The affiliate marketer is a new breed of entrepreneur. Being self-employed full, or part-time, with hardly any overhead, is a dream come true for those who have an independent-minded attitude. In the corporate world, an entrepreneur is too much of a free thinker for micro-managing companies to deal with.
With the creation of affiliate programs, anyone with a PC or laptop can be in business overnight. In fact, anyone can earn money as an affiliate within a short time. Yet, it seems like there should be so much competition - why do so few affiliates have great success?
Many people try their hand at being an affiliate for a week or two and abandon the project. Why? In truth, real money will not be realized within a short amount of time. Everyone expects the Internet to deliver instant cash, but self-employment requires a start-up period.
If you opened a small store on the main street of your town, how long would you expect to develop it before you took a paycheck? One year or more is a conservative estimate and retail is not what it used to be - so let’s say two years.
Now you might be thinking, “But I just saw an infomercial - they promised instant success and profits; I could make thousands a month and be semi-retired in no time.” Sometimes, people do get lucky and they win the lottery too. However, the basics of business still apply within Internet marketing circles.
It requires time to building a web site, blog, and mailing list. You want to have a site that is optimized for the search engines (SEO). Once your site is Search Engine Optimized, you need to have a way to get Email addresses from your visitors.
Here are six steps to consider when developing your own affiliate marketing business. You might have to spend time and a little money, but your overhead is so low, there is no risk.
1. Do your research. Decide which affiliate programs to join and which products or services you want to endorse. Choose products and services you have used, are familiar with, or are interested in.
2. Develop a website, blog, or both. You don’t have to pay a fortune for this feature, but you may need help with some of the technical aspects. If so, see if you can partner with someone who has expertise in the areas where you are lacking.
3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): You may need professional help here. There are books and online resources to get you started, but eventually most of us need someone with in-depth SEO knowledge.
4. Develop a system for collecting the Email addresses of your visitors. Give free information about the products or services you endorse, in exchange for a name and Email address. Follow up with a newsletter once or twice per month. Let your subscribers know about latest specials, features, and benefits of the products or services you endorse.
5. Turn your site into an adventure. It should be a pleasure to visit your site. Visitors love to come back to videos, informative articles, Podcasts, Blogs, forums, old newsletters, and FAQ’s. Give your visitors everything they are looking for.
6. Never give up. Most affiliates lack the commitment of an entrepreneur. Remember that Rome was not built in a day. Keep moving forward - one step at a time. There is nothing quite like the first affiliate check you receive. You may want to photocopy and frame the first one.
© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard is an affiliate manager, and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. He is also a copywriter who specializes in sales copy for the wellness industry. Want to join the highest paying affiliate program in the wellness industry? Visit:http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
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