When people ask “what is digital leasing” they often expect another term for affiliate marketing, or just ad revenue. But this model is specific.
A Quick Definition
Digital leasing is when you build, control, or acquire a digital asset (almost always a website, but sometimes social pages or online listings) and rent it to a business that wants the customers or leads. It’s like owning virtual property that pays rent.
How Is Digital Leasing Different from Affiliate or Ad Revenue?
- You control the whole site, not just a link or ad spot
- You provide all the leads or exposure to one business (so it’s exclusive)
- You can set monthly fees or per-lead charges, not depend on clicks
Affiliate marketing does not promise recurring income from the same “tenant.” A rented site, though, gives you that stability.
The “landlord” model of digital leasing is closer to real estate than online marketing.
Why Businesses Pay for Digital Leasing
Businesses want:
- Ready-to-use online exposure, fast
- More calls, form fills, or walk-ins
- Not to have to build and maintain a site themselves
In some cases, businesses are burned out with spending on clicks (Google Ads) or not getting results from their own efforts.
Can Digital Leasing Be Hands-Off?
To a point. Once the rankings and site are up, things get easier. But you may still need to:
- Add or tweak content
- Check lead tracking
- Find new renters if a client stops paying
It is not set-and-forget.
Who Wins with Digital Leasing?
Best for people who:
- Understand SEO or are willing to learn
- Like the idea of small business partnerships
- Can wait months for the first rent
Where Digital Leasing Fails
Common problems:
- Poor site rankings , no leads, no rent
- Niche too crowded (think: “personal injury lawyer in LA”)
- Leads do not convert, so client walks away
I tried a dental site in a small town. Took months, many calls, and the client paid for a few months then stopped. The lesson: have more than one site!
When Did Digital Leasing Become Popular?
As local SEO became more crowded, digital leasing gained steam. Some point to marketers like Joshua T Osborne for teaching the system. His Joshua T Osborne reviews are mixed, as are most in the field.
What Is Digital Leasing Not?
- It is not just setting up Google ads
- It is not selling individual leads with no agreement
- It is not something you can ignore and expect to print money
Finishing Thoughts
If you were confused about “what is digital leasing,” think of it as renting out websites like you’d rent an apartment. Do the work, get it ranked, and help a business grow. If you want stable but not totally hands-off income, this model makes sense.
