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"Promoting Affiliate Products" (the RIGHT way)
There are more affiliate programs, and products out there to sell, than there are stars in the sky!!!It can become overwhelming trying to figure out 1) Which ones to choose , and then, 2) How to make them sell!!First of all, don't make the mistake I made initially:More Is Not Better! As an inexperienced internet marketer, eager to get started, and seeing all that was available, I signed up for everything I could find, and tried to get it all on my site. Not only did I become overwhelmed, but experienced an organized person's nightmare. Files and folders of affiliate id's, links, and promotional materials. And no time to devote to REALLY SELLING any of them.The only benefit that came out of this for me was that I became educated about affiliate programs! I certainly did not make any money to speak of. If you want to become a successful affiliate, keep in mind these 3 basic ingredients of making the most out of your program(s).
1. Know Where You're Headed I can't say enough about how important it is to decide on your focus. It doesn't matter what kind of site or Ebusiness you are investing yourself in, you will be able to find affiliate products that will complement your site/Ebusiness and add an income stream. So, before you jump in with all 4 feet, make sure you know your purpose, and consequently, who your 'target market' is! Have an idea for a site? Good. Now narrow that focus as much as possible, then zero in on it even more. Now, you're ready to get started.Don't think you can set aside some space on a server somewhere, list a bunch of product banners and affiliate links, and start raking in the dough. It ain't gonna happen! 2. Take the TIME to KNOW the product Ok. You know where you're headed. And you've narrowed your focus. Now its time to invest your time. You'll need to spend time doing two things: 1) finding products to sell 2) learning those products inside and out.There are two ways to "find" products to sell. You'll have to spend some time wearing out the search engines looking for the products that are the perfect complement to your site. Some you'll find this way. Most, though, you will come across as you go about the daily tasks associated with managing your Ebusiness. Our antennae are up constantly, watching for products that come across our path. (And MANY do!!!) BUT, just because we become aware of a product that pays commission, doesn't mean we add it to the list of products that we promote. Here is THE KEY We ONLY promote products that we know enough about, and feel good enough about to use and/or PURCHASE OURSELVES to use in our own Ebusiness.We are NOT saying that you cannot make money advertising and promoting a product that you do not own. You can, and you will make a buck here or there. But, you will not be the MOST EFFECTIVE affiliate of any product until you own it and use it!!! Yes, this does mean that you'll have to find a way to invest money in things. So, what's your point? There is not a brick and mortar business on this earth that is successful without making a financial investment. Sorry, folks, but that is just the facts. The internet is a great place to do business - with MINIMAL investment. But you WILL have to invest.Of course, you will come across products that you invest in, and decide they are not useful to you. You may even find that they are not worth the money YOU paid. So........don't promote it! That's all part of the process. You've STILL invested wisely. I'm certainly not interested in gaining a reputation for recommending and selling worthless products!(In weeks to come, we'll tell you how to recognize good products and affiliate programs. And share more about reputation and relationships.)But, as you DO find the products that will further your own success, you will also have the perfect products to recommend to your clients and friends. And you'll find it easy to promote, because all you have to do is..........3. Share What You Know Once again, this is the secret (?) to becoming a successful affiliate. If you are sold enough on a product to purchase it, use it, and wind up with a positive experience with it, you are the perfect affiliate! All you have to do is share what you know with the people you come in contact with. (Through your site, your newsletter, advertising, etc.) You don't have to struggle with coming up with what to say about it. And what you do say will be genuine, not hype, and people will recognize that.Experiencing success as an affiliate of someone else's products takes investment on your part - both time and money. And both of those are easily wasted, especially if you're still convinced you're going to find that perfect get-rich- overnight plan. Commit yourself to doing it the RIGHT way, and success will come. We guarantee it!
GAIL HORNBACK AND MIKE SMITH , owners of CM/YMTC, have extensive experience with computers and the Internet. Check out their latest venture, the ELearning Center http://www.cmymtc.com/elearncntr.htm
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