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Neophyte looking for direction

by ZenDude
23 replies
I've made a serious decision to jump into affiliate marketing on a larger scale. I've been a content writer for a while, had a few blogs and managed to get myself Amazon and eBay affiliates, but I'm tired of working for pennies just posting links on my blogs. DEFINITELY tired of writing crap articles for next to nothing.

So point me to where to start reading FOR FREE. I don't have money to pay for courses or private instructions yet. I need to learn the basics, and I'm looking more into social media marketing than blog marketing. I watched a webinar recently from Clickbank about FB fan page marketing, but can't afford to take that course.

I have a few books a friend sent me, but don't know how much help they will be because they are pretty old. A lot of what he sent me is geared toward website marketing, and I'm going more toward social media, especially FB.

Not looking to get rich quick, but I'd like to build up to about $5,000 a month within the next two years.

TIA
ZD
#direction #free materials #guidance or help #marketing #neophyte #newbie #social media
  • Profile picture of the author ZenDude
    Diablo, thank you for that valuable information. It is definitely something I can use in the future when I have money to spend. I will copy and save it for the future when I am better able to utilize it.
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  • Profile picture of the author wfletch24
    Have you considered starting a free Facebook group on a niche you are interested in targeting? One way to do it would be to create a Free Facebook Group on a niche you are interested in promoting offers in. You could start to add content yourself and/or post relevant good articles in the group.

    As you start to build up your group you could start linking out to products that will help them with the problems they are looking to overcome.

    For example: Maybe you start a Facebook Group on weight loss or more specifically weight loss for moms. (The more you drill down the more you can target your audience and send them relevant offers.) You could add awesome content in the group on losing weight, exercise plans, dieting tips, etc. this doesn't have to be content you create...You could share good articles you find and Videos you find on YouTube.

    Then you could start recommending programs and products that would help them beyond the content you post in the group.

    Regardless of the platform you use it will be all about building an audience by providing good information and content first before you sell to them.
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    • Profile picture of the author ZenDude
      Originally Posted by wfletch24 View Post

      Have you considered starting a free Facebook group on a niche you are interested in targeting? One way to do it would be to create a Free Facebook Group on a niche you are interested in promoting offers in. You could start to add content yourself and/or post relevant good articles in the group.

      As you start to build up your group you could start linking out to products that will help them with the problems they are looking to overcome.

      For example: Maybe you start a Facebook Group on weight loss or more specifically weight loss for moms. (The more you drill down the more you can target your audience and send them relevant offers.) You could add awesome content in the group on losing weight, exercise plans, dieting tips, etc. this doesn't have to be content you create...You could share good articles you find and Videos you find on YouTube.

      Then you could start recommending programs and products that would help them beyond the content you post in the group.

      Regardless of the platform you use it will be all about building an audience by providing good information and content first before you sell to them.
      Yes, this and FB pages are exactly what I want to do. I was thinking pages because you can register as a page name and not have to use your regular user name. You can still have discussions and post links. Since I'm a writer, I won't have a lot of problem building content.

      Is there a reason you recommend groups over pages?
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      • Profile picture of the author wfletch24
        Originally Posted by ZenDude View Post

        Yes, this and FB pages are exactly what I want to do. I was thinking pages because you can register as a page name and not have to use your regular user name. You can still have discussions and post links. Since I'm a writer, I won't have a lot of problem building content.

        Is there a reason you recommend groups over pages?
        To me the groups have a more personal feel to them. You build a connection and more interaction with the members in a group. Also, I may be wrong on this but people in a group are more likely to see your content than those that like your page.

        It is getting harder and harder to get people who like your page to see your content because Facebook wants you to spend money on ads to get your content out there. However, I think when you create a group members are notified when you post content. In your situation I would probably do both.
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        • Profile picture of the author ZenDude
          Originally Posted by wfletch24 View Post

          To me the groups have a more personal feel to them. You build a connection and more interaction with the members in a group. Also, I may be wrong on this but people in a group are more likely to see your content than those that like your page.

          It is getting harder and harder to get people who like your page to see your content because Facebook wants you to spend money on ads to get your content out there. However, I think when you create a group members are notified when you post content. In your situation I would probably do both.
          Thanks for that info. My problem with groups is that most people expect to be able to start their own threads, and I don't want that. Don't know if you can fix groups so that no one but the owner can post. Have to check that out.

          I started a page and have started liking other pages under that i.d., but can't join groups under a page name. I can create, but can't join, so in effect, promoting in groups is impossible under my page name.
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    • Profile picture of the author clmr1975
      Very clever, good tips for someone starting an easy way to earn as affiliate!!!
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  • Profile picture of the author winkbrew
    I would join some CPA networks and start talking to the Affiliate Managers. See what offers are converting high and ask them how other affiliates are pushing traffic. They usually tell you quite a bit
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    • Profile picture of the author ZenDude
      Originally Posted by winkbrew View Post

      I would join some CPA networks and start talking to the Affiliate Managers. See what offers are converting high and ask them how other affiliates are pushing traffic. They usually tell you quite a bit
      This is going to sound stupid, but what is CPA, and how do I find those networks? I'm not too familiar with the acronyms of affiliate marketing. Is there a guide to the terminology anywhere?

      I told you I am a neophyte.
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  • Profile picture of the author sharfaraz516
    Banned
    talk to some affiliate manager and get some traffic
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  • Profile picture of the author nicholasb
    I have made a ton of money affiliate marketing so here is the deal

    To make good money with affiliate marketing all you do is put a hot high converting offer in front of the right people. Go to clickbank or JVzoo and find a best selling product then go post ads on related sites.

    Example: want to promote a weight loss offer? Then buy some banners on a weight loss forum or blog. It really is as simple as that.

    You want to send all of your traffic to a page where you can capture leads know as a lead capture page. Then Follow up though email with something called an autoresponder.

    You can use the swipe files the product owner provides to start, but you eventually want to place your effort on mastering copywriter and traffic generation, dont over think it, dont over complicate it...

    There are a lot of people who have gotten mediocre results who are more than happy to dish out crappy advice.. I've been doing this full time almost 9 years now and have been making good money right from the start of coming online.

    Following this advice I was able to make my first sale in 3 days, my first $1,000 in 14 days and almost $3,000 my first 30 days online and have generated huge numbers not much after.

    Follow this advice and you'll do fine
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by ZenDude View Post

      Thanks for that info. My problem with groups is that most people expect to be able to start their own threads, and I don't want that. Don't know if you can fix groups so that no one but the owner can post. Have to check that out.
      You want a group that acts like a mailing list, so you can broadcast offers to group members, but they can't start any discussions of their own, right?

      That's not how groups work. In function, they are closer to a forum that a mailing list. And do you know what they call forums where only the owner can start threads? Ghost towns, mostly.

      Originally Posted by ZenDude View Post

      This is going to sound stupid, but what is CPA, and how do I find those networks? I'm not too familiar with the acronyms of affiliate marketing. Is there a guide to the terminology anywhere?

      I told you I am a neophyte.
      CPA stands for Cost Per Action, where there isn't necessarily a sale involved. Often, the affiliate makes their money by enticing the visitor to fill out a form. The information required can range from a simple zip code to a full-fledged application for some offers (insurance, loans, etc.).
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      • Profile picture of the author ZenDude
        Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

        You want a group that acts like a mailing list, so you can broadcast offers to group members, but they can't start any discussions of their own, right?

        That's not how groups work. In function, they are closer to a forum that a mailing list. And do you know what they call forums where only the owner can start threads? Ghost towns, mostly.



        CPA stands for Cost Per Action, where there isn't necessarily a sale involved. Often, the affiliate makes their money by enticing the visitor to fill out a form. The information required can range from a simple zip code to a full-fledged application for some offers (insurance, loans, etc.).
        I've seen a lot of pages that have great discussions and aren't ghost towns. The trick is to put in the time to post information that ISN'T a sales pitch and start discussions on that. So far, my page has generated a discussion on every single post I've made. I learn a lot about my members through those discussions, and when I get ready to pitch a product to them it will be because I know they will be interested -- or at least some of them will.

        I'm also building a dynamic where I am the benevolent leader that truly cares about what they have to say. I respond to every one of their comments with either a like or a comment of my own.

        I've seen so many pages that are total failures because all the owners did was post offers and ads and never even responded to anyone's comments. People finally quit commenting, and the owners just stopped posting. There was no sense of community. You can build a sense of community on a page with only one poster if you are inclusive.

        You obviously know nothing about community, and aren't interested in building one except to jack up sales. I want relationships, not just customers.
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        • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
          Originally Posted by ZenDude View Post

          I've seen a lot of pages that have great discussions and aren't ghost towns. The trick is to put in the time to post information that ISN'T a sales pitch and start discussions on that. So far, my page has generated a discussion on every single post I've made. I learn a lot about my members through those discussions, and when I get ready to pitch a product to them it will be because I know they will be interested -- or at least some of them will.

          I'm also building a dynamic where I am the benevolent leader that truly cares about what they have to say. I respond to every one of their comments with either a like or a comment of my own.

          I've seen so many pages that are total failures because all the owners did was post offers and ads and never even responded to anyone's comments. People finally quit commenting, and the owners just stopped posting. There was no sense of community. You can build a sense of community on a page with only one poster if you are inclusive.

          You obviously know nothing about community, and aren't interested in building one except to jack up sales. I want relationships, not just customers.
          Pages and groups are different animals.

          Pages are set up so that the page owner does most of the posting and the followers like, share, add their own comments, or simply lurk or ignore.

          With your added comments, it seems you want a group similar to those many teachers/trainers run, where the trainer offers content and moderates a discussion. A perfectly valid way to run your group.

          Inside a group which you own or control, you are the "benevolent dictator" by definition. You make and enforce whatever rules you see fit. There's no need for a software solution where you are the only one who can post. You set the ground rules, moderate the posts, and if need be, remove members who refuse to follow the rules.

          That's why I said it sounded like you wanted a group you could broadcast to, but they could not start conversations without you posting first. There are groups that run that way, and they do tend to be either runaway spamfests, or, like you described, places where people simply give up and stop engaging.

          As Brent said, you know nothing about me. I've been preaching building relationships since before the dotcom crash. I'm giving you a pass on this one...
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          • Profile picture of the author ZenDude
            Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

            Pages and groups are different animals.

            Pages are set up so that the page owner does most of the posting and the followers like, share, add their own comments, or simply lurk or ignore.

            With your added comments, it seems you want a group similar to those many teachers/trainers run, where the trainer offers content and moderates a discussion. A perfectly valid way to run your group.

            Inside a group which you own or control, you are the "benevolent dictator" by definition. You make and enforce whatever rules you see fit. There's no need for a software solution where you are the only one who can post. You set the ground rules, moderate the posts, and if need be, remove members who refuse to follow the rules.

            That's why I said it sounded like you wanted a group you could broadcast to, but they could not start conversations without you posting first. There are groups that run that way, and they do tend to be either runaway spamfests, or, like you described, places where people simply give up and stop engaging.

            As Brent said, you know nothing about me. I've been preaching building relationships since before the dotcom crash. I'm giving you a pass on this one...
            So how on earth could a well-monitored page become a spam fest? I don't plan to just stick up a page, make some posts and ignore it. That's not my style. I certainly would not let it be taken over by spammers.

            Nice fish, BTW. I used to live close to the Peace River in FL, but moved to the northern part of the state. I live close to the Santa Fe river now, and a couple of lakes. Haven't had a chance to go fishing, though.
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  • Profile picture of the author nicholasb
    yeah for sure, happy to help
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  • Profile picture of the author Jennifer Boyatt
    I follow these SUPER blogs to keep up-to-date on all kinds of info (and inspiration) I need for doing what I do.

    Pat Flynn Smart Passive Income
    Sean Ogle
    Chris Gillebeau
    Brendan Burchard
    Neil Patel Quicksprout
    Yaro Starek

    and listen to The Top podcast by Nathan Latka--he really breaks it down.
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    Happy Cash Tribe. A community for new and growing entrepreneurs. A meeting place for inspiration, education, resources, and support.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brent Stangel
    You obviously know nothing about community, and aren't interested in building one except to jack up sales. I want relationships, not just customers.
    You obviously know nothing about John. He consistently gives good advice and is one of the least "jack up sales" members on this forum.

    If you are not interested in what the veterans are saying then good luck with the posers.

    You want a group that acts like a mailing list, so you can broadcast offers to group members, but they can't start any discussions of their own, right?
    I got the same impression.
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    Get Off The Warrior Forum Now & Don't Come Back If You Want To Succeed!
    All The Real Marketers Are Gone. There's Nothing Left But Weak, Sniveling Wanna-Bees!
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    • Profile picture of the author ZenDude
      Originally Posted by Brent Stangel View Post

      You obviously know nothing about John. He consistently gives good advice and is one of the least "jack up sales" members on this forum.

      If you are not interested in what the veterans are saying then good luck with the posers.

      I got the same impression.
      I'm not trying to be unappreciative, and I apologize if I come off that way. I just have extremely strong moral values, and what you are suggesting seems more black hat than white hat to me. I'm glad it works for you, but I'm not you, so I have to do things the way I'm comfortable. Does that make any sense at all?

      I'm listening, honestly I am. I'm learning a lot about what I DON'T want to do, and that I'm not going to make a million bucks a year doing it my way. I don't care that much about money. I care about being able to sleep at night, and knowing how I feel about rapid-fire offers flooding my email box, I couldn't sleep well knowing I'm doing that to other people.

      Each to his own.
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  • Profile picture of the author 24INVEST
    Dude, don't get me wrong. But with a UK and Dutch background I was kind of confused about "neophyte". Only the Dutch will understand.
    *Warning* video may contain offensive language
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  • Profile picture of the author writeaway
    Looks like yahoogroups is the best way for you

    It's free

    I've made thousands of bucks off my own YG that I've built up

    You can't use open YGs though since, as mentioned above, they are SPAM FESTS

    What I love about my YGs is I get to DIRECT the conversation

    I still LISTEN and POST my members' feedback but ONLY IF they push the overall conversation FORWARD and truly ADD VALUE to everyone's knowledge.

    There are many ways to build up your own YG. Read up on traffic generation tips here. It's all free. No need to pay a 'guru'
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    • Profile picture of the author ZenDude
      Originally Posted by writeaway View Post

      Looks like yahoogroups is the best way for you

      It's free

      I've made thousands of bucks off my own YG that I've built up

      You can't use open YGs though since, as mentioned above, they are SPAM FESTS

      What I love about my YGs is I get to DIRECT the conversation

      I still LISTEN and POST my members' feedback but ONLY IF they push the overall conversation FORWARD and truly ADD VALUE to everyone's knowledge.

      There are many ways to build up your own YG. Read up on traffic generation tips here. It's all free. No need to pay a 'guru'
      I used to have a Yahoo group many years ago. I didn't know they were still that active. I belong to a few still, but never go there. I'll have to check it out.
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Originally Posted by ZenDude View Post

        So how on earth could a well-monitored page become a spam fest? I don't plan to just stick up a page, make some posts and ignore it. That's not my style. I certainly would not let it be taken over by spammers.

        Nice fish, BTW. I used to live close to the Peace River in FL, but moved to the northern part of the state. I live close to the Santa Fe river now, and a couple of lakes. Haven't had a chance to go fishing, though.
        The key is "well-monitored" here. Look at what sometimes happens here. Some scumbag spammer opens an account and peppers the front pages with their crap. Sometimes it can take hours for the mods here to clean up the mess.

        Maybe it's a semantic thing, but I still think you aren't getting the difference between pages and groups. If you have the tenacity to stay on top of your group, you don't need some widget to control posting. You already have moderation tools.

        I'm not saying you couldn't make a go of it. From the discussion here, I think you can as long as you're willing to stay on top of it.

        I am saying that if life gets in the way, or you simply get tired of staying on top of things, I've seen a lot of groups turn ugly. And the spammers, some of them anyway, have their own community. When one of them discovers a group that can be exploited, they share it with the group, and it's open season.

        If you decide to go ahead, I wish you well...
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        • Profile picture of the author ZenDude
          Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

          The key is "well-monitored" here. Look at what sometimes happens here. Some scumbag spammer opens an account and peppers the front pages with their crap. Sometimes it can take hours for the mods here to clean up the mess.

          Maybe it's a semantic thing, but I still think you aren't getting the difference between pages and groups. If you have the tenacity to stay on top of your group, you don't need some widget to control posting. You already have moderation tools.

          I'm not saying you couldn't make a go of it. From the discussion here, I think you can as long as you're willing to stay on top of it.

          I am saying that if life gets in the way, or you simply get tired of staying on top of things, I've seen a lot of groups turn ugly. And the spammers, some of them anyway, have their own community. When one of them discovers a group that can be exploited, they share it with the group, and it's open season.

          If you decide to go ahead, I wish you well...
          Thanks. I'm going to experiment with this one page to see what happens if I really work it well and daily. If it doesn't work, I'll be asking for more advice.
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