May 2010 was good for me as finally I could crack the amazon code and start making consisten money from this affiliate network. The changes that I did were: 1. Removed product widgets 2. Added amazon links within the posts 3. No push to readers for buying anything and just a suggestion as an expert Site: http://www.infoverto.com
So why don't the widgets work that well? I think they look more appealing. However, on hubpages, I select products that compliment the content I am writing about. So, if I write an article on a particular music artist, I do specific isbns for CD's on amazon and for a book I list isbns for their other works. Still to no avail, no sales and very few views. I'm still trying to work on getting the sheer volume of viewers. So how many views do you get a month to make $100, Additionally, what is your conversion rate? Or was it just several large items bought like a kindle or computer that helped out?
I agree with meblogger. As soon as I dumped the Amazon widgets and began loading my articles with links, my conversion went up. When I added proper-looking shopping pages, conversion went up even more. With Amazon widgets, my bounce rate was 79% or higher and conversion was a dismal 2-3%. My bounce rate is now 69% or lower and conversion rate fluctuates between 5.1 and 7.5% depending on the blog. I think people see the Amazon widgets and immediately go for the back button.
@blogfiliate - can you provide an example of what you mean. Can you either post here or send me a pm of a page you've done this with? I want to get things right, and it seems I am on a massive learning curve!
Yes, most definitely... Just provide your readers with information and insert links withing the info/article... You will get a lot more click-throughs this way than any other way. Another thing, build a relationship with your potential customers, readers (provide info, provide answers) - and the money just starts to come in. Very Nice by the way!
That's been my experience. Take the time to educate people and they WILL buy. Put up a bunch of BS, and they will hit the back button.
Thanks Blogfiliate. I see what you're talking about now. Unfortunately, my site isn't really a clicks and mortar business. I derive all income from impressions and click-through. If I had actual items to sell, I can see what you're talking about. However, I have been pairing Amazon affiliates with music and books I blog about. So totally different. People come to my site wanting to read what I have to say, not to buy something from me. So, you're going to have a higher sale rate, since the people who show up are more targeted. Thank you again!
I did the same thing for a long time. It simply became too difficult to sell enough clicks to make a living. I finally changed and now all but two of my sites are product or service related. It's finally working for me.
One widget is good: self optimising widget. It shows products related to you content (just like adsense) It seems that this widget works for me.
Nice to see that you are earning well with links in the content of your post. This has always been the best method to get visitors to click those vital links Judging by what I've noticed myself, most people do not click widgets and banner once they realise it's an ad. So using links within your content is a surefire way get them to click. Thanks again for sharing with us.
Thanks for the tips. The ads seem to work best when you have relevant content so the synergy between article and Amazon ads works well.
The widgets are worthless. As a reader when I see the widgets I think this guy is just out to make money.