Monetizing a Games Website

[rhyswynne]

Hi everybody!

I'm starting a Gaming website in a few days. I'm thinking about monetizing it (already getting quite a few google hits to the domain name with a holding page). It's a niche gaming website.

What do you reccommend is the best way?

[Immo]

Depends what exactly the site is about, if you are doing game reviews etc then you can always signup with Amazon affiliates and make a CPA revenue from sales on Amazon.

Other than that some basic advertising.

[Luckyman]

Why not google adsense. It would work wonders if your traffic is really good

[megamoose]

I think a good way to bring some money in is offering actual game downloads on your site. Find a company/game that has an affiliate or referral program attached to it, allow users to download a trial from your site and get a bit of $$$ for every member who buys the full game.

World of Warcraft might have something like this, but I'm not too sure.

Mark

[stacy131]

I don't know why, but I noticed that gaming sites don't really have adsense. They usually have a sponsored flash advertisement on the right-hand side. You may look into that, I'm sure there's a reason why gaming site webmasters choose sponsors over adsense (it probably makes them more money?).

Also, write reviews for commonly-searched for games. Most of the gaming sites that I ever visited were because I typed in "X walkthrough," "X review", or "X guide". Games take up lots of memory, time, and effort to learn. I don't download games unless I know a bit about it so that I feel it's worth my effort, I'm sure others feel the same way. Plus writing reviews gets you quality content and that can't hurt.

[skyraider]

I think that whether or not you run AdSense depends on the type of gaming website. For Flash gaming website, AdSense is a great option because of its rich-media offerings. But for sites that focus on downloadable PC-game, megamoose has got it right. You have a thirsty crowd of gamers looking to buy hot titles, so affiliate with a distributor and run those ads on your site.

[weilies]

I suggest your join Ad Network, referral programs, And host their demo game, with a "Buy now" link to earn referral commission

[stacy131]

Also keep in mind that most gaming sites are Flash-based, so you need to make bots happy and your site searchable by adding content. Ultimately, the ads should come naturally as you get more and more visits.

[john587]

What about CPA affiliate Network entertainment/ringtone type offers or using ads from CPM ad networks.

[eXweso]

Join CJ and get a games affiliate, place it well and earn lots

[weilies]

CJ is quite picky in Publishers

[cldnails]

I've had a lot of luck combining phpBay and Associate-o-Matic(AOM) on my gaming related sites. By game related I mean blogged format with content pages, not just an inventory of flash games.

[AndrewRae]

megamoose got it right, I must agree with him.

The best way to monetize a game site is by offering free downloads to games closely related.

I've learned about this from my experience. Most of my customers use adsense and I've recently told them all to start promoting games since they pay much much better in the long run.

I think BigFishgames has an affiliate program that's right for you as well.

Other than that you can really bring in extra traffic by merging your Games site with a Music Video site. These two tend to go hand in hand.

PM me and i can give you some suggestions.

[nixwebo]

Originally Posted by AndrewRae

I think BigFishgames has an affiliate program that's right for you as well.

Big Fish Games, cool site, I have never heard of it until now, thanks for the ideas, AndrewRae!

[AudioAdvertising]

you can use audio ads!

www.aboutpppads.com

That's their introductory video, watch it and either sign up with them or get more information. Pretty simple and if you own a huge website with thousands of visits a day...you will make tons of money. It's basically guaranteed.

If you want to sign up under me as an affiliate, please go through this link:
www.pppads.notlong.com
I will be able to earn money from you and your affiliates. This would be a way of saying thanks for the info.

[jamesvy]

Our website is <url removed>, an Advertising Network dedicated to Gaming related websites.

Here are the services we offer to our advertisers:

- Advertising games using banners placed on selected quality gaming sites and web based games.

- Our solution is cost effective as you only pay for the clicks you receive, and we only count clicks from unique IPs.

- You take Full control with the possibility to adjust daily spends according to your needs, modify zones and targets selection, and pause/resume your advertising campaigns.

- You can follow your advertising campaigns performance with the very detailed statistics we make available to you.

- We developed an Action Tracking System to help you measure conversions for each of your campaigns.

Should you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. The set up is fast and easy, so if you are interested in our services please let us know.


Best Regards,

James Vybihal
<removed>

[goravani]

I would suggest to start with Amazon and Adsense.

[nik123]

thats great, will it has to be friendly user interface that can attract your gamer on your website.

[jtaporco]

i've been using adsense, but i only make 50 cents to a dollar a day. LoL

[GiorgosK]

Those are all great ideas
I have been using adsense but you need Lots of traffic to earn something worth talking about