How do websites make money?

Websites make money through several different models depending on the type of business behind them. Service-based businesses use their website primarily as a lead generation tool, attracting visitors through SEO or paid ads and converting them into enquiries. E-commerce websites sell physical or digital products directly, earning revenue through each transaction. Websites can also monetise through display advertising, where platforms like Google AdSense pay for ad placements based on traffic volume, though this requires significant visitor numbers to generate meaningful income. Affiliate marketing is another model where a website earns a commission by recommending products or services and driving sales through tracked links. Subscription or membership models charge users recurring fees for access to premium content or tools. Most Malaysian business websites focus on lead generation and direct sales as their primary revenue mechanism rather than ad-based or affiliate models.