So here's my problem. We have an anime forum, we're now getting an average of 30-70 members on at a time, at peak times we're teetering on the limits of the vps server we're hosted on! We're now getting 1000 UVs/Day (and Alexa Rank: 405k) A big problem is that adsense is paying out bugger all and the server's costing us more than adsense is bringing in! Our number of visits are increasing quite substantially with each passing day and it's inevitable that we will have to upgrade our vps very soon. So basically, we need a source of revenue which is going to support us, and preferably become profitable! Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions as to how we can solve our revenue problem. Advertisers, affiliate programs, adsense optimization ..anything that will help!
Try selling memberships as low as possible. Not only would you get elite members your costs would also be supported. Trust me, there are some people out there who will pay anything for information, provided your site provides that kind of value
forums usually generate low CTR and anime niche doesn't pay much either. so if you have large member base and adsense is not being worth it, then you need to focus on diversitying your revenue stream. try some affiliate programs and see how that works. focus on your audience and try to find out what they are upto and what would make them interested. there are lot of affiliate networks out there and 2 wel known are CJ and LinkShare. see if they have any program in your niche and if they do, then test it out. it might take you some time to find out the right program but you will find one sooner or later. also see how other forums in your niche are monetizing their forums