The beauty of directory websites is that you have options when it comes to making money. In this video, I'll give you a menu of different monetization methods to choose from - covering four proven methods (from easiest to hardest) to successful monetization. I also share three key moments where you should begin thinking about your monetization strategy.
But most importantly, your winning monetization strategy starts with knowing why you're creating a directory in the first place.
Ship Your Directory Newsletter: https://shipyourdirectory.kit.com
Twitter/X: @freychu
Tools FAQs:
Which ahrefs plan do I use? Ahrefs lite
Which google maps scraper do you use? https://outscraper.com/refer?referrer=ZTNhNTY1MmUzNDk4NDEzMjg3YjllYmE5MmU1ZmFkZTI=
How do you automate data enrichment? https://www.enrich.directory
What CMS and plugins do you use? Wordpress, Elementor Pro and a combination of Geodirectory or JetEngine + WP All Import
Timestamps
01:19: Why are you building a directory?
01:48 My personal why
03:20 4 different types of monetization methods
03:26 First monetization strategy (display ads + affiliate)
03:53 Google Adsense (pros and cons)
04:43 Ezoic (pros and cons)
06:51 Mediavine Journey (my favorite)
08:08 Why I still love display ads
08:55 Second monetization strategy (featured listings)
11:43 The volatility of display ads
12:10 Third monetization strategy (selling leads)
13:28 Why selling leads is so lucrative
14:37 How 200 visitors/month can earn more than 85k visitors/month
15:09 fourth monetization strategy (distribution to SaaS or other business)
17:09 When you should start thinking of monetizing (3 pivotal times)
17:18 The first time: Planning for monetization (keyword research)
20:32 The second time: Improving your monetization (when your site is live)
22:16 The third time: Optimizing your monetization strategies (when your site gets traffic)
24:06 A personal favor
If you watch until the end, would love your opinions and thoughts around a community of directory builders :)