28 Incredible Types of Websites That Will Make Money

In the online world, the right website ideas can make money and unlock doors to endless possibilities.

Many people would love the idea of a self-sustaining website that generates a passive income. At the same time, it’s also a struggle for them to find profitable niches. Or perhaps they’re unsure how to monetize their passions online.

This can lead to missed opportunities and financial disappointment.

In this article, we explore 28 different types of websites, each with its unique way of generating income. From eCommerce to blogging, we’ll cover a diverse range of options.

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or someone seeking a side hustle, this article offers practical insights. We provide not just ideas, but also actionable strategies for turning these website concepts into profitable ventures.

Earning Money On Websites

The digital landscape has transformed how we perceive business and income generation. With the rise of the internet, the question often arises: Is there really money in building websites?

The answer is a resounding yes, and here are some reasons why:

1. Global eCommerce sales are projected to hit 6.9 trillion USD in 2024, demonstrating the massive potential of online stores. A well-structured eCommerce website taps into this growing market.
2. Advertising revenue on websites is a significant income source. Platforms like Google AdSense enable website owners to earn money by displaying ads.
3. The demand for online content has never been higher. Content-driven websites, such as blogs, news portals, and educational sites, attract large audiences.
4. The rise of remote work and digital nomadism has led to an increased demand for online services and platforms. Websites offering unique services, tools, or resources have the potential to attract users willing to pay for convenience and quality.

If you’re planning to build your own website, now’s the best time to do so. Here is a list of ideas for a website that have the best chances of making money.

1. eCommerce

In recent years, online shopping has become a big part of global retail, thanks to the Internet. With over five billion people using the internet worldwide, online sales reached a whopping 5.7 trillion U.S. dollars in 2022.

Creating an online store is among the more popular ideas to make money from a website. Nowadays, it’s easy to create your online store even without technical expertise. For instance, using the WooCommerce plugin with WordPress can help you build an amazing storefront with little effort.

There are different ways to go about building your eCommerce store. You can make and sell your products, owning everything about your brand. Or, you can act as a middleman, either by wholesaling (buying products upfront) or drop shipping (selling without buying first), which is cheaper at the start.

For those who don’t want to make their own products, white labeling is an option. In this method, entrepreneurs buy ready-made items, put their labels on them, and sell them.

2. Blogging Platforms

Among over 1.13 billion websites globally as of 2023, an impressive 600 million are blogs. These blogging sites cover a vast array of subjects from home renovation to baking and local business marketing strategies.

The potential of blogging is vast, making it an ideal website idea for beginners due to its low cost and easy initiation. Starting a blog requires dedication and strategic planning, but the possibilities for growth and monetization are substantial.

Making money through blogs is diverse and flexible. The most common ways you can earn through blogging are:

• Affiliate marketing. Earning commissions by promoting other companies’ products or services through your unique affiliate link.
• Sponsored content from brands for product reviews, sponsored posts, or entire dedicated articles.
• Create and sell digital products like eBooks, online courses, or exclusive content.
• Google AdSense. You earn money when visitors click on the ads or simply view them. 

3. Freelance Websites

If you’re a freelancer, you need a website that will showcase your portfolio and expertise. Think of your personal website as a digital business card and resume all in one.

Here, ideas include various types of content like work samples, client testimonials, and detailed service descriptions on your website for money. Additionally, writing blogs can further establish expertise and attract organic traffic through SEO.

Monetization in this type of website is mainly indirect. The website serves as a lead-generation tool for potential clients to avail of your services. Offering downloadable resources or online courses related to the freelancer’s expertise can also provide additional revenue streams.

In terms of making money, there are many lucrative freelancing roles to choose from, including:

• Web designers and developers
• Virtual assistants
• Content writers and editors
• Social media specialists
• Accountants and bookkeepers

4. Online Course/Education Platforms 

Teaching and selling courses online has become a big business due to the high demand for quality educational content. The global eLearning market is expected to grow to $457.8 billion by 2026.

If you’re thinking about how to sell your courses effectively, one way is to use specialized online course marketplaces such as Udemy. But with so many online courses uploaded on these platforms, it can be challenging to thrive.

Alternative ideas are to host your courses on your own website to make a bit of money. To get started, you’ll need a dedicated website to showcase your course content and handle sales. 

For a positive learning experience, your online course platform should have key features. This includes an easy-to-use interface, powerful tools for creating courses, support for various media types, discussion forums, progress tracking, grading capabilities, customization options, and secure payment processing.

5. Job Portals 

A job portal is like an online hub where people looking for jobs meet employers offering them. It simplifies the job search and hiring process.

Job seekers can create profiles, upload resumes, and explore job opportunities in different fields and locations.

These portals earn money mainly by charging employers for posting job openings. The better the quality of applicants they attract, the more employers are willing to pay. This arrangement benefits both job seekers and companies, creating a mutually beneficial situation.

6. Review Websites

If you’re planning to create a website to make money, consider launching a review website. In this type of website, you’ll be providing a valuable service – offering insights and advice that help people make informed decisions.

The more reviews your site has, the richer the resource it becomes. Some review sites also feature expert opinions, giving an added layer of credibility.

Now, let’s talk money. The primary way review websites generate income is through affiliate marketing. If a visitor buys a product through a link on your site, you get a commission. Advertising is another revenue stream, as well as featuring sponsored products.

To create a successful review website, here are some tips to consider.

• Focus on making your website user-friendly.
• Include tools for comparing products, detailed rating systems, and ensure the site is easy to navigate.
• Specialize in a niche, like tech gadgets or culinary experiences. This positions your website as an expert in that specific field.
• Provide honest, comprehensive reviews.

7. News and Media Website 

News and media websites primarily focus on delivering current events, but they often go beyond that. They cover various segments like politics, entertainment, technology, and health, catering to a broad audience.

The key to success in this domain is providing timely, accurate, and engaging content. Users flock to these sites for quick updates and in-depth analysis, making them a daily visit for many.

When it comes to monetization ideas, this type of website has a wealth of options to make money. The most common ways include:

• Memberships & Paid Subscriptions: Generating income by offering subscriptions for premium content or implementing paywalls.
• Selling Ad Space: Utilizing banner and popup ads by working with ad networks like Google Adsense to monetize web traffic.
• Using Pay Per Clicks (PPC): Earning revenue each time a site visitor clicks on an advertisement.

8. Coupon or Deal Websites 

Earning money through coupon websites, which offer discount codes, is a highly profitable niche if done right. These platforms are appealing for their low startup costs, as they don’t require creating any products.

Their main appeal lies in offering savings on items consumers intend to buy, which naturally builds goodwill with the audience. In fact, 33% of shoppers in the US use coupons when purchasing something.

Despite the allure, generating significant profit requires substantial traffic, as these sites predominantly earn through advertising and affiliate links.

9. Membership Websites

A membership website is a space where users willingly pay to unlock tiers of exclusive content, services, or experiences. These online hubs offer unique privileges exclusively to members, and you get to choose between a one-time fee or a recurring subscription.

Members enjoy perks like early access to information, exclusive content, or one-of-a-kind experiences. Think of platforms like Patreon and OnlyFans, which have a subscription fee model.

Moreover, membership websites use tiered memberships for customization. This means offering different levels of membership, each with specific benefits. The higher the level, the more exclusive the content or personal interactions. 

Aside from the subscription model, there are other ways to make money from membership sites. These can be through:

• Creating custom and pay-per-view content.
• Promoting affiliate products to your audience.
• Collaborating with businesses or influencers for sponsored content.
• Selling your branded merchandise.

10. Health and Fitness Sites 

Health and fitness sites aim to guide you on your journey to a healthier life. They’re websites that give you lots of information, from exercise plans to healthy eating tips, making it easy for anyone who wants to stay active and healthy.

Take MyFitnessPal, a simple website and app that helps you keep track of what you eat and how much you exercise. Whether you want to lose weight, stay fit, or build muscles, these sites make things simpler. 

With the right strategy, a health and fitness site can bring in cash through: 

• Affiliate Marketing: Partner with fitness brands and earn money when people buy through your links.
• Creative Monetization: Host paid fitness challenges, sell branded merchandise, or collaborate with fitness experts.
• Beyond Health Promotion: In the lively world of health sites, it’s not just about well-being but also making smart money choices.
• Community Building: Earn by providing useful info, services, and a community for health enthusiasts to connect.

11. Travel Booking Sites 

Travel booking websites are a solid pick among website ideas to make money. These sites let users find and book travel services like flights and hotels in one place.

By collecting information from many different places, travel websites give users lots of options to pick from. These sites use smart technology to spot the best travel deals, and they arrange everything in a way that’s easy to understand and use.

In terms of revenue, travel booking websites primarily earn through commissions. Each time a user books a flight, hotel, or another service through the site, the website earns a fee from the service provider.

Some also generate income through advertising and sponsored listings, where certain deals are promoted more prominently than others.

12. Niche Community Forums

Niche communities bring together people who share common interests, free from irrelevant posts and negativity. Depending on the website niche, coming up with ideas to make money is relatively easy.

With these sites, you can make money through ads that seamlessly fit the community’s theme, giving advertisers a chance to reach an engaged audience.

You can also offer premium memberships with exclusive benefits. Furthermore, sponsored content allows brands to collaborate and pay for exposure.

On the other side, a freemium model balances inclusivity and earnings, with free basic access and paid upgrades. Donations and crowdfunding on these websites also help involve the community while earning a small amount.

13. Software as a Service (SaaS) Platforms

SaaS is the most popular investment in the venture capital category for 2023, with a 47.6% growth. creating a website with the SaaS model can be lucrative.  

This type of platform provides software solutions over the Internet, allowing users to access and use software applications without the need for traditional installations. It offers flexibility and scalability to both the provider and the user.

SaaS platforms typically operate on a subscription basis, where users pay a recurring fee to access the software. This model ensures a steady revenue stream for the website owner.

Additionally, many SaaS platforms offer tiered pricing plans, catering to different user needs and budgets, from individuals to large enterprises.

14. Gaming Websites

The global video game market is continuously expanding, with its market revenue expected to reach 455 billion USD by 2024. If you’re an avid gamer, now’s the best time to build an online presence through a website.

Gaming websites have become a popular avenue to make money online, appealing to a wide audience that spans age groups and interests.

These websites offer a variety of gaming content, ranging from online games to reviews, news, and gaming forums. They provide a space where gaming enthusiasts can play, learn, discuss, and stay updated about their favorite games.

Gaming websites can monetize their content in several ways:

• By partnering with advertisers for banners and in-game ads that fit naturally with the gaming content.
• Through sponsored content, collaborating with gaming companies for reviews, videos, or articles about new games and products.
• Organizing gaming tournaments and events, which can generate income through entry fees or sponsorships.
• Creating detailed game reviews and guides, which can be monetized with affiliate links, sponsored mentions, or ads.
• Offering game testing services and in-depth reviews for a fee.

15. Crowdfunding Website

How about ideas of building a website to help startups and make money at the same time? This is what crowdfunding sites can do.

These sites connect project creators with a wide audience of potential backers, offering a unique opportunity to get financial support for ideas that might not fit traditional funding routes.

The primary way these platforms make money is through service fees. For example, you can charge a percentage of the total funds collected for a successful project. This model aligns the website’s interests with those of the fundraisers. They earn more if the project achieves its funding goals.

Crowdfunding platforms can also generate revenue through other channels, such as membership fees, margins on loans, and charges for additional services like promotions and advertising. These methods provide a diversified income stream for the website owner.

16. Real Estate Listings

Creating a real estate listing website is a great way to step into the world of profitable website ideas.

These websites connect people selling, buying, or renting properties. They list properties with details like location, price, and features, making it easy for users to find what they need.

There are many ways to monetize a real estate directory website. This includes:

• Listing Fees: Charge a fee for each property listed on the site.
• Promotional Services: Offer paid promotional services like featuring listings prominently in search results or highlighting them to attract attention.
• Advertising: Utilize traditional advertising methods, which have been the backbone of many successful business models.

An important aspect of these websites is their user-friendly design and search functionality. By providing a seamless experience, these sites attract more users, which can translate to higher revenue.

Real estate listing websites have become even more relevant, as a large percentage of property searches now begin online.

17. Online Therapy Website

If you’re a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist, you can build an online therapy website and provide services online. In the US alone, 50% of adults aged 18 to 34 were diagnosed with mental illness in 2023. This is a huge market for you to tap into.

With a website, you can meet clients digitally. This is great for people who need help with mental health but find it easier to talk online.

There are a few ways these websites make money. The main one is through subscription fees, where clients pay regularly to use the service. They also earn from each therapy session booked on the platform.

Other than that, you can sell things related to therapy, like books or wellness tools. You can also get money from ads and partnerships with other organizations.

18. Podcast Website

Creating a podcast website is a smart choice among ideas to make money. These sites are all about sharing audio shows on various topics.

As of January 2024, there are about 4.3 million podcasts registered worldwide. Compared to the total number of websites which is around 1.13 billion, the podcast niche isn’t that saturated yet.

The main way these websites earn is by putting ads in their podcasts. As more people listen, more companies want to put their ads in the podcast.

Podcasters also make money by promoting products and earning a commission on sales. They can offer special content for a subscription fee too. This could be exclusive episodes or content without ads.

Selling merchandise and offering personal services like coaching are other ways to earn.

To thrive in this niche, podcasters need to make great content and promote their content well. This helps grow their audience, which is key to making more money.

19. Cryptocurrency Education Platform

We’ve already featured an education website previously, but cryptocurrency as a niche deserves a highlight.

The crypto market can indeed be highly volatile, which is why the majority of people are skeptical in this field. However, blockchain technology can change the landscape of the world moving forward, if done right. Think of it as the Internet in the early 90s.

With that, creating a website that’s highly relevant to this niche can be very lucrative. You can create educational content and publish them for people who’d like to learn more about cryptography.

The types of content can include blog posts, tutorial videos, reviews, and even trading tips.

For making money, similar to other websites, you can use ads, affiliate marketing, or even offer paid courses or subscriptions for premium content. This way, you cater to those eager to learn about crypto while creating a profitable business.

20. Auction Websites

Creating an auction website is among smart ideas that make money. EBay, one of the most used auction sites, has 138 million active users as of 2023. Imagine getting a fraction of this share, that would still translate to a significant amount of money.

This online platform is a meeting place for buyers and sellers. People sell items and buyers bid on them. The person who offers the most money wins the item

You, as the website owner, can earn by charging for each item sold or for listing an item. Your website will need features like user accounts, product listings, search and filter options, and a bidding system.

Some auction websites also have special bidding types and features, like automatic bidding for customers. The goal is to make a site that’s easy for people to use and where they feel safe doing business.

21. Finance Website

Creating a finance website is a solid choice among ideas that make money. You can post content that gives tips on saving, investing, and managing money.

One way to earn money from your finance site is by putting ads on it. You work with ad companies that put their ads on your site. In exchange, you get paid when people see or click on these ads. More visitors mean more money.

Affiliate marketing is another good way to make money on these sites. You promote products and get paid when people buy them through your site. Furthermore, you can also make and sell your own courses or products. This could be more profitable than selling others’ products.

When building your finance site, it should be easy to use, look good, and load fast. This makes people more likely to stay on it and come back.

22. Beauty Website

Clean, fresh, and stylish – that’s the essence of beauty websites.

These websites often have in-depth product reviews, tutorials, and how-to guides. Experts unravel makeup techniques, hairstyling tips, and skincare rituals that beauty enthusiasts rave about.

Beauty websites typically have an online store where you can directly buy beauty products. Whether it’s curated beauty boxes or items with affiliate links, these platforms make beauty just a click away.

Aside from selling products, a beauty website can also earn money through:

• Sponsored Content: Collaborating with brands to feature their products in articles or videos.
• Affiliate Marketing: Earning commissions by promoting beauty products through affiliate links.
• Advertising: Displaying ads on the website, either through direct partnerships with brands or via ad networks.

23. Movie Review Website

If you’re a film junkie, a movie review website can transform your hobby into a fulfilling and potentially profitable venture. These platforms offer a space for you to share your genuine passion for cinema.

Beyond personal enjoyment, your website also fosters a sense of camaraderie and potential networking within the film industry. Collaborations with filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals become possible.

While the joy of reviewing movies is primary, you can make money with it through display advertising (Google AdSense).

24. Online Pet Store

An online pet store can be a promising venture. In 2022 alone, Americans spent a whopping $136.8 billion on their beloved pets. This industry offers a diverse array of pet products, from essentials like food, treats, and accessories to exotic wildlife needs.

An online pet store isn’t just about selling the basics; it caters to the diverse needs and preferences of pet owners. You can venture into pet clothing, which can be a rewarding niche. The love for pets extends to dressing them up as well.

As more people opt for healthier choices for their pets, organic pet treats take center stage. While conventional snacks have their place, an increasing number of pet owners opt for pure, natural foods for their furry companions.

25. Meditation Website

In the aftermath of the pandemic, stress has become a common challenge for people of all ages and backgrounds, leading to an increased demand for meditation websites.

Functioning as safe havens, these websites play a crucial role in helping individuals alleviate stress through guided meditation. They provide valuable resources such as guided meditation downloads and tutorials, catering to diverse learning preferences.

A meditation website often employs various ideas to make money. This includes subscription models for exclusive content, one-time purchases for programs, and offering online courses and workshops.

Moreover, these websites generate revenue by hosting live events, corporate programs, and personalized consultations that provide tailored one-on-one guidance.

26. Photography Website

A photography website offers a unique opportunity for photographers to monetize their work and gain financial independence. By selling photos, photographers earn revenue while retaining copyright.

This direct sales approach allows them to set their own prices and manage their sales strategy.

Photographers can also diversify their income by selling merchandise featuring their photographs, such as pillows, mugs, and pins. This approach turns their artwork into tangible products that appeal to a wider market.

Additionally, selling photography equipment and presets caters to fellow photographers, tapping into a niche market.

A key aspect of a successful photography website is showcasing a diverse portfolio that attracts potential buyers. Utilizing effective online marketing strategies, such as social media promotion and search engine optimization, can significantly increase visibility and sales.

27. Fashion Website

Starting and running a fashion website can be a lucrative venture, offering various ways to generate income. These websites cater to a vast audience interested in fashion trends, style tips, and product recommendations.

The main way these websites make money is through ads on the website. You can work with ad networks that put their ads on your site, and you get paid when people see or click them.

Affiliate marketing is another way to make money with a fashion site. You can also sell direct ads, where you work directly with brands without a middleman.

While lucrative, running a fashion site does cost money. You’ll need to pay for things like business and reseller licenses, inventory if you’re selling products, and marketing to get people to visit your site. Plus, you have to make sure your site is easy to use and visually appealing.

28. DIY Crafts Website

In 2023, Etsy, a leading marketplace for handmade items, had 96.2 million users. This indicates a high demand for unique, DIY products. However, thriving on Etsy now can be challenging due to competition and various fees.

Creating your own website for your DIY crafts business is a smart alternative. It gives you full control over your brand and store, allowing you to showcase your crafts without the constraints of a marketplace platform.

Having your own site also allows you to personalize your online store to reflect your unique style and brand. And with that, you can offer a more direct and intimate shopping experience for your customers.

As a tip, starting a blog on your DIY crafts website is an excellent strategy to drive traffic and generate passive income. Your blog content can include crafting tutorials, tips, and ideas tailored to your specific niche.

FAQs About Websites That Make Money

Final Thoughts

Making money with your website takes dedication and a little bit of experimentation. It might take time and effort, but there’s a real chance for your online endeavors to be successful. 

The important thing is to choose a website idea you’re interested in, be open to new approaches, and don’t be afraid to make your site unique. 

We hope exploring these money-making website ideas has inspired you. If you have questions or ideas, share them in the comments below. Keep experimenting, and may your website business prosper.