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Affiliate marketing is one of the simplest online business models. However, it's important to understand that simple doesn't equal easy.
You'll need to work hard to make it successful but it’s not that complicated even if you are a beginner.
To sum up the affiliate marketing model in five key points:
Get these 5 points right, and commissions will be inevitable.
In this article, we'll assume you know your audience like the back of your hand.
Now, your focus is on showing them products or services that will work for them. You need to believe in it and know it will help.
It’s like recommending something to a friend. But now it is a stranger online reading your content and trusting your advice.
Let’s look at 9 secrets when it comes to picking affiliate products to promote.
1. Choose Products That Solve Real Problems
Most people will do anything to find a quick solution to their problems.
Think about it:
If you’re having a splitting headache, you’ll immediately reach for a pain killer.
You don’t need a 12-page sales letter to convince you to pop two tablets in your mouth and gulp it down.
No, you don’t. You’re in pain and want it gone fast.
Similarly, people who have just gone through a break-up will eagerly buy a book on how they can get their ex back.
A young man who is scrawny and weak will quickly buy a training program that shows him how to build muscle in 12 weeks.
Marketers struggling to rank their blog posts in Google will fork out money to buy a good SEO course.
A parent struggling with their child's behavior might invest in parenting courses or books.
The key is to identify products that directly address people's pressing needs.
Whether it's physical discomfort, emotional distress, or a practical challenge, your goal is to offer solutions that provide tangible benefits.
These products will convert well and make you the most profit.
Which brings us to the next point…
2. Match Products to Your Audience’s Needs
The products you promote must resonate with and be suitable for your audience.
Think about it:
If you're feeling overwhelmed with anxiety, you're more likely to purchase a meditation app or seek therapy rather than a product that promises to make your hair grow faster.
Make sure the product genuinely addresses their needs or problems and provides real value.
3. Pick Products That Are Hot and In Demand
The majority of people follow popular trends.
They often ignore older methods and products because newer ones seem better.
For example, the Atkins diet was very popular in the past. It was effective, but people don't talk about it as much these days.
Everyone is going on about the carnivore and/or keto diet.
While all these diets will get results, promoting the latest ones will help you get the most sales.
They’re ‘hot’ and everyone is talking about them.
So jump on the bandwagon and promote what the people want.
Don't waste time on forgotten products. Promote what sells.
4. Sales Funnels = More $$$
If you’re an Amazon Associate, you know that Amazon is a selling machine.
The lady who clicks on your Amazon affiliate link for a vitamin might end up buying a new carpet for her house.
The entire Amazon site is almost like a sales funnel. They always show related products and tell “People who bought this also bought this”.
Oh really? Did they?
No one knows. But what we all know is that Amazon does billions in sales.
What to look for when you are searching for products to promote?
Look for products with sales funnels that include upsells and downsells.
If there are related and useful upgrades in the funnel, some of your leads will also buy these products.
Your commissions will increase considerably when you leverage products that have a funnel.
So it’s best to promote products with a sales funnel to maximize commissions.
5. Balance Low-Ticket and High-Ticket Items for Profit
In the ‘make money online’ scene, many people recommend only promoting high-ticket products.
Why?
Because the effort required to promote these products are the same but your commissions are much higher.
That is true… but what you’re often not told is that most people can’t (or don’t want to) pay for costlier items.
By neglecting the masses who have lower purchasing power, you’re leaving money on the table.
It’s best to promote different items that are in different price ranges.
>> Click here to find out more about the best kind of commission: Deep Commission
Example: You’re promoting a page building tool to online marketers.
You may choose to promote Systeme.io which has a $27 monthly plan. This will appeal to most newbies who are on a tight budget.
On the other hand, you can mention that while Systeme.io’s page builder is decent, it comes nowhere close to OptimizePress.
OptimizePress is a powerful tool for creating stunning pages that grab attention.
Currently, OptimizePress costs $199/year for one site. Their affiliate program pays 30% for every front end sale which is $82.80.
Your audience, who reads your recommendations will now have a choice:
You are effectively targeting both types of buyers. Those who prefer spending less… and those who are ready to spend more to get more.
One way or another, you’re making sales and getting paid.
6. Partner with Well-Respected Vendors
Fact:
Some products are stellar while others are so atrocious you wouldn’t want them even if you could get them for free.
This is especially true in the 'make money online' niche, so be careful.
Only promote products from trusted vendors because your reputation will depend on theirs.
If you are promoting rubbish products, your customers will stop listening to you.
As an affiliate, building trust and credibility with your audience is crucial. After all, you want them to act on your recommendations.
Always put your audience's needs first over immediate profits.
Only promote solid, proven products from reputable vendors who provide good customer support.
7. Rely on Reviews to Ensure Quality
Before promoting a product or service, do your research online and check if there are reviews available.
Look for customer reviews and very often these will be on the deeper pages in your Google search.
Many affiliates promoting the same product will have glowing reviews ranking high on Google and YouTube. While these reviews may seem convincing, there’s no denying that the affiliate has an agenda to get sales.
So, dig deeper and look for verified customer reviews.
This principle applies whether you’re on Amazon or any other site.
8. Focus on Evergreen Niches
While trends come and go, some niches will be around forever.
For example:
By focusing on an evergreen niche, you’ll always have an audience to market to.
9. Use Exclusive Deals to Outshine Competitors
Exclusive deals are a fantastic way to get a surge of affiliate sales. The best way to do it is to get your audience a discount.
Example:
A Facebook traffic course sells for $97, but you can get it for just $47.
The special discount will help you get a surge of sales if you promote it to your list or on your blog.
People love getting a discount. This is one reason why the AppSumo site is so popular. The special deals are a big draw.
Of course, you’ll need to network and ask the vendors if they’ll offer you a discount coupon for your audience.
If you have a sizeable audience, most of the time, you’ll get a “Yes!” because it’s a win-win-win for all 3 parties involved – the vendor, the customer and you!
It’s also a strategy that not many affiliates use, and you’ll be able to stand out from the herd and get more sales.
You can also offer special bonuses that complement the product you are promoting and only available to people buying trhough your affiliate link.
Finally...
Affiliate marketing is all about connecting with your audience and offering real value.
When you focus on what truly matters to your readers and stay ahead of trends, you’ll build trust and stand out.
Get these strategies right, and you’ll see your affiliate income grow like never before.
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