How You Can Make A Killing This Weekend
All of you have one skill that a lot of other people don't have.
You know how to build a website in WordPress, and you know how to change a theme.
Here's a plan for you to implement this weekend.
1.) Search in Google for some local business-related terms, such as "Chiropractor, New York" or something (the list is almost endless).
Do this on your mobile. Not on desktop or even a tablet.
2.) Look at the search results. A lot of them will have a little "Mobile-friendly" line next to them. A lot of them won't.
3.) Make a list of all the ones that aren't mobile friendly.
Here's where you come in.
Next week (April 21st), Google will be implementing a change to its ranking algorithm and removing all websites that are not mobile friendly from its mobile searches. I'm pretty sure it will also reduce their ranking on its desktop searches as well.
This link explains it more: http://searchengineland.com/library/google/google-mobile-friendly-update
So here's what you do with the list.
4.) When you find a non-mobile friendly site, add /wp-admin after its URL. If you get an error, move on. If you find a wp login screen, congrats, you found a site running on wordpress.
5.) You know how to change theme on wordpress right?
6.) Send them an email, explain that if they don't fix their site by Tuesday, they'll vanish from the mobile searches and lose up to 50% of their web traffic. (Make sure to target sites on page 1-2 of Google, because they will actually have search traffic).
7.) Offer to help them rectify this. You can get their site ready in time if they want your help. Charge them $500 to get it done by the end of next week, or $750 to get it done by the deadline. Or go for $250 if you're not super confident in your skills. Either way, it's a 30 minute job.
8.) Login to their wordpress site and give them a responsive theme. Make sure it looks good. Invest in a premium theme if you can. Maybe even hire a good developer off odesk.com if you don't feel confident enough. Remember, you're being paid handsomely.
9.) Job done.
Tips:
Target people on page 1 or 2. Target websites that are for professionals who are probaby independent. These people will a.) Not likely have a web developer or team. b.) Have income to pay you.
Even better if you target people who rely on web traffic.
If you word your email well and can do a good job upgrading a site, you can do very well.
You're welcome.
Dom
Recent Comments
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I really wish I was more confident in my skills to even consider doing this. But I might send you a pm about it later if that is alright with you =). Ingenious though and great for almost anyone as you could easily target businesses in your area and even go out of your way to go meet them in person after the initial contact.
This could def get you on their radar for anyone looking to start doing more local business as you will probably get some word of mouth referrals as well.
Now just a general question, arent most premium themes now a days responsive? I would figure they would be keeping up to date at this point. Which to me means that many of these businesses that are not responsive are probably using a free theme to begin with. Which means if you could invest in putting a premium theme up there you already give them added value to be more flexible with their site in the future.
Yeah that's a good point.
To be fair though even with a lack of confidence, you know enough about to to hire a freelancer for say $50-100 who will do a decent job
Would you recommend knocking up a quick siterubix WP site as a professional 'front' or am I thinking into this too deeply? :)
C
Perhaps if someone is interested, you could do a "mock-up" of their site using SR. I wouldn't present SR as my business front, given that it's a subdomain.
Hmmm... that sounds like making extra work for myself, but I will keep it in my back pocket for persuasion purposes, should it be needed!
Good point about SR.. although the investment of $10 to buy a domain is probably worth it if you stand to make $100s. I was just thinking that if I owned a business and someone randomly contacted me out of the blue offering to do something like that, the first thing I would do is check them out to make sure they are for real. And I would use the internet for that, so no website, and I'd be skeptical.
I'm almost sold.. off to do some research :)
Thanks Dom!
C
Thanks to WA, I could knock one up in half an hour or so, I reckon.. and if they want to see examples of my niche sites, I'd have no problem directing them to a couple to look at what I can do. Definitely food for thought, though.. in fact, better than that, it's a bloody excellent idea! Appreciate you sharing it with us, will let you know how I get on if I decide to take the plunge :)
C
Hi Dom!!!!! You are the epitomy of a true networked art WA....this is excellent sharing and direction. I am proud to know you.
Thanks Dom - this is great advice. If I weren't so busy with my other work right now I would give it a go - I might even try to fit it in anyay. Glyn
I do have one question: what makes a theme mobile friendly? I know you say give them a responsive theme but will it indicate that it is mobile friendly before you change the theme?
You can use the WP/touch Plugin and some others out there to have your site mobile friendly. Hope that helps
Most themes will say they are responsive. If you're paid in advance, buy a premium one (99% are responsive) for $50-100
Wow...now, that is how yout use your noggin folks. Even the suggestion to contract the job out to get it done. What a great business mind! Thanks for sharing such a valuable idea with us. You are appreciated.
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Thanks Dom,
Not quite ready for prime time.