In the digital world, content creation is only one part of building a successful blog. Monetization is the other half. Whether you’re running a personal blog, a niche content site, or a review platform, there’s money to be made—even with low to moderate traffic. The key? Knowing how to sell ads on websites effectively, even when you’re not attracting millions of visitors.
This guide will walk you through how to sell ads on your website, especially if you’re managing a small traffic blog. We’ll also explore options like publisher networks, native ad networks for small publishers, and other smart monetization strategies that can help you earn from website space, sell web traffic, and generate publisher revenue streams—even as a Google AdSense publisher or beyond.
Turn Your Traffic into Revenue – Become a Publisher Now!
Why Selling Ads Works for Small Blogs
Small traffic doesn’t mean small income. If your audience is engaged, niche-focused, and targetable, advertisers will pay to reach them. You may not have a million views, but 10,000 highly targeted visitors are often more valuable than 100,000 general ones.
Benefits of selling ads on small traffic websites:
- Low competition: Small blogs in niche topics often face less advertiser competition.
- High engagement: Your followers trust you more than they trust large media outlets.
- Long-tail value: Niche audiences are often in “purchase-ready” stages of their journey.
Types of Ads You Can Sell
Before jumping in, let’s look at what kinds of ads you can offer:
Display Ads
The most common type, served by networks like Google AdSense or Ezoic. Great for any blog.
Native Ads
These blend in with your content and often have higher engagement. Examples include Taboola or Revcontent.
Direct Banner Ads
Sold directly to businesses or brands in your niche. You control the pricing and placement.
Sponsored Content
Advertisers pay for a blog post or mention within your content. This works well for product reviews or tutorials.
Affiliate Ads
Earn commission when your visitors click and buy. Platforms like Amazon Associates or ShareASale are perfect for small bloggers.
Join a Publisher Network
A Publisher Network acts as a middleman, connecting advertisers with publishers. While Google AdSense is the most well-known, many non-AdSense ad networks are better for small bloggers.
Benefits of Publisher Networks:
- Automation: You don’t need to manage advertisers directly.
- Targeted ads: Better CTRs (click-through rates).
- Fill rates: Your ad space is rarely empty.
Examples of Publisher Networks:
- 7Search PPC – Uses AI to optimize ad placement.
- Media.net – Good for content-heavy blogs.
- AdThrive – Requires higher traffic but worth aiming for.
These platforms can boost your publisher revenue streams without manual ad sales.
Best Native Ad Networks for Small Publishers
Native ads are designed to match your content and user experience. They’re perfect for smaller blogs because they appear more organic and non-intrusive.
Top Native Ad Networks:
- MGID – Easy to join with low traffic requirements.
- 7Search PPC – High CPCs, even for small sites.
- Adyoulike – Good for lifestyle and entertainment blogs.
- Outbrain/Taboola – Higher entry barrier, but high revenue potential.
These networks are especially ideal for those looking to earn from website space without sacrificing user experience.
Sell Ads on Website Directly to Advertisers
Why let networks take a cut when you can go direct?
How to Sell Direct Ads:
- Create a Media Kit: Include your blog stats, demographics, and ad pricing.
- Add an “Advertise With Us” Page: Let potential sponsors know you’re open for business.
- Join Marketplaces: Platforms like BuySellAds or AdClerks allow direct sales even for small publishers.
This route can help you sell ads on website real estate more profitably.
Use Google AdSense (Smartly)
If you’re a Google AdSense publisher, you already know it’s easy to set up—but often disappointing in revenue unless you’re hitting large traffic numbers.
Tips for Better AdSense Results:
- Use high-CTR ad placements: Above the fold, in-article, or near navigation links.
- Experiment with ad sizes: Larger units like 300×250 or 728×90 perform well.
- Use Auto Ads strategically: Don’t overload your site; balance monetization with UX.
Still, monetizing without Google AdSense is also worth exploring if your earnings plateau.
How to Sell Niche Traffic at Higher Rates
Sell niche traffic by emphasizing quality over quantity.
Steps:
- Identify your niche: Parenting? Travel? Tech gadgets?
- Showcase audience behavior: Email open rates, time on site, conversion rates.
- Find niche advertisers: Tools like SimilarWeb or SEMrush help you identify brands advertising in your niche.
You can then pitch these brands for direct ads or sponsored posts. Niche = value.
Optimize Your Site for Higher Ad Revenue
Making money from ads isn’t just about slapping banners around your site. You must optimize your site for maximum ad visibility and engagement.
Tips to Boost Ad Revenue:
- Increase Pageviews per Visitor: Use related posts, “next article” prompts.
- Improve Site Speed: Faster sites increase ad impressions and reduce bounce.
- Mobile Optimization: Over 60% of traffic is mobile—use responsive ad units.
- User-Friendly Layout: Clean designs convert better.
These techniques help you sell web traffic more effectively and attract premium advertisers.
Alternative Revenue Streams for Publishers
If ads aren’t enough (or aren’t working), here are a few alternate publisher revenue streams to diversify income:
Affiliate Marketing
Use platforms like:
- Amazon Associates
- CJ Affiliate
- Impact
Email List Monetization
Send sponsored content or affiliate products to your subscribers.
Sell Digital Products
Ebooks, courses, or printables related to your niche.
Sponsored Reviews
Work with brands to write reviews or tutorials.
These tactics pair well with ad revenue and help stabilize earnings, even when traffic dips.
Conclusion
Even if you’re just starting out or have a small traffic blog, there are many ways to sell ads on your website and earn from website space. The secret lies in choosing the right publisher network, experimenting with native ad networks for small publishers, and leveraging your niche traffic.
No matter your blog’s size, remember: value beats volume. Stay consistent, grow your audience, and align with advertisers who see your worth. Over time, your small blog can turn into a revenue-generating asset.
