The Real Uncensored Truth About Making Money With Affiliate Marketing
November 12th, 2009 | 
Author: 
Nothing held back in this one. If you’re easily offended, don’t read this post.
I’ve received questions via email about “getting into the business”…
“Is this a good source of part-time income?”
My opinion: It can be, but the mentality of “part-time” income can make it more challenging to compete as an affiliate marketer…and this is an extremely competitive business.
“Do I really have to sell?”
My opinion: Yes. This is a selling and marketing business model, period. If you don’t understand marketing or sales before starting…you’d better start, or you’ll have a hard time.
Some good books to read on the subject and get you started…
Influence by Robert B. Cialdini, PhD
Master the Art of Selling by Tom Hopkins
Breakthrough Advertising by Gene Schwartz (if you can find it)
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
“I don’t really want to be seen as one of those aggressive marketers, do I have to be?”
My Opinion: Being “seen” as an aggressive marketer usually occurs when you forget that this is a people business…not a money business. On the flip side of that, if you don’t market aggressively enough, you’ll leave money on the table. Finding your balance is really a matter of common sense, testing, and tweaking.
“Is this one of those cutthroat businesses?”
My Opinion: Yes. Pure and simple. In affiliate marketing, just as much as you can spy on your competition and discover patterns, they can do the same with you. Your success depends largely on street smarts, developing a large following, and the strong branding of yourself and your marketing message.
“Can I start to develop a full-time income within 30 days?”
My Opinion: Depends. If your skills are in sync, and you’ve got a deep rooted passion for helping other people find what they need to add value to their lives…then yes. If you think you’re going to step into this business from scratch and make 1000′s overnight…you might want to keep your day job.
I haven’t decided whether or not to continue this series, answering questions via Skype then posting here for your education. Feel free to leave your thoughts below…
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About The Blog Author
Joseph Ratliff helps business owners both online and offline dramatically increase their profits using the Internet.
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I’m new to affiliate marketing, so take my opinion for what it’s worth. I agree with most of your answers. I also see a lot of room for creativity and innovation. Just because you see someone doing something a certain way, doesn’t always mean you should follow exactly. I see several people developing their own style and methods. And of course you need a tremendous amount of drive and determination.
.-= Sam´s last blog ..Doji Star =-.
I agree with you Sam, that people should in fact be creative and develop their own style. Thank you for your addition here.
I wrote this post to answer direct questions that I receive on a regular basis…and by no means would these answers be the “only” answer…but from my experiences, they are my answers.
I agree with you Sam, that people should in fact be creative and develop their own style. Thank you for your addition here.
I wrote this post to answer direct questions that I receive on a regular basis…and by no means would these answers be the “only” answer…but from my experiences, they are my answers.