Your Guide to Becoming the Authority in your Domain

Website Monetization

Beginning with Wikipedia, there are numerous sources addressing the monetization of websites and blogs.  One may choose to become a "knowledge expert"  inclusive of developing a web-based business and seeking to earn a profit while optimizing traffic to create a positive experience for visitors.  In addition to the Wikipedia information, please find additional sources noted below including points of view about monetization (including how not to annoy readers) and website examples illustrating different types of monetization techniques.

Website Monetization from Wikipedia

Pay per click advertising

Pay per click, otherwise known as PPC, is a marketing strategy put in place by search engines and various Advertising networks. PPC advertising works by placing an advert, usually targeted by keywords either on search results or relevant websites.

Banner advertising

Banner advertising consists of placing a graphical banner advertisement on a webpage. The role of this banner is to catch the eye of incoming traffic to the page, enticing readers to click the advertisement. This form of monetization is implemented by both affiliate programs and Google Adsense.^[1]

Typical web banner, sized 468×60 pixels.

Banner Ad Types

Banner ads come in various shapes and sizes and are sized according to pixel dimensions.^[2] Typical banner sizes include:

Affiliate programs

Affiliate programs are another popular way of monetizing existing website traffic. By joining a business' affiliate program, any searches for products within that business' catalog may earn affiliates anywhere from 1–75% commission on each referred sale through their website.^[4]

Paid Membership Programs

Membership or Continuity Programs Paid membership programs are another way to monetize existing traffic. Probably the most well known media membership sites are the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. In the gaming world, Blizzard's World of Warcraft has millions of members. But there are many other kinds of member sites that cover niche markets. Often people join to get access to content and expertise, or for community, such as discussion or bulletin boards. The term "continuity" is used because the goal is to develop income continuity. Instead of making a one-time sale of a product or service, the membership site brings new, repeated income every month.

Besides news, other kinds of membership site include: health, fitness, marketing, copy writing, social media expertise, paper products, dating, paper crafting, scrap booking, coaching, writing and many other applications.

Experts in the membership site field say that "people come for content and stay for community." The challenge of a member site is to retain paying members. Some sites, like the New York Times, offers some free content and then, charges a fee for more in depth access, or access to special kinds of content. Some sites offer downloads of audio or video content, free graphics, free software that is only available to members. Many sites also offer webinars to members. The webinars are often recorded as video, audio and also transcribed, creating more special content that's behind the pay wall.

Fees for membership vary widely. They can be billed monthly, annually, or even lifetime memberships. The digital access to the website is sometimes sold as part of a combination package that also includes physical product. For example, the Wall Street Journal offers a combination paper subscription, which is delivered to the subscriber's door, combined with access to the website and the smartphone app versions of the paper for about $140. Another site that sells membership to large corporations in the mobile phone industry, charges up to $12,000.00 a year for membership, which gives tech employees the right to pay to attend conferences on different aspects of the technology of cellular phones, and to access, on the website, recordings of past meetings.

Business sites may offer a special information package, perhaps CDs or DVDs shipped to the new member as part of a package that includes membership.

Affiliate marketing is sometimes used to build membership in membership sites. Some sites continue to pay a percentage to the referring affiliate as long as the member continues paying monthly fees. Others pay a larger up front fee.

The page that marketers use a marketing or social media "funnel" to bring potential new paying members to is called a "squeeze" page.

There is an annual Continuity Summit meeting organized by Ryan Lee that brings together experts in member sites.

Additional Sources:

Web-Based

1. http://www.wp-community.org/2011/02/07/monetize-your-blog/
2. http://www.focus.com/fyi/101-ways-monetize-your-blog-without-irritating-your-readers/

Seminar

The following is a section of a course called "How to Utilize Monetization Methods".  Website examples provided.

11 Ways to Monetize a Website (Ultimate Internet Boot Camp copywright T. Harv Hker/Alex Mandossian/ClickAndBeFree, LLC)

1. Online Tip Jar - this is a way to generate revenue by providing a photo of a tip jar which allows for visitors to provide a donation to the website (or a designated charity) if the visitor likes the content being offered
2. Keyword Ad Links  http://www.test-link-ads.com
3. Affiliate Reviews - click on reviews http://www.clicknewz.com
4. Banner Ads http://www.helpmybusiness.com
5. Private Forum  - a place for people to share ideas  http://www.cessnaadvancedaircraftclub.com
6. Downloadable Guide  http://www.dogpoopdiet.com
7. Teleseminars and Webinars  http://www.teleseminarsecrets.com
8. Product Offer http://www.startyourowntvshow.com
9. Consulting and Coaching http://www.coachville.com
10. Membership Sites  http://www.chrisfarrell.com
11. Paid Sponsorships  http://www.biztechday.com/sponsor/