AFFILIATE BLOODSHED - How to

WIN the Game!

By Ben Pedersen

ProfitQuick.net

What's wrong? Does the Affiliate game got you down? Has the money stopped rolling in?

If so, don't hang your head. It's okay! We're going to figure out a way to put the "spunk" back into that affiliate program you're promoting.

FIRST, A LITTLE HISTORY (In a nutshell)........

As the internet grew in popularity, so did  affiliate programs. Millions of people have logged on since the beginning of the affiliate game and you know what that means - millions of
affiliates to compete with.

To date, there are literally thousands (if not Millions) of affiliate programs out there. And, there are millions (if not BILLIONS) of affiliates just like you and I that are ALL competing for business.

So, what does that mean?

Is the 'net all "dried up"? Have we run out of people to reach? Of course not!

Plain and simply, the more people who join the program you're promoting, the more creative you're going to have to be to "get the buck."

The prospects are out there, in mass numbers. All we have to do is reach 'em!


So lets take the bull by the horns shall we?

Some ideas.......


GET CLEVER *BEFORE* YOU PICK THAT AFFILIATE PROGRAM.

Consider this: You're going to be spending your hard earned money to promote the affiliate program of your choosing right?

You're going to sink some serious time to promote that affiliate program right?

You Bet! So, do your homework. Ask questions. Do research.

*Is the company reputable? This is important. Make sure that the company is a good one. When sales are made, you want to get paid. You want the company to be around awhile. So ask questions. Ask an affiliate about hie or her experiences with the company. Email or call the company's support dept. and see how they handle your requests and how promptly. Bottom Line: Make sure you feel 100% comfortable with the company and affiliate program you choose.

*Get an affiliate program that has a residual pay out plan. Here's what I mean: I'm an affiliate for a web hosting company. Their fees are 29.95 per month. Of that, I get $10.00 per month of that fee paid by the person who I referred. So If I have 10 people who I've referred, that's an extra 100 bucks a month with no more effort. It's *automatic* income (for as long as the customers stay with the company - another reason to pick a good one.)

This adds up. Believe me.

*Get an affiliate program that caters to the same target market as your site or newsletter does. Example: You don't see me promoting yarn from my business site do you? So, if you sell gardening material find a program for a great gardening site of some kind. If your site caters to cooks, sign up as an affiliate promoting a cook book. See where I'm going?

*Forget wimpy commissions! Serious! Find an affiliate program that offers at least 35 - 40 percent of the take. Hey, it's not uncommon to see programs offering payouts of 50 percent or more! Remember, balance this with a good program. Commission should never be the ONLY deciding factor. On the same token, we'd be lying if we said that commission didn't matter!

*Make sure that you can back the program you choose 110%. If you recommend this program to your subscribers and website visitors, you're putting your name on the line. Be sure you really understand the product, company and the program itself. To do otherwise will only ruin your reputation.

*While we're on this note, only use programs where you own the products and have used them. How can you tell your subscribers that the product is "so great" if you've never used it yourself? You can't. If you try, you'll be in ruins. So if you find that "dream program" I recommend that you try it's products and services. You get a better feel for the product and thus, can better sell it.


So, now that you have an idea of the "ideal" program, just how do you make money with it? Remember how I said "be creative?" Here are some wonderful ideas you can use to "pull ahead of the pack."

While everyone else places their banners up, you can beat them at their own game by being creative. Here are some killer ideas....

*DON'T GO NUTS!

When I say this, I mean don't sign up for every program under the sun. Pick one or two based on the criteria above and go with those 'full blast."

To promote many affiliate programs tends to create a cluttered and confusing experience for your visitors and they leave. When this happens, no one makes a dime.

Only promote a few of the best programs you can find and honestly recommend.


*RUN YOUR OWN WEBSITE

Sure, you don't need one to get started but for long term success, a website is crucial. Also important is your own domain name.

Your own site will work as the "gathering ground" for your visitors. You will ideally have links to your affiliate programs there. This enables you to post personal recommendations for the program and sell other programs, products and services.

In short, your website is your "Base of operations."

It's also important to note that those who have their own sites get credibility. Your own website and domain name shows visitors that "hey, this guy's for real. He'll be here for me for a long time." It shows that you're not a fly-by-night operation only interested in making a quick buck.


*WRITE PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR PROGRAMS.

Remember how I said "be creative?" It really does apply here. Sure, the affiliate program owner offers marketing materials but everyone else is using those.

Develop your own plan of action. Start by sending a personal recommendation to your subscriber base if you have one. At least, write and post a personal recommendation on the homepage of your website.

Just be sure that you actually own the product you're about to recommend. You're putting your neck on the line and failure to do this will result in a bruised reputation which is next to impossible to rebuild.

In doing this, you're setting yourself apart from the thousands of other affiliates.


*WRITE ARTICLES (Another way of setting yourself apart from other affiliates.)

This works, especially if you're promoting an info product. Study the product you're promoting and then write an article about the product's topic. For example, if you're promoting the Cookie Cutter program (A training program that deals with 2 step email [spam free] marketing) write an article about setting up ads and autoresponders (closely relating to the Cookie Cutter's content). Then, submit that to ezine publishers and tell them that they can use it as an article in their ezine.

Just remember, in order for this to work you need some key factors.

1. A bio. This is the small ad at the end of your article that tells people about your product. In this example, the Cookie Cutter. When the publisher publishes your article, the bio goes along with it. BINGO! A free ezine ad, only better. Look at our feature article from Kim. You'll notice her bio at the end of her article.

2. You'll have to submit to ezine publishers who are in the appropriate target market. So, don't send your nifty email marketing article to a publisher who's ezine goes to Heating and Air conditioning contractors. Most likely,  that won't be worth your while.

3. Subscribe to the newsletters you're going to submit your piece to. Publishers are more open to their subscribers and you'll avoid being accused of accidentally spamming. Plus, heck, there are tons of good newsletters. You may pick up a good tip or two along the way.

4. If you're concerned about receiving 500 emails a day you're with me. Simply use a free email box like hotmail.http://www.hotmail.com

Remember, the Cookie Cutter is only an example. If  you DO promote the CC, great. I gave you a game plan! But, you can use this technique for ANY program, product or service.

I have a great ebook on this subject. This is well worth your attention so get this free ebook now. http://www.profitquick.net/ebooks/ezinemoney.exe


TO SUM IT ALL UP.........

Find the *right* affiliate program and stir in some creativity. Using the tips here, you're sure to stand out in the crowd and build a solid foundation for years to come.

So that's it! Well, not all. There are so many ways to market online it's amazing.

If you remember anything, remember this: Be original and creative. If you do that (responsibly) you'll get noticed.