[FAQ]

Hi everyone,

I recently set up a free website using one of those online builders, you know? I was just wondering if it’s actually realistic to make some money from it, even if it’s just a little bit to start.

What are the common ways people do this, and do these free website platforms have rules or restrictions about putting ads or maybe affiliate links? For example, can I use Google AdSense on a free Wix or WordPress.com site?

Any advice would be appreciated, thank you!

[Jeff Bullas]

Good day,

That is a practical question. Yes, it is possible to make some money from a free website, but it often comes with significant limitations you need to be aware of.

There are a few ways you might generate income. First, affiliate marketing is often one of the more accessible options. This involves placing special links in your content, and if someone buys a product or service through your link, you earn a commission. You will need to check the terms of service of your free website provider, as some may have restrictions on this.

Second, you could consider donations or support. If you are providing content that people find valuable, you can add a link to a service like Ko-fi or “Buy Me A Coffee” where visitors can contribute.

Third, a free website can serve as a basic online presence or portfolio to showcase your services if you are a freelancer. The actual transaction or client engagement would typically happen off-site.

Fourth, if you have digital products, like an e-book or a small guide, you could mention them on your free site and then link to an external platform, such as Gumroad or Etsy, where the purchase can be made.

However, there are common challenges and limitations with free platforms.

A major one is restrictions on advertising. Many free website builders, including the free versions of platforms like WordPress.com or Wix, either do not allow you to run your own advertisements (such as Google AdSense), or they will display their own ads on your site, and you do not earn revenue from those. If they do permit something like AdSense, it might be on a specific higher-tier free plan or with certain conditions attached.

Also, comprehensive e-commerce functionality, like a proper online shop, is almost always a feature of paid plans.

Furthermore, free sites typically come with a subdomain (like yourname.platformname.com) and the platform’s branding. This can appear less professional and might deter some potential customers or partners.

Finally, free plans usually offer fewer features, limited Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) tools, and less storage space. These factors can make it more difficult to attract the volume of traffic necessary to generate significant income.

If you are serious about making substantial money from a website, investing in your own custom domain name and a basic paid hosting plan or upgrading to a paid plan on a reputable website builder will generally provide far more control and a more professional appearance. It does not have to cost a fortune to get started properly, either. In fact, I started my own blog back in 2008 with just ten dollars, which mainly covered the domain name. You can read a bit about that journey and how to start a blog effectively over at https://www.jeffbullas.com/start-a-blog/. The point is, even a small initial investment can make a significant difference if you are serious about your online presence and monetisation.

So, while you might earn a small amount with a free site, particularly through methods like affiliate links or directing people to off-site sales points, the restrictions imposed by the free platforms often make it challenging. For more serious monetisation efforts, that small step up is usually the way to go.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

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