SEM Tycoon

**Jump Cut** · 02-11-2007, 09:11 AM

Hi All:

Long time lurker, first time poster.

We are launching a charity site later this year that has huge national (off-line) press behind it, as well as a very high profile national spokesperson (talk show host.)

The site will be targeting (mainly) affluent women, but will have some crossover appeal.

We expect millions of unique visitors over the year-long campaign.

And this is key, we don't have the time or manpower to sell off sponsorships, so we're willing to pay a company to do it.

We have link space on the site for monetization..but what's recommended?

Of course, we've considered Google. Any others?

Thanks- Jump

**wwwSENSERELYcom** · 02-12-2007, 08:32 PM

There is also text in ads (.com) which allows you to put up to 10 text link space that people can buy per month on your site. Since the space is limited and the links are for a fixed period of time, it's more like real sponsors than just ads. In the likes of AdSense there're adbrite and yahoo.

**urbanread** · 02-13-2007, 12:08 PM

I would suggest you use google adsense properly and concentrate on that.Please let us know the proceeds...

**Daniel Alan** · 02-14-2007, 04:42 PM

Hahah, I almost laughed at the subject title.
I thought you were talking about not wanting traffic!

But yea, I would agree. I'd try to optimize AdSense before trying anything else.

**imported_WillB** · 02-24-2007, 11:55 AM

Don't forget AdBrite.com

**Frito Pie** · 02-24-2007, 09:15 PM

You have a charity site that you want to monetize? If you are a non-profit charity, are you allowed by law to collect advertisement from commercial sources?

Isn't that a bit of an irony?

I have never seen an actual non-profit site with google ads but maybe I'm mistaken. I certainly wouldn't be thrilled to be pushed to a non-profit charity site to be met with ads plastered all over the place.

**Jump Cut** · 02-24-2007, 10:23 PM

Hello Frito, and thanks for getting back.

Irony, no. But I see where you might see a contradiction of business philosophy.

First, a quick primer about 'charity' in regards to business and law.

There's a huge misconception that non-profit or charities, whether online of off, can make money. In fact, they can make huge money..it's how it's distributed at the end of the day that matters.

In other words, 'non-profit' doesn't mean 'no income'. It means that net revenue after expenses is given away, and no dividends (or profits) are shared by the owners.

Paul Newman's company..the one that makes salad dressing is technically a 'for-profit' entity. They make hundreds of millions of dollars on salad dressing and pasta sauce, and after salaries and expenses, give it all away to his foundation. The customer gets a product, the company gets a profit. And the profit is donated.

The end result is the same. The only difference is that anyone making a donation to Newman Inc. gets no tax benefit. But if they donate to Save the Children, a 501c3 non-profit corporation, they get the deduction.

In both cases, money is raised, and money is given.

Now, to our case.

If we get millions in donations, or millions in monetization, it matters not. It's all going to the charity.

If you click on my site and make a donation to the charity, you get a tax benefit. If you click on my site and enroll in Netflix, you get a tangible benefit, and we get the commission, which will go to charity.

So you see? The whole idea that 'non-profit' means 'no commerce' is incorrect.

Hope that makes sense...

Jump

**Frito Pie** · 02-25-2007, 10:17 AM

Thanks for clarifying the legal aspect of the non-profit and making money issues.

My concern now, as it was before: adding advertisements all over a charity website might put off your visitors unless handled properly?

I hope you will make lots of money to give away.

**jesterx** · 02-25-2007, 08:16 PM

adsense but you must mention the chartity aspect or business dealing you have.

i do agree with frito doesnt it go against a non profits organisation but if you making money from adsense it would be advisable that you give some back....that way people know....and make sure ot mention it on your website for everyone to see.

**Jump Cut** · 02-25-2007, 09:20 PM

Jester:

Perhaps you missed my point.

Non-profit doesn't mean 'non-revenue'. In fact, a non-profit organization, in general terms, can do anything legal to make money. They can wash cars, or hold bake sales, and that's what most small non-profits do to raise money.
But the big ones like Universities or Save the Children run 4-star restaurants, golf courses or even casinos, in the case of Native American tribes . Yes, some casinos are non-profit. They make millions in revenue, but give it to the community. If they kept the revenue and gave it to the shareholders or managers, that would be PROFIT and illegal.

In our case, if we make money with adsense, adbrite, chitika or by auctioning off turkey pot pies, it doesn't matter as long as the revenue pays down expenses and then goes to the charity.

Also, some people get quite wealthy running non-profits. Their salaries are tied to performance, and considered an expense. The head of the American Cancer Society makes one half million a year as a salary, more than many Fortune 500 for-profit companies.

Pat Robertson is worth $100 million and he 'works' for a non-profit Christian organization.

Finally, go to any big charity site and you'll see sponsor banners on there.
We're not re-inventing the wheel, just trying to make it more efficient.

**jesterx** · 02-27-2007, 11:54 PM

i guess if your heart is in the right place I hope you do well from this.

alot of big evil companies try to hide under the notion that they are charity givers when they are not really ...i.e. billion dollar companies that maybe give $1000 a year to some charity that they dont even really care about.

It seems thats not what you are about...and like i said if your heart is in the right place you deserve to do well.

I would have a look at the structure of what someone has done in the past of setting up and online venture, get all their strengths and techniques that worked well and try to make it better, that should give you a better start up.