One of the most cost-effective ways to build a profitable
business is to create a niche affiliate marketing program.
However, while it is reasonably easy to create an affiliate
program, it is much more difficult to operate it properly.
Most affiliate managers and merchants fail miserably when
running their affiliate programs.
The majority of affiliate programs merely offer affiliates
a commission. Unfortunately, that is where most merchants
stop. They seem to believe that affiliates will flock to
their doors, begging to promote their products simply
because they exist. But, there are ways to make an
affiliate program several times more effective for the
merchant and for the affiliates. This article will provide
a few tips that you need to consider in making your niche
affiliate marketing program the one the heavy-hitting
affiliates seek.
Tip #1: Give Them Tools
There are dozens of ways to promote a product or service.
Super affiliates realize this and often seek affiliate
programs that provide tools that make their jobs easier.
For example, some affiliates drive traffic through
pay-per-click advertising.
Offer them keyword lists and potential ads that they can
use. Other affiliates publish newsletters. Offer them
useful content that they can send their lists.
Still other affiliates have successful blogs. Offer them
various banner ads they can put in their sidebars. Also,
give them blog topic ideas that will spark their creativity
in promoting your products.
Tip #2: Coddle Top Performers With Cash
The top-performing affiliates follow the money. If an
affiliate has proven that he can drive a lot of sales,
consider giving him a bump in pay to keep him aboard your
affiliate program. If you don't, you risk losing that
affiliate to a competitor who is willing to offer more
money for the affiliates help. This does not mean waiting
for an affiliate to prove himself with your program. If an
affiliate is already a major player in another niche,
consider offering him a bump upfront to attract his help.
Tip #3: Communicate Often
Most merchants do not communicate with their affiliates
often enough. Once an affiliate joins their program, they
often leave the affiliate on his own to promote the
products. This usually leads to inactive affiliates.
Instead, get each affiliate to join your list. Then, e-mail
them at least once a week.
In the e-mail, you can tell them about updated tools that
you have created for them. You can let them know about new
content they can use. You can let them know about
short-term contests through which top sellers can earn
prizes.
You must communicate with your affiliates regularly and
often. Encourage them to ask you questions. That is the way
to motivate them to continue promoting your products.
Tip #4: Keep Recruiting
The best affiliate programs experience affiliate attrition.
Whatever the reasons, some affiliates simply stop producing
sales. You need to keep bringing new affiliates into your
program. There are a number of ways to do this.
Approach list owners. These affiliate marketers have an
audience that likes and trusts them. A promotion from this
marketer to his list will likely yield a healthy level of
sales.
Approach owners of popular blogs. Popular blogs are read by
fans. Many of that blog owner's audience will likely buy
what the blog owner promotes.
Approach forum owners. Usually well-respected within their
forums, other members are likely to take their advice.
Building an effective niche affiliate marketing program
takes a lot of work, preparation and ongoing attention.
But, doing so can result in a business that continues to
grow practically on its own. By giving your affiliates the
tools they need to promote your products, coddling the
top-performers with a bump in pay, communicating often and
constantly building your affiliate army, your business and
sales can skyrocket.
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Find out how you can profit with your own niche affiliate
marketing program in my free e-course "List Building in a
Niche Market". http://www.cyber-marketing411.com/niche11
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