Having the right domain is more than just good SEO practice—it’s now essential for visibility across both search engines and AI tools like ChatGPT. If you want to build an online business with lasting income potential, this is where you start.

Why Powerful Domains Matter More Than Ever

Search results aren’t limited to Google anymore. Tools like ChatGPT, Bing AI, and others now pull from indexed content, so if you’re not building on a domain that can get seen, you’re invisible. In this video, we looked at how powerful domains like TechRadar, The Verge, and Wired dominate both traditional and AI-driven search.

• They create news-style content that ranks as “newsworthy”
• Most of their articles contain affiliate links or ads
• Their domains have massive authority (hundreds of thousands of pages, millions of backlinks)

These sites pull traffic in with trending content and monetize through affiliate offers, reviews, and ads—a formula you can replicate.

Reverse Engineering Their Strategy

Using tools like Ahrefs, we broke down:

• TechRadar: ~2.6 million monthly visits, 392k indexed pages. Huge backlink profile and content built around trending tech gear, often with monetization via affiliate links.

• The Verge: Another tech media powerhouse, structured around editorial-style product features. Even minor gadget news is leveraged to sell via affiliate links.
• Wired: Owned by NYT, it integrates tech product recommendations with traditional journalism. These recommendations often serve as SEO magnets for lucrative keywords.

The trick? They make money by curating what feels like “news” and quietly directing readers to high-converting offers. AI and Google treat their content as authoritative, so they rank effortlessly for buying-intent keywords.

Why Amazon Affiliates Won’t Cut It

Amazon’s affiliate program is beginner-friendly but not profitable long-term. Here’s why:

• Payouts are often just 1-3%
• Low average commissions (e.g., $1.30 on a $65 sale)
• Not sustainable if you’re trying to earn serious income

Instead, focus on recession-proof niches with high advertiser demand.

Recession-Proof Business Ideas

🛡️ 1. Essentials-Based Businesses (Inelastic Demand)

Core Idea: People continue to purchase these no matter the economy.

• Healthcare: Services (urgent care, telemedicine), generic pharmaceuticals, senior care.

• Consumer Staples: Food, hygiene, cleaning products, discount groceries.

• Utilities: Energy, water, sanitation—hard to disrupt, but stable.

• Internet & Telecom: Viewed as critical infrastructure now.

💡 Monetize via: Direct service, affiliate comparison tools, education, digital products (e.g. checklists, calculators).

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💸 2. Counter-Cyclical Services (Thrive During Recession)

Core Idea: Demand increases because of financial hardship.

• Discount Retailers: Dollar stores, budget outlets, liquidation ecommerce.

• Auto/Home Repair: People fix instead of replacing; high DIY content potential.

• Debt Relief: Bankruptcy law, credit repair, debt settlement agencies.

• Accounting & Tax Help: Tax minimization, bookkeeping, expense tracking apps.

💡 Monetize via: Affiliate links to lawyers, CPAs, budget tools, repair part retailers, YouTube content.

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🔄 3. Affordable Indulgence (“Lipstick Effect”)

Core Idea: Consumers still want small joy even when cutting back.

• Cosmetics, Skincare, Candy: Small purchases that feel like a treat.

• Streaming/At-Home Fun: Games, Netflix-style content, crafting.

• Comfort Food & Fast Food: Cheap, feel-good alternatives to eating out.

💡 Monetize via: Product roundups, affiliate links, recipe packs, Etsy printables.

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👨‍💼 4. Professional Services That Scale With Crisis

Core Idea: Stressful times increase the need for expertise.

• Legal (bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, contract renegotiation)

• Financial Coaching or Budget Planners

• Freelance Essentials: Resume writing, job board tools, LinkedIn optimization

💡 Monetize via: Templates, coaching, digital services, marketplace affiliate links.

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💻 5. Tech & Digital Infrastructure

Core Idea: Companies look to cut costs, automate, or shift online.

• B2B SaaS: Project mgmt., cloud storage, cybersecurity.

• Automation Tools: Zapier, n8n, AI tools.

• Freemium Services: Software with low entry cost but high utility.

💡 Monetize via: Software affiliate programs, tutorials, integrations, paid SaaS content.

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🚗 6. Gig & Sharing Economy

Core Idea: People need flexible income + budget options.

• Rideshare / Delivery (Uber, Instacart)

• Freelance Platforms (Fiverr, Upwork)

• Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb, RoomShare)

💡 Monetize via: Side hustle guides, affiliate links, job lead communities, YouTube income breakdowns.

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🏠 7. Refinance, Restructure, and Real Estate Help

Core Idea: Households seek to lower payments, downsize, or shift debt.

• Mortgage Refinance Content

• Rent-to-own, FHA, or HUD education

• Budget moving or downsizing services

💡 Monetize via: Lender comparison tools, calculator embeds, lead gen for real estate professionals.

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✨ Bonus Category: “Stress-Proof” Business Models

Core Idea: Businesses that have structural flexibility and minimal cost burden.

• Low-Overhead Digital Products (courses, ebooks, memberships)

• Subscription Boxes for Essentials or Comforts

• DIY Kits and Skill-Building (crafts, trade learning, survival skills)

💡 Monetize via: Shopify, Etsy, email list monetization, community-based memberships.

Real Examples: Offers That Actually Pay

We explored offers on platforms like OfferVault to uncover what’s working right now:

Niche	Example Offers	Avg. Payout
Mortgage Refinance	Zip code opt-in leads	$5 – $550+
Telecom/Internet	Best internet for gaming	$3 – $15/click
Credit Services	Credit score tools, loans	$10 – $40+

Use Google Keyword Planner to check CPC (cost-per-click). Some mortgage refinance terms pay out over $40 per click. Add a form that collects zip codes? You could make $5 per submission. That’s real income potential.

Step-by-Step: How to Build a High-Earning Domain

1. Find the Right Domain
   • Use expired domain tools to discover aged sites with strong backlinks
   • Prioritize domains with clean history and existing authority
   • Use professional domain buyers who know what they’re doing!
2. Research Your Angle
   • Look up underserved questions like “Is 740 a good credit score?”
   • Use these to create keyword clusters
3. Build Trust and Engagement
   • Add calculators, comparison tables, or AI tools
   • Make it interactive and helpful
4. Monetize Smartly
   • Insert affiliate offers naturally
   • Focus on cost-per-lead or pay-per-call programs
   • Layer in ads for passive revenue

From Keyword to Income: A Sample Funnel

Imagine someone Googles “Is 740 a good credit score?”

Here’s what your funnel could look like:

• They land on your blog post
• You explain what 740 means, and what it’s good for
• Then you ask: “Are you trying to get a mortgage or refinance your home?”
• You present a tool to estimate rates
• They input their zip code and credit range
• You earn $5+ just for that action

Multiply this with 100 similar questions and offers, and you have a scalable site.

Want to Learn How to Do This Live, Step by Step?

Join our weekly hands-on class where we break down exactly how to use AI to build real online income.

You’ll get:

• Live walkthroughs of how to find powerful domains
• Real-time help creating content with AI tools
• Strategies for building niche websites that convert
• Tools and templates you can use immediately
• Q&A and live support as we build together

Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up, this class gives you the real-world skills to turn AI into income—no fluff, no hype. I am an affiliate of this service, but I use it myself and it works.