Learning How to Be A Successful Affiliate Marketer

Are you one of the many individuals who find affiliate marketing alluring? Did you know that affiliate marketing is one of the most effective ways to create a full time income online? It works nicely, since both the merchandiser and the affiliate benefit from product sales. Like many other types of business, the profits of affiliate marketing will depend upon the ability of the affiliate to use such strategies such as promoting, advertising and actual selling their products. The affiliate marketing industry grows daily. Competition is high. Therefore an affiliate marketer, must use their creativity to use various unique and effective means to convince their prospective clients into making a purchase of the services or products that are available to them.

Affiliate marketing programs are much more effective, cost efficient and risk free, compared to the more traditional means of advertising practices. Why is it then that so many individuals may still fail when taking on affiliate marketing? The truth is, there are many reasons and a lot of different areas of the program to evaluate and then exercise. Advertising is the most essential aspect of an affiliate program as well as many other types of business, online or offline. Unfortunately, many affiliate marketers fail because they lack the drive to work hard. Sure being lucky is nice, but it is not something to rely on completely. Affiliate marketing is not something as simply directing consumers to a business website. You will have to work hard by investing your time in promoting your affiliate marketing products, if you want to earn a good deal of money. Not only is competition very high and consumers are very smart. Your customers will be searching for the best purchase at the lowest pricing, while being interested in the best quality and quantity they can find.

Another reason for failing, whether you are an affiliate or a merchandiser, is the lack of preparation. You will need to do your homework by researching. For instance, a merchant ahs to be highly selective when choosing the best affiliate websites for his program. To ensure he makes the best choices, he will have to do some research to find affiliates who are extremely interested and have a web presence that is suitable to his particular services or products. The visitors of the affiliate site must match his targeted consumers. Likewise the affiliate marketer should research to find merchants who pay well, before signing up to any affiliate program. In order to provide his fullest attention and dedication to an affiliate program, he will have to be sure that the products and services of a merchant matches his own interests. Valuable information is available by joining affiliate community forums, while comparing the differences in various affiliate programs. Some really great tips can be found by reading articles about affiliate marketing, which can aid in choosing the very best products or merchants which have high conversion rates.

One very important online tool for an affiliate program is a website. You will have to plan out your website, from an affiliate marketing point of view. You will need to play the lay-out, the content and the ads. Keep in mind that some users are picky about what they see at first glance, therefore if they find your site unsightly, they will never read the content, no matter how much you have to offer or tell them. Likewise, there are many others who thirst for more information. Websites that are rich in content are most often visited. A good affiliate marketer will provide the content needed to improve their website traffic. You can earn lots of money while you sleep, when your website is full of high quality content with all the relevant keywords and information about the products and services. If you cannot keep up with the interest of your site visitors, you will not be able to lead them to the website of the merchant. What this means is, if visitors do not click through, no sales will be made and you create no income.

The success of your affiliate program will also depend upon choosing a top level domain name. Did you know that there are many affiliate sites that do not appear in search engine results? The reason lies in the fact that many affiliate managers consider them personal websites and they are not listed. Major directories and search engines will think that your site is short lived and pass you by, therefore it will not be listed in the directory. However, before you choose a domain name, you will first need to know what you will be promoting. An inappropriately named site will fail, even if it features the exact products the consumer is searching for, if they think the site is irrelevant they will not even click onto the page.

As an affiliate marketer, you must be willing to learn more. There are many other things to learn and you must be willing to continue your education in order to improve your marketing strategies. Many will fail since their only concern is to make a fast buck, rather than growing their business. To achieve a highly satisfactory and long term results, take time to learn all you can about the business. You will need to know the basics of affiliate marketing, from programming, advertising, webpage development and search engine optimization techniques. You will also need to pay attention to the wants and needs of your website visitors and how various merchandisers compete online.

Do not become disappointed if at first you do not succeed, just keep trying. Everyday a multitude of people are attracted to creating great incomes through affiliate marketing and they sign up to any program, without understanding all the factors of the business. If they are not satisfied immediately by the results, they simply quit and then sign up for another program and repeat the same process. You can not get rich quick with an affiliate program, however with patience and perseverance you can work on your advertising strategies and be successful.

32 Comments

  • Brad Pollina

    Reply Reply November 22, 2008

    Another great post, Reed! Yes, we must all be willing to learn! The day we stop learning is the day we’re 6 feet under!

  • Tim Ackley

    Reply Reply November 22, 2008

    I agree with Brad and would like to add, that a very big reason people fail is due to a lack of action. Learn everything that you can, but also USE IT! So many people have access to tons of incredible content, yet never take the necessary action to become successful.

  • arllan

    Reply Reply November 22, 2008

    really good article i guess it all comes down to research and planning

  • normz2

    Reply Reply November 22, 2008

    Good post again. You should keep your catagories together. If the customer is not interested in one item, he might find another. When you are promoting, list the benefits of why the customer needs this product. Try different avenues until you find what works for you. It is important that the customer gets to trust you, this may take a bit of time. Do not expect them to buy the first time.

  • Paul Livingston

    Reply Reply November 22, 2008

    I can’t believe it, this post is the perfect lead-in for *my* latest blog post!

    It’s a step-by-step blueprint plan for any affiliate marketer. And it’s free.

    Thanks for the post Reed!

    Paul Livingstons last blog post..The Internet Marketing Success Formula…can it work?

  • Amy Stephani

    Reply Reply November 22, 2008

    cool i would like to try what you have to offer okay thank you.

  • Timothy Millar

    Reply Reply November 22, 2008

    Hey Reed, It’s real easy to make money online,just pick a product,run an ad and presto, you’re rich! Sound Familiar? Thanks to blogs like this,, we, the informed, Know better.
    Have a Wonderful Day, Timothy Millar

    Timothy Millars last blog post..Are You A Hubber?

  • Pat Gunning

    Reply Reply November 23, 2008

    Your Affiliate marketing system series is great and this is another great addition. It’s all about preparation when it comes to marketing. here is a great new tool: The New Google Search-based Keyword Tool http://www.google.com/sktool/# A great free spy tool that others charge monthly for.

  • Paul Penafiel

    Reply Reply November 23, 2008

    As this article may provide a solid foundation for a newbie to start their affiliate marketing business, there’s alot more than that.

    Yes, drive is important so does motivation but don’t forget that it’s not cheap either. If you only have $50 bucks with no incoming cash flow, give yourself a shake, how far do you think that’s going to take you.

    I for one would like a complete step by step video that shows you exactly what the article is talking about just to give some newbies an idea what goes on when promoting an affliate program.

    Take care.

    Paul Penafiels last blog post..Sad Day For Canadian Hockey Fans

  • Ari Lestariono

    Reply Reply November 23, 2008

    The feeling of lucky in this business just don’t fit and work, the attitude is work smart not hard, should always find and research how to generate more traffic to your affiliate links, traffic is the essence to this business, what I have learn so far is, all Internet Marketer just doing the same routine everyday, and so far it’s ok, but we have to observe new ways to generate traffic as a breakthrough to our success.That’s all.

    Ari Lestarionos last blog post..Home Remedies for Acne Treatment

  • Ernie Carroll

    Reply Reply November 23, 2008

    Another great post Reed! Affiliate marketing is easy if you have a blueprint like I talk about on my blog. Keep up the good work, you are helping a lot of people.

    Ernie Carrolls last blog post..Blogging to the Bank 3.0 – Honest Review

  • Laurence Parr

    Reply Reply November 23, 2008

    Yes , good info again , although , I
    need to specify one thing
    Do Not Give Up , No Matter What happens
    Do Not Give Up .
    There are many ways to promote
    and more than just Traffic exchanges
    to get Traffic to your page
    and / or site..
    http://www.larryonly.50webs.com

  • Wayne Bell

    Reply Reply November 23, 2008

    Good post Reed. I do how ever hope that anyone new to affiliate marketing realizes that there is a lot more to learn then one. Research and the desire to succeed are key elements in the learning process.

    Regards – Wayne

    Health, Happiness And Success
    Wayne & Susan Bell
    http://bellshomeprofitnetwork.synthasite.com/

  • Anna Kindler

    Reply Reply November 23, 2008

    Hey Reed, Thanks again for an informative read. Your articles are written in a nice easy to understand format. The thing that I can’t seem to get through my head is this. Everyone tells you that affiliate marketing is an easy buainess to start++ But. How can you make people understand, that there is a lot of things you truly need to learn to make this all work. Learning,patience,and Focus being three of the important points.I have often wondered why someone hasn’t written a course on how to really start an affiliate marketing business.I am a granne newbie and I will get all this info together. I can do this and I again say thank you,because each time I read a new blog I get a little more knowledge on this marketing concept. The puzzle is starting to come together. Thanks Anna

  • kristi qualley

    Reply Reply November 23, 2008

    Hey Reed, Great article. I always learn so much from you. I am a newbie and need to keep learning all I can from the sources available. I will be sure to keep checking out your info!

  • Gary

    Reply Reply November 23, 2008

    Reed,

    This was a wonderful batch of great advice. It is so true that affiliates do not do the indepth research they should. Then they wonder why their list becomes shorter.

    Affiliates should be careful as to what they agree to market. If not, they can fail, not develope relationships, destroy their reputation and they could find themselves in legal trouble.

    Thanks for the reminders and the new valuable knowledge. I also appreciate the audio version. I just wish it could be your voice. You may want to consider doing the recording yourself.

  • Geoff Dodd

    Reply Reply November 23, 2008

    Thanks Reed for reminding me about planning. Some things also, ‘just work.’ e.g. I have an old ISP f.ree space from 1997 that looks like a personal page address, but now has 577 keyword-optimized pages that sell like crazy and perform great in Google. It’s not the domain name. It’s specializing the web pages on researched key phrases that CONVERT. And putting keyword anchor text in all the internal linking. To give each page some ‘reputation.’

    Geoff D.

  • PV Reymond

    Reply Reply November 23, 2008

    Hi Reed,

    Completely agree with you.

    There are many factors that you have to keep in mind if you want to make money as an affiliate.

    You have to understand that it requires time and work… If you understand this then you’ll make money.

    Thanks,
    ^PV Reymond

    http://www.startup-internetbusiness.com

    PV Reymonds last blog post..Internet Marketing For Newbies… The First Step

  • Husanto

    Reply Reply November 23, 2008

    Hey Reed, its a very good post. I hope you can always tell me if you have any idea for affiliate marketing. Thank you..

    Husantos last blog post..How To Make Ebooks To Become Your Money Machine

  • lASBENOLS

    Reply Reply November 23, 2008

    Thank you Reed for your honest take on Aff iliate marketing. It is a diffucult road to drive on. But like you said listen,learn and perservere and you’ll get there.

  • Emmanuel Mba

    Reply Reply November 23, 2008

    Hi Reed,
    Another excellent article on affiliate marketing. All your articles are straight to the point and I have learned so much from your articles.
    Keep up the good work

    Emmanuel Mbas last blog post..Blogging – making it pay

  • Emmanuel Mba

    Reply Reply November 23, 2008

    Hi Reed,
    Another excellent article on affiliate marketing. All your articles are straight to the point and I have learned so much from your articles.
    Keep up the good work

  • Taufik Ramly

    Reply Reply November 23, 2008

    Sometimes as an affiliate marketer you need to be more creative.Creative in a sense of promoting your affiliate link to your customer.
    What we must know that we are not the only one selling the product.So the best will win.
    Another important criteria are advertising.
    Advertising is the main factor on your marketing affiliates business. It is depend on how you advertise your affiliate’s products.

    By the way thanks for info you give to me.

  • Slavica

    Reply Reply November 23, 2008

    I am very skeptic about earning of Affiliate marketing.To not be taken wrong, i like internet,love to promote Affiliate programs, i got involved in quite a few of them,my mail box is full of messages/currently i have over 5000/i did everything to promote affiliate products in best way,/made web site,posted ads on forum ,blogs/and i never made money.Besides i have no pay pall and Click bank account,i think affiliate programs need to be accepted like a way to get involved in marketing online in general./from learning basic Internet language to creating own product,using free tools you get along the way/
    That is exactly i did-created my e-book,writing on the subject:self improvement and stay young and giving a book review-Abstracts on my favorite masterpieces.That way i got my subscribers/100 online lovers have downloaded my e-book:Long Live Witches/
    You can say it is not to much,honestly i don’t need any list to make money for reason i explained above,but i still like to be involved in Affiliate marketing doing promotions for marketers and being a part of the whole story-it makes me pleasure to meet wonderful people and earn new knowledge.
    Thank you

  • Allison Sellers

    Reply Reply November 23, 2008

    Great posting and blog, I know my site is not really related but check it out and give me any contructive feedback you have. If you are interested in putting my site in your blog role I could do the same.

  • Felix Makmur

    Reply Reply November 24, 2008

    Thanks for sharing this great affiliate marketing article Reed. I’ve learned lots of tips and tricks here that I would surely implement.

    Felix Makmurs last blog post..5 Easy Strategies to Boost Your E-Book Sales

  • Jussi Koiranen

    Reply Reply November 24, 2008

    Another great article and very thorough.

  • Pat Gunning

    Reply Reply November 24, 2008

    Affiliate marketing is every good marketers dream come true!

    affiliate marketing gives you an endless supply of products and services to market.

    …and you NEVER have the need to create or produce anything yourself.

    If you can market you will have an endless income stream!

  • admin

    Reply Reply November 26, 2008

    @Brad I completely agree

    @Tim agreed you NEED to take ACTION

    @arllan research and planning is very important

    @normz2 agreed

    @Paul thanks

    @Amy keep coming back to the blog for more free tips

    @Timothy thanks 🙂

    @Pat thanks for linking to that tool

    @Paul I’ll keep that in mind for a future product thanks

    @Ari I agree that there are other ways to make money or generate traffic online that known of us know about yet

    @Ernie thanks

    @Laurence thanks

    @Wayne agreed

    @Anna you’re welcome

    @Kristi thanks

    @Gary I may do that at some point but I like that the blog automates it for now.

    @Geoff very interesting

    @PV agreed

    @Husanto you’re welcome

    @lASBENOLS you’re welcome

    @Emmanuel thanks

    @Taufik you’re welcome

    @Slavica if you’re skeptical of promoting affiliate programs I would either not enter this business or only promote companies that you know pay out.

    @Allison thanks

    @Felix you’re welcome

    @Jussi thanks

    @Pat agreed

  • Jean Qld

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Hello Reed, Your comments are sound, especially in the marketing area, which is where I have the most trouble. Thanks for your tips. Jean Lowry

  • admin

    Reply Reply December 14, 2008

    @Jean you’re welcome

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