Newbie Here: Affiliate Marketing - Shall I just jump straight in? Encouragement Needed!

16 replies
So I've wandered onto the forum and read LOTS about internet marketing and affiliate marketing and all that jazz and I want in. I am a little skeptical and a bit daunted at the same time. There is also some confusion and conflicting advice the more I have read.

When I say I'm a newbie that isn't quite right regarding building sites and using affiliates, just more a newbie to the forum. I've built websites before and used affiliates before, just with little success. Infact I have all the basic skills required to go out and set up some sites aimed at niche keywords. I worked for a CRAP SEO firm a while back (they were cowboys and I was constantly on the phone to unhappy customers blagging them to stay put). I know how to look for niches, I'm able to create websites from scratch or set up a blog type website. It seems a no brainer that I take a bit of a risk, invest in some hosting and domains and get building.

However the more I read the more daunting it got. People's success, people's headaches and nightmares. One minute it seems this is what I need to be doing, the next minute a realisation that you rely on things beyond your control!

I've just finished a post graduate course and become a qualified teacher, however there doesn't appear to be the demand for teachers as they would have you believe. I have plenty of time on my hands, but not so much finance.

A brief whip around and I see that I could get hosting for unlimited domains for about $130 (Whatever that comes to in pounds as I'm UK based) on a 3 year package. That's quite a heavy hit to the wallet to start off with, unless it can be paid on a direct debit monthly basis.

I'd be happy with earning between $50-$100 a month within say 3 months (hopefully sooner) and any increase on that is great. I'll at least get my hosting and domain registration charges back! I am not expecting to be able to make a living from it (that's what I'm skeptical of), but maybe it could land some decent spare cash and hopefully I will pick up some part time work at some point as a "secure" income.

Maybe I need to take a risk and just roll with it, see what happens. I have all the tools to do it efficiently, my work ethic rises ten fold when I have an interest/goal on my mind. I have no commitments and bundles of time.

Still there is the nagging confusion and contradictory advice I have read. Do I create review types sites and focus on 4 or 5 niche keywords that are related building, do I buy a domain name for a specific product and have a 1 page site with a review for that one product? Do I have to use a domain name with keywords in? Do I buy a non specific domain and use it as a review site for all my niche targets? Do I aim at products or services? Do I aim for higher value products or low costs? Do I use adsense and get smaller commission for people clicking adverts? do I combine adsense and affiliate links within the same site? There's just so much to consider! And thats before I've even started the niche market searching!

I guess I could try each method or a few of them at least and see how they fair against one another (though it wouldn't be a true reflection of their worth since its keyword and traffic dependant) and learn by the mistakes/shortcomings.

Then there's the reliance on Google! How to build up social networks etc (this is the part I will need to research most into).

I'm off on a 9 day break in 2 weeks time. I might try to get 2 sites up and running with some articles providing backlinks and minor marketing work and see whats happening after I return from the holiday and progress from there.

I guess I just need, not so much reassurance, but some encouragement to make a start on this undoubtedly exciting and potentially rewarding venture!

I look forward to sticking around these boards, learning from others and helping out wherever I can! From my short time here it seems a rather friendly place full of useful advice and help from all it's contributers.

Cheers for stopping by, and sorry if I bored you to death on this occassion, but it's a new adventure which has me both excited and anxious in equal measure!
#affiliate #encouragement #jump #marketing #needed #newbie #straight
  • Profile picture of the author MissLauraCatella
    Based on this one post alone, you know way more than most who dive right in and still churn out a profit.

    Don't let over-thinking be your doom. Headaches and woes will always come, but it's a waste of time to try to deal with them before they happen.

    Create a plan of action, and make it simple. Choose a product you like, use, believe in, with an affiliate program, and choose a method to promote it.

    Since you're just starting out, you'd probably build a website (as you may not have a list to send the offer to). So build an optimized website around the affiliate product you are going to promote. You can promote this affiliate offer and build your list at the same time, by offering those who purchase through your link a bonus that they must opt in for.

    Most important thing though, is... don't think about it. Do it.

    Good luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    Welcome to the forum.

    Make a start, for sure ... but expect a "learning curve" and don't expect to decide everything correctly the first time.

    Originally Posted by JToneyUK View Post

    It seems a no brainer that I take a bit of a risk, invest in some hosting and domains and get building.
    Yes; it does.

    And if you're investing in hosting for multiple domains, you can afford a few mistakes anyway. Hosting will be your only "big expense".

    There are going to be differences of opinion about some of your questions. I'll give mine, anyway - all "opinion".

    Originally Posted by JToneyUK View Post

    Do I create review types sites and focus on 4 or 5 niche keywords that are related building, do I buy a domain name for a specific product and have a 1 page site with a review for that one product?
    I advise against the single-product domain. All sorts of potential complications and problems - and you can only use it for 1 product. One of the attractions of affiliate marketing is not being tied to 1 product. Products can disappear, or turn out not to have been a good choice for a variety of reasons.

    Originally Posted by JToneyUK View Post

    Do I have to use a domain name with keywords in?
    No; but it can help. So why not try it?

    Originally Posted by JToneyUK View Post

    Do I buy a non specific domain and use it as a review site for all my niche targets?
    Ach, well ... you can do this. I wouldn't, really. It's a bit harder to get keyword benefits from "non-specific domains". Niche keywords will do you nicely. Domain names are pretty cheap.

    Originally Posted by JToneyUK View Post

    Do I aim at products or services?
    Products - usually. To start. For a few reasons.

    Originally Posted by JToneyUK View Post

    Do I aim for higher value products or low costs?
    Not too low. But maybe think in terms of (a) earnings per sale (not just retail prices) and (b) being able to add other products so that you're able to offer people a selection at different prices.

    Originally Posted by JToneyUK View Post

    Do I use adsense and get smaller commission for people clicking adverts?
    I don't. I don't need pennies, and don't want to give people additional ways to leave my sites rather than staying there. (And I suspect you don't).

    Originally Posted by JToneyUK View Post

    do I combine adsense and affiliate links within the same site?
    I don't - and won't. But there are people who do.

    Originally Posted by JToneyUK View Post

    There's just so much to consider!
    There always will be.

    Maybe you need to start in spite of that, rather than waiting until there isn't?

    Originally Posted by JToneyUK View Post

    Then there's the reliance on Google!
    Some business models have that. Others don't. The less dependent you can be on Google, the better. That's kind of "The Big One". Are you going to be dependent on "organic traffic"?

    Originally Posted by JToneyUK View Post

    How to build up social networks etc (this is the part I will need to research most into).
    I never needed to, don't now, and don't intend to. I earn a lot of money without knowing the first thing about them, and maybe you can, too?

    Try to avoid analysis-paralysis and information overload. Find a nice niche, not too competitive, and a nice domain-name for it. Choose a niche in which you can write a "free report" of some kind to give away as the incentive for people to opt in. Get some hosting, and start on a site with high quality content and an opt-in to build a list (don't put that off if you can avoid it!), and some affiliate links. Don't use a free autoresponder. Expect many other posts below, all giving other/different/conflicting advice.

    Good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author joseph despariak
      JToneyUK,

      Obviously you are well versed and educated, therefore the first step is to Just Do It!

      Get A Domain (about $10)
      I suggest you get your domain name, it does not have to be niche-related, I have a very successful domain name that has nothing to do with the niche.
      (it is in the promotion that will make it viable).
      Get Hosting ($6-10 monthly)
      Pay the hosting monthly if you like, I use GoDaddy, find them to be the least intrusive and most helpful
      Choose your niche
      What is it that you are most knowledgeable about and have the greatest passion for?
      You say you are a teacher, have you considered an educational approach to something that might help people? Choosing something you enjoy doing is the step which will conquer half the battle of internet marketing.

      If you are choosing a niche because you think it is highly profitable or quick money, you may not stick with it, however, if you choose a niche in which you enjoy, you will follow it through with more interest.

      The fact is, ALL NICHES are profitable, it is in the way YOU promote it.

      Once you have your domain, hosting and chosen niche; your next step is to build your website, I suggest starting with some static pages and a blog. Make sure you also use as many Google tools (like analytic's) in your site.

      Populate your blog with posts relating to your niche and have links going to your static pages which direct to your sales or offer.

      Obviously as with any business, it will take time to grow. There is no magic button or overnight success, (unless you have discovered something miraculous!). Build your site steadily, have your posts pinged, and post often with relevant information on your niche.

      Include a form on your sidebar to get people to sign up for a free offer, book or sample of your product.

      When you have about 10 posts or so, and are happy with the look and feel of your site, you want to begin the Website promotion.

      Website Promotion and getting targeted traffic to your site is the step to building profits. I syndicate and distribute my content through several channels which in turn boost my rankings.

      This step is simple, however, it is NOT easy. promoting your website is the hardest step in internet marketing, yet, it is the most profitable, so you want to do it right.

      The following tips are helpful to promote your content:
      Make sure your content is relevant and keyword rich
      Utilize bookmark sites to 'bookmark' your posts
      Tweet and post updates on each article or post

      Once you have accomplished this, you want to further promote your content for search engine traffic by investigating networking your articles and posts.

      Before long, you should see some measurable results in your stats on traffic.
      Hope this helps, and if you have any question, glad to offer my assistance.

      Joe
      Signature

      Where do I get targeted web traffic? Don't click the link! it won't help you like I can. PM me
      Internet Marketing Tools for success!

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  • Profile picture of the author Emily Walker
    If you are too careful you will never experience success, at least that is my experience. Blind faith is scary, but sometimes it is worth the jump. You seem to know more than you think! I wish you luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
    Banned
    You seem to know what you are talking about. That is not to say that you won't experience headaches (you most certainly will), but probably not the horror stories that some of the more inexperienced marketers are posting on here.

    Until you get affiliate marketing down pat and can fund your projects comfortable, go the service route to cover your costs. Article writing, link exchanges, forum posting, all of that stuff is out there. You seem to have a good writing style and are articulate enough that it shouldn't be difficult to find work. Best of luck to you!
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  • Profile picture of the author JToneyUK
    Thanks guys for the speedy responses! All have been extremely helpful with some solid advice!

    I have definately been over-thinking it a little too much that's for sure! But already I am encouraged with these valuable tips and I know already that being around this forum will be beneficial in any success I'll have.

    Laura: From the brief keyword researching I had been doing it was more trying to find any niche at all with little competition, but sticking to something which is of interest definately makes more sense. That way I'll enjoy producing the content. Thanks.

    Alexa: Thanks for the response to all those questions! They were intended as rhetorical, but they were all questions I have pondered none the less, and your responses have helped a great deal.

    Dave: "Just don't buy a $100,000 tractor to mow a 1/2 acre lot", that is a great saying and one I will stick by. Your advice was ideal because I have seen many different magical tools being touted and recommended. Everyones got something to plug!!

    Joseph: You've given me a great little "what to do" guide there to set up! Top man, thanks!

    As I have mentioned, I have the skills to do all this, and I think I can write some pretty decent stuf when I put my mind to it! The amber light is about to turn green anytime now I think

    Well I hope that the advice and tips keep coming in, you can never be too clued up! I need to get some sleep now and be fresh for tomorrows action planning.

    Thanks again for the responses thus far.
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    You have a lot of the skills necessary to get started. Make sure you do niche research and choose your niches carefully. Don't just assume that by jumping into huge markets, that's where the big money will be. Many people find small, unsaturated niches and make bank with them.

    I'd go with Hostgator hosting. They have affordable plans, unlimited domains on one hosting plan and you can pay monthly, rather than all up front.
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  • Profile picture of the author AmandaT
    The best thing you can do is jump in and get started and learn as you go. In fact, you can get your hosting and your domain for under $5 right now.

    If you like Namecheap on Facebook right now they are having a special on domains. I believe they are $2.99 for .com, .org, and .net. Namecheap is my favorite place to buy domains, I highly recommend that, and you can get your first month of hosting with HostGator for only a penny!
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    • Profile picture of the author JToneyUK
      Originally Posted by AmandaT View Post

      The best thing you can do is jump in and get started and learn as you go. In fact, you can get your hosting and your domain for under $5 right now.

      If you like Namecheap on Facebook right now they are having a special on domains. I believe they are $2.99 for .com, .org, and .net. Namecheap is my favorite place to buy domains, I highly recommend that, and you can get your first month of hosting with HostGator for only a penny!
      Hey Amanda, just to let you know I got your PM and thanks for the info. I couldn't respond because of my post count. I maybe in touch with you in future! Thanks again.
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  • Profile picture of the author JToneyUK
    Thanks for the heads up guys!

    After a strange sleep, day 1 of the journey is about to begin!
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  • Profile picture of the author Gimitrix
    Yet another one again...
    Go to Google.
    Type in Chriss Farrell Membership.
    Try his teachings, You will not stop from there.

    Gideon
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  • Profile picture of the author JToneyUK
    Well I aint any closer to starting! I'm being over cautious, reading more and more from this forum and many more websites with IM information.

    Since I'm going away in a little over a weeks' time I might put things off until I come back. Unless some magic light comes one and I magically find a good niche to target (which has thus far alluded me).

    There are some more things I need to know about before I go steaming in, although I have deep down, accepted that I need to try out multiple strategies for myself to see how they work. I am also well aware that I need to be prepared for some misfortunes and that is ultimately my worry! It's not going to cost the earth to do what's necessary in order to make this work, but I know it will take time and effort to do, and that if things don't work out well it will be a hard blow.

    Anyway, I'm clearly in a conflicting mindset I need to get out of and take action!!

    A few questions to clear up though:

    Developing a list: Heard this frequently and wondered what this is about, the benefits and how it is done? Is it similar to getting people's email addresses like a newsletter type thing, but instead offer them some kind of free gift associated with the niche topic? How do you then use this list once you have enough people opting in?

    PR Rank: So far I have been trying to find niche products with decent search volumes. When deciding the strength of competition is it best to look at the PR of the page within the SERPs or the strength of their backlinks? I say this as often the top hit is an amazon product with a high page rank yet very few backlinks (according to Yahoo siteexplorer). Clearly this page has not been marketed to get backlinks with anchor text such as "product name xd123456" but rank at the top for that search term.

    Amazon Description: As an affiliate marketer I will be targetting Amazon as they have so many products and I have used them before. But with writing a review site or page how do you compete with some of the detailed product pages on Amazon? Along with the example above, some pages have a comprehensive write up of the product. It probably isn't targeting keywords and phrases with intent, but would such a page with a good amount of helpful content on this specific product and a high page rank be one to avoid targetting?

    I aint sure if these questions belong elsewhere on the forum, or in a different topic altogether. Sorry if they do. But I guess I could get answers to by my original concerns and these new questions by keeping it all in one thread.

    All your time spent reading, replying and guiding this newbie is very much appreciated!
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  • Profile picture of the author celente
    Your title says it all..... and here is a big tip.

    Dont think, just take action.

    Most of the guys that think they will make it big from affiliate marketing never TAKE ACTION, in fact its the reason why most people I would say 98% of people who do this game fail to earn a buck!

    Just take action, without taking any action how can you see results.??
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    • Profile picture of the author marcuslim
      Ya, take some action. You know so much already that it's easy to over analyse and get analysis paralysis...but truth is you won't know whether something's gonna work or not until you do it...
      Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author JToneyUK
    More encouraging words! Thanks guys.
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  • Profile picture of the author PPCprof
    Dont just jump into a pool on the other hand dont think too much on HOW to swim and just get into the pool and wet ur feet so as to get experience and learn from there.

    Just straight in with no game plan will cause you to drown, thinking at the side of the pool too long and you will nv swim.
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