Motion Invest is a marketplace built for content websites: blogs and niche sites that earn from display ads and affiliate links. It launched in 2019, co-founded by Spencer Haws of Niche Pursuits, to serve the smaller end of the market that big brokers ignore. It has since added YouTube channels. Motion Invest vets every listing and can also buy some sites outright, which gives sellers a fast way out.
At a glance
| What it sells | Content websites and YouTube channels |
| Typical size | Small sites, many under $50,000 |
| Listing fee | None; you pay only if it sells |
| Commission | Built into the price, lower for larger sites |
| Earnings needed | About 3 months of earnings data minimum |
| Direct buy | Motion Invest buys a limited number of sites |
How it works
You submit your site with its analytics and income data. Motion Invest reviews traffic, earnings and links, then suggests a price. If you agree, it lists the site on its marketplace, where buyers can make offers. For sites under $100,000, Motion Invest generally lists based on gross revenue, without deducting expenses. Larger sites need a profit and loss statement.
Direct buy offers
Besides the marketplace, Motion Invest sometimes makes a direct offer to buy a site itself. It says marketplace listings are far more common and that it only buys a limited number, but when it does, the sale can close quickly. It’s a useful option if speed matters more than squeezing out the highest price.
Fees
Motion Invest charges a success fee built into the sale price, with no listing fee. Rates are tiered and drop for larger sites. Check the current table on its site before listing, since it has changed its rates over the years.
What qualifies
Motion Invest only lists content sites and YouTube channels, not ecommerce stores, SaaS or service businesses. Sites must already be earning; it wants at least about three months of earnings history even for starter sites.
Getting your site ready
Buyers on Motion Invest look closely at where traffic comes from and how stable it is, so expect questions about recent Google updates. Make sure affiliate accounts can be transferred or replaced, list any content you outsourced, and keep a clear record of what you spend on hosting and tools. The cleaner the handover, the fewer surprises for the buyer and the smoother the sale.
Owen’s take
Motion Invest is one of the few good places to sell a small content site without a big minimum fee. Clean up your analytics and affiliate accounts before submitting, and your site will move faster.
Who it suits
It suits bloggers and niche site builders with a small earning content site or YouTube channel. It suits less well ecommerce, SaaS or service businesses.
Similar options
- Empire Flippers handles larger, vetted online businesses.
- Flippa is an open marketplace with lots of small sites.
- Investors Club lists content sites and other online businesses.
- Microns sells small online projects.
More options are in Business Marketplaces.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Focused on small content sites
- No listing fee
- Possible direct buy offers
Cons
- Content sites and YouTube only
- Needs earnings history
- Fee tiers higher on small sales
FAQ
What does Motion Invest sell?
Content websites and YouTube channels.
Does Motion Invest charge a listing fee?
No, it charges a commission only when the site sells.
Can Motion Invest buy my site directly?
Sometimes; it buys a limited number of sites itself.
Can I sell a site with no income?
No, it wants at least about three months of earnings.
Does Motion Invest sell ecommerce or SaaS businesses?
No, only content sites and YouTube channels.
