Should a (Personal) Web Site Make Money?

My web site started with the thought 'wouldn't it be cool to share my trips and tracks with other people?'. So I did, with scant consideration for making money. That is not to say that I did not add a 'Donate' button and Google Ads (as you can see in the site, I did), but money was always a secondary consideration.

Now I am thinking anew about the question of monetization, partly because I know my audience better (using Google Analytics), and partly because the economic situation in the US makse it more of a necessity. You may be in a similar situation, and the question is - what are the advantages and problems with trying to earn money from a personal web site.

The pros are obvious - cash is always welcome. An emphasis on making money will make you improve the quality and focus of the site, and that will increase traffic to it; More visibility, public attention and interest will bring psychological benefits and improve relationships at home (an earning hobby is usually more acceptable to family members than a money pit).

The cons are less obvious, but just as real.

Making money from your personal web site requires a serious commitment in time, and possibly money. If you are working full time, retired, or traveling, spending long hours updating and managing a server can crimp your lifestyle. Selling takes pandering and compromise, self censorship and self promotion. If you are the shy or technical type, these may not be to your strong suit, or even something you like. Of course, getting out of your comfort zone and learning new skills might do you good, too. Finally, there is the reality of the marketplace - the likelihood of making serious money from a web site, especially a personal one, is slim. The majority of all businesses fail within 5 years, and many do within one year. If you are careful and conservative, commercializing your web site will probably not cost you an arm and a leg, but failing will hurt your pride and ego.

So, what is the right decision? It depends.

To see where I am going with my web site (www.words2u.net), visit it and find out (or read about it in this blog).

What about your site? The decision is up to you. If you are already making money from your site, please share your experience. If you have abandoned all hope, please tell why.

Happy 4th of July, Everyone!