Best way to make money hosting free sites

[Needhosting.net]

I currently host 10-20 free site for friends and I was wondering how everyone is making money hosting free sites.

I realize it's via banners and google ads, but can anyone point out the best way to go about it and provide some links.

[Plead]

Well, I know you said that you realise that it is by banners and Google ads but I guess I will reinforce that.

I have been using Google ads for sometime now and it has been great.

I let users place the banner where they want to on their page, freedom helps.

If you have a dedicated server, I think your best bet would be to get mod_layout which lets you modify automatic headers and footers.

I just make sure I enforce that people are placing banners on their pages but I tend to be very lenient.

Good luck!

[maxhest]

I would possibly use just a text link at the bottom of the main page. That way - you really don't have to hassle with mod_layout, and you could get some hits.

[Plead]

If you are after hits, don't offer domain parking, addon domains or the use of their own domains.

That way you will also get publicity with the subdomain or you might even goto the lengths of not allowing subdomains and offering http://www.yourhost.com/~username

[LP-Trel]

Use the age old method of placing advertisements on their websites. That way you can be paid for the advertising revenue and they can still get their free webhosting.

[Needhosting.net]

Very good info so far.

Yes I have several dedicated servers.
I would purchase a new one for this venture (just in case)

I could just make everyone insert an include into their page and cron a bash script to check *.html *.htm *.php in /home/free/* and email me the results, of course I would force the footer with mod_layout.

I'm just wondering where to start with google ads.. I poked around googles website but I cannot (perhaps for lack of time) find information on hosting their ads and getting paid for it.

[nick]

http://www.google.com/adsense :thumb

[Plead]

If/when you do sign up for Google AdSense, make very sure that you always follow the rules. They are VERY strict on their rules.

[LP-Trel]

Well that goes for any service of any type, always follow their terms of service unless you want problems.

[Plead]

Well that goes for any service of any type, always follow their terms of service unless you want problems.

Heh, I guess you're right. Google is extra strict though, when in doubt just shoot them an email, they usually reply quite fast.