20 Proven Ways to Monetise Your Website in 2026

In this guide, I’ll share the best monetisation strategies, from beginner-friendly tactics to advanced revenue streams. Don’t chase them all at once—pick one or two that fit your niche, master them, and then expand.

1. Affiliate Marketing

Promote products or services and earn a commission when someone buys through your unique link.

• How to start: Join the Awin network to access thousands of brands (Travelodge, Etsy, Nike, and more).

• Implementation: Simply paste your affiliate links into relevant content.

➤ Join Awin | Full affiliate marketing guide

2. Automate Links with Skimlinks

Skimlinks works like Awin but with a key difference—it automatically converts ordinary product links in your content into affiliate links.

• Commission: 1% – 10% per sale.

• Best for: Bloggers who don't want to manually manage individual affiliate links.

➤ Try Skimlinks

3. Display Banner Adverts

Earn revenue by showing ads on your site.

• Entry-level: Google AdSense or Media.net – copy and paste code to display targeted ads.

• Scaling up: Once you hit 10,000+ monthly views, apply for premium networks like Monumetric. At 25,000–50,000+ sessions, consider Mediavine or Raptive. For smaller sites (~1,000 sessions), try Journey by Mediavine.

• Alternative: Taboola displays recommended articles (not just banners) from advertisers.

• Direct sales: Sell banner space directly to relevant companies for higher profit.

➤ Google AdSense | Media.net | Mediavine

4. Sell Text Link Advertising

Offer simple in-content text links to advertisers. Charge a fixed monthly rate (e.g., £20) or per-click fee. List your site on marketplaces like Backlinks or LinksPanel to find buyers.

5. Monetise Your Email Subscribers

Many bloggers regret not starting an email list earlier.

• Tools: AWeber or Mailchimp.

• Strategy: Capture visitors, then send them curated product recommendations via email (affiliate promotions) to earn commissions on repeat.

➤ AWeber | Mailchimp

6. Publish Sponsored Posts

Get paid to write articles that promote a brand (advertorials). Rates range from £35 to £1,000+ depending on your traffic.

• Pro tip: Write the content yourself to charge extra for your time.

• Where to find work: Join blogger network groups on Facebook.

• Legal note: Always label sponsored posts as "ad" or "advertisement" to comply with advertising regulations.

7. Review Products for Freebies & Cash

Companies will send you free products (and sometimes pay you) for honest reviews—especially useful if you have a niche audience (e.g., gamers, parents).

• Action: Sign up with Toluna to receive product-testing opportunities.

➤ Toluna

8. Sell Digital Products

Create passive income by selling eBooks, printables, templates, or podcasts.

• Example: A 5,000-word eBook priced at £2.99. Only 20 sales per month adds up nicely.

• Inspiration: Browse the Envato Marketplace.

9. Sell Physical Products

Use your site as a storefront.

• Print-on-demand: Design t-shirts or mugs via Zazzle (great for branded merch).

• E-commerce: Build a full store with Shopify.

• Handmade: Sell crafts on Etsy and link back from your site to gain an edge over other sellers.

➤ Zazzle | Shopify | Etsy

10. Create a Business Directory

Charge companies a listing fee (monthly or annual) to appear on your site. For example, if you review sound systems, charge independent retailers to be featured on your "Best Places to Buy" page.

Typical fee: £20 – £500+ per year, depending on your traffic.

11. Publish Premium Articles

Hook readers with free content, then link to a password-protected WordPress page containing advanced strategies.

• How it works: Readers pay a small fee (e.g., £2–£10) via PayPal to unlock the password.

12. Build a Membership Forum

Create a "members-only" forum using free plugins like bbPress. Charge a one-time access fee or recurring subscription.

• Key to success: Foster a strong community that networks and shares exclusive tips.

13. Create an Online Course

Package your expertise into a paid course.

• Automation: Deliver it automatically via AWeber to paid subscribers.

• Wider reach: List it on platforms like Udemy (while still promoting it from your site).

➤ Udemy

14. Launch Your Own Affiliate Programme

If you create digital products (courses, eBooks, etc.), recruit affiliates to promote them. Use free WordPress plugins to manage it—this drives sales and traffic simultaneously.

15. Add a 'Hire Me' Page

Offer freelance services directly through your site.

• Examples: Blog writing, web development, graphic design.

• Rates: Freelance writers can earn £15–£50+ per hour.

• Extend reach: List your services on Upwork as well.

➤ Upwork

16. Accept Donations

Add a simple PayPal donation button or link to your Buy Me A Coffee page. Don't be shy—if you don't ask, you don't get.

➤ PayPal | Buy Me A Coffee

17. Create an Amazon Store Page

Amazon sells almost everything—so no matter your niche, there are relevant products to recommend.

• Monetisation: Join the Amazon Associates programme and earn 1%–12% commission on qualifying purchases.

• Tip: Position yourself as an authority, and your readers will trust your recommendations.

➤ Amazon Associates

18. Create Video Content on YouTube

Produce engaging videos, embed them on your site, and monetise them through YouTube's Partner Program (Google AdSense). If a video goes viral, ad revenue can skyrocket.

➤ YouTube Monetisation Guide

19. Become a Consultant

If you're an expert, offer paid 1-on-1 advice via webinars, podcasts, or video calls. Advertise your services on your site and charge an hourly fee.

20. Sell Your Website

Once your site has consistent traffic and revenue, it becomes a valuable asset. Expect to sell for 30 to 45 times your monthly profit.

• Marketplaces: List it on Flippa or BusinessesForSale.com.

➤ Flippa | BusinessesForSale

Final Thoughts

This list is just the beginning. Its purpose is to inspire you to take action, knowing there's huge potential down the line.

If you haven't built your website yet, start now. With Bluehost and WordPress, it's beginner-friendly—no coding skills required.

➤ See our full guide to building a website with Bluehost