How can a social networking site make serious money?

[Kevin Lee]

Aside from a liquidity event happening with enough members, what is the best revenue model for a social networking site?

Thanks

[topeyinka]

Aside from a liquidity event happening with enough members, what is the best revenue model for a social networking site?

Thanks

I think social networking site do make money through monthly subscriptions and at large, they do make money through placing advert through their database.

[Kevin Lee]

I think social networking site do make money through monthly subscriptions and at large, they do make money through placing advert through their database.

With the exception of the online dating sites, I'd say most social networking sites are free to use.

[topeyinka]

I think social networking site do make money through monthly subscriptions and at large, they do make money through placing advert through their database.

With the exception of the online dating sites, I'd say most social networking sites are free to use.

you are right,but with a restriction on advert placement because you have to pay for adverts in certain pages of their sites.

[TannyL]

Hi Kevin,
They sell ad space, use Google AdSense, and some of them like StumbleUpon have an upgrade option, why I don't know, but people upgrade.

[bmueller47]

Hi There,

It is quite interesting, that some Social Networking do produce an income. I think testimonials are always a benefit to share. See one below:

This Social Network has changed my life! Every night is a Friday night and everyday is a Saturday!! Because of it, I have been able to leave the workforce 10 years early.It has given me back my life.

Many of us would like to retire early. I am sure there are many more. The point is of focusing with great determination. The ongoing challenge is to stay focussed and not be sidetracked into a newer scheme or so. Also I have read, during this financial turmoil, more people turn to Social Networking for various reasons.

[Kevin Lee]

Hi Kevin,
They sell ad space, use Google AdSense, and some of them like StumbleUpon have an upgrade option, why I don't know, but people upgrade.

Hi Tanny,

I'm not very convinced that Google AdSense will generate any serious amounts of revenue for a social networking site. Simply ask yourself when was the last time you were on Facebook, another major networking site or even this forum and whether or not you clicked through an ad? The answer was probably no.

[TannyL]

Hi Kevin,
Now that you mentioned that, you are right, I noticed the adsense ads only on the little social bookmarking site, those that people usually use for a backlink only and nothing else, and there are some site with no ads at all and you know that they are not making any money from the site.

[ideasuniversity]

I keep wondering how facebook is making money. Did anyone here know their profit for last year?