Product Creation VS. Affiliate Marketing

71 replies
Howdy guys,

I was wondering...

It seems to me that most of the successful full time marketers out there make most of their money from the products they create. While affiliate marketing is just extra income.

However, most of the courses I've read about "Getting started online fast" all seem to point new marketers to affiliate marketing FIRST, instead of doing it second as another stream of income.

Is this backwards advice and not really worth listening to?

I personally think it's necessary to create your own products, even if it's just a small freebie to start with to build up your list for affiliate marketing. But it should definitely be in the plan if you want to make a real income online.

So what do you think, should new marketers start with product creation or affiliate marketing?
#affiliate #creation #marketing #product
  • Profile picture of the author Dayne Dylan
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    Honestly, I've found it best to create my own products. There is just no comparison. You have full control, make more profit per sale usually, and can have affiliates work for YOU.

    Plus, with your own product, the income cycle usually lasts longer. Affiliate products can stop and then you are left with all that hard work in promotion for nothing.
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  • Profile picture of the author rs2account seller
    the best affiliate marketers arent spouting their views on internet marketing forums there putting them into practice

    if your releasing your own products you want publicity hence you talk about it
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  • Profile picture of the author DrewClement
    I have nowhere near the knowledge and expertise that some of the warriors have, and thus cant give you all of the information that they will.

    However, I can say from personal experience that anyone just starting up should get into affiliate marketing first. This is due to the fact that it takes very little income to get started with affiliate marketing, and the fact that you can make mistakes, learn along the way, and gather success like a snowball down a hill.

    Marketing and becoming successful takes a lot of trial and error, a wealth of knowledge and support, and a lot of extra income, which can all be gathered by wading in the pond of affiliate marketing FIRST.

    If someone starts affiliate marketing and cannot get the hang of it, all they have lost is time in reality. However, launching a product can lead to financial losses without the right backing. IMO
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    • Profile picture of the author Tyson Faulkner
      Good points, I think one of the HUGE strengths in affiliate marketing is that you can tap into a product that has a proven sales record and sales process much faster than doing all that yourself from scratch.

      Plus it should give you a good feel of what your market does and doesn't like, and how they respond to certain sales copy.

      But I do think it's very important to view product creation as your end goal, even if it's a couple months after you get started. There's just so many more ways to leverage your own products than other peoples.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dean Shainin
      Hi Tyson,

      When I first got started online I had absolutely no idea what I was doing and got involved in affiliate marketing. I had no idea that I'd be able to create a simple report let alone a full product package and a product launch. Today I still get payed for what I did with affiliate marketing because of the residual programs that I promoted back in the day.

      However, today I now have dozens of products I've created and just got out of semi-retirement to co-create more products because I REALLY love to do it and it's my passion.

      I think one of the keys to online success and life is to find ones own passion through trial and error. I still enjoy affiliate marketing but there is just something inspiring about creating your own products, helping others to become successful and to have full control of your own products and lists.

      Long story short I think it's a good idea to do both product creation and affiliate marketing...

      As a new marketer I feel 'just my opinion', it's wise to get your feet wet with affiliate marketing before getting involved with product creation.
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    • Profile picture of the author eZwerge
      I fully agree affiliate marketing is a good way to start. You learn the ropes and make sure you know the do's and don'ts about driving traffic. What's the point in creating a product when you either fail to generate any eyeballs or have Google's ads eat into your profits? You are right though, margins on your own product, depending on your selling skills, can be 10 times higher.

      At the end of the day though its all about generating traffic and for that you have to give some of your content away. And that's a good thing. As long as we are able to share our content we can build better affiliate channels and ultimately better products.
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  • Profile picture of the author elyshemer
    Hi Tyson,

    Yes, having your own product(s) puts you in a better position to make more money.
    However, running a business as a merchant is more complex than running a business as an affiliate. It requires the same skills as an affiliate PLUS many more.

    Therefore, your best bet would be to start out as an affiliate where the initial investment and risk are minimal. Learn the skills you need for being a good marketer. Gain the knowledge and master the techniques. One more important point - while doing the affiliate marketing thing, build your brand and make a name for yourself. It will make your starting position as a product owner a better one.

    Once you have the basics covered, you can expend and tackle the more complex tasks facing a merchant. However, do not abandon the affiliate work. Once you master it, it will be your safety net, with a steady income source to back you up.
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    • Profile picture of the author povchef
      I think the mind set is based on 'making your own products' is hard when you are starting out and in fairness its a big thing to put yourself into when you are learning all the other nuts and bolts.

      When I started I thought I can create my on value products with little effort while learning how to build a website, FTP, Hosting, keywords, search engines, SEO.... the list goes on. My first attempt never even made it past notes because I didn't know enough to make anything worth while.

      This is where a lot of products have been created to 'promote' Affiliate marketing as the fast easy option. It's not really its more the 'taking one element' out of the learning curve.

      Yet Affiliate marketing opens up a whole new kettle of learning that needs to be understood.

      Personally if a product I use has an Affiliate aspect I always sign up for it. I have no issue with promoting something I have used myself and know that it 'does what it says on the tin'.
      I do find this is more chump change compared to what I've earned from my own products.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Brock
    All I know is that it sure would suck if you made your first product, spent months on it, and find out that no one wanted it in the first place.

    By starting out as affiliate, you can understand what people want...what niches are hot, what people spend money on, buyer keywords, etc.

    You don't have that luxury as a product creator, unless of course you have an affiliate marketing back ground...
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    • Originally Posted by Daniel Brock View Post

      All I know is that it sure would suck if you made your first product, spent months on it, and find out that no one wanted it in the first place..

      You don't have that luxury as a product creator, unless of course you have an affiliate marketing back ground...
      But if you create a product that doesnt do well, you can flip the entire product and site for a nice amount of cash.

      To do affiliate marketing, you still have to do keyword research and learn how to drive traffic.

      If you find a high selling CB product, why not make your own product in the same niche?
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      • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
        Originally Posted by Charles Montgomery View Post

        But if you create a product that doesnt do well, you can flip the entire product and site for a nice amount of cash.

        To do affiliate marketing, you still have to do keyword research and learn how to drive traffic.

        If you find a high selling CB product, why not make your own product in the same niche?
        You mean sell rights to your product completely? Have you ever done this, Charles? Are there online product brokerage type websites where products could be sold?
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        • Originally Posted by x3xsolxdierx3x View Post

          You mean sell rights to your product completely? Have you ever done this, Charles? Are there online product brokerage type websites where products could be sold?
          Yes, you can sell your products. I sold complete ownership of one of my products on ebay a few years back; product, website, and everything.

          That was before I knew anything about making money online. I was completely lost.
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          • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
            Originally Posted by Charles Montgomery View Post

            Yes, you can sell your products. I sold complete ownership of one of my products on ebay a few years back; product, website, and everything.

            That was before I knew anything about making money online. I was completely lost.
            Do you think some people create products JUST to sell them? And, when you sold one of your products, did you provide the purchaser with information on sales? (I guess I'd want to see that if I were a potential buyer)
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          • Profile picture of the author John Wilkes
            Start off with becoming an affiliate by all means, as long as you are a clever affiliate and use a method to build your own list at the same time, as you pass your visitors on to other people's sales pages.
            Use your affiliate skills to search and find a profitable niche while collecting your commissions
            Create a product for that niche.
            Use that segment of your list, (that you have gathered for that niche) to test and refine your product.
            Now you have the larger list (gathered from all the different niches you have dabbled in) and a tested product to approach other marketeers with lists to do JV's with.
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  • Profile picture of the author petelta
    I am both a affiliate marketer and a product creator. You can definitely make money in both.

    I always start a market as an affiliate marketer. After I get the traffic and see the potential, I always create a product that is better then the one I have promoted in the past. Many people either fear creating a product because they feel they don't have the knowledge or don't have the experience.

    Here's the thing though guys and girls, you don't have to be an expert to create a product. We have all had to do research papers in school years ago. This is all product creation takes. You don't have to be an expert. You don't have to really know the subject. You just have to know how to find the information.

    Buy the actual product that you are promoting. Buy all the products that do well in your niche. Now, take that information and rehash it into something better then what each of those provide. You can easily do this by just adding something extra or relating it better to the audience. It's not hard in anyway to create a quality product as long as you put the time into researching.

    I will ALWAYS create a product for markets that do well for me. Why? Because now the ball is in my court instead of the product creators. I can now promote my product at sale prices. I can make special promotions and offers that you won't be able to when you are an affiliate And best of all, you can start building an army of affiliates to sell the product for you. Get 10 good affiliates on your team, and you have an income stream that is effortless.

    Even though, I will never say don't try affiliate marketing, never underestimate your ability to create a better product.

    In any situation where I feel the product seller is an absolute expert in there field, I go out and find an equal or greater expert to help give advice or even better provide videos and interviews for the buyer.

    Product creation is addictive. I have created over 20 products in the past 5 months and glad I started with my first $1 WSO. From that point, I now have a huge market where I'm not the affiliate anymore, but others are my affiliates.

    Travis

    Originally Posted by Tyson Faulkner View Post

    Howdy guys,

    I was wondering...

    It seems to me that most of the successful full time marketers out there make most of their money from the products they create. While affiliate marketing is just extra income.

    However, most of the courses I've read about "Getting started online fast" all seem to point new marketers to affiliate marketing FIRST, instead of doing it second as another stream of income.

    Is this backwards advice and not really worth listening to?

    I personally think it's necessary to create your own products, even if it's just a small freebie to start with to build up your list for affiliate marketing. But it should definitely be in the plan if you want to make a real income online.

    So what do you think, should new marketers start with product creation or affiliate marketing?
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  • Profile picture of the author N4PGW
    My opinion is this:

    There are four levels of products.

    Your Own: The first one typically takes months of hard work to produce (Don't tell me about the exceptions). You must produce the product, product graphics, sales pages, etc.

    Personalized PLR: This is a shortcut method to your own product. It reduces production time, but you still must produce graphics, sales pages, etc. You can trade a little (or a lot) of cash for the time savings.

    Resell Rights Products: These ready-made products generally come complete with sales letters, products, and often instructions. Like PLR, you trade cash for time savings.

    Affiliate products: Many, if not most, come with all the graphics and information you need to promote the product. In most cases, it can be marketed with the least amount of up-front costs.

    Teaching someone to begin with affiliate marketing has two benefits. First, it opens the door for your customer to start earning income quickly, thus wanting more of your services. Secondly, if I tell someone how to get started in affiliate marketing -- and i know that affiliates can market my product -- it makes sense to also offer affiliate marketing of my product as an option so I can also gain.

    I suspect that affiliate marketing is the best beginner's path because in just a few hours, a new comer can start marketing several different products at little or no cost.

    Ideally, beginning marketers should star where they can honorably earn fast money, but should build on their education and practices so they eventually produce their own products and multiple streams of residual income that does not depend on someone else's continued support.

    FWIW
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  • Profile picture of the author raffebahanudin
    Internet marketers as both have been important if the products are good for both the need for long-term business..


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  • You create a prduct.
    You create a sales page
    You maybe create some affiliate tools
    You get it listed on CB $50

    Even with no sales, you will be able to get $600+ for a product in a popular niche even with no sales. Get a few sales, sell it for $1000+.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tyson Faulkner
      I guess one of the thing that frustrated me with some affiliate marketing guides is that your supposed to be behind the scenes and no one would ever know that you're there.

      That's ok for some people, they like not being noticed...

      But I think the best way to build a business would be to get yourself out there and start building an audience, even if you don't have a product yet, you can start doing that. Just by being a good resource for people and guiding them to good products can be very valuable. Plus you'll be building a following for when you do release a product.
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    • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
      Originally Posted by Charles Montgomery View Post

      You create a prduct.
      You create a sales page
      You maybe create some affiliate tools
      You get it listed on CB $50

      Even with no sales, you will be able to get $600+ for a product in a popular niche even with no sales. Get a few sales, sell it for $1000+.
      Thanks, Charles.

      As you can probably tell, I've never sold a product before....but, the idea intrigues me.
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  • Profile picture of the author Charleskidd
    Everyone needs a product but at the same time everyone needs to show results as proof. So first I think affiliate marketing would be step 1 and product creation would be step 2.
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    • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
      Originally Posted by Charleskidd View Post

      Everyone needs a product but at the same time everyone needs to show results as proof. So first I think affiliate marketing would be step 1 and product creation would be step 2.
      There are 'different' things you can do...different activities you can engage in...to show "proof" that you can structure your product around, beyond affiliate marketing. It's all about perfecting a method or strategy, solidifying yourself as an authority, and teaching others how to do the same.

      Outside of a sales page, I've never created my own website...and, have only dabbled in affiliate marketing, yet, some of the things I do, I can tell you, probably earn alot more than the people who only use affiliate marketing exclusively.
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  • Profile picture of the author Zentech
    I'd rather create my own products, which I'll soon be doing. You get to brand yourself, most likely make more money, and get a team of people working for you rather than working for someone else. Plus, it's enjoyable, if you make a product you are actually interested in. Additionally, if you are a copywriter like myself, you can make your own sales page and hone your skills.
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  • Profile picture of the author mistermint
    Hi,

    IMO: I don't think it matters which route you choose i.e. affiliate marketing or product creation as long as you stick to it and see it through to a conclusion...

    So many new marketers suffer wheel spin because, they become distracted, they try affiliate marketing, the last hot tip they read in a forum etc.. if they don't have instant success then, they move to something new thus, spending money and not making it.

    Yet, they know there are people raking in thousands from affiliate marketing because, in the scheme of things a lot of the hard work has been done for you and your job is to drive quality targeted traffic, also fine as long as you use a squeeze page and at least capture emails. I doubt if serious affiliate marketers see it as a bit of extra pocket money.

    Creating products, yes, great idea if, you create what people need and want! Just create a plan for yourself and stay focused, prevent the wheels from spinning and move forward.

    Do one thing and do it well! = success
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  • Profile picture of the author johnyeo90
    Selling own products really make more money than affiliate marketing.. However there are lots of things to consider before you create a product. If the product created didn't sell like a hot cake,, then you might can't get maximum profit with it..
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  • Profile picture of the author mt33
    well affiliate marketing is a good way for newbies , after a while when could make more sales then start to make our products with more experience.
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  • Profile picture of the author sloanjim
    Affiliate marekting is where the big money is. Own product you have to create it and support it. When it ends you are left going back to square one. Affil. marekting you can promote dozens at the same time NO customer support.
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    • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
      Originally Posted by sloanjim View Post

      Affiliate marekting is where the big money is. Own product you have to create it and support it. When it ends you are left going back to square one. Affil. marekting you can promote dozens at the same time NO customer support.
      A similar argument can be made for product creation....which is why we have this thread...lol...

      Good argument, though...A good product creator would make sure that they have an idea or concept, moving forward, that isn't inclined to just dying out or "ending"....Do the proper research, and you can have a HUGE money making product, with a very very long lifetime.
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      • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
        The truth is, it's become commonplace and accepted for product creators to offer 50-75% commission on sales of their products....it can be a very lucrative arrangement for all parties involved. I do find that creating product gives me ALOT more control...and, I don't mind the time given for "support". While providing "support", I also gain by being able to be seen as a bit of an authority while nurturing and fostering relationships. To some, "supporting" you customers may seem like a nuisance, however, if done right, it can help you foster relationships...making people more inclined to purchase from you again, down the road...I don't feel like that "relationship" is quite there with affiliate marketing.
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        • Profile picture of the author Tyson Faulkner
          I think a lot of it comes down to personal preference. There are probably lots of marketers quietly making a nice living selling affiliate products. Plus they don't have to deal with customers or really even show their identity if they don't want to.

          That's not really for me though, I would rather get my name out there and brand myself to get those affiliates to sell my products =).

          I think affiliate marketing is a great first step, but there's so much potential money in product creation that it should be something EVERYONE takes a serious look at, even if you are a pro affiliate marketer.

          Recruiting affiliates really is the best source of traffic you can get, you don't pay a dime until you make sales, so it's great advertising.
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  • Profile picture of the author sloanjim
    CPA is another form of affiliate marketing...... I mean are you a marketer or a product reator (with all those time sucking headaches?)
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  • Profile picture of the author Brad Spencer
    Tyson,

    Almost all the big affiliates have their own products and thus customer lists. Customer lists means you can sell more stuff as an affiliate.

    Just my observation from experience and looking at others.

    Cheers,

    Brad
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  • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
    Originally Posted by Tyson Faulkner View Post

    However, most of the courses I've read about "Getting started online fast" all seem to point new marketers to affiliate marketing FIRST, instead of doing it second as another stream of income.

    Is this backwards advice and not really worth listening to?
    No, because when you first start out, your products are going to suck.

    The single most critical thing about selling products is not to sell stuff that sucks.

    So if your own products are going to suck, you'd better sell something else until your products don't suck anymore.
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    • Profile picture of the author KenJ
      Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

      No, because when you first start out, your products are going to suck.

      The single most critical thing about selling products is not to sell stuff that sucks.

      So if your own products are going to suck, you'd better sell something else until your products don't suck anymore.
      That's not completely true. I was an expert in a field before I found internet marketing. So my first product was excellent with unique authoratative content.

      My marketing of it was poor but is now on track. (Nothing to do with IM, obviously)

      Kenj
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      • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
        Originally Posted by kenj View Post

        That's not completely true. I was an expert in a field before I found internet marketing.
        And I could, of course, argue the point of whether that is "when you first start out" at all.
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  • Profile picture of the author mr2monster
    It's all about your goals.


    NONE of the successful guys that anyone here knows about does just 1 of the many many online streams of income. Even those super secret CPA marketers that don't tell anyone about their income have (or should have anyway) more than one stream of revenue.

    They all have MULTIPLE streams of income/traffic

    That's the only way to add stability.


    The reason so many offer affiliate marketing as a quick start is that it's:
    1. Easy to get into
    2. Simple in concept and easy to explain (yet hard to actually do)
    3. Allows a newbie to cut their teeth in marketing (if they can't do affiliate marketing, chances are they can't market their own products either)
    4. Has a low cost of entry
    5. etc. etc. etc.


    A smart business person with no capital would probably start in affiliate marketing (unless they were quite proficient in marketing already and had an already developed expertise), develop that stream, and then move on to another stream using the proceeds from their previous ventures to fund new ventures.

    I look at affiliate marketing as the bottom level on a totem pole. It's the training grounds for online business. It's where you should be learning techniques and the framework of how marketing works. You should then be moving on to more profitable ventures and APPLYING those techniques to those ventures.



    The reason that newbies get STUCK being affiliate marketers is that they:
    1. Don't manage their money well. They spend every cent that they make on whatever, and are thus stuck writing articles and trading their time for more money. This is essentially a JOB (and often times a lower paying job than starbucks).
    2. Don't invest their time in taking action on new ideas to expand their ability to make money.
    3. Don't see that it is entirely possible to outsource something that you have no idea how to do yourself, and insist on doing everything themselves.... again, trading their time for money.
    4. Don't understand the concept of LEVERAGE
    5. Continually focus on the 80% of things that are INEFFICIENT sources of income and not on the 20% that will get them ahead (i.e. article marketing) and thus end up spending hours upon hours behind a computer just to make minimum wage.
    6. etc. etc. etc.



    I might be getting a little off topic here, but I think that the main reason that the failure rate in this industry is so astronomical is that people don't understand, and no one teaches, that if you intend on making anything out of this you're going to have to be in BUSINESS. This is not a hobby. It requires work. It's not get rich quick. It's a whole lot less glamorous than people make it out to be. It's cut throat. It's survival of the fittest. And you have to be GOOD at it to make it permanent.

    If you can't look at that list and be OK with that, then you're probably not going to make it very far.




    /rant
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  • Profile picture of the author JayPeete
    I would have to say affiliate marketing because you need to get your feet wet unless you are already a professional in a niche.

    Search for a product that converts in a niche that you are interested in. Then make it better with better marketing for your own product. You know, the classic model to online success.

    Then go back and pick up a few high dollar affiliate programs to promote for more income streams.
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  • Profile picture of the author AwesomePossum
    Honestly...you can do both. It doesn't really matter which way you choose really.

    Personally I just do both and both can pull in big money if you know what your doing....I affiliate marketing to calm down the variance in my income...aka: $200,000 in one launch then having nothing for the next two or three months it takes to develop a new product.

    Plus if you establish yourself in your niche it'll be easier to affiliate to others.
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    • Profile picture of the author Davy Norton
      Hey now what i have learned weather you have an affiliate product or your own all depends what way you market it when starting out most people dont know how to make there own product and dont think they can so most people use affiliate products starting out and you can make a fair bit from this once you no what your doing you can then make your own product down the road when you get confident after learning alot so first you have to learn how to build and run a online business before you start making money i would advise getting a coach/mentor this is a great way to stay focused pick a niche like internet marketing or what ever niche you want to dont try to promote all different products from different niches ive done this it dosnt work and you spend days and days doing this and not making much so weather you have your own product or an affiliate product its all down to marketing it best thing is try build a list do articles hope this helps

      thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author jitterbug978
    I think to truly get a firm grasp of the internet marketing field, you should ideally at sometime be an affiliate. Once you understand what it takes to be a successful affiliate move onto product creation. You can then use what you learned as an affilaite to attract more affiliates to sell your products for you.
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  • Profile picture of the author mlord10
    I believe that product creation may ultimately be the better option, but affiliate marketing is generally better for a newbie. In my opinion, you can find a product with a proven record, and then sell it.

    You do not have to worry about spending a ton of time, money, and additional resources into creating a product that may not sell. A newbie may not know how to do the research required to ensure that a product will be a success.

    When you start with affiliate marketing, you can instantly focus your efforts on driving traffic and making sales. You learn the process of internet marketing, and it gives you a strong foundation to create your own products in the future.

    Again, I am not preaching this as Gospel, it is just simply what has worked for me. I am glad that I started in affiliate marketing, because I learned a lot of valuable lessons about online marketing that can now be applied to my own products and services.
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  • Profile picture of the author dndoseller
    Neither. It is best to develop a brand and loyal list.

    Then you can sell them both your own and other peoples products.
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    • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
      Originally Posted by dndoseller View Post

      Neither. It is best to develop a brand and loyal list.

      Then you can sell them both your own and other peoples products.
      Good point
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      • Profile picture of the author Tyson Faulkner
        It is best to develop a brand and loyal list.
        That's one of the biggest take-aways. If you build an audience that likes/knows/trusts you, you can either sell affiliate products to them as you find useful products.

        Or when you get around to creating your own you can market it to your list directly, then try to recruit them as affiliates!

        I know some people disagree, but I think the best way to build a business online is through branding of your name and becoming an expert in your field.
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    • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
      Originally Posted by dndoseller View Post

      Neither. It is best to develop a brand and loyal list.

      Then you can sell them both your own and other peoples products.
      Just to throw this out there....and, to generally stimulate some neurons here...

      Is there any possible way one could establish themselves as a "brand" WITHOUT having their own blog or website? What do you think?
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      • Profile picture of the author Tyson Faulkner
        Originally Posted by IM Headlines View Post

        Selling your own product requires much more responsibility.
        That is 100% True. There is so much more responsibility when you are selling your own product. You actually have to back everything you sell 100% and provide refunds if someone thinks you didn't deliver.

        BUT as you grow your business and build your knowledge, taking on responsibility is a good thing to do in my opinion and will help your business grow to the next level.

        Originally Posted by x3xsolxdierx3x View Post

        Just to throw this out there....and, to generally stimulate some neurons here...

        Is there any possible way one could establish themselves as a "brand" WITHOUT having their own blog or website? What do you think?
        Personally I think that if you want to make some money on the net, you have to view it as a business. But instead of paying a ton for a storefront and inventory, you're online so all you need to do is pay $10 for a domain and $10/month for hosting.

        That's SUPER CHEAP to start a business so I don't see any reason not to have it.

        If you're trying to brand your name or company it's going to be really hard without a website. If you start to become successful with it, how will people find you if you don't have a site? I think it would cost you big time if you choose not to pay the couple bucks to start a business.
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        • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
          Originally Posted by Tyson Faulkner View Post

          That is 100% True. There is so much more responsibility when you are selling your own product. You actually have to back everything you sell 100% and provide refunds if someone thinks you didn't deliver.

          BUT as you grow your business and build your knowledge, taking on responsibility is a good thing to do in my opinion and will help your business grow to the next level.



          Personally I think that if you want to make some money on the net, you have to view it as a business. But instead of paying a ton for a storefront and inventory, you're online so all you need to do is pay $10 for a domain and $10/month for hosting.

          That's SUPER CHEAP to start a business so I don't see any reason not to have it.

          If you're trying to brand your name or company it's going to be really hard without a website. If you start to become successful with it, how will people find you if you don't have a site? I think it would cost you big time if you choose not to pay the couple bucks to start a business.
          Thanks, Tyson. Surprisingly, I have yet to actually make my own website or blog. I probably went about things the wrong...or...errr...unconventional way....it's done quite well as far as sales, but, I think it's definitely time to venture out into my own website or blog....
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      • Profile picture of the author Leigh Davies
        As a new marketeer it's mind boggoling all the different scenarios that you read about & learn from seminars about the different aspects of the business, however the bottom line is PRODUCT + TRAFFIC = $$$ . The most profitable creating your own product however I believe the easiest way is to start as an affiliate then once you've mastered the ropes go & create. Good luck to all those out there that are just starting off.
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      • Profile picture of the author craigc1980
        a lot of that depends on what type of goals you have and the business model that appeals most to you. Some people are drawn to affiliate marketing because of the set it and forget it mentality.

        It really comes down to what you like and what you're good at. If you're more of a techy type, affiliate marketing might be more appealing to you. And if you're a people person, you may actually enjoy the product creation that involves working with customers.
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      • Profile picture of the author Agoge Warrior
        Personally, I feel that you have to go into affiliate marketing first just to learn the basics and get a feel of affiliate and internet marketing. Before you go thru the process of creating your own product. That way you will know more about what you are doing as you create the product and what the foundation is from a marketing perspective. Affiliate marketing is a great education to have first before diving into selling your own product.
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        • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
          Originally Posted by zosowolfpacker View Post

          Personally, I feel that you have to go into affiliate marketing first just to learn the basics and get a feel of affiliate and internet marketing. Before you go thru the process of creating your own product. That way you will know more about what you are doing as you create the product and what the foundation is from a marketing perspective. Affiliate marketing is a great education to have first before diving into selling your own product.
          Good take, zoso....I agree here....Product development takes a degree of "confidence", as well....for someone who is just beginning, expecting them to develop their own product may be a little too much right away. They may (or may not) be ready for all the many things that product development entails--providing support, providing true value, etc....
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      • Profile picture of the author Nick Brighton
        Originally Posted by Daniel Brock View Post

        All I know is that it sure would suck if you made your first product, spent months on it, and find out that no one wanted it in the first place.

        By starting out as affiliate, you can understand what people want...what niches are hot, what people spend money on, buyer keywords, etc.

        You don't have that luxury as a product creator, unless of course you have an affiliate marketing back ground...
        I partially agree, and partially disagree. This is what market research is for. I just started selling a product in a brand new market that I hadn't worked in before, and I created the product from scratch.

        How did I know it would sell, and how did I make it sell?

        I did my research.

        Again, this is something very few folks seem to realize, or understand, or care for. I don't know why, but in the years I've spent here, I've never seen people really talk about this topic much, or show much interest.

        Sure, there have been some products on finding hot niches, but they really don't cover half of what good, free online research can be.

        Alternatively, you can just promote a popular product, see if it sells to your list or traffic source, then roll out your own product which compliments it.
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  • Profile picture of the author eugenedm
    you can make a lot of money if you do PPC, for example, without creating any products. I think if you dominate the key words and you are on top of Google you can be an affiliate marketer and make a lot of money. George Brown and Google sniper for example proves that. however, you can make money selling books as well and there's nothing wrong about that. Hope this helps.
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  • Profile picture of the author revjoe
    The cool thing about affiliate marketing is that you can promote so many niches easily! Product creation can take some time and money.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Atkins
    Originally Posted by Tyson Faulkner View Post

    So what do you think, should new marketers start with product creation or affiliate marketing?
    Affiliate marketing is way easier for newbies that's
    for sure. All you have to do is send traffic and you're
    done.

    Selling your own product requires much more responsibility. You
    have to create a good product first, which is not as easy as it
    sounds. You have to write greate copy yourself, or hire a good
    copywriter (which is not affordable for most newbies).

    Then you have to recruit affiliates... again, that's not as easy
    as it sounds. Remember that there are lots of products for
    affiliates to promote.

    If you can't recruit affiliates, then you would still end up
    trying to send traffic to it yourself.

    Oh and don't forget about customer care. It can really
    takes it's toll on you.

    Now I'm not discouraging people from creating & selling
    their own product, not at all, I'm just adding a little bit
    of reality.
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  • Profile picture of the author Nikhil V Nair
    It is better to start developing your product only after you have some success with affiliate marketing.You have to sell something in both methods.

    Assume you want to develop a product about SEO.What if you failed to promote high converting products in SEO niche as an affiliate.That means you don't know how to sell products online.

    You may spend thousands of dollars developing your product but the result remain the same.


    Putting the cart before the horse is one of the popular mistake marketers do when they start online.I did the same so I know it well

    Instead of A B C D E they do A E D C B

    Thanks
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    • Profile picture of the author PCKen
      Banned
      [DELETED]
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      • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
        Originally Posted by PCKen View Post

        Great analogy. as long as we are consistently takeing action and trying new things we will reach some level of success. It's easy to stop and over analyze results of the few articles and web pages we've done
        "Taking Action", though, without guidance and clear direction, can be more detrimental and unproductive in the long, and short, run. I could "take action" by repeatedly banging my head against a wall, but, will that be beneficial to me or productive? The same goes for those that engage in shady online methods and techniques....you are certainly "taking action", however, you always run the risk of being shut down. So, take away point is, "taking action" for the sake of "taking action" isn't exactly the most wise or prudent.
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    • Profile picture of the author N4PGW
      Originally Posted by Nikhil V Nair View Post

      It is better to start developing your product only after you have some success with affiliate marketing.You have to sell something in both methods.

      Assume you want to develop a product about SEO.What if you failed to promote high converting products in SEO niche as an affiliate.That means you don't know how to sell products online.

      You may spend thousands of dollars developing your product but the result remain the same.


      Putting the cart before the horse is one of the popular mistake marketers do when they start online.I did the same so I know it well

      Instead of A B C D E they do A E D C B

      Thanks
      Can Resell Rights products substitute for affiliate products?
      Or
      Is Affiliate sales better, somehow?
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      • Profile picture of the author Nikhil V Nair
        Originally Posted by N4PGW View Post

        Can Resell Rights products substitute for affiliate products?
        Or
        Is Affiliate sales better, somehow?

        I prefer high converting affiliate products because the vendors have already spend top dollars on developing and testing.

        Most Resell Right products are low quality.
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  • Profile picture of the author priatampan
    hi..I just wanna share my experience.. I've just 3 months start my own business..Before it I used to be an affiliate..And guess what can I get...? Wow..It's much bigger than when I was an afiliate..I also get passive income because I also create affiliate program(reseler) for my product..I hope you can understand what I mean..Sorry..My english is bad..I'm from Indonesia...Good Luck..
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  • Profile picture of the author Jamian
    It's all about building your own trusted audience and you can build it through using affiliate products or your own. Therefore start with affiliate marketing while building your list same time and finance your own product with your affiliate commissions.

    Jamian.
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  • Profile picture of the author warner444
    like anything, both have advantages. Affiliates never have to take the return even if they get dinged for it. Product owners may make more, but the start up is usually more work. One route is to do affiliate in a market and if it is a buying market create a product.
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  • Profile picture of the author brieat
    Personally, I think affiliate marketing is a good stepping stone for making money. If someone is a complete newbie, he's not going to be writing an ebook with a sales copy; no -- he would want to do something for quick money, like promoting dating leads through direct linking via PPC or even ezine.

    IMO, affiliate marketing is a good stepping stone, then move up to product creation once you know it's a proven market with buyers.
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  • Profile picture of the author BonganiS
    It is true that your own products are important to make a lot of money. But I think starting by promoting affiliate products is helpful to someone who does not have an experience or expertise for creating products.

    Affiliate marketing gives someone time to learn and acquire some skills necessary in the internet business whilst making money. The truth is that creating products has to be incorporated in the future plan.
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  • Profile picture of the author jacksonlin
    I think it takes a good amount of experience being an AFFILIATE MARKETER FIRST, then getting into product creation later.

    That way, you know what it's like to be on the receiving end of a lousy product offer and not being able to receive adequate support.

    I think that's very important.
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  • Profile picture of the author tyroneshum
    Affiliate marketing would yield you best according to the best TIMING.

    Here's one old-but-still-great post from Yaro Starak about affiliate marketing:

    Timing Is Everything In Affiliate Marketing – Read This Now - Entrepreneurs-Journey.com by Yaro Starak

    Learned a lot from there too!
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