6 ways to monetize websites in 2025 using web3 models

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

Blogging isn’t dead: it’s just evolving, and in web3, creators finally have the tools to earn without relying on outdated ad models or middlemen.

Table of Contents

• 6 ways to monetize websites in web3
• 1. Token-gated content and memberships
• 2. Turning a website/app into a crypto exchange
• 3. DAO and community-driven funding
• 4. NFT sales and collectibles
• 5. Decentralized affiliate marketing
• 6. Sponsored posts and native web3 partnerships
• Conclusion

There are now better ways to turn a blog into a reliable source of income, especially for creators in web3. It is well known that display ad payouts are miserable. In fact, Google AdSense payouts to publishers have steadily declined since 2015. This is mainly due to content saturation, and over time, the internet will only become more competitive.

In 2024, Google switched AdSense to a CPM model, slashing income for many blog owners who once relied on CPC rates. So, should publishers say goodbye to their dreams of earning passive income from a blog already?

Absolutely not.

If the internet is evolving from web2 to web3, then so should monetization. Instead of leaning on outdated models like display ads and affiliate links, it’s time to explore smarter, decentralized revenue streams that put the creator back in control.

6 ways to monetize websites in web3

1. Token-gated content and memberships

Web3 allows creators to offer exclusive content through smart contracts and NFTs. This means content creators can token-gate premium articles, reports, or even video content, granting access only to those who hold a specific token or NFT.

Token-gated communities or apps set preconditions that the users must meet in order to get access. The most common condition is proving ownership of a particular token or NFT. The users are asked to connect their crypto wallet to the app, which prompts them to complete a transaction without gas fees.

If the transaction goes through, the user successfully proves their ownership of the required private key and access is granted.

This is kind of like having a Patreon account but way better, especially since creators get to keep all of their money.

Token-gating can be done directly on the blog, and it works even if creators want to hide exclusive video content without paying a cut to third-party services.

Collab.Land has an API that allows creators to set up token gating on their content.

Why it’s powerful

• Direct revenue from the audience without third parties.
• Builds a highly engaged and exclusive community.
• Creates scarcity and value around the content.
• Moves audience away from social media and on to the platform (with the creator’s own rules and policy).

2. Turning a website/app into a crypto exchange

Creators can now run their own crypto exchange for free. A lot of people don’t know just how easy it is these days to run and manage one.

With a simple code, creators can add a crypto exchange widget to their website that pays them commission each time a user completes a transaction. A lot of web3 entrepreneurs build entire websites just to run the widget.

ChangeNOW has a fully customizable widget that anyone can use to add crypto exchange functionality to their website. No extensive development, capital, or liquidity required – in fact, the company’s developers even help users troubleshoot errors on their platform for free.

If creators are looking for a quick solution, they can also add a simple but fully customizable “Exchange Button” to the platform using the referral program:

The integration immediately gives users access to both CEX and DEX liquidity. Users can easily carry out crypto-to-crypto swaps and even process transactions in fiat (such as purchase or settlement operations).

In addition, they also have an open source API that works seamlessly with Android and iOS apps (such as wallets) so that they’re not just limited to web platforms.

Why it’s powerful:

• Turns creator sites into a useful exchange tool, not just a read
• Allows creators to set their own commissions
• Generates revenue without intrusive ads or paywalls
• Integrates seamlessly without third-party branding
• Becomes an integral part of the user experience on the site or app

3. DAO and community-driven funding

Let’s say a creator has a dedicated audience who loves their content. Instead of chasing big sponsors or running donation campaigns every month, what if they could let their own readers help fund and shape the direction of the blog?

That’s exactly what a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) allows creators to do. They can create a simple governance structure using smart contracts and launch their own token to allow readers to contribute, vote on topics, fund new series, or even co-own parts of the platform.

Instead of writing what they think people want, the most loyal followers tell the creator what they want – and they pay to make it happen.

Start small. Creators don’t need to be developers to launch a DAO anymore. Tools like Juicebox let users create DAO structures without writing code. They can also raise funds using Gitcoin Grants to back blog features or series based on community votes.

If creators want a token attached, platforms like Mirror.xyz make it easy to write blog content and launch tokenized crowdfunding in the same breath.

Why it’s powerful:

• Turns the blog into a community-owned publication
• Eliminates the need for advertisers or corporate funding
• Empowers the audience to become true stakeholders
• Scales with the readership and grows over time

4. NFT sales and collectibles

NFTs are so much more than just overpriced pictures and collectibles – especially for bloggers/website owners.

Creators can mint NFTs tied to their content, giving readers ownership of unique digital assets like limited-edition posts, essays, access passes, behind-the-scenes content, or even lifetime memberships.

The scarcity and collectibility element of NFTs creates a brand-new reason for the audience to support the creator financially – not just consume the content passively.

Creators can easily mint any kind of file into an NFT on platforms like OpenSea.

They can also try Paragraph.xyz – a web3-native newsletter platform where they can mint NFTs for each issue or offer token-gated content tied to NFTs.

Many creators are also using NFTs as “blog badges” – unique tokens that readers earn for supporting a post, reading a series, or attending an online event. It’s kind of similar to the top fan badge system on YouTube and Facebook.

Why it’s powerful:

• Creates new revenue without relying on ads or clicks
• Adds scarcity and collectibility to the content
• Builds a deeper connection with superfans
• NFTs appreciate in value, becoming long-term assets

5. Decentralized affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is nothing new, but in web3 it comes with a twist – full transparency, on-chain tracking, and no middlemen taking a cut.

Smart contracts allow creators to track clicks, conversions, and payouts automatically, without relying on centralized affiliate networks. That means better margins, faster payments, and way less friction.

To get started, creators should look for affiliate programs run by web3-native platforms like:

• 1inch
• Paraswap
• GMX
• NFT marketplaces like LooksRare

Many of these platforms offer smart contract-based referrals where creators can earn a portion of the trading fees or user activity.

Some DeFi platforms also offer custom links they can embed directly into the blog – turning every mention of a product or token into a revenue opportunity.

Why it’s powerful:

• Smart contract transparency = no shady payouts
• Creators earn instantly (no waiting 30 days for payroll)
• Potentially higher commissions than web2 equivalents
• Allows deeper integrations with the web3 ecosystem

6. Sponsored posts and native web3 partnerships

Sponsored content is still one of the most lucrative income streams in the blogging world. Why get rid of a cash cow if it’s already bringing in money?

However, web3 takes sponsored content to another level.

Rather than working with SEO agencies and legacy ad networks, creators can partner with blockchain projects, DAOs, or token platforms that are actually aligned with their niche.

The best part is that these partnerships often pay in crypto, and many use smart contracts to guarantee transparency and instant payouts – no need to chase invoices anymore.

Where to find sponsors? Creators can start by listing their blog on platforms like Sponsy or Heaps – both of which connect web3 creators with projects looking for visibility. They can also DM projects directly on Twitter/X or reach out via Discord if they’ve built a niche community.

Alternatively, creators can publish a “Partner With Us” page on their site outlining their traffic stats – just like traditional media sites do.

Why it’s powerful:

• Web3 sponsors often pay higher rates
• Partnerships feel more aligned than typical ads
• Smart contract-based deals reduce friction
• Helps position the blog as a serious player in the ecosystem

Conclusion

Monetization is an art, and web3 makes it easier to turn traffic into money with newer tools and methods. But when there are so many options, it’s easy to get overloaded by all the choices out there.

Creators should opt for methods depending on their niche. Hardcore content creators, whose audience is only there to consume content, should use methods that allow them to get paid more for the content, such as token gating or web3 sponsorships.

Entrepreneurs should, however, offer an actual service or tool instead of relying entirely on revenue from content creation. For example, creators should consider turning their website into a fully functional crypto exchange with swaps, fiat transactions, and instant withdrawals using ChangeNOW’s API.

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