Remnant Ad Inventory Trading

A strategy for monetizing unused newsletter ad inventory by trading it for product credits with brands you actually like and use, creating a win-win situation for both parties.

Key Points:

• Core Strategy:

  • Identify unused ad inventory (remnant inventory)
  • Offer it to favorite brands at 40% of list price
  • Take payment in product credit instead of cash

• Implementation:

  • Create list of 5-6 products you genuinely love
  • Offer these brands "sweetheart deals" for remnant inventory
  • Fill otherwise unused ad slots with these brands

• Benefits:

  • Publisher gets products they actually want to use
  • Brands get ad exposure at discounted rates
  • Helps improve overall ad fill rate
  • Utilizes otherwise wasted inventory

• Real Example Given:

  • Ran FitAid ads in unused slots
  • Received $2,000 worth of FitAid products
  • Supplied gym with energy drinks for the year

This approach works particularly well for newsletter publishers who have some unfilled ad inventory and want to convert it into products they would actually use, while giving brands access to advertising at a significant discount.