Making money on some domains is extremely easy. Where millions of names are parked and generate next to nothing a name you give a basic development offers a chance to generate loads of income.
My company is specialised in the development of marketing-strategies, and in general we look for creative solutions. Although most of what we develop is aimed at the Dutch market we do have some international projects in our portfolio.
As soon as a project is set to go online at a certain date we put a landing-page online. That way we serve several purposes. The main ones are preparing our market so they know the project is coming, and at the same time help our client in covering the costs for our services.
On a landing-page where it is possible we post ads. For example on natutalbeauty.com on the landing-page we would show ads of any company related to that market. But instead of serving ads through Google we use our own banner-server. So if a client buys a campaign for his ads at 1,000 USD our income is 1,000 USD. Where when you serve ads through Google you get paid per result and afterwards, we get paid upfront (or within 30 days, depending on the advertiser) and all we have to do is generate the impressions or clicks the client wants.
A good name, a clear vision and a global market as a combination offer a huge potential to make money. Where to others it is difficult or even impossible we deal with this issue every day. The actual trick is not the development itself, but more how to develop a site you can sell once it makes money for an even better price.
The reason many owners of great names do not make money is also for a part in the fact that they cannot or do not want to invest time and a few bucks in the development of their site. But if you consider the fact that a small investment can make you thousands of dollars if you have a good name, and almost all expertise you need if you want is provided through a company like ours (there are many great companies who can help) selling a great domain on a lousy price is not all that smart.
Any name that can attract an audience can make money. Simple as that. Of course, the above is a very short summary on it all, but the point is that actively pushing for income is not that difficult. As soon as for income you depend on others like Google getting your income up to speed is impossible. Be creative.
If you need help on any development just send me a PM.