GM, SideNerds! 💼💰

We’ve all daydreamed about making money from the comfort of our living room. Well, today’s side hustle is an opportunity to do just that. What if you could track storms, gather leads (residents in need) and direct them to local businesses? 

News flash – you can. 

Time for the deep dive 🤿

Opportunity is Brewing ☕

As the storm season quickly approaches, you can stay on top of the alerts for your own safety, but you can also throw local businesses a bone, help out residents, and rake in some bucks while you’re at it. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Pick Your Tool: As citizens are warned nationwide about severe weather, you’ll want to already have a tool in place that allows you to track this information. The best tools will provide you with personalized storm data.

• Strategic Mailers: Three (3) days before the storm, you send out postcards to relevant households (leads). Each postcard will include a QR code, tapping directly into customers’ immediate needs: 

  • Roofing

  • Restoration

  • Tree Service

  • Other services

Here’s an example of a tool that can help you get your hands on the necessary data. 

Why QR Codes?

Once customers scan the QR codes, this will take them to unique landing pages providing information to residents during the storm season. The landing pages must be simple and effective allowing users to fill out forms or dial a contact number for immediate service. You can then sell these contacts to local service companies for anything between $50 - $200 per lead.

You will want to ensure the intake form includes First Name, Last Name, Phone, Email, and Weather Related Incident Information. Intake forms can be built with Google Forms, TypeForm, JotForm, and many more!

Check out the following video as an example of how to build a website landing page for lead generation. 👇

The Magic Behind The Mailer

How are you so sure the mailers work? 

• Peak Relevance: The mailers are sent out during storm season. This means people have an immediate need for the service being provided. 

• Strong Leads: Businesses can be sure that they are receiving quality leads due to the urgency and relevance of the demand.

Remember, Keep it Simple

This model relies heavily on sticking to the script. 

• One, Simple Design: Use the same website and postcard for each storm to streamline your focus. You won’t get extra brownie points for being ‘original’. You’ll just end up losing money. 

• Proven & Tested: Keep repeating the strategy until you have a good cadence down. With a little dedication, you’ll get into your rhythm.

Why You’ll Love This

Once you put in the work, it’s hard to go wrong with this side hustle: 

• High-income potential - the smarter you work, the more you earn.

• Zero overhead costs.

• Minimal cost to get started.

• Simple & effective strategy.

Putting It All Together! How To Monetize?

Okay, let’s put it all together now, because you’re probably wondering “How the heck do I make money doing this? Here’s how you can turn impending weather warnings into lucrative leads for local businesses, all while sitting comfortably in your living room.

Step 1: Catch the Forecast Early 🌩️ Timing is everything. Subscribe to national weather alert services to receive the latest updates on major storm developments. This early information is your first asset in the lead generation process. Example: Tomorrow.io 

Step 2: Prepare Your Marketing Tools ⚙️ Equip yourself with a user-friendly website and design eye-catching postcards that feature QR codes. These should be ready to deploy at a moment's notice. The design needs to be clean and professional, reassuring potential clients that quality services are just a scan away. Start with a tool like Canva.com to make this easier for you.

Step 3: Customize Your Approach 🎯 As a storm approaches, tailor your postcards to address potential damages specific to the forecast—be it roofing issues from hail or fallen trees from high winds. This customization makes the mailer immediately relevant and increases the likelihood of engagement.

Step 4: Quick Distribution 📬 Timing your mailer’s arrival is crucial. Aim for delivery 2-3 days before the storm hits. This ensures your postcard is at the top of the pile and the services offered are immediately actionable.

Step 5: Sell Those Leads 💸 Once the QR code is scanned, the homeowner is directed to your landing page where they can input their details to receive assistance. Each completed form becomes a hot lead. These leads are then sold to local businesses specialized in the relevant services. Pricing can vary, but remember, the more desperate the need due to the storm, the higher the lead value.

Example: If you can collect 500 leads per storm and sell them for $50 each, that is a whopping $25,000. 🤯🤯🤯

Step 6: Rinse and Repeat 🔄 Use the same successful template for each storm, adapting only the specific services based on the nature of the weather event. This method not only saves time but also builds a reliable framework for consistent income.

This strategy isn’t just about making money; it’s about creating a reliable support network during times when your community most needs it. By providing a legitimate, timely service, you build trust and value in your brand—one storm at a time.