Social website owner seeks advice on monetization and low engagement

Ans: I can sense your passion for your website, and understand the frustration you must be feeling. It's clear that you've invested a lot of time, effort, and money into building something you believe in, but the returns aren't coming as expected.

This can be disheartening especially when the financial aspects weigh you down. Let's break it down and see how can you turn things around by not increasing much of your budget.

First clear this question for yourself, Who are you building this website for? You may have created what you feel is an amazing platform, but is it truly aligned with what your target audience wants? Sometimes, we get so involved in the project that we lose sight of what the users are looking for.

I suggest researching what your potential audience needs and altering your content or services accordingly. If your website isn’t hitting the mark for your audience, even the best design and investment won’t bring in traffic or sponsors.

And currently, your priority should be driving traffic. Without readers or visitors, sponsorships and ads won’t come. Start by creating valuable, shareable content that addresses real problems or interests.

Utilize social media to promote your content. Engage with communities that are interested in the niche you’re catering to. Join forums, groups, and discussions where your target audience hangs out. Organic traffic takes time, but it's the foundation for sustainable growth.

If you’re considering ads, start small. You don’t need to spend much in the beginning. Platforms like Google Ads or social media ads allow you to target specific audiences and gauge interest without spending a lot.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) will help you a lot if done correctly. By optimizing your site with relevant keywords, ensuring it’s mobile-friendly, and improving loading speeds, you’ll increase your chances of being discovered organically.

Consider forming partnerships. Collaborating with other sites or influencers in your niche can expand your reach. Even a guest post on a more established platform could bring attention to your website.

If advertisers aren’t interested yet, explore other ways to earn. Affiliate marketing, premium content, or offering services can bring in income while your traffic builds.

It will surely take time but being consistent and patient is the only way. Lastly, if you feel like you’ve tried everything, don’t be afraid to pivot. Sometimes, a small tweak or a shift in focus can lead to breakthroughs.