Affiliate Marketing Isn’t Just About The Money
If you’re just starting off with affiliate marketing, you’re probably overwhelmed by the number of things you need to do.
Don’t worry. I was overwhelmed when I first started too.
Back in 2009, when I created the blog Investor Junkie, I was already an established business owner. I’d done some affiliate marketing with my previous business, but I’d never dived very deeply into it.
There was a lot to learn!
It’s true anyone can start a blog, but few understand how to effectively monetize that blog with affiliate marketing. Even some of the “super affiliates” miss out on techniques to better optimize their content.
Let’s get this misconception out of the way first. It is one of the most common mistakes beginner bloggers and even some experts make.
Instead, the first step to successful affiliate marketing is getting into programs that are aligned with your niche.
All too often I’ll come across a mommy blogger who discusses things like raising children, couponing, and recipes but then posts about how you can create a side hustle by starting a blog with Bluehost.
Huh?!
Now, I’m not picking on mommy bloggers specifically. I’ve seen this phenomenon in many other verticals (niches).
And I get it: Bluehost has one of the most potentially lucrative affiliate programs out there. But that doesn’t mean it belongs on your site.
One of the core concepts of effective affiliate marketing is promoting products you either use or have no problem recommending to your audience. Your goal should be to create a brand firmly rooted in your niche and to become an authority on related topics.
Do not discuss or promote topics outside your wheelhouse. It’s disingenuous and alienates your audience. Your readers will immediately see right through it.
That’s why this isn’t a list of the “9 Highest-Paying Affiliates for 2022.” That’s surely the wrong model to follow. I recommend you ignore any affiliate marketer that recommends you do this.
What Are the Best Affiliate Marketing Programs for Beginners?
I’ve based my affiliate network recommendations on:
- Ease of use
- Ease to join
- Amount of merchants
- The variety of services and niches to promote
- Timely payouts
Be aware not all affiliate programs are created equal. I’ve seen my fair share of crappy affiliate programs. This can be for a number of reasons like:
- Merchant doesn’t understand affiliate marketing and how it’s different than other forms of advertising and marketing.
- Merchant sends affiliate traffic to the home page only (a sure sign they don’t know what they are doing).
- Affiliate marketing software used is poor at tracking clicks and conversions.
- Poor payment terms or delays by the merchant to pay for legitmate referrals.
- Just to name a few…
Some of the affiliate programs I recommend are nowhere near the highest paying affiliate programs (cough Amazon). In fact, I consider Amazon the affiliate program of last resort. But I’m also not a beginner and know how to maximize affiliate revenue.
You on the other hand are just starting out and have much different needs. That is why it’s the number one program on my list.
Also, my list of affiliate marketing programs is by no means comprehensive. There are literally thousands of affiliate programs to choose from. Many of them are not public either.
I’m sure there are affiliate programs that may be better suited to your specific niche. In addition, you may find that some merchants require you to establish a direct relationship with them, rather than using a network.
However, regardless of your niche, these are the best affiliate programs for any beginner. You can’t go wrong with any of them, and I recommend that you join all nine.
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