This is the main way social networks are trying to generate revenue. It’s good for the users as they get free access in exchange for seeing a few ads. This has the potential to be great for advertisers, too, as they can often target users based on various demographic info and interests.

This model involves collecting data about a group of people and selling it to an advertiser. So say Sony wants to learn more about what kind of music and movies guys 16-19 like, they would be able to purchase data from a social network that tells them what they need to know.

Instead of just having advertisers, it would seem to make more sense to have sponsors who are invested in helping the site grow and adding value. Sponsorship could be something as simple as giving Brand X complete ownership of a contest or section of the site, or a sponsor could take things further and partner with the site to bring users something unique and valuable.

Affiliate marketing is basically selling an outside party’s goods/services and getting a commission or fee for each sale that is made. Instead of putting up some Google ads that no one clicks on, why not offer a relevant product or service to your users?