Posts Tagged ‘affiliate marketing’

I’m actually quite surprised at the number of people who learn a concept, then don’t expand on that concept in other ways that no one else does.

Example…

CPA marketing. Many people know it as putting up a website, driving traffic to it, getting people to take a simple action online…then possibly getting paid.

So who said you can’t do it offline?

Help an offline business owner “drive traffic” to their place of business, having people fill out a form, and for every form someone fills out (for a contest, prize, whatever)…you get paid. You can count those, so “tracking programs” and such won’t rob you of commissions (not saying they do all the time).*

*unless the business owner is a crook, but that rarely happens.

You’ll educate the business owner on the value of having a customer list in some cases (which could result in a consulting fee for you)…and they’ll thank you for showing them a new revenue stream.

Now, before you light up your email program to tell me how simple this sounds, I didn’t reveal every single detail, because I want to challenge you to expand on this idea (and others) for yourself.

(I know, I know, work a little…)

You could make up some excuses why this won’t work…that you have to talk to business owners about business…how you don’t want to “sell” anything (which you won’t be doing if you talk to a business owner AS a business owner yourself instead of selling)…etc…etc…

If you have come up with “reasons” why this won’t work…you’re right…it won’t. If you can see past those and make it work, you’ll realize that your local business market is pretty much untapped for this sort of thing (and even if it isn’t there’s plenty of room for you and competition).

So what’s with the title to this post?

I wanted to help you understand that so long as what you’re doing isn’t illegal, immoral, or unethical (like violating terms, etc…)…then you’re pretty much free to conduct business in creative ways.

Nobody said affiliate marketing was an “online only” activity, did they? 

5 Reasons Your Internet Business WILL Fail This Year (and a free download)…

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…