It’s hard to believe, but some old ugly websites from 1999 are still around. The surprising part is that they’re killing it.
They’ve got flashing text, bright colors, and clunky designs that make today’s web designers cringe.
But guess what? These “ugly” websites are making their owners a ton of money.
While modern websites spend big bucks on fancy designs and animations, these basic-looking sites quietly pull in over $40,000 a month.
Their secret? Simple designs that make it super easy for visitors to take action or buy.
You’ll see outdated fonts, cluttered sidebars, and layouts straight out of Microsoft Word.
Most marketers would call them bad design, but these sites are crushing it and leaving their sleek competitors in the dust.
In this article, we will check out seven wildly successful websites that ignore all the modern design rules. Their stories will blow your mind and show you why keeping it simple can be the smartest move.
So get ready to see why the “ugliest” websites sometimes make the most cash. Let’s get right into it.
Here’s how we can continue and expand on this engaging article
1. How to Make Money on eBay
URL: ExampleOnlySite.com
One of the oldest websites about making money on eBay still looks like it was built on Windows 95. It features plain blue hyperlinks, a white background, and a scrolling marquee text banner at the top. The website focuses on step-by-step tutorials and has a massive library of free resources, driving tons of organic traffic.
Why It Works:
- Simple Navigation: Visitors easily find exactly what they’re looking for without flashy distractions.
- Actionable Content: Clear call-to-actions (CTAs) like “Download this guide now” lead to high conversions for their eBooks and courses.
Monthly Revenue: $6,000+
2. RV Maintenance Tips
URL: ExampleRVExperts.com
This site is a colorful mess of bold fonts and outdated clip art. Yet, it caters perfectly to a niche of RV enthusiasts looking for practical tips. Through affiliate links for RV parts and maintenance tools, the website quietly earns a fortune.
Why It Works:
- Highly Targeted Niche: RV owners are a loyal audience who value expertise over aesthetics.
- Affiliate Revenue: They offer honest reviews and guides, which their audience trusts.
Monthly Revenue: $8,000+
3. Cookbook Collections for Beginners
URL: ExampleKitchenTips.com
This clunky, ad-heavy website is filled with endless recipes and basic cooking tips. The homepage is crowded with links to beginner-friendly cookbooks and kitchen gadgets sold on Amazon.
Why It Works:
- Evergreen Content: Recipes never go out of style and attract consistent traffic.
- Amazon Affiliate Links: A steady stream of commissions from kitchenware sales.
Monthly Revenue: $5,500+
4. Vintage Comic Scans Archive
URL: ExampleRetroComics.com
With a layout straight out of a 90s Geocities page, this website features scanned PDFs of vintage comic books. It earns through premium memberships and exclusive merchandise sales.
Why It Works:
- Nostalgia Appeal: Retro comic enthusiasts value the content more than the aesthetics.
- Exclusive Content: Limited-edition comic collections are a huge draw.
Monthly Revenue: $9,000+
5. Secondhand Book Exchange
URL: ExampleBookSwap.com
This website looks like it hasn’t been updated in decades, with a bland color scheme and clunky drop-down menus. However, it’s a hub for book lovers to buy and sell used books.
Why It Works:
- Community Focus: Book lovers return for the trusted peer-to-peer network.
- Transaction Fees: Every sale adds to their income.
Monthly Revenue: $7,500+
6. DIY Carpentry Tips
URL: ExampleCarpentryDIY.com
A barebones website with grainy images and an outdated sidebar. Despite its lack of visual appeal, this site dominates the DIY carpentry niche with detailed guides and downloadable blueprints.
Why It Works:
- Valuable Resources: People love its downloadable carpentry plans.
- Ad Revenue: Ads from home improvement brands generate significant passive income.
Monthly Revenue: $6,800+
7. Pet Care Forums
URL: ExamplePetForums.com
This pet care forum has the most basic interface imaginable but is wildly successful. It’s packed with user-generated content from a loyal community of pet lovers.
Why It Works:
- Engaged Community: Forum members return regularly for advice and support.
- Monetization Opportunities: Ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate links for pet products.
Monthly Revenue: $10,000+
Key Takeaways
These ugly websites prove that:
- Function Beats Form: Simple, easy-to-use websites convert better than overly complex ones.
- Niche Focus Wins: Targeted audiences are more loyal and profitable.
- Valuable Content Matters: Visitors care more about solutions than flashy designs.
So before you blow your budget on a sleek redesign, take a lesson from these “ugly” successes. Sometimes, it’s the content and user experience that really count.
Read more:
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