Πέμπτη 21 Ιουνίου 2012

The Secrets of Successful Affiliate Marketers

In a world that has become ever increasingly internet-focused, it’s no accident that affiliate marketing has exploded as one of the most effective ways out there to market products. Not only is it virtually risk-free, payment need not be rendered until after you have achieved the desired results. Yet despite its myriad benefits and the possibilities affiliate marketing promises to its merchants, some marketers have more luck than others in attracting the right results; those who experience problems when navigating the sometimes murky waters might pull their hair in frustration and wonder, “what am I doing wrong?”

The fact is that it simply takes some tried and true know-how to make affiliate marketing work at its optimum for you. If you’re looking to build successful affiliate programs, you’ll want to keep these secrets in your arsenal from now on. You’ll be sitting back and crossing your arms with satisfaction later.

Find Your Niche – And Keep It Small

If you do any amount of research on the topic of affiliate marketing, you’ll have come across the term “niche.” It’s the “theme” of your marketing – and it can range in topic from kitchen appliances to fly fishing to bean bags chairs (yes, bean bag chairs). It’s where you start when you’re an affiliate marketing newbie. The problem is, most people just beginning in their marketing venture will make the mistake of taking on a niche that is already overwrought with competition, some of which may be in the form of large, established companies with big commissions. You, as an individual just starting, won’t stand a chance up against the big guys, so step back, think it over and come up with something else – just make sure the niche is smaller, less populated. Do some research by checking out the affiliate networks and seeing where the competition is limited (but not too limited – you want there to be some interest!).

It’s also helpful, but not necessary, if your niche happens to be something you have a particular interest in. Staying motivated, especially if you’re not bringing in a lot of money at first, can be very challenging. It would only be to your benefit to pursue a niche in something you can talk about with authority and passion.

Focus on the Customer

No matter what products you’re selling, you should assume a skeptical buyer and make every attempt to win him or her over. The best way to do that is not to tout all the minute features and details of the product, but to make an extraordinary effort to grab your potential customer’s interest by making them see that they need that product based on a few specific, persuasive examples.

One coffee maker might sound just like any other, but you can make it distinctive with a few sentences that stress how the timer feature and quick brew time help get a busy working mother out the door in the morning with her favorite French Vanilla coffee in hand.

It’s about making the customer feel as though you are speaking directly to them about their needs, about wanting something they didn’t even realize they were missing. Emphasize the benefits to the user over the general specifications. This means you will need to have succinct, strong sales copy writing on your website or blog in order to achieve maximum impact (and be taken seriously). Strive for original content wherever possible, too, as this will keep you from being penalized in search result rankings on the major search engines.

Be Selective About Merchants/Products

Nine times out of 10 we read user reviews on Amazon or EBay before purchasing something because there is no shortage of customers who are not shy about being honest. Finding trustworthy feedback elsewhere on the web isn’t always so reliable, but over time you, as an affiliate marketer, can build up a similar reputation for trustworthiness with your readers or visitors if you are selective about which merchants and products you endorse.

If you personally find a product to be worthwhile, it bears writing about. Sincerity is easy to pick up on. Thus the more in-depth your endorsement is, the more likely your words will lead to a sale, which benefits everyone.


by Christian Willis
http://www.idowebmarketing.com/

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