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Do Your Affiliate Sales Make You Chuckle?

by Steven Wagenheim
58 replies
This question is directed mainly to people who are into affiliate marketing and
tackle more than one niche, primarily selling through Clickbank.

I will occasionally (about 2 or 3 times a day) check my Clickbank affiliate
account. I don't have to check my merchant accounts because whenever
a sale comes in, I get notified.

Anyway, I just had to chuckle today at some of the sales that have been
coming in.

One guy buys a book on E.D. because he can't get it up.
Another dude buys a book on how to win at Roulette.
Somebody else bought a book on treating yeast infections.
Then there was this guy who plunked down $97 (70% commission for me)
on something that I am still trying to figure out what the heck it is
without having to go through the hassle of plugging the merchant ID into
a URL and pasting it into Firefox.

The conglomeration of sales that I make on a daily basis is enough to make
me burst out laughing at times.

So many times you hear "concentrate on one thing." Well, if I did that, I
wouldn't have sold to a guy with ED, a gal with a yeast infection, a dude
who is obviously heavily into gambling if he's trying to beat roulette and
another fellow who bought something that I don't even know what the
heck it is I sold. I can usually recognize most merchant URLs at a glance.
I'm very good at that. But this one has me stumped.

So 2 questions for discussion.

1. Do you also get a chuckle out of some of the stuff you sell or do you
mainly sell just one affiliate product?

2. What do you think? Is this kind of diversification good, bad, doesn't
matter as long as you sell stuff? Is this a sucky business model or does
it have some merit?

I'm interested in hearing all points of view in this matter, especially you
guys who are HUGE affiliate marketers and not somebody like me who just
does this to see if he can sell a book on playing rock flute one day.
#affiliate #chuckle #make #sales
  • Profile picture of the author Emailrevealer
    I mainly market my PI services but the people you desrcibe sound like a good cross section of my clients.
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  • Profile picture of the author Frank Bruno
    I think what your really trying to say is mmuuuaaahhhhhh I made some easy cash. LOL

    I promote numerous affiliate products while I'm develeoping others that I cannot outsource.

    Also during the hands free income I'm developing additional marketing strategies and market research.


    Frank Bruno
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  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Originally Posted by alexa_s View Post

      These two were, in a sense, made for each other. Are you an affiliate for dating e-books too?
      Alexa, I sell just about anything I can get my hands on. If it has a track
      record of sales (that's the key) I know how to sell it.

      I actually have days where I run little contests to see which product will
      sell the most. So far, the most of any one product I've sold in a day is 5.

      That's affiliate products, not my own, of which I sell a lot more because I
      promote them more.
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      • Profile picture of the author USEO
        Quote: So many times you hear "concentrate on one thing."

        Concentrating on one thing is great if you're selling one thing and making $1,000,000 a year.

        But also it depends on what is meant by "one thing".

        I now make a great living, but I got here by failing over and over again but persisting and trying new things.

        I'm no expert in the Info Product sector but my gut feeling is people should try 'em all. i'm agreat believer in working fast, fast, fast and cutting out all the fluff.

        JFDI just do it!

        So not so sure about one thing but it sure would make me chuckle if I sold what you just did!

        2. Doesn't matter as long as you sell stuff.

        The secret as ever is knowing the "what".

        Aaron.
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      • Profile picture of the author Ron Douglas
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        Alexa, I sell just about anything I can get my hands on. If it has a track
        record of sales (that's the key) I know how to sell it.

        I actually have days where I run little contests to see which product will
        sell the most. So far, the most of any one product I've sold in a day is 5.

        That's affiliate products, not my own, of which I sell a lot more because I
        promote them more.

        I thought that we were supposed to be selling products that we believe in instead of recommending any crap ebook that pays a commission.
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        • Profile picture of the author lgibbon
          Banned
          Originally Posted by Ron Douglas View Post

          I thought that we were supposed to be selling products that we believe in instead of recommending any crap ebook that pays a commission.
          That's right Ron.
          At least some of us have some morals.
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        • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
          Originally Posted by Ron Douglas View Post

          I thought that we were supposed to be selling products that we believe in instead of recommending any crap ebook that pays a commission.
          Ron, if I sell an ebook, I do 2 things.

          1. See if it sells.

          2. See if it has any value. I buy and review every product I sell.

          Don't go passing judgment without knowing my whole process. This is a
          very irresponsible thing to do and I don't appreciate it as you are making
          assumptions without any facts.

          Not smart.

          ** EDIT ** Some marketers actually send me their stuff to review so
          in those cases I don't buy them. I get them for nothing. But I only
          sell them if I like them.

          FWIW, I'm sick of all the sanctimonious people here.
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          • Profile picture of the author Ron Douglas
            Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

            Ron, if I sell an ebook, I do 2 things.

            1. See if it sells.

            2. See if it has any value. I buy and review every product I sell.

            Don't go passing judgment without knowing my whole process. This is a
            very irresponsible thing to do and I don't appreciate it as you are making
            assumptions without any facts.

            Not smart.

            ** EDIT ** Some marketers actually send me their stuff to review so
            in those cases I don't buy them. I get them for nothing. But I only
            sell them if I like them.

            FWIW, I'm sick of all the sanctimonious people here.
            You're right I don't know your whole process and don't really care to. I'm just responding to what you stated in this post prior to your explanation. You should clarify your misleading statements instead of lashing out. Not smart on your part.
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            • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
              Originally Posted by Ron Douglas View Post

              You're right I don't know your whole process and don't really care to. I'm just responding to what you stated in this post prior to your explanation. You should clarify your misleading statements instead of lashing out. Not smart on your part.
              Excuse me??? I don't have to give a litany of my whole affiliate marketing
              process when I make a post. Calling somebody immoral is totally irresponsible
              and I had every right to lash out.

              Not smart? Your lucky that was all I said.
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              • Profile picture of the author Frank Bruno
                "oh Timmy can't we all just get along....." as hes chewing on popcorn




                Frank Bruno
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              • Profile picture of the author Hamida Harland
                Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

                Excuse me??? I don't have to give a litany of my whole affiliate marketing
                process when I make a post. Calling somebody immoral is totally irresponsible
                and I had every right to lash out.

                Not smart? Your lucky that was all I said.
                I don't think Steven needs to justify himself here at all. People jumped to conclusions, although it's fair to say that most people who spend any time at all here in the forum can see that he's an honest and ethical marketer.
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              • Profile picture of the author Ron Douglas
                Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

                Excuse me??? I don't have to give a litany of my whole affiliate marketing
                process when I make a post. Calling somebody immoral is totally irresponsible
                and I had every right to lash out.

                Not smart? Your lucky that was all I said.
                Steven, I was actually surprised by you starting this thread beacuse of your solid reputation.

                "Chuckling" at the things that people buy and saying that you will promote anything that sells is new coming from you. I'm glad that you did clarify that.

                I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought that.

                You really should reread what you posted instead of getting so defensive.

                Also, I'm not sure why I'm "lucky" from your reply. Maybe you're having a bad day so I'll just let it go.
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                • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
                  Originally Posted by Ron Douglas View Post

                  Steven, I was actually surprised by you starting this thread beacuse of your solid reputation.

                  "Chuckling" at the things that people buy and saying that you will promote anything that sells is new coming from you. I'm glad that you did clarify that.

                  I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought that.

                  You really should reread what you posted instead of getting so defensive.

                  Also, I'm not sure why I'm "lucky" from your reply. Maybe you're having a bad day so I'll just let it go.
                  Because taking shots at my character is not something I appreciate. You
                  made assumptions based on almost no facts.

                  My amusement was at the diversity of products that I sell, nothing more,
                  nothing less.

                  I seriously doubt that many people read into that I sell crap products.

                  But how about, instead of making accusations, you ask me...

                  "Hey Steve, how do you go about your selection process? Is it only by
                  whether the product sells or not?"

                  I might have given you a detailed answer that could have avoided all
                  this. But no, you immediately assumed AND accused me of selling crap.

                  That is a knock on my reputation and I won't stand for it.

                  I'm sorry, but you were wrong in this case.
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                • Profile picture of the author BruceWayne
                  Originally Posted by Ron Douglas View Post

                  Steven, I was actually surprised by you starting this thread beacuse of your solid reputation.

                  "Chuckling" at the things that people buy and saying that you will promote anything that sells is new coming from you. I'm glad that you did clarify that.

                  I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought that.

                  You really should reread what you posted instead of getting so defensive.

                  Also, I'm not sure why I'm "lucky" from your reply. Maybe you're having a bad day so I'll just let it go.
                  Ron - You may very well be the only one that thought that. You picked a fight. Stupidly. Steven isn't having a bad day.

                  You went after him for no reason.

                  And then you got the predictable response . . .
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    • Profile picture of the author Nick Brighton
      Originally Posted by alexa_s View Post

      These two were, in a sense, made for each other. Are you an affiliate for dating e-books too?
      How are they made for each other? I presume if you have ED you're not going to be getting "involved" with yeast infection (or causing it).

      Lol. anyway, back to the topic...

      Steven, I think your business model works great for you. I wouldn't dream of doing what you do to make money, but horses for courses n all that.

      I think diversity is great, but in light of recent concerns over your marketing platform, don't just diversify your market, but your channel too.

      Does that make sense?
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      • Profile picture of the author Sean A McAlister
        I chuckled when I gave you $37 yesterday

        You didn't mention the guy that bought your book on Article Writing

        ...I already took care of all the itches, headaches and foot fungus so I could not justify giving you anymore money in those departments
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  • Profile picture of the author John Piteo
    I sell lots of different stuff. In clickbank i just sell a few different products, a few in CJ and whatever's hot in the CPA networks.

    John P
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  • Profile picture of the author Frank Bruno
    ok I think its time to grab the bag o' popcorn cuz this might get ugly...

    Frank Bruno
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Originally Posted by Frank Bruno View Post

      ok I think its time to grab the bag o' popcorn cuz this might get ugly...

      Frank Bruno
      You're damn right this is going to get ugly. How DARE somebody tell me that
      I have no morals.

      I am so sick of the sanctimonious people here.
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  • Profile picture of the author Frank Bruno
    I think I'll jump in here and see what I see from a 3rd party perspective.

    Ron I believe you made a provoking response because your under the assumption that Steve is promoting "crap e-books".

    Even IF he was, by stating that openly is taking a pop shot at Steve that of course will get a negative response from him.


    Frank Bruno
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Ellis
    Why do many of Steve's posts end up a sh*t slinging contest?

    C'mon guys, it's pretty easy to tell who doesn't get along with who in this forum... Unfortunately, we end up taking good conversations and throwing them right out the freakin' window because of it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Originally Posted by Michael Ellis View Post

      Why do many of Steve's posts end up a sh*t slinging contest?

      C'mon guys, it's pretty easy to tell who doesn't get along with who in this forum... Unfortunately, we end up taking good conversations and throwing them right out the freakin' window because of it.
      Because Michael, there are people here who flat out despise me. I won't
      mention names but I know who they are.

      In this thread alone I was accused of selling crappy products and of having
      no morals.

      Tell me YOU wouldn't be pissed off as hell.
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    • Profile picture of the author Nicola Lane
      Originally Posted by Michael Ellis View Post

      Why do many of Steve's posts end up a sh*t slinging contest?

      C'mon guys, it's pretty easy to tell who doesn't get along with who in this forum... Unfortunately, we end up taking good conversations and throwing them right out the freakin' window because of it.
      Because there are some very sad people who seem to delight in stalking Steve and making derogatory comments on his posts.

      Like Steve, I won't name names - but I see who they are. Those who make outright hostile comments and accusations, and those that just make snide comments.

      At one time I felt quite angry at them, and I have deleted many posts before actually publishing them, where I called out these individuals.

      But now I just feel sorry for them. If they are attempting to shut Stephen up, or make him feel bad they are not succeeding. If they are hoping to make anyone else view him with suspicion they are failing at that to.

      All they are succeeding in is showing us how sad they are - and how much in need of help from a mental health professional. I hope that they get the help that they need - because when the only posts you ever see from someone are negative comments about someone else all you can really feel for them is pity.


      Stephen, please beleive that the silent majority value your time and have benefited greatly from your posts.

      Everyone else, please stop feeding the wildlife.
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      I like to keep an open mind, but not so open that my brains fall out

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      • Profile picture of the author Sean A McAlister
        I cannot get over the quickness of people to slam others.
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        New Product Launches, Affiliate Marketplace

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        • Profile picture of the author JayXtreme
          p.s. Only last month... there was a guy selling shoes in the louboutin shoe department that I took my fiancee to... I sure hope he hasn't tried the product there.. but he sold them shoes like a good un'

          Peace
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          Bare Murkage.........

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          • Profile picture of the author Barbara Eyre
            Back on topic ...

            Steven, it is kind of cute the combination of sales you related to us ... ED and Yeast Infection ... you can setup a dating service to boot! j/k! :p

            I've seen some interesting combinations within my store. Makes you wonder how they will be using the items they bought. *shrugs*

            Off Topic ...

            Why can't people stay on topic of a thread? *whistles innocently* Seriously though, Steven was relating how diverse his sales were and instead of going with the flow of discussion, someone has to come along and rip apart a non-issue ... touch on something that is not unique to Steven. You know how many just Warriors here have their hands in gawd-knows how many products that are "apples" and "oranges" from each other. Veteran marketers, such as Steven, know full well to market only those products that have merit. And if you followed said marketers' posts here, you would know that. Geesh! If you are adult enough to own a business, then be adult enough to know when to keep your mouth shut about non-issues. :rolleyes:

            Back on Topic ...

            Steven, let us know what tomorrow's sales pattern looks like!
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            Phoenix Rising Web Services | Fibromyalgia Information
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            • Profile picture of the author sylviad
              Well, that was an interesting read. So how many people actually answered Steve's question?

              Personally, I find that the sales I make give me a good indication of what people are looking for and buying. There are several unrelated CB products on my site. Some I expected to do well but am surprised they don't.

              My sales don't reveal any sort of pattern, although it could be a tad amusing I suppose, if you look real hard: anxiety, weight loss, fitness.

              That said, it's clear I need to pay more attention to promoting the items that are not selling as well. So comparing your CB sales can provide you with some good information, above and beyond what people buy. Namely, where you need to put more effort to make sales.

              I guess the "sort of" amusing thing in my CB account are the people who buy a product, return it, and buy it again a few days later. One thing it suggests... that they are honest individuals, otherwise they could just keep the original purchase, get a refund, and end up with the product for free.

              It also gives you a good indication of what is selling and when, if your marketing efforts are equal across the board. I've noticed that anxiety products sell better at certain times of year, for instance.

              From these results, you can make the decision to find more products on those popular topics and push the right products at the right time to maximize your sales.

              Sylvia
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            • Profile picture of the author robertdeangelo
              Banned
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  • Profile picture of the author Frank Bruno
    The people Steve is selling to were obviously buyers looking for a solution to their problems (some problems are serious but at times can be comical)and Steve was their lets say "mediator" to what they needed to accomplish.

    Its called affiliate marketing folks!

    Also I know Steve to be a savy marketer and as he stated in other threads high gravity or products that are popular and known to convert is what he promotes.

    Its highly unlikely these products are crap since they have such high gravities and popularity.

    But thats not the point, its how a person comes at another person and openly attacks them with assumptions and accusations.

    Frank Bruno
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    • Profile picture of the author Marie Pugh
      Steve,

      There are a lot of us who really respect you and your posts - so you don't need to worry. I for one always enjoy reading your posts and learning from what you do.

      I never thought that you would just be promoting anything - you were simply making a comment about some of the different product sales you make, which are diverse - yep, that is affiliate marketing!

      I too have noticed that whenever you make a post for some reason you end up having some people attack everything you say. Don't let it bother you too much - those of us who are around here a lot can see the trend and we don't let the comments influence what we are reading.

      I wasn't even going to be bothered posting - but I am getting a bit tired of the bashing too.

      Anyway - just my 2cents!

      Marie
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      Honest Internet Marketing

      2 Done For Your Guides - Getting Started With Wordpress - Over 10,000 words!
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Ellis
    Steve you don't have to justify anything...

    I find it amazing that affiliate marketer's speak so religiously of their morals and that they ONLY sell what they know works.

    Really??

    Look - I promote diet products yet I could lose a good 60 pounds! Does that make me less moral? Hell no!

    If the gravity of the product is high, and it has decent reviews and isn't an obvious scam, what the heck is wrong with promoting it? You certainly can't be an expert in every damn thing you promote. If you're bar is set that high, your income potential is set too low.

    If they don't like it, they can refund it, and they do.

    I'm not saying promote junk, just don't think someone needs absolute proof something works before they become an affiliate marketer for it. That's ridiculous.
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    • Profile picture of the author Nick Brighton
      Originally Posted by Michael Ellis View Post

      Steve you don't have to justify anything...

      I find it amazing that affiliate marketer's speak so religiously of their morals and that they ONLY sell what they know works.

      Really??

      Look - I promote diet products yet I could lose a good 60 pounds! Does that make me less moral? Hell no!

      If the gravity of the product is high, and it has decent reviews and isn't an obvious scam, what the heck is wrong with promoting it? You certainly can't be an expert in every damn thing you promote. If you're bar is set that high, your income potential is set too low.

      If they don't like it, they can refund it, and they do.

      I'm not saying promote junk, just don't think someone needs absolute proof something works before they become an affiliate marketer for it. That's ridiculous.
      Well said, exactly. And to add to that point:

      Just look at almost every sales person offline, throughout the world....are you telling me that in order to sell double glazing, insurance, health plans, (or whatever in the real world) requires you to believe and USE the products that you are selling to people face to face, door to door etc?

      Of course not. In the real world, you take a sales JOB. You don't search for companies and products and then see if they will let you sell their products.

      Time for a wakeup call people.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ron Douglas
    There are lots of high gravity products that are crap but are overhyped and thus sell well.

    This statement deserved a response:

    Alexa, I sell just about anything I can get my hands on. If it has a track
    record of sales (that's the key) I know how to sell it.
    He clarified what he meant and that's that. I don't hate anybody on this forum - I'm too busy making money.
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  • Profile picture of the author anonymous123567
    Yeah its been kinda blown out of proportion lol, just out of interest Ron? What type of CB products do you promote dude? have they all been personally reviewed?
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  • Profile picture of the author anonymous123567
    Well said Nick, heck some of the stuff my current job asks me to sell offline, really wish I didn't have to, but if you don't try... I Wouldn't be able to fund IM, or other stuff I enjoy doing.. its down to the customer at the end of they day, you're just the middle man
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  • Profile picture of the author JayXtreme
    Steve...

    At last count I was in at over 1,600 products...

    Diversity makes my business recession proof..

    I have evergreen niches, summer only niches, christmas, valentine's and winter sports niches....

    My end of days sales records look amusing to say the least...

    Peace out you affiliate star you... don't justify shit to anyone dude... knowing what we all know about you... your sales were made to people who were looking for a solution...

    It's what we do as affiliate's... we connect people to the solution to their problems... if we can't talk light heartedly about it then we need to untwist our knickers people...

    Peace

    Jay
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    Bare Murkage.........

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  • Profile picture of the author Cash Blasters Online
    Yes 3 years ago when I first started making $320.00 a day.
    That was my first time selling an ebook it lasted 3 months solid at that rate. I wrote 5 more.
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    Rock,Blues Guitarist GW Williams - Free Internet Guitar information on new guitars,top brand strings,Guitar Lessons,tab,chords,lead guitar,hot licks,lead scales,guitar tips,and techniques all Free

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  • Profile picture of the author ShayB
    Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

    1. Do you also get a chuckle out of some of the stuff you sell or do you
    mainly sell just one affiliate product?

    2. What do you think? Is this kind of diversification good, bad, doesn't
    matter as long as you sell stuff? Is this a sucky business model or does
    it have some merit?
    1. Right now, I am pretty much a one-chord guitar.

    2. I think that diversification is good, but right now I am working on one niche until I move to another. I hope that as time goes on I will be more and more diversified.
    Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author Dixiebelle
    Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post


    Then there was this guy who plunked down $97 (70% commission for me)
    on something that I am still trying to figure out what the heck it is
    without having to go through the hassle of plugging the merchant ID into
    a URL and pasting it into Firefox.

    another fellow who bought something that I don't even know what the
    heck it is I sold. I can usually recognize most merchant URLs at a glance.
    I'm very good at that. But this one has me stumped.
    Calm down Steven. I'm sure Ron meant the part of your post shown above. I'll have to admit that not knowing what you were selling, didn't sound like you. We all know that you are first class all the way.

    Dixie
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Originally Posted by Dixiebelle View Post

      Calm down Steven. I'm sure Ron meant the part of your post shown above. I'll have to admit that not knowing what you were selling, didn't sound like you. We all know that you are first class all the way.

      Dixie

      Dixie, do you know the merchant ID of every product you sell? I don't. There
      is no way I can with all the products I promote. One of them is called
      index7. I mean, what the hell is that?

      Part of the problem is merchants who call their products something that
      doesn't give you any idea what they are. And yes, I am guilty of that as
      well in my early days. But now, I try to use initials that at least give some
      idea of what the product is.

      But no, I can't possibly know every product I promote just from the
      merchant ID. I have to look some of them up. And in this case, I hadn't
      taken the time to look this one up yet. I am sure once I see it, I'll say,
      "Oh, I remember this. Man, I haven't sold one of these in 6 months."

      Those are the ones I usually forget.
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      • Profile picture of the author sylviad
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        ...One of them is called
        index7. I mean, what the hell is that?

        Part of the problem is merchants who call their products something that
        doesn't give you any idea what they are....
        I'm promoting one of those - or should I say, not promoting. People manage to find it on my site regardless of my efforts to bury it. The product ID is in no way related to the product theme... ollie(something or other) for an anxiety product? Go figure. The important thing is, it sells with little effort on my part. Got to like that.

        Sylvia
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      • Profile picture of the author traceye
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        Dixie, do you know the merchant ID of every product you sell? I don't. There
        is no way I can with all the products I promote. One of them is called
        index7. I mean, what the hell is that?
        .
        It's a yeast infection ebook - but you probably knew that already.

        Easiest way to find out what the product is, is go to Clickbank marketplace and put the merchant ID into the Keywords field in Search The Marketplace - that product will be the only one that gets returned.

        Tracey
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        • Profile picture of the author Alex Sol
          Originally Posted by traceye View Post

          It's a yeast infection ebook - but you probably knew that already.

          Easiest way to find out what the product is, is go to Clickbank marketplace and put the merchant ID into the Keywords field in Search The Marketplace - that product will be the only one that gets returned.

          Tracey
          Hahahaha! So I just figured what got me the 10$ commission.

          It's an ebook called "Easy Pumpkin Painting" ... very timely
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          • Profile picture of the author clint48
            Thanks Steven, I just recently sold a product on CB and didn't know what the product was and didn't know how to find out. Well thanks to your post I know what the product is now, some of your post help people even when you are not trying to help.

            Clint
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Lee
    Steven, I also promote a variety of products from different niches. And like you, sometimes, I can't seem to remember what product the merchant ID refers to.

    I do take notice which ones are having the highest conversions, so I focus more on those.

    Cheers,
    Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author DougBarger
    Yeah it's funny to see all the different ids.
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  • Profile picture of the author Alex Sol
    When I started IM I jumped on promoting like 10 different products (back in October 2007) but I abandoned most of them the same month... One year later I still get a few sales per week from almost EACH of these products.

    Recently I got a 10$ commission. I tried to put the publisher id in the "hop link" to find out what gave me such low commission - but the site doesn't seem to work... lol
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  • Profile picture of the author James Schramko
    I get a chuckle when my commission comes in two paypal payments from one merchant with an apology note because they can't put it all in one due to the $10,000 paypal limit ....

    Steven I say go for it - sell as many products as you like for profit.

    I have several pillars of income so broad is good in my book.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Hunter
    Ok, people, BACK TO THE ORIGINAL TOPIC...

    Steven, for all of these different products/programs, what has been your main method of marketing? Articles? I assume so, but was curious if you did anything else.

    I think that it's awesome that you're reaping daily income from so many different sources. It makes me envious. Very.

    Tell me more!

    Thanks!
    Signature

    Ok, sure. You can follow me on Twitter - http://twitter.com/Chris_Hunter ;)

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  • Profile picture of the author Simon Ashari
    LOL... beating the roulette table.


    classic

    Simon
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  • Profile picture of the author John M Kane
    For me...I'm investing all my time in Carbuncles.
    THAT is where the Real $$ is at!
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  • Profile picture of the author Mangop0rk
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author faranak
      well i am green with envy as the credit repair niche does not be doing too well at the moment but what the heck this week i have started to promote several other things .hopefully they will do better and some of the previous post have really encourged me to keep on keeping on.giving up is not an option for me .i shall just keep testing till i some how get there thought i do appreciate any advice and will take it on board
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        OK, Steve, you have my curiosity up now. What is your selection process, that gave you such a wildly disparate sales mix?

        And on a slight veer, for the folks who keep asking about promoting Amazon products, here's another reason...

        You never know what else people will throw in your shopping cart. You can get some weird associations that can tip you off to very profitable micro niches.

        Sell one item on the front end, try to capture the lead, then test the other items as beck end offers...

        Now veering back on course...

        As an Amazon affiliate, one year I sold a boxed set of "Friends" DVDs and a bottle of "personal lubrication" oil...
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        • Profile picture of the author JayXtreme
          Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

          OK, Steve, you have my curiosity up now. What is your selection process, that gave you such a wildly disparate sales mix?

          And on a slight veer, for the folks who keep asking about promoting Amazon products, here's another reason...

          You never know what else people will throw in your shopping cart. You can get some weird associations that can tip you off to very profitable micro niches.

          Sell one item on the front end, try to capture the lead, then test the other items as beck end offers...

          Now veering back on course...

          As an Amazon affiliate, one year I sold a boxed set of "Friends" DVDs and a bottle of "personal lubrication" oil...
          I have a similar crazy mix to Steve John..

          Visible trends and movements in the market(s) is how I make my choices..

          I have picked many a niche just reading the magazine at my local coffee shop

          Peace

          Jay
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        • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
          Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

          OK, Steve, you have my curiosity up now. What is your selection process, that gave you such a wildly disparate sales mix?

          And on a slight veer, for the folks who keep asking about promoting Amazon products, here's another reason...

          You never know what else people will throw in your shopping cart. You can get some weird associations that can tip you off to very profitable micro niches.

          Sell one item on the front end, try to capture the lead, then test the other items as beck end offers...

          Now veering back on course...

          As an Amazon affiliate, one year I sold a boxed set of "Friends" DVDs and a bottle of "personal lubrication" oil...

          Hi John:

          My selection process is simple. I go to the Clickbank Marketplace and see
          what's there. If I see something I like that looks decent, I email the owner
          and ask for a review copy. 9 times out of 10 he says sure. If not, I buy it.
          If I like it, I keep it. If I don't, I refund it. If I like it, I write a review on it
          and put it on my blog. I then write articles pointing to the blog review.

          As for niches, it can be any niche. I look for the top selling products first
          but always keep an eye out for the new products section.

          I am very selective about what I promote, which is why in over 5 years
          of affiliate marketing (only the last year REALLY seriously) I only promote
          about 20 different products (more or less). I don't have an exact count and
          I'm sure there are some I've forgotten about, but it's not like I have a
          hundred affiliate links out there. I do keep things to what I consider a
          manageable number.

          Hope this helps.
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  • Profile picture of the author thatgirlJ
    It is interesting to see what people buy. One thing I've always felt a little uncomfortable about is that I can see what customer's names are when they buy through my ClickBank affiliate link. I don't need to know that Joe Blow from Arkansas can't get a lady

    It's a little strange to me that that info is made available to affiliates. Merchants I can understand...
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    • Profile picture of the author tess47
      Originally Posted by Jenn Dize View Post

      It is interesting to see what people buy. One thing I've always felt a little uncomfortable about is that I can see what customer's names are when they buy through my ClickBank affiliate link. I don't need to know that Joe Blow from Arkansas can't get a lady

      It's a little strange to me that that info is made available to affiliates. Merchants I can understand...
      Hey! There are some pretty cute Joe Blow's in Arkansas - we aren't all toothless hillbillies Sometimes I could just shoot my TV off the concrete blocks when I hear some of the stories they tell about Arkansas on the national news.

      We don't just use those concrete blocks to set up all of our old cars on that are all over the yard - they're good for indoor use, too!

      Just teasing - I agree it is a little strange to see peoples names and where they live, and realize what type of problem they may be having.
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      • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
        Originally Posted by tess47 View Post

        Hey! There are some pretty cute Joe Blow's in Arkansas - we aren't all toothless hillbillies Sometimes I could just shoot my TV off the concrete blocks when I hear some of the stories they tell about Arkansas on the national news.

        We don't just use those concrete blocks to set up all of our old cars on that are all over the yard - they're good for indoor use, too!

        Just teasing - I agree it is a little strange to see peoples names and where they live, and realize what type of problem they may be having.
        I actually made a sale once to somebody who I used to work with at my
        last job before I got canned.

        Really nice guy too. I think he even pops by the forum occasionally. Maybe
        he'll see this post and say hi.
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      • Profile picture of the author thatgirlJ
        Originally Posted by tess47 View Post

        Hey! There are some pretty cute Joe Blow's in Arkansas - we aren't all toothless hillbillies Sometimes I could just shoot my TV off the concrete blocks when I hear some of the stories they tell about Arkansas on the national news.
        LOL Tess

        After I typed that I thought, "hmm, maybe I shouldn't say Arkansas." Truthfully I just picked a random place

        Where I live isn't any less "hick"
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  • Profile picture of the author GeorgR.
    well those middle-aged ED-plagued chronic gamblers with their yeast infections can be a good source of income
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  • Profile picture of the author innocent07
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

    This question is directed mainly to people who are into affiliate marketing and
    tackle more than one niche, primarily selling through Clickbank.

    I will occasionally (about 2 or 3 times a day) check my Clickbank affiliate
    account. I don't have to check my merchant accounts because whenever
    a sale comes in, I get notified.

    Anyway, I just had to chuckle today at some of the sales that have been
    coming in.

    One guy buys a book on E.D. because he can't get it up.
    Another dude buys a book on how to win at Roulette.
    Somebody else bought a book on treating yeast infections.
    Then there was this guy who plunked down $97 (70% commission for me)
    on something that I am still trying to figure out what the heck it is
    without having to go through the hassle of plugging the merchant ID into
    a URL and pasting it into Firefox.

    The conglomeration of sales that I make on a daily basis is enough to make
    me burst out laughing at times.

    So many times you hear "concentrate on one thing." Well, if I did that, I
    wouldn't have sold to a guy with ED, a gal with a yeast infection, a dude
    who is obviously heavily into gambling if he's trying to beat roulette and
    another fellow who bought something that I don't even know what the
    heck it is I sold. I can usually recognize most merchant URLs at a glance.
    I'm very good at that. But this one has me stumped.

    So 2 questions for discussion.

    1. Do you also get a chuckle out of some of the stuff you sell or do you
    mainly sell just one affiliate product?

    2. What do you think? Is this kind of diversification good, bad, doesn't
    matter as long as you sell stuff? Is this a sucky business model or does
    it have some merit?

    I'm interested in hearing all points of view in this matter, especially you
    guys who are HUGE affiliate marketers and not somebody like me who just
    does this to see if he can sell a book on playing rock flute one day.
    I am confused, how can it make you chuckle. or laugh? or do you mean that the custobers are buying funny types of products? :confused: ???
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  • Profile picture of the author tess47
    Lately my affiliate sales don't make me chuckle - because there are none!

    Up until several days ago, I regularly made CB sales and was doing very well. All of a sudden, the last 7 days have been absolutely 0! I don't know what's going on. Maybe it's the economy, maybe CB, maybe both.

    Anyway, the next time I even get a SALE period it will make me chuckle
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  • Profile picture of the author Cash37
    Must be funny too see all those different sales come in!
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  • Profile picture of the author Joe Giannetti
    Steven....Well i think people are upset cause they are not making as many commissions as you are....

    There is nothing wrong with promoting this kind of stuff
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  • Profile picture of the author tess47
    I will NEVER make as many commissions as Steven does! My part-timers has kicked in, and my brain won't work in that many directions.

    I am currently involved in 6 niches, and that's about all I can handle. I love affiliate marketing though. It would be VERY tough to ever have to go back to a 9 to 5 job again.

    Nope - Steven RULES when it comes to being the king of niches and article marketing! Nobody like him IMO.
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Originally Posted by tess47 View Post

      I will NEVER make as many commissions as Steven does! My part-timers has kicked in, and my brain won't work in that many directions.

      I am currently involved in 6 niches, and that's about all I can handle. I love affiliate marketing though. It would be VERY tough to ever have to go back to a 9 to 5 job again.

      Nope - Steven RULES when it comes to being the king of niches and article marketing! Nobody like him IMO.
      Tess, that's just because I'm a freakin workaholic. I'm sure that you have
      much more of a life than I do.
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  • Profile picture of the author bobsstuff
    Steve, I love the threads intent and stand in your corner. You are one of my favorites on this forum.
    This thread has given me some food for thought about CB and affiliate products in general.

    I wonder is your detractor's sig links are both his products or is one an affiliate link?
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    Bob Hale
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  • Profile picture of the author Yogini
    Steven,

    Great thread and points. I think also selling a diversity of products with ONE method (ie article marketing) is different than someone marketing with several different business models (ie ppc, article marketing, ebay etc). You've said 67 percent of your income is article marketing so that seems to be one approach- therefore though you sell diverse products and you aren't making yourself crazy studying the latest ppc update threads, ebay's modified rules etc.


    Obviously you do spend time reviewing the ebook and making the blog for each ebook, but you can keep good concentration by being good at writing the salient points of each ebook, cons of the ebook and styling the articles to get people to click to get to the review blog.

    Debbie
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