Ask HN: Best way to monetize how-to content?

#1

Post by devbot9 » Sat, Jun 01, 2019, 5:35 PM UTC

Frequently when working on a project, I figure out how to do something novel with a technology/language/framework, or something that's unique for a combination of tools. Often times there just isn't any helpful explanations of the use-case online, or the documentation/tutorials out there are not fleshed out in any quality format that's beginner friendly.

In those cases, I'd love to have a process to make content that shows others how to get started solving the similar problems I faced. What would be the optimal choice (or combination) of formats that would be the most profitable? Youtube tutorial video, along with a written article (personal blog post, then exported to Medium) and link to github sample code? Micro course on a proprietary learning platform like Udemy? I'd love to know what combination others have found that has produced the most results in exposure and profit.

Re: Ask HN: Best way to monetize how-to content?

#2

Post by gtirloni » Sat, Jun 01, 2019, 6:24 PM UTC

If your content isn't long enough, it'll be hard to monetize individually. Unfortunately, micropayments isn't a reality yet.

I think your best bet is to amass enough content for a blog and either make money through ads or a subscription model.

If your content is niche enough, I wouldn't even bother with ad revenue from YouTube.

Re: Ask HN: Best way to monetize how-to content?

#3

Post by magical_mishka » Sat, Jun 01, 2019, 6:43 PM UTC

Set up a website with blogs and embedded YouTube videos. Do import some of your blogs to Medium (but dont expect to get paid much from them). The real money lies in Google Adsense implemented on your site and YT videos.

Re: Ask HN: Best way to monetize how-to content?

#4

Post by gesman » Sat, Jun 01, 2019, 6:45 PM UTC

Find products that are most relevant to the subject where vendor offers commissions for referral sales.

Then place adds for these products on a sidebar via your affiliate link.

Re: Ask HN: Best way to monetize how-to content?

#5

Post by galfarragem » Sat, Jun 01, 2019, 7:59 PM UTC

magical_mishka wrote: post #3

Set up a website with blogs and embedded YouTube videos. Do import some of your blogs to Medium (but dont expect to get paid much from them). The real money lies in Google Adsense implemented on your site and YT videos.

In my experience (2 niche blogs), nowadays, the real money comes from Amazon affiliates and direct ads. I gave up from Adsense 2 years ago.

Re: Ask HN: Best way to monetize how-to content?

#6

Post by tmaly » Sat, Jun 01, 2019, 8:50 PM UTC

I did a ton of research. There is no sure fire way. But.. if you are looking for most profitable, you want to make an online course.

Udemy is good for a lead generation channel but with their pricing,your only making $2.50 per student. Plus you cannot mention your site in the main videos. You are only allowed to advertise your site in a bonus video.

Gumroad is a good option for payment and distribution. Host the blog posts on your own Wordpress site.

Re: Ask HN: Best way to monetize how-to content?

#7

Post by username444 » Sat, Jun 01, 2019, 9:49 PM UTC

galfarragem wrote: post #5

magical_mishka wrote: post #3

Set up a website with blogs and embedded YouTube videos. Do import some of your blogs to Medium (but dont expect to get paid much from them). The real money lies in Google Adsense implemented on your site and YT videos.

In my experience (2 niche blogs), nowadays, the real money comes from Amazon affiliates and direct ads. I gave up from Adsense 2 years ago.

AdSense pays out $2-$3 CPM

Other ad networks pay out $20-$30 CPM

Add are, sadly, a good way to monetize

Re: Ask HN: Best way to monetize how-to content?

#8

Post by ksahin » Sat, Jun 01, 2019, 10:47 PM UTC

username444 wrote: post #7

galfarragem wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

In my experience (2 niche blogs), nowadays, the real money comes from Amazon affiliates and direct ads. I gave up from Adsense 2 years ago.

AdSense pays out $2-$3 CPM Other ad networks pay out $20-$30 CPM Add are, sadly, a good way to monetize

Who are the ad networks paying $20-$30 CPM for tech ?

Re: Ask HN: Best way to monetize how-to content?

#9

Post by nik736 » Sun, Jun 02, 2019, 9:11 AM UTC

username444 wrote: post #7

galfarragem wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

In my experience (2 niche blogs), nowadays, the real money comes from Amazon affiliates and direct ads. I gave up from Adsense 2 years ago.

AdSense pays out $2-$3 CPM Other ad networks pay out $20-$30 CPM Add are, sadly, a good way to monetize

Is this for video ads or banner ads?

Re: Ask HN: Best way to monetize how-to content?

#10

Post by slipwalker » Mon, Jun 03, 2019, 12:47 PM UTC

ksahin wrote: post #8

username444 wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

AdSense pays out $2-$3 CPM Other ad networks pay out $20-$30 CPM Add are, sadly, a good way to monetize

Who are the ad networks paying $20-$30 CPM for tech ?

i am curious too...