If you own a website and wonder how to make money from it, you’re not alone. Millions of site owners worldwide search daily for ways to monetize their content, and advertising remains one of the most accessible options for beginners.
- First step: Google AdSense
Google AdSense is the starting point for most site owners. The process is simple—create an account, insert a few lines of code, and Google automatically displays relevant ads to your visitors. Earnings are calculated based on ad views and clicks.
The main drawback is Google’s substantial commission—32 % of all revenue generated. For new sites, initial earnings are modest, usually between $20–$100 per month during the first six months.
- Higher-profit alternatives
Media.net and Ezoic offer more favourable terms for many publishers. Ezoic uses AI technology to optimise ad placement automatically, often increasing revenue by 50–100 % compared to standard AdSense. These platforms also give you greater control over the types of ads shown. - Direct sales—maximum potential
Selling ad space directly to companies is the most profitable long-term method. It can generate 3–5 times higher revenue than automated networks, but it requires more personal involvement. You must identify interested brands, negotiate prices and manage business relationships. - Affiliate marketing—additional income
Affiliate marketing means promoting other companies’ products in exchange for a commission on each sale. Rates range from 3 % to 50 % depending on the industry. Amazon Associates, for example, pays 3–8 % on electronics, but high transaction volumes can offset the lower percentage. - Optimisation strategies
Strategic ad placement heavily influences revenue. Ads positioned above the fold (visible without scrolling) usually earn the most. In-content ads have higher click-through rates than sidebar units.
Continuous A/B testing of positions, sizes and colours is essential. Every site is unique; what works for one may fail on another.
- Mobile optimisation
With over 60 % of web traffic coming from mobile devices, responsive ads that do not hurt the user experience on small screens are crucial. - Reality check & expectations
Monetisation takes time and patience. Most sites earn under $100 per month in year one. Success depends on consistent traffic, content quality and niche. Finance, health and tech verticals typically earn more per visitor. - Diversification—the key to stability
Experts recommend combining multiple monetisation methods to reduce risk. A mix of AdSense, affiliate programmes and your own digital products provides financial stability and protection against algorithm or policy changes. - Critical success factors
High-quality content remains the foundation of any strategy. Sites delivering real value attract more organic traffic and enjoy higher return rates. SEO optimisation and regular publishing of relevant content are long-term investments that translate into higher earnings. - Common challenges
Ad-blockers increasingly cut revenue. Countermeasures include premium content for subscribers and less-intrusive native ads. Relying on a single income source is risky if platforms change their policies.
Advertising monetisation is not a get-rich-quick scheme, but with the right strategy and persistence it can become a stable passive-income stream. Success lies in delivering authentic value to your audience, diversifying revenue channels and continuously optimising performance. Sites consistently earning over $1,000 per month share three traits: quality content, targeted traffic and well-planned monetisation.
In the next issue we’ll explore other effective methods: selling your own digital products (online courses, e-books, templates), consulting and coaching services, premium subscriptions and exclusive content, donations and crowdfunding, as well as paid events and webinars. These alternatives can generate significantly higher revenue than traditional ads while giving you full control over pricing and strategy.
