In an age where traditional media revenue models are under pressure, Steve Laidlaw entrepreneur and founder of SteveLaidlaw.com, has been championing the value of digital assets as a sustainable source of long-term growth for publishers and businesses.
Digital Assets as Revenue Engines
Digital assets - websites, content platforms, and syndication networks - have become highly valuable because they generate residual income. Unlike traditional advertising or print distribution, online content can continue earning revenue long after publication. Through programmes like Microsoft Start, publishers are directly paid for impressions when their articles are consumed on the platform.
The model isn’t new. AOL and Yahoo were pioneers in compensating publishers for content syndication, setting the stage for the system we see today. These early programmes demonstrated that digital real estate, when paired with quality content, could deliver ongoing revenue.
As Steve Laidlaw entrepreneur explains:
“Owning digital assets is like owning property. Once you build or acquire the right site, it can continue to generate income in the background - whether through syndication, advertising, or partnerships.”
From Hobby to Scalable Strategy
Steve Laidlaw began investing in domain names in 1999, treating it as a hobby while building small websites that produced revenue through Google AdSense and advertising networks. Over the years, he reinvested that income into acquiring more domains and assets, eventually growing a diverse portfolio of online properties.
Recently, Laidlaw noticed that several of his web properties were being syndicated across international news platforms. That discovery inspired the launch of Digital24, a press release distribution platform designed to give small and medium-sized businesses the same opportunities enjoyed by larger publishers. Through Digital24, businesses can secure guaranteed coverage across Yahoo Finance, Google News, MSN News, and other global outlets.
Laidlaw notes:
“What started as a hobby has turned into a blueprint for how businesses can build sustainable revenue streams. With Digital24, we’re helping other entrepreneurs tap into that ecosystem without needing decades of trial and error.”
Why Entrepreneurs Should Care
For entrepreneurs, the lesson is clear. Digital assets are not only an advertising vehicle, but they also represent a scalable investment class. Each site, brand, or syndication channel can deliver:
- Ongoing revenue from impressions and ad networks
- Increased business credibility through global media placement
- Tangible long-term asset value
With tech giants like Microsoft, Yahoo, and Google continuing to pay publishers for impressions and distribution, the opportunity to build lasting digital wealth has never been greater.
This article was written in cooperation with Rhiannon Frater