3 Types of Affiliate Marketing Explained, And The One I Profit From

By Pat Flynn on December 14, 2009 72

In my latest monthly income report, you may have noticed that my affiliate income had surpassed my direct income from the electronic products that I sell online. I received a lot of comments, asking me to explain more about where my affiliate income comes from and how it works.
Instead of just breaking down where it all came from – how much this, and how much that – I decided to turn this post into something a little bit more useful that would do more than just tell you how much I earned. Again, I’m not here to show you the money I make online, I’m here to show you how I make money online, and what I’ve learned along the way.
When thinking specifically about affiliate income, I determined that I could divide how people earn money as an affiliate into three primary categories: Unattached, Related, and Involved. I’m speaking in terms of how we are associated with the product or products we may be an affiliate for.

Unattached Affiliate Marketing

These are your basic pay-per-click affiliate marketing campaigns where you have no presence and no authority in the niche of the product you’re promoting. There’s no connection between you and the end consumer, and all you’re doing is showing an affiliate link in front of someone’s face via Google Adwords, Facebook ads or whatever, in hopes that they’ll click on your link, buy the product, and you’ll earn a commission.
The reason why this type of affiliate marketing is so attractive to many is because no presence or authority in a niche is needed! It takes time to build up a reputation and trust with certain groups of people online, and many people are just too scared to commit to working on a blog or website, or just don’t have the time. For many, this is their only option.
Personally, I don’t like this business model because to me, this is not a business model. It’s an income generating model – yes, but a business model where I can build relationships with the end user – no. With PPC affiliate marketing, you become a behind the scenes middle man.
Not for me.
If you dabble in PPC affiliate marketing and are in the positive, I applaud you and I wish you continued success. Trust me, it’s a lot more difficult than it sounds, so props to those of you finding success with it.

Related Affiliate Marketing

Another form of affiliate marketing is what I like to call related affiliate marketing. This is where you have some sort of presence online, whether it’s through a blog, a podcast, videos, or whatever – and you have affiliate links to products related to your niche, but they’re for products you don’t actually use.
Back when text link ads were a big deal, I remember seeing every single “make money online” website with a 125 x 125 pixel advertisement for text link ads. Most of these sites did not actually use the text link ad service on their own sites. On many personal finance blogs, you’ll see a lot of different affiliate advertisements for things like ING, Everbank, LendingClub, and numerous other financial institutions. I doubt that every person who places one of those links on their blog actually uses each of those products and services.
And that’s ok.
Placing affiliate links on your site that are related to your niche is a great strategy to earn an extra income. Whether it’s in the sidebar in banner form, or in a text link at the bottom of your blog post, because you have a website and some authority, people will trust you and your decision to place the ad on your site.
I do have a few of these kinds of links scattered throughout this site. In the sidebar, you’ll see (at the moment) an ad for a “How to Make an iPhone App” product. Many of you know I do have a few iPhone apps that generate an income for me each month, but I did not use this product. I do, however, personally know the owner, which is why I trust him and decided to place that ad there.
Related affiliate marketing is great, but I can tell you that 95% of my affiliate marketing comes from the last type of affiliate marketing I’d like to talk about…

Involved Affiliate Marketing

Involved affiliate marketing is where you’ve used a product or service, truly believe in it, and personally recommend it to your audience. Not in a banner ad or somewhere that says “recommended resources”, but within your content, as part of your life and your strategy for whatever it is you’re talking about. The product almost becomes something people “have to have”, because it’s part of the process.
It’s your involvement and experience with the product that makes that offer so attractive.
There is, however, a level of responsibility that you have to uphold while making these kinds of recommendations, especially if you have a lot of authority and influence over your followers. This is something I take very seriously – even more so now that this blog has become so popular in such a short period of time. If it were up to me, this the only way affiliate marketing would be done, because to me it’s the most honest and most helpful.
This is the complete opposite of PPC, where you’re not even seen by the consumer in order for the transaction to take place. Instead, this is you talking directly to those who may need a product that you’re offering, who have their ears and eyes on you. This is not using your money in order to make money, like with PPC. It’s using your reputation, trust and authority in order to get others to take your recommendation, use it, and pay you something in return in the form of a commission.
My Affiliate Income
Last month, I made $5,023.33 in affiliate sales, and like I said, about 95% of that came from offering products that I’ve used and put my word behind.
Most of it comes from my LEED website. I do sell my own study guides, as you know, but I am also an affiliate for a company who sells practice exams as well. I thought about creating practice exams of my own, but this company is so good at what they do, (I used them to help me pass my test back in March of 2008), that it wouldn’t be fair to my customers if I tried to take their money by creating my own practice exams and kept them from this wonderful resource.
So, instead of creating my own, I have a page on my blog that recommends these exams, and within my eBooks, I talk about how I didn’t include practice exams because the best ones are available from this company, which I’ve personally used to help me pass. Of course, I put an affiliate link within the eBook, which is something you can’t do with a hardcopy book (unless you buy a domain that redirects to an affiliate link, which you can mention in that hardcopy, but that’s a whole other blog post).
I even go into tips for taking practice exams within my eBook, but again – I don’t offer include them, but I offer the affiliate link to where you can get them. Taking practice exams is part of the process that many people feel is necessary to achieve a higher score, and I offer my recommendation through an affiliate link to fulfill that need.
On this blog, I’m sure you’ve seen me personally recommend the Internet Business Mastery Academy before, and I do that because they helped my internet business get to that next level when I was starting out, I’m still a member today, and I truly believe in the program.
So, to conclude, I would say that you can choose which kind of affiliate marketing works best for you, unattached, related, or involved, but in my experience, using your authority and presence in a niche to recommend products that you’ve actually used that have actually benefited you in some way is the best way to go. I think people will feel more confortable investing in products recommended in this way because:

1. They have some kind of proof that it works,
2. They have a resource to go to for help; and
3. They know to to blame if it doesn’t work.

Be as involved as you can with the affiliate marketing process and you will see success with your affiliate income.
Thanks everyone! My eBook is finished, and it’s just waiting on a couple videos and you’ll have free access to it very soon. Thanks to all of those on my Facebook Fan Page who have helped me with the name.

What Is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a way of making money online by promoting the products of another company for a commission on each sale you generate.
People who promote products in this manner are called "affiliates", or sometimes "partners" or "associates". Most affiliates promote products through their websites or email lists, but you're not restricted to these methods: Basically, anywhere you can put a website address or a hyperlink can be turned into a promotional vehicle -- the only limit is your imagination.
Affiliate marketing isn't a pyramid-selling scheme, and it's not a tool for scammers and spammers. Affiliates are regular people looking to earn some extra cash from their websites, or individuals wanting a serious work-at-home business that they can perform from anywhere in the world, with serious earning potential.
When we say "affiliate marketing" we're actually talking about a bunch of things:

• Finding good products to promote
• Building websites
• Conducting market research
• Search engine optimization (getting your website ranking well in the search engines)
• Creative ways to promote your products
• Social networking and "web 2.0" strategies
• Email marketing
• Pay-per-click marketing
• Creating or sourcing content for your website or newsletter
• Getting motivated, staying motivated, and avoiding potential mishaps
• Earning money by displaying ads on your site (eg, Google AdSense)

... And there's quite a bit more.
Here at Affilorama we teach all aspects of affiliate marketing to take you from complete "newbie" to high-rolling "super affiliate", and we do it for free. No massive joining fee, no subscription charges, no ridiculous hype, no catch.
All you have to do is create your free membership, and you'll gain immediate access to all our resources. Pretty good deal, huh? You can find out more under my "Best BizOps Sites" to the right now and click on Affilorama!

Make Money Scams Vs Make Money Legitimate Opportunities

Make Money Scams Vs Make Money Legitimate Opportunities:

Are you worried that the earning opportunities you see online are really "make money scams" in disguise? Most of what you'll find online is on the up and up. The real challenge is weeding through it all to find something that works for you. Here are some common money making scams that many online marketing newcomers can fall into.

Get Rich Quick:

A lot of experts in internet marketing use their stories as proof of what you can do too if you buy their products or services. And while it is probably true that these marketers did make an enormous amount of money very quickly, there are 3 things you should understand about that;

1) They probably were not completely new to the industry when they started making the money. ..

2) They might have used some other methods or programs to earn them this amount of money (so they might not be revealing everything in what they sell to you...

3) They may have also spent a huge amount of money to be able to earn this enormous amount of money. While the products and/or services are most likely valuable and legitimate, you should not expect them to make you rich quick.

Easy Money Making:

There are quite a few automated systems out there. And yes, they are real and yes, they are easy. But they can also be expensive and not incredibly effective since they appeal to so many people that are trying to go the easy route. The truth is that making money online doesn't have to be complicated - it can be simple - but getting results does require effort.

Most people start out on the wrong foot with systems that claim to to be easy and profitable. When they aren't very easy or profitable, it's easy to give up and deem these systems "make money scams".

Pyramid Schemes:

There are many types of legitimate programs (like network marketing or MLM businesses) that offer you commissions if you recruit others into the business. However, if you come across a program that only offers you money if you recruit other members but offers no real product or service, this is a clear-cut pyramid scheme and scam. Luckily, the FTC is quick to crack down on these types of activities so you shouldn't run across them too often.

Pay Affiliate Programs:

Some affiliate program claim that they can make you lots of money, but require you to purchase their product or charge a sign up fee before you can start promoting what they offer. Keep in mind that you do not have to pay for an affiliate product to promote it (although there are reasons you might want to do that). Most affiliate product and service owners will NEVER ask their affiliate to pay money before they earn.

The Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission offer more information about avoiding rip-offs, plus ways to verify offers and file complaints. Your state attorney general's office might also have specific or general information about make money scams.

Dispelling An SFI Myth

Dispelling An SFI Myth A special message from SFI President & Founder, Gery Carson

One of the biggest misconceptions about SFI is that there is a monthly fee or purchase requirement. This is, of course, completely FALSE. There is NEVER any cost to be an affiliate. And you can earn VersaPoints and corresponding benefits, perks, and payouts through a variety of actions. Yes, thousands of SFI affiliates DO purchase SFI products for themselves. It only makes sense, after all, to buy from TripleClicks.com, "your own store"—especially those items that you are already purchasing from someone else (more on this in a moment). However, this is TOTALLY OPTIONAL. The best way to accumulate VersaPoints and attain Executive Affiliate rank is to generate 1,500 SVP instantly via a purchase at the TripleClicks store...OR...without any personal purchases by taking the actions outlined in the Getting Started, BASICS, or LAUNCHPAD sections. In fact, SFI has a wide variety of products available with varying VersaPoint totals attached for you to offer your customers and prospective affiliates. As few as one customer sale a month can get you to Executive Affiliate rank each month! How do you make these sales? The easiest way is to check out the numerous strategies outlined at theMember Referral Methods page. By the way, each time one of your TC customers or one of your PSAs places an order at TripleClicks.com, you earn 45% of the CV. PLUS...as an Executive Affiliate, you'll earn shares from the TripleClicks Executive Pool, become eligible for Co-Sponsor Commissions and ECA Royalties, pick up free TripleClicks TCredits, get co-sponsored affiliates added to your team each month, and more! For a list of ALL benefits you'll get from accumulating VersaPoints. BUYING FROM TRIPLECLICKS.COM, YOUR OWN STORE As an SFI affiliate, you are essentially a partner of SFI's. You truly need to think of the SFI product line as YOUR product line. Hence, it only makes sense that when you buy products and services, you always shop your own store first. If you owned a bakery, I'm certain you wouldn't be buying cinnamon rolls from Winchell's Donuts down the street. If you owned a Ford dealership, I'm betting you wouldn't even think about buying a Chevy across town. It's the exact same thing with SFI. Especially when it comes to products you're ALREADY buying. "Your store" almost certainly carries several products or services that you ALREADY purchase from a local store or other service provider. Why not transfer those purchases...to YOUR store? Remember, we're not talking about spending extra money, just changing where you're buying it from. In doing so, you're taking action that supports the growth of your SFI business and the businesses of your entire team. Additionally, your upline leaders (your Sponsor and Team Leaders) earn commissions each time you buy from your SFI store. And while that may not excite you right now, it surely will when later you have your own team of hundreds or thousands of affiliates and you're earning commissions on every purchase they make! So where do you go when you're ready to shop your store? Just head over to TripleClicks.com—YOUR store.

Ideas For Making Money With MLM Programs On Craigslist

Ideas For Making Money With MLM Programs On Craigslist.org:

Need ideas for making money with MLM programs on craigslist.org? Craigslist.org does not allow the posting of affiliate marketing, link referral codes, and pyramid schemes. However you can promote your MLM business if you stay within the rules. Although craigslist.org does not have a specific category for MLM (Multi-level marketing) programs, you can still promote your business and recruit on craigslist.org if you follow the advice below.

All legitimate MLM programs sell a product. It could be books, toys, lingerie, make up, home products and more. It does not matter. Craigslist.org has a category for anything your MLM program sells. The first order of business, post your ad for items for sale in the correct categories. Include pictures and contact information. You can even promote your webpage (if you have your own domain name, do not use your standard MLM link) by placing a "for more info" link in your sales ad. The ads are free so you should post as many as you can keep track of. Each ad should feature a different product so that you do not get into trouble with the duplicate ad / spam situation. Here is an ad that will be totally acceptable "Discovery Toys Game, X From Outer Space for Sale" or "Tupperware Tumbler Set For Sale – New"  Every 2-3 days, delete the ad and post a new one (even if it the same exact wording). Always list a quantity of 1. Just keep running the ad and responding to whoever inquires about the product. It is amazing how much product you can move this way. When you are in need of making those extra sales in order to qualify for contests or promotions, posting several products for sale for an entire month will give you a big boost. This may be what gets you to the next level. Management of your ad is important. You want to stay near the top of the page, so delete and repost often (no sooner than every 2 days). This is the first idea for making money with MLM programs on craigslist.org.

The next idea is to promote your service. Many MLM companies offer a service as well as products. Many have fundraisers. Tupperware, Usborne Books, Discovery Toys are just a few. Promote your fundraiser. Post an ad for the fundraiser service.  Make sure that you have your contact information included. Again, if you have your own domain name, list your website for more information. There are no restrictions on offering bona fide products and services. As long as you are selling a tangible item or service you will not get in trouble for posting to craigslist.org. Here is an example of an ad that is acceptable "Fundraisers for your school or church selling educational books".  Posting your ad is free.

You can use the marketing and sales positions wanted in the job opportunities, but you must be very careful on how you word these. Do not use the company's name. Instead be vague. Something such as: "Looking for energetic people for sales position, training provided, commission only. Full or Part-time". An ad like this will not get you into trouble. You are being honest about what you are promoting. Do your recruiting after you screen those who inquire.

Hold a party! After all, many MLM's are party plans. Hold a party at your house and invite the entire community!. Post your event out to the community board and request that anyone interested RSVP by a certain date. You will be amazed at how large a group you will be able to get together this way. You can also post to the community about a marketing or sales seminar. Thinking outside the box for you MLM marketing will get you to the level you want to achieve. You just have to be different from everyone else.

Overall, ideas for making money with MLM programs on craigslist.org abound. You just have to be careful not to step outside their rules and regulations. Keep the rules in mind and sell to your hearts content.

The Entrepreneur and Internet Home Business

The Entrepreneur and Internet Home Business: Have you ever tried running a business that is online? A lot of entrepreneurs are now relying on the power of the internet to market their products or services. Home businesses are gaining more and more popularity these days. Perhaps it's also time for you to consider an internet entrepreneur home business. Sometimes, those that have families can't manage their time between career and family life. Because of this, most of them are forced to leave their jobs just so they can take good care of their family. This is not the end of the world for you. In fact, even when you're at home and taking care of your family, you can run an online business. There are a lot of home business opportunities online. All it takes is looking into your home business options and choosing the right one that will work for you. If you have the qualities of an entrepreneur, an internet home business will be the answer to your needs. Oftentimes, if only the husband or the wife works, the income is not enough to provide for the family's needs. If you don't have a career or a job, you can start thinking of the best internet home business opportunity. If you have your own computer and most importantly, an internet connection, you can already become an entrepreneur who owns or runs an internet home business. However, you must also see to it that the business is legitimate to avoid any problems in the future. The first option is to become an affiliate marketer. For those entrepreneurs with limited capital for business, this is an excellent choice because you will only need a small amount. You will have to find an affiliate company who will provide you with the products or services. After doing so, you will then create your very own site where you will market the products or services. In order to attract huge traffic to your website, it must be interesting and catchy. You will be able to receive commissions for every product sold or for the services rendered. Supposing you already have a home business such as arts and crafts. Perhaps you've observed that you have very few customers in your locality. If you want to have a larger market, you can turn your home business into an internet home business. By doing so, you can reach the different countries of the world. You have to create your own website and there you can put pictures of your arts and crafts. This will take a lot of hard work especially if you're just starting out. You will have to work on your site and make it user-friendly. If customers can maneuver within your site without any problems and you have excellent arts or crafts products, more orders will come in. Since you're an entrepreneur, you will not have much problems dealing with the orders and shipments of your products. You only have to establish the right contacts or connections and the profits will come rolling in. There are still other internet home business opportunities for entrepreneurs. By surfing the net, you can find the right business opportunity for you. Your qualities and capabilities as an entrepreneur will not go to waste if you engage in internet business. So if you have limited capital and less business resources, try the home business opportunities online.

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Can You Make Money From Online Business Ventures

Can You Make Money From Online Business Ventures

More and more people want to work from home. And many of you are ending your search with online jobs that generally pay a relatively low wage or salary in exchange for the benefits you receive by working out of the comfort of your own home. When it comes to considering a better income with an actual home business, many of you are intimidated and cautious. How much money do you need to invest? How much technical and/or marketing knowledge do you need? How can you distinguish the scams from the legitimate methods to make money from online business opportunities?

These are all valid concerns and need to be addressed. But the freedom and financial rewards that you can have with an online business, as opposed to working an online job, definitely make it worth your while to at least consider these options.

1. Start a business that sells your expertise. Are you a good writer or designer? Do you have a flair for cooking? Do you love gardening? Do you know a lot about a specific subject? Do your friends and family come to you for advice about certain things? Could you turn your knowledge into a consulting business?

Do some soul searching and think about what you are good at and passionate about. Once you've figured that out, do some research on who would want and need your product/service. You'll then want to set up your own website or blog based on what you're selling and target it towards who you're selling it to. Don't be intimidated by this step! Creating your own site is extremely easy these days and it doesn't have to be expensive. The next step is to get traffic to your site. And this is a topic for a whole other article because there are so many ways to do this, and many of them are free.

2. If you don't feel comfortable coming up with your own products or services to market, you can make money from online business products or services that belong to other people. One way to do this is through affiliate marketing.

There are many places you can start to look for things to market, but the most popular sites are ClickBank and Commission Junction. Anytime you make a sale on the products you promote, you are paid commissions. Network Marketing is another route to go if you don't have your own merchandise.

There are hundreds of Network Marketing companies to choose from and they offer all kinds of products and services. With network marketing, you pay a relatively low fee (this varies from company to company) to get started and then you earn commissions on products/services that you sell as well as on the people you recruit into the company as part of your sales team. The right type of "coaching" mentality is required if you do want to get into network marketing since much of your success will depend on how well you can lead your team.

There are so many ways to make money from online business endeavors - pick one that suits your personality best and get started!