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9 Best Affiliate Programs For Bloggers

This post was most recently updated on July 30th, 2016

Affiliate Marketing Blog

In this article, I’m going to give you a list of the “9 Best Affiliate Programs For Bloggers.”

There are, of course, numerous affiliate programs.  This is a short list of ones that I think affiliate bloggers should consider using.

I do very little (next to none) affiliate marketing on my own personal blog.

But I work regularly with many bloggers who make affiliate marketing a key part of their blogs.  Some of them rely entirely on affiliate marketing as their blogging business model.

I also use affiliate marketing plenty in my email marketing.   Some of my lists are purely content, some are purely affiliate marketing, others are a mix of the two.

But for this article focuses on affiliate programs specifically for bloggers.

Before listing the best affiliate programs, though, let’s look a bit closer at how affiliate marketing fits into blogging.

You Can’t Make Money Blogging

Alright.

I think every blogger on the planet has gotten involved in the discussion of whether or not you can make money blogging.

The prevailing attitude seems to be that you simply can’t make money blogging.

My response is that you can’t make money blogging if you’re not doing it right.

So, I actually answer this question with both “yes” and “no.”

“No” if you’re just putting up haphazard content in a sloppy manner, or with no big strategy or purpose in mind.

If you are doing it right, though, then “yes,” you can certainly build a nice business with your blog.

Many bloggers are discouraged because they think (and they hear) that you need a ton of traffic or celebrity status to make money blogging.

A ton of traffic is nice, and it never hurts to be a celebrity.

But you can build a great blogging business with just a modest, steady flow of traffic as long as it is well targeted for your products and services, as well as your marketing message.

You can quickly become a celebrity inside of this small universe you’ve created out of your followers, subscribers, clients and customers.

If the idea of “celebrity” makes you cringe, though, think of it as something more like a leader, an authority or just a blogger who knows how to help folks out and cares enough about them to do it.

Here’s How To Do It

I don’t like to talk about “make money blogging.”  That seems so passive and whimsical, as if you can just start a blog and wait for cash to fall from the sky.

In fact, I think that’s why a lot of people say you can’t make money blogging.

In that way, I agree.

What you can do with your blog, though, is to build a real business.  Not “your   own personal ‘ATM’ machine”… a business.

A great way to turn your blog into a business is to feature your own products and services.

But first, you need to give your readers (prospects) a lot of great free content.  That’s why you have a blog.

“Great” means that you are helping your readers to solve their problems.

But giving them free advice, tips and training is only one way to help them.

You don’t need your own product, though.

Special: Start Your New Blog Today 

You can also do it by introducing them to affiliate products.

So, while featuring your own products and services is wonderful, you focus strictly on affiliate products and services instead.

The key here is to let your readers know that the affiliate products you are promoting will help them solve their problems.

Your affiliate products will make things happen faster, better and bigger.

It doesn’t matter what the problem is, you have the solution.

It comes in the form of an affiliate product that you introduce in your blog posts.

The important thing about affiliate blogging is to never make your readers feel like you’re trying to convince them to buy something.

Affiliate bloggers are not in the business of “selling.”

They are in the business of giving people access to things they already want, but just don’t know where to find.

Make your blog the resource they were looking for.

That’s the heart of affiliate blogging.

Naturally, it doesn’t work if you don’t have great products for your readers to buy.

So, where do you find them?

The 9 Best Affiliate Programs For Bloggers

Okay, so here’s my list of affiliate programs.

First, the ones you can use to find physical products.

Second, the best ones for finding digital products.

The first group of affiliate programs are usually for micro niche bloggers… those who run blogs about specific products or groups of products.

So, if I have a blog about cameras, I’ll probably be writing about different types of cameras, camera parts, photographic equipment and so forth.

To find those products I can review and sell as an affiliate on that blog, I could go to places like Amazon, Commission Junction and the others.

I just grab their affiliate links, embed them in my blog posts, and I’m ready to make some money on my blog.

The second group of affiliate programs is more for information blogs.

Information products are usually digital, and those are the things I want to find to affiliate.

Special: Start Your New Blog Today

If, for instance, my blog is about photography, I could find photography courses, video trainings and such by going to Clickbank, JVZoo and the others.

I’d just grab my affiliate link for specific digital products, review them on my photography blog, and embed my link to make sales.

Obviously, you can combine both physical and digital products on a single blog.

Using the above examples, you might have a photography blog that gives information about photography, and includes posts about specific cameras and equipment.  So, then, I could affiliate both physical and digital products.

These are great resources, though.

There are many others, but in my experience, you probably will never need to search much further than these 9 sources.

That’s the easy part.

The more complicated part is to set up a good strategy for using these resources and actually making affiliate sales on your blog.

Affiliate Blogging Strategy

I teach affiliate bloggers to think of their blogs as a magazine.

A magazine addresses a niche audience.

Maybe “parents” or “vegetarians,” for example.

All their articles, like your blog posts, give readers free information and advice geared to solving their problems and concerns, or maybe offering them entertainment, insight or knowledge.

A vegetarian magazine, for example, might have articles about where to find restaurants, books or recipes to fit a vegetarian lifestyle.

A vegetarian “blog” should do the same.

But the magazine has a bigger strategy than to just give folks great free content.

It also needs to make money so it can stay in the business of providing that content.

So, it sells advertising space.

Magazines get paid for introducing their readers to products and services that are highly relevant to their interests.

So a vegetarian magazine might have advertisements throughout its pages for readers to buy vegetarian cookbooks, healthy eating guides and so forth.

The magazine uses ad space to introduce interested prospects to an offer.  Then the advertiser takes over with the process of making sales.

So, too, the affiliate blogger encourages readers to click a link, see an offer and make a purchase.

The main difference in this analogy is that most bloggers do not sell advertising space, but they do collect a commission when a prospect buys the affiliate product being promoted.

While affiliate blogging is a powerful business model, there’s a lot that goes into making it pay off.

One key step is locating the right products.

That’s why I’ve given you my “best list of affiliate programs for bloggers” in this article.

But that’s just the beginning.

There are many other steps you must take to be successful.

That’s why I’ve put together a special training called “Affiliate Blogging Blueprint.”

On this training, you’ll learn a lot more about how to make affiliate marketing a key part of your own blogging strategy.

Register Here for my “Affiliate Blogging Blueprint” special training event

So what’s your blogging strategy?

Are you involved in affiliate blogging?

Do you agree with my list of the 9 Best Affiliate Programs For Bloggers?

Are there others you use that I haven’t included here?

Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel

I’d love to hear you comments and discussion about affiliate blogging.

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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102 Responses to 9 Best Affiliate Programs For Bloggers

  1. Maryanne Theodore
    Twitter:
    November 11, 2018 at 5:52 pm #

    Hi Donna!

    This is such an informative post.
    I love affiliate marketing. My best affiliate programs are Amazon and Shopstyle but recently I joined Jvzoo. It’s a great way of generating extra income from your blog. Thanks for sharing this

  2. Emmanuel February 14, 2018 at 4:03 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    Awesome content on this page, you really break it down here.
    Affiliate marketing is one of the best alternative to make money from blogging when compared to Adsense.

    You really great here bro, I love your content. H. ☆Happy☆ ♡Valentine’s♡ ☆Day

  3. Prosper Noah
    Twitter:
    December 11, 2017 at 5:20 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Great Post Right here.
    Affiliate Marketing is one of the best ways I personally make money from my blog and I recommend products I personally use.

    However it all depends on the trust you have gained or built over time.
    Clickbank to me, remains the best.

    Have a great time Donna

  4. Muhammad Tabish
    Twitter:
    May 6, 2016 at 3:15 pm #

    Great list of affiliate programs for Blogger Great Writing you’ve compiled. Clickbank and amazon were the only programs I knew so far. affiliate network separately like a review and containing your experience with it.
    Muhammad Tabish recently posted..What Is Internet Network Marketing Bill Gates favorite business?My Profile

  5. Siphosith
    Twitter:
    April 20, 2015 at 12:26 pm #

    This is a huge topic for bloggers. I like that you laid out how to do affiliate marketing as a blogger and where to go to get the affiliate programs. So much was covered and your post is such a learning lesson. I have used some but I still need to go deeper into this topic. Thanks for the share.
    Siphosith recently posted..5 Basic SEO For Blog Posts For BeginnersMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 20, 2015 at 1:25 pm #

      Hi Siphosith,

      These are only but a few places to go for finding affiliates. I like to keep up with who is marketing what, so I do have a designated email for the newest products coming out.

      Don’t get me wrong, I am not one of those shiny object people who opt into everything, but rather choose wisely. Sometimes I buy something like tools that I need or programs I want to learn from.

      And if they are working so well, I will share them with my list.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Growing Your Online BusinessMy Profile

  6. Christine Adindu
    Twitter:
    April 14, 2015 at 4:36 pm #

    Great information Donna as always. Great affiliate networks. I use some but not all of them. Great insight though for everyone.
    Christine Adindu recently posted..Facebook Marketing For Your MLM Business Can Be Very Lucrative, If Used Correctly.My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 20, 2015 at 1:22 pm #

      Hi Christine,

      I just had to make a list of some affiliate places to go. I was getting so many questions about this from others, that it inspired me to write this post.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Growing Your Online BusinessMy Profile

  7. Kimsea Sok
    Twitter:
    April 13, 2015 at 1:53 am #

    Donna, I am here again on your blog.

    Well, I would admit that this is an awesome article from your.

    You know..? I love what you wrote here, and mentioned that we have to make our blog as business (Not for personal ATM).

    Sure, to make money blogging..! We have to own the products or service.

    Provide the readers to quality contents that those help them to solve their problem or any business issued.

    Build relationship and ask them to follow us via social media networking or opt-in mailing list.

    Also, thanks for sharing your affiliate networks. Actually, I love clickband and amazon but I am not to make much money from those.
    Kimsea Sok recently posted..How to Start Best Small Business With BloggingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 20, 2015 at 1:22 pm #

      Hi Kimsea,

      Nice to see you again. Yes, our blog is a big part of our business, but certainly not an ATM machine lol. We can make money from our own products/services and also affiliates. It all depends on what we decide to do.

      But, we do have to get out there on social media sites and build relationships with others.

      I do believe people buy people: It is all about the Know like and trust factor.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Growing Your Online BusinessMy Profile

  8. Barbara Charles
    Twitter:
    April 9, 2015 at 11:04 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    This is one thing I’ve tried periodically and I guess there is a right way to do it that requires a bit of training in order to do it right and know what you’re doing to be successful. You’ve written just the things people need to know about and how to do it.

    I know many people have been successful at it, but it doesn’t appeal to me but I guess I should re-think it as that is one way people are really making money online. I also mentioned it in my last post regarding affiliate marketing as a way of making money online.

    I will rethink it and I’m glad you wrote up on how to do it with it’s additional resources.

    Thanks so much.
    Very good post and information to help.

    Barbara
    Barbara Charles recently posted..The Shocking Truth About Making Money Online By BloggingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 11, 2015 at 12:41 pm #

      Hi Barbara,

      There have been many questions from people about affiliate products and where to find good ones and all those how to’s.

      When I get more than one question I just have to blog about it. I use them myself in my emails. When you think of the tools we use for our blogs and those tools are affiliates, why the heck not share? If it works for us, it can work for our customers.

      Sometimes I get notified of a real good deal that I can use, I purchase it, use it, and if it is effective, I sure will share it.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Write Blog Posts Like CrazyMy Profile

  9. Donna Merrill
    Twitter:
    April 9, 2015 at 10:13 pm #

    Hi Max,

    Wow..You have done so much in such a short time, especially producing your book. As for my affiliate product, I will be releasing an entire funnel of affiliate products coming soon.

    There are a few things I need to do, but within a few weeks, hopefully it will be all set up. I will keep you in mind because it is a more profitable affiliate that will work nicely.

    The lead in will be at a low cost at 100% commission, and the two others will be 50% commission rates. That will be a win win for all.

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Write Blog Posts Like CrazyMy Profile

  10. Maxwell Ivey
    Twitter:
    April 8, 2015 at 12:14 am #

    hi donna; this is something i’ve struggled with for a while now. I think your list of affiliate sites is solid. i have to problems. one is where to find products that fit in with my primary site of the midway marketplace where i help people sell amusement equipment. its easier with my newer site for the blind blogger but still not easy to surf sites seeking things to sell while using a screen reader. then most sites have more than one block of code so you have to choose which one fits with your site and hope it doesn’t clash with your color scheme. fabrizio van marciano has been helping me with the blind blogger and has offered to add affiliate links as i find them. that makes things a lot easier. still is what products. so i’m reading this post and i have known you for a while and you post about this affiliate income product of yours. so i have to ask. are you offering any affiliate links to it? 🙂 thanks for sharing and good luck, max
    Maxwell Ivey recently posted..Taking my own advice and asking for help with my intro videoMy Profile

  11. Nile April 7, 2015 at 1:43 am #

    I rarely take part in affiliate programs for bloggers these days. I think the only thing I actively get commissions is when someone asks me for my StudioPress affiliate links….lol
    Nile recently posted..Blog Ideas for ConferencesMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 7, 2015 at 1:57 pm #

      Hi Nile,

      It is great to know you actively get commissions from your StudioPress affiliate links. Keep on track girl.

      As the old saying goes “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” lol.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Write Blog Posts Like CrazyMy Profile

  12. Irish Carter
    Twitter:
    April 6, 2015 at 9:41 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I loved this! I have dipped into the affiliate marketing bit by bit but you got me thinking about a few things here. Again, it was thinking more clearly about the audience on my website. My audience really comes to Dedicated 2 Life more for information than product so it really helped to narrow the type of affiliate marketing down.

    Also, I love the analogy you shared about thinking like if you had a magazine and was making profit from ads. Good one.

    Have a great week Donna. Take care and talk to you soon.

    Irish
    Irish Carter recently posted..Dedicated 2 Life’s Passionate People of 2015 Picks – Group Five!  Who Gets Your Vote?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 7, 2015 at 1:55 pm #

      Hi Irish,

      It really comes down to your niche. As they come to you for information, you may find an affiliate program or tool to offer in conjunction with your niche.

      You just never know lol.

      Thanks for coming by!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Write Blog Posts Like CrazyMy Profile

  13. Carol Amato
    Twitter:
    April 6, 2015 at 8:47 pm #

    Hi, Donna,

    Very wise words, my friend, and you are absolutely spot on the money! lol Your Yes/No answer is what I would have given, to be honest, so we have similar viewpoints in this area.

    Because I made my very first dollar online through affiliate marketing, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for this method of earning. And you and I both know how many thousands I never got for a certain reason, but I kept on trucking down the affiliate road. 😉

    I like your list of networks, and would only add DigiResults and DealGuardian. DealGuardian is what Adrienne used for her product launch, and they are very good and pay their affiliates like clockwork. But you have to request it!

    One month I forgot to check my earnings to request the transfer, and went in there to find a hefty chunk of change sitting there collecting dust. Now I set a weekly alarm. LOL

    Loved your post, Donna – sharing this out for sure.

    Take Care,
    – Carol 🙂
    Carol Amato recently posted..7 Vital Action Steps To Succeed As A BloggerMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 7, 2015 at 1:52 pm #

      Hi Carol,

      Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Oh how I laughed when you mentioned that you use DealGuardian and forgot to request your earnings collecting dust.

      I’m sure you did a happy dance when you found that! he he he

      I do like to sprinkle in affiliate products in my list ONLY if I’ve used them and they did work wonders for me. Most of the time I like tools offered because we need lots of them in our toolbox when we are running a business.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Write Blog Posts Like CrazyMy Profile

  14. Monna Ellithorpe
    Twitter:
    April 6, 2015 at 12:34 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    A woman after my own heart. I love affiliate marketing. You have given some great sources for people and explained the use of them, which is awesome.

    I think a lot of people don’t realize there is a difference between affiliate marketing and network marketing (Both good business models) but one needs to decide on one to get started.

    Have a great day.
    Monna Ellithorpe recently posted..April 1st 2015 DS Domination BlitzMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 7, 2015 at 1:49 pm #

      Hi Monna,

      I sure know you love affiliate marketing! Yes, it is quite different than network marketing. But even those who are in the network marketing business, can pick up a few affiliates to add to their list.

      If something is good, we do want to share it with our friends!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Write Blog Posts Like CrazyMy Profile

  15. Shelley Alexander April 6, 2015 at 12:35 am #

    Hi Donna, you have put together an excellent affiliate marketing guide to help bloggers who want to start using affiliate marketing to bring in money from their blog. I use a mix of affiliate partners, sponsored posts and my own products on my site. I also only recommend affiliate products or services that I have personally used and feel good about recommending to my audience. Thanks so much for putting together this useful post!
    Shelley Alexander recently posted..3 Energizing Smoothie Shots with Organic GreensMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 7, 2015 at 1:47 pm #

      Hi Shelley,

      I too use a mix of affiliate products in my sales funnel. Although I have my own product and services, I do use certain tools that work great and will share it with my list.

      Sometimes I will even put it in a blog post as a review or an option to others. I do find that when something works great for me, I like to share it with others.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Write Blog Posts Like CrazyMy Profile

  16. Linda Schrier
    Twitter:
    April 5, 2015 at 9:44 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Excellent Post, you never skipped a beat.

    I’m using my blog to make money Online and belong to a group called iPro who has a sales funnel built into the products we sell. We get targeted traffic to an offer in hopes to make a sale. Like you said we want quality traffic in our businesses.

    I’m going to look at the nine best affiliate programs for bloggers that you mentioned to see what they have to offer.

    I have to say I like the blog commenting groups the best. They offer so much value and help others to work out our problems.

    I am so loving your course “Blogging Magic”. it contains massive, massive value and it was made to order for me. It connected all the dots.

    From your blog post, I learned that I need to give away a lot more freebies.

    The most important thing I want to do is to help other people and I want to keep my prospects happy and to know, like and trust me enough to make a purchase.

    I do not know how to embed links to my blog, yet but I will learn.

    I liked the way you used a magazine as an example for affiliate bloggers.

    I will see you in “Affiliate Blogging Blueprint” on Tuesday April 7 @ 4PM.

    Thank you for your blog post and you have a wonderful week ahead,

    Linda
    Linda Schrier recently posted..How Blogging Began For MeMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 7, 2015 at 1:45 pm #

      Hi Linda,

      I am so glad that my course “Blogging Magic” is helping you connect the dots. That feedback makes me happy because, like you, I too want to help people.

      I would say to stick with IPro, and then keep learning. Eventually, in your own sales funnel or emails you can offer an affiliate product to your list. But it has to be congruent in what you are doing.

      Cannot take too much all at once, so take your time and I’ll see you on the training. If you can’t make it you know it will be recorded.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Write Blog Posts Like CrazyMy Profile

  17. Nisha Pandey
    Twitter:
    April 5, 2015 at 4:23 pm #

    HI Donna,

    A really insightful read. I see so many young bloggers coming to this field with the idea of making money. But then they do not have a plan or any focus.

    So they get discouraged when they see its not working. A solid strategy is very important to turn your blog in to a business.

    A great read. Thanks for sharing. Have a great week ahead!

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 7, 2015 at 1:40 pm #

      Hi Nisha,

      I see them too. One has to have a business plan in place in order to start. Indeed, a good strategy is important to turn your blog into a business.

      There will be times of discouragement, but we need to hang in there and keep on trying.

      I think those who quickly get discouraged are people who believe being online is a get rich quick thing to do.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Write Blog Posts Like CrazyMy Profile

  18. Willena Flewelling
    Twitter:
    April 5, 2015 at 5:02 am #

    Hi Donna… I’m not an affiliate marketer, or any kind of marketer yet. But I appreciate the simple way you’ve laid this all out, because I may need it.
    Willena Flewelling recently posted..The Broken AirplaneMy Profile

  19. Julieanne van Zyl April 5, 2015 at 4:42 am #

    Hi Donna, I agree that affiliate programs are a great way to make money from your Blog. On my first blog, I used to review Underwater cameras for scuba diving, and I would link to the camera on Amazon (with my affiliate link). Amazon doesn’t pay a huge amount to their affiliates, but when someone purchases an item that’s worth hundreds of dollars, you receive quite a decent sum of money.
    Julieanne van Zyl recently posted..Let’s Sit Around And Wait To Die! or Jive Like Jagger At 65!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 7, 2015 at 1:30 pm #

      Hi Julieanne,

      Funny you mention that … I had an old niche blog that I had forgotten about and as money was received I was so puzzled. Then the Aha moment came when I realized it was from an old Amazon niche blog from a few years ago.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Write Blog Posts Like CrazyMy Profile

  20. Jacs Henderson
    Twitter:
    April 4, 2015 at 11:10 am #

    Super information Donna!

    I think it is a natural progression to share products that have helped you in your business or life, with your readers, both blog and email, and I am only comfortable recommending things I have purchased and tried (unless I know the owner very well!)

    I think with all those affiliate platforms you shared, we could solve all the problems in the world! and many people prefer to read a ‘review’ post from someone they know, and purchase there, rather than go searching for the products themselves to solve their problem!

    I know all the platforms except the last one you mentioned, I have not quite tried products from them all, and my most frequently used one is JVZoo

    I liked how you compared a blog to a magazine, with articles and also some form of monetisation and promotion… and you can make money by blogging, by focusing content on your readers and their problems and favourite subjects! Genius idea 🙂

    Finding the products is one thing, but weaving them into a blog post with value and info, not ‘selling’ is quite a skill and I’m sure your training will show us how!

    warm wishes,

    Jacs
    Jacs Henderson recently posted..A New Vibe for YOU… Jacs Social Superstars Tribe!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 4, 2015 at 12:58 pm #

      Hi Jacs,

      I find that I only share products I have used myself and have had a great benefit for me. The only time I will share something is from a trusted person in the industry that I know.

      Affiliates are a nice way to weave things into our blog posts. I like to do it for “just in case” someone is interested in it and it can be beneficial for them.

      I have seen some “magazine” types of this and see that it does work. I also am on some email lists whereby I can get the “latest and greatest” stuff out there not only for myself, but if it is a good fit to my sales funnel, I will promote it.

      Thanks so much,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  21. Nanda Rahmanius
    Twitter:
    April 4, 2015 at 5:09 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Informative post, indeed! 🙂

    I used to try affiliate before. Although there are purchases, but it was not enough to pay out. When first blogging, I tried every make money program offered to a blog. I knew it was a mistake, therefore, I focus on one area first and deepen their knowledge.

    I hope when I understand everything about blogging, I will make a seminar and workshop in my own country. It is my dream. 🙂

    Thanks for sharing, Donna.
    I wish success for your webinar. I will start to share right now 🙂

    ~Nanda
    Nanda Rahmanius recently posted..THANKS To My Comment Authors ~ March 2015 Engagement Report!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 4, 2015 at 12:39 pm #

      Hi Nanda,

      To do affiliate marketing is a whole different niche than what you are doing. Your goal is to make a seminar and workshop in your country and that my friend is something that you will achieve!

      As long as you stay focused on that goal and don’t let anything distract you, it sure can be done.

      There are many ways to use affiliates. I do have my own products, but in the sales funnel I have, I do offer some affiliate products that may help someone on their journey.

      It is not where I focus to monetize, but rather a little here and there isn’t so bad lol.

      There are marketers that have many niche sites for affiliate products. I’ve seen some do so well.

      But stay on your path my friend and blessing to you,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  22. Atish Ranjan
    Twitter:
    April 4, 2015 at 3:08 am #

    I am using Amazon affiliate, CJ and few others which are nice to work with. Affiliate marketing success purely depends on what kind of traffic you are getting and what kind of product you are offering them to buy.

    You should understand the nature of the visitors and accordingly suggest the products. Targeted traffic is what works in affiliate marketing. Getting more than 5000 visits per day who just come and go is not good but getting even 1000 targeted ones is great.

    Nice post Donna.
    Atish Ranjan recently posted..How to Balance Blogging Along With A Day Job & Family?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 4, 2015 at 12:18 pm #

      Hi Atish,

      Indeed, it all depends on what kind of traffic one is getting and what product you are offering to buy. One has to know how to target the market and understand the nature of visitors.

      If anyone knows about this it is you! Getting such high numbers of visitors are great, but as long as we are converting them into customers…Wow

      Thanks for your insight.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  23. Zach
    Twitter:
    April 3, 2015 at 10:19 pm #

    I was not familiar with affiliate blogging. I still only loosely understand what it is. It doesn’t seem like it would be something that work for a lawyer, but tell me if you think differently.
    Zach recently posted..Are Personal Injury Settlements Taxable?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 4, 2015 at 12:07 pm #

      Hi Zach,

      You are in an entire different niche as a lawyer. You are always giving great advice in legal realms. I’m not sure, but I would have to say affiliates are probably not for what you are doing online.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  24. susan cooper
    Twitter:
    April 3, 2015 at 6:31 pm #

    Hi Donna
    This is a great round up of affiliate marketing programs you have put together for bloggers. I’m sure some will think all they have to do is include several links in their blog and the moola just rolls in. Hopefully they have built up a relationship with their blogging community based on trust, so their readers are comfortable whatever they are including a link to is of value. 🙂

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 4, 2015 at 11:56 am #

      Hi Susan,

      Great to see you! Indeed, I’m always preaching that it takes time to build relationships before you put anything out there.

      Nothing will work unless people get to know, like and trust you. And that all starts when we take the first step and do something for others first. My readers know that one by now lol.

      I made this roundup because some people were asking me where to go..what to do, etc.

      But this will all be explained specifically in the training.

      Great to connect with you again,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  25. Dylann Andre April 2, 2015 at 2:31 pm #

    It’s very interesting about these 9 Best Affiliate Programs For Bloggers. I’m sure many will be glad to read this article. Thanks for sharing it. Fantastic post!
    Dylann Andre recently posted..5 Retail Marketing IdeasMy Profile

  26. Luke Jordan
    Twitter:
    April 2, 2015 at 2:28 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    This is a really informative post and I’m glad you listed a few methods that I wasn’t aware of.

    Back in the day (risking sounding extremely old here) I used to make a decent bit from Amazon Affiliates and it still brings in a few quid here or there, but I definitely want to broaden my horizons should I opt for an affiliate strategy on any of my sites going forward.

    If people say money can’t be made in blogging then you’re absolutely right – they aren’t going about it the right way! If worst comes to the worst, if an awesome blogger is generating enough views but not the revenue, they can easily sell it onto someone for a significant figure who has more experience in monetisation.

    Enjoy the rest of your week!

    All the best,

    Luke Jordan
    Intergeek
    Luke Jordan recently posted..Want More Traffic? Stop Losing the Visitors You’ve Already Got!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 4, 2015 at 12:02 pm #

      Hi Luke,

      These are only a few methods I posted here because of the questions piling in to my inbox.

      I do use affiliates many times in my sales funnel. If someone is building a business, they will need the tools to do so. Whatever I use that works, I do share with others. They can be a great app, or tool to use all the way to a specific training, other than my own.

      It is all to get people where they want to go. Affiliate marketing, especially with niche sites can be a lucrative way for someone to do business.

      Thanks so much for your input,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  27. Sarah Arrow
    Twitter:
    April 2, 2015 at 6:20 am #

    A great read as always Donna, and I love your line about blogging the right way makes money! Of course it does, that’s part of the reason why we do it. I think some new bloggers think that money will rain from the blogging heavens once they include an affiliate link! That’s not the case, and if they listened to the more experienced bloggers (like yourself) then they’d understand that the “money” is in the relationships and trust that you build up, and not in piling a post up with affiliate links.
    Sarah Arrow recently posted..How to Generate Traffic from LinkedIN to Your BlogMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 2, 2015 at 1:08 pm #

      Hi Sarah,

      So true….the money is in the relationships and trust that we build, and not piling a post up with affiliate links.

      It often amazes me when bloggers that have been around for a while do this. Then I look at the comment section and if they are lucky they will get one liners.

      To me, whatever one is marketing, it is like a dance. It all relies on the relationships built before the dance has ended. Or like dating like I mentioned above. You cannot meet someone say “Hi, will you marry me?”

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  28. Mukesh
    Twitter:
    April 2, 2015 at 4:32 am #

    Excellent port Donna, I learning different ways for monetizing my blog and affiliate is definitely one in my radar, very helpful post, i am yet to monetize my site but now i will know what to select..

    Regards
    Mukesh

  29. Mayura
    Twitter:
    April 2, 2015 at 4:22 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I have to agree with everyone – you have an excellent guide here 🙂

    You always do make things easy to grasp dear. I love the way you elaborated the “Affiliate Blogging Strategy” to us. You have always been a great teacher 🙂

    I don’t really have much experience on affiliate blogging or advertising much. But did experiment different models out of curiosity. Still does. What I love about affiliate programs is that we have the liberty to promote what we don’t hesitate to recommend. But interest-based advertising is a whole different scenario. Isn’t it?

    Talking about the affiliate programs, I have tried Commission Junction couple of times and it was better than promoting direct affiliates in my experience. Do you think affiliate programs are way better than direct affiliates? I’ve heard of stories people benefiting from both strategies though 🙂

    Wish you much success for your special training event dear 🙂

    Have a successful week!

    Cheers…
    Mayura recently posted..How to Secure Your Twitter AccountMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 2, 2015 at 1:05 pm #

      Hi Mayura,

      So good to see you here. And also great feedback from you that this was easy to understand. I wanted to address affiliate marketing because many people were asking me to.

      The list above is quite small, but familiar to many people. I only will promote an affiliate program I have used and usually send it to my list, rather than posting a blog. But, I’m receiving more and more questions and maybe I’ll share one or two that are trusted in a future blog post.

      As for the answer to your question, it depends on one’s marketing savvy. I think both are equal but it is up to the individual where they want to market.

      At the end of the day, learning how to market is the answer.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  30. Chery Schmidt
    Twitter:
    April 1, 2015 at 11:27 pm #

    Hello Donna, I really enjoyed your post here today and do wish you could have shared all of this with me 4 years ago LOL Yes Ma’am these certainly do look to me like you did indeed share the 9 Best Affiliate Programs For Bloggers right here today.

    My favorite of course are Amazona and Ebay, I guess I have made some money from JVZoo this past month though too.

    Great share my friend.. Thanks Chery :))
    Chery Schmidt recently posted..Discover How I Won The Fearless Dominators Team BlitzMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 2, 2015 at 1:00 pm #

      Hi Chery,

      If I knew 4 years ago what I know now, it would have been shared lol. I see you doing a great job with Amazon and Ebay these days with the program you follow. Keep up the good work!

      Funny when we have something on JVzoo, and forgot about it until an email pops up and we find we made a sale. That’s what recently happened to me with an old niche sit I totally forgot about.

      To your success!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  31. Mi Muba
    Twitter:
    April 1, 2015 at 1:51 pm #

    Hi Donna

    Very relevant post especially in an era where people want reward in terms of money of their every hard labor and who better than us can know blogging does require hard and continuous labor.

    Hobby blogging is a reality but after sometime almost 50 per cent hobby blogs also convert into money blogs. So every newbie blogger has two option either to first start a blog as hobby then make it his profession or from the very beginning be the rational enough start a blog as a business.

    You are right many bloggers do have power to earn money but they avoid facing initial failures which every businessperson faces and obviously no one’s product is sold from the day one like a hot cake. It requires time to create a space in an already congested market.

    Thanks a lot for sharing this wonderful list of affiliate programs and many of them are already making big success in online world.
    Mi Muba recently posted..How to open an expert roundup shop for making money online?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 2, 2015 at 12:57 pm #

      Hi Mi,

      Great point! Some bloggers are hobby bloggers but then eventually want to monetize. Others are coming into blogging with the idea of monetizing already.

      It does take time and effort to sell one’s own product; from production to marketing strategies. Even when we sell our own products, affiliates can be used in our sales funnels. Like programs, plugins and systems.

      Also, if you find a great affiliate product that will help your customers, something you use yourself and deem profitable, by all means, share it.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  32. Brenda Lee
    Twitter:
    April 1, 2015 at 9:56 am #

    Hi Donna!

    This is a fab post for anyone wanting to start monetizing their blogs. I LOVE ShareASale and have been successful since starting using it. I also use Amazon but not quite there yet. I believe these can help you get started but where do the big bucks come in? Usually from having your own product to sell, no?

    I’ve been making money on my three short stories that I published last year. Two of three are offered on my web sites which help generate traffic that way. As far as I’m concerned, any extra income coming into the home, is definitely a big plus!

    Thanks for sharing your tips my friend. Passing it along!

    B
    Brenda Lee recently posted..Awesome Goodies for the Not So Average She CaveMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 2, 2015 at 12:30 pm #

      Hi Brenda,

      It is a good way to start monetizing blogs. You asked where the big bucks come in. In various ways my friend, all of which are inter-related.

      Creating your own product is a great thing to do , but you have already done that with your short stories.

      The trick is to create products that naturally flow into other products. That’s what we call a sales funnel. The deeper you can bring people into the sales funnel (which includes your own products/services along with affiliate products), the more you will succeed with affiliate marketing.

      If you made a business of driving senior citizens to the beach for the day, and bringing them home with a little mini-bus, you’d probably make a few bucks. But if you sold snacks both ways, you’d make a bit more. How about tanning lotion, beach towels, beach chairs, reading material, sunglasses… Do you think you’d start making more and more money rather than just selling your transportation service? That’s because you know what your customers want, and you stay focused on making those things available.

      Instead of telling yourself, “I don’t want to be a sales person and rip off a bunch of senior citizens,” you could say “I really care about these people, so I’ll make sure to provide them with things they can use to make their visit more enjoyable.”

      As for “big bucks”, that comes from the back-end of your business. How about getting your senior citizens together for a weekend jaunt to the casino? Maybe you can arrange for their boarding and meals, get them a package deal and of course, profit from making the arrangements with the casino. How about a trip to Europe for 14 days, how about… How about adding more trips, hiring drivers, maybe even franchising out your business. Well you get the idea.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  33. Dennis Seymour
    Twitter:
    April 1, 2015 at 5:01 am #

    I try to avoid JVzoo and Warriorplus, for certain reasons, besides feeling a little spammy.

    The rest are top notch and I’ve been with them since 2008. Oh how I could remember how everybody was so big on clickbank back then. Ah…the good old days.

    Great job Donna! Keep rockin it!!!!!
    Dennis Seymour recently posted..My Go-to Link Building Strategy That Skyrockets Websites to the MoonMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 1, 2015 at 1:53 pm #

      Thanks so much for your input Dennis,

      I do have some on JVzoo platform, but not everything. I get on Warriorplus, but still cannot find my own stamina there. The others I love. I think I’ll do a post of the best one I use all the time.

      I was hesitant because it is an affiliate, and I usually don’t write about my affiliates here, but reading the comments, I just may craft a post about it.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  34. Sue Price
    Twitter:
    April 1, 2015 at 4:20 am #

    Hi Donna,

    This is an awesome resource for bloggers. I laugh as I often get offline friends who pays me to blog like it is a job. Having said that there is one local woman here who is has travel blog and gets paid by various travel companies to go on their trips and write. Clearly that is not the norm.

    I started my blog to build a brand to build avnetwork marketing company I was in at the time. I had no clue so this is such a great resource for people. I have mainly promoted products I use along the way.

    Your posts just get better and better Donna. Your marketing knowledge can help so many people.

    Thanks

    Sue

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 1, 2015 at 11:24 am #

      Hi Sue,

      I love that story about the women who gets paid by travel companies to go on trips and write. Not the norm, but what a great way to have fun while she is making money!

      I know that whatever you do out there is trusted. You have been a businesswoman your entire life and have many stories to tell. I have the highest respect for you my friend and know that you promote products that you use.

      Thanks for the thumbs up!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  35. Lesly Federici
    Twitter:
    March 31, 2015 at 7:07 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    Love what you said that Affiliate bloggers not pushing sales but rather being what I hope to be – a “trusted adviser”. Creativity and innovation are the main themes in the products I promote. I choose with a discerning eye. I have stumbled on some crap too … which makes me very cautious when viewing a sales letter. But when you’re an affiliate you can often ask the creator if you can view the product before you promote it, which is great. I never push a sale, but I do like to share what’s out there that I think will educate and inspire… great post as usual …
    Lesly Federici recently posted..WOW! Create Your Own AppMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 1, 2015 at 11:21 am #

      Hi Lesly,

      I love the way you affiliate products. Especially your last one on your blog whereby you did a fine review. And yes, there is a lot of crap out there that we need to sort through.

      But you know your niche very well and always offer products that are helpful and trusted.

      Many people don’t do what you do and that is ask the creator if you can view the product before you promote it. This is why you are a trusted source because you never kick out products just for the sake of it. You review it, use it and through your enthusiasm, you are the go-to gal!

      I love you for never pushing a sale. I like your style of marketing because you don’t push, but rather have the strong belief that those products will educate and inspire others. And it does!

      Thank you my friend!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  36. Mitch Mitchell
    Twitter:
    March 31, 2015 at 6:42 pm #

    I’m still a member of 4 of what you’ve mentioned above. I haven’t made a lot of money off them, probably because I don’t have that niche blog, but it’s something to consider. I used to use Commission Junction a lot, have slowed down, and I’m trying to think of how I could use it again… just not on the blog.

    I never signed up for Amazon, especially after hearing how they wanted NY State to track commissions and the state refused so they pulled out; so much for that. lol Also, and I almost hate to mention the name because of what else might start coming, but I was turned off by JVZoo before I ever even thought about looking at the website because once I commented on a blog post after someone had written about it and suddenly I was flooded with all sorts of email that I had to set up my spam filter to control; ouch! lol

    Regardless, your ideas for how to use these things are spot on!
    Mitch Mitchell recently posted..1,600 Blog Posts; What A Year!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 1, 2015 at 11:01 am #

      Hi Mitch,

      I’m starting to like Commission Junction and it is not so bad. I also have signed up for others, not mentioned here but it keeps me up to date of the latest launches coming out from those I know, like, trust and follow. I didn’t get their permission before I wrote this generic post. I don’t like to name names unless I contact that person to advise them. Just me…doing things what I deem proper.

      As for Amazon, I used to live in NY and keep up to date with their policies. Now living in Maine, it is the same thing. However, I’m not an Amazon seller. I tend more to be informational an digital in niches.

      Oh my gosh, sorry what happened to you with your opinion on JVZoo. People can be weird. But not here at my place. Well….not yet anyway lol.

      There are so many places to get affiliates, I couldn’t list them all here, but will talk a lot about them in my upcoming training.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

      • Mitch Mitchell
        Twitter:
        April 2, 2015 at 2:36 pm #

        Years ago on my blog I wrote a six-part article on my blog talking about all the affiliate programs I was a part of. I had to break it out because there were a lot of them, and I gave my opinion on each one. I haven’t signed up for anything new in years but I’m starting to think about it again…
        Mitch Mitchell recently posted..Are You Trying To Make Money With Your Blog?My Profile

  37. Karen Peltier
    Twitter:
    March 31, 2015 at 3:26 pm #

    Hi Donna.

    You share really great tips on blogging and using affiliate accounts. I’ve signed up for a few, but find that Amazon works really for me at this point. The selection of products is large enough and many people trust Amazon to begin with, so if they did want to purchase something, they would feel comfortable buying from them.

    Karen
    Karen Peltier recently posted..Top 10 Wellness Tips to Spring into Spring with Renewed Energy & VitalityMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 1, 2015 at 10:31 am #

      Hi Karen,

      Good to know you are using Amazon right now. Indeed, people do trust Amazon – I love it myself because I’m a buyer of just about everything through them lol.

      Oh hes, there are so many products out there that will suit just about any niche. Glad to know you are doing that!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  38. Andrew M. Warner
    Twitter:
    March 31, 2015 at 9:32 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Excellent pot here. You’re so right. All of these are some pretty good affiliate programs, with Amazon being on top. I’m not too big on CB any more though. Although they’re a big player, I find a lot of the products they have on there aren’t of the highest quality.

    For one of my other sites, I’m big on affiliate marketing because that’s the best way to make money for that particular niche. I appreciate this full list because now I can at least explore additional affiliate channels.

    – Andrew
    Andrew M. Warner recently posted..3 Optimization Experiments To Growth Hack My Blog (and Why You Should Do Them Too)My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 1, 2015 at 10:28 am #

      Hi Andrew,

      Although CB is the most familiar out there, I too find other ways to obtain affiliate products that are excellent. With CB it is sort of weeding out things.

      Indeed, for your other sites affiliate marketing is the best way to make money for that particular niche. When you start exploring different affiliate channels, and/or people out there who are promoting affiliate sites (there are many too) You can get a better idea of the product, the producer who you will KLT, etc.

      Cheers!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  39. Ryan Biddulph
    Twitter:
    March 30, 2015 at 10:07 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    All are super helpful affiliate channels.

    You reminded me too; I need to get some Blogging from Paradise affiliates out there, who sell my eBooks through Amazon 😉

    My friends here in Bali suggested it a while back. I can do a carousel style widget set up with my eBooks and send the code.

    Or I can do a tutorial explaining how to set up the widget.

    Great food for thought….thanks Donna!

    Keep up the great work and keep on prospering.

    Tweeting from Bali.

    Ryan
    Ryan Biddulph recently posted..How to Become an Influential Blogger in 6 Months or Less (New eBook on Amazon)My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 1, 2015 at 10:25 am #

      Hi Ryan,

      I think the carousel style widget will be so attractive. Seen them around and always impressed by that kind of look.

      Yes and a tutorial explaining how to set up the widget would be helpful to many plus drawing more attention to your books.

      Yes sir! I do think that getting more affiliates out there for your books is a good idea, and then sell them deeper in to your sales funnel.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  40. Sherman Smith March 30, 2015 at 10:05 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    Did you just read my mind? This post couldn’t have come at a better time !

    The reason why I say this is because I was just talking with one of my coworkers and one of the high school students (soon to be graduating) about starting something on the side while working. I mentioned doing affiliate marking and neither of them heard of it, and the student actually took a marketing elective class there last year.

    But this post would definitely show the the other possibilities of making money via blogging! I don’t think the student would be interested but my coworker sounds like he would. I told him about click bank and sharesale. His eyes lit up LOL.

    But I’ll be sure to forward this to him next week when I see him. Thanks for sharing Donna! Have a great week!
    Sherman Smith recently posted..Why You’re Not Actually Finding Success In Attraction Marketing?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 31, 2015 at 12:52 pm #

      Hi Sherman,

      There are so many ways to do affiliate marketing. As a blogger, we can write a “review” of a good product.

      We can also use affiliates in our sales funnel. As I create products myself, I am the first to admit I’m not a know-it-all. So when I see something that will enhance my followers, I’ll recommend it.

      It can be a great win-win situation.

      Good to know you are spreading the word to those people off line that either need extra income or want to step into the world of entrepreneurship.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  41. Reginald Chan
    Twitter:
    March 30, 2015 at 9:44 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Thanks for sharing! I use only a few and depending on niche, you can struck gold if you are really lucky!

    I try avoid JVZOO as I felt it is way too spammy (from a point of a buyer and seller).

    Anyway, ShareASale, love that and can’t agree more!

    Good stuffs. Keep it up!
    Reginald Chan recently posted..Top 15 Mistakes In Social Media Marketing To AvoidMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 31, 2015 at 12:48 pm #

      Hi Reginald,

      So true, we need to share a few that are congruent with our niche. Once we find something of value that we ourselves are using, it is a great way to share.

      I keep my eye out all the time, and have created my own list of people I like that are creating valuable products. When something comes out that is useful for my followers, I buy it, use it and share it.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  42. Lawrence Bousquet
    Twitter:
    March 30, 2015 at 9:44 pm #

    Great article Donna, and a great list of affiliate sites. The only problem I have with click bank or jvzoom is the time it can take and the distractions I find when looking for a product.

    You sure do have to get your strategy down, it can be tweaked but have something of value. There are a couple of projects I have to get moving on that will be adding free materials. But are also linked to a paid option. But the selling is a slow easy pace, not hyped up in your face. I figure if I don’t like it why should I subject my visitors to it.
    Lawrence Bousquet recently posted..What does Community mean to me?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 31, 2015 at 12:46 pm #

      Hi Lawrence,

      Affiliates can be found just about anywhere but we do have to be selective. It must be congruent on what our niche is in.

      The first thing to focus on is list building, and once there is a bunch of people there, one can use affiliate products in the list. But not all the time lol.

      I do agree, I wouldn’t sell anything unless I found it useful myself. There are many different programs I use and will share it with my customers.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  43. James McAllister
    Twitter:
    March 30, 2015 at 8:19 pm #

    Hi Donna!

    I absolutely love affiliate marketing. Affiliate commissions are actually my #1 money maker right now, although I’m expecting that to drop to #2 as I release more of my own products that will replace some of the ones I’m currently promoting.

    Anyway, I make less than 5% of my affiliate sales through my blog itself and the majority through my email list. The only reason I even mention the products on my blog is because I’ll be sending subscribers to those articles and I want to expose the same product to them multiple times. I try to focus more on the problem the product solves more than the product itself as that converts better for my audience.

    My old strategy was just to link to products whenever I talked about them in blog posts. I actually still do this when it makes sense (such on my Amazon affiliate site for example.) Funny story, a few months back I earned a few hundred dollars in Amazon commissions from my first ever website (a horrible general technology blog.) I posted an article about a specific computer part, and apparently somebody went through and ordered like $5000 of other computer parts alongside the one I mentioned. Thank goodness I never shut that site down!

    I’m slowly making the transition from affiliate to vendor but I will always love affiliate marketing because there will always be products my audience will love that I can’t create.

    Hope your training event goes well!
    – James
    James McAllister recently posted..What Does The Future Of Internet Marketing Look Like?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 31, 2015 at 12:07 pm #

      Hi James,

      Indeed, a very small portion of sales will come from your blog. This is why we need to create a list. Size doesn’t matter…as long as we have a list of buyers it will grow. That is one thing bloggers need to focus on. Learn how to list build and use it wisely.

      In the old days, my lead magnet was a free product I created myself. I got many on my list but were they buyers? No…I was attracting people who wanted everything for free. I don’t care if one has to pay $1 to get on my list, because it tells me that these people will eventually purchase something.

      As you are aware, I do have my own products and services, but even with that, I do need affiliate products to give to my list. If I run into something great, you bet I’m going to share it with my list.

      I would ONLY share things I have used myself or from someone I know very well and trust so they will be in good hands.

      For me it is all part of my sales funnel. If I find a great product to sell, I will put that into the funnel.

      HA…you talk about your Amazon commissions…I too had a similar experience from a niche site I wrote a few years back and had forgotten. Commissions still come in and I’m always surprised.

      As you make your transition from affiliate to vendor, there will always be affiliate products to put out there.

      Thanks heeps!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  44. Mark
    Twitter:
    March 30, 2015 at 7:41 pm #

    Excellent tips Donna!

    Thanks so much for sharing them. I love that you’re calling your paid training the “Affiliate Blueprint.”

    Because that’s exactly what this blog post is a proven blueprint. I like the example you shared of how a photographer would simply share extremely relevant products or services to their particular target market and thereby earn a commission for doing so.

    It makes perfect sense. Our audiences come to our blogs for the fresh and helpful content.
    And if we do our jobs, they will reward us in more ways than one!

    Like socially sharing our content and forwarding our blogs posts, videos and or podcasts etc, to their immediate circle of influence.

    It’s truly win/win, if we but do our part first! Great tips, thanks so much for the extremely valuable lessons!
    Mark recently posted..So What Can Savvy Marketers Learn From One Of The NFL’s Oldest Plays?Part ThreeMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 31, 2015 at 11:53 am #

      Hi Mark,

      Great to know you enjoyed this post. Indeed, our audiences come to our blogs for our content, and if we do our jobs well, they will reward us in more ways than one!

      In my example of the photographer, he is one person I like to watch exactly how he uses his blog to sell things that are congruent with his post. He does have a great following with photographers, and over the years, I do watch the cleaver way he markets.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  45. Joy Healey
    Twitter:
    March 30, 2015 at 6:00 pm #

    Hi Donna

    That was a very timely post, thanks…..

    Funnily enough I just received an invitation to be an eBay partner for one of my old sites that I’d been wondering what to do with. To be honest I wasn’t even aware there WAS an eBay partner site, so was a little wary of it.

    I’ll pop back and review it with a bit more confidence.

    I’ve made a few Clickbank sales – I think they’ve improved their quality control of late! Thank goodness.

    As for Amazon, their tools are great, but something that upsets me if that I seem to have to have different affiliate account for .com and .co.uk (and presumably etc, but I didn’t bother. I haven’t found an easy way to get round this. Although it was quite a while ago that I implemented it, so things may have improved.

    The other thing that happened to me from Amazon just last week was that I got three tax returns from them, to say they’re withholding taxes in three different regions, because I’m a “foreign person”. Not being a big Amazon earner the amounts are tiny enough that I will just ignore it – because it didn’t give me any helpful hints on what else to do 🙂

    Thanks for pointing out the other sites. I have made a few sales on some of them, so affiliate marketing is definitely something I am implementing on my blog.

    Joy
    Joy Healey recently posted..Internet Marketing and Blog CoachingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 31, 2015 at 10:43 am #

      Hi Joy,

      Thanks for your input, especially about Amazon. I’ve been hearing lots of problems going on there. Plus as Sylviane mentioned, not all U.S. states are friendly with this platform. On the other hand, I know some that are doing great on it. For me, personally, I deal with digital products and find that I can affiliate them quickly and easily. I did mention above that I have a niche site on Amazon that was long forgotten, and to this day, I get a few sales…go figure?

      Oh boy, I used to be a big Ebay person back in the day before my blog. Yes, as the money was rolling in, so was the hard work. But there are folks that are still making money there. It is up to the individual.

      When it comes to affiliate marketing there is much money to be made. It is all about setting up our own unique strategy to do so.

      Thanks for sharing your experience,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  46. Corina Ramos
    Twitter:
    March 30, 2015 at 5:02 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    My gosh, you have laid it all out here lady! I haven’t been doing affiliate marketing for a long time but I’ve been reading about it and preparing myself.

    I’m so glad you mentioned it’s all about promoting products that will solve problems for our readers because it’s not about posting ads on ones site hoping to make a buck. I’ll have to admit that’s the impression I had when I first started blogging.

    Yes it’s all about making a sale but you want the sale to stick and secondly get to be known as the person who can solve your problems so the customer will keep going back.

    Thanks for sharing your strategy with us. I’m going to take note and implement your ideas. I’m going to look into your affilaite training event. I hope I’m free that day because I could use some more help in this area.

    Have a lovely day and here’s to a great, productive new week!
    Corina Ramos recently posted..BoostInsider: Make Money With Your Social Media AccountsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 31, 2015 at 10:38 am #

      Hi Corina,

      I’ve laid out a bit of how to go about doing affiliate marketing and a few places where you can find some good products.

      When promoting affiliate products, the need to be problem solvers for your readers. There are so many products out there ranging from low to high prices. That’s why I put in a few places where you can find them.

      You got it…you want to be known as the person who can solve problems so the customer will come back. You can do that via email or many other ways. It is all about the strategy you want to set up for yourself.

      The event will be recorded, so if you can’t make it it will be in your email the next day.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  47. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    March 30, 2015 at 3:59 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    I just talked to a guy today on Twitter that needs help monetizing his blog. Of course he’s of the mindset that he’s created his blog and he wants to do Adsense and promote products yet he doesn’t even allow comments. His blog is clunky, not user friendly so we’re having some conversations about that today. I think I’ll point him to your post too since you’ve spelled this out so nicely and he may want to access your training.

    You’ve explained this nicely though and shared the programs people can use. I’m not a big eBay fan and have really been rather disappointed with Clickbank lately but I guess that’s to be expected right!

    Thanks for sharing this and I’m going to send him your link, great post.

    Enjoy your week my dear.

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted..Magical Monday: Blog Content, SEO, Guest Posting, TOC, Make MoneyMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 30, 2015 at 4:30 pm #

      Hi Adrienne,

      Oh boy, Adsense days are long gone, like SEO rich blogs. I can sense the kind of blog he has, especially with no comments? Oh boy! But there are many ways one can do affiliate marketing on a blog. It can’t be set up in many different ways.

      I used to do Ebay years ago before my blog. I did make money but what a job! Just not my cup of tea. As for Clickbank, one needs to really sort through things there.

      Personally I go with people I know, like and trust. But I do have many I know that are fantastic.

      As you well know I don’t do much affiliate blogging here, but rather sell my own products and services. For me, I have only one affiliate blog that I had forgotten about and each time money rolls in it surprises me he he he.

      On this blog, I like to do a “review” of an affiliate if I come across one that I love, or it is built into my sales funnel.

      I’m seeing too many spammy affiliate blogging and just needed to write this for some to benefit from.
      We set up the training for those who want to have more hands on learning. Maybe he will like it.

      I appreciate you sending him the link.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  48. Don Purdum
    Twitter:
    March 30, 2015 at 3:09 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I always learn something new from you!!!!

    As you know, my blog is not a tool to make money from, it’s a tool I use to show competency and social validation, which is opening doors wide open for me in a number of places right now.

    However, I do think there is a place to consider affiliate marketing so I’m going to do a little study and research and see how it might work for me as a strategy.

    I appreciate you sharing!!!!

    ~ Don Purdum
    Don Purdum recently posted..Why You Must Create a Dynamic Online Presence for Your BusinessMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 30, 2015 at 4:21 pm #

      Hi Don,

      Yes sir, I sure do know your blog is a tool to show competency and social validation. It is so great to know how many doors are opening for you in such a short time .. I’m thrilled for you.

      There are so many ways to affiliate on your blog. Done effectively one can do it in many ways.

      There are many affiliate marketers that have blogs that look like spam on speed and maybe that’s why I chose this topic lol. It is keeping our blogs ethical, and sharing a thing or two once in a while that you find fantastic.

      Then there are niche sites…but I know you don’t have time to go down that road right now.

      Keep up your journey…you are surely on the right track!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  49. Ikechi
    Twitter:
    March 30, 2015 at 2:14 pm #

    Hi Donna

    Sorry for posting a comment again. I found some typos. You can delete the first

    This is a wonderful guide about affiliate marketing and the best I have read so far.

    You reveal some important facts about affiliate marketing which is not revealed in some of the articles which I have come across. I think in as much as affiliate marketing is a good business model, it is all about the trust factor.

    No one buys from whom they don’t trust which is why it is not an easy business model.

    I love the tips you reveal and the magazine model concept. I will check these sites out but I do have a thought or a question. Those bloggers who don’t have money to purchase some of these affiliate products, how can they be successful in affliate marketing ? Can they still do affiliate marketing.

    Thanks for sharing

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 30, 2015 at 3:06 pm #

      Hi Ikechi,

      Thanks for your thoughtful comment today.

      I’m glad you found some guidance with this article, and happy to see you can better understand affiliate blogging through the magazine concept. I first heard affiliate blogs compared to magazines from Ryan Deiss at digital marketer .com. I loved the analogy because it’s really describes the relationship between an affiliate blogger and his/her readers. Like a magazine editor/writer, you put together great articles, your readers find the value, they come to trust you because of it, and finally, they’re more likely to look into the ads they find within the pages of their favorite (most trusted) magazines.

      People don’t read magazines so much anymore. But blogs have taken up the slack, providing the information, entertainment and advertising that magazines once did.

      As for being able to afford to be an affiliate blogger, I’d say there’s probably nothing as affordable. None of the affiiliate programs (I don’t think), charge anything or at least very little to be members. Vendors don’t charge you to affiliate their products. So there’s virtual zero overhead at all, except for one thing.

      I always recommend that people buy and consume (read, go through the trainings, use the product) whatever they want to affiliate. I don’t think it’s ethical to tell other people to buy something you know nothing about. The exception is when someone releases a product that you have high trust in simply because of who released it. In that case, though, I’d tell my readers… “I haven’t gotten a chance to go through this yet, but I know “xyz” always does great stuff so I’m expecting it to be great.” Something like that.

      If you’re working on a shoestring, don’t be afraid to ask the vendor for a free copy (I think people like to call it a “review copy” because it sounds nicer). They often will be happy too, especially if they haven’t released it yet and you tell them you’ll be happy to “review” it and give them a testimonial they can use on their sales page for their upcoming launch. Even then, don’t feel like you have to give a testimonial if you found the product to be less than it says it is.

      Long answer to a short question… anybody CAN afford to be an affiliate blogger if they already have a blog. There’s no shortage of things you can affiliate for absolutely no cost, including physical products from Amazon, Commission Junction and others.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  50. Nirmala
    Twitter:
    March 30, 2015 at 1:17 pm #

    Good post for the novice bloggers to start AM Donna 🙂

    I didn’t try AM till now as I have time limitations. But wanna learn it properly and become affiliate for some reliable product. Long time back, I’ve added affiliate links for some gadgets, but its utter waste.

    Thanks for providing the basic guidance and awesome resources to begin AM, I’d like to join in ShareASale to make money with my blog.

    Have a great week, thanks for crafting this helpful post for us.
    Nirmala recently posted..How To Choose A Best Laptop For Video Editing?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 30, 2015 at 2:47 pm #

      Hi Nirmala,

      To have an affiliate, it is great to start out with your list. If people already know like and trust you, then as you email them for affiliate products.

      Affiliate products do work best on niche site blogs when we put en exactly a good keyword for the product itself.

      I have done it in the past, but now am selling my own products and services and whatever systems or things I use, I like to pass on to my followers.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  51. Enstine Muki
    Twitter:
    March 30, 2015 at 11:36 am #

    Hey Donna,

    That’s an excellent post on affiliate marketing. You’ve given out a lot of valuable tips

    I have been into Affiliate Marketing before ever starting my own blog. It’s my second income generator after my own products.

    The beauty about it is that you can grow your business so big without worrying about some technical stuffs, after sales services, etc. You just drive traffic, generate the sales and earn your commissions. The product owners does the rest of the job 😉

    Affiliate blogging is very exciting. Since Jan this year, I have been monitoring affiliate commissions generated by my blog and it’s gradually growing. That’s because of the strategy I have put in place.

    Following it strictly, I should be generating a comfortable amount from my blog in the next few years.

    The platforms you have mentioned above are surely credible. My first ever affiliate sale was on Clickbank when I promoted a solar energy DIY course. Then the second platform where I made money was CJ.

    Since my early days, it’s be from one sale to the other and blogging is making it more exciting. We used to do Article Marketing on platforms like squidoo, ezinearticles, etc but today, with ones own blog, the limits are almost removed.

    Thanks for an exciting content on an exciting topic 😉
    Enstine Muki recently posted..How to start a successful blog ~ Don’t fail before you start!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 30, 2015 at 2:29 pm #

      Hi Enstine,

      When it comes to affiliate blogging, I know you know your stuff! It is a great way to generate money. I don’t share much of my affiliate products on my blog, but it is built into my sales funnel.

      Only things I use that I am in love with and work. Then, if someone wants to purchase it fine, otherwise I go on lol.

      I did a lot of affiliate marketing when I first started, but that was back in the old days. Since, I have created my own products and services and collect affiliates or JV’s

      I find that affiliate marketing works best on niche sites. I mentioned above that we had a site and forgot about it – Once in a while money rolls in and then we say Aha…

      When we are blogging and have an affiliate offer, I always find it best practice to put a video in front of the product/service so that we have the KLT factor from others. It may not be for them at the time, but they sure do share it with their friends.

      Thanks for coming by,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  52. Annie
    Twitter:
    March 30, 2015 at 11:17 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Encouraging post! I enjoy blogging, and would love to turn my blog into a business. I have dabbled in some of the affiliate programs you mentioned, but I know I have to step up my game to create a true value exchange. I really like your comment on the idea of becoming well-known a bit scary. That resonates with me, and I found your way of looking at being a blogger as being a leader who helps people out to be much more digestible. I will keep that in mind when my imagination gets the best of me this week 🙂
    Annie recently posted..Book Nook Review: Loving Yourself to Great HealthMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 30, 2015 at 11:53 am #

      Hi Annie,

      At some point turning our blog into a business is so rewarding. One doesn’t have to write about products and services all the time on their blog. One can set up a niche site, or even better, suggest something you have used yourself that made things great in your life and share it in your list.

      I find that when I use a product or service, I may not blog about it, but do share the information with people on my list. Kind of a soft sell, but the people on there have the KLT already. If they find it of use to them, they will buy it.

      So get your imagination going!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  53. Harleena Singh
    Twitter:
    March 30, 2015 at 10:34 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Informative post indeed 🙂

    I’d say, just the one I need, as I am only starting to learn about affiliate marketing and how one goes about it all. It surely is one of the best ways to make money blogging. Never done all of this before, but my better half is the one who takes up charge in all of this.

    Yes, we do use the sites/programs you mentioned, though just a few from this list, and I’d be forwarding your post to Vinay so he can check out the others.

    I somehow believe in offering products or even trying to offer them to people, which we have tried and tested. Just cannot think of selling something one’s not tried, though some bloggers are good at that – just not my cup of tea! Or perhaps if I know a friend or blogger who has used a product and speaks highly of it, or recommends it, and it’s someone I trust – I’d go straight with it. The trust factor and building relationships is what comes to play here. Also, once we write reviews and have taken a test trial, those products you can talk so well. Lots to learn in this aspect 🙂

    Thanks for sharing this with us. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted..7 Untapped Social Media Tactics For Smart BloggersMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 30, 2015 at 11:49 am #

      Hi Harleena,

      I’m sure Vinay will find this of interest. These sites are great when using niche blogs. David wrote one a few years back on a baby monitor when we were taking care of his dad with hospice at home.

      He was so passionate about it, he set up a blog. We long forgot it, but every once in a while, money comes in from that one lol.

      I too would not sell anything I didn’t use myself. There are many systems I use and love dearly. If I do find it appropriate, I will share it in my blog. But more likely on my mailing list so that people can choose to use it or not.

      If I didn’t use a product the only way I would suggest it would be from a trusted friend too.

      Thanks so much for your input,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

  54. Sylviane Nuccio
    Twitter:
    March 30, 2015 at 10:31 am #

    Hi Donna,

    This is an excellent affiliate marketing guide you put together here.

    There are so many platforms you can use to make money online. I think that niche blogs work best for this type of revenues.

    There is a bunch of US states where you can’t be an Amazon affiliates since those states decided to charge taxes to Amazon for their affiliates. People need to make sure their states is not one of them, but Amazon would let you know when you tried to become an affiliate and your state falls in that list. I know that North Carolina is one of them, for example.

    Great info and will be sharing.
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..How To Make Your Readers Relate To YouMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 30, 2015 at 11:45 am #

      Hi Sylviane,

      I put together this post because some people were asking me where to find things. Both tangible items and digital. Yes they can work well on niche sites for sure.

      When it comes to Amazon, I do know that some states, like yours charge taxes. That’s why I listed others that can be more appropriate.

      Thanks for stopping by. You must be so busy getting ready to start your travels

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

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