency is the last method, landing in the S tier. This model offers all the benefits of a client services business but with lower competition if you select the right niche. Niching down simplifies marketing, sales, and fulfillment. Many successful agencies, like Chris Dreyer’s, have demonstrated the potential for high earnings by focusing on a specific target market.

FAQs

  1. What is the best way to start making money with SEO?
    The best way to start is by offering SEO consulting or starting a niche SEO agency, as these methods have lower competition and higher earning potential.
  2. Is starting an SEO software business worth it?
    While it has high income potential, the substantial upfront investment and fierce competition make it a less favorable option for beginners.
  3. How can I scale my SEO consulting business?
    Consider transitioning to productized services or creating a team to handle more clients while you focus on strategy.

For more insights and to explore effective SEO strategies, check out Digital Reach and our comprehensive guides on actionable SEO techniques.

 

Like this content? Consider subscribing to get more. No spam, I promise.

Leave A Comment