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This 44-Year-Old Earns $8k/Month From His Site Working Just 4 Hours Per Day
Tory Jon has been in the SEO game for more than 2 decades and, in his own words, “I’ve failed a lot and succeeded a lot, but most importantly, I’ve learned and persevered.”
One of his most recent successful projects is his RV website, Camper FAQs. Tory’s goal is to create a massive resource and community around RV travel. His site is currently earning $8k/month during peak season. In this interview, he offers some fantastic tips, tricks, and ideas as he navigates the ever-changing SEO landscape.
Keep reading to find out:
- More about his SEO background
- Why he created his RV website
- Where his earnings come from
- His main marketing strategy
- How he uses Pinterest and Google Ads
- His thoughts on keywords
- His approach to link building
- How he creates content
- What he’s doing with his email list
- His go-to resources and tools
- The biggest challenge he’s faced
- His greatest accomplishment
- His advice for other entrepreneurs
Meet Tory Jon
My name’s Tory, and I’ve been involved in online marketing and website creation since 2001!
Over the last 22 years, I’ve founded, bought, and sold 50+ websites, started my own website design and marketing business, created a mobile app to help find missing children, and worked for a half-billion-dollar distribution company in the Midwest as the SEO manager.
I’ve seen the rise and fall of many SEO and ad-related agencies (I went to a party at the Playboy Mansion for the now-defunct agency Epic Ads) and many popular online marketers. I’ve failed and succeeded a lot, but most importantly, I’ve learned and persevered.
Today, I still consider myself a student of the game and learn something new every day. As far as my online business, I work with a few clients on their SEO/website needs (though I’m trying to dial that down), and I own half a dozen websites.
One of those websites is Camper FAQs.
All of the websites in my portfolio are in niches I’m personally involved and interested in, which isn’t a necessity, but I’ve learned it helps keep motivation high, burn out to a minimum, and just makes the work fun.
Why He Created Camper FAQs
I created Camper FAQs back in 2019 with the goal of creating a massive resource and community around something I was interested in—RV travel.
It was never meant to be just another small niche site but a large hub for those interested in the RV and camping lifestyle. The timing was right, as the site really started to gain steam during the pandemic, which saw an explosion in RV travel.
How Much Money Tory’s Making
Camper FAQs is a seasonal site, but this site alone earns around $8k/month during peak RV season (April to October). We are just entering the camping and RV travel season now, so it’s starting to gain steam again.
I have many income streams!
Mediavine, Amazon products, and so many other affiliate services and products it’s hard to count, from RV rental affiliates (which can earn over $100 per sign-up) to RV membership affiliate programs, etc.
I also have my own store with a full line of downloadable RV checklists, planners, directories, and more.
The income breaks down to about 40% from ads, 50% from affiliates, and 10% from my own products. But that varies on RPMs, which are currently way down compared to last year.
I typically work about 4 hours per day on my business, 6 days a week.
His Top Marketing Strategy
SEO is my wheelhouse, so in the past, it’s been my go-to marketing strategy so much so that I’ve really neglected other traffic channels like Facebook, Twitter, etc., which I’m just starting to focus on for Camper FAQs.
Pinterest has been a really good traffic driver for this website though (and all of my websites really) with little effort. And I handle the entire pinning process myself.
I simply create three pins using Canva for each post I publish, which only takes minutes, and schedule them out using the Pinterest pin scheduler. That’s it. Over time, you will slowly build followers, pin views, and traffic to your site.
I’m also sending traffic to link-worthy content like statistics pages, etc., using Google ads to naturally gain backlinks. There are different ways to do this, but essentially I create an ad campaign for a max CPC of 0.03, which isn’t hard to get cheap clicks to informational content and track the results.
Finally, I recently created an affiliate program for my store to help drive targeted traffic to my products. They’re all digital download products so that I can entice affiliates with huge commission rates.
I’m sitting at around a dozen affiliates right now, so if you’re in the RV or camping niche, please check it out and sign up! This is a new space for me, but hopefully, it will become a quality traffic source that doesn’t rely on search engines.
Tory’s Thoughts on SEO
Even though I’m trying to maximize other forms of traffic, search engines are still a major traffic source, so they will be an important part of my business until AI completely takes over… just kidding!
Finding “easier” to rank for keywords starts with Ahrefs Keyword Explorer, Google autosuggest, Google’s PAA questions, and related searches, for the most part.
Once I have my main keyword, I try to find as many supporting topics around it as possible. Then, when I have a thorough list, I look at the SERPs for each. This is a must to find search intent and see what pages and sites are ranking.
For my main keyword, I don’t care how difficult it is to rank for, but for all of my supporting article keywords, I actually use a loose version of Spencer’s keyword search analysis guidelines.
The topical authority often drives that main page to the top of the results. But even if they don’t, those supporting pages almost always rank well, and I can funnel that traffic to the main page.
Link Building
Having links pointing at your site is extremely important, unfortunately. Many sites are crushing it with mediocre product reviews and other questionable content based on the strength of their link profile. And Google doesn’t seem to have an answer to that problem yet.
So, I use HARO, manual outreach, and Google ads to build links. Manual outreach doesn’t have to mean begging for a link. For example, I just created a “best of” article, and I reached out to the promoter of the ten shows I was covering and asked for pictures. They were all really nice and sent me pictures, and two of them linked to my article from their website. I didn’t even have to ask.
Tory’s Content Creation Process
I’ve used every content writing service under the sun, even those highly recommended by popular online marketers, and none of them worked out. Even if the content is ok, it’s never consistently ok, in my opinion. And I don’t want to pay for ok content.
I’ve found quality writers on UpWork, and believe it or not, Fiverr. Actually, my two best writers both started on Fiverr. The trick there is to find a writer who specializes in a particular niche.
For example, if you have a yoga-related website, there are multiple Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT certified) writers on Fiverr. Of course, this might not work for every niche.
His Email List
My email list is something I’m always trying to grow as it’s another way to future-proof your site’s traffic, funnel users to any offers you might have, or promote affiliate offers right in the newsletter.
I refuse to put pop-ups on my sites because, in my opinion, they’re disruptive, frustrating, and just lead to a bad user experience, which is the opposite of what I’m trying to do with my websites. That almost certainly leads to fewer sign-ups than what I’d get if I used them, but I do have an in-content form and sidebar form to grow my list.
I’ve been experimenting with adding hover effects on these forms using simple CSS as a non-intrusive and zero-speed impact way to bring user attention to them.
For example, as a user scrolls down the screen and their cursor goes over the form, it changes color, and the email input field highlights, bringing their attention to it.
His Favorite Resources
I highly recommend listening to the interviews on the Niche Pursuits podcast, and I’m not just saying that because I’m being interviewed by them. It truly is the best way to learn and get ideas to potentially implement in your own business.
I’m also a big fan of the Authority Hacker podcast/Youtube videos.
Other than that, Twitter is actually a great place to follow industry news and like-minded website owners and get actionable tips and advice.
Jared Bauman and Gael Breton are good follows for actionable tips, for example, and Glenn Gabe and Barry Schwartz are good follows for search industry news. That said, take it all with a grain of salt and test things out for yourself.
His Go-To Tools
I’ve used hundreds of tools over the years, and currently, my three go-to tools, the ones I use every day, are Ahrefs, Canva, and Grammarly.
Not overly exciting, I know, but they help get the job done and are the only paid tools I’ve consistently used year in and year out. I suspect some sort of AI tool like chatGPT, for example, might find a permanent spot in the toolbox soon here.
His Biggest Challenge
The biggest challenge is to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of running an online business: search and social media algo changes, new technology (chatGPT, voice-to-text), increased competition, etc.
You have to devote time to learning and keeping up with changes. How you do it is a personal preference, but I listen to a lot of podcasts while I’m working out, sitting in the sauna, driving in the car, etc., through Twitter and, since I’m old school, I still use an RSS feed to keep up with blogs, like Niche Pursuits for example. But this constantly changing landscape is what keeps things interesting.
Tory’s Greatest Accomplishment
While growing Camper FAQS has definitely given me a sense of accomplishment, looking at my entire career so far, my biggest would be the creation of a mobile app to help find missing children over ten years ago.
It’s not around anymore, but that was a project close to my own heart born out of a local tragedy after two girls (cousins Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook-Morrissey) from a neighboring town went missing.
They were reported missing in July 2012, and by October I had released the “Missing Children App” on both iTunes and the Google Play Store, which essentially used the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children data feed and alerted those with the app on the phone when a child went missing in their area, with a picture, description and other important information about the abduction.
What He Wishes He Knew When He Started
When I first started I thought I was going to get super rich real quick. Those who have been around as long as me might remember the iconic Shoemoney Adsense check. Why couldn’t that be me?
While it can happen, I wished that I understood it was going to be a long journey and not rush things. I think I would have relaxed and put more effort into the quality of my business instead of always trying to shortcut the process to get rich quickly.
His Advice for Other Entrepreneurs
Two things – Understand that this is a journey that takes time to be successful and provide as much value to the web as you can.
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Cut Costs, Not Features with This Microsoft Bundle Deal
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
Software subscription fees can quickly add up, and for small-business owners, entrepreneurs, or freelancers, these costs can eat into profits. Businesses spend approximately 29% of their IT budgets on software, according to a 2023 survey by Gartner.
For business professionals who are looking to streamline workflow without paying steep subscription fees, the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle might be the perfect solution. For just $71.94 (regularly $927), this comprehensive four-part bundle offers Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019, Windows 11 Pro, Project 2019, and Visio 2019.
While it’s not the newest version of Microsoft’s software, it can deliver tremendous value for anyone seeking tools to manage their business, boost productivity, and work efficiently. The bundle offers a lifetime license, meaning you’ll get all the functionality you need without the recurring costs associated with subscription services like Microsoft 365.
However, it does come with Windows 11 Pro, which includes the recent AI updates. Windows 11 Pro delivers a modern, intuitive interface with enhanced security features such as biometric login and Smart App Control, making it ideal for professionals who prioritize privacy and usability. It’s also equipped with tools that support multitasking, such as Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops.
For companies looking to reduce overhead without compromising essential functionality, making a one-time purchase of slightly older software is a smart financial move. This includes Office’s most popular productivity tools, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Project 2019 is a must-have for anyone who is managing large or small projects. It helps track tasks, timelines, and resources, making it easier to stay on top of deadlines and ensure your team moves in the right direction. Project 2019 gives you the tools to streamline processes and manage tasks efficiently.
Visio 2019 is ideal for creating professional diagrams, flowcharts, and organizational charts. It’s particularly valuable for visualizing complex data or workflows, which is essential for business owners looking to improve operational efficiency.
If you need a productivity boost without eating into savings, take a closer look at this bundle.
Get the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle with Office, Project, Visio, and Windows 11 Pro for $71.94 (regularly $927).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
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3 Trends That Will Change the Future of Entrepreneurship
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
The most recent data from the new Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report reveals a powerful trend for the future of entrepreneurship.
Young adults, aged 18-24, had both the highest entrepreneurial activity and entrepreneurial intentions in the United States, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2023-2024 United States Report. With similar results in 2022, this is not just a minor shift — it’s a fundamental change that could have lasting impacts on the economy and society.
I serve as the chair of the board for the Global Entrepreneurship Research Association, the entity that oversees GEM, which was founded in 1999 as a joint venture of Babson College and the London Business School. As the GEM U.S. team co-leader and a professor of entrepreneurship at Babson, I see firsthand the impact of the research created by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.
Here are three entrepreneurship trends from the new GEM report that are changing the landscape for the future.
Related: 21 Success Tips for Young and Aspiring Entrepreneurs
1. Young entrepreneurs on the rise
For years, entrepreneurship has been dominated by older, more experienced individuals, but this year’s report shows that the youngest adults are now at the forefront. According to GEM, 24% of 18- to 24-year-olds are engaged in some form of entrepreneurial activity, a higher rate than any other age group. What’s driving these young entrepreneurs is equally remarkable: They aren’t just starting businesses to make money; many are deeply committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment.
These young entrepreneurs make sustainability a key priority. They are more likely than entrepreneurs from older generations to build businesses with sustainability as a core focus — whether that means reducing their environmental footprint or focusing on social causes. This shift toward impact-driven entrepreneurship isn’t just anecdotal. GEM data shows a significant number of young entrepreneurs taking real, measurable steps to create businesses that align with their values. With sustainability as their north star, young entrepreneurs appear to be simultaneously pursuing societal impact as well as profits.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. While young people are leading the way in starting businesses, they are also discontinuing them at higher rates than their older counterparts. The discontinuation rate for 18- to 24-year-olds is 15%, the highest among all age groups. This is not surprising, given the challenges of inexperience and more limited access to capital. Starting a business is tough, and sustaining one is even more challenging. But despite these hurdles, the enthusiasm and energy that young people bring to entrepreneurship are undeniable, and with the right support, this generation has the potential to drive substantial change.
2. Tech gender gap narrows
One of the most promising findings in the GEM report is the narrowing gender gap in the technology sector. Historically, tech startups have been dominated by men, but 2023 saw a record-low difference in the number of men and women starting tech companies. The gap has narrowed to just 1%, with 8% of women compared with 9% of men launching businesses in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.
This is a significant step forward and reflects broader efforts to support more women technology startups. Still, it’s important to recognize that while progress is being made, continued focus on providing equal opportunities is essential to ensuring this trend continues.
3. Optimistic outlook for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs
Another highlight from the report is the optimistic outlook among Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. These groups showed stronger confidence in their entrepreneurial abilities and lower fear of failure compared to their white counterparts. Black respondents, in particular, demonstrated high levels of resilience and self-assurance, which is vital in overcoming barriers faced in starting and sustaining businesses. This optimism is encouraging, but there’s still much work to be done in assuring ecosystems offer equal opportunities for all aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of their background.
Related: I Wish I Received This Advice as a Young Entrepreneur
A promising future
Reflecting on the key findings of this year’s GEM report, it’s clear that the entrepreneurial landscape is changing in meaningful ways. The rise of young, sustainability-driven entrepreneurs signals a future where business is not only about profit but also about making a difference. These young entrepreneurs are launching businesses at a time when the world is looking for solutions to some of its most pressing challenges — climate change, poverty and economic recovery.
Yet, to fully realize the potential of this next generation, there must be more focus on addressing the challenges they encounter. Young entrepreneurs need access to the right resources — whether it’s funding, education or mentorship — to turn their innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. The narrowing gender gap in tech is encouraging, but we must continue to foster environments that support women and other underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship.
The GEM report paints a picture of an entrepreneurial future driven by purpose, diversity and innovation. But it also reminds us of the work that lies ahead in making entrepreneurship more accessible and sustainable. If we can provide young entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need, we will not only see more businesses being created — we’ll see businesses that are making a lasting, positive impact on the world.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
These Are the Top Side Hustles to Work Less, Make More Money
In the best-case scenario, a side hustle could turn into a multimillion-dollar business that generates a passive income stream — but at the very least, starting a side gig could help pay some bills.
A new survey from personal finance software company Quicken shows that almost half (43%) of Americans with a side hustle, or an extra source of income added to a primary income, make more money and clock in fewer hours overall than those without a side hustle.
The three most popular side hustles pursued by those who work less and make more money were personal assistance (20%), cooking and baking (16%), and caregiving (16%). One in five people with side hustles said they were business owners, too, selling products online or offering services like photography.
The majority of people with side hustles (82%) said starting a side gig helped them financially, and kept them from living paycheck to paycheck. Most with side hustles (57%) had savings equal to at least four months of living expenses.
The survey also found that, for younger side hustlers, a way to an extra income doubles as a path to becoming more employable. 44% of Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) choose to start a side hustle in order to obtain skills for long-term careers, much higher than the overall 18% of Americans who started a side hustle with the same motivation.
Quicken conducted the survey online, gathering responses from more than 1,000 Americans.
Additional research on side hustles, released in August by NEXT Insurance, showed that three out of five people bring in less than $1,000 monthly in side income, while 22% make $1,000 to $10,000 a month, and 15% make more than $10,000.
Related: Starting a Side Hustle Should Come With a Warning Label — Here’s What You Need to Know
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