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4 Essential Steps Of Affiliate Blogging

This post was most recently updated on October 7th, 2014

https://www.donnamerrilltribe.comMany bloggers try to develop income as affiliate marketers.  It’s a good strategy, but not nearly as simple as it might seem.

So, here’s the simple plan.

You grab an affiliate link for a Clickbank product, or maybe a cool WordPress plugin you just found out about.  Write a blog post about the product, ask folks to click your affiliate link, then hope they buy it.

That’s really all there is to it.

Now, here’s the problem.

When you write blog posts like that, readers are likely to get bored and disengaged because they feel like they’re being pitched.

If your blog has one article after another that promotes and affiliate product, people will probably stop visiting your blog.  They don’t think they’re getting valuable information from your blog, just a string of “commercials”.

So, here’s the solution… you might think.

You just have  to follow the  80/20 or even 90/10 rule, where 80 or 90 percent of your blog posts offer pure value.  I know I am always repeating this, but it is so true and works well.    But… doing this  still leaves a few slots open for promotional affiliate articles, of course, so  now, you’ve drastically cut your potential for “making a sale.”

Despite these catch-22 pitfalls, blogging is actually a great way for doing affiliate marketing.  But you’ve got to do it right.

Here’s 4 Essential Steps Of Affiliate Blogging

1. Pick The Right Products

What affiliate products do you sell?

Which ones should you sell?

It’s important to pick the right products for your niche and for your audience.  Make sure it’s products they will want, and that those products will help them to solve problems that you know they have.  It is better to share products that you actually use yourself.  If you are excited about it, and its working for you, then you can effectively share the excitement.

This obviously requires that you get to know your niche and your audience pretty well.

When you do, you’ll not only be able to identify one or two products they need.  You’ll have an entire list of products they’ll be needing over time.

This will ensure that your blog gains in authority, as you develop a deeper and deeper list of products to sell.  It’s called a sales funnel.

Make sure the products you are selling are reputable and high quality.  If you haven’t actually used them yourself, tell you readers you haven’t.  

If that’s the case, make sure you have the endorsement of people in you niche that are generally recognized and trusted authorities.

2. Find Other People Who Love It

Get reviews from people who have used and love the product you’re selling.

Don’t invent customer reviews.

Use real ones.

If you get them from other review sites, blog or articles, or from Amazon reviews or wherever… make sure you tell your readers where you got them. Be transparent.

It’s even best to generate your own reviews, if you can.

A good place to do that is from the comments section of your own blog post.  Ask readers to give reviews if they’ve used the product.

You can also solicit and collect reviews in Facebook groups, fan pages or forums.
 
Finally, you can use your product’s sales page testimonials for reviews.  Just copy and paste them right into your blog posts.  Sales copy should be freely given to you to use for selling your product.  You should, of course, confirm this with your vendors first.

3. Write A Pillar Post

Write a long, detailed and thorough blog post for each product you affiliate.

Use a carefully designed outline so that your product is clearly presented, leaving no questions in the minds of your readers and potential customers.  

Images and video are also important to include in a pillar post, especially video.

Video posts generally rank higher than posts with only text and images.

If you don’t want to do an original video review of the product you are selling, you can simply read excerpts of the sales letter describing the important features and benefits of the product.

Obviously, you need to have links to the product so people can buy it.

These links must be well-positioned.  Put them within the text of your post, and at the end, just before the comments section.  These are usually considered to be the best places to link directly to the product.

4. Syndicate Your Pillar Post

After your masterpiece is live, you need to get to the business of spreading the word.

Syndicate on social media sites and in forums.  Send links to your email list.

Consider doing a guest post or giving an interview. Give valuable information on your topic, without overtly asking people to buy a product.  This will prompt readers to visit your blog post.  Cool Ehh?

Purchase solo ads, boost Facebook newsfeed posts… all the usual methods that you typically use to syndicate any other blog post you write.  This may not be for everyone, but it sure works well when I do it. LOL!

No matter how good a blog post you write, it won’t mean much unless you drive traffic to it.

Those are the 4 essential steps to affiliate blogging.

It’s only the beginning, though.

The real key is to build the loyalty of your readers.  Convert them into regular followers, raving fans and eager customers.

That’s when you’ll stand out in the crowd, and really be able to gain some authority in your niche.

It might sound like high-level stuff, but believe me, if you have all your ducks in a row, it will be effective. 

Here is a short video I made to illustrate Affiliate Blogging.  It’s a new toy of mine…

 

 

To build this type of loyalty, though, takes a bit of planning and consistency.

If you thought affiliate blogging simply meant writing a bunch of advertisements, thinly veiled as information posts… you’ve been doing this thing all wrong.

That’s the old way that worked once upon a time, but no longer does for reasons I won’t get into here.

The new way is to build the loyalty of folks who actually look forward to reading your next affiliate post.

I’ll be showing you more about how to build this loyalty on my upcoming “Turn Your Blog Into A Business” webinar.

Click here to see the details and register for the webinar.

Making these strategies work may involve putting a few things.  But don’t complicate it.  Just keep it simple and you’ll be on your way.

Here’s where it all begins:

Stop making your blog posts look like link-drops, while trying to pass them off as “valuable content” articles.

Affiliate blogging no longer means filling your posts with anchor text and keywords aimed at getting people
to your offers.

It requires the delivery of truly helpful, high-value and relevant offers.  That converts into loyalty.

I’d like to hear what strategies you use to promote your offers.  Do you work toward building loyalty, and if so, how?

Please share your comments below.

 

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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83 Responses to 4 Essential Steps Of Affiliate Blogging

  1. Rohit Gaikwad
    Twitter:
    February 12, 2015 at 11:18 am #

    I agree all the four points Right Products, Review, Pillar Post and Traffic generation are important for Affilate Blogging and dependant on each other. Pillar post on right product with users review generates traffic. Nice Article with good presentation and thanks for sharing with us
    Rohit Gaikwad recently posted..How to use WhatsApp on the webMy Profile

  2. Naveen Rajput
    Twitter:
    July 25, 2014 at 1:09 am #

    Hi Donna Merrill
    First time i landed on your blog and found many important articles ,which are really helpful for me .Here in this post i get all Essential Steps Of Affiliate Blogging .Now i will follow your all points to get huge from my blog also .Feeling very glad on being here

  3. Willena Flewelling
    Twitter:
    June 23, 2014 at 6:56 pm #

    I don’t spend much time on a blog that does more promoting than offering value. But something else I find just as annoying is when too many of my friends have all discovered the same new product and they all write a post or two about it during the same week or two. And there’s nothing to be done about that, because no one of them is over-promoting the product… it’s just that they all found it at the same time.

    The 80/20 rule is great when people follow it. I’ve learned so much from my fellow bloggers in a number of different communities.
    Willena Flewelling recently posted..Baby StepsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 29, 2014 at 2:35 pm #

      Hi Willena,

      I know what you mean so well. When many of our friends launch the same product all at one time it is difficult to comment and share. We tend to run in similar circles and when there is a launch going on, it drives me nuts.

      I don’t want to syndicate one and not the others, because it wouldn’t be fair. So I go to a previous post and then may tweet the launch one out.

      To me it is like everyone is running a race and I get winded just watching it he he he.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Engagement BloggingMy Profile

  4. Kyle Nelson
    Twitter:
    June 23, 2014 at 1:57 pm #

    Hey Donna – I have created several affiliate blogs/review sites. I only had minimal success with one of them. If I would have known some of the tips and had this guideline back when I was launching them it would have been great. I think it can be tough to keep an affiliate blog unique and original since most likely there are others that are similar.
    Kyle Nelson recently posted..Steps To Take When Creating A Buzz On A Shoe String BudgetMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 29, 2014 at 2:32 pm #

      Hi Kyle,

      It’s not easy creating an affiliate blog, but it can be if you put your “thinking cap” on. Just writing about the niche is all you have to do. Say it was a weight loss product. All you would have to do is write content or curate content on eating healthy, or something like that. Then after 10 good posts plug in your product.

      Another way to do it is to write about something niche specific and offer a link to your product in the author box.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Engagement BloggingMy Profile

  5. Lesly Federici
    Twitter:
    June 22, 2014 at 9:17 am #

    Donna,
    A timely post.. you must have seen all the promotion for Team Site Traffic! Including my own brief video promotions … I recently got involved in affiliate marketing. It’s triggered my curiosity gene as well as the potential to earn income. But that’s not the #1 reason I got involved. I am a promoter. I have always been a promoter and if the product is right – makes sense to me for what I do and write about and want to share, that will be the product to promote. If you just grab things and don’t know anything about the product, or having bought it yourself to test it out, you’re sure to fail ate it. You have to believe in what you promote. The issue of loyalty is huge and after my experience with the Team Site Traffic launch, traffic and potential buyers look for trust 1st and buy later. So building relationships is the absolute most important thing you can do. Great post and love ya 🙂
    Lesly Federici recently posted..Humpty Dumpty Sat On A WallMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 23, 2014 at 1:17 pm #

      Hi Lesly,

      Absolutely…we have to believe in what we promote. I too have purchased Team site traffic, and the reason why I haven’t been promoting it is because I’ve been promoting my own stuff lol.

      But…I do have a list of Network/MLM marketers that this would be a perfect fit to, so I emailed them.

      This particular product is great to put on my membership site as it grows.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Engagement BloggingMy Profile

  6. Sarupa Shah
    Twitter:
    June 22, 2014 at 9:16 am #

    Donna – I have to say I am not to into affiliate marketing for my business model…love to promote other people and their products if it feels like a good fit – that said your article has struck a big chord with me: No matter how good a blog post you write, it won’t mean much unless you drive traffic to it.

    I have had this debate over and over and get sick and tired of being told it is all about the call to action – as without traffic you are not getting your action…actioned! 😉

    Great post- will share!
    Sarupa Shah recently posted..How to make it SO in your own business! [video]My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 23, 2014 at 1:14 pm #

      Hi Sarupa,

      I’m not a big affiliate marketer, but for those who are, I just had to write this post. Some blogs I go to are sell sell sell….others are doing it correctly with that 90/10 rule.

      I too love to promote others as long as it is a trusted product.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Engagement BloggingMy Profile

  7. Chery Schmidt
    Twitter:
    June 21, 2014 at 7:18 pm #

    Hello Donna. Epic post my friend! Value Value! This is what it is all about even when implementing the 80/20 – 90/10 rule you still need to think about this HUH?

    Yes indeed how can you help your targeted audience, this is the key thin that I am learning.. Just as Nate has stated above value is Valuable :))

    Thanks for sharing, I just love your site.. Chery :))

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 23, 2014 at 1:10 pm #

      Hi Chery,

      Exactly! We have to keep in mind we do help our readers when we offer something that we use and is valuable to us. Some will like it some won’t….but at least we can share it 20 or 10% of the time.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Engagement BloggingMy Profile

  8. Ravi Chahar
    Twitter:
    June 21, 2014 at 1:47 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I have been not visiting your blog from long time due to my exams. Sorry for being so late.
    You have written the post which is necessary for the bloggers who wants to make money from their affiliate link. There are many products which can be sold by blogger at their blog.
    As you have said bloggers just need to write a blog post regarding that particular product and place the affiliate link at their blog.

    But this is not that much simple as it seems. Blogger have to concentrate at the right audience to sell the product. I have read some posts related to CommentLuv but didn’t find effective. This is the main mistake which bloggers do. They don’t provide the proper information about the product.
    The points you have considered are really helpful for affiliate marketers.

    Thanks for the post.
    Have a great weekend. 🙂

    ~Ravi

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 23, 2014 at 1:20 pm #

      Hi Ravi,

      Nice to see you back! Indeed, it is not as easy as putting a link to an affiliate to your blog. One needs to have more things in place.

      First, that pillar post, then a target audience via our email lists, that would find it helpful. Also, putting things up on social media, again using target audiences.

      Thanks for your awesome input,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Engagement BloggingMy Profile

  9. Nate
    Twitter:
    June 21, 2014 at 1:40 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Powerful post my friend. The 90/10 rule is everything. I used to go by 80/20, but now it’s more like 90/10, because I don’t feel that I need to sell anyone on anything anymore. Sometimes, if you put enough value into the marketplace, that in itself sells.

    Most people who have the scarcity mindset would think, “OMG, 90/10, that’s too little!”

    Value for value is what it’s all about and thank you again for sharing your wisdom. Much appreciated!
    Nate recently posted..How To Discover Your Modalities and Representational Systems and Why They Are ImportantMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 22, 2014 at 3:05 pm #

      Hi Nate,

      90/10 is great once we know all the other factors of marketing. 80/20 is great when a blogger is giving content and then learning the marketing edge.

      Once effective marketing is learned, 90/10 works for me!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  10. Erika Mohssen-Beyk
    Twitter:
    June 20, 2014 at 10:26 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    your new toy ,the video is very nice .
    And your post is great ,especially
    beginner can profit from it ,
    but there are also good
    advice for affiliate marketers
    who learned it the old way .
    Today building relationship
    and trust is important .
    Thank you
    Erika Mohssen-Beyk recently posted..Are You In Pain? What To Do If We Have Neck PainMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 22, 2014 at 2:55 pm #

      Hi Erika,

      Oh I just love that new toy of mine! I use it for marketing purposes but just couldn’t help putting it here in this post.

      Yes, this post was designed for the beginning affiliate marketer as well as some that have been around for a while to show them how to do it effectively.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  11. Mark
    Twitter:
    June 20, 2014 at 8:19 pm #

    Thanks for the heads up Donna!

    Thanks for laying out an extremely doable plan! It’s simple, non complicated and
    common sense based!

    I really like your description of describing posts filled with little more than
    affiliate links, as link drops! Outstanding.

    And it’s always reason for concern, when a blogger/marketer is willing to
    promote products or services, strictly for a potential commission.

    Especially when they aren’t even personally using the products or services! Oh how sad! Thanks for emphasizing that! Great post and thanks for sharing!

    And thanks for leaving that totally awesome comment on my blog Thursday 6/19! I ended
    up turning you comment into an educational video!
    Mark recently posted..How To Market Your Business Using An Effective Exit Strategy!Part FiveMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 22, 2014 at 2:32 pm #

      Hi Mark,

      I do try not to make things complicated for my readers. As for those affiliates that do not even use the products they are selling…I just have to shake my head. The hunger for money is truly transparent when they do that.

      There is nothing wrong with pitching an affiliate product/service if we use it ourselves and wild about it. We sure do want to share something great with our readers and friends.

      I call that behavior “affiliate hacks” and I know quite a few. They grab onto the latest shiny object and annoy the heck out of me by PM ing me on FB…chasing me around and when I ask them how it works or why do they like it, there is no answer! 🙂

      Glad I inspired you with the comment on your blog…I’ll go on over and check and see.
      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  12. Marquita Herald
    Twitter:
    June 20, 2014 at 6:43 pm #

    Oh I am so glad to see you address this topic Donna! So many people apparently struggle with the whole transparency thing – and it’s not just affiliate marketing. This has come up twice just this morning. First someone invited me to check out her new “ethics business opportunity” blog and wanted feedback. It was a beautifully designed blog, lots of great color and graphics, and while she repeatedly used the term “ethical business” in the copy no where on the site did she actually spell out what the business model was or provided information about who she is and why anyone would want to work with her.

    Then someone approached me to support their charity event. Again, great heart tugging images but no indication whatsoever about what they were actually doing or what they wanted from me. There was only one link and it went to a blank form requiring me to provide my email address and register. I went back to the individual and explained my concern and he sent me a link to a TED Talk video about the current state of nonprofits!

    Why oh why do people have such a hard time being upfront and honest about what they are doing? I for one am I’m far more likely to support or buy from people who are honest with me, and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone.

    Okay, that’s my rant on transparency … I hope LOTS of people sign up for your webinar!
    Marquita Herald recently posted..The Key to Effective VisualizationMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 22, 2014 at 2:28 pm #

      Hi Marquita,

      Wow…that sure sounds fishy to me! We do run across so many “offers” like this while on the internet. Transparency is the key in order to build that trust factor.

      That is one funny story about that “ethics community” and I run across a lot of that kind of thing too. As for charity events, I would stand clear from that one! We never know where that would go!

      I don’t know why people have a difficult time being upfront and honest about what they are doing, but can only think that they are “black hat” marketers.

      Thanks for adding so much value to this post,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  13. Arleen
    Twitter:
    June 20, 2014 at 5:09 pm #

    My website is not setup to do affiliate blogging, but you have given me an idea. What do you think if I offer xxx amount of dollars and give a promotion code so when someone purchases from me I will know it came from my blogging group. Not sure how I would work this. What are your thoughts? What does an average affiliate pay if someone buys their product?
    Arleen recently posted..Successful Work Life Balance With Flexible Working HoursMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 21, 2014 at 11:44 am #

      Hi Arleen!

      Not sure, but I think you’re trying to set up a commission basis for your products?

      It’s not a true affiliate situation because you are directing your blog visitors to an e-commerce site, not a product per se. So you’d need to set up a commission basis for people to sell your individual products, and that you’d have to do with your e-commerce platform, not through an affiliate program vendor like Clickbank, Commission Junction or whatever.

      You need to take that issue up with the administrator of your e-commerce site.

      What you might consider doing, as an alternative, is to create an info product on how to run a successful e-commerce site, install it with a vendor, and pay affiliate commissions for that.

      Make sense?

      Hope this helped…Not sure how it works with e-commerce sites vs Affiliate products.

      You can always FB message me, and we can brainstorm.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  14. Carol Amato
    Twitter:
    June 20, 2014 at 3:41 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    First of all, love that it’s 4 essential steps, and not 28! lol Very doable from the start. 🙂

    Loved your video, so cute! Key take away for me was “content congruent to your product” – yep, creating content that’s seamless with supporting a product you offer seems to be the best route- will definitely keep that in mind.

    I absolutely agree that you should have first hand experience with an affiliate product before promoting. I’ve often created a video for a product I like and am getting good results with, which really helps because it gives my readers social proof, and a “behind the scenes” look at the product, to see the value and what they could be missing. 🙂

    Love the term ‘link-drops’ as I’d never heard that before…have witnessed it though…

    Thanks for your thought-provoking article, Donna, and I’ll definitely be back.

    Talk soon,
    – Carol
    Carol Amato recently posted..Sell Your Thoughts – A Book ReviewMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 20, 2014 at 4:16 pm #

      Hi Carol and Welcome!

      Yes…4 steps instead of 28 lol. There is so much to it, but I like to break down things simply so that someone reading my post can put it into action quickly.

      As bloggers, we all use affiliates, but when we come across one that we cannot live without, it is time to share it with our friends!

      I could never promote an affiliate product unless I’ve used it myself.

      Ahh that term “link-drops” We see it all the time. When people constantly do this, they just drive people away.

      Thanks for your great input and have a wonderful weekend!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  15. Andy Lockhart
    Twitter:
    June 20, 2014 at 1:41 pm #

    Donna

    Great post, an you are spot on with the need to drive traffic to your Blog article. You can create as much value content as you like but if it is never seen then what?

    Video is important as you say and you can always do the screen cast type of video where you are talking over a presentation or even a demo of the product. I know some people just don’t like to be on camera as to say.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Andy
    Andy Lockhart recently posted..5 Ways to Customize Your Content to Drive Customer ReferralsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 20, 2014 at 4:08 pm #

      Hi Andy,

      Yes, those that prefer not to be on camera can use many ways to do a video. This particular one I inserted here I usually use for marketing purposes only. But I wanted to illustrate how creative one can get with so much software out there.

      I find that we live in an age of images and we need to capture attention from the first 11 seconds when marketing something. How can we do that with words? That’s pretty tricky, so this is why video can capture an audience so fast.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  16. Angela McCall
    Twitter:
    June 20, 2014 at 7:48 am #

    Hi Donna,

    You know affiliate marketing is the one I find the hardest but I’ve seen some people made money from their blog promoting such product.

    First off, you have to have a good SEO, a WordPress blog that is dedicated only to selling this particular product we call it a niche, a killer content that leads to a funnel.

    You’re right about the product video blogging. A lot of us are very VISUAL and they’d rather see the image of your product than relies on your text alone. Also, many relies on their mobile devices whether this is the tablet or cell phone. Users of these devices have been proliferated in the last five years. Just go to a concert for instance, when these people are listening to their favorite singers, they flick their phone and you’d see millions of them waving it on the air. So that’s the kind of audience you’ll attract if you are vlogging combined with writing text in your blog as well.

    So there goes, you’d reach more audience if you combine your blog post with your own video. Nowadays, blogging via text alone is not sufficient knowing you are competing with 400 million bloggers vs. only 400 thousand youtubers or podcasters. You’d reach your AUTHORITY much quicker if you have a niche that has lower competition but high in demand.

    Anyway, girl, I wish you a happy weekend.

    Until later,
    Angela
    Angela McCall recently posted..My First Guest PostMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 20, 2014 at 12:54 pm #

      Hi Angela,

      Thanks so much for enhancing this post with your wonderful comment. Yes, the trends are more visual these days.

      No matter what we are doing, affiliate marketing, or just giving a shout out to our friends on the social sites, we need to learn how to do things visually.

      That’s why I stuck in that little video here. A new toy, but a fine one to market.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  17. Dr. Erica Goodstone
    Twitter:
    June 19, 2014 at 11:14 pm #

    Donna,
    What a fabulous post – so relevant and sorely needed.
    I just finished promoting a product that is not in my niche
    nor are the people in my niche interested in such a
    technical product. Fortunately, however, I do not regularly
    do such promotions and I did create some fun videos
    as practice. So I promoted it on social media but could
    not send it out to my list of people concerned about
    relationships and health. The lesson here was obvious.

    You are really explaining the process so well.
    We have to first be really clear about who our audience is.
    And then we need to offer what they are seeking.
    And gradually they will come to trust us and become
    interested in our offerings.

    Warmly,
    Dr. Erica
    Dr. Erica Goodstone recently posted..Relationship Success – Look Forward Not BackMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 20, 2014 at 12:51 pm #

      Hi Erica,

      I’ve seen your videos promoted this product and they were great! Sometimes you would be surprised sending out that on your list.

      I have a list of clients that are not internet marketers, and many don’t even have a blog. But there are times when I share with them what I’m up to like an affiliate product.

      Over the years, when I shared it with them, a few came into to the blogging world. Some just to do journal writing which was healing for them.

      Sometimes ya never know!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  18. Dee Ann Rice
    Twitter:
    June 19, 2014 at 7:59 pm #

    Donna,

    I think affiliate marketing online is like anything else we do online. The first thing we have to do is build relationships.

    It does not really matter what the reason we are blogging without relationships we do not get anywhere.

    Eversince I came online I have been taught that the most important thing we can do is relationship marketing and I still believe that is true.

    I think that is what you are saying in your post and I totally agree with everything you said.

    Thanks for a great reminder of what the basics are.

    Dee Ann
    Dee Ann Rice recently posted..Failure Or Success You Choose!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 20, 2014 at 12:41 pm #

      Hi Dee Ann,

      Relationships are the backbone of marketing. Yes…no matter what niche one is in, it all comes down to relationships when we are marketing.

      Many of my blogging buddies are affiliate marketers and sometimes you just never know it from their blogs until they roll out with something beneficial. Following the 80/20 or 90/10 rule is a must.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  19. Sue Price
    Twitter:
    June 19, 2014 at 1:53 am #

    Hi Donna

    A great article and I love your video. What are you using to do that it is awesome.

    I agree with all that you have said here on promoting affiliate products on our blogs. I have done it several times but not frequently. There is one negative that has occurred for me and that is if the product changes or I stop promoting it then I have forgotten to either delete the post or remove links.

    I agree with your give value 80-90& of the time and keep pitching to a minimum. I also like to do a value based post with a subtle call to action that corresponds to the post if it is appropriate.

    I am sure your webinar will be a great success.

    Thanks for another great post Donna.

    Sue
    Sue Price recently posted..Getting Through Hard TimesMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 19, 2014 at 12:54 pm #

      Hi Sue,

      Having fun with that new video program of mine. It is used for marketing purposes, but I just had to stick it into the post because it’s just so much fun as all new toys are lol.

      I have promoted a time-limited affiliate webinar on my blog about a little over a year ago. Yes, I forgot to take it down too. I had noticed it when I was checking my “broken links” OMG!

      Hey, we are only human after all lol. But that small percentage of the time we do want to share an affiliate product is not a problem as long as we share good content most of the time.

      But you know that well!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  20. Nathaniel Kidd
    Twitter:
    June 18, 2014 at 8:07 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    This is a very insightful post. These are 4 great steps you have mentioned. I truly believe in the 90/10 rule. If we constantly pitch to people without adding true value to their lives they will run the other direction and never to return most likely. It may seem like the 90/10 rule would cause you to lose money/business but quite the contrary.

    What I have noticed is that you gain loyal customers that will stick around because the know you have their interest in mind. These are then customers you can sell to over and over again, if of course you have something of quality that brings more value to their lives.

    I blog for pure enjoyment because as a retired Soldier my passion is still to serve so I love blogging about cost-saving/frugal living ideas. I do have plans in the future of ways to optimize my blog but I will definitely always keep in mind quality content and the 90/10 rule. Thanks for sharing.
    Nathaniel Kidd recently posted..Save Money on Holiday Road TripsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 19, 2014 at 12:50 pm #

      Hi Nathaniel,

      I didn’t know you were a retired Soldier…God bless you! Although we are new blogging buddies, I do like your blog. Writing about frugal living ideas is a very interesting topic for all of us.

      I remember the saying back in the 80’s that went like this: “He who has the most toys wins” and I never liked that. I’m one that tends to share my toys lol.

      Indeed that 90/10 rule always wins. If I bump into a blog post that has something interesting and of value to me, I would probably purchase it from a trusted blogger.

      Blessings,
      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  21. Susan Cooper
    Twitter:
    June 18, 2014 at 1:39 pm #

    Thanks for the great advice. I know, personally, I don’t like reading blogs that i know are just a sales pitch and all about making money. Usually it’s quite obvious which ones those are and which ones are actually recommending products because they are of value and will be helpful to you in some way.
    Susan Cooper recently posted..Bend In The Road: #Story – #MusingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 19, 2014 at 12:46 pm #

      Hi Susan,

      Indeed, when we go to a blog that always has a sales pitch, we run. As long as the blogger is giving value and pitches a product once in a while, I welcome it with open arms because I may need that product too.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  22. Kumar Gauraw
    Twitter:
    June 18, 2014 at 11:12 am #

    Hi Donna,

    You have shared some of the best affiliate marketing tips that most affiliate marketers and newbie bloggers miss.

    Having a targeted market, having a loyal visitor base, not spamming people with affiliate links either on the blog or through emails is absolutely critical to online success with affiliate marketing.

    I am sure that your next webinar is going to add a lot of value to those who participate and with your experience in marketing and skills as an online marketer you were absolutely doing a great service by doing this webinar.

    Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful week ahead.

    Regards,
    Kumar
    Kumar Gauraw recently posted..Do You Sync Cloud Stuff And Backup Gmail Or Google Drive?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 18, 2014 at 12:28 pm #

      Hi Kumar,

      I just had to share these tips because I’ve been noticing some affiliate marketers bombarding everyone with an affiliate every week! Now I don’t mind helping my friends out when they are promoting something because I run mostly with ethical bloggers.

      They put out great content, and then share an affiliate product once in a while. I can either purchase it if it fits, or if not, I will help them by syndicating their blog post.

      This goes for emails too. I’m sure you have see those folks who pitch you every time they send an email. That is a big “unsubscribe” when I see this.

      With emails, I like to keep in touch with my list. Tell them what I’m up to and most importantly, ask questions. Starting a two way conversation.

      David and I are very excited for this webinar. The more we do, the easier it gets!

      Thanks for all your support,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  23. Mary Austin
    Twitter:
    June 18, 2014 at 9:21 am #

    You are totally on target with these tips. I know of quite a few bloggers whose every blog post is a sales pitch with no value at all. Im not sure if they actually get any traffic with that approach.

    Thanks for your always valuable content.
    Mary Austin recently posted..6 Vital Questions You Must Ask Before Publishing Any New Blog PostMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 18, 2014 at 10:04 am #

      Hi Mary,

      I stand clear from blogs like that. If it is always a sales pitch, I just cannot comment. Sometimes I will dig down and see if there is a post with value, but can’t find one, so I just have to pass them by.

      Plus, if they came to my blog, my back-links would be a mess. I would have to edit their blog, remove the commentluv, and it will be too time consuming.

      Blogs like that cannot be interactive. I’m sure they are not getting the “juice” needed.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  24. Sonia
    Twitter:
    June 18, 2014 at 8:48 am #

    Bookmarked and shared! Love your work Donna 🙂 This is just what I needed to read right now as I venture into the Affiliate arena and have no idea what I am doing – although I must say, I did work an affiliate product into my last series about Pinterest without pitching or hard core selling 🙂 I guess I was on the right track – need more consistency.

    Thanks for a valuable read, lesson and awesome content as always.
    Sonia recently posted..What is PinterestMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 18, 2014 at 9:59 am #

      Hi Sonia,

      You did a great job on your last post about Pinterest. No pitching or hard core selling on that post! Good job!

      The thing about blogging an affiliate product is to remember that 80/20 or 90/10 rule. Always give good content most of the time and 20 to 10 percent of your posts can be a nice little pitch as you have done on your last post.

      We do have to give our readers the option to join us, but you are doing it in a great way!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  25. Donna Merrill
    Twitter:
    June 17, 2014 at 8:45 pm #

    Hi Neamat,

    That is a good way to market. Having a sales funnel in your email list is great to keep people aware of what you have to offer. Same goes here, I do it that way also.

    But sometimes we can mention something in a blog post. If we do that ten percent of the time, others, that may not be in your list can find out about it.

    Seems to me like you have mastered the email sequence of sales and that’s a good thing. I am happy that you have signed up for our webinar. We are going to address issues of all types of blogs and some cleaver ways to market. This is a snippet of what is to come 🙂

    Yes, it will be recorded because we know that not everyone can make a webinar at a certain time.

    We will be running webinars once a month. We have been quite the busy bees these days and loving every moment.

    Congratulations on your daughter’s graduation!

    Blessings,

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  26. Neamat Tawadrous
    Twitter:
    June 17, 2014 at 12:39 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Great Post Donna!! Really love it and I loved the video sooooooo much!! Wonder how you made it. lol

    I am an affiliate for some programs and products that I use and I just put together my funnel, and I promote these products through the series of emails that I sent through my auto-responder after people sign-up for my free offer. Through my email series, I introduce them to these products one by one with some authorized testimonials included.

    I created hidden pages in my blog for every program or product and for my MLM opportunity as well, with a review and videos that explain the benefits of the program or product, and I send people there through a link in my email series.

    I already signed up for the webinar and I can’t wait to learn new things from you guys, seasoned marketers. Unfortunately, on that day will be my daughter’s graduation and I won’t be able to attend it live but glad to know that there is a recording.

    Thanks so much Donna for all the value you provide in your blog. Have a great week ahead!!!

    Be Blessed,

    Neamat
    Neamat Tawadrous recently posted..6 Strategies To Establish Your Leadership CredibilityMy Profile

  27. Lisa
    Twitter:
    June 17, 2014 at 7:07 am #

    Hi Donna, I used to do some affiliate marketing with my retail websites and you are absolutely right on the 80/20 rule -it works on that too along with most anything in life.
    I agree with Enstine too – show how it will help your readers. They want problems solved no matter the cost. Focus on what it can do for them is very important.
    I know I don’t like being pitched in emails or posts but if it can fill a need I’m right there!
    Thanks for sharing and great post Donna!
    Lisa recently posted..Bloggers Get More Done in 5 Steps and Stress LessMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 17, 2014 at 12:54 pm #

      Hi Lisa,

      Yes, that 80/20 rule is the only way to go. Thee is nothing worse than to go to a blog where I get pitched over and over again. What can I say in the comment section? I have to choose to just leave.

      Yes, Enstine makes a great point here to show your readers how it will help them. There were many times I’ve read a blog post with a product that I jumped on like a wild cat because it was something I needed.

      Oh…those emails! I do make it a point to get out of their sales funnels if it does not pertain to what I want. Un-subscribe is best for me and the other person.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  28. Enstine Muki
    Twitter:
    June 17, 2014 at 6:03 am #

    Hi Donna,

    This is a great post indeed!

    The problem with affiliate blogging is that most of us think money first. That’s why we are not careful with the products we review.

    Like you said, we have to bring out the value of the product. That’s what brings the sales.

    There are two things I recommend;

    1 – Show the value of the product
    2 – Show how it can help your readers. Some readers may not even know they need that product. Create the need and they will pay attention to it.

    If your community does not see any need or use, they will simply ignore it.

    There are 2 people in mind each time I do an affiliate product post;

    1 – My current readers : I consider them first. I know what they want so I make sure I give them
    2 – New readers, especially from SEO: In this case, I know most of these are driven by keywords. For the most part, they already know what they want. That’s where bringing out the details of the reviewed product is so important.

    Our blogs are great tools to make money with Affiliate Marketing but it has to be done correctly

    Hope you are having a great week Donna 😉
    Enstine Muki recently posted..Affiliate Marketing Training Videos – Market Research and KeywordsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 17, 2014 at 12:48 pm #

      Hi Enstine,

      Thank you for adding so much value to this post with your comment. Indeed, we need to show the value of the product and how it can help our readers.

      I too keep in mind my current readers first. It’s the know like and trust factor. And then, the new people who don’t even know me.

      I set up an ad campaign, tell them the value, and for social proof, they can check out my blog! That is the clincher for me. They see that I’m here, giving content and have a network of followers.

      If someone is new, that good old social proof is like gold!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  29. Nanda Rahmanius
    Twitter:
    June 17, 2014 at 4:40 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Thanks for this article.
    I am very interested in the topic of how to make money from blogs. It is a strategy that is worth trying. 🙂

    But indeed, as you said before, this is not as easy as people think. Hard work is still needed. However, it seems traffic has become a deciding factor in any business opportunity.

    Thanks for sharing this insightful article, Donna.
    Nice share and do have a wonderful week ahead.

    Nanda
    Nanda Rahmanius recently posted..5 Tips Using StumbleUpon To Increase Your Blog TrafficMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 17, 2014 at 12:44 pm #

      Hi Nanda,

      There are many strategies we can use to make money from our blogs. But we have to consider that our blogs are only one part of the puzzle.

      If we wrote a post about an affiliate product we use, love and want to share, we cannot depend on our readership only. We do have to get out there and point everything back to that blog post. This is only one strategy.

      Learning marketing strategies and applying them is a must.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  30. Barbara Charles
    Twitter:
    June 16, 2014 at 11:37 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Just what you described has been my issue as I did not want to write so that it seemed like I was pitching my products. You have given great advice. I have not gotten into affiliate marketing for that reason. I found it difficult to do. You’ve now given me the steps to accomplish this. Nice!

    I think it takes a minute to get the hang of it so I’ll need to read it again. I’m very interested in giving it a shot. Thanks for the steps I needed to accomplish this.

    Hope all is well with you. Looks like you are doing it girl!
    Barbara
    Barbara Charles recently posted..Are Trolls Visiting Your Blog?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 17, 2014 at 12:41 pm #

      Hi Barbara,

      It’s pretty simple when you think of it. You write blogs giving good content and then 10 percent or 20 percent of your posts, pitch an affiliate.

      Take for example “CommentLuv” Now, I cannot live without it. Yes, I am an affiliate for it but only wrote one post way back. I can take that post and re-purpose it if I want and write about it.

      Now most of my readership has it. But some blogs I visit don’t and I have to go crazy trying to figure out how to comment. Too time consuming. If they only had it on their blogs, it would increase their readership.

      Just an example of what to write. I know we shy away from things like this because we don’t want to be “pushy” but think of the value shared to others if they don’t have a great plugin, or anything else we use that we are affiliates of.

      Just a thought!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  31. Jeanne Melanson
    Twitter:
    June 16, 2014 at 11:23 pm #

    Excellent post, Donna. Sage advice about affiliate blogging. I can tell right away when someone is blogging strictly for money because that’s what I used to do. It was all about trying to get a sale, trying to recruit. After a while, the posts became boring even to me! I ended up losing interest (in that business) completely and now I write strictly for fun. If I make a sale too, wonderful. I don’t push. Thanks so much for sharing! Peace!
    Jeanne Melanson recently posted..Weird Perverted Animal Sex Facts You Didn’t Want to KnowMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 17, 2014 at 12:36 pm #

      Hi Jeanne,

      Oh those blog posts pushing sales! They never work! When we are blogging about something we are passionate about or inspiring to us, it makes readership so much more enjoyable.

      However, if one does want to offer an affiliate product through their blog, the best way to do it is to throw it in there 10% of the time. If it is something great that you are using and works great for you, why not share it?

      I don’t like to push, but rather have people seek me out and ask me. Yes, I do offer things, but I get more traction when I’m marketing via ads.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  32. Cararta
    Twitter:
    June 16, 2014 at 9:46 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    You hit the nail on the head. I love affiliate marketing.
    Love finding and looking at
    all those new tools and scripts and video makers, players and
    even programs for doing
    YouTube SEO!.

    To tame myself down a bit, I am trying to just write about what I have
    and use.
    Works sometimes….sometimes not!
    Often a friend will get hold of something that the
    results are so striking that it is noticeable on what they are doing on their blog
    or Facebook Fan Page.
    I just may not write a post on my blog, but can’t
    resist a comment or two!

    Loved your video, a different use for a “designed for commerce” program for making
    video ads about offers.
    Nice work!

    The webinar link was interesting. Checked it out after I read the whole article and didn’t find a selling link.

    Was surprised where it took me!

    Chose the article below, because for two days I have been working with a Facebook friend who always helps when I need it and he is using one of Dave’s programs to redo his efforts to upgrade his email list building….
    Surprising how often just chatting with another person can make the difference in your outcome!

    Thanks for a thought provoking share. Often that is all that is needed to help someone
    focus and move from wishing (thinking, learning) to doing.

    C.
    Cararta recently posted..Review: Dave Nicholson Says What are the Simplest and Best Ways to Make Money OnlineMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 17, 2014 at 12:33 pm #

      Hi Carata,

      I think it is great to offer what you use yourself. When writing about it, people will notice that it is something that you find useful. That’s the best way to do it!

      The video is designed for marketing, but I just couldn’t help myself because it is a pretty new tool I am playing with and thought it would be nice to put it in my post. Plus, Youtube needs a little more attention these days lol.

      Ah..the link! Yes it is a paid webinar, but free to our members of our VIP club.

      I’ve read your post that reviews what Dave Nicholsan says about making money online. Good to know you are in good hands.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  33. Sylviane Nuccio
    Twitter:
    June 16, 2014 at 9:25 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Excellent post. It used to be a time where people could somehow afford to write sales posts and articles all the time, but those days are over. Now we really need to apply the 80/20 or 90/10 rule. I thinks that makes sense.

    You’re right, selling affiliate products is not all that easy at all, it’s a business, really. A marketing business, and it needs to be done right to work.

    For sure, you and David are doing a great job with it.

    Keep up the good work!
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..How To Create Your Own Cool Customized Photos For Your BlogMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 17, 2014 at 11:49 am #

      Hi Sylviane,

      Yes, I remember those days, but things have changed. And we have to keep up with those fast paced changes that occur.

      If we are selling affiliate products, we need to talk about it once in a while in our posts, but that is just the beginning.

      We do have to get the correct training of how to market them.

      Thanks so much,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  34. William Butler
    Twitter:
    June 16, 2014 at 8:53 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    The extent of my affiliate marketing to date has been to place a few ads in the sidebar widget.
    My focus has been to create content that adds value to others, which is has my attention on current projects. As I’m fond of saying, Rome wasn’t built in a day, but they had the gates up.
    All good things come in time. Have a great week!

    Bill
    William Butler recently posted..13 Essential Vitamins For Personal SuccessMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 17, 2014 at 11:46 am #

      Hi Bill,

      Glad to see you back. I too used to have things on my sidebar, but it does take more than that. Ever hear of sidebar blindness?

      Many bloggers have it. We are so used to reading content, that we are “blind” to anything on the sidebar.

      Sometimes a little nudge within a blog post to point out whatever is on your sidebar can do the trick.

      But marketing is a different story. There are so many pieces to that puzzle and I will be writing about that. This only concerns content on a blog, but there is a long journey to become a savvy marketer. 🙂

      No, Rome was not built in a day …. and yes, all good things come in time. As long as we bear that in mind, we can go about our business with persistence and patience.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  35. nick catricala
    Twitter:
    June 16, 2014 at 8:00 pm #

    Donna,
    I keep saying you are a professional.. and you are amazing me over and over again as I keep reading all your great content that is so helpful and beneficial to so many of us who is not as profession as you.. and you give it in such a generous and natural way it seam like it is easy for everyone to do it.. I can say that it is not.. it takes a lot of work, dedication and persistence and I can see that you do that and MUCH more.. Always a pleasure to learn from you Donna..and I tell you, I will come back here again because I need to get it correctly the part about …. “The 4 essential steps to affiliate blogging” I read it once and wanted to read it again.. but will leave it for another time since I know at a later date they will be more clear to me.. (yes, that is one way I learn better haha 🙂

    Thanks so much for sharing such great tips..
    _nickc
    nick catricala recently posted..A Lifetime Commitment -Part 3 of 5My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 17, 2014 at 11:43 am #

      Hi Nick,

      I am so happy this post is of some value to you. Yes, I do the same thing as you. I sometimes have to go back to a post and read it again so it sticks in my brain and I can take some action on it.

      Oh yes, Nick, this is some how-to’s but it does take work, and dedication and of course persistence. If anyone wants to succeed in just about anything, these three things are necessary.

      This is but only a piece of the puzzle. I like to get people thinking lol.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

      • nick catricala
        Twitter:
        June 20, 2014 at 8:53 pm #

        Donna,
        I love what you wrote at the end of this comment you made for me… so I had to stop by and say my side of the story haha 🙂 “This is but only a piece of the puzzle. I like to get people thinking lol.”

        I am known to be reserved in many ways but close friends know a little more of the meaning for the why, people see me reserved… what they know is that no matter what situation the pace me in… I always find my way out hahha 🙂

        So to answer your “This is but only a piece of the puzzle. I like to get people thinking lol.” I must say that you like to get people thinking and I make certain they keep thinking even after they start thinking :-0 Smile.. it is good for you haha 🙂

        Thanks for being who you are Donna.. you make many people feel good so keep ging and never stop..
        _nickc
        nick catricala recently posted..A Lifetime Commitment -Part 3 of 5My Profile

        • Donna Merrill
          Twitter:
          June 21, 2014 at 11:27 am #

          Thanks for stopping by again Nick!

          You sure get me thinking, especially with your new series of “A lifetime of commitment” you are doing.

          You tell your story and it resonates with me….the challenges, the changes we all have to do in life.

          You are a fine example of how you overcame so much. I thank you for that Nick!

          -Donna
          Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  36. Sherman Smith June 16, 2014 at 6:46 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    You are true to your word because this was a valuable post in and of itself. It makes people want to know more about you and how they can “get in” on the action LOL…

    When I first started blogging, I remember a lot of the top bloggers use to say to deliver value, which I thought I was at first. But you know people felt that I had an agenda behind it. This was all a learning experience and I failed my way to what I know right now.

    One thing I like about this post, which I know others will appreciate, is that it was just 4 steps! Not just 4 steps, but 4 valuable steps that people will more likely take action on. I would suggest that if you were to start a facebook group, that you would put this post on the forefront to read for those that want to join in and learn how to market online!

    Thanks for sharing and you have a great week!
    Sherman Smith recently posted..What Do Sitemaps Have To Do With Generating Traffic?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 21, 2014 at 11:24 am #

      Hi Sherman,

      Sorry for the late reply, you got stuck in my back office 🙁

      Yes, giving value is what we all learned in the beginning and I still think it holds true. We need to give our readers something we know and share it. As bloggers, we are always learning from other bloggers.

      It is all “how” we write a blog that is important. I only chose 4 steps because someone can pick it up and take action on it.

      Instead of writing a pillar post of all that someone needs to know, I like to make things easy for my readers.

      I do have this posted on my FB Business page. I didn’t advertise it on FB, because I have my “blogging Magic” ads still running.

      Thanks for your awesome input,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  37. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    June 16, 2014 at 4:55 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    I so agree… Don’t overly pitch to your readers or they will be turned off by that. They won’t want to visit you that often because it’s like a subscription that they signed up for who do nothing but sell sell sell.

    You definitely do have to pick the right products though, that’s a huge thing. I mean if what you’re doing 80 to 90% of the time is help them by sharing information they can use and apply then when they need a particular product they definitely are going to trust you more. They’ll know you only will steer them in the right direction.

    I have no doubt your webinar will provide nothing but excellent information Donna so those that need to know, sign up and learn from this fabulous lady! She and David are rock stars in the blogging arena. 😉

    Have a wonderful week my dear and hope to see you later this week.

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted..You Lose Traffic And Credibility When You Ignore These Easy StepsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 16, 2014 at 7:14 pm #

      Hi Adrienne,

      Yes, it is all about picking the right product to affiliate. Just writing about blogging can give us a huge list of affiliate products as we both know ((wink))

      But the difference is that you and I will be using the product ourselves…checking to make sure it works well then sharing it with our readers.

      Thanks for the heads up on my webinar.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  38. Melanie Young
    Twitter:
    June 16, 2014 at 4:41 pm #

    I always love ready your posts… Great info for people at any stage of building their blog/business. Will be glad to share this along.
    Melanie Young recently posted..Here Come The Pink TuTu’sMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 16, 2014 at 7:11 pm #

      Hi Melanie,

      Good to see you here. Thanks so much and yes, this information can pertain to those who have blogs and want to build upon them using affiliate products.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  39. Zach June 16, 2014 at 4:02 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    When you said this, “No matter how good a blog post you write, it won’t mean much unless you drive traffic to it.” It was like a lightbulb went off! I’m builing a recipe blog and I am in LOVE with sharing but I’m learning I need to attract more people in order to keep it moving forward!

    I am going to be creating some pillar posts for some of my favorite cooking sites and books to help get to more people and share my love of cooking! Thanks for the ideas!

    Zach
    Zach recently posted..Cheezy Vegan NachosMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 16, 2014 at 7:10 pm #

      Hi Zach,

      I’m glad to know that a light bulb went off in your head. I know how much you love cooking and always provide me with yummy stuff.

      To drive more traffic to your blog, I would suggest you find some foodies out there…Vegans for example..Join their groups on social sites. Find their blogs and comment on them. See where it goes from there.

      You have a great niche, now…sell some stuff! Anything that is congruent to cooking. Ever think of that?

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  40. David Merrill 101
    Twitter:
    June 16, 2014 at 3:26 pm #

    You’ve outlined the basic things that affiliate bloggers need to do to be successful, Donna.

    Some of these things, like picking the right products for your audience, are often taken for granted. But it involves a lot of careful planning. I’ve known plenty bloggers who ran with a great affiliate product for their readers, but never put together a list of congruent products to round out a nice sales funnel to lead their readers through.

    You make a great point about loyalty, too. How many affiliate bloggers are so focused on a sale that they don’t even think of that. Yet, that’s where the biggest success really lies!
    David Merrill 101 recently posted..Everything Big Is Small AgainMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 16, 2014 at 7:07 pm #

      Hey David,

      You bring up the point of loyalty. That is the core factor when it comes to being an affiliate. We need to make sure that we support others who are purchasing a product from us.

      I’ve seen too many bloggers with affiliate products pasted all over the place on their blogs. Yikes..it makes me go crazy!

      When I go to a blog and see banners all over the place that have no congruency (yes…been on lots of ’em) I quickly think…”this person is just a hack” and run………

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  41. Dexter Roona
    Twitter:
    June 16, 2014 at 2:52 pm #

    Awesome article, products is not something i have done before, i am how ever going to get involed with Team Site Traffic and see where that goes
    regards Dexter Roona
    Dexter Roona recently posted..Top 10 WordPress Plugins Part 1My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 16, 2014 at 7:04 pm #

      Hi Dexter,

      So you seem to be new at all this. As long as you trust and believe in the product you are affiliating, you will do fine. I know that one, and it comes with lots of training and good leadership skills for you to follow.

      Actually I have it myself! Good luck with it and remember…don’t give up!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

  42. Atish Ranjan
    Twitter:
    June 16, 2014 at 1:40 pm #

    Thanks Donna for writing great article on Affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing cannot be successful unless you get targeted traffic.
    Getting tons of traffic and getting targeted traffic are different and you can make most out of your affiliate marketing campaign with targeted traffic only.

    I agree with you point where you have mentioned to choose the right product. This is the most important task I think.

    I enjoyed reading this Donna.
    Atish Ranjan recently posted..How to Use MOZ Chrome Extension?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 16, 2014 at 7:03 pm #

      Hi Atish,

      Absolutely! Choosing a product that we are passionate about, especially using it ourselves can be unique. As long as we are affiliating something we know is good for others, it rings true through our blogs, and our advertising.

      All we have to do is find ways to our target audience…ahhh a lesson for another day lol.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging For Network MarketersMy Profile

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