What's the best monetization strategy? | Bloggers Lair | Yakezie Forums

Tony Chou @ Investorz' Blog said:

I'm just curious, but what do you guys think the best monetization strategy is?

The easiest would probably be through advertisements on the website, and probably the way to go if you want long-term 

Some companies offer individuals payment to write about their company and their services. For example, if you were a borrower or investor on the Peerform platform, we sometimes have promotions where we ask you to publish your experience with the platform and you are reimbursed.

Here's a point of view from the corporate side.

Also, try a proactive approach when you want to find people to advertise for.

I was at a nonprofit panel the other day and it turns out that nonprofits that get the most funding are NOT those that

"wait to get funded first and then offer services."

But rather, those that "offer services to companies free of charge, who are then so touched by the nonprofit's willingness  sponsor them in the future."

and I can relate to this. Am I going to just put a banner anywhere with a lot of traffic? I would be more inclined to purchase banner space from individuals who at least know what my company does or how it's doing (and of course, have decent traffic. But there are plenty of websites with decent traffic – make yourself stand out a little bit). I would rather not be just "another random ad" on the website.

Which is why it is probably a good strategy for companies to go for sponsored post –> ad. (but it is even more attractive if they can skip the sponsored post part)

#1 priority before monetization is to get the traffic though. So just work on your content to get higher in google's panda ranking system.

Very interesting question. I agree that traffic seems paramount, and the obvious base for money from ads to begin with. However, are there specific ad networks that you all would recommend (other than adwords)?

Thanks!

@MoneyistheRoot Thanks! I know that Adsense has worked really well for a lot of people, it just seems like there is such a negative vibe around it today. I'll probably stay away from Adsense. When you mention direct advertising, is there a direct ad network that you use to manage your ads, or do you approach individual companies for advertising yourself?

Hello MoneyforCollegeProject: Why is it that adsense has a bad rap? If it is because readers do not like it (understandably), you can get a plugin that eliminates it on your most recent posts, which are the ones your loyal readers will click on. You can keep it on the posts dated several days back (or whatever timeframe you want) and pick up the clicks from search engine users. They are the ones that click on the adsense mostly anyway–your loyal, regular readers will typically not do so.

Also, some people here have taken the opinion (and you should certainly think about this) that if you want to monetize your blog in the future, you should get your readers used to it now so that they don't think you've 'sold out' down the line. By putting adsense into your blog, your readers that are loyal to you will all ready know you are looking for monetization.

There is also the opinion (here again, think it over) that you should not monetize anything until much later when your audience has grown substantially.

Personally, I monetized early and have seen very good results.

Anyway–just my two cents! I hope it helps. 

MoneyIsTheRoot said:

This is a loaded question, and it really depends on the age of your blog, and especially the traffic etc.  When you start out you should really just throw some Adsense up on your blog and see if that pays off at all.  Chances are it wont all that much, since the intial payout is $100.  After establishing your site for awhile, direct advertising is a great way to go! But you are going to need to build your social readers/subscribers, pagerank, mozrank, etc.  Pay-per-click ads are good once you achieve really high visitor numbers, but that could be way down the road.

Wow! Thanks for the detailed response! I prefer not to use Adsense, because the initial payout is way too high.

MoneyforCollegeProject said:

@MoneyistheRoot Thanks! I know that Adsense has worked really well for a lot of people, it just seems like there is such a negative vibe around it today. I'll probably stay away from Adsense. When you mention direct advertising, is there a direct ad network that you use to manage your ads, or do you approach individual companies for advertising yourself?

Other than some people having issues with getting the boot from the Adsense program, I wouldnt say there are any other negative vibes…though that's probably enough.  Adsense is harmless and doesnt hurt to test out, since you can add and eliminate at your own discretion.

Direct advertising is exactly that…working directly with an advertiser.  That involves me seeking out advertisers directly, but often times I get a couple emails a day from them regardless.  Whether or not we work out an amicable deal is another thing.  This has really brought in a decent amount of money considering the age of my blog.

Commission Junction is another form of advertising you could look into…I made a few bucks off them in the beginning, but it didnt last too long.

If you have specific questions or need any help feel free to email me at justinweinger@aol.com

Tony Chou @ Investorz' Blog said:

Everything Finance said:

I like Flex Offers too.

Their ads look very good and relevant.

Take a look at this one: The Platinum Card® from American Express

The ad is at the end of the article. It looks like its part of the article itself.

 The ad looks like it's a part of the article because the article is pretty much an ad for the platinum american express card.

True. But you can add that bit of code under any article. Like if you are talking about investing or trading , you can have an ad for Scottrade or Sharebuilder.