In the process of setting up an e-commerce site where you are selling your own products, you may wish to consider other options for generating other income streams. Remeber that space is at a premium on your site, so give thought to how you use it. Just filling it up with banners in hopes that people will click on them is rarely very productive source of income.
1. Selling e-zines - if you have a great deal of knowledge regarding a subject, particularly if it relates to your own products you may wish to create e-zines that can be sold on your site. If for example your site sells candles and you are able to create an authoritative e-zine on the making of candles, you may experience success selling your e-zine.
2. Pay-per-click - Some programs pay (genereally about $.01-.05) each time a consumer from your site clicks on one of their links. Some of the search engines have this program as well as, regular business sites. Unless you have a tremendous amount of traffic and a reason for people to click on these bannners or text links, the rewards may not warrant the effort.
3. Subscritptions - Depending on the type of product or service you provide, it may be possible to charge a monthly subscription for members. What you provide must be something people really want in order for them to be willing to subscribe. If you are charging a monthly fee, the good news is that you have an on-going source of revenue.
4. Affiliate Programs - Other merchants are willing to "rent" space on your site & pay you when their products sell. Of primary importance is that you are very selective in choosing merchants that will compliment and enhance your site,
that you promote their products, and that you stay up to date with products.
Merely placing links or banners on your site is a waste of time for both you and the program you are working with. It is time consuming and is likely to generate very little revenue.
Take the time for good planning and choose programs that you yourself believe in. It is much easier to sell things that you like from suppliers you trust.
