Before diving into affiliate marketing, understanding the basics is key. This type of marketing needs **real effort** to truly thrive. Don’t think it’s a quick fix or happens magically.
You will have to some research and a bit of trial and error. However, with a bit of a plan, you can choose a credible affiliate program that works for you, your website, and your customers.
In the Beginning
Before you jump ahead and uncover the world of affiliate marketing, you need to start at the beginning. It is imperative that you are clear on the following things before considering how much money you may potentially earn with affiliate marketing:
* Make sure you know your target audience
* Establish your niche
* Think about creating a sub-niche
* Get to know your visitors
Do a Search
When you are ready to begin affiliate marketing, do a search on the internet. There are many affiliate marketing companies to explore and investigate:
* ClickBank
* LinkShare
* CJ Affiliate (http://www.cj.com/)
* Amazon
* Google
* eBay
These affiliate marketers are well known, credible, and reputable. Again, it is a matter of doing your research and choosing the one that is best for your business.
Do Your Research
Go online and read reviews from other bloggers and website owners. Get feedback from these reviews. Talk with others who already have well-established blogs and get their feedback as to the best affiliate programs from their experience.
Sign up for an affiliate directory to see which company is offering what products and promotions. Find the ones that are best suited to you.
Make certain that you read the fine print. Know exactly how much commission you will receive for which type of customer-generated action such as click through and pay per sale.
Also, it is imperative to choose affiliate marketing that is in alignment with your website, business, or product. This is your responsibility because if you offer something that is not directly correlated to your content and your site, customers will get suspicious that you are only trying to make a profit from them.
Last but not least, when it comes to affiliate marketing, there is going to be a trial and error period.
Take your time, explore different avenues until you find the mix that works best for you, your site, and your customers.
