I’ve decided to write this guide as I’ve been expanding the sponsor section of the blog. With sponsored ads I mean any kinds of ads that give you something (game time, money, ect.) for either displaying them, or when a sale is made through them. I’ll expand upon the various EVE-related options, their gains, and their requirements. Note that this is about sponsored ads, so advertising your corp or alliance, or the blog pack, or products of bloggers like Roc’s latest CD, all fall outside of the scope of this guide.
I’ll warn you in advance that you should not expect these ads to pay you enough that you can quit your day job. However, depending on the size of your blog, earning a PLEX per month is possible. For me it takes several months to get that high, but the big blogs out there certainly could get it done.
Another advantage of having these is that you can ask your readers / friends / corp and alliance members to use the ads to make their purchases, earning you a little in the process. That said, if you enjoyed this guide and need time codes, EON Magazine, or a new trial account, feel free to use the sidebar ads!
For those of you having doubts about ads, if you don’t like them, simply don’t do them. All but the last method listed here are direct endorsements though, either for a product or a service, which is far from the evil methods that some bloggers sadly fall for. They should also, except for the last, not be included per default in ad blockers.
EVE Online affiliate program
The EVE Online Affiliate program offers a variety of graphical and flash banners as well as text links that advertise EVE trial accounts. For each trial account that converts into a full account, you receive $10, once you have 100 conversions your payout rises to $15 and at 200 you get the max payout of $20 per converted account from there on. Payout happens through Paypal or by check. While most of your readers will probably already have an account, they may very well want a second one, but that means their friends have to have buddy invites left. Also, don’t underestimate the number of interested people who look at blogs to see if EVE may be something for them. New players are the lifeblood of the game, so if you want to directly support EVE — considering that you are a blogger, you probably will — this is a great option to do so.
EON Magazine
There is no explicit mention of this on their website except a post some months ago. Not sure about the reason for this, but I do know that this deal is still running and it is possible this is no longer a valid option. This was the first sponsored ad I’ve ever displayed, and probably the more guaranteed and generous deal you will find. For simply displaying one of their banners, and from time to time relaying some news related to EON, you get a free subscription to the maganize. If you’re looking to save a bit of money each month but don’t want to give up on all your goodies, this is the option for you. Perfect win-win deal.
Shattered Crystal
Shattered Crystal is one of the two GTC resellers I advertise for, although they also sell some other EVE products like a 30 day starter pack and the commissioned officer edition (new account + Cerebral Accelerator implant). If you’re thinking of advertising for them as well, please use this link, as I will get some love for referring you to them. Payouts are 5% of the sold product, and are paid through Paypal, check or affiliate credits. There is also the option to list your blog, corporation, alliance or other relevant groups so that people without your banner link can still choose to support you when they make a purchase if they select you from the list of options.
EVETimeCode.com
The second GTC reseller I advertise for, who specialize in just this product. They are also very involved in the EVE community. They use an existing affiliate program called shareasale.com (sponsored link), and also offer 5% of the sold product. Payment goes through check or direct deposit (if available in your country).
Google AdSense
I’ve no first-hand experience with this as you need a landline to confirm your account, and I don’t have that anymore. Worth a mention however as with this guide you can block out a ton of ISK sellers and bots right from the start. It’s less direct control, but you can block and allow as you see fit. No idea on the payouts but I know for methods you can choose paypal and check, and possibly others too. The biggest disadvantage of this is that it tends to be standard included in adblockers, so if users run those they will not see and be able to click on them.
Know any other options that were not listed yet? Please leave a comment and they’ll be added if deemed relevant.
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