Knowhow-Now Article

A First Introduction To Affiliate Marketing

The person new to affiliate marketing will find a steep learning curve. It is a marketing method adapted from outside sales representatives in the old 'brick and mortar' business model. But it has been substantially transformed. Affiliate marketing networks form a looser relationship than the former business model. Affiliates are not employees of the merchant whose sales they seek to boost. They reap rewards from those sales strictly on a commission basis. There is not usually a very close or personal relationship between the merchant and the members of his affiliate network. Understanding this new relationship is important to anyone entering affiliate marketing, especially if they have former experience as a sales representative employed by a business. This article will give some advice toward understanding this relationship and its expectations. There is nothing automatic about reaping high financial rewards from affiliate marketing, though some enthusiastic boosters may give this impression.

Tip: Don't select affiliate products by a scattershot, "more is always better" approach. Your customers will appreciate a thoughtful approach that identifies real needs.

Research on the Internet is a good place to start. Listen in on the chat rooms and forums where successful affiliate marketers discuss their issues. Compared to a contract employee, there is less obligation on both sides in affiliate marketing. Both simply benefit from expanding sales. The affiliates are more like an independent subcontractor. The retailer needs affiliates to funnel sales his way. The affiliate is a sub-partner who helps advertise and establish the retailer's business, and in turn profits through its sales. The retailer has far less control over his affiliates than over a sales force directly employed by him. This gap in accountability has led to problems in the industry, as affiliate marketers have sometimes crossed the line and engaged in unethical business practices in their zeal to drive sales on the Internet. The affiliate operates from his home, often as a second job. He may not feel very tethered to the core retail business, as he is not part of its operations. The affiliate is not under contract as an employee, but he is bound by the "terms and conditions" he signs onto before he begins. Each retailer is responsible for defining the relationship with his affiliate network. The success of an affiliate marketing network depends on building a good relationship between the affiliates and the retail merchant.

Tip: Never abuse this feature. If nothing else, this will annoy your visitors.

If you are just starting out and want to know what affiliate businesses are out there, you can go to affiliate program directories on the Web. Choose a business you already know something about and in which you are really interested. Your enthusiasm needs to be based on something more than just a desire to receive commissions.

Tip: It is far more effective to apply the information from a couple of really good affiliate marketing books rather than spend time learning the information in several books. You would have to take a risk using time upfront and not receiving any money.

The affiliates are the outreach part of the retailer's business. They need to be constantly taking initiative and reaching out to ever broader contacts. This takes energy and a good knowledge of how to use the Internet's resources. The affiliate needs to gain expertise in SEO. He needs to be aware of all the websites related to the business he is seeking to promote. He needs to be able to discuss, blog or write articles showing expertise in the business in order to gain the confidence of potential customers.

The information here can give you a starting point. Exploring the world of affiliate marketing can lead to a new and rewarding career.

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