Cas Thompson My Thoughts

How To Become An Affiliate

I became an affiliate by accident. I got my start in the technology world as a graphic designer and then transitioned into teaching and training. I built up a nice reputation and even created a side business as the "computer guy". From typing resumes to setting up wireless networks for small businesses, there was nothing that I wouldn't do for a quick buck. As my name got around I would often get phone calls from friends, family and friends of friends of family regarding my recommendations. This didn't bother me at all.  A matter of fact I like the fact that I was respected in my field and someone trusted my opinions enough to pass on my name and purchase products based on my recommendations. My father told me a long time ago to become an expert at one thing.   Be able to adapt to many things but the one thing that you are an expert in will yield your riches.

The same applies to the internet. Some of your favorite websites out there are owned by "experts".  In my younger days, I had an affiliate network and didn't even realize it. If you would like to take your expertise to the next level here are a few steps to follow.

1. Find Your Niche - What are you an expert in? Being an expert has nothing to do with education. It has more to do with passion and experience. What are you passionate about? What ever the answer is, there lies your niche. Before you go to the next step Ask yourself, is my passion fun? What ever you pick can not seem overbearing or chore like. What ever your answer is, you should build a website around it.
2. Get a Domain Name - You should have your own domain name. This gives your site better credibility. You can use free hosting services such as blogger and have your newly created domain name forward to it. You can get a domain for as low as $9.99 per year.
3. Set up Shop - My favorite website builder that I recommend to newbies is Devhub.   Devhub provides the easiest, quickest and most cost effective way to test affiliate marketing.  If you can use Facebook, the you can use Devhub.  Here are a few niche sites that I have elected to build out on Devhub - AtlantasBestWings, PhoneTripods & CareerConsultations (FYI, you can set one up without a domain name if you would just like to test them out)
4. Target Your Market - Find out who you are selling to and market to them. Do not waste your resources baiting for fish in the wrong pond.
5. Market Your Site - It comes down to two things; to pay with time or to pay with money.... but you will have to pay. If you decide to pay for traffic with money I recommend Facebook Ads or Adwords.  I will not go into a full review of which one is better but please do your research. If you decide to pay with time then the answer is social networking. Forums, twitter, facebook and myspace are just a few social networking sites that you use to spread your product or service around for free.
6. Keep It Fresh - It's simple. Keep your your content updated.
7. Create an Opt-in E-mail List or Newsletter - An opt-in e-mail list is one of the most powerful Internet marketing tools around. Using a list to contact site visitors, who have opted to receive it, gives you a chance to offer products or services, and entice visitors to return to make a purchase or perform an action that will generate revenue.You can use this opportunity to promote the benefits of a product or service. Please note - spamming (sending unsolicited commercial e-mail to people that have not opt-ed-in to your e-mail list) is forbidden. Visit www.aweber.com for more information on e-mail marketing.

You can do it, just apply yourself.   What are you waiting for?