|
Author: Kate Fox Article source: http://go-getglobal.com/. Used with author's permission.
Affiliate marketing is an agreement between two websites in which one site (the affiliate) sends traffic to another site by means of advertising or content.
In return, the affiliate receives a percentage of sales generated.
Having worked with affiliate programs for several years now I can vouch that's it possible to make a very comfortable living working from home with affiliate programs.
Sure there are downsides - there can be sales tracking issues; dud affiliate programs, and there's always those dreaded returns and commission chargebacks.
But the upside more than makes up for it: you get to be your own boss; you can set your own hours; you're building a potentially enormous recurring stream of income; and there's no workplace politics or overbearing boss to hound you.
But the best part is this: the potential to make money is unlimited - there is no glass ceiling.
So if affiliate programs are such a great concept - why do statistics tell us that only 5% of affiliate marketers ever make money online?
Why aren't more affiliates making more money?
In my online experience I've seen a few affiliate websites that are absolute genius at selling. Most however make several deadly mistakes that are probably costing them thousands of dollars in sales.
Here are the 3 top reasons why 95% of affiliate websites don't make more money and how you can steer clear of the pitfalls:
Reason #1: Trying to sell too many products.
Have you ever visited a website and been knocked senseless with sales offers? Banners flashing, moving text - moving up, down, left to right, right to left, bright laughing images bouncing across your screen.
Then the pop-ups come - pop-ups, pop-unders, pop-overs. It's non-stop sales-pitch overload - and you can't get out of there fast enough. It takes you a full five minutes to re-focus your eyes once you manage to escape from the website
Ok, some affiliate websites aren't that bad but you get the point.
While working for a bank several years back, I learned one of the #1 rules of sales: "A confused mind always says 'No'." If you give someone too many options, too many choices, or even too much information too quickly - they won't buy anything. They will always say 'No' to the sale.
Solution? Reduce the confusion and you'll INCREASE the sales.
Top affiliates will tell you to focus on one or two products per website (or per web page). Never more than that.
If you want to increase your conversion rate, stop selling so many products on one website. Focus on the top one or two that make you the most sales. You'll then have a lot more customers saying 'yes' and putting cash in your pocket.
Reason #2: Website theme is too general.
When choosing a theme for your website, think niche, not general. For example, unless you're Best Buy or Future Shop, you might not want to build a website about computers. That's way too general and you're now in competition with the big boys. Why put yourself through that?
This is a fundamental mistake new affiliates make. They choose a website theme that is much too general. They choose to make a website about computers or credit cards or diets or insurance.
These are all profitable topics of major interest to many people. But the topics are too broad and you'll be running yourself ragged trying to be all things to all people.
Solution? Make your website theme as niche as you can - while still being profitable.
For example, instead of a website about computers, why not a site about laptops only? Instead of diets, why not diet patches? Instead of credit cards, why not no-fee credit cards? You get the idea.
By doing this you'll be way ahead of most affiliate marketers. You'll also be setting yourself apart from the crowd - people will remember your website as a 'specialized' website and you'll be the first website they'll visit when they want a laptop, or a diet patch review or a no-fee credit card.
Reason #3 Poor Choice of Affiliate Program
If you're an affiliate who isn't making the money you think you should be making - maybe the problem isn't anything you've done. The problem could be the affiliate program.
Not every affiliate program is created equal and for every 1 that makes you money, there are 10 that won't. It's not your fault, that's just the way it works. You've got to test and try different programs to find the true winners.
Experience will show you which ones are a good fit for your website and your visitors. Learn from that experience and then spend more time and effort on the programs that make you the most money.
And don't just go by the highest EPC numbers (earnings per one hundred clicks). I know of one affiliate who purposely seeks out low-earning EPC affiliate programs because he says there's little competition for them. He makes a tidy little sum from several of these affiliate programs that other affiliates are ignoring.
Your personal experience is the best indicator of what will make you the most money. I've tried some affiliate programs that were (apparently) huge earners. They didn't make me a dime. I've tried others that didn't look so hot as far as earnings and they make me $1000+ per month. It really depends on you and your website.
If you're not making the money you think you should be making - and you feel you're doing everything else right, it could just be your choice of affiliate program. Try changing affiliate programs and see if that increases your sales.
Those are 3 main reasons why 95% of affiliate websites don't make the money they could be making. Steer clear of these pitfalls and you'll be on your way to being in that top 5% of affiliate marketers making the big bucks. Kate Fox is contributing writer to Website Conversion, a website dedicated to showing you how to increase your web sales without increasing traffic.
For more free tips on how to improve your affiliate web conversion rates visit: http://www.Web-Conversion.com
Bean Bag Chairs – Choosing the Right One
Decorating can be a big challenge in today's world. But for those casual and impromptu rooms and occasions, a bean bag chair can be just what's needed. Choosi...
Unification of World Religions
UNIFICATION OF WORLD RELIGIONS for world peace...
10 Secrets to Online Dating Success
This articles is dedicated to helping singles on how to do safe Internet dating and achieve success...
How To Reduce Your Payments
Are you paying out too much every month for your credit cards, store cards and loans?
Credit Problems? With a Subprime Mortgage Lender, Poor Credit is Not a Problem
If you have adverse credit history, a subprime mortgage loan might be the answer for you to acheive your dreams of being a home owner.
Something About Nothing
The physical world is held together by nothing, we call it space. However space is something, it is the matrix which holds together everything. Something could ...
Guide to Choosing LEGO Toys for Children
A basic guide to choosing the best LEGO toy set for your child.
The Cost of Giving Up
Why are you having those crises in your life? Well it's likely because you've choosen something that you "think" is a viable option, "giving up". By giving up "...
A Guide To Finding the Best Nashville Mortgage Companies
If you are thinking about moving to Nashville, or if you already live there but want to purchase a different home, finding the right Nashville mortgage company ...
Dont Use FFAs To Build Your Newsletter Subscriber
For those of you who aren't familiar with the term, The initials FFA stand for "FREE For All" and my advice would be don't waste your time! FFA's DON'T WORK! ...
Flirting For A Long-Term Relationship
Have you ever wondered why we flirt? I mean, we've all done it at some time but it's one of those things that we do without really giving any though to why or h...
Television Reporters - Questions to Ask Before Agreeing to an Interview
Prior to a television interview it is important to undergo some research to be best prepared and aware of the reporter involved and structure of the interview. ...
How Do I Build A Winning Business Plan?
Successful Plans Unveiled...
Pot Odds and Implied Pot Odds
Both pot odds, and implied pot odds are used when you believe that you do not currently have the best hand, but you think that you can improve to the best hand....
Profitable Idea Generation in 4 Steps Using Improv
If your business is stuck, Improv techniques will help reveal new paths to profit. Marketing Improv, a training and consulting company, shares their secrets to ...
Custom Clay Poker Chips
Custom clay poker chips are the rage with collectors and serious players.
Avoiding Unsightly Algae
Excessive organic matter in the pond provides nutrients for
algae, contributing to its growth. Algae can obscure the view of
colorful fish, and more dangerously...
Six Foundational Reasons for Managing Your Time
Most of us know how to manage our time. It is pretty simple really. What most of us miss are compelling reasons to manage our time. We know the "how" but miss t...
Coconut Oil , Weight Loss and Heart Health - An Unlikely Partnership
Coconut oil has gotten a bad rap. Yes, I've read the negative publicity, but the truth is that it can not only help you lose weight but is great for your heart,...
Kudos For Monsanto Company
I applaud Monsanto for their R and D. I would like to meet the head R and D man there and shake his hand for his drive and stick-to-it-ness to find solutions to...
When Your Back is Against the Wall
Get your power from Above...
Plan Your Day and Stick to Your Plan
Do you wish you had more hours in the day? Instead of wishing, learn how to get the most out of the hours you have and become an exceptional planner of your da...
7 Quick Marketing Tips To Uplift Your Profits
1. Publish an ezine. Your ezine will help you to stay in touch with your visitors, sell your products, and promote affiliate programs you've joined to your subs...
Lumie Dawn Simulation Wake Up Clocks - The perfect Start To Your Day!
Wake up to a gentle simulated sunrise that keeps you in perfect harmony with your rythm of life.
|
Print this page