If you are new and want to know how to start digital leasing, I will break it down as simply as possible. There are a lot of moving parts, but no step is impossible.
1. Pick Your Niche and Location
Successful digital leasing usually means picking a service people need (think roofers, pest control, dentists), and a city or area where demand is steady but competition is not crazy.
- Use free tools like Google Trends and Keyword Planner
- Check the top results for terms like “dentist in Boise”
- See if the existing sites look old or weak (less competition)
2. Buy a Relevant Domain
Find a name that is direct, with the service and location in it if you can , “boiseroofrepair.com” is better than “bestoptionsite123.com”.
3. Build Out the Website
The site does not need to look amazing, but it must load fast, be mobile-friendly, and have obvious calls to action (phone numbers, quote forms).
Pages you usually need:
- Home
- Service
- About
- Contact
- FAQs
Sometimes it helps to add location pages if targeting suburbs.
4. Content and SEO Basics
Add content with keywords that people search for. Do not overdo it (you can get penalized for that). Write as if you are talking to a local customer. Add location info: city, zip code, local landmarks.
SEO means:
- Getting listed on local directories (Yelp, Google My Business, Bing Places)
- Acquiring backlinks (other sites linking to yours, even a few local ones help)
- Ongoing tweaks as Google changes
5. Add Lead Tracking
The whole point is to generate leads. Use:
- Call tracking (there are many cheap tools for this)
- Unique forms that email you when filled
Check that these work before pitching local businesses.
6. Wait for Rankings and Leads
This is slow. Sometimes weeks, often months. Check search rankings weekly, and make small updates to improve.
7. Reach Out to Businesses
When your site starts getting leads, contact relevant local businesses. Keep your message simple:
- Show proof of leads
- Offer a 1-2 week trial if they do not trust you yet
- Be prepared for rejection (most say no at first)
8. Rent the Site or Sell the Leads
You can charge:
- Flat monthly fee (easy to track, less admin)
- Pay-per-lead (more work, can add up if you get many leads)
Some businesses like one, some like the other. Try both.
Most successful digital leasers have to pitch several businesses before one says yes. It’s a numbers game.
9. Keep the Site Up and Rankings High
Check that everything works monthly. Update content, add reviews, watch for lost rankings. Sometimes competition will try to outrank you , be ready to learn and update.
A Table: The Steps and Possible Time Needed
| Step | Time Needed |
|---|---|
| Pick niche/location | 1-2 days |
| Buy domain/build site | 2-7 days |
| Write content/SEO | 7-21 days |
| Wait for rankings | 30-180+ days |
| Find renters | 2-14 days |
Not everyone follows the same timeline, but this is the range I have seen.
Tips to Get Your First Digital Leasing Win
- Pick an easier city, not always the biggest one
- Reach out to small businesses, not just big companies
- Start with one site and see if you enjoy the process before expanding
I wish I had done this myself. Starting too wide made everything harder.
Learning from Mistakes
My first site had a great-looking homepage but terrible rankings. I spent too much time on design, not enough on keywords or back-links. That’s a lesson learned.
What to Avoid When Starting
Do not try to copy big sites or aim for “best plumber in USA.” Be local and be realistic. You can’t win everywhere.
Some people start with 5-10 sites at once, hoping one will stick. That leads to burnout for most. Try one or two until something sticks.
Finishing Thoughts
Learning how to start digital leasing can look easy, but the work and waiting are real. Pick niches carefully, keep your build simple, and focus on results, not fancy design. The first win feels best, but it may take several tries. If you are patient, you have a good shot.