Summary of The Side Hustle Show Episode 684: "$500 Per Client Per Month: Why Local SEO Should Be Your Next Side Hustle"

Host: Nick Loper
Guest: Eric Dingler, Owner of InTransit Studios
Release Date: July 17, 2025

1. Introduction to Local SEO as a Side Hustle

In this episode, Nick Loper introduces local SEO as a lucrative and relatively straightforward side hustle. He brings in Eric Dingler, who manages a six-figure digital agency while traveling globally with his family. Eric emphasizes the enduring demand for local SEO services, highlighting its resilience compared to regular SEO, which faces increasing competition from AI-driven tools.

Notable Quote:
Nick Loper [00:01]: "I've got a relatively simple recurring revenue side Hustle you could start today even."

2. The Great Opportunity in Local SEO

Eric explains the vast market potential for local SEO, noting that millions of small businesses have yet to claim and optimize their Google Business Profiles. He underscores the continuous reliance on platforms like Google Maps and Apple Maps for local searches, asserting that this demand is unlikely to diminish.

Notable Quote:
Eric Dingler [02:15]: "Only about 20, 25% of businesses have claimed their Google business profile and have optimized it. So 75% of the local businesses around you haven't done this yet."

3. Steps to Start Selling Local SEO

Eric outlines a step-by-step approach for beginners interested in launching a local SEO side hustle:

• Sell the Service First: Even without technical expertise, Eric advises selling the service to secure initial funding.

• Set Clear Expectations: Communicate realistic timelines (e.g., four to eight weeks) to clients.

• Leverage Social Media: Create a beta test post seeking local businesses willing to participate in an SEO experiment for increased visibility.

Notable Quote:
Eric Dingler [04:27]: "The first thing you're going to do is you're going to go sell it."

4. Service Delivery and Setting Up Systems

Once clients are secured, Eric details the execution phase:

• Content Collection: Obtain high-quality images of the business.

• Content Creation: Use AI tools to generate engaging posts tailored to the business's needs.

• Scheduling Posts: Regularly update the Google Business Profile with new content to enhance visibility.

Notable Quote:
Eric Dingler [10:34]: "You're going to do it one time. Then you're going to create the 12 pieces of content and you're going to go in once a week and add those."

5. Pricing and Building Recurring Revenue

Eric discusses pricing strategies, suggesting an initial one-time SEO boost priced around $500. He shares his experience of selling the service for $1,300 initially and advises adjusting based on confidence and market response. The goal is to transition from one-time services to ongoing monthly packages, enhancing revenue stability.

Notable Quote:
Eric Dingler [03:44]: "If you're as arrogant as I am, you can do that. But if you're a little more like, I don't know, that makes me nervous. Start lower. That's okay."

6. Scaling Up and Building a Remote Team

As the side hustle grows, Eric emphasizes the importance of scaling operations by building a remote team. This allows for efficient service delivery without compromising profit margins. He shares his strategy of hiring remote talent to handle content creation and client management, enabling his agency to expand while maintaining flexibility.

Notable Quote:
Eric Dingler [29:23]: "We have an amazing person on my team from El Salvador. She's a rock star. And this is all she does for us. She only does local SEO content."

7. Additional Services: Reputation Management and Accessibility Compliance

To increase monthly recurring revenue, Eric recommends offering supplementary services:

• Reputation Management: Helping businesses collect and manage customer reviews.

• Accessibility Compliance: Ensuring websites meet ADA standards, which not only broadens customer reach but also fulfills legal requirements.

Notable Quote:
Eric Dingler [39:18]: "Accessibility is both a social justice issue as well as a good for business... Accessibility is a whole another new fascinating world, but I don't think I would try to get into it as a side hustle."

8. Marketing and Client Acquisition

Eric highlights the effectiveness of local networking over digital-only strategies. Building relationships within local business associations and hosting community-focused initiatives, like podcasts, can lead to steady client acquisition. Strategic partnerships, such as with commercial real estate agents, further bolster client referrals and business growth.

Notable Quote:
Eric Dingler [46:12]: "The fastest way to $25,000 a month in recurring revenue is local networking."

9. Final Tips and Conclusion

In his closing advice, Eric stresses the importance of leadership and list building as foundational skills for scaling a side hustle. He advises entrepreneurs to delegate technical tasks, focus on client relationships, and continuously build their contact lists to sustain and grow their businesses.

Notable Quotes:
Eric Dingler [49:11]: "Real estate agents don't build the houses they sell. So don't fall into the trap that you have to be the one doing it."

Nick Loper [49:44]: "Leadership and list building."

Key Takeaways

• High Demand: A significant portion of local businesses have untapped potential in optimizing their online presence.

• Simple Start: Begin by selling the service, even with minimal technical skills, then invest in learning and service delivery.

• Recurring Revenue: Transition from one-time services to monthly packages to ensure steady income.

• Scaling Efficiently: Utilize remote teams to maintain high service quality while managing costs.

• Diverse Services: Expand offerings with reputation management and accessibility compliance to increase client value and revenue.

• Effective Marketing: Prioritize local networking and strategic partnerships over solely digital marketing efforts.

For more detailed guidance and to download Eric Dingler’s Local SEO Side Hustle Checklist, visit EricDingler.com/sidehustle.