SOPs/013
Monetization
💰

Affiliate Monetization

Turn your traffic into revenue with proven monetization strategies.

Revenue Paths

🔗

Affiliate Links

$50-150

RPM

📺

Display Ads

$10-40

RPM

🛒

Direct Sales

$100-500

RPM

RPM = Revenue Per 1,000 Visitors

Affiliate Network Comparison

NetworkCommissionCookieBest For
Amazon1-10%24 hoursPhysical products
ShareASaleVaries30-90 daysDiverse merchants
CJ AffiliateVaries30+ daysBig brands
ImpactVaries30+ daysSaaS, subscription
Direct Programs20-50%30-90 daysHighest payout
💡

Pro Tip

Always seek direct affiliate relationships. Better commissions, longer cookies, and dedicated support.

Content Types by Intent & RPM

"Best X" / "Top 10"High buyer intent
$100-200
"X vs Y" (Comparison)Decision stage
$80-150
"X Review"Evaluation stage
$60-120
"How to X"Informational
$20-50
"What is X"Awareness
$10-30

"Best X" Article Structure

H1: Best [Product] in [Year] (Tested & Reviewed)

Quick Picks Table (above the fold)

| Best Overall | [Product] | [Price] | [Link] |

| Best Budget | [Product] | [Price] | [Link] |

| Best Premium | [Product] | [Price] | [Link] |

  • H2: How We Tested
  • H2: #1. [Product Name] - Best Overall (Pros/Cons, Specs, CTA)
  • H2: #2. [Product Name] - Best Budget
  • ... repeat for 5-10 products
  • H2: Buying Guide
  • H2: FAQ

Optimal Link Placement

1
Quick picks table (top)
First link = most clicks
2
Product name (first mention)
Natural placement
3
"Check Price" button
High-intent users
4
Product image
Visual shoppers
5
End of review section
Decision point
6
Comparison table
Quick decision

E-E-A-T for Affiliate Sites

Establishing Expertise

Author bio with credentials
Testing photos (prove you used products)
Video reviews
Specific details (weight, dimensions)
Comparisons (show you've used multiple)

Trust Signals

Affiliate disclosure on every page
About page with real identity
Contact information
Privacy policy, terms
Editorial guidelines

Display Ad Integration

Traffic LevelRecommendation
< 10k/monthFocus on growth, no ads
10k-50k/monthEzoic or Mediavine
50k-100k/monthAdThrive or Mediavine
100k+/monthPremium networks, direct deals
⚠️

Warning

Balance UX and Revenue: Don't place ads in product review sections. Keep ads away from affiliate links. Test ad density. Mobile experience matters.

Monetization Checklist

Related SOPs