Publisher Monetization University

We know that getting started in the world of website monetization can be challenging. Often, it can be difficult to know what the best plan is for your site and what your options are. Even understanding all of the relevant terminology can feel like an overwhelming task. In the midst of all this, how do you determine what you can accomplish and what your next set of goals should be?

This is why we created Publisher Monetization University — or PMU for short. As you read these eight guides, think of yourself as a student setting out to learn about the different types of website monetization: what those types are, how they build upon each other and overlap, and how you can advance into more sophisticated monetization strategies with time and experience. Written by industry experts, PMU offers unique and detailed insights about developing and leveraging your advantages in your niche.

Each guide provides an in-depth review of its monetization topic, along with resources and tips for getting started with that monetization strategy. We recommend reading the eight PMU guides in order, as they’re sequenced to first address the most beginner-friendly topics, then gradually move into more complex topics. And while you may be playing the role of a student at PMU, your “homework assignment” is up to you: You get to choose exactly which monetization strategies are most exciting to you and align with your vision for your website’s future.

We hope you enjoy Publisher Monetization University. We’re excited to help you learn!

What's inside

The first lesson is open to everyone. The rest open when you join the course.

  1. Website Monetization and Managed Advertising Programs 1 min
    • What Is Managed Advertising? Locked
    • Beyond Google AdSense: What Else Is Out There? Locked
    • Programmatic Advertising: How Managed Advertising Get Priced Locked
    • A Tour of the Ad Auction: Different Types of Bidders Locked
    • Navigating Google AdSense Approval Locked
    • Measuring Performance Locked
    • Recommended Resources and Vendor Links Locked
    • Where Do We Go From Here? Locked
  2. Advanced Display Advertising 1 min
    • A Tour of Premium Ad Networks Locked
    • Premium Networks: The Big Three Locked
    • The Other Option: Move Toward Google Ad Exchange Locked
    • Monetization: Onward and Upward Locked
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  3. Direct Sales and Sponsored Content 2 min
    • Types of Advertising and Content Locked
    • What You’ll Need: An Established Audience Locked
    • What You’ll Need: Marketing and Relationship Expertise Locked
    • Key Considerations Locked
    • Strategies for Becoming Successful Locked
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  4. Intro to Affiliate Marketing 1 min
    • How Affiliate Marketing Works Locked
    • What Does An Affiliate Marketer Do? Locked
    • What Kind of Content Works? Locked
    • Understanding Affiliate Program Compensation Locked
    • Strategies To Help You Become a Successful Affiliate Locked
    • Affiliate Programs To Get You Started Locked
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  5. E-commerce and Selling Physical Products 1 min
    • E-commerce: Picking What You Want To Manage Locked
    • Publisher Strategies for E-commerce and Physical Products Locked
    • Picking Your Battles: The Mathematics of Winning Locked
    • Managing Risks Locked
    • E-Commerce Resources Locked
    • Getting Started and Going Forward Locked
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  6. Digital Products 2 min
    • Examples of Common Digital Products Locked
    • What Publishers Need To Get Started Locked
    • Strategies To Build a Successful Digital Products Business Locked
    • Resources and Places To Get Started Locked
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  7. Memberships & Subscriptions 1 min
    • Examples of Common Subscriptions and Community Memberships Locked
    • What Publishers Need To Get Started Locked
    • Strategies To Build a Successful Subscription Business Locked
    • Resources and Places To Get Started Locked
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  8. Lead Generation Strategies 1 min
    • Designing a Lead Generation Strategy Locked
    • What Publishers Need To Get Started Locked
    • Strategies To Build a Successful Lead Generation Business Locked
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