Affiliate Programs and Info about them.
First, for general information, below is a reprint of my published article regarding Affiliate Programs.
The Truth About Affiliate Programs
One of the things you see tauted the most on the web are
Affiliate Programs. And, it seems, that newbies are
attracted to them like moths to the flame.
Now don't get me wrong - I am not bashing APs. What I do
want to do though, is shed some light on the basics. At the
same time I may be able to save you some time and energy.
What I am not going to do here is promote or put down any
AP. If you are interested in which we at IdeasWIN feel good
about - watch the site for several new pages under
"Opportunities."
Many new to the web people run out and join every AP they
can find. Why do they do that? There is that part of us
which likes the idea of getting paid for little or no
effort. Some feel that if they sign up for every AP, get a
free web site and list all the programs on it....they will
make lots of bucks.
Nothing is further from the truth. The disappointment
inherent with that sours some on the whole idea. I list this
as the primary reason NOT to do Affiliate Programs.
What then are the reasons TO DO any APs?
First and foremost will always be: To Make Money. No, I am
not contradicting myself. If you look at an AP as a form of
Direct Selling and treat it that way - you will make money.
If you choose a program that allows you to find and benefit
by other affiliates, all the better. That is, if you see it
and treat it like a genuine, legitimate Networking Business
- you will make money.
Second reason: You like the product or service and want to
get it at a Wholesale rate. Let's face it. If you are in
business selling something....you can sell it to yourself at
cost.
Third reason: You like the product SO MUCH that you will
tell others about it. If you are going to refer buyers to
the company why not get the middleman's cut?
Okay, you have looked over the RIGHT reasons to become
involved in Affiliate Programs, and you want to go ahead.
How to choose?
Let me give you some general tips.
If you are in it for #1 (Money) you will need to promote it
- a lot. Are you prepared for the costs of time & money
needed to do that? OK, you are willing AND have done your
homework as to how. Now look at the following: How do they
pay? Are there a million people already advertising it? How
much control do THEY have? You are an Independent
Contractor. Can they change the rules in mid-stream and
effectively pull the rug out from under you? How many things
will you have to promote? How much is the payback
percentage? I want to stand up and yell "Show me the money."
If you are after those Yankee dollars and the AP pays less
than 25%, it is going to be an uphill road. Even if it is
big ticket (over $100). You simply have to produce too many
numbers of buyers over the long haul to make it pay. Look
for the AP that pays 35-50%. They ARE out there.
If #2 (Wholesale) the percentage discount is again
important, but not crucial. If you are going to buy one
item, one time at $19.95 and as an affiliate you get it for
15% less....well it's OK to save $3, but not important. But
if the company can supply the whole way you live - all the
things you need every day-week-month at even 5-10% discount
it becomes a really good deal.
If #3 (I love it!) then the details are almost totally
unimportant. If you are going to tell people how much you
liked the movie, why wouldn't you want to get even 1-5%
payback? Why not - if indeed you would recommend it ANYWAY.
A final thought. All the three reasons TO DO an Affiliate
Program are good enough if they are good enough for you. If
you do some research you will find good programs that will
fill your desire in each of the three areas. But if you are
willing to really look around, talk to people, dig and keep
on digging? You can find a Program that is right for you AND
fulfills ALL THREE reasons to do it!
Imagine that. A program that pays good money (enough to live
off of) for those who market the products or services. The
same program supplies you with enough of your own needs at
COST to make it worthwhile. And at the same time with
'stuff' that you care sufficiently about that you would tell
others - no matter what.
What would you have? The business that is perfect for you.
Perhaps the business of the future.
Till next time. Good luck and God Bless.
Remember, IdeasWIN. Develop yours, Chris
Now all that being said....
The programs that I think are the best for any or all of the reasons given will follow in link form. On each page you will find information about the Affiliate Program in question along with my comments and recommendations. Here they come enjoy and remember....Have Fun Making Money!!
Marlon Sander's Amazing Formula and More
Mike Enlow's Masters of Marketing
