Best Ways to Monetize a Small Website with Low Traffic

So, you’ve built a website — maybe it’s a blog, a personal brand, a portfolio, or even a niche community — but you’re staring at that traffic chart thinking, “Can I really make money from this?” The short answer is yes. Even low-traffic sites can earn income — it just takes the right approach.

Let’s break down the best ways to monetize a small website with low traffic, especially if you're just starting out.

1. Sell a Digital Product

Low traffic doesn't mean low value — especially if your visitors are highly targeted. That makes digital products one of the most powerful monetization methods.

Ideas:

• eBooks or guides

• Printable templates

• Digital art or design assets

• Courses or tutorials

Pro Tip: Use tools like Gumroad, Payhip, or Shopify Starter to sell without setting up a complex store.

2. Offer a Niche Service

Turn your expertise into cash. A small site with even 100 monthly visitors can convert if your content builds trust.

Examples:

• Consulting or coaching calls

• Freelance services (writing, design, coding)

• Personalized video messages or feedback

Use a free booking tool like Calendly + Stripe to keep things simple.

3. Use Affiliate Marketing (Strategically)

You don’t need millions of views to make affiliate marketing work — just the right content and audience.

Tips:

• Focus on product roundups, comparisons, and reviews that target buyer intent

• Choose affiliate programs with generous commissions (like web hosting, online tools, or niche products)

Platforms like Amazon Associates, Impact, and PartnerStack offer a wide range of options.

4. Create a “Buy Me a Coffee” Page

If you're producing content people enjoy — even if it's just a few folks — give them a way to say thanks.

Platforms like Buy Me a Coffee or Ko-fi let visitors donate or even subscribe for small monthly tips.

It's great for:

• Creatives

• Bloggers

• Coders sharing tools or tips

5. Build an Email List and Sell via Email

Here’s a secret: traffic doesn’t equal money — attention does. An email list helps you build a loyal base and monetize later, even if your site gets 10 visitors a day.

Start by:

• Offering a freebie (PDF, checklist, etc.)

• Using a free email service like MailerLite or ConvertKit

• Sending weekly emails that build trust and promote your offers

6. Monetize Your Skills with Tutorials and Courses

If your site is educational, show people how to solve problems. Then sell:

• A video course

• A Notion template

• A beginner’s guide

Even a $10 product can bring in solid income if just 5 people buy per week.

7. Use Ads Sparingly (But Smartly)

Yes, ads can work on small sites — if placed wisely. Just don’t rely on them as your main income stream.

Best options for small sites:

• Ezoic (better for small-mid traffic)

• BuySellAds (direct ad placements)

• Adsterra or PropellerAds (for niche monetization)

But again, only use these if they don’t kill your site’s user experience.

8. Create an Exclusive Community

Build a members-only space for your audience. This works especially well for niche topics like fitness, writing, or crypto.

Platforms to try:

• Discord with premium roles

• Substack paid newsletters

• Patreon membership tiers

9. License Your Content or Tools

If you've made something valuable — like a design, tool, or even a tutorial — you can license it.

Examples:

• Let brands embed your tutorial for a fee

• Sell use rights to your photography

• Offer code snippets under a commercial license

10. Bundle Services and Upsells

One of the smartest plays is turning a small offer into a value ladder. Start with a free blog or resource, then upsell into:

• A premium version

• A 1-on-1 call

• A full service package

This strategy helps maximize the revenue from every visitor, no matter how small your traffic is.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need viral traffic to make real money. A small, focused audience can be more profitable than a big, random one. The key is understanding what your visitors want — and offering something that solves their problem.

Pick one or two monetization methods to start, test them for 30 days, and refine. As your site grows, so will your income.