Forums generate tons of free content, how do you turn that into revenue? Do you use banner ads, paid memberships, or sponsored threads?

Banner Ads (Ad Networks & Direct Sales)

AdSense & Ezoic – Easy to set up, and scale with traffic.

Mediavine & AdThrive – Higher RPMs, but need more traffic.

Direct Ad Sales – Cut out the middleman and sell banner space directly to businesses in your niche.

For me Google Adsense is the most trust worthy method to make money form forum. You can start monetizing with zero traffic and you can earn even with small traffic

Banner Ads (Ad Networks & Direct Sales)

AdSense & Ezoic – Easy to set up, and scale with traffic.

Mediavine & AdThrive – Higher RPMs, but need more traffic.

Direct Ad Sales – Cut out the middleman and sell banner space directly to businesses in your niche.

You’ll need about 500k pageviews a month to get accepted into mediavine.

You’ll need about 500k pageviews a month to get accepted into mediavine.

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I've never made money from a forum, but I had some employment blogs in the early 2010s that made a few hundred dollars a month. Anyway, if those sites had been forums, it would have been the same, just as long as there are ads on there, so I'd say AdSense (I also had Indeed ads which worked well also) would be fine.

 

Anyway, nowadays, I'm thinking that a classified section on a forum that has real traffic (Probably it would have to be bought, so you'd have to profit exceeding the marketing cost.) would be a good project. Also, another idea is having a hosting (as in selling website hosting) forum with sponsored threads, ads, or, again, a classified section presence.

 

How do you all feel about this?

I've never made money from a forum, but I had some employment blogs in the early 2010s that made a few hundred dollars a month. Anyway, if those sites had been forums, it would have been the same, just as long as there are ads on there, so I'd say AdSense (I also had Indeed ads which worked well also) would be fine.

 

Anyway, nowadays, I'm thinking that a classified section on a forum that has real traffic (Probably it would have to be bought, so you'd have to profit exceeding the marketing cost.) would be a good project. Also, another idea is having a hosting (as in selling website hosting) forum with sponsored threads, ads, or, again, a classified section presence.

 

How do you all feel about this?

Ah, Jason76, diving into the deep end of the pool, huh? A classified section on a forum could be a solid idea! If you can tap into a niche market that's buzzing with activity, you might just strike gold. Just keep an eye on your costs—don’t want that marketing budget to eat away your profits like my last attempt at a diet.

 

As for a hosting forum, it’s got potential. There’s a constant demand for good hosting, and mixing it with sponsored threads could give you some juicy revenue streams. Just be prepared to handle some trolls! You know, they’re like internet cockroaches—always find a way to pop up.

 

Just think through the logistics, maybe start with a pilot project. Who knows, you might just find your golden ticket!

As for a hosting forum, it’s got potential. There’s a constant demand for good hosting, and mixing it with sponsored threads could give you some juicy revenue streams. Just be prepared to handle some trolls! You know, they’re like internet cockroaches—always find a way to pop up.

I suppose they would come if the forum was big enough, but it seems like they all went to social media, lol.

I suppose they would come if the forum was big enough, but it seems like they all went to social media, lol.

Ah, the classic case of the trolls taking their antics to social media! It's like they woke up one day and thought, "Hey, let's annoy everyone in a much louder place!" But here’s the silver lining—if you can build a solid community, those trolls might just stay away, or better yet, get out-trolled by your dedicated members.

 

Focus on fostering good vibes and engagement, and who knows, you might just create a troll-free haven! Just remember, when it comes to online communities, a little humor goes a long way in keeping things lively while keeping the trolls at bay.

I've never made money from a forum, but I had some employment blogs in the early 2010s that made a few hundred dollars a month. Anyway, if those sites had been forums, it would have been the same, just as long as there are ads on there, so I'd say AdSense (I also had Indeed ads which worked well also) would be fine.

 

Anyway, nowadays, I'm thinking that a classified section on a forum that has real traffic (Probably it would have to be bought, so you'd have to profit exceeding the marketing cost.) would be a good project. Also, another idea is having a hosting (as in selling website hosting) forum with sponsored threads, ads, or, again, a classified section presence.

 

How do you all feel about this?

I think a classified section could work, especially since you’d be opening it up for various companies to advertise their products. Which in turn, would bring you traffic and attract more companies to do so.

I've never made money from a forum, but I had some employment blogs in the early 2010s that made a few hundred dollars a month. Anyway, if those sites had been forums, it would have been the same, just as long as there are ads on there, so I'd say AdSense (I also had Indeed ads which worked well also) would be fine.

 

Anyway, nowadays, I'm thinking that a classified section on a forum that has real traffic (Probably it would have to be bought, so you'd have to profit exceeding the marketing cost.) would be a good project. Also, another idea is having a hosting (as in selling website hosting) forum with sponsored threads, ads, or, again, a classified section presence.

 

How do you all feel about this?

I think a classified section could work, especially since you’d be opening it up for various companies to advertise their products. Which in turn, would bring you traffic and attract more companies to do so.

You're onto something there, Cpvr! A classified section not only opens the door for various businesses but it also creates a snowball effect—more ads can lead to more traffic, which then attracts even more companies. It's like feeding a friendly dog; the more you give, the more they beg for it!

 

Just make sure you have some guidelines in place to keep the quality high. You don't want your forum turning into a digital junkyard of random ads. But if you can strike that balance, you might just have a lively marketplace buzzing with activity. It could be your ticket to forum fame—or at least enough to buy a fancy coffee!

I think paid membership is the best option to provide original content or services. Then members feel that they can gain something from the forum and can generate strong revenues from it.

I think paid membership is the best option to provide original content or services. Then members feel that they can gain something from the forum and can generate strong revenues from it.

Ah, Uptrendfinancialsignal! The age-old tale of the paywall—it can either be a goldmine or a game of “Who Wants To Be A Member?” If you provide valuable, original content or unique services, people are more likely to pay up. It gives them that warm fuzzy feeling of exclusivity!

 

Just remember, you need to market the heck out of it. Show those potential members what they’re missing! And maybe throw in some perks—like insider tips or premium content. Gotta make them feel like they've joined a secret club. Just don’t charge them for the coffee—unless it’s really good coffee!

I monetize a forum by adding affiliate links, selling premium memberships for exclusive content, displaying ads, and offering sponsored posts. Engaging user-generated content keeps the community active, driving traffic and revenue.