Thursday, October 22, 2009

Earn While You Promote Other People’s Products

Make Money With Affiliate Marketing

You may have seen more than your fair share of opportunities to make money online, many of them ending up as scams. However, affiliate marketing is an online business that is alive and well that many big and small businesses are involved in, and you can make money by promoting their products.

What Is Affiliate Marketing Anyway?

Affiliate marketing is simply promoting other people's products. You are given a link with a tracking code designated to you. If an individual buys the merchant's product from your link, you get a commission for the sale. Affiliates can earn money offline or online, but online marketing has become a very popular method because of the ability to reach wider audiences.

The Convenience of An Affiliate Network

Companies of all sizes join up with affiliate networks for the convenience of having someone manage affiliates for them. An Affiliate network acts as the liaison between affiliates and merchants. A network can ensure that an affiliate is properly compensated for their marketing efforts while allowing merchants to set basic guidelines to be followed while they concentrate on the operations of their company. Some businesses, usually smaller ones, will manage their own affiliates. However, if you're just starting out, it's advisable to go with a network for the sheer convenience.

Where Can You Learn To Do Affiliate Marketing?

Some affiliate networks will offer marketing tips or even hold teaching conferences you can personally attend, but these fill up fast, and you will have to fund your own way to the conferences. You can always search online for coaching, and rest assured, there is no shortage of teachers willing to show you how it's done, for a price. Be careful. Many "gurus" will sell you outdated or re-hashed information. Do you due diligence and ensure you expert really has made money online, shows you examples of what they teach, offers a forum and way for you to contact them. When in doubt, contact the expert, ask a random question about affiliate marketing, and see how quickly and how thoroughly they answer the question. If an expert cannot answer the question thoroughly or honestly, steer clear. Does the expert have a video? Still photos can be faked.

How Fast Can You Earn Money With Affiliate Marketing?

There is no way to get rich quick with affiliate marketing. It can take 6 months or more to start earning a substantial income where you can pay bills and that permanent vacation you've always wanted. Affiliate marketing is a long-term, residual way to build an income from home. It's a business that must be nurtured over time. If you have the tendency to jump from one program to another, admit to yourself that you're looking for a get rick quick scheme and stop. If you need quicker ways of making money online, you want to look into other legitimate avenues such as freelance writing or paid surveys.



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