Do you promote products you've never used

52 replies
I'm going through some training material right now that tells me to pick some Clickbank products to promote, but doesn't really say anything about purchasing the product first, or even requesting an evaluation copy.

So I'm interested. Who promotes products they've never used, and what are your opinions regarding the matter?
#products #promote
  • Profile picture of the author Brent Stangel
    Who promotes products they've never used
    Pretty much everyone who has had much success as an affiliate.
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  • Profile picture of the author talfighel
    Almost everyone who has done well with affiliate programs has never reviewed any of the products that they promoted.
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
      Originally Posted by talfighel View Post

      Almost everyone who has done well with affiliate programs has never reviewed any of the products that they promoted.
      How did you reach this conclusion?
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    • Profile picture of the author Alice12345
      Originally Posted by talfighel View Post

      Almost everyone who has done well with affiliate programs has never reviewed any of the products that they promoted.
      Totally normal.They see the conversion rate, refund rate, gravity and also attraction level of the sale page.
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  • Profile picture of the author Nail Yener
    Promoting products you haven't used is fine as long as you don't promote them as if you have used. Some marketers prefer to promote only products they have personally used and that is also fine.

    I think it also depends on the type of the product and how much you can know about the product without using it.

    An example from an Amazon affiliate point: Let's say you have a website where you give information about and promote 100 different patio chairs. Do you need to try them all before promoting?
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    • Profile picture of the author LetsGoViral
      Originally Posted by Nail Yener View Post

      Promoting products you haven't used is fine as long as you don't promote them as if you have used. Some marketers prefer to promote only products they have personally used and that is also fine.

      I think it also depends on the type of the product and how much you can know about the product without using it.

      An example from an Amazon affiliate point: Let's say you have a website where you give information about and promote 100 different patio chairs. Do you need to try them all before promoting?
      Let's not pretend here, ok. Marketing is marketing. MOST affiliates don't use or try the products they promote. That's the honest reality.
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      • Profile picture of the author Nail Yener
        Originally Posted by LetsGoViral View Post

        Let's not pretend here, ok. Marketing is marketing. MOST affiliates don't use or try the products they promote. That's the honest reality.
        Sorry but I really didn't get your point. I didn't pretend or say a dishonest reality. I just provided my opinion.
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  • Profile picture of the author BrandonLB
    I've made money from products as an affiliate I've never used, but I can't really say I've PROMOTED those products, but just more or less provided links for more information about the product. This was on a website where I provided a run-down or "report of features" about that product. That was on a site that was getting free traffic from Google, but tanked after Panda. But I feel like this method wouldn't be as easy with email marketing.

    I guess my question would then be, how do you have success with a product as an affiliate when emailing someone asking them to buy the product, when you can't say you've ever used it? How do you pre-sell them into clicking the link to make the purchase? How do you arrange your email copy to get them to click and purchase? Do you just make up a story of your experience with the product or do you have a way to promote without saying you've used it??
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  • Profile picture of the author wordpressmania
    There is a big difference between good and bad affiliates. A good affiliates always try to make money to provide good product to his list. At least they have a confidence about the product that is good. Otherwise promoting a bad product can destroy his reputation to his list. So be ware about promotion a product.
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  • Profile picture of the author LegendaryGuy1
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    Nearly every affiliate I know of have never had any experience with the product. They just advertise the product and promote it. That's how affiliates make their money online.

    I however actually test the product out; not by purchasing the product but by asking for a review copy. This helps a lot with sales.
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    • Profile picture of the author BrandonLB
      Originally Posted by LegendaryGuy1 View Post

      Nearly every affiliate I know of have never had any experience with the product. They just advertise the product and promote it. That's how affiliates make their money online.
      So how are they framing their email copy? It's the email copy that has me hung up. Or are they just sending traffic to the merchant another way? These may seem like dumb questions to many of you, but these little things get me hung up sometimes
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  • Profile picture of the author lotsofsnow
    Dumb affiliates promote anything that promises a good commission.

    Smart affiliates look at the actual product, the sales funnel, the company or person selling the product, the support that is offered etc. before they consider promoting the product.

    Also: dumb affiliates try something else in a few weeks and after that you can see them flip burgers...
    Smart affiliates are successful and you will hear more from them and in due time they have their own products...
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    • Profile picture of the author bdpop
      If it's a product I have had success with, I will promote it at some point. But in truth I tend also to look at what I know of the person (if anything), even if I don't know the product.
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      • Profile picture of the author eekern
        I would NEVER promote anything I haven`t used.

        KEY for successful affiliate business, to better help your audience:

        1. You should know almost everything about it

        2. Have bought and used the product with your own money

        3. Understand why people buy it

        4. Could sell it to yourself or friends

        5. Know all the objections and have a great counter-objections

        6. Have gathered proof to support all your claims
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  • Profile picture of the author maxigee
    Promoting a product you've actually used is the best because your audience gets to trust you and will even ask you for links when in need of similar products. You can go ahead and promote a product you know nothing of but trust me, you may lose a customer when that product is crap. Take it from me, good name is better than riches. You might have all the skill in copywrighting but that will never gain you back your lost customer. Just my opinion though. But if you want to go ahead and promote any product, be sure to google and read reviews about it, that may also help.
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  • Profile picture of the author bmoore62
    This is one of those questions where you can't really put every marketer into one, neat package. There are some people who will never promote a product they haven't used, and there are those who have never bought/used what they're promoting.

    What do you feel comfortable with? Only you can answer that. If, for example, you don't feel it's ethical to promote something you're not familiar with, don't promote it. For many, that's not even an issue.
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    • Profile picture of the author Miles Allen
      I only promote products that I've actually used. I feel that if I'm going to promote someone a product that I AM going to get paid for, It's my personal responsibility to make sure they will be able to grow and achieve great things as a result of that product.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Tandan
    Short answer: nope.
    Longer answer: no way, no how, no chance. I don't want to come off as some cheesy marketer who's just building hype. I want to provide legit solutions for my audience, and can't possibly do that by promoting products I've never used.
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    Reputation counts for a lot in affiliate marketing. If you are promoting products you have not yet tested or used yourself then you are bound to promote a dudd from time to time. When this happens people are less likely to give notice to your future recommendations.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sheryl Bagley
    I think it is ok to promote products that you have never used as long as you are true to your readers. I mean do not say that you are a user if you are not one. Maybe you can find a few users of your products and collect their testimonials.
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  • Profile picture of the author Syed Raza
    If you are just thinking of making money for a short time then you are welcome to promote products that you have never used
    but if you are thinking to become a leader and want the world trust you and build a community with you AS A LEADER then ofcourse you should first use and then promote to a person
    Thanks (y)
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  • Profile picture of the author twranks
    I think it's pretty easy to differentiate between the crap products and the real thing on click bank. If the product doesn't come with materials for promotion, or has been up for quite a while and has few affiliates promoting it, these are usually red flags (No. 2 especially).
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  • Profile picture of the author barbling
    Yep. If I know for sure the product creator is quality.... I will promote them.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ean Stark
    Yes, and most people do that all the time.

    Ean
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  • Profile picture of the author RyanLB
    When I was first starting out I definitely did. Nothing that wasn't a physical product with various reviews about them available though.
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      I know this is kind of heresy in the affiliate realm around here (at least the most vocal part), but the key is honesty. If I want to promote something I haven't personally used, I refuse to make up some cockamamie phony hero story saying I did.

      One formula I've had success with, at least with physical products, is the quasi-journalist approach.

      The pre-sell defines the problem and suggests a solution, then lists the essential features required to obtain the desired result. Finally, using both the product's specs and reviews from actual buyers on multiple sites, I show how Product A matches the criteria I've laid out. The call to action is generally some form of invitation to see for themselves and a link to my "preferred source". (Usually Amazon). The PS is my own honest testimonial for Amazon as a customer for many years and dozens of purchases.

      You never have to lie using this approach, unlike the scummy practice of using "little fictions" and phony hero stories.
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  • Profile picture of the author MarketMaster13
    No. I wouldn't want to promote a product I've never used since it could be awful and it would all come down to me if the person I recommended it to got scammed.
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  • Profile picture of the author Karol Z
    Yes, but only if they have been recommended to me by someone I trust and respect. I also have to have a good idea of what they're purpose is, and how my list or audience benefits from the product.
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  • Profile picture of the author MarketingMax
    I don't know about you, but I have to feel good about any product that I use or it means nothing. Your clients can tell too! I resonantly started a rip muscle product and program that has resulted in excellent results. People see the difference and without selling them any products or going into a pitch, I get asked the question what are you doing to look so good. I love the product and the program so its easy to brag about it and then I tag them to my mobile website. That's the best way to sell, like one of you said on the post you have to take a risk and try it. Grate topic.
    Cheers
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  • Profile picture of the author Lance K
    The affiliate is a commissioned sales person whether they've used the product or not.

    Sure it's nice to have first hand experience, but being trusted by your audience is key.

    Of course, anyone who cares about maintaining the trust of their audience will do as much due diligence as necessary before promoting a product or service.

    IMO nothing builds trust as much as transparency and adherence to the quote in my signature.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Yup. Especially in the computer niche - since this is where my true specialty lies.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chosen2013
    I've successfully promoted products I never used. There are plenty of information about almost everything on the internets
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  • Profile picture of the author Andra el
    It Depend on what people say about the thing. but for some products in Warrior forum .. I usually used first then when i feel the benefit. then I recomend it
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  • Profile picture of the author IMMer1975
    I hate this...I am very protective of my forum members and keep NOT selling anything through affiliate advertising because I keep thinking most of it is garbage. I probably should one day buy one of the better products and see it for myself. I have no doubt I'm leaving money on the table. That said, I don't believe its unethical to push a product you haven't seen. Practically all advertising works that way ... not just affiliates. However, I'd draw the line of pretending to personally endorse a product I've never used, as in "Wow, I came across this product XYZ and it cleared up my rash in 3 hours..."
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    • Profile picture of the author myob
      Although I highly recommend to always buy Clickbank products before promoting them (especially to your lists), it's not practical nor really even necessary to buy and try out every product you promote. Clickbank is the exception because of the very unusual quality variance and characteristically dubious product "reviews".

      But Amazon and CJ products, for example, often have multiple vendors and sources for reliable product information such as in store displays, trade shows, manufacturers' spec sheets, trade publications, and sometimes "white papers" for more technical applications. You can generally reference these sources in email promotions.
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  • Profile picture of the author tantykimi
    I don't normally as I don't know if it's bad or good. I wouldn't want to go and promote a product which could be terrible.
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  • Profile picture of the author Edlund88
    Yes i promote products i haven't used. And i believe most affiliates do that.
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  • Profile picture of the author BrandonLB
    Man, didn't realize this thread would get this popular. Thanks everyone for their candid input.

    I too have PROVIDED LINKS (don't want to say "promoted" because I never really promoted them) to physical products for MORE INFO which just happened to be my affiliate link. And have made money from that.

    Let me see if I can steer the discussion a bit. Let's ditch the idea of promoting Amazon products with a gazillion reviews already. It's easy enough to promote those without the risk of ruining your reputation.

    I think a good follow up question would be...what point would you feel comfortable promoting a digital product on Clickbank or JVZoo?? What makes you feel safe enough to promote a digital product you don't have experience with?
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    • Profile picture of the author myob
      Originally Posted by BrandonLB View Post

      I think a good follow up question would be...what point would you feel comfortable promoting a digital product on Clickbank or JVZoo?? What makes you feel safe enough to promote a digital product you don't have experience with?
      Clickbank's refund policy is a powerful marketing tool - use it. A technique that I used especially for the higher end Clickbank products was to leverage the refund policy into my email marketing campaigns. For example, at the end of every promotional message it went something like this: "... if you are not completely satisfied with [product name] after trying it for a full 30 days, contact me for a full refund ...". Using help desk software such as hesk (free at hesk.com) can help automate much of the essentials of this process.

      Although I always reviewed the quality of Clickbank products before promoting to my lists, this little trick can not only dispel "buyers' remorse" type refund rates, but provides feedback that can be used to modify marketing copy and may even increase conversions quite dramatically. With CB's generous 60-day guarantee policy, you could perhaps use this same method without bothering to know anything initially about the product. Just let your customers tell you about their experiences.

      Seriously, buy or obtain review copies of Clickbank products before promoting them -especially to your email lists. Consider it an investment, which will pay dividends in writing effective reviews and convincing copy.
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  • Profile picture of the author SunnyDelight
    You can gather reviews from other people and quote them and share their testimonials on your own affiliate sites if you dont feel comfortable just promoting and not using the product yourself.

    But most of the time . No. We don't buy every product. Its just too time consuming, cost a bit and not worth it really.

    But good luck and I hope you find much success my friend!
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  • Profile picture of the author JensSteyaert
    It's fairly simple to position yourself as an authority as an affiliate marketer.

    Test the products -> Create a case study / Tutorial -> Then promote

    You'll be different than 99% of other affiliate marketers...
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    • Profile picture of the author agmccall
      Promote- Yes

      Review- No

      al
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  • Profile picture of the author Christian Swift
    I have promoted products that I have not used, but I will ONLY promote products from reliable sources. I check the sales funnel, the company that is selling and the back-end support for the customer to make a CALCULATED RISK whether it is worth it to promote it.

    I have no problem promoting affiliate products off individuals that are big in the industry. They are well known and it will be easier to shift products for them as they are seen as reliable. The trick is to find an audience to sell to that have not heard the exact same offer from someone else!

    Christian
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by BrandonLB View Post

      I think a good follow up question would be...what point would you feel comfortable promoting a digital product on Clickbank or JVZoo?? What makes you feel safe enough to promote a digital product you don't have experience with?
      If I don't have direct experience with this type of product, it goes back to the creator. I have to have 100% faith in the product creator.

      Even then, I tell the truth.

      "Folks, I haven't had a chance to try this yet, but I've known Joe Blow for years. Did very well with Past Products A and B, and if this one measures up the same way, I think you'll be very happy."

      If true:

      "I'm mentioning it now because Joe is running a launch special with a never-to-be-repeated discount price."

      If you've done a good job on the relationship building (or reputation building), people will respect your opinion and follow your link to check it out.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    Buying a product (at full price) and posting a screen shot of the receipt showing your folks that you actually made the investment is a good sales technique. In many cases, it's well worth your investment in the form of higher conversions.

    A technique for selling things you haven't used, while being open and transparent is to use the "This is the ____ I want, and here is why I want it...".

    Say you're selling a digital camera...Find the one you'd most likely buy for yourself and explain why you'd buy it instead of the others. List the features, benefits, price, value, reviews, etc. you based your decision on. The best salesmen are those that bought the sales pitch themselves. Sell yourself first, then sell to your readers/viewers.
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  • Profile picture of the author Aaron0669
    Originally Posted by BrandonLB View Post

    Who promotes products they've never used, and what are your opinions regarding the matter?
    At the minimum, you have to do some research on the product like asking for review copy. I find it difficult to promote a product if I do not have any knowledge about the product. You don't to use the product but at the minimum, you need to have some product knowledge.
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  • Profile picture of the author grafx77
    Everyone does or has done it at some point in their internet marketing career and if they say they haven't, their lying!

    I find that if I am using a product that is truly beneficial to me and find that it is a quality product, I will sell it with a lot more energy and enthusiasm on my LPs and put a little more effort into highlight the benefits that are not necessarily found in the body copy of the products sales page.

    All in all, your going to do much better at selling a product you have used and find beneficial, however......time is money in the marketing world, so if your spending a crapload of time reading, watching, and reviewing every product you want to promote, your not spending your time wisely on making money and expanding your business. There is only so many hours you can work behind a computer in a day.
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    • Profile picture of the author M Bissonnette
      Most marketers have most likely done a product they don't know well.
      I try to research as much as possible and something I'm personally interested in or can effect myself. That way I am more enthusiastic about and I want to promote it as much as possible.
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  • Profile picture of the author eric w
    I've done it in the past but didn't like it so I stopped.

    You should know more than the basics about the product you're promoting.

    How do you feel when someone is telling you to buy a product that they claim will solve your problems, but they have never seen, nor used the product themselves?

    I know it's done all the time, but do you accept this?

    It's not fair to the consumer. It's a type of greed and it's dishonest.


    Originally Posted by BrandonLB View Post

    I'm going through some training material right now that tells me to pick some Clickbank products to promote, but doesn't really say anything about purchasing the product first, or even requesting an evaluation copy.

    So I'm interested. Who promotes products they've never used, and what are your opinions regarding the matter?
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  • Profile picture of the author jamescanz
    I promote FunnelKit to those who don't want to pay the big price for OptimizePress

    I personally know the creator and how it works, but haven't used because I already have OP

    Yeah, I'm such a bad guy...

    You know, helping others save a bunch of money 'n all (at least $70)
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