An Introduction to Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is when someone has a product/program, or something similar, they want to sell. They reach out to people to help them promote that product and in return pay the promoter a percentage of what the product is worth. This way, the person helping to promote the product has more incentive to do it, as they are going to receive a monetary reward.
There are a few things to consider when promoting other people’s products. Whenever you promote something you are saying that you think it is a good product and that you trust the person selling it to deliver on what they promise. It is also your reputation that will get tarnished if they do not fulfill on the order to the customers’ satisfaction. Make sure you do your due diligence and are confident that the product, and follow up service, meet your standards.
There are a lot of people out there that will just promote anything to make a profit. I personally do not promote anything that I have not either purchased myself or have a great deal of respect for the product creator. I have mentored with Mari Smith and have a lot of confidence in her integrity. I might promote a product that she is selling even if I have not used that exact product – I know whatever she puts outs will be high quality.
It is not just about making money, it is about offering your readers valuable content that will be of great use for them. For example – I teach authors how to create a presence online. I get asked a lot of questions about writing books and putting books up on Amazon. This is not my area of expertise, but I do know people whose area of expertise this is. If I promoted such a product (how to upload your book onto Kindle) I know it would be something that my authors would be very interested in. This situation works for everyone as the authors know I would only promote a product that I personally endorse, the seller is able to sell more products and reach more people with their message and I am able to get great content to my readers and make an amount of money in the process (I am running a business after all).
The percentage that affiliates receive varies greatly from product to product – anywhere from 5% to 50%, and even sometimes up to 100%. Digital products generally have a higher affiliate commission than programs, as there is less personal time involved. Once a digital product is made then the majority of the work is done, all that is left is to market it. Whereas with a coaching program, for instance, there is a lot of personal time invested on an on going basis – meaning the commission for the affiliate is less.
If you are interested in promoting products for other people there are a range of places to find them. There are particular sites that have products for promotion – ClickBank is an example of one. Another way is if you want to promote a particular person’s product you can check on their website – if they have an affiliate program in place they will have either a tab for it across the top or there will be a link in the footer, at the bottom of the page.
Once you have found a product that you would like to promote you need to sign up to be an affiliate. After that you will receive an affiliate link that is unique to you – that is how they are able to track who has purchased the program through you, so you can receive your commission.
Some people will also have banner ads or other graphics created that you can use. Some will even give you a pre written email to send out to your people or something you can put on your blog.
If you would like to find out more about affiliate marketing, visit NAMS and have a look at their free training. It is a reputable company with some great training.
Would love to hear your experiences with affiliate marketing.
Leave your comments below!!
Stacey is a coach, trainer and speaker who supports Authors and Aspiring Authors create an online presence through WordPress and Social Media training. Stacey's hands-on style, supportive nature and extensive knowledge make her the perfect go-to resource.
I have made 30k a year profit with an affiliate marketing company since 2003.. It’s a great company but not all are great companies and you have to check out if it’s on the up and up!
would you mind sharing with whom? that sounds profitable and not all are! thanks – you don’t have to Elizabeth!
Stacey, You’ve provided great info on affiliate marketing. I know great companies exist but one must really do their homework…as in anything else. Thanks so much.
I am pleased you found it useful, Alexandra!
I’ve agreed to 2 – have been asked to participate in another… I’m not that keen! probably because the initial relationship building with “me” has disappeared! homework for sure!!!
I completely agree, Patricia!
This is excellent info! I have been wondering about this for quite sometime! Thanks!
Hi Denny,
I am pleased I was able to give you some new information.
Stacey
Always wondered how affiliates works… Great information, understand a bit better the concept. Thanks!
Thanks Norma – I am pleased you found it useful.
I like that you point out doing due diligence when investigating affiliate marketing. You’re right because it is your reputation on the line. I don’t know much about affiliate marketing at all, so thanks for the info!
It is very important for me to stand behind the products I promote!
Great info on affiliate marketing, Stacey. I agree with you that your reputation is on the line when you’re doing affiliate marketing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!.
My pleasure – I am glad you found them useful!
Great info and I especially like how you point out that what we recommend has to be solid or we are risking our reputations!
Thanks for the comment, Kim. It is easy to ruin your reputation if you promote a poor product.
Useful info. Affiliate marketing is so wide spread it can make it hard for newbies to really get a grasp of things and make a good start!
Thanks Sharon!
Very useful information. Thanks for sharing Stacey.
My pleasure, Lori!
Great information! I was thinking about affiliate marketing just the other day…this gives me that push to look into it further.
Great information Stacey and finding the right product has been a challenge for me. I have heard great things about NAMS and I love Mari Smith. I am waiting to see if there is anyone close to Mari’s 100% and not been the case so far.
Thanks Carol. Yes, NAMS is great – I am part of the membership program there. Mari is wonderful.
I have explored this topic briefly along the way but finding health and wellness products that i feel meet my convictions and standards of all natural, whole foods healing and fitness has not proven easy at all…interesting idea though and something to explore again.
Yes, it might be worth having another look into, for sure!
I am an affiliate but with well known peeps. So true isn’t it, to be sure we know the product. A few of the products I ‘sell’ I have purchased, so that’s one concern I can check off..:)
I think it makes a massive difference!
Loved the info u provided. Thank u so much.
Also, I am looking for tons of affiliate marketers because I am a vendor on ClickBank and am very proud of the book I just wrote. Do you have any ideas for me? Thx in advance, and on behalf of the public, thx for all those you have helped. Take care, and please always remember that:
Love will be yours, if yours will be love.
Danny
It is a matter of just reaching out and asking people if they would be interested. Have you put your book up on clickbank, can I ask you why you put it there.
Thank you for the compliment!
Stacey