Selling a WordPress website isn’t just for those “big-time” entrepreneurs you see on Instagram, showing off their massive sales with a “sold” sign in their hands. Nope. It’s something every agency—big or small—can do, and it’s a chance to cash in on the hard work you’ve put into building a beautiful, functional, and high-value website.
The best part? It’s not as complicated as it might seem. With the right steps and a bit of preparation, selling your WordPress site could help you unlock a stream of revenue that could take your agency to the next level.
So, let’s dive into how agencies can sell their WordPress websites for the big bucks, why you should be doing it, and exactly how to get started with this process. Ready to turn your digital assets into cash? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Why Should Agencies Sell WordPress Websites?
Before we get into the nuts and bolts of how to sell a WordPress website, let’s first answer an important question: Why should agencies sell their WordPress websites in the first place?
1. Unlock Extra Revenue: You’re already creating top-tier WordPress websites for clients, right? Why not sell one (or a few) of your own? The revenue you make from selling can provide funds for new projects or even boost your agency’s growth strategy.
2. Test Your Agency’s Skills: Selling a WordPress website is also a great way to showcase your agency’s expertise. If you can build a website, optimize it, and sell it for a profit, that’s some serious credibility you can boast about.
3. Pivot or Scale: Selling an underperforming or no longer-needed site frees up time and resources to focus on bigger projects. It can also help you transition into new niches or services while generating some income.
How To Start Your Journey to Sell a WordPress Site
Selling WordPress sites has never been more streamlined for agencies, thanks to game-changing tools like InstaWP. If you’re aiming to provide clients with ready-to-launch websites paired with hosting, WaaS (Website as a Service) is the perfect solution.
With InstaWP, you can effortlessly sell pre-built WordPress templates, bundle them with hosting, and deliver a fully automated experience to your clients.
What is WaaS (Website as a Service)?
Website as a Service (WaaS) allows agencies to sell WordPress sites with hosting, creating a seamless and profitable business model.
WaaS takes the hassle out of selling WordPress websites by offering pre-configured environments with hosting plans already linked, so you can focus on the templates and design rather than the technical setup.
Here’s how agencies can start using InstaWP to sell WordPress sites with ease:
1. Build Templates
InstaWP offers a rich set of pre-made templates, making it easy for agencies to start building sites faster. Whether you’re looking for a free or paid template, the process is streamlined to get you up and running in no time.
- Import your designs using InstaWP Connect. This feature lets you seamlessly bring in your custom-made designs and turn them into sellable templates.
- Add a price to your templates for direct sales, creating a new revenue stream.
- Customize the templates and add value for your clients by offering them unique and well-optimized designs that meet their needs.
2. WaaS Builder
With the WaaS Builder, creating your own WaaS (Website as a Service) platform is simple. This tool helps you create customizable WordPress sites and turn them into sellable assets.
- Use multiple templates, giving clients various choices for their site designs.
- Brand your WaaS platform by adding your logo, colors, and other branding elements, giving it a unique identity tailored to your agency.
- Link your hosting account with the platform, so you can offer hosting services bundled with the websites you sell. This makes it easier for your clients to get started right away without the need for additional steps.
3. Landing Pages
The landing page feature allows you to fully customize and white-label your WaaS, promoting your agency’s brand identity. You can easily add visuals and content that reflect your business’s style and the services you offer.
- Customize your landing page by adding a thumbnail, logo, and brand colors.
- Use a white-label suffix domain to make the platform feel even more branded for your clients.
- Embed the page onto your website to promote your WaaS service directly to your existing audience.
4. Hosting Plans
InstaWP makes it possible for agencies to create custom WordPress managed hosting plans and sell them alongside their websites. This adds another layer of value to your services and enables recurring revenue streams.
- Link or buy hosting services directly from InstaWP to offer your clients managed hosting as part of their website purchase.
- Offer monthly or yearly hosting plans, letting your clients choose what works best for them.
- List the features available for each plan, helping clients choose the hosting option that fits their needs (e.g., bandwidth, storage, backups, etc.).
5. Offer Trials
Want to get clients hooked? Offer free trials for your WaaS. InstaWP lets you provide trial versions of your WordPress templates, giving potential buyers a chance to explore the platform before committing.
- Set up trial versions of your templates or hosting plans. Let clients try out the features, explore different designs, and get a feel for the service before they make a purchase.
- Capture leads and nurture them into long-term clients once they see the value of your service.
6. User Portal
InstaWP is working on providing a fully functional user portal that will allow your clients to manage their accounts with ease. Once they purchase a website, they can handle their hosting, template selection, and website management all in one place.
- Benefit from a seamless user experience, where your clients can manage their site and hosting directly from the portal.
- Provide customer support and additional resources directly through the portal, ensuring a high level of client satisfaction.
Now that you’ve got the reasons to start selling WordPress sites using InstaWP, here is a quick brush-up on how to sell a site using InstaWP.
Get Started with InstaWP
Starting your journey to sell WordPress sites with InstaWP is simple. Whether you’re new to WaaS or a seasoned agency, InstaWP has the tools and features to help you build, sell, and manage WordPress websites with ease.
Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Create a Shared Template
Start by designing a shared template that will serve as the foundation for your WaaS. You can either use a pre-existing template or create one from scratch.
- Choose a template from the library or upload your own.
- Customize the template to fit your niche and the needs of your clients.
- Once you’re happy with the design, it’s ready to be shared.
Step 2: Monetize the Template
After creating the template, you’ll need to monetize it by setting a price for the template and any associated services (e.g., hosting).
- Set a price for your template (or waive the price if the client buys hosting).
- Decide if you want to offer this template for free or paid use, depending on your business model.
- Publish the template to the store.
Step 3: Connect a Hosting Account
Next, you’ll need to connect a hosting account to your WaaS platform. You can either use your hosting or leverage InstaWP Live managed WordPress hosting.
- Go to the ‘Go Live’ icon and choose the suitable method.
- Choose InstaWP Live as this a scalable and affordable WordPress hosting for agencies.
- Select the hosting plan (you can choose free or paid hosting).
Creating WaaS with InstaWP is a fantastic way for agencies to start selling WordPress sites with hosting, recurring revenue, and minimal effort. By following these steps, you can offer clients a seamless, automated experience for creating their own websites—no technical knowledge is required.
Ready to turn your agency’s website offerings into a SaaS business? InstaWP’s WaaS builder makes it easy to do just that!
The 7 Steps to Sell Your WordPress Website for Big Bucks
Selling your WordPress website isn’t just about slapping a “for sale” sign on it and hoping someone comes along with a fat check. You need a strategy, preparation, and a little finesse to ensure you’re getting the most out of your sale.
Follow these 7 steps to sell your WordPress site for big bucks.
Step 1: Diversify Your Traffic Sources
No one wants to buy a WordPress website that gets 99% of its traffic from one source, especially if that source could dry up at any time. A diverse traffic mix is attractive to potential buyers because it signals stability and longevity. Whether it’s organic search, social media, or paid ads, diversifying your traffic is key to maximizing the value of your website.
What to do:
- Ensure you’re using a variety of channels to drive traffic. If you’re relying solely on organic search, consider adding social media, paid ads, or email marketing to the mix.
- Check your traffic reports. Make sure the numbers are solid, consistent, and coming from multiple sources. A good balance makes the site look more appealing and less risky to potential buyers.
Step 2: Create Processes and Use Third-Party Services
Buyers are looking for a turnkey operation—something that can be easily managed without a ton of work upfront. If you’re still doing everything manually, it’s time to automate and streamline your processes.
What to do:
- Implement tools and systems to automate your website’s daily operations. This can include anything from automated email marketing systems (like Mailchimp or ConvertKit) to social media scheduling tools (such as Buffer or Hootsuite).
- Use third-party services for things like analytics (Google Analytics), SEO (SEMrush, Yoast), or backups (UpdraftPlus). These show potential buyers that your site is professionally managed and will require minimal effort to operate.
Step 3: Get Your Financials and Traffic Reports in Order
When selling a website, potential buyers are going to want to see the numbers. If your financials and traffic reports are in disarray or hard to access, it’s going to raise red flags. Buyers want transparency, so having this info in order makes the sale process smoother.
What to do:
- Keep detailed records of your site’s revenue, expenses, and profit margins. You should be able to prove the income generated by the site.
- Organize traffic reports and analytics. Be ready to show how many visitors the site is getting and where they’re coming from. Make sure the numbers are consistent over time, and keep everything up to date.
Step 4: Choose the Right Marketplace or Broker
Not all marketplaces are created equal. Choosing the right platform to sell your WordPress site can make or break the deal. Some platforms are more niche and cater to specific types of websites, while others are more general. A marketplace or broker that specializes in WordPress sites could help you find a buyer faster and at the price you want.
What to do:
- Research platforms like Flippa, Empire Flippers, and FE International. These are popular marketplaces for selling WordPress sites and online businesses. Each has its pros and cons, so choose one that aligns with the type of website you’re selling.
- If your site is valuable, consider working with a broker. Brokers can help you negotiate the best deal, and some specialize in selling high-end WordPress websites.
Step 5: Know Your Potential Buyer and Customize Your Sales Page
Understanding your potential buyer is key to crafting a successful sales page. Whether you’re selling to an entrepreneur looking to expand their portfolio or a company wanting to acquire a new digital asset, your sales page should speak directly to their needs.
What to do:
- Research your potential buyer’s interests. If you’re selling a niche site, make sure you highlight its value to people who might be interested in that niche.
- Tailor your sales page to focus on the benefits the buyer will get. This includes emphasizing traffic stats, income reports, and how easy the site is to manage.
Step 6: Prepare Your Team or Virtual Assistants for the Sale
The buyer might have questions, want access to certain files, or need support during the transition. Having your team or virtual assistants prepared can help make the process smooth and increase the chances of closing a deal.
What to do:
- If you have a team, make sure they’re prepared to help with the sale process. Provide them with the necessary information and give them access to relevant tools.
- Ensure your virtual assistants are familiar with the platform you’re selling on and can assist in the post-sale transfer process.
Step 7: Know What Your Site Is Worth
It’s crucial to have an accurate idea of how much your WordPress site is worth. A lot of factors come into play, from traffic and income to niche and growth potential. Knowing your site’s worth helps you set a realistic price and avoid underpricing it.
What to do:
- Use valuation tools like Flippa’s website valuation tool or check online marketplaces for comparable sites.
- Consider hiring a professional website appraiser if you’re unsure about how to price your site.
Time to Turn Your WordPress Site into Cash!
Selling your WordPress site can be a thrilling ride filled with ups and downs, but if you follow these 7 steps, you’ll be in a prime position to make a profitable sale. Whether you’re looking to free up time, invest in new projects, or cash out on your hard work, selling your WordPress site can provide a lucrative opportunity.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to turn your site into a cash cow! Get organized, set up your sales page, and start negotiating. Who knows, your next big deal could be just around the corner.
FAQ
Q1: How do I know if my WordPress site is ready to be sold?
A: Your WordPress site is ready for sale if it generates consistent traffic, has a clear revenue model, and has minimal work left to run on autopilot. Ensure your site is optimized, secure, and has a strong following or monetization strategy before listing it.
Q2: Can I sell a WordPress site with low traffic?
A: While low traffic can lower the value of your site, it’s not a dealbreaker. Focus on the quality of traffic, niche relevance, and the potential for future growth. Sites with low traffic but strong niche audiences can still attract buyers.
Q3: How long does it take to sell a WordPress site?
A: Selling a WordPress site can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the site’s value, the market demand, and how well you’ve marketed the sale. Be patient and stay prepared to negotiate.
Q4: What’s the best platform for selling WordPress sites?
A: Popular platforms include Flippa, Empire Flippers, and FE International. These marketplaces are well-known for connecting sellers with buyers, especially for WordPress sites. You may also consider working with a broker for higher-value sites.
Q5: How much can I sell a WordPress website for?
A: The price of your WordPress site depends on multiple factors, including traffic, revenue, niche, and future growth potential. Typically, websites can be sold for 2-3 times their annual profit. However, the value could be higher for sites in high-demand niches or with significant revenue.
