Profit Harder to monetize forums?

[Shawn Gossman]

Do you think it's harder to monetize a forum nowadays than it was before?

I think 15-20 years ago, I was successfully monetizing my forums. I'd do it through AdSense, affiliate marketing, premium membership, and even direct ad sales.

Nowadays, I really don't focus on monetization with my forums because my blogs are taking care of them through their monetization methods.

But for those of you trying to monetize but have been in the forum game for a while, how do you feel about monetizing forums now in 2025 and beyond versus was it was like 15 or more years ago back when forums were a lot busier?

Is it harder now or about the same or better? Justify your answer!

 

[Nomad]

In 2021, I was making around $100 via Adsense from my forum. However, these days even though I run Adsense on my forums, I haven't been able to make more than $5 per month. Monetizing is not difficult but making money is.

 

[Cpvr]

I'd honestly say yes. Back in the day, you could easily earn $2-$10 a day from forums, but I don't think that's possible anymore.

 

[freelancermaria]

It is definitely harder to monetize a forum
nowadays. Back in the day, you could quite easily make some money from ads. Now, more and more people prefer to use ad blockers because they find the ads annoying. There are times when they simply disregard the ads. This is why find other ways to earn some money. For instance, selling digital products.