Affiliate Blogging Basics
A lot of my subscribers ask how to make a recurring income online, and one of the easiest ways to do that is through Affiliate Marketing.
There are plenty of ways to do it, but to do it responsibly and ethically should always be a top priority!
The reason I’m writing this post is because I just finished watching a “tutorial” video on how to set up a blog for affiliate marketing, and it was so off-base, I was compelled to write this in case any of my subscribers stumbled across that video and took it as gospel.
First of all, do NOT create any business-related blog using Blogger. If you wish to create a blog for affiliate sales, create one on a self-hosted WordPress blog, so that you maintain total control. Blogger has been known to wipe out blogs without a thought, and it’s a horrible decision to use them if you plan to create an authority site.
Not only do you lose all of your hard work and back links, but you waste hours of time re-creating those sites - time much better spent on marketing your products.
Do Your Research!
One way to lose credibility is to promote random affiliate links. While some marketers may set up RSS feeds for the top Clickbank products, these are people who are simply looking to make money from you - not in providing real value.
How can anyone ethically endorse or promote a product they know nothing about?!
Don’t get me wrong! There are dozens of awesome products on Clickbank, but just because they are currently rated well does NOT mean that those products are truly valuable to your subscribers - only that their commission rate is appealing to those affiliates who are looking to make a quick buck.
Instead, dig a little. Look for products on Clickbank or other affiliate networks that suit the needs of your clients and subscribers. Buy the product - or better yet, contact the owner and have a discussion about their product, find out if it’s a good fit and provides real value. Google the product, find out if there is any negative feedback online.
Once you’ve found a product that meets the needs of your readers, write a review on your blog! Include your affiliate link and product graphic. Your honest opinion about the pros and cons of any product you decide to promote will do wonders for your reputation and credibility as an ethical marketer.
Add Additional Income Streams!
Supply your visitors with the information they came for, but don’t limit your income possibilities by removing alternative streams of income! Add things like Google Adsense, and other forms of advertising that may bring additional income.
Some people may tell you not to add these items because it gives your visitor something else to click off your page… but these people WILL eventually leave - and if not through your affiliate link, then give them several other interesting, related options that may bring in revenue!
If they clicked your affiliate link, chances are they’ll be “cookied” with your tag, so a future sale may still occur. But they may return to your blog looking for additional information, and one of these other related links may appeal to them.
A sales page selling a single item should not give a visitor any other options but to click the “Buy” button. An affiliate blog will provide an informed opinion and endorsement about more than one product generally - targeted to a specific market.
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Comments
Thank you for your ethical viewpoint. It seems a rare commodity in this industry. I love the power of the internet but sometimes feel a tad embarrassed for the tactics that get encouraged by the big gurus. I love it when voices like yours chime in. Good post!
Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman
Vicki Flaughers last blog post..What I Learned About Marketing by Auditioning For A TV Show
Hi Vicki -
Thanks for your reply!
As you can imagine, I’m not exactly adored by the “Old Boy Network” for some of my views, but I really am not interested in “cozying up” with peers who either don’t know what they’re talking about, or who actually believe their own press.
My biggest concern when I see bad advice - especially from self-appointed experts - is that my subscribers might see and believe it, based solely on the fact that the person dispensing the advice is recognized.
As long as I can make my subscribers, students and clients aware of things like that, give them the right tools and information, I don’t need to become one of the “in crowd” to make me happy.
Thanks so much for dropping by!!
Lisa,
Your post it right on the money… I know who you’re talking about (Ross Goldberg) and everything Ross said in his latest video is completely wrong!
I commend you for warning your subscribers and keeping their best interest at heart. Good for you… not enough marketers do that today!
Mike Hill
cbpayday.com
Mike Hills last blog post..The Biggest ClickBank Marketing Secret In History