Hello, I'm new to affiliate marketing. I read a bit about it in the internet, but I would like to ask the members at DP to give me some tips. Here are some questions, that I would like to get answered: what is the best / most efficient affiliate program? How do I find a hot niche? Where / How do I promote my site? What do I need to build the site (Hosting, Domain, Autoresponder)? How much is my potentional earning in 1 year? How much would I have to invest in advertising, hosting, etc...? Thanks in advance, MF
You ask a bunch of tough questions. For instance, you need to decide on a niche before choosing an affiliate because you need an affiliate that provides the products for the niche you are promoting. Let's say you want to do a site on weight loss (which is a good niche). Then an affiliate like More Niche, which has a great weight loss product, would be the one to join. But it's a lousy affiliate to join if you are promoting travel. There are lots of ways to promote your site. You'll find that discussed a lot on DP...just search the threads. I've also got lots of info on my blog such as this post http://www.learntoearn101.net/2008/12/ideas-for-promoting-your-website.html All of my sites are on blogger. How you want to build your site and where and to what extent is totally up to you. As for your earning potential, that totally depends upon you too. How much time and effort are you willing to put into it? And for how much to invest, I invest nothing. And, yes, I still make money. Not a lot but that's just my philosophy. You can invest $100 or $1000. Just make sure before you invest any money that you thoroughly understand what you are buying and what you are doing. For instance, buying adwords and ppc can be a very fast way to lose money if you don't understand, fully, how to make it work for you.
Thx for your quick answer! The biggest problem for me is to find a good niche! I think this is probably the most important thing, to build up a good running website with affiliate programs. Are there any sites, you can look up niches and subjects, which are very popular and don't have too many competitors? and for the effort and time: I am willing to ivest something around 30 minutes per day. Maybe even more if I'm in a good mood Is this enough time, to build up a good running site? I am also willing to invest a little amount of money for advertising (Something like 50$ a month). Of course I could increase this amount, if the site is giving me a good return!
30mins a day ha if you want a successful site you need to invest time! it must be something you like b/c your going to spending lots of time on it
What volcom1359 says!!! As for a site to look up niches and subjects, if there is such a site, I'm not aware of it. Fact is, if there is a great niche with little competition, no one is going to put you onto it. They are going to take advantage of it themselves. Think about what interests you the most. Do some research on that. For instance, I have a travel blog. http://www.travelsnippetsandmore.com/ I know the competition is awful on that. But that's not why I write it....I just like to share my travel experiences...if I make some money from it, great. If not, that's OK too. On the other hand, I have a site that discusses a health problem and ways to prevent and cure. On that site I fill a need, and that's where I make a good portion of my money.
Here are some steps to help you to begin: 1. Join several good programs - there is safety in numbers. If one of your sponsor’s goes out of business you will still have others to earn commissions from. 2. Decide which affiliate programs will have products and services that match your current market. Try to target this well, as you will sell more when you pinpoint the right market. Try to choose niche markets for greater profits. 3. Have more than one domain names hosted on two different companies. If one hosting company is down for any reason you will still have back up. 4. always use multiple methods of marketing: a. Direct marketing: Advertising on related websites and targeted publications. Pay-Per-Click campaigns like Google Adwords. b. Passive marketing: submission to search engines c. Social marketing: MySpace, Utube, Forums and business networks etc. You cannot advertise here, just post and use your email signature file, with your URL. d. Your newsletter: Offer a free newsletter and build your opt-in list.