Imagine building a website in under 15 minutes using AI and simple no-code tools, and then selling it to a local business. Not just for a quick payout, but as the gateway to a recurring revenue stream that pays you $5,000, $10,000, or even $100,000 or more every single month.
Click here to watch the video version of this article
I started my first web design agency over a decade ago, and since then, I’ve transformed it into a million-dollar business, creating marketing campaigns for companies like Google, Meta, Amazon, Snapchat, Logitech, Adobe, and thousands more.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through the simple blueprint I use to sell websites to local businesses. I’ll show you the exact website templates that allow you to copy and paste an entire website into your client’s account in minutes. Plus, I’ll reveal the method I use to turn simple, sometimes even free, websites into multi-thousand-dollar marketing retainers.
This is one of the most irresistible offers you can present to a client and has the potential to transform your agency and life into one that gives you complete time, location, and financial freedom.
But before we get into the specifics, let me tell you a quick story about… an apple tree.
The Apple Tree Lesson
That’s right, an apple tree. Years ago, I planted a tiny apple seed, not knowing how valuable it would one day become. With time and the right care, it grew into a tree overflowing with apples—more than I could ever eat.
Here’s the key: Selling websites to local businesses is just like planting that seed. At first, it might seem small and insignificant—like building a simple website in 15 minutes using a template. But, with the right care and strategy, that small effort can grow into something far more valuable. Just like my apple tree, a well-planted website can become a continuous source of income that pays you month after month.
But none of this matters if you can’t get your “apple seeds”—or in this case, clients—in the first place. So let’s start there and break down the simple blueprint I use to sell websites to local businesses.
The Simple Blueprint to Sell Websites to Local Businesses
First, you need to understand that when a business owner hires someone to build a website, they want it to do three specific things, in this order:
- Get More Customers: The single most important thing for a business owner is that their website brings them more leads, customers, and sales.
- Low Maintenance: They want the website to be easy to manage and not something they’ll have to constantly update or deal with technical issues.
- Better Online Presence: Sure, they want a website that makes them look good, but that’s lower on the priority list compared to gaining more customers.
They don’t care about whether you use WordPress, Wix, or custom code. They don’t care about HTML, CSS, or widgets. What they care about is making the cash register ring.
This is why you won’t pitch them on “fancy designs” or technical aspects. Instead, you’re going to focus on how your website will make them more money, which is their primary concern.
Two Simple Email Pitches
Now, let me show you two simple email scripts you can use to get clients knocking on your door, regardless of whether they already have a website or not.
If They Already Have a Website:
Hey [first name], I was searching for a [niche] in [city] and came across your site—great reviews, by the way!
I found a few things on your website that are easy to fix, so I built you a new one that’s optimized for more leads and sales.
Would it be okay to send you the link to check it out?
– [Your Name]
If They Do NOT Have a Website:
Hey [first name], I was looking for a [niche] in [city] but couldn’t find a website for your business.
I know this is unexpected, but I built you one. Would it be okay to send you the link to check it out?
– [Your Name]
You can deliver these messages via email, DM, or even in person. The important thing is to get your message in front of as many business owners as possible.
What to Do When They Say “Yes”
So, what happens when a client responds with, “Yes, please send me the link to check out the website”? Here’s how to quickly deliver a professional site using AI and no-code tools.
Building Websites in 15 Minutes Using AI and No-Code
When someone says “yes,” don’t worry—you don’t have to create a custom website from scratch every time.
That would be overwhelming and time-consuming. Instead, you’ll use simple tools like HighLevel to handle most of the work for you.
Here’s a link to sign up for an extended free trial with HighLevel: HighLevel Extended Free Trial
How to Get Started:
- Choose a Template: Go to “Sites” in HighLevel, click “Websites,” and select “+ New Website.”
- Select a Niche-Specific Template: HighLevel offers a range of pre-built templates for different industries, from plumbers to roofers to dentists.
- Customize the Content: Use ChatGPT to generate high-converting website copy tailored to your client’s business. You can find the copy and paste prompt directly below.
Website Content ChatGPT Prompt
Copy and paste the following prompt into ChatGPT in order to have it create your website content for you.
It’s best if you’re able to give it some guidance in regards to your niche, location, competitors, etc… but if there’s anything you don’t know or don’t have access to the prompt is designed to try to fill in the blanks as much as possible
—START OF WEBSITE CHATGPT PROMPT—
Hey ChatGPT, I need help creating high-converting website copy for a [niche] business. I’m not exactly sure about my target audience, USP, or the main benefits yet, so I’d appreciate it if you could assume some of these based on common industry trends or research for me.
The primary goal of the copy is to generate leads and get people to call. The tone of the copy should be professional but also conversational and I would like for you to write it in the marketing style of Adam Erhart.
Here are a few details:
- Niche: [Construction company, digital marketing agency, doggy daycare, etc.]
- Location: [City/Region]
- Competitors/Inspiration: [Any websites or companies you admire]
- Target Audience: [Residential, commercial, or any customer specifics you know]
- Key Services: [Any standout or unique services you want to highlight]
If you can, provide suggestions for the target audience, USP, and key benefits based on what’s typically effective in this space.
The copy should include:
- A compelling headline
- An engaging subheadline
- A short ‘About Us’ section with 2 benefits
- Persuasive body content
- 3 services we offer and the features/benefits of each
- Bullet points
- Customer testimonials
- FAQ section with 3-5 FAQs
- Multiple strong calls-to-action (CTAs)
—END OF WEBSITE CHATGPT PROMPT—
Once you have your template and copy, you’ll just need to make a few adjustments—swap out their business name and logo—and you’re good to go. You’ve now got a website that looks custom-built and only took you minutes to create.
NOTE: If any of these directions sound confusing, you can check out the video here that shows you what this looks like: VIDEO LINK
Turning Free Websites into Multi-Thousand Dollar Marketing Retainers
Here’s where it gets even more interesting. Instead of selling the website for $100 or $300 per month, my favorite strategy is to give the website away for free—and then turn it into a multi-thousand-dollar monthly retainer.
Why This Works
These simple websites act as Trust Magnets—an easy way to build credibility with your clients. You’re showing them you can deliver results upfront, which opens the door to higher-value services.
Here are just a few examples of how you can upsell additional services once you’ve built the website:
- Add a Chat Widget: Capture more leads by adding a chat feature to the site.
- SEO Optimization: Help them rank higher on Google and increase their visibility.
- Google Reviews Automation: Use tools like HighLevel to automatically request reviews and boost their local reputation.
This method turns a one-time website into an ongoing relationship with your client, where you can continuously offer services that increase their revenue—and yours.
Conclusion
Selling websites to local businesses can be incredibly lucrative, especially when you leverage AI and no-code tools to streamline the process. By focusing on how your websites will bring more customers to your clients, you’ll close more deals and build long-term relationships.
And by turning these simple websites into marketing retainers, you open the door to endless income potential.
And if you’re curious about how we help you start & scale a successful and wildly profitable agency of your very own you can check out our Agency Accelerator program here: Start & Scale Your Agency
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Affiliate Disclaimer: Alright, brace yourself—here comes the affiliate disclaimer! Now, I’ve done my best to pack as much value into this as humanly possible, but full transparency: I’m a paid affiliate of HighLevel. Yep, that means if you sign up through my link and decide to stick around as a paying customer (which I totally think you will, because it’s awesome), I’ll earn a commission. Does that make me biased? Absolutely. But biased and right is still a win in my book—because honestly, this is hands down the best marketing tool out there.
