TheAnand asks ~

With the link sales market going under the table, which do you think is the best way to make money with a small site? Or rather rephrasing that, which do you think are the avenues to make money online with a small static site?

Well link sales haven’t really gone under the table, people are still visiting and buying links from link brokerage companies the same as before. Forums are still abuzz with the same sort of chatter about link sales. But now, since most everyone is scared of Google, I guess the below options are your best bet at making money online with a small site

• Writing reviews on products with your affiliate link
• Create good linkbait articles. Yes, there is such a thing as good linkbait. More traffic, more money. Simple.
• If you have expertise in something, offer consulting services. Don’t feel bad about charging. Everything on a blog/site does not have to be free.
• CPC ads, if used properly, can provide a good return for the small amount of visitors you have.

Ellie asks ~

What are your thoughts on left-sidebar vs. right-sidebar themes; two-column and three-column themes? I’m also interested in your thoughts about themes with bottom columns with information!

Left sided themes tend to draw more clicks. So it has its benefits if you utilize it properly. Most people end up placing ads right at the top to make maximum cash per visitor. However, if you place your content there your visitors might probably stay longer. You decide, quick cash or longer staying visitors.

Right sided themes give more emphasis to your content. Which I believe helps form a lasting relationship with a reader.

Two column is more professional to me, three column just looks too busy. But if done right it can look awesome as well.

I think content in the footer, or bottom, is a growing trend and will soon become mainstream.

Sami asks ~

Just out of curiousty, how long did it take to create this beautiful theme. Answer in hours please.

Hmm…I think it took me at least two weeks to do the complete design and coding. Sometimes I would work 2 hours a day, sometimes 8 - 10 hours. I didn’t really log my hours, but it was a lot of them for sure!

Next Ask Me Anything coming in December…

About the author

Hyder has been blogging for the past two years on this blog. He started Weborithm, his web company, in 2007 and along with designing blogs and websites also releases various web related products.