The Best Ways to Make Money with SEO According to Nathan Gotch

In the video titled “The Best Ways to Make Money with SEO According to Nathan Gotch,” Nathan Gotch, an experienced SEO professional with over 10 years of experience, shares his insights on the best ways to make money with SEO. He ranks different techniques based on income potential, capital requirements, scalability, risk, and competition for beginners. Some of the techniques discussed include starting an SEO software business, one-on-one SEO consulting, getting hired as an in-house SEO professional, selling productized SEO services, starting a link building services agency, building an authority website, building a micro-niche website, starting a city-focused SEO agency, offering white label SEO services, rank and rent or local lead generation, and starting a niche SEO agency. Nathan Gotch emphasizes the importance of choosing the right niche and offers a free book, “The SEO Entrepreneur,” with access to his extensive SEO niche database.

Nathan Gotch, founder of Gotch SEO Academy and author of “The SEO Entrepreneur,” presents a video where he ranks the best ways to make money with SEO. With a focus on income potential, capital requirements, scalability, risk, and competition, Nathan provides valuable insights for beginners in the SEO industry. Techniques discussed include starting an SEO software business, one-on-one SEO consulting, getting hired as an in-house SEO professional, selling productized SEO services, starting a link building services agency, building an authority website, building a micro-niche website, starting a city-focused SEO agency, offering white label SEO services, rank and rent or local lead generation, and starting a niche SEO agency. The video also offers a free book, “The SEO Entrepreneur,” which includes access to Nathan’s comprehensive SEO niche database.

SEO Income Potential

When it comes to making money with SEO, there are various techniques and strategies to consider. In this article, we will explore the different ways you can generate income through SEO and rank them based on their income potential.

Different ways to make money with SEO

1. Starting an SEO software business: While starting an SEO software business has high income potential and scalability, it also requires a significant upfront capital investment. The competition in the SEO software industry is fierce, with many well-funded companies dominating the market.
2. One-on-One SEO consulting or coaching: One-on-One SEO consulting allows you to provide personalized guidance and advice to clients. This approach can offer a good income potential, but it is not scalable as there is a limit to the number of clients you can serve at once.
3. In-House SEO Professional: Working as an in-house SEO professional offers job security, but the income potential is limited. For those looking for a stable income and a regular paycheck, this can be a viable option.
4. Selling Productized SEO Services: Productized SEO services involve offering specific SEO services, such as on-page SEO or link building, as a packaged product. While competition may be lower in this niche, the income potential may also be lower compared to full-service SEO.
5. Starting an Authority Website: Building an authority website can provide unlimited income potential, as you can monetize your website through various means. However, it requires a significant upfront investment and ongoing capital.
6. Building a Micro-Niche Website: Building a micro-niche website is a low-risk option that requires minimal capital. It can serve as a stepping stone for beginners to learn about SEO and monetization strategies.
7. Starting a City-Focused SEO Agency: Instead of targeting a broad market, starting a city-focused SEO agency allows you to dominate a specific city or region. This approach can provide ample opportunities for local businesses and reduce competition.
8. Rank and Rent or Local Lead Generation: Rank and rent or local lead generation involves ranking a website in search engines and then renting out the leads generated to local businesses. While this can be profitable, it requires significant expertise and effort to scale.

Ranking techniques based on income potential

Based on income potential, the techniques can be ranked as follows:

1. Starting an SEO software business
2. One-on-One SEO consulting or coaching
3. In-House SEO professional
4. Selling productized SEO services
5. Starting an authority website
6. Building a micro-niche website
7. Starting a city-focused SEO agency
8. Rank and rent or local lead generation

It’s important to note that the income potential can vary depending on various factors, such as market demand, competition, and the quality of services provided.

SEO Capital Requirements

When considering starting an SEO business, it’s essential to take into account the upfront capital required for different ventures. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

1. Starting an SEO software business: As mentioned earlier, starting an SEO software business requires a significant upfront investment ranging from $10,000 to six figures. This includes costs associated with hiring developers and competing against well-funded companies.
2. One-on-One SEO consulting or coaching: One-on-One SEO consulting or coaching can be started with zero upfront capital, making it a low-risk option for beginners.
3. In-House SEO professional: Becoming an in-house SEO professional typically doesn’t require upfront capital, but job security may not be guaranteed.
4. Selling Productized SEO Services: Starting a productized SEO service doesn’t require significant upfront capital, making it an accessible option for beginners.
5. Starting an Authority Website: Building an authority website requires a substantial upfront investment in creating high-quality SEO content and conducting a concentrated link-building campaign.
6. Building a Micro-Niche Website: Building a micro-niche website is a low-cost option that requires minimal upfront capital, making it an attractive choice for beginners.
7. Starting a City-Focused SEO Agency: Starting a city-focused SEO agency has low capital requirements, as it focuses on serving a specific local market.
8. Rank and Rent or Local Lead Generation: Rank and rent or local lead generation can be challenging and require expertise, but the upfront capital required is relatively low.

It’s important to assess your financial capabilities and consider the potential return on investment when deciding where to allocate your capital.

SEO Scalability

Scalability is an essential factor to consider when evaluating different SEO income streams. Here’s a look at the scalability of various SEO income streams:

1. Starting an SEO software business: SEO software businesses have high scalability, as they can serve a large number of customers simultaneously. However, scaling up requires significant investment and resources.
2. One-on-One SEO consulting or coaching: One-on-One SEO consulting or coaching is not highly scalable, as it relies on the individual’s time and expertise. The number of clients you can work with is limited.
3. In-House SEO professional: In-House SEO professionals have limited scalability as their efforts are primarily focused on one company and its online presence.
4. Selling Productized SEO Services: The scalability of selling productized SEO services depends on how efficiently the services can be delivered. This approach can scale to a certain extent, but there are limitations due to ongoing client service requirements.
5. Starting an Authority Website: Authority websites have high scalability potential, as they can attract a large audience and generate revenue through various monetization methods.
6. Building a Micro-Niche Website: Building a micro-niche website can be leveraged for SEO clients and offer scalability potential based on how many clients you can serve.
7. Starting a City-Focused SEO Agency: Starting a city-focused SEO agency has medium scalability potential, as it allows you to serve businesses in a specific location.
8. Rank and Rent or Local Lead Generation: Rank and rent or local lead generation can be scalable, but it requires expertise and effort to scale up and generate a significant number of leads.

Considering the scalability of different SEO income streams will help you choose the approach that aligns with your growth goals and capabilities.

SEO Risk

It’s crucial to evaluate the risk factors associated with different SEO ventures before diving into any particular strategy. Here are some risk factors to consider:

1. Starting an SEO software business: Starting an SEO software business comes with high risk due to the intense competition in the market. The upfront capital required also poses a risk if the business doesn’t generate enough revenue to cover the investment.
2. One-on-One SEO consulting or coaching: While one-on-one SEO consulting or coaching carries low upfront capital risk, the income potential is capped due to the limited number of clients you can work with. Job security is also a consideration, as your income relies on your skills and client demand.
3. In-House SEO professional: The risk associated with being an in-house SEO professional lies in job security. While it may offer stability for a period, there’s always the possibility of being laid off or fired, resulting in a loss of income.
4. Selling Productized SEO Services: Selling productized SEO services carries a relatively lower risk compared to full-service SEO. However, the income potential may be lower, and success depends on managing client expectations and delivering high-quality services.
5. Starting an Authority Website: Building an authority website involves a significant upfront and ongoing capital investment. There is a risk of not generating enough traffic or revenue to cover these costs, especially in highly competitive niches.
6. Building a Micro-Niche Website: Building a micro-niche website carries a lower risk due to the minimal upfront capital required. The risk lies in choosing a niche that may not have sufficient demand or facing challenges in monetizing the website.
7. Starting a City-Focused SEO Agency: Starting a city-focused SEO agency has lower risk compared to larger, national agencies, but it still requires market research and positioning to ensure a steady flow of clients.
8. Rank and Rent or Local Lead Generation: The risk associated with rank and rent or local lead generation lies in the challenges of ranking websites and generating a consistent stream of leads. Expertise and dedication are required to mitigate these risks.

Considering the risk factors associated with different SEO ventures will help you make informed decisions and assess your risk tolerance.

SEO Competition

Competition levels in different SEO niches play a crucial role in the success of your SEO ventures. Here’s a look at the competition levels in various SEO niches:

1. Starting an SEO software business: Competition in the SEO software industry is intense, with numerous established companies and well-funded players dominating the market. Breaking into this industry can be a significant challenge for beginners.
2. One-on-One SEO consulting or coaching: While there may be competition in the one-on-one SEO consulting or coaching space, establishing a niche and building a reputation as an expert can help differentiate yourself.
3. In-House SEO professional: The competition for in-house SEO roles may vary depending on the industry and location. It’s essential to understand the job market and the demand for SEO professionals in your desired industry.
4. Selling Productized SEO Services: Selling productized SEO services allows you to focus on a specific SEO aspect or niche, reducing direct competition. Building a brand and establishing yourself as an expert can help attract clients.
5. Starting an Authority Website: Competition in the authority website space can be fierce, especially in popular niches. Differentiating your website through unique content, branding, and marketing strategies can help you stand out.
6. Building a Micro-Niche Website: Building a micro-niche website often targets less competitive niches, allowing you to rank and monetize more easily. However, it’s essential to research the demand and competition in your chosen niche.
7. Starting a City-Focused SEO Agency: Competition in the city-focused SEO agency market can vary depending on the location. Identifying local competitors and finding a unique selling proposition can give you a competitive edge.
8. Rank and Rent or Local Lead Generation: The competition in rank and rent or local lead generation depends on the specific niche and location. Researching the competition and finding untapped opportunities can be the key to success.

Understanding the competition levels in different SEO niches will help you choose the right approach and identify niches with lower competition and higher potential.

Starting an SEO Software Business

Starting an SEO software business can offer significant income potential and scalability. However, it’s not recommended for beginners due to the high upfront capital requirements and intense competition. Here’s a closer look at this venture:

High upfront capital required

Launching an SEO software business involves a substantial upfront capital investment. The costs can range from $10,000 to six figures, depending on factors such as hiring developers and creating the software infrastructure. This substantial investment can be a barrier to entry for beginners or those with limited capital.

Intense competition for beginners

The SEO software industry is highly competitive, with numerous established players and companies, including well-funded entities like SEMrush. With over 287 different SEO tools in the market, breaking through the competition and establishing a foothold can be a significant challenge for beginners.

While the income potential and scalability can be attractive, it’s important to carefully evaluate your resources, capital, and ability to compete in such a crowded market before diving into starting an SEO software business.

One-on-One SEO Consulting or Coaching

One-on-One SEO consulting or coaching can be a lucrative option with good income potential. However, it’s important to consider its scalability and evaluate job security before pursuing this path. Here’s what you need to know:

Good income potential but not scalable

Offering one-on-one SEO consulting or coaching allows you to provide personalized guidance and advice to clients. This personalized approach can command higher fees and income potential. However, it’s important to note that the income potential is capped due to the limitation of serving a limited number of clients at any given time. The number of hours you can dedicate to consulting/coaching is finite, limiting your earning potential.

Evaluating job security

Job security can be a concern when working as a one-on-one SEO consultant or coach. While the demand for SEO expertise is high, there’s always the risk of clients ending the engagement or reducing their requirements, which can impact your income. It’s essential to build a solid reputation, consistently deliver high-quality services, and continuously improve your skills to ensure a stable client base and income.

One-on-One SEO consulting or coaching can provide a good income stream, especially for individuals who enjoy working closely with clients and providing personalized guidance. However, it’s important to consider the scalability limitations and evaluate job security before committing to this venture.

In-House SEO Professional

Becoming an in-house SEO professional offers stability and job security. However, it’s essential to consider the income potential and other factors before pursuing this career path. Here’s what you need to know:

Limited income potential

As an in-house SEO professional, your income potential may be limited, especially compared to entrepreneurial ventures or high-level roles. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an SEO professional in the US is $62,000 a year. While there may be opportunities for growth and higher compensation as you progress in your career, reaching top-level positions may still result in a relatively capped income.

Job security considerations

Job security is a significant consideration when working as an in-house SEO professional. While you may have stability and a regular paycheck, the risk of layoffs or restructuring is always present. Your income and job security are tied to the company you work for, and external factors can influence their decision to retain in-house SEO professionals. Upskilling, staying on top of industry trends, and building a strong professional network can help enhance job security.

Choosing an in-house SEO career can provide stability and consistent income. However, it’s crucial to evaluate the income potential and consider the limitations of career growth and job security before committing to this path.

Selling Productized SEO Services

Selling productized SEO services can be a viable option for those looking for a lower competition niche. While it may not offer the highest income potential, it presents unique advantages. Here’s what you need to know:

Lower competition but potentially lower income

Selling productized SEO services often involves narrowing your focus to specific SEO aspects or niches. This approach allows you to differentiate yourself from more generalized SEO providers and target a smaller pool of potential clients. While this can result in lower competition, it also means that the income potential may be lower compared to offering full-service SEO solutions.

Comparison to full-service SEO

Productized SEO services can be a more accessible entry point for beginners or individuals looking to specialize in a specific area of SEO. By offering specific services, such as on-page SEO, SEO content briefs, or link bait development, you can position yourself as an expert in that niche. While the income potential may be lower, the quality of leads and clients you attract may be higher, resulting in a more streamlined and efficient working process.

Selling productized SEO services can be a good option, especially for individuals looking to establish themselves as experts in a specific SEO niche. The lower competition can provide an opportunity for growth, and focusing on a narrower service offering can streamline your operations.

Conclusion

To choose the right SEO income avenue, it’s crucial to consider various factors such as income potential, capital requirements, scalability, risk, and competition. While there are different approaches to making money with SEO, it’s important to align your goals, skills, and resources with the most suitable option.

One niche that offers significant income potential is the legal industry, particularly working with lawyers who earn millions of dollars annually. By understanding the income potential of specific niches, such as lawyers, you can tailor your services and marketing efforts to target high-paying clients.

To further explore niche opportunities and learn more about starting an SEO business, consider accessing the speaker’s SEO Niche Database, which is the largest ever assembled. This database allows you to filter niches based on competition levels, helping you find low competition SEO income avenues.

Additionally, you can order the speaker’s book, “The SEO Entrepreneur,” which provides valuable insights and strategies for starting and growing an SEO business. By ordering the book, you’ll also receive five bonuses, including the SEO Niche Database, while supplies last.

To take advantage of these resources, click the link provided below the video, and get your free book and bonuses today (while supplies last). Start your journey towards building a successful SEO business and tapping into the income potential of SEO.