Affiliate Sales: How to Set Yourself Apart from the Competition

By: Alan Richardson

It's considered one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to earn money on the internet. Affiliate sales through affiliate marketing programs has garnered widespread popularity among the web-based community, whether large company sites, small business or entrpreneurial concerns, or just plain hobbyists. Everyone is doing it.

And why not. Commissions earned from promoting other merchants' products or services can be quite generous. Indeed, for some website businesses, what starts out as a nice supplemental income grows to generate the bulk of a website's profits. And the cost? Just a portion of your website real estate.

Of course, because of its ease to implement and generous potential upside, there's a lot of competition to promote the best, most potentially lucrative merchant ads. And as this competition continues to grow, it becomes vital to distinguish yourself from the other affiliate marketers if you hope to grab a fair portion of the affiliate commission pie. Follow the four tips below, and you're sure to stay ahead of your affiliate marketing competitors.
 
Website Content

You would think this a no-brainer, wouldn't you? A website with well-organized, well-written, informative content-rich material related to the main subject or theme of your website. Content which is consistently updated to bring visitors back time and again. This is why you built this site in the first place, isn't it?

You would however be surprised at the many websites which have abandoned their original and primary mission in a mad dash to monetize their sites. Remember, affiliate sales are made by visitors only after they have been attracted to your site and are interested in what you are presenting them. Distinguish your site with better content or one-of-a-kind products and services, and your affiliate ads will get much more exposure.

Affiliate Sales Content

It's another of those 'obvious' tips frequently violated on the internet. No matter how popular or potentially lucrative a merchant product or service, don't affiliate with it if it does not relate to what your website is all about. Visitors are attracted to your particular subject matter. And subsequently, to ads related to their area of interest. Unrelated advertising is a waste of your website space.

Distinguished Advertising

One of the nice benefits of affiliate marketing programs is the ease in which you can incorporate such ads on your website. Most merchants, especially those selling popular high volume products, often provide their affiliates with ready-made ads and copy you simply plop onto your site.

However, these same ads and copy also appear on the many other websites also promoting this popular product. If your readers have seen these ads numerous times in their web surfing, they become immune to such ads and tend to skip over them.

When possible, attempt to distinguish your affiliate ads, perhaps changing size, color scheme or copy, to more closely relate to your website subject matter.

Know Your Affiliate Product

So, what's the optimal way to establish a strong relationship with your customer, attract a growing, loyal and receptive following, and encourage consistent repeatable sales for your website offerings? Know thy product.

While, it's not always possible or practical, it is advisable to purchase the products you are promoting, especially those you hope to contribute substantially to your earnings. Nothing sells a product better to a loyal following than your personal endorsement. The personal touch, where you can relate your own experiences with the product, its positve benefits, as well as discuss any deficiencies you may have found, is the surest way to foster a trusting relationship, which always results in a sales boost.

At the same time, you are able to make an honest assessment as to whether or not this is a worthy product for your customers... and eliminate it when it is not. Remember, it is YOUR reputation on the line when you broker affiliate sales to your customers. Don't lose good customers promoting sub-standard products.

At the very least, you should contact the merchant to get a thorough understanding of how the product works, the types of inquiries typical for that product and how to answer them. Gather and read as much material as you can. It makes a difference.

Choosing Your Affiliate Partners

As mentioned earlier, you want to avoid affiliate partners whose products or services are not closely compatible to your website. At the same time, that doesn't mean you should market every product or service which does.

Do your research. Of course, you want to affiliate with products that offer generous commissions. At the same time, focusing on those goods and services that are of most interest to your target audience, and as importantly, offer your customers above-average customer service and satisfaction will reward you much better in the long run. Target your niche, and then chose the best of that niche and you can't lose.

There you have it. Affiliate marketing is a growing phenomenon and it's here to stay. For your website presence, it represents a great opportunity to earn some extra income, or a whole lot more. Work smarter, not harder, and you will certainly gain the edge over your competitors. And that means more money in your pocket.

About The Author Alan Richardson is a well-known internet consultant and publisher with http://www.optimalwebservices.com - a Web resource firm in North Easton, Massachusetts, offering free advice and information for web-based small businesses and entrepreneurs. To read other articles by Alan, click here. To signup for the free 'Optimal Web Services for Small Business' ezine, click here