What to do? Need to figure out how to monetize my mobile site traffic…

Well, it's not actually great based on previous sites I owned which gets a lot less traffic and earns more. I believe 3% is the average CTR and mine is 12x lower than average.

I would probably have to create a freemium model and charge for premium features.

I'm just not sure if some of these users are willing to pay to get the hookups they're looking for.

I believe the average CTR rate is actually much lower than 3%, it's more like 0.18%-0.30% on average for more display ads or ads on Facebook and other sites.

Depends on how compelling your ads are but for the most part the CTR is very low across the industry since people are so used to seeing ads that they don't even notice them anymore.

The only area that seems to be doing well now is native advertising. Content that looks like it's part of your site but is really an ad. I'm sure you've experienced it when you go to a news site and see an interesting story only to find out after clicking on it that it's an ad. You could try that.

Also, regarding your point about not being sure if people will pay for extra features, it works very well for most dating sites. The basic site should always be free and people can pay for extra features like enhanced exposure and also silent browsing.

I saw sites with native ads coming from networks like outbrain I think.

I have to try this freemium model. Otherwise, I have to get over 100k of users per day just to make the money I want.

Thank you.

I agree with the comment above. A tiny slice of a big pie is much bigger than a large slice of a tiny pie. Grow your user base and your revenues will grow. Tinder doesn't even generate revenues since they aren't showing ads yet, but the moment they do decide to monetize, they will make millions of dollars easily since their app is so popular.

Agree with you too. That's what I've been actually doing. I've been enhancing the site based on what I observed from my users.

I'm just worried because I'm solo and funding this all from my savings account.

I'm thinking maybe I should raise money to get this distraction off me.

You shouldn't raise money yet because it will put more pressure on you to grow quickly. Investors will not be very patient; they might replace you as the CEO if they feel like you aren't living up to what they expect of you. Currently, you have the freedom to try new things without having to worry about growing quickly.

Exactly why I didn't raise money in the first place.

I'm gonna try other options. I think raising money will be my last option.

make it more popular "somehow". Be creative.!!!!!!

Then flip it. Who cares if you make 20k ?

Move onto the next idea, where you can chill out ..and be more creative.