David Fiske A subtle blend of affiliate marketing and web development

I run a site that generates mostly AdSense revenue. It accounts for a substantial amount each year. However, I've always found it difficult to monetise because it's in a very tight niche.

I took a punt at adding some loans merchants to the site on the basis that a lot of my traffic are looking for jobs and training.
 
Anyhow, I logged into a network today to find a credit for a successful loan application!

It's an interesting concept that I will learn from as it provides a valuable lesson. Infact, I haven't had a practical example for a while so we'll pick on something obscure like motorhome sales.


"The Performance" by Volkner Mobil for anyone who's got a spare million to get it and the car!

There aren't any motorhome merchants I know of so it would be difficult to monetise this site using the obvious methods. But what if we looked around the topic. Visitors reading reviews of motorhomes would probably be looking to buy one. They would fall into several categories:

• Dreamers - "I like the look of motorhomes but won't ever buy one"
• Pre-qualified - "I want a motorhome but cannot afford one"
• Bargain hunters - "I want a cheap motorhome"
• Purchaser - "I can afford, and want to buy a motorhome"

The dreamers are a lost cause. They are unlikely to buy so therefore will not want to fork out any cash. You could try aiming text ads towards them as that might monetise that stream of traffic.

The pre-qualified visitors want a motorhome but cannot afford one. So introduce loan options to them. This links back to the needs and wants post I made a few weeks ago. As they already want the home, they are open to influencing. Pick a few loans companies and work out typical payments if you can. Demonstrating that a motorhome could cost as little as £1 a day could be the incentive they've been looking for.

The bargain hunter is an ideal candidate for directing towards eBay. They are looking for a cheap motor caravan so are unlikely to need a loan. They would probably be happy with an old motorhome. Perhaps they want to do one up (DIY affiliate links) or perhaps they are new to caravanning (book affiliate links).

The purchaser is already going to buy a home. They aren't going to be interested in what loans you have to recommend. You can still monetise this traffic by playing on a 'need' rather than the 'wants'. Insurance. Every motorhome will need insurance as it's a vehicle that uses the road. Recommend some insurers and give reasons why your visitor should buy insurance from them.

Summary

It's oh so easy to focus too narrowly and overlook some basic needs of your visitors. When developing a site, try to be broad minded and try to understand what it is your visitors actually want. Serve your visitors well and they will serve you well.