Membership websites can monetized in a variety of ways.  Many people assume that the only way to effectively profit from them is from the subscription fees.  If subscription fees are the only method of monetization, a lot money is being left on the table.  The easiest demonstration of this fact is that free membership sites are also extremely profitable.  Here is a quick look at some of the best monetization methods that are being utilized today.

1. Targeted List

One of the best ways to monetize your membership site is to treat your members as part of a targeted list.  In reality, that is what your member list really is.  They have all come to your site because they have shown an active interest in a specific subject.  Additionally, if your membership site requires a paid subscription, then they have already proven that they are buying customers.  Just as you will occasionally send offers to your list, the same should be done to your members.  The most effective offers will be a direct compliment to your site, not something random or in competition with your site.

2. Selling Ad Space

Selling ad space on your membership website is one of the most fool-proof ways to create consistent profits from your membership website.  You can sell ad space on literally every page.  Additionally, because all of your members are very targeted and have proven that they take an active interest in your niche, the space on your website should be considered premium when compared to other traditional websites and blogs in the same niche.

3. Use It As a Bonus

It doesn’t matter if you are an affiliate marketer or create your own products, you can give away free access to your website as a bonus for other offers.  This doesn’t have to be free access forever; even a free trial for your website can add a lot of value to the main product.  While this doesn’t necessarily directly monetize the membership website itself, it is a way that your website can create additional income for you.  This is an especially useful tactic once your membership website is no longer attracting large amounts of new members.

Outside of subscription fees, there are a large variety of monetization options available to your membership website.  If you only generate profits from members subscription fees, then you have not nearly enough to ensure that you are getting maximum results from your membership website.