You’re putting a lot of time, effort and creative energy into creating the best blog/website you can make, and now you’re wondering when you can monetize it.

In this scenario, monetization means adding affiliate links, and if you desire, display ads. Both monetization methods are proven ways to earn online income. But when do you incorporate them into your site pages?

There are two schools of thought on this.

Some say to wait until your site has established traffic.

Some say to go ahead and monetize right away.

Let’s explore both strategies.

Timing Is Everything: Wait for Traffic

It’s a fact that your blog/website isn’t going to make any money until it has established itself in the search results and it starts attracting a steady stream of traffic. Typically, traffic begins as a trickle, and then gradually picks up steam.

During the first weeks and months of its existence, you can choose to hold off on adding affiliate links and advertising. Those who follow this strategy prefer to put all of their efforts into building a solid foundation of valuable content and attracting a loyal readership. If your affiliate site is more “information-oriented” rather than “product-oriented” this strategy is a good option.

Once your blog/website has established its authority in its niche, you can then add monetization to every page. This does require you to go back and update every content page with affiliate links and ad blocks.

With this monetization method, you know for sure that your site is a winner because of all of the wonderful traffic coming its way. So, now all you have to do is decide what day you want to switch on its moneymaking potential.

Save Time and Effort: Monetize Right Away

I’ve had the experience of waiting to add monetization and adding it right away. I definitely prefer monetizing my sites as soon as possible.

If you’ve gained access to affiliate networks and programs, you can choose to go ahead and include affiliate links in your page content.

Please note that if you’re building your very first site, you may not be able to monetize yet because you need this first site to prove to those networks and programs that it has got potential to be a profitable affiliate site.

In this instance, you are going to have to wait for acceptance before you can monetize.

However, once you’re in, you can go ahead and monetize it, and moving forward, any other sites you build right away.

Both Are Okay

There is no right or wrong strategy when it comes to deciding when to begin monetizing a site. As a newbie, you can do it both ways and reap the benefits of increasing site traffic. The main thing to remember is to keep adding high-quality content to your site to make it an enjoyable and valuable online experience for your target audience.

Cash In On Creativity: Monetizing Your Affiliate Site for Success

by Donna Gets Real, an affiliate marketer and experienced online content writer.