Start Date: 16 Jan 24
It's been a month since I embarked on this side hustle challenge, and what a month it's been!
As promised, I'll be sharing all the details – the wins, the losses, and everything in between – so you can follow along every step of the way. Transparency is key, and I'm committed to keeping you in the loop as we navigate this adventure together. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of each step along the way:
Connecting with the Pros
I wasted no time in reaching out to the matched betting experts at Outplayed and OddsMonkey. After applying for their affiliate schemes, I eagerly awaited their response, eager to partner with the best in the business. Outplayed was quick in getting back to me; however, OddsMonkey does take a little longer. With the affiliate partnerships solidified, I embedded the links within the website. These collaborations would not only benefit our users but also pave the way for sustainable growth and success.
Where does the profit come from?
When a user clicks the affiliate links to sign up for premium accounts with Outplayed or OddsMonkey, they are not only gaining access to top-tier matched betting platforms but also supporting my side hustle journey and ensuring its continuation. And here's the best part: the profits they generate from their risk-free matched betting endeavours will be more than enough to cover the cost of these premium accounts.
Let's break it down:
When the user signs up for a premium account through the affiliate links, the magic happens behind the scenes. Here's how it all shakes out:
Outplayed Partnership: With Outplayed, I receive a generous commission of roughly 50% of the net revenue for each sale, excluding tax. That means when the user makes the leap to premium, a significant portion of that revenue goes directly to fuelling this venture and ensuring its continued success.
OddsMonkey Alliance: Meanwhile, over at OddsMonkey, the deal is very similar. For every sale generated through my affiliate link, I pocket a commission of roughly 50% of the net revenue, excluding tax. That's right – half of each sale goes straight into supporting MatchedBetting4Newbies and keeping the lights on.
And here's the kicker: you, the user, don't pay a single penny extra for signing up through the affiliate links. That's right – the cost remains exactly the same, whether you go directly through the provider or take the scenic route through MatchedBetting4Newbies.
It's a win-win scenario: the users gain access to premium tools and resources at no additional cost, while I'm able to continue providing top-notch guidance and support every step of the way. Plus, with each premium sign-up, you're not only unlocking doors to greater earning potential – you're also fuelling the growth and success of this community-driven endeavour.
Crafting Comprehensive Guides:
With the use of ScribeHow, I got to work on creating step-by-step guides that would serve as the backbone of MatchedBetting4Newbies. For the newbies, these visual step-by-step guides for setting accounts up and executing that first bet are extremely important. They build confidence while copying word for word.
Securing Domains and Setting Up Shop:
Domain names were purchased via Hostinger, along with the email address and hosting of the website. It finally felt MatchedBetting4Newbies was starting to take shape. I made 14 lessons, covering from explaining the very basics to more in-depth information to FAQs. Covering all bases before the user follows the step by step guide to making their first risk-free profits. I also provide the tools and resources needed all within the website. All content is FREE.
Buy Me A Coffee Initiative
I don't see this money in here as profit as I will not be benefiting from it. Rather than withdrawing these funds, my plan is to channel them into future giveaways once they reach a specified milestone. Additionally, I'm excited to introduce a 'pay it forward' initiative. In this scheme, I'll offer £20 to a new Matched Bettor, covering both their initial £5 deposit and a £15 lay bet. This approach aims to alleviate any stress or apprehension about using personal funds, providing newcomers with a reassuring start in their Matched Betting journey. (Current pot: £5) When they make their money back, I would like them to then 'pay it forward' for another community member to do the same. Taking those first steps of trust can be tough, and I am hoping this will alleviate that for most.
Why is it negative £30 so far?
The bottom line is this: even though the website has had some good traffic, I am still yet to convert a commission sale. Meaning I have not earned anything from this yet. However, the positive side to this is that all the hard work is done. I need to keep the guides up to date and work on new ones. But other than that, this could be a good source of passive income in the future.
I also paid for a couple of promotions, one via Instagram and a premium account on X. However, due to the nature of the account and it including the word "betting", the account unfortunately got suspended and ultimately unable to use to send traffic to the website. The matched betting pros both have social media accounts and both advertise, maybe they know the loopholes to not get their content taken down or reported.
Conclusion - Would I recommend this side hustle?
Making your own Matched Betting website, content, and guides is NOT THE SAME as simple as matched betting. It takes a lot of time, which could be used actually matched betting to make risk-free profits. However, it is worth a shot at making passive income. There may come a time where I can't be having all active side hustles. So this is not a complete waste of time. I have learned a lot from this challenge that I can take forward into the next ones!
I ultimately would not recommend this side hustle unless you have been matched betting for years (like I have) and know it very well. Otherwise, you may inadvertently mislead users and provide below-par content.
That's the first month's side-hustle challenge over. Onto the next one! I will continue all side hustles in tandem. I will continue to improve MatchedBetting4Newbies behind the scene. It has not been made in vain!