Having an editorial website, as opposed to an e-commerce shop, means that your content is mostly copy and video, for your readers to enjoy. But, producing these websites takes time and, often, money too. It would be great to make a little extra income from your blog or online editorial, so here are a few tips how.
1. Accept content marketing
Digital content marketing is a rapidly expanding industry. Good quality content can be offered by brands, often willing to pay to place it with suitable editorial outlets.
Some editorials will have strict guidelines about what they will and won’t accept – this often depends on company ethics, what will fit your following and add value to it, rather than deterring it with poor advertising. Also remember to make any sponsored or paid content clearly marked as such.
2. Sell directly…
Think about how you could monetise the content you already produce. Look at your analytics, and deem whether content is valuable enough for your visitors to pay to see or use it. If so, consider locking some of your content with a subscription system. Choose between tiered, metered or a ‘subscriber zone’ with benefits.
Alternatively, begin to create standalone content for sale through an online shop. This could be anything from self produced physical merchandise to digital downloads. Get creative!
3. …Or Sell indirectly
If running a standalone shop or putting together subscription packages isn’t for your following, affiliate links might be worth a try. Affiliate links are trackable links inserted into your website, which result in commission gained from any sales made by visitors directed by your link.
Commission is often small, and success will entirely depend on your following, but when used consistently positive results can be seen, especially with a large or rapidly growing readership.
Also remember to follow advertising guidelines, and clearly disclose that your website includes affiliate links.
4. Get sponsored
Some companies will offer ‘sponsorship’ to growing websites in return for bespoke editorial coverage, aligning your brand with theirs. Personally, I’d be a bit wary of these offers, but having never been part of one, I can’t speak from experience!
5. Make use of ‘ad space’
Despite the rise of digital content marketing, online visual advertising is still an option. Adverts that fall within the realm of ‘banner ads’ (ie. Banner ads, skyscraper ads, MPUs, full wrap advertising) can be a tricky game to play for smaller blogs. If your ad depends on a ‘click-through-rate’ payout, you might be waiting some time until you break over your minimum threshold, which is often set very high.
Alternatively, selling a negotiated ‘term’ of ad space for a set fee is a much safer way of doing things in terms of certainty of payout. However, you will have to have some facts and figures to justify your cost to potential advertisers.
Disclaimer: Remember, that any extra income you make on top of your normal salary may have to be declared in line with your country’s tax guidelines. Be practical and look them up, and follow advice accordingly. Better safe than sorry.
Image: Got Credit
My Digital 