Best way to monetize a social network

This is an inquiry at the initial stages of a very new social network. I'm getting strong signups (15/day) and good feedback from users but revenues are slim to nil.

in terms of cpm, valueclick won't touch it because there's no control over user content. cpx is, well, cpx, in terms of cpa, I've got azoogle now, and have made a total of $2.22 in two weeks. I'd say adsense but worry that it looks too homegrown.

2 questions then, if you would be so kind:

1. what are some ways that people are finding are best for monetizing a social network?

2. any ideas on the best way to monetize this particular network?

many thanks in advance for your input.

 

i would reccomend topsocialsites.com to help your scocial network i wish u the best with your site

 

Hi there,
Now that's a niche website. LOL. I'd put a stip of Google AdSense right under your top menu with all the links. Make the AdSense titles red so they seem like an extension of your menu bar then they won't look home made

I hope this helps.

Enjoy your day!
Terry

 

Get lots of members and sell out to a big company for more $ than you've lost so far

 

thanks terry, and thanks weisenheimer.

Actually MT, I like that idea a good bit. Know anyone who's buying?

 

What about textlinkads and textlinkbrokers?

Also if you want to join more cpa affiliate networks then I have a load in my sig. By joining more you have a larger choice of offers that you can use on your network.

Anyway, all the best with this.

 

I also run a social network and it's been online for about a year now. At first, I used Yahoo! ads and didn't make much.

So what I did was research my niche and see what companies would be interested in advertising. So I contacted a few of them and one of them wanted to sponsor the site for a year which was great considering my site was fairly new at the time. Then I contacted a few more last month, and got a second sponsor who also wants to go for 1 full year.

I'd suggest you try and do the same. Do a little research on the web. Type up an email and explain how your site will benefit the company. Provide site stats (uniques, hits, age of site, etc.) and advertising spots with their rates. If they show interest but decline your offer, save their contact information and try again later (6-12 months). Repeat.

Good luck.

 

Your site is similar to mine.. I have static content, forums, and member blogs.
I monetize the site with Adsense and Kontera. But i found that in the forums my earnings were real low, especially with Adsense. In April I started using AuctionAds with keywords for stuff i think my members would be interested in - it is now bringing in an extra $300 or so per month.
I also have a subscription area of the forums where we put all the 'good' stuff - that brings in an extra $1,000 or so per month..

 

thanks tearabite, and thanks DPfan. Both great responses.

 

Best way to monetize social network is to sign up to Yuwie - it's a revenue sharing social network. And it will wipe out Facebook and MySpace out from the field if they don't follow it's way.

 

I dont see how this website is related to what user ask?

 

because a page that doesn't even load is going to take over myspace and facebook

 

this is also known as the Tom/Myspace method

 

Look like Yuwie still need a lot to do to wipe out Facebook and Myspace.