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What Puts The "Super" In Super Affiliate?
By Elizabeth McGee
To be super at anything means to excel beyond the
scope of average or achieve superiority status.
Super affiliates do just that. They are ordinary
people achieving superior status in what they love.
They devote their time, talents and resources to
making their dreams a reality.
Let's take a look at ten strategies that have helped
ordinary affiliates become "super" affiliates.
1. Find Your Passion
Finding a product or service to get started in is
often a difficult task. I find it's always best to
start with what interests you or what you are most
knowledgeable in. For some, what you are most
knowledgeable in might not be your passion or
vice versa. In this case, my advice is do the thing
that most excites you. If you need knowledge, go and
find it. Learn as much as you can, become an expert.
2. Look for a niche
Once you've found a product or service that you
are interested in see if you can narrow it down to
a smaller niche. For example, you may choose to sell
dolls. Since dolls come in many varieties and types,
you might narrow it down to only porcelain dolls.
This will be your opportunity to grab the smaller
niche and specialize in the share of the market
that the larger companies don't care about.
Finding a niche also helps eliminate competitors
and can help build referrals. Competitors often
refer clients to those that can best serve the
needs of the customer. If their need is your
niche, you've got a winner.
3. Create a web site
Affiliate marketers often send their customers
directly to affiliate websites. While this type
of marketing can work for some it won't help you
achieve the "super" affiliate status.
Pre-sale has become the term du jour. It focuses on
building trust and credibility when making a sale.
There's very little sales effort and trust built
when you simply send someone to a site to buy
something. If your viewer is not familiar with
that site or the products how can they trust it.
Building a website introduces the products and
introduces you. It sets the stage and whets the
appetites of your visitors. A well designed website
will allow your visitors to become comfortable with
what you have to say and they will begin to trust
your recommendations. A "super" affiliates best
friend is gaining trust.
4. Create an opt-in mailing list
This is an important key to obtaining "super" sales
status. Your mailing list establishes a following of
readers that want to hear what you have to say and
offer.
It's important to build on that relationship by
sending helpful tips, strategies and information that
will help your readers. Don't bombard them with flashy
ads and constant sales information. Offer them
recommendations on products that you have used.
Provide them free tips and strategies. Run contests and
provide motivation. Build friendships and trust and
you'll soon build sales as well.
5. Know the products your are selling
Don't try to sell things that you are not familiar
with. It's difficult to describe to someone how
wonderful a product is if you don't know exactly
what makes it so wonderful.
When selling a product you should examine it carefully,
detail all of its features and benefits. List exactly
what you liked about it or don't like about it. How did
you benefit from the product and how might it benefit
others. Don't be afraid to mention some less positive
aspects of a product. As long as it doesn't discredit
the product your audience will appreciate your candor.
6. Write product reviews
Product reviews are an excellent way to achieve sales.
It sums up the highlights and provides your readers
with a personal touch that describes the finer details
of a product they may not otherwise be aware of.
A good review will include a product overview, features,
benefits, a personal review, accolades and costs. For
installation products you should also include product
format, installation requirements, and specify if free
trials are available.
7. Offer free bonuses
Everyone loves to get something for free. When you walk
into a store and they give you a free sample or offer a
free t-shirt, doesn't that make you want to shop around
and see more?
The same principle works on the internet. It's a good
will gesture that entices your viewers to see what other
goodies of interest you may have. It's also an excellent
way to entice viewers to sign up for your newsletter or
online form.
8. Make yourself available
Allow your visitors to contact you either by email or
phone. It's also a good idea to include your address
on your site. This helps add to your credibility and
shows your visitors that you are a real business.
Encourage feedback and invite questions and suggestions.
Always respond to your viewers in a timely manner and
be courteous and helpful. People appreciate it when you
can take the time to respond to them. You may even reap
a reward or two in sales.
9. Chose your affiliate programs carefully
Not all affiliate programs are created equal. There are
several things to look for such as how often you will
get paid? What is the minimum payout? How much commission
does it pay? Is there credit for recurring sales? Will
you be rewarded for bringing in new affiliates? Are
cookies used to track sales? etc. These are just some
of the options you need to investigate.
Don't make the mistake of signing up with an affiliate
program that does not contain an affiliate agreement.
Always look for, read and understand the agreement
carefully before signing up. It may protect the
affiliate merchant but it also protects you.
10. Maintain patience and persistence
Patience and persistence is my motto. You won't get
far in this business without it. Nothing on the
internet happens overnight. It takes hard work, good
planning and a persistent desire to be successful.
Don't give up when things are moving slow. Stay
focused on what you can do, not on what you can't do.
Don't be too anxious and above all, stay persistent.
About the Author
Elizabeth McGee has spent 20 years in the service and
support industry. She has moved her expertise to the
world wide web specializing in affiliate sales.
Elizabeth remains dedicated to helping businesses
find trusted tools, enhance customer service, build
confidence and increase sales. You can visit
Elizabeth's sites at:
http://www.pro-marketing-online.com
http://www.homenotion.com
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/1678.html
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