8 Proven Ways to Monetize Your Personal Website

So, you've launched your personal website—congrats! But now you're wondering, “What can I actually do with it?” Whether you want to build a side income, grow an audience, or turn your site into a business, here are 8 proven ways to monetize your site today.

1. Affiliate Marketing

Best if: You write blog posts, reviews, or tutorials.

  • Sign up for affiliate programs (Amazon Associates, ShareASale, Impact, etc.)
  • Add affiliate links to relevant content (product recommendations, software tools)
  • Earn a commission when people buy through your links

2. Ads (Display Advertising)

Best if: You have decent traffic (1,000+ visitors/month minimum).

  • Use platforms like Google AdSense, Ezoic, or Mediavine
  • Place ads automatically or manually in blog posts and sidebars
  • Revenue is based on views (CPM) and clicks (CPC)

3. Sell Digital Products

Best if: You have expertise, create content, or teach.

  • Examples: eBooks, courses, templates, design assets, photography, code snippets
  • Use platforms like Gumroad, Lemon Squeezy, or Stripe Checkout
  • Embed the store or link from your site

4. Offer Freelance Services

Best if: You're a developer, designer, writer, or consultant.

  • Add a "Hire Me" or "Work With Me" section
  • Showcase your work, skills, and testimonials
  • Add a contact form (e.g., Netlify Forms or Formspree)

5. Memberships / Subscriptions

Best if: You produce regular content or want a community.

  • Offer exclusive content behind a paywall
  • Use services like Memberstack, Outseta, or Ghost
  • Monetize with recurring monthly fees

6. Sell Physical Products

Best if: You create merchandise or art.

  • Use Shopify Lite or Snipcart with your static site
  • Integrate a print-on-demand service (e.g., Printful or TeeSpring)

7. Donations / Crowdfunding

Best if: Your content is educational, helpful, or open-source.

  • Add a Buy Me a Coffee or Ko-fi button
  • Accept donations via PayPal or Stripe
  • Launch a Patreon for ongoing support

8. Email List Monetization

Best if: You want to build long-term relationships.

  • Collect emails using forms or popups
  • Send newsletters with product recommendations or exclusive content
  • Promote affiliate offers or your own products