Navigating the Complex World of Online Revenue Streams
As we continue to grow and evolve as a business, Lauren and I have been discussing new revenue streams for our company. With a team of six, we’re finally reaching a “cruising altitude” where we can efficiently manage day-to-day tasks without sacrificing quality. Our goal is to expand our income sources while maintaining our commitment to high-quality content and nurturing our loyal community.
A Healthy Balance
In just a year and a half, we’ve gone from a small WordPress site to a thriving business with a million pageviews per month, half of which are direct traffic. We’ve achieved this balance by gradually increasing our publishing schedule and attracting new audiences while preserving our core values. Our readers are loyal and active, which is a testament to our hard work and dedication.
Discerning Revenue Streams
When exploring new revenue streams, we’re mindful of our audience’s trust and loyalty. We avoid shady affiliate-based ad models that compromise our integrity, even if it means missing out on potential income. Instead, we’re launching an e-shop soon, which will allow our readers to support us directly. We’re also excited about our upcoming book release next year.
The Patreon Dilemma
One revenue stream we’ve considered is Patreon, but we’re hesitant due to concerns about alienating some followers. Many people have a negative reaction to subscription models, especially when combined with ads. While we understand the benefits of Patreon, we’re cautious about potential backlash and lost readership.
The Reality of Online Advertising
The media world faces significant challenges in generating revenue. Ad revenue is still limited compared to other media, and the value of a click is constantly decreasing. Ad blockers exacerbate this problem, making it difficult for online publications to survive.
Audience Expectations
Our audience has high expectations, often criticizing various revenue streams. They dislike banner ads, sponsored content, and subscription models. They also expect high-quality content without realizing the financial constraints involved. This disconnect can be frustrating, but we’re committed to transparency and honesty about our process.
The Privilege of Starting a Media Company
The harsh reality is that starting a media company often requires significant personal or family wealth. This privilege can create an uneven playing field, making it difficult for diverse voices to break into the industry. As media consumers, we must acknowledge this reality and support projects that promote diversity and sustainability.
A Better Way Forward
We believe there’s a better way to approach online revenue streams. By supporting niche publications, subscribing to quality content, and contributing to small projects, we can promote diversity and sustainability in the media industry. As a media owner, I’m committed to running our company ethically, sustainably, and fairly, and as a consumer, I choose to support projects that align with my values.
The Future of Independent Media
Independent media founded by non-rich people can thrive, but it’s an incredibly difficult journey. We’re committed to transparency and honesty about our process, even when the truth isn’t simple or satisfying. By working together, we can create a more diverse and sustainable media landscape that benefits everyone.
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