How to sell ad space directly to advertisers: complete method
Step-by-step process to sell your banners and sponsored placements directly to advertisers.
TL;DR — Selling ad space directly triples your margin compared to programmatic. You need a media kit, an "Advertise" page, a lightweight ad server and an invoicing workflow.
Step 1 — Prepare your media kit
- Audience (unique monthly visitors, pageviews, sources)
- Profile (age, income, geo)
- Available formats and rates
- Case studies / results
Step 2 — Set your rates
Base on a target CPM ($5-25) multiplied by the monthly volume of the slot. Always sell monthly, never per single impression — easier to invoice.
Step 3 — Create an Advertise page
Typical URL: /advertise. Include media kit, formats, contact.
Step 4 — Serve via an ad server
Use Addirectly to receive requests, validate creatives, schedule campaigns and track stats in real time.
Step 5 — Invoice and retain
Monthly invoicing, automated performance report, 3-month loyalty discount.
FAQ
How long to find advertisers? 2 to 8 weeks if your media is well niched.
Do I need a special legal status? No, a freelance status is enough in most countries.
Can I refuse advertisers? Yes, that's one of the main perks of direct sales.