You have a brilliant idea. Whether you’re a creator, a coach, or an entrepreneur, you know your skills are worth something. You’re ready to turn your passion into a real business. So you start looking for a platform to build on, and it feels like a dream. Low fees, easy setup, a built-in audience, what’s not to love?
But hold on. The platform you choose today will have a huge impact on your bank account for years to come. That easy start can quickly turn into a trap. Switching platforms later isn’t just a headache; it means lost time, lost money, and potentially losing the audience you worked so hard to build. Choosing the right foundation from the start is your first and most important business decision.
Let’s look at the five essential questions you need to ask. These questions will help you see past the flashy promises and pick a platform that supports your long-term success, not just your short-term launch.
TL;DR
- Choosing the right web platform impacts your long-term success; prioritize ownership, flexibility, and fair fees.
- Platforms like Patreon and Substack can take 5-12% of your earnings; always assess total fee structures.
- Ensure you own your audience data to build direct relationships and reduce dependency on platform changes.
- Look for platforms that support varied monetization strategies and provide control over pricing and promotions.
- Robust analytics and business tools are essential for growth; choose a platform that helps you measure success effectively.
How to Build Your Website Before Monetization
Making a site that grows with you is about more than just a pretty layout and a “publish” button. First, get clear on your mission: what’s the big value you’re offering, and who are you talking to? This focus helps you pick the right design and tools to give your visitors exactly what they need. Pay attention to the user experience, keep things clean, fast, and mobile-friendly. When you learn how to make a website with your visitors in mind from day one, you build the trust and engagement you’ll need to turn that passion into profit down the road.
Next, consider the tools and features you’ll need to scale. Even before introducing monetization strategies, it’s essential to select a platform with flexibility and integration options for what may come in the future. Look for tools that support SEO, analytics, and performance tracking to evaluate your site’s effectiveness. By investing time and effort into this foundational step, you’ll set yourself up for growth and avoid the costly mistakes of switching platforms or redesigning later on.
1. Does the Platform Take a Cut of Your Revenue?
This is the big one. It’s easy to get excited about a platform that seems free to use, but you have to follow the money. Many platforms make their living by taking a percentage of every sale you make. This might not seem like a big deal when you’re starting out, but as you grow, those fees can add up fast.
You need to understand the entire fee structure. It’s not just the platform’s cut. There are also payment processing fees from services like Stripe or PayPal. Some platforms have hidden costs, like transaction fees on top of their commission or fees to withdraw your own money.
Let’s put it into perspective:
- Patreon: Takes between 5% and 12% of your earnings, plus payment processing fees.
- Substack: Takes a 10% cut on all paid subscriptions.
- Gumroad: Takes a 10% fee on every sale until you reach certain lifetime earnings milestones.
Compare that to a self-hosted solution or a website builder with its own payment solution. With these, you typically just pay the standard payment processing fee (usually around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction), and the rest is yours. Always do the math to figure out your actual take-home pay before you commit.
2. Do You Own Your Audience and Customer Data?
This might be the most important question of all. On many platforms, you don’t own your audience; you’re just renting them. You’re building your business on someone else’s land.
Ask yourself: can you easily export your email list and customer information? If the platform shut down tomorrow, would you be able to take your community with you? If you can’t get a simple list of your customers’ names and emails, you are at a huge risk.
Platform policies and algorithms can change overnight. A platform that sends you a ton of traffic today might stop featuring you tomorrow. When you own your audience data, you’re not dependent on those whims. You can build a direct relationship with your customers through your own email list, which is an asset no one can take from you.
3. What Monetization Options Does the Platform Support?
Your business will evolve, and your revenue streams should too. The platform you choose needs to be flexible enough to grow with you.
Look for a platform that supports multiple ways to make money. You might start with one-time digital product sales, but what if you want to add a subscription membership later? Or maybe you want to offer services, sell physical products, and run ads.
A good platform won’t lock you into a single monetization model. It should allow you to combine different methods. Check if it supports:
- One-time sales (digital and physical products)
- Subscriptions and memberships
- Services and appointment bookings
- Courses and online workshops
- Tips or donations
Think about scalability too. Can the platform handle a huge increase in sales volume without crashing or creating a logistical nightmare for you? Choose a platform that gives you options, so you’re ready for whatever comes next.
4. How Much Control Do You Have Over Pricing?
It’s your business, so you should be able to set your own prices. Some platforms have restrictions or push you toward certain pricing models. You need full control over how you charge for your work.
Look for a platform that offers payment flexibility. Can you offer:
- One-time payments?
- Recurring subscriptions (monthly, annually)?
- Payment plans or installments?
- Tiered pricing for different levels of access?
You also want the ability to run promotions. Can you easily create discount codes, offer free trials, or bundle products together? This kind of marketing flexibility is key to driving sales. Finally, check if the platform supports different currencies so you can sell to a global audience.
5. What Analytics and Business Tools Are Available?
You can’t grow what you can’t measure. To run a real business, you need data. A good platform will give you the tools you need to understand your revenue, your customers, and your growth.
Check for built-in analytics that show you:
- Revenue reports and sales trends.
- Customer behavior and purchasing habits.
- Conversion rates for your sales pages.
- Subscriber growth metrics.
Beyond analytics, look for tools that make running your business easier. Does the platform help with tax compliance by providing 1099s or managing VAT? Can it integrate with accounting software like QuickBooks? Does it have built-in marketing features, like email automation, to help you scale? The more you can manage from one central dashboard, the more time you can spend on creating.
The Difference Between Mobile and Desktop Monetization
Mobile and desktop platforms offer unique opportunities for monetization, but they cater to distinct user behaviors and revenue models. Mobile monetization often relies on strategies like in-app purchases, subscriptions, and ad impressions, as users tend to engage with apps in shorter, more frequent sessions. Mobile users also expect seamless experiences optimized for smaller screens, making simplicity and ease of use critical for success. This creates opportunities for gamified experiences, micro transactions, and real-time push notifications to drive conversions.
On the other hand, desktop monetization can leverage more extensive sessions and advanced functionalities. Desktop users often spend longer periods on websites or platforms, making monetization strategies like paywalls, premium subscriptions, or detailed e-commerce options more effective. The larger screen real estate allows for more comprehensive layouts and in-depth content delivery, appealing to users with specific needs. Understanding these platform differences is key to tailoring your approach and optimizing revenue generation across channels.
Choose a Platform That Grows With You
Choosing a platform is a long-term commitment. It’s tempting to go with what’s easiest right now, but a little planning today can save you from a massive headache tomorrow. By prioritizing ownership, flexibility, and fair fees, you can build your business on a solid foundation that will support your success for years.
Your next step is simple. Before you fall in love with any platform, score it against these five questions. Start with your vision for the future, and choose the tool that will help you get there.
FAQ
Does the platform take a cut of my revenue?
Yes, many platforms do take a percentage of your sales, which can significantly impact your earnings as you grow. It’s important to examine the complete fee structure, including transaction fees and any hidden charges imposed by the platform itself or payment processors like Stripe or PayPal. For instance, platforms like Patreon and Substack charge a percentage of your earnings, which can accumulate over time. Consider using a self-hosted solution or a website builder with its own payment processing, where you generally only pay standard processing fees.
Do I own my audience and customer data?
Ownership of your audience and customer data is crucial. Some platforms only allow you to ‘rent’ your audience, meaning if the platform fails, you could lose access to your community. When selecting a platform, ensure you can easily export your email list and customer information. Having direct control over your audience is essential for building lasting customer relationships and reducing dependency on platform policies, which can change unexpectedly.
What monetization options does the platform support?
It’s essential to choose a platform that accommodates multiple monetization strategies as your business evolves. Look for support for various revenue streams such as one-time product sales, subscriptions, memberships, services, and online courses. A versatile platform enables you to adapt and combine different methods as your business grows, giving you the flexibility to respond to market changes and customer needs.
How much control do I have over pricing?
You should have complete control over your pricing strategies when using a platform. This includes the ability to set one-time payments, recurring subscriptions, payment plans, and tiered pricing for different service levels. Additionally, you need to ensure the platform allows for promotional activities, such as discounts or bundling products, while also supporting various currencies for a global reach. Flexibility in pricing is a key element in driving sales effectively.
What analytics and business tools are available?
To effectively grow your business, choose a platform that provides robust analytics and tools for managing your operations. Look for features that offer insights into revenue trends, customer behavior, conversion rates, and subscriber growth metrics. Additionally, ensure the platform has capabilities for tax compliance and integrates with accounting software, all from a central dashboard to streamline operations and maximize your productivity.