Facts You Should Know About Affiliate Marketing
Did you know that over 90% of affiliate marketers earn less than $100 per month? In all actuality, that figure might be closer to 95%. There are many reasons for those shocking statistics but one of the main reasons is this: affiliates will simply put a banner or text link on a web site or blog and expect sales to come pouring in and their pockets to be stuffed with cash. Judging by the statistics I mentioned, you really shouldn’t count on earning a significant income unless you are either very lucky (your odds would be better to win the lottery) or you learn how to become proficient in the following areas:
1. Learn how to build a blog or a web site that has a good conversion rate.
Wikipedia defines conversion rate as: “In internet marketing, conversion rate is the ratio of visitors who convert casual content views or website visits into desired actions based on subtle or direct requests from marketers, advertisers, and content creators.”
2. Choosing the right affiliate programs and vendors.
Once you do find a product or service that is right for you and more importantly, right for your readers, you’ll need to find the best ways to market and promote it.
3. Last but not least is SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
Generally speaking, another known fact is on average, 1 out of 100 visitors to your site will make a purchase. Based on that, you’ll need loads of traffic. Learning SEO techniques will help get your site listed with the search engines so people will know where to find you.
As I mentioned earlier, and it is unfortunate, but many people still think that affiliate marketing is some type of “get rich quick” scheme. All they have to do is post a link here and place a banner there and then they wonder why they aren’t making any money.
Depending on how much income you want to generate, will determine how long you’ll need to work at it. If you’re good at marketing and a fast learner you may only reach a high of a few hundred dollars per month after working at it for a year. That figure is based on the fact that you are starting from scratch and are still working a full-time job. In that case, you’ll only be able to devote a small amount of time to your affiliate marketing efforts. Obviously, the more hours you put in and the harder you work, the more income you’ll earn.
If you’re a “newbie” and just starting out, your first few months are always the most difficult. When you look at your stats and you will check them often, you may only see a few dollars earned. Then you’ll begin wondering if all the time and hard work is worth it. The answer is yes, but you need to stay focused and continue working at it and slowly but surely, the commissions will start coming in.
Another important factor regarding affiliate marketing is the amount of traffic you receive on your web site or blog. Realize that even if you do get a significant amount of traffic, only a small percentage will be converted to buying customers. To make the most of your traffic, you need to know who your visitors are and learn how to determine their needs. Once you know your visitors, you’ll be in a better position to select products and services that will fill their needs. If you can put your visitors in the right open mind set by using pre-selling techniques it will make it much easier for them to click on what you have to offer.
The affiliate marketing business is one that can be very profitable and exciting but don’t expect it to happen overnight. Stick with it and over time you’ll learn all the various methods and techniques it takes to become successful. If you’re determined and willing to put in some hard work, you can make your venture into affiliate marketing a profitable and enjoyable one.
If you are an affiliate marketer, how long did it take before you made your first dollar? How much time do you spend each day with your marketing and promotions?
Tagged with: affiliate marketing • affiliate programs • internet marketing • make money online • newbies • resources and tools
Filed under: affiliate marketing • affiliate programs • home based business • internet marketing • list bulding • make money • newbies • online income • resources and tools
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These fast facts are just about everything there is in the bible, only concise, simple, short and simple. Who said that the KISS principle does not work
Anyway, and as usual, I will add one more thing and that is to take action. These tips you provide are of great value, but will only benefit for those who act on it. I can not stress this hard enough. Overnight only works for DHL, UPS and the likes and never for affiliate marketing. This method requires exactly what Robert outlines on this article. No more, no less.
To answer your question, my first dollar was not hard at all. It was a breeze, actually. The hard part was the second dollar onwards:). I spend maybe 40 hours a week on everything make money online related.
DiTesco´s last blog ..Ad Intelligence: Advanced Keyword Research Tool
Hello DiTesco,
You have never let me down and I can always count on you to add something of value to my posts. You’re absolutely right. None of this makes any sense if no action is taken. Love the analogy you used with DHL and UPS
Maybe I should have asked how long it took to make your second dollar. Come to think of it, my first buck came pretty easy but it did come from Adsense and not an affiliate product. I’m right up there with you as far as time spent marketing. It can take many hours if you want to see results.
Thanks again for you excellent feedback.
These are really great tips. I am finding that it is dog eat dog atmosphere out here even more so than mainstream employment. I think unless bloggers start working together as a community then none of us will succeed.
I am also noticing that a few of these so called guru bloggers are taking advantage of newbie bloggers and then ripping the rug out from under them.
One must keep a clear eye on the goal and realize it’s not going to happen overnight. Hard work, quality content and promoting the right products are the only way to success.
Ms. Freeman´s last blog ..How to Network and Find a Blogging Community
Hello Ms. Freeman,
There are so many marketers in this niche and the competition is fierce. I doubt we’ll ever see everyone working together as one team but there are many marketers who are always willing to help and share what works.
Unfortunately, there are those who take advantage and scam people. That is why I always tell people to research the products and the merchants before putting out their hard earned money.
I couldn’t have said it any better. Without setting goals and having a good work ethic, success will never come.
Once again, your comments are greatly appreciated.
Great post. Affiliate marketing is really a good source of money plus you can work at home. Good advantage however you need to make effort first before you will earn.
Hi Amyrhiz,
Yes, affiliate marketing can be a good income source but it’s like any other business, the more you put into it, the more you’ll receive.
Great seeing you here again and thanks for your comments.
Extremely useful and informative post for a person like me. Through this post, I learned a lot about affiliate marketing. Thanks for sharing such wonderful post
Aswani´s last blog ..6 blogging myths haunting your business
Hello Aswani,
Glad that you found the post useful. That’s what it’s all about; helping each other succeed.
Always nice to see you here and read your comments.
Very good tips and a very good read for a post. keep up the good work and I will visit often if I can find the time.
Kris Malena´s last blog ..How to Use MySpace Layouts, Graphics, & Backgrounds to Increase Web Site Traffic
Hi Kris,
Glad you enjoyed the post. Appreciate your visit and I do hope to see you more often.
It’s an amazing statistic right? But yes, it’s true. For all those hype that many people are making huge $$$ online, the plain truth is – more often than not these people are struggling. Some of the ebooks sold online that suppose to teach us making money online are just craps – not worth downloading.
I agree that in order to succeed those 3 things that you have mentioned above must strictly be adhere. Additionally, affiliate marketers must willing to invest/spend to expands its business to a new level.Success does not comes cheap – it’s painstaking experiences, yet so great to achive. Great article Robert, please keep it coming.
Passionate Blogger´s last blog ..Twitter – Sign Up, Recruit Followers & Turn Into Cash
Hello Passionate Blogger,
Great to see you here and your comments are right on the money. This business can be very rewarding but getting there takes determination, drive and patience. Yes, there is a lot of junk out there and that’s why I always recommend that people do some research before purchasing.
Thanks again and don’t be a stranger.
Good post… I agreed with most of it, sometimes all thats needed is a little guidence? If people realised from the start they need to do a bit more than just put up a site. I for one am sure they would, if they really wanted success.
Hi Sean,
Yes, it does take a bit more than putting up a site. Actually, it takes lots more. If anyone is determined enough to make money and they are willing to learn and take action, the potential can be great.
Thanks for stopping by and I appreciate your comments. Don’t be a stranger.