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Best Way to Promote Affilate Products On Blog Without Looking Like A Salesman?

by Justin012
26 replies
Hey Warriors, I got a fitness blog and I try post on it as much as I can and offering value to my readers at the same time. I want to start making money by offering affiliate products on my site but I don't' want to make it look like i'm trying to sell something without giving enough value. For years I never really liked the idea of promoting amazon or clickbank products on my site because I like to consider myself an expert in my field and should really be promoting my own products instead of someone elses. But right now i'm currently in the process of creating my own product but to do it right It will take about a year.

So for the moment I want to promote other products, so what is the best way to do this? All I'm doing right is giving tips on health and fitness, nutrtion and exercises to do. So what would be a great way to stick in an affilate product in a blog post for example just to make a couple of bucks? Hope this makes sense.

Would like to hear how you guys like to promote affiliate products on your site also.

Thanks
#affiliate #blog #products #promoting #salesman
  • Profile picture of the author oWEN tEBB
    Hi,

    I generally like to promote any affiliate program/products through blogging or through a fan page. To help you why dont you review the products yourself or look for other reviews on them.

    I have to agree with you on clickbank. Although the commissions are high, the product may not and could potentially harm your reputation. Reputation is everything in this business.

    Your niche is very competitive but your experience and knowledge will shine through and if you throw it some good keywords to get yourself rsnked you should do well. Remember being patient and consistent are key as well as value you give.
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    • Profile picture of the author Steve B
      Justin,

      IMO, it's all about how you present the affiliate product. One way to approach it would be to find the #1 benefit of the affiliate product.

      Write a blog post about that benefit and how it solves a particular problem. Don't make the post about the product - just focus on the problem and the pain it's causing the prospect, and how it would be so great to cure that problem once and for all. Tell a story, especially if you can make it personal . . . how you've been through the same thing.

      Then at the end of your post, make a simple recommendation to visit the affiliate site. Engage the prospect by pulling him into the story and then recommend the product as a guy might recommend a product to a friend. No hard selling. No hype. You're doing your prospect a favor by letting him in on a closely held secret - something that has worked for you.

      There's a big difference in the way most affiliate products are "hyped" and what I'm suggesting you do. Get personal, tell a story, engage the prospect as a friend, then simply share the solution as if you were telling a good friend about the fantastic new restaurant that just opened in town.

      The very best to you,

      Steve
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      • Profile picture of the author Justin012
        Originally Posted by Steve B View Post


        Write a blog post about that benefit and how it solves a particular problem. Don't make the post about the product - just focus on the problem and the pain it's causing the prospect, and how it would be so great to cure that problem once and for all. Tell a story, especially if you can make it personal . . . how you've been through the same thing.

        Then at the end of your post, make a simple recommendation to visit the affiliate site. Engage the prospect by pulling him into the story and then recommend the product as a guy might recommend a product to a friend. No hard selling. No hype. You're doing your prospect a favor by letting him in on a closely held secret - something that has worked for you.
        Steve, this is great and answers my question really well. I've read dozens of great books from amazon and some from clickbank so might come up with something and follow the what you said.

        Originally Posted by wDigital

        Even though your main site topic is aimed a competitive keyword, doesn't stop you ranking for many small low hanging fruit with every new post you create. In fact you should find it easier now that your site is established and getting 100+ visitors a day.
        Yes your right, also I think its a great thing to head on over to Google News and get content ideas and write blog posts on what's popular in the news nowadays.
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        • Profile picture of the author Jeff Schuman
          Steve makes a great point. I have always found the affiliate offers I sold the most of were the ones I bought and could honestly review on a blog post from a position of first hand knowledge and not what everyone else was saying based on the affiliate sales page.
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    • Profile picture of the author Justin012
      Well that's the thing Owen for years I've been wanting to make a niche website on a topic that I'm passionate about and I later decided to build a Fitness Blog, even though it's a highly competitive market I still went ahead with it.

      Fast forward a year later I kinda regret not finding low competition keywords because this this day I not getting the kind of traffic I want.

      It really doesn't matter how well designed your website is or how amazing the content, If there is lots of competition you will definitely struggle for readers unless your just writing for yourself

      I guess I have to stick with it now and try to rank the site for other keywords other than "build lean muscle" and "get lean lifestyle". It will take time but I'm happy to say that I get my usual 100-150 visitors a day but like any other business we gotta find other traffic sources to grow our business.

      I have written some product reviews in the past but only ones that have high gravity as well as other good reviews about the product.

      The aim with my website though, is to hopefully inspire people to get the most from their workouts, give advice on muscle building and nutrition, things that have worked for me over the years as stuff I've researched. So It can be difficult to find a product to promote that will work and is similar to what I offer to my readers.

      All the best,

      Justin
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  • Profile picture of the author Joseph Villanueva
    Best way I have made my sales with affiliate products is by doing a review.

    For example you are selling a product by muscletech, and you go out and try it, you make a review about this product honestly and how it benefited you.

    You can do it with any products as long as its unbiased.

    So documenting your experience personally will attract your followers to try your affiliate products.
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  • Profile picture of the author keithb89
    You could also frame your promotional content as a way to "keep the site running." It might be a good way to take the sting out of your sales pitch.
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    • Profile picture of the author Justin012
      Thanks for the comments guys, very helpful. I think the idea of promoting supplements from Amazon, that might be a good start. As I have tried a lot of different brands over the years.

      Originally Posted by keithb89 View Post

      You could also frame your promotional content as a way to "keep the site running." It might be a good way to take the sting out of your sales pitch.
      What exactly do you mean Keith? please elaborate on this. Thanks
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      • Profile picture of the author PinkStar
        Originally Posted by Justin012 View Post

        I think the idea of promoting supplements from Amazon, that might be a good start. As I have tried a lot of different brands over the years.
        You've answered your own question right there. Like others have already said; giving your own honest review is golden. I know when I research products I'm always grateful for the honest reviews, good and bad, over sales pitches.
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  • Profile picture of the author digitalproductreporter
    you don't have to promote the products at all in order to make the info and affiliate links valuable to your readers

    simply compiling a list of "top 10 fitness products on amazon", top 10 fitness books, top 10 new fitness gadgets, top 10 fitness whatever.. could be interesting to your readers, not endorsed by you, and includes your affiliate links not saying YOUR picks, just the most popular on amazon in your niche

    shoot you could even do "polls" on favorite products etc to get ideas / drop affiliate links

    you don't need to endorse a product to talk about it or get people clicking through to amazon although conversions can be higher if you go that route, you can even link back to said content frequently when talking about fitness products in any respect like "i like this product myself but the popular opinion is these products, with a link to your similar top 10" etc
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  • Profile picture of the author cyberzolo
    Build trust with your readers and the affiliate programs will sell themselves. That is what Pat Flynn of Smart Passive Income said.
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  • Profile picture of the author Shane N
    If you actually USE the products ...
    and blog about how they've helped you ...

    Then link to it as you're mentioning it,
    you will have people that want to emulate you.

    That's the most effective way in my opinion.

    You can also have a page on your site/blog with your
    "product recommendations" or "products I use" which
    also works nicely.

    Best,
    Shane
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  • Profile picture of the author JakeStatler
    When promoting affiliate links, I always shoot 2-3 content packed videos relating to the info product I will be promoting. I then give my audience access to these training videos that over-deliver and serve. At the end of my 2nd or 3rd video (whichever one is last in the series) I always tell my customers "hey, if you liked that, check this out.." and I shoot them my affiliate offer.

    Adding value first always seems to increase my conversions in the end!
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    At the end of your blog posts, make a recommendation. Don't sound cheesy with it, just make a simple suggestion that flows with the tone and style of your writing.

    For example: "I hope you've found post useful. There's a great product that goes more in-depth about it and it's actually really good. You can learn more about it here: [product link]

    Or something corny like that. And that's it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kareem Davids
    I suggest that you use the product yourself and only recommend it if you' really find it valuable. Show the results you got out of using it,

    Or at least really study the product, so that you can give the best insights and that you are really convinced that it is the RIGHT thing for your readers.

    You could even say in parantheses that it is an affiliate link. This conveys your honesty to your loyal readers.
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    • Profile picture of the author seoboyz01
      Hello,

      If your blog has a good amount of traffic do one thing - Place an email sign up form on your blog. And offer your subscriber regular updates via email. They will definitely sign up you as they want regular tips from your site.

      Start sending email alerts and tips to your subscribers. Send an alert whenever you post a new article. Send weekly fitness tips. Between that send one promotional affiliate product to the subscriber. You can do it once in 15 days. It will look natural and a positive recomendation. You can make a decent money from your own list.

      As list grow day by day your sales will also increase.
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  • Profile picture of the author drewfioravanti
    Ha! I have a book for sale that addresses this exact issue. It's called "How To Promote Affiliate Products On Your Blog Without Looking Like A Salesman".

    You can't but it, though.
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    • Profile picture of the author Deaux
      Originally Posted by drewfioravanti View Post

      Ha! I have a book for sale that addresses this exact issue. It's called "How To Promote Affiliate Products On Your Blog Without Looking Like A Salesman".

      You can't but it, though.
      I think this Drew guy is drunk...

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      • Profile picture of the author drewfioravanti
        Originally Posted by Deaux View Post

        I think this Drew guy is drunk...

        Hey...thanks for the response, and helping me to make my point:

        If you know people want a particular result, and you sell a product or are an affiliate for a product that will help them achieve that particular result, it is your responsibility to sell that product to that person...so they can get that particular result.

        There is nothing wrong with selling or promoting products that help people get their desired results.

        Oh, and I don't really sell that product. I was just using that example to make my point.
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  • Profile picture of the author MarketSecretsBlogger
    Simple, just make a review with some text and some video of you actually using the product or showing what's in the back office after they purchase(that one does it for me mostly)
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  • Profile picture of the author Content Commando
    One possible way is to discuss a problem that your reader may have.

    For instance, perhaps they are having difficulty finding the time to create healthy meals.

    You can talk about the problem and present a solution (i.e. healthy food in minutes) or something like that. Focus on the problem, then suggest a possible solution. it works.
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    • Profile picture of the author Niche Blogger
      I also have a fitness blog and I usually just discuss the products I'm using myself - I write a good long review and maybe include a video of me using a product or a video of the results (depending on what the product is).

      I recently did the P90x program and did kind of a case study of how I got on, my results etc. I updated with my progress at least once a week and I had alot of people buy the program and follow along with me. I think if people like you and respect what you're doing then they'll be inclined to buy what you recommend. I don't even recommend products as such - I just tell my readers what I've used myself and whether I like it or not. After that it's up to them whether or not they click through and check it out on the merchant site.
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