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.
 
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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.