Hey all. I have been playing around building sites for about a year. All of them are monetized with adsense. I experimented with some affilates long ago, but I didn't know enough then to do it right. I think I am ready to make the leap into affiliates and ppc, but of course I am nervous about it. I dabbled with ppc nearly a year ago just to drive traffic to one of my content sites. I likely didn't do anything right, and it left a bad taste in my mouth. I have been reading every post in this section for quite some time. I have also been reading a lot of ppc blogs and other sources. I have a pretty good grasp on the basic concepts, but I'm quite honestly just scared to go for it. I have joined several affiliate networks, the most promising (looks that way) ones being neverblue and pepperjam. I was just wondering if any of you old time pros would be willing to guide me a little. I'm hoping that some of you may be willing to help me set up my first campaign the right way, and give me a little advice as it goes. I guess I'm hoping to find someone that would be willing to just help me get started. I can afford to lose $500 for tuition without it really hurting. I haven't really picked a campaign to start with (I do have quite a few in mind though), and I haven't decided whether to create a site for it or direct link. Would anyone in the know be willing to guide a dumb newb? Thanks guys.
If you want to do it yourself - take your $500 and experiment. Read Google's training info about Adwords. Read all you can about creating and running a successful Adwords campaign. When you have specific questions - ask this forum. There is no shortcut, but we can help you thru the rough spots. Also, if there is a Google or Yahoo training that you can attend, do it. It will save you 1 year and several thousand $.
Also, check out the ads of your competitors. Use them as a guide for your ads. Be sure to SEO your landing pages and include some text. Just jump in. It's not like jumping out of an airplane. If you crash, you'll only be a couple feet from the ground.
Planet-- I have never heard of G or Y training. Searching for that now. Thanks! Vesp-- Good point. I'm just nervous. I would rather have a pleasant first real experience than become frustrated from stupidity and screw it all up. I guess I am the only one to have felt this way. Thanks!
Start on a small scale and expand gradually. Simply put Rome was not built in a day. Destruction comes quick but building up takes time. There is no shortcut. Take it slow and try to get better with time. Always look for means and way to improve while staying legal. Experiment with ideas on an affordable scale.
Semantic-- Great point. Thank you. I will surely start very small. I expect to lose everything at first. It would just be nice to understand why during the process, and get a better grasp on it. Planetjeffy-- While searching for Google training I came upon this dvd at amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Keyword-Marketers-AdWords-Training-Workshop/dp/B0017OLVTW Think it would be useful?
Can't tell if it is any good or not. Any info is better than none. Adwords has training on it's site. The training that Google sanctions is called "Seminars for Success" (google it). I have been to several and they are well worth it.
I am new to affiliate marketing as well. I read http://www.jonathanvolk.com everyday. He's a super affiliate so we all can learn from him.
I would suggest reading blogs such as www.nickycakes.com and www.slightlyshadyseo.com. I would also recommend joining and reading, reading, reading the info at Wickedfire.com. But be forewarned, the crowd there can be a little rough. Just ask smart questions, and you'll be fine.
And stay away from anyone that calls themselves a "superaffiliate" and anyone that tries to sell you an ebook.