Website Flipping as a Side Hustle

My name is Jenn Leach. I’m a multi-passionate entrepreneur based out of Texas. I run a website flipping business that aligns with my interests in writing, content creation, digital marketing, and website development. Website flipping allows me to combine these passions into one dynamic business. Essentially, I buy, build, or improve websites, and then sell them for a profit. Each project is unique, which keeps me engaged and allows for continuous learning and creativity.

Over the past eight years, I’ve built a business that provides both personal fulfilment and financial reward. Flipping websites has become a side hustle that not only feeds into my creative needs but also offers substantial financial returns, making it a sustainable and enjoyable way to earn additional income.

Honestly, I stumbled into website flipping by accident. I was running another business at the time, but I became burnt out and lost my passion for it. Instead of simply shutting it down, I decided to see if I could sell it. The experience of successfully selling my first business opened my eyes to the world of buying and selling digital properties.

After that, I realised there was a lot of potential in this space. I decided to experiment by building and flipping another website, and I was successful again. That was eight years ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since. What keeps me coming back is how rewarding it is. I can channel my creativity into building and growing websites, and the financial payoff is a huge bonus. Plus, there’s something really satisfying about seeing a project come to life and then watching it evolve into a profitable asset.

For me, success isn’t just about the sale or the profit margin, although those are definitely important. I define success as the ability to start a project and see it through to completion. That takes a mix of diligence, hard work, consistency, patience, and follow-through. Flipping websites isn’t a quick win; it’s a process that can take weeks or months, depending on the website’s complexity.

If you can commit to that process, build a website, create valuable content, and improve its monetisation, that’s already a success. The actual sale of the website is more like a reward at the end, but completing the build and growing it to that point is a victory in itself. It's also about personal growth—each website flip teaches me something new, and that continuous learning is a marker of success for me.

If I had to start all over again, I’d definitely approach it with a clear plan in mind. When I first started, I didn’t have a structured roadmap—I was just experimenting to see what worked. Now, I realise the importance of setting clear goals from the outset. Think about what you want to achieve before you dive in. Are you doing this for the fun of it, as a creative outlet, or are you aiming to build a sustainable business that generates consistent income?

Some people flip websites purely for personal enrichment or as a side hobby, while others see it as a serious business venture with the potential to scale. Knowing your goals from the start is essential because it shapes your entire approach. I’d also spend more time upfront researching niches and markets, which would make my flips more targeted and successful right out of the gate.

Defining your “why” and your goals early on helps you stay focused, especially when challenges arise. Website flipping can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, but if you know why you're doing it, it's easier to stay the course.

My biggest piece of advice would be simple: start. I see so many people who are intrigued by the idea of flipping websites but never actually take the first step. They get bogged down in the research or feel overwhelmed by the potential risks and challenges. But nothing happens until you take that leap and start building.

Once you’ve started, remember that patience is key. This isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. Building, growing, and selling websites takes time. You'll likely face setbacks along the way, and not every flip will be a huge success. But with each website, you’ll learn valuable lessons that will make the next one easier and more profitable.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to invest in your education. There are plenty of resources out there—courses, forums, and communities—where you can learn about everything from SEO to monetisation strategies. The more knowledgeable you are, the better your chances of success. And finally, network with others in the industry. There’s a lot of value in learning from people who have been through the process and can offer insights or support.

A lot of people think website flipping is a fast, easy way to make money. While it can be very profitable, it’s not a shortcut to wealth. You have to put in the work—building content, driving traffic, optimising for SEO, and finding the right buyer takes time and effort. It’s not as simple as just buying a site, holding onto it, and flipping it a few months later for a massive profit.

Another misconception is that you need a lot of technical skills to start. You don’t have to be a developer or an expert in coding. You can learn as you go, and there are tools available that simplify the process. What’s more important is having a vision for the website and understanding the basics of content creation, SEO, and monetisation.

I’m also working on educating others about website flipping and helping them get started. There’s a growing community of people interested in this business model, and I’m excited to share my knowledge and experiences to help others succeed.

You can learn more through my website flipping TikTok account here.

I also actively write on Medium.