Motion Invest Review 2025: Is This the Best Marketplace for Buying & Selling Content Websites?
- What is Motion Invest?
- Motion Invest Key Features
- Motion Invest Pros and Cons
- Motion Invest Fees Breakdown
- Who Should Use Motion Invest?
- 6 Top Motion Invest Alternatives
- Final Verdict: Is Motion Invest Worth It?
- Motion Invest FAQ
Looking to buy or sell content websites under $50,000? Motion Invest has carved out a unique niche in the website marketplace industry by focusing exclusively on smaller content-based websites and YouTube channels. This in-depth 2025 review covers everything you need to know - from fees and verification processes to real user experiences and better alternatives. Whether you're a first-time buyer or seasoned seller, we'll help you decide if Motion Invest is right for your needs.
What is Motion Invest?
Motion Invest is a specialized marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of content-based websites, primarily focusing on deals below $50,000. Founded in 2019 by industry veterans Spencer Haws (of Niche Pursuits fame) and Jon Gillham (Content Refined), the platform fills an important gap in the market by vetting smaller websites that most brokers ignore.
What makes Motion Invest unique is its verification process. Unlike open marketplaces like Flippa where anyone can list anything, Motion Invest's team personally checks each listing's:
- Traffic sources and analytics
- Revenue streams
- Backlink profiles
- Content originality
This vetting typically takes about seven days, giving buyers more confidence than completely open platforms. Since October 2024, they've expanded beyond websites to include YouTube channel sales - one of the few marketplaces offering this service.
The platform primarily serves the under-$50,000 market segment, with most listings actually falling below $10,000. This makes it particularly attractive for:
| Buyer Type | Benefit |
|---|---|
| First-time website buyers | Lower risk entry point |
| Portfolio builders | Ability to acquire multiple sites |
| Niche site operators | Targeted acquisition opportunities |
Motion Invest's leadership brings significant credibility. Spencer Haws' Niche Pursuits platform has helped thousands learn website building, while Jon Gillham's Content Refined provides professional content services. CEO Kelley Van Boxmeer handles day-to-day operations.
For sellers, the platform offers several advantages:
- No upfront listing fees (only pay if your site sells)
- Free migration assistance
- Escrow services for secure transactions
- Dutch auction option for certain listings
The marketplace has grown significantly since its 2019 launch, with over 1,500 sites sold as of 2024. While primarily focused on content sites monetized through ads and affiliate marketing, their recent YouTube channel expansion shows they're adapting to market changes.
Motion Invest Key Features
Motion Invest has established itself as a specialized player in the digital asset marketplace by addressing specific market gaps that larger competitors often neglect. The platform's distinct approach combines rigorous verification with innovative sales mechanisms, creating a unique ecosystem for small-scale digital investments.
| Feature | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Market Positioning | Concentrates on micro-acquisitions (majority under $10K) | Democratizes digital asset ownership for new investors |
| Due Diligence | Comprehensive 3-7 day verification protocol | Provides transaction security uncommon in this price bracket |
| Dynamic Pricing | Automated descending price mechanism | Balances seller expectations with buyer psychology |
| Value-Added Services | Transaction support included at no extra cost | Removes traditional barriers to marketplace participation |
| Market Expansion | Video platform asset integration | Future-proofs the platform against industry shifts |
The platform's hybrid model offers an intriguing middle ground between completely unvetted listings and high-ticket brokerage services. Their verification framework, while maintaining efficiency, provides crucial safeguards for transactions that typically occur without professional oversight. The automated pricing system introduces a strategic element to purchases, requiring buyers to carefully time their acquisitions.
Motion Invest's recent diversification into video-based assets demonstrates responsiveness to evolving digital revenue streams, though their primary differentiation remains their specialized focus on the micro-acquisition space. This targeted approach allows them to develop DEEP expertise in vetting and valuing smaller digital properties - a capability that generalist platforms struggle to replicate.
Motion Invest Pros and Cons
Advantages
Motion Invest provides solutions for investors in small digital properties through these key benefits:
- Low Barrier to Entry: Minimum earnings requirement of $20/month makes it accessible, with typical listings showing $200-$2,000 monthly revenue.
- Pre-Screened Opportunities: Each property undergoes validation of financial and traffic data prior to listing.
- Emerging Site Options: Nearly half of available properties are developing websites with growth potential.
- Success-Based Pricing: Sellers pay fees only upon transaction completion, ranging from 15-20% of sale price.
- Quick Turnaround: Average sales complete within two weeks at revenue multiples around 32x.
Limitations
Users should weigh these factors when considering the platform:
- Fee Impact: 20% commission on lower-value sales substantially affects net proceeds.
- Information Disclosure: Property details become accessible to platform members after registration.
- Early-Stage Focus: Majority of listings feature limited operational history.
- Specialized Inventory: Only content-driven websites and video channels are available.
- Buyer Pool: Reduced demand exists for premium-priced digital assets.
| Platform Aspect | Positive Attribute | Potential Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Requirements | Accessible minimum thresholds | Significant percentage fees |
| Listing Quality | Rigorous pre-approval process | Additional verification recommended |
| Property Selection | Abundance of growth-potential sites | Few mature, established properties |
The descending price auction format introduces strategic considerations for buyers, creating time-sensitive purchasing opportunities while maintaining seller price protection.
Motion Invest Fees Breakdown
Understanding Motion Invest's fee structure is essential for sellers considering this marketplace. The platform operates on a success-fee-only model, meaning you only pay if your website sells. Here's a detailed breakdown of their commission rates based on sale price:
| Sale Price Range | Commission Rate | Example Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Under $20,000 | 20% | $2,000 on $10,000 sale |
| $20,000 - $50,000 | 15% | $6,000 on $40,000 sale |
| $50,000 - $100,000 | 10% | $9,000 on $90,000 sale |
| $100,000 - $500,000 | 7% | $33,250 on $475,000 sale |
| Over $500,000 | 5% | $30,000 on $600,000 sale |
How These Fees Compare
When evaluating Motion Invest's fees against competitors:
- Investors Club charges 0% commission, allowing sellers to keep the full sale amount
- Empire Flippers typically charges 8-15% depending on deal size
- Flippa's fees range from 5-10% for similar transactions
The higher commission rates at lower price points reflect Motion Invest's specialization in smaller deals and the additional services they provide, including:
- Thorough vetting of all listings
- Escrow services
- Migration assistance
- Access to their buyer network
When the Fees Make Sense
While Motion Invest's fees are steeper than some alternatives for smaller deals, their focused marketplace can be worth the cost if:
- You're selling a content site valued under $50,000
- You want the security of verified buyers
- You value the convenience of their full-service approach
- Your site fits their niche focus (content-based websites)
For sellers with larger, more established sites, the decreasing commission scale makes Motion Invest more competitive at higher price points.
Who Should Use Motion Invest?
Motion Invest serves as a specialized marketplace catering to specific needs in the website buying and selling ecosystem. Based on our analysis of their platform features, fee structure, and typical listings, here's who benefits most from using their services:
Ideal Users
- Content site sellers with valuations under $50,000: The platform specializes in this price range, with particular strength in the $1,000-$10,000 bracket where other marketplaces often don't compete.
- Buyers seeking vetted starter sites: Approximately 40% of listings are starter sites with minimal income, making it a prime destination for investors looking to build from the ground up.
- YouTube channel owners: Since expanding to YouTube accounts in 2024, Motion Invest has become a viable option for content creators looking to exit.
- Those prioritizing transaction speed: The platform claims an average 12-day sale timeline, significantly faster than many competitors.
Less Suitable For
- E-commerce, SaaS, or service businesses: Motion Invest exclusively handles content-based websites and YouTube channels.
- High-value site sellers: Listings above $100,000 are rare, and the platform attracts fewer serious buyers in this range.
- Sellers requiring strict confidentiality: Basic account holders can view site URLs and sensitive operational details.
- Those sensitive to fees: Success fees start at 20% for sales under $20,000, which some sellers may find prohibitive.
The platform's Dutch auction pricing model and verification processes create a unique value proposition, particularly for those operating in the lower tiers of the content website market. However, as with any investment platform, potential users should carefully consider their specific needs against Motion Invest's particular strengths and limitations.
6 Top Motion Invest Alternatives
Depending on your needs, these platforms might be better fits:
Final Verdict: Is Motion Invest Worth It?
Motion Invest has established itself as a specialized platform catering to a specific segment of the digital asset market. Our evaluation reveals several key insights about its value proposition:
The platform shines in facilitating transactions for micro-content properties, particularly those in the $1,000-$10,000 range. Their proprietary verification system offers more protection than completely open marketplaces, while their targeted audience ensures relevant exposure for listings. The innovative pricing mechanism creates dynamic purchasing opportunities that benefit both buyers and sellers.
Commission rates present a significant consideration, especially for entry-level transactions where fees reach 20%. Privacy-conscious sellers may find the disclosure requirements challenging, and the marketplace shows limited activity for premium digital assets. The platform's specialization means certain asset types fall outside its scope.
- New investors seeking affordable entry points into digital assets
- Owners of developing content properties valuing efficient transactions
- Video content creators exploring exit opportunities
- Portfolio builders looking for multiple small acquisitions
Alternative platforms may better serve specific needs: Investors Club for fee-sensitive sellers, Quiet Light for established businesses, or generalist marketplaces for non-content assets. Each option presents different trade-offs in terms of fees, audience, and transaction support.
Motion Invest delivers unique value for its target market segment, particularly for those prioritizing specialized services over absolute profit maximization. The platform's focused approach comes with both advantages and limitations that potential users should carefully evaluate against their specific requirements and goals.
Motion Invest FAQ
Is Motion Invest legitimate?
Yes, Motion Invest is a legitimate marketplace with over 1,500 verified sales since 2019. They verify traffic, revenue, and content quality before listing any site.
What types of websites does Motion Invest sell?
Primarily content-based websites (blogs, affiliate sites) and YouTube channels. They don't handle eCommerce, SaaS, or service businesses.
How long does the vetting process take?
Typically 1-5 days. They verify domain ownership, income sources, traffic patterns, backlinks, and check for plagiarism.
What's the average sale multiple?
Currently about 32x monthly profit, though this varies based on site quality, niche, and growth trends.
Are there any hidden fees?
No hidden fees - just the success commission (5-20%) if your site sells. No upfront listing fees.
Can I buy sites through financing?
Motion Invest doesn't offer financing directly, but some sellers may accept installment payments.
