Affiliate Programs
Over the years, affiliate programs have grown in popularity, and
today there are literally millions of people involved. While
some are doing very well in these programs, others are not. Has
the saturation point been reached, and this is no longer a
viable approach? Let's discuss this a bit.
There are affiliate programs, and then again there are affiliate
programs. Some are good, and others you may wish to avoid.
Before you pick one, realize that the web is loaded with these
programs, and you are not only competing with the other
programs, you are also competing with those that have joined
yours.
But don't be ready to throw in the towel. The prospects are out
there, and growing daily as more and more people join the web.
It does however require that you do your homework before jumping
in with both feet.
Is the company you are considering reputable? This is important.
How long has the company been in "pre-launch"? Some have been in
this phase for much too long that the odds are they will never
get started. Talk with others who are already involved to ensure
that the company is on the up and up. Are they are getting paid
on a timely basis? If you don't feel comfortable with a
particular company, look for another.
You are going to be spending a lot of time promoting the
program, and sinking some of your hard earned money into
advertising it. First examine what you are currently involved
with. If you already have your own web site; and if you don't
why not, try to pick affiliate programs that are compatible with
what you are already doing.
Many people will recommend that you get involved with one, and
only one, and that you put all your effort into promoting it.
While there is merit to this way of thinking, if you can get
involved with programs that complement each other, you can do
the promotion on your web site with little extra effort. Someone
may visit your site as a result of your ad for a particular
program. Many times however, they will also buy into another
program you are promoting. But don't get involved with so many
that your site is simply cluttered up, and has no discernable
purpose.
Look for programs whose pay out plans continue as long as the
person who joined under you is still involved. These residual
payments can last for a long time. If you are in a really good
one, these commissions can add up rather quickly.
Beware of illegal pyramids that rely on infusions of new members
to pay commissions. In other words, it should be a product or
service that stands on its own merits, and one that you believe
in yourself. If you don't use the product yourself, how can you
honestly tell your prospects how great it is?
Not every program is a good deal. Remember, you are putting your
reputation on the line as well. That is why it is so important
to get involved in a good one. While getting in on the "ground
floor" of a new one may be attractive, the risk is a lot higher
that it might not make it over the long pull.
One of the most successful people I know in this type of
business, writes a weekly column which he distributes to his
mailing list. He promotes this column quite heavily, and many
people opt-in to receive it, who are not currently involved in
his program. He keeps the publication generic, and gives general
advice. Of course, in the author credits, he includes a short
blurb on his program, and a way to contact him. He gets a decent
share of new recruits as a result of this newsletter.
A good way to build your list is to send your articles to other
publishers. If they publish your article, you have just gotten a
free ad in their publication. It also helps build your
credibility as an expert. It is important that you subscribe to
the newsletters you're going to send articles to since that will
give you a feel for the type they accept.
If you find the right affiliate programs, and promote them
properly, you too can join the ranks of the successful Internet
Entrepreneurs.