Affiliate marketing has evolved to become a prevalent means of monetizing a website or blog to start an online business. As popular as affiliate marketing has become, you might be wondering how one becomes a successful affiliate. Here a ten-step guide on how to become a successful Internet affiliate marketer.
1. Find Your Niche. Don't make the mistake of trying to be a jack of all trades, but a master of none. Focus your efforts on being a subject matter expert on a topic that you're passionate about and promote it to a specific niche market.
2. Buy Your Domain Name. The name you choose should be relevant to your subject matter. For example, if web technology is your subject matter, you'll want to feature the words "web" and "tech." Steer clear of slangs and misspellings that might confuse people about what you're trying to convey.
3. Setup Your Website. Create a website dedicated to your niche. If you have a separately hosted blog, you'll want to add the word Blog to your menu with a link that refers visitors to your blog site. You can have your website professionally designed or create your own from many templates that are available.
4. Create Relevant Content for Your Website. For example, if your niche is web technology, you could write reviews comparing specific types of software or providing "how to" tips and training on web development, CRM, icloud, etc.
5. Research Affiliate Programs. Your objective is to create a website that converts well, which in return will increase your cash flow. Having a good conversion rate (5%) doesn't happen by chance, but through knowing the product and service offerings (affiliate programs) before promoting on your website. Are they popular? Do they sell? Visit the seller's website to see whether their sales copy is enough to generate sales.
6. Join 2 or More Affiliate Programs. Don't put all your eggs in one basket; rather promote products from different merchants. That way, products that don't convert well will have a minimal impact on your business. Be wary of exclusivity agreements. Protect yourself by diversifying should something go awry.
7. Place Affiliate Links on Your Website. Most affiliate programs provide affiliates with banner graphics that link to the merchant's website. You might be tempted to crowd your page with graphic links, but don't do it! Banner ads should be appropriately placed and relate to the page content.
8. Promote Your Website to Your Niche. With the ever-increasing popularity of social media, there are many channels available to you. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn have niche-specific groups you can join or create. Join in on the discussions and showcase your own expertise by offering good advice. Another great way to promote to your niche is to be a guest on someone else's blog or write and post articles in online directories such as EzineArticles.com. You'll also want to create your own email list of subscribers to engage on a regular basis.
9. Drive Targeted Traffic to Your Website. Many affiliates use pay-per-click engines such as Google AdWords and Overture to drive traffic to their website. Unless you really know what you're doing, this method could easily eat away at your profits. Come up with more organic means such as search engine optimization.
10. Be Patient. Easier said than done, and the majority of those who only dabble in affiliate marketing tend to give up too soon. Check your stats regularly to see what is working and what is not; and make any necessary changes. Commit to one daily task to promote your website or blog and remain patient. Before long your affiliate programs will start converting and you'll start reaping the profits.
The Affiliates Clearing House network is a powerful platform for performance-based marketing solutions.
Affiliates- configure your website or blog into a money-making vehicle by promoting a wide-range of ACH merchant partners.
Merchants - partner with ACH and harness the power of a global sales force that is eager to perform on your behalf.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_McClain