Second, banner ads aren't nearly as effective as text content closely related to the affiliate product, or better yet, describing the affiliate product itself. Having contextual links is one important key. The other key is to provide excellent content that attracts lots of visitors. Without much traffic you won't make much money from affiliate programs. I've found that affiliate programs for products related to a website's focus can provide some income, but only rarely enough to be the main revenue source for a small business.
Advertising can also generate some revenue.
But you probably need to sell either goods, services, or entertainment to make much money from an Internet business. We respect your privacy and never sell or rent our newsletter subscriber lists. Please don't subscribe your friends. Let them decide for themselves. I have been considering asking site visitors to contribute articles of interest, since I am in a niche market.