BuySellAds

Overview

BuySellAds is an advertising marketplace that connects publishers with brands, specializing in direct ad placements across websites, newsletters, and podcasts. BuySellAds was established in 2008, positioning it as a long-standing alternative to Google AdSense and networks like Raptive or Mediavine . The platform is a contextual advertising solution that helps brands reach target audiences online while helping publishers monetize their websites, newsletters, and podcasts .

BuySellAds operates a newsletter network that allows publishers to fill unsold inventory automatically while giving advertisers quality placements at discounted rates . For newsletter creators, this means two opportunities: selling premium ad placements directly to brands at rates you set, and automatically filling any unsold dates through the network's backfill system. This dual approach helps creators maximize revenue without leaving ad slots empty or spending time on constant advertiser outreach.

What distinguishes BuySellAds from programmatic ad networks is its focus on direct, transparent transactions between advertisers and publishers. You can choose from over 12,000 premium publications for placements, pay a set CPM, and target precise audiences . For newsletter creators tired of low CPM programmatic ads or the complexity of managing direct advertiser relationships, BuySellAds provides a middle ground with better rates than programmatic networks but less sales effort than fully direct deals.

Best For

BuySellAds works best for established newsletter creators with consistent readership who want to monetize through advertising without building their own sales operation. This includes independent publishers with niche, engaged audiences that attract premium brands, content creators sending regular newsletters to thousands of subscribers, and publishers who have tried direct ad sales but lack time for constant advertiser management. The platform particularly suits creators with audiences in technology, design, marketing, and business niches where advertisers actively seek placement opportunities.

Key Features

• Direct Ad Marketplace: BuySellAds operates as a transparent marketplace where you set your own advertising rates and advertisers can browse available placements. Unlike programmatic networks that obscure pricing, you control what you charge for newsletter sponsorships. Advertisers can discover your newsletter through the marketplace, reducing the need for constant self-promotion to potential sponsors.

• Newsletter Network with Automatic Backfill: The newsletter network automatically backfills any unsold newsletter dates with dynamic ads , ensuring you never leave revenue on the table. This system helps maximize ad revenue by filling unsold inventory automatically without requiring you to lower your rates or spend time finding last-minute advertisers. The backfill ads are native format and integrate seamlessly with your content.

• Native Ad Integration: Ads are native to flow with your newsletter content , maintaining your publication's look and feel rather than disrupting the reading experience with jarring display ads. For newsletter creators concerned about maintaining editorial quality while monetizing, native ads preserve the subscriber experience while generating revenue.

• Streamlined Campaign Management: The platform automates the process of selling, trafficking, and managing campaigns , handling administrative tasks that would otherwise consume hours. BuySellAds manages the technical aspects of ad serving, tracking, and reporting, letting you focus on content creation rather than campaign logistics.

• Premium Brand Partnerships: Discover brands that are right for your content and audience through the marketplace. The platform attracts quality advertisers looking for engaged audiences rather than just cheap impressions. For newsletter creators, this means access to brands that value your specific audience rather than treating your newsletter as commodity inventory.

Pricing

BuySellAds operates on a 75-25 revenue share model where publishers receive 75% of ad revenue while BuySellAds takes a 25% commission . There are no upfront costs to join the network or list your newsletter. If you set your ad price at $100 for 30 days, you receive $75 into your account after BuySellAds' commission . For the newsletter network's backfill inventory, advertisers access discounted placements through a CPC campaign model where they only pay for performance , though specific rates vary based on your newsletter's metrics and advertiser demand. The commission-based model means you only pay when you earn, making it risk-free to join, though the 25% fee is higher than some direct ad sales platforms that charge flat monthly fees instead of percentage commissions.