There are broadly two types of affiliate marketing – the organic promotion of a product you already use, and a targeted marketing for no other purpose than profit. I’m not going to slam either – there is nothing wrong with pursuing profits. We all do it. Think of the various jobs your friends and family go to. Do they all love them, and feel passionately about what they do? I would suspect not. Yes, there are some who have a dream and chase it with everything they have, no plan B. But most of the people you know are living their plan B, at least when it comes to work. Maybe even plan C. These back up plans pay the bills, and so many stick with them. Sometimes for their entire working lives. So why would we condemn those who try to market products with no higher motive than profit? Especially if this allows them the freedom to pursue something else, something that truly inspires them.
We have all heard the comments made by podcasters and others, that they only promote products they personally use. From sports talk hosts to technology podcasters, they discuss mattresses and audio book stores with feeling. If you have an audience, this can be a powerful way to build a revenue stream. Find a product you feel passionately about, become an affiliate, and promote it. This is a great way to get into affiliate marketing.
One source for products is ShareASale (Click here). There are so many merchants available, and products that you may never have thought of promoting. For example, I have spent an unfortunate portion of my life in airports, and I grew to love airport lounges. So I promote Plaza Premium lounges.
Priority Pass Prestige Membership- Airport Lounge Access to 1000+ lounges worldwide
from: Priority Pass, Inc.
I promote it because I love it. When you are stuck with a long connector (I had a four hour delay in Atlanta in January, for example) it is so relaxing to go to a lounge and relax. So I promote it – why not? It is something I know of firsthand, and others could benefit from it, so why not. And yes, if you click on the links above, and make a purchase, I will benefit.
With ShareASale being made an affiliate isn’t automatic – you will often have to apply for a particular product. But it is a great marketplace.
Then there are the other type of affiliate marketing web sites. The ones people often first think of when affiliate marketing is discussed. Sites like Clickbank and Warrior Plus. Sites filled with make money online plans, and weight loss or self help guides. YouTube is filled with videos of people explaining how these work, and how to make money with them. Can they work? Of course. Do they always? No, of course not. Much will depend on your effort and focus.
This is another area where choosing your niche carefully will pay off down the road. If you find a subject interesting, if it excites you enough that you don’t mind spending hours researching and marketing, then you will have much more success than if you just are doing it for quick money. This is true because the money will seldom be as quick as you hope. Now, if you are the type with tons of perseverance, who doesn’t mind grinding forward to build a business, not because it interests you but because it can be profitable, then go for it. But it will be easier if you are having fun.
Now, this second type of marketplace is one that some people view with skepticism, but I don’t think they should. Again, think of the person (it may even be you) who faithfully goes to a job, year in and year out, just because they need the money. Do we condemn them, or view them as dishonest because they don’t love their job? That would be ridiculous. So why would we avoid creating our own job in online marketing? If anything, those attempting to make money online by selling “make money online” strategies have a ton of skin in the game. To use another cliché, they put their money were their mouth is.
There is one word of caution. Choose your products carefully. Some have a very high number of refunds requested, and this is not something you want. It affects your cash flow, and your credibility. Choose products that work, that you have confidence in, and you will be able to market effectively. You may even enjoy yourself along the way.
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