Newbie Needs Some Advice

22 replies
Hello Everyone,

I am really interested in getting started in affiliate marketing and I have been doing copious amounts of research online to help get a basic understanding and to try and learn what I need to get started.

I came across some articles about ClickBank and dormant accounts. As I understand it, if you do not make a sale after a while they will consider your account dormant and charge you per week. So my first question is: Is this true? If so, it doesn't really encourage me to give them a try, because I know since I'm new to this, I'm going to have to find what works for me, but during this process I don't want to be penalized by being charged for my mistakes or failures if you will.

My second question is: What are some good alternatives to ClickBank? I have been looking at OfferVault, but since it's basically a portal to different affiliates, it can get a little overwhelming deciding who to go with.

Lastly, any free advice that anyone would like to give to a newbie would be greatly appreciated.
#advice #clickbank #newbie
  • Profile picture of the author Shawn Wilson
    This thread should answer you question about Clickbank.

    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...bank-fees.html

    Other good alternatives really depends on your niche.

    Some good ones with choices are Paydotcom, Rapbank and if you do IM products, Warriorplus is a good choice.
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  • Profile picture of the author JayZee1445
    Hey Shawn,

    Thanks for the speedy response and the information. That thread pretty much confirms the information that I came across on Google. I am definitely going to check out the alternatives you listed!
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  • Profile picture of the author Oliver Williams
    This might sound a little predictable but here is your free advice in three words:

    Build a list
    Signature
    Don't believe everything you think
    \\\===========================///
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    • Profile picture of the author Alaziz Online
      Banned
      [DELETED]
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      • Profile picture of the author JayZee1445
        Alaziz Online,

        Not quite sure what a coupon site is. But I will be hitting Google up for the answers!
        Thanks!!
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  • Profile picture of the author JayZee1445
    Hey Oliver,
    Thanks for the reply. All advice is welcome!! Since I've been learning about this business, list building seems to be the most important aspect of it and the only way to truly be successful. I have already signed up with Aweber and I am trying to come up with a good campaign model.

    Thanks for reinforcing what I have read...lets me know that I am heading in the right direction!
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    • Profile picture of the author trizzypballr
      Have you considered an affiliate for actual products? Yes your commission is lower, but you can find easier competition products also which is especially good if your just starting out. Some people will talk Amazon down because of its extremely low commission usually around 6% as long as you avoid electronics and sell at least 7 items a month, but there are people out there making major money from Amazon.
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      • Profile picture of the author JayZee1445
        trizzypballr,
        Actually I hadn't thought of Amazon, but I will look into it. Thanks!
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        • Profile picture of the author trizzypballr
          Originally Posted by JayZee1445 View Post

          trizzypballr,
          Actually I hadn't thought of Amazon, but I will look into it. Thanks!
          The thing I like about Amazon is that you can already see what is selling and what isnt, just by looking at reviews. If it has 20 reviews or less, I stay away from it if I can. There are products on there with over 1000 reviews, its obvious those products are selling. Make sure there arnt bad reviews at the top of the review lists, as that may drive potential sales away also.
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          • Profile picture of the author JayZee1445
            Originally Posted by trizzypballr View Post

            The thing I like about Amazon is that you can already see what is selling and what isnt, just by looking at reviews. If it has 20 reviews or less, I stay away from it if I can. There are products on there with over 1000 reviews, its obvious those products are selling. Make sure there arnt bad reviews at the top of the review lists, as that may drive potential sales away also.
            Thanks man. Those are good guidelines. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond.
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  • Profile picture of the author JKflipflop
    I am personally an Amazon Affiliate and I had started with Clickbank myself. I do not wish to be judgmental about the viability of each of these - but I feel that you should start off with Clickbank and then see how you are fairing. I did moderately well but the learnings from my Clickbank Affiliate promotions were really a booster shot of sorts for me when I applied them to Amazon products.

    Choose your way ahead wisely.

    Cheers
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    • Profile picture of the author JayZee1445
      JKflipflop,

      After reading everyone's responses I think I will stick to my original plan and start with Clickbank. Thanks a lot for your advice. That's exactly what I'm looking for, is a great starting point, pay my dues so to speak and learn, and then build on that into something that works for me.

      You and everyone here have been a big help. Basically helping me pick a direction. I was at a point where all that was running through my head was "Should I do this or should I do that?" Thanks again!
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  • Profile picture of the author kochtgr
    Actually if you have Zero sales they will not charge you anything, only if you have a positive account they will charge you a small fee but your account can never be negative...
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    • Profile picture of the author JayZee1445
      kochtgr,
      Thanks for the info. That was one of the things that I was concerned about. Glad to know it can never be negative.
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  • Profile picture of the author Garish Wasil
    Yes, Clickbank starts deducting your money at the rate $1/month if you account is dormant.

    But the thing is, once you get to know, how to get your first sale; you would probably make many sales right away (Just my experience)

    Offervault is a portal for CPA sites and offers. Clickbank is purely a digital marketplace (listing digital products only). CPA marketing is a little different, so keep that in mind.

    Alternatives to clickbank are Rapbank, warriorplus, jvzoo etc
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    • Profile picture of the author JayZee1445
      Originally Posted by garish View Post

      Yes, Clickbank starts deducting your money at the rate $1/month if you account is dormant.

      But the thing is, once you get to know, how to get your first sale; you would probably make many sales right away (Just my experience)

      Offervault is a portal for CPA sites and offers. Clickbank is purely a digital marketplace (listing digital products only). CPA marketing is a little different, so keep that in mind.

      Alternatives to clickbank are Rapbank, warriorplus, jvzoo etc
      Thanks for the list of alternatives and the tidbit about OfferVault. I wasn't quite sure if it was the same as Clickbank, but it was a little overwhelming going through everything.
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  • Profile picture of the author mytoy78
    You could also try Plimus as an affiliate network. Their products tend to be a little less saturated by other affiliates.
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    • Profile picture of the author JayZee1445
      Originally Posted by mytoy78 View Post

      You could also try Plimus as an affiliate network. Their products tend to be a little less saturated by other affiliates.
      That is great info!! Thanks!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Bill Hugall
    Yeah man work on your list there are a ton of ways to build one fast and cheap. Welcome to the IM world. Lot of great people here and a lot of help.
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  • Profile picture of the author Exel
    ClickBank will charge you only if you don't make sales 90 days after your last sale.

    If you have never made any sales they won't charge you anything (naturally).

    If you have already made one sale, it is safe to assume that you will make another one in less than 90 days.

    This should not be the deciding reason you dismiss ClickBank and look for alternatives.
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  • Profile picture of the author Roy Siew
    Hi JZ,

    I would definitely start with a squeeze page offering value upfront and build your list. Once you have your growing list, you can pick and choose products that fit your "followers" best, regardless of which aff network it comes from as long as you get paid Personally, I think ClickBank is a good place to start.

    The most important thing now is to stay focused and act fast. Here's to a great start and all the best to you!

    Roy
    Signature

    "The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing." - Seth Godin

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    • Profile picture of the author JayZee1445
      Hey Roy,

      I've received some great info and advice in this thread and I am totally ready to get started! Thanks for your advice!
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  • Profile picture of the author luane
    Warrior Special Offers are hot and easy to promote, but there is a small fee to sign up. I think it is well-worth it and a good place to begin : ). Hope that helps!

    Kristie from Georgia
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