Newbies: How Prepared Are You?

[David Jackson]

One of the keys to being successful is being prepared. So newbies, I have some questions for you to see how prepared you are. That way, you can do a self-evaluation.

Okay, you've decided you want to become an affiliate and sell other people's products. So what's your game plan?

For example, do you have any idea what products you want to sell? Why do you want to sell a particular product or products? Have you thoroughly researched that industry? And do you understand the industry well enough to effectively present your case in your advertising?

Do you know anything about marketing and/or sales? Have you purchased any marketing and/or sales books to educate yourself? Did you know that your local library has a wealth of free marketing and sales books?

What about a website? Are you going to use the website provided by the affiliate merchant, or build your own site? Have you researched the advantages and disadvantages for both? Do you understand why it's not a good thing to have "Homestead," "Wordpress", or "Blogger" in your domains URL?

Are you considering building a blog? Why? Are you aware of the amount of content that's required to keep a blog fresh and interesting, so that visitors will keep returning? Also, are you competently knowledgeable about your chosen topic of interest?

Do you have a sufficient amount of money set aside for advertising? If not, how will you generate traffic to your website?

Do you understand what it means to track your advertising to see if it's working? Do you know how to determine a conversion ratio? Do you understand the importance of website analytics, and how to analyze them?

Do you understand commission percentages, and why they're so important when it comes to choosing an affiliate program?

There are many, many other questions, that I could ask. But these are a good starting point to at least get you thinking.

David Jackson

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Your words of wisdom were added to the 5 Star Hall of Fame.

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[Joseph Ratliff]

Did you know that your local library has a wealth of free marketing and sales books?
David Jackson

Spot on David, excellent questions for newbies.

I especially like the local library. When I was starting out, I accidentally bumped into that person at the big desk in the center of the library...you know, that person who is an absolute goldmine of info and help with the various resources the library has?

Long story short...I discovered that library card has a MAJOR part in my business...period.

I think the last time I read stats on how many Americans actually don't use a library card I was floored (like over 80% don't use their card at all).

It's really a shame. Besides books, which are being kept up to date in libraries nowadays...there are HUGE databases filled with information on markets, surveys, all sorts of stuff.

To keep this post short, I will list one in particular...the Standard Rate and Data Service (SRDS). Basically, it's a book full of markets with money flowing through them (I could easily post 10 - 20 posts about this one resource alone, but this is David's post, not mine ). Just ask about it at your library.

To whomever reads this thread, read David's questions 10 times today, right now in fact. Over and over again...

Great post David! While I'm not a moderator, this one has my nomination for the Hall of Fame.

 

[Linda Buquet]

Great post David! While I'm not a moderator, this one has my nomination for the Hall of Fame.

I agree. Added to the Hall of Fame!

Thanks, David!

 

[David Jackson]

The Standard Rate and Data Service (SRDS). Basically, it's a book full of markets with money flowing through them Just ask about it at your library.

Thank you for your kind words, Joe! I appreciate it.

And you're right about the SRDS directory. If your're a marketer, and haven't discovered it yet, you're missing out on a world of potential media and marketing contacts - and yes, niches. The information that it contains could positively impact your bottom line. And this is just one of many amazing resources at your local library - and it's all FREE!

But like Joe says, you actually have to ask about the SRDS directory. They usually keep it behind the reference desk. It's far too valuable to leave out.

David Jackson

 

[David Jackson]

I agree. Added to the Hall of Fame!

Thanks, David!

Thank you very much, Linda! That's quite an honor. And thank you for suggesting it, Joe!

David Jackson

 

[Joseph Ratliff]

Thank you very much, Linda! That's quite an honor. And thank you for suggesting it, Joe!

David Jackson

You deserve it dude.

 

[maranda]

I think newbies should also be looking at pursuing international markets. Often new affiliates relegate themselves only to focusing on generating US and Canadian traffic when it comes to retail. People are completely forgetting that the UK, parts of Asia and Africa are just as interested in offers.

As an example, I've worked in the online edu space and have noticed a lot of interest from non-North American countries like India, that look to apply online for degrees to American colleges.

Might be worth it to explore targeting other countries to promote retail offers.

 

[Joseph Ratliff]

This is great information, but as a newbie I have to ask - how do you actually go about picking a product to promote? I joined some affiliate networks and there are all these different products but how do I actually choose one? How can I know which ones are good and which ones are never going to sell? There seems to be very little information to give me some idea of what to do.

Well, this is business, so there will always be risk...and testing is the way to really uncover what you can/want to promote for commissions...but product and niche selection and the research behind them have been covered in several threads on this forum...

5 Star Affiliate Marketing Forums - Search Forums

Put the word "niche" without quotes in the search form at the link above (keywords) then use the drop down to select "Search Titles Only"...and look through the threads. Good stuff has been covered (I just did this search myself, and saw a LOT of good material there).

Then, do the same and put the word "product" in the search box.

You'll uncover a goldmine.

 

[victorm]

strong wake up call, I will borrow some of it for my speeches.
as for picking a product, when I did not know how to do it, I used the same principles as in picking stocks - if you are familiar with the Stock Exchange by any chance, the analogy might come in handy.