The Scott Max Newsletter

In Partnership with Motion

Hi 👋, this is the Scott Max newsletter. The daily newsletter bringing you one step closer to your own thriving online business.

We analyze a wonderful, small, online business each week with a full breakdown of how it makes money, why it makes money, and its opportunities to grow. Below that, we give you the action steps to build a business like this to create freedom for yourself.

This is the best way to learn the tactics, skillset, and nuance of making money online.

Let’s get to the good stuff you'll see in this email:

• $40,000 of monthly revenue.

• An excellent demonstration of content segmentation.

• A step-by-step guide to effortlessly build a business.

But first, let me introduce our partner for this email,

Motion

Make Ads that Convert: An On-Demand Event Series.

Performance marketing expert, Dara Denney, has spent 10,000 hours & $100 million in paid social ads in the last eight years. In this exclusive Motion series, she'll walk you through how to implement creative strategy to produce high-performing ads. See tactical insights to start building high-converting campaigns today!

What does this online business do? 🚀

Hey there, in today’s issue, we're going to take you on a journey through the captivating world of an independent personal finance website that's been turning heads and wallets!

Brace yourself for some impressive figures as this business rakes in $40,000 every month.

Picture this: a financial haven that's not your typical stuffy finance blog. Nope!

This website is all about connecting with its readers, offering reviews, "how-to" guides, best-of lists, and product comparisons that speak right to your financial aspirations.

You won't believe it, but since 2016, a jaw-dropping 17 million readers have flocked to this site to get the lowdown on everything from side hustles and online jobs to budgeting, investing, and even the art of travel hacking.

Yep, they've got it all covered!

So, come on this adventure with us as we unveil the secrets of how this personal finance sensation is making it big, and let's explore the fantastic opportunities that await their future growth.

Ready to dive into next section? Let's go!

How does this online business make money? 💻

Alright, let's pull back the curtain and discover the magic behind this finance blog’s revenue streams.

Just like many successful blogs out there, this business has nailed the art of generating income through affiliate marketing and strategic advertisements.

Affiliate Marketing: 

This website has cracked the code on affiliate marketing, teaming up with various partners who offer products and services relevant to their audience.

When readers click on affiliate links and make purchases, the website earns a commission.

It's a win-win situation; readers get access to valuable recommendations, and the website earns a little something for helping them out.

Strategic Advertisements: 

You know those ads you come across while scrolling through their articles?

Well, each click or impression on those ads contributes to their income.

By thoughtfully integrating advertisements, they generate a steady stream of passive income.

By combining these two powerful strategies, this website has found a sweet spot that keeps the cash flowing and allows them to continue providing top-notch content and advice to their ever-growing community.

What has this business done well?🔥

There's no doubt that this finance website is firing on all cylinders, and there are several key factors behind their phenomenal success.

Incredible SEO Traffic: 

With over 180,000 monthly visitors and targeting a whopping 113,000 keywords, this website has mastered the art of search engine optimization.

By carefully curating content that resonates with their audience and strategically incorporating relevant keywords, they've secured a top spot on search engine results pages, attracting a steady stream of organic traffic.

Stellar CRO Optimization:

Their website is a shining example of Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) done right.

The well-designed homepage not only makes an excellent first impression on visitors but also keeps them engaged with clear categories covering various financial topics.

This thoughtful approach helps retain visitors and expertly guides them further into the website, increasing the chances of conversions.

Navigation-Friendly Design: 

With a highly segmented menu and easy access to new articles right from the homepage, this website ensures that users can find what they're looking for effortlessly.

Their user-friendly design fosters a seamless experience, encouraging readers to explore more content and spend quality time on the site.

Engaging Social Media Presence: 

A robust social media strategy has propelled this website to new heights.

With Pinterest leading the charge, boasting an impressive 50,000 followers and over 1.4 million monthly views, they have tapped into a vast audience.

Leveraging social media platforms has helped them build a strong community and drive traffic to their website.

Showcasing Noteworthy Features: 

Displaying where the blog has been featured adds an air of authority and credibility, which boosts readers' trust in their recommendations and content.

By showcasing these accomplishments, they've solidified their position as a reputable source of financial expertise.

Newsletter and Freebies Incentive: 

The website's commitment to engaging with their audience is evident through their newsletter offering and enticing freebies for new subscribers.

By providing valuable content and exclusive perks to their subscribers, they cultivate a loyal and invested readership.

What this business could improve?🔥🔥🔥

As this business continues to thrive, there are exciting opportunities on the horizon that have the potential to take them to new heights in revenue generation and lead acquisition.

Let's explore some of the blazing opportunities they can seize:

Optimize Mobile Website Speed: 

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, the number of mobile users is skyrocketing.

To tap into this growing demographic and cater to their needs effectively, the website can focus on improving its mobile website speed.

Addressing the core web vitals assessment and optimizing page load times on mobile devices will result in a frictionless browsing experience for their on-the-go audience.

A swift and user-friendly mobile site can lead to increased engagement, lower bounce rates, and ultimately more conversions and revenue.

Diversify Income Through Podcasts: 

The topics covered by this personal finance website are ripe for a broader auditory experience.

Venturing into the world of podcasts presents an incredible opportunity for them to reach a vast audience hungry for financial knowledge and freedom.

By sharing their expertise through engaging and insightful podcast episodes, they can connect with millions of listeners, spreading their message far beyond the written articles.

Podcasts offer unique opportunities for sponsorships, partnerships, and advertisement revenue, further diversifying their income streams.

Interactive Financial Tools: 

Creating interactive financial tools can be a game-changer for this website.

By offering practical tools like budget calculators, investment planners, or savings goal trackers, they can enhance user engagement and loyalty.

These tools not only add value to their readers but also encourage them to stay on the website longer, fostering a stronger connection with the brand.

The Reveal, check this online business out for yourself 👀

Get ready to meet the brilliant mind behind "The Ways To Wealth" – none other than Raymond John Weiss, affectionately known as R.J. Weiss.

With a decade of experience in the financial industry and the prestigious Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation under his belt, R.J. Weiss is a true expert in the field.

But it was his deep passion for personal finance that led him to embark on an exciting journey.

In 2016, when his second child was born and finances were tight, R.J. Weiss decided to take a chance and launch "The Ways To Wealth".

At the time, exceeding $1,000 per month in earnings would have been a dream come true.

Fast forward to today, and R.J. Weiss 's website has become a trusted source for over 17 million readers, generating an impressive $40,000 in monthly revenue.

Through affiliate marketing and strategic advertisements, he has turned his passion into a remarkable success.

R.J. Weiss, is not just a financial expert but a relatable and inspiring figure, dedicated to empowering millions with the knowledge to improve their financial lives.

So, let's give a round of applause to the man behind "The Ways To Wealth" – R.J. Weiss!

The Takeaway, What We Learned 🎓

• Harness the Power of Niche Strategy: The success of "The Ways To Wealth" is a testament to the effectiveness of niche and segmentation strategy. By focusing on a specific area – personal finance – and establishing expertise in that field, you can differentiate your blog and attract a dedicated audience.

• Embrace Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Prioritize SEO efforts to drive organic traffic to your blog. Invest in keyword research, produce valuable content, and optimize your website's structure to improve visibility and attract relevant readers.

• Leverage Social Proof and User-Friendly Design: Build trust with your audience by showcasing customer reviews, ratings, and features in reputable media. Additionally, invest in a user-friendly website design with clear navigation, intuitive layout, and effective call-to-action buttons to keep visitors engaged.

• Diversify Income Streams: Explore various revenue streams, such as affiliate marketing, ads, and premium subscriptions. Diversification can bolster your blog's financial stability and open up new opportunities for growth.

• Engage with Your Audience: Foster a loyal community by engaging with your audience through social media, newsletters, and exclusive freebies. Building a strong rapport with your readers can lead to repeat business and word-of-mouth recommendations.

• Stay Updated and Adapt: The digital landscape evolves rapidly. Stay informed about industry trends, new technologies, and emerging platforms. Embrace change, adapt your strategies, and be open to exploring new opportunities.

• Optimize Mobile Experience: As mobile usage continues to rise, prioritize mobile website speed and performance. A seamless mobile experience enhances user satisfaction and contributes to better rankings on search engines.

• Incorporate Podcasts: Extend your blog's reach by exploring the world of podcasts. Engaging audio content can captivate a broader audience and create opportunities for sponsorships and partnerships.

• Interactive Tools for User Engagement: Introduce interactive financial tools that add value to your readers and keep them actively involved on your blog. Calculators, planners, and trackers can enhance user experience and encourage return visits.

Action Steps if you’d like to start a business like this… 👩‍💻

If you’re already up and running with an online business, keep with it and try to implement some of the lessons you might have found in this email.

If not, I very highly recommend our free course in digital marketing & business at Max Business School.

You’ll learn all the fundamental skill to build an online income like the one we did a case study on in this email.

Here’s what to expect:

Week 1 - Fundamentals

In this week, you will establish a solid digital marketing foundation. The focus will be on personal branding, but the concepts apply to other business models as well. You will explore:

• WordPress Website Development: Learn to create a professional and user-friendly website using WordPress, a powerful and widely-used platform for various online businesses.

• SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Understand the basics of SEO to increase online visibility and attract organic traffic to their websites.

• Web Analytics: Discover how to analyze website data using tools like Google Analytics to gain valuable insights into user behavior and make data-driven decisions.

Week 2 - How to start a business

In this week you will delve into expanding the online presence and driving traffic to your website. You will get to learn about:

• Email Marketing: Understand the importance of building an email list and learn effective email marketing strategies to nurture leads and convert them into customers.

• Search Engine Marketing (SEM): Dive into the world of paid advertising and explore techniques to run successful ad campaigns on search engines like Google.

Week 3 - How to grow a business

The final week will focus on harnessing the power of social media platforms for business growth. You will discover:

• Social Media Marketing: Discover how to develop and implement social media strategies to engage with the target audience and build brand loyalty.

• Facebook and Instagram Ads: Explore advanced advertising techniques on these popular platforms to reach a wider audience and generate leads.

Get started now 

Before You Go 👋

Thank you for reading.

In my next email, I’ll have another business breakdown for you.

Remember, if you know someone who might like this newsletter, sharing is caring.

If you are ready to get started with your own business, one of the first steps is always a website. Click here for our exclusive hosting deal and click here for an invite to our Max Business School community where you’ll hang out with thousands of fellow ambitious business builders.

Remember to check out the classroom tab (top left corner) for all of our free courses teaching you all you need to succeed online.

Bye for now,

Scott Max