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Sell Affiliate Products On Your Blog

This post was most recently updated on July 31st, 2016

Sell Affiliate Products On Your BlogYou can sell affiliate products on your blog using many different methods.

I’ll discuss some of the most common methods here.

I don’t suggest you try to use all of them if you’re fairly new to blogging. Instead, start out by learning how to do one of them fairly well before going on to explore others.

Now, the one method I do suggest that all bloggers use is to build an email list.

I’ll discuss this in more detail as method #4 in this article.

List building really is the most important thing you can do to sell affiliate products on your blog.

That’s because it gives you the chance to talk to your readers on an ongoing basis, rather than just hoping that they become a customer the very first (and quite possibly, the last) time that they visit your blog.

Before we get into list building, though, let me outline the other common methods to sell products on your blog.

1. Review Posts

You can write reviews of affiliate products.

Write a blog post about your favorite camera.

Give the pros and cons.

Pull in some real testimonials that you find.

The best thing to do is to talk about your personal experience with it.

If you can demonstrate what you’re talking about on a video, that’s really interesting to people.

People like to know what other people encountered when they used the product.

They especially want to hear it from you.

They don’t want to hear a slick talking promotional guy or gal, who are obviously getting paid to say how great something is.

This is why review posts is such powerful a powerful way to sell affiliate products on your blog.

People want to buy from real people… like you!

“My 3 List Building Machines”

Do you struggle to build a list of subscribers for your business?

David and I rely heavily on what we call “list building machines.”

They’re absolutely free access, and you probably use some or all of them already, but just didn’t know how to turn them into the “list building machines” they can be.

Get our FREE Guide on how to use these “3 list building machines” with a zero budget, and with incredible effectiveness.

Get Your FREE Copy of
“My 3 List Building Machines”

2. Banners

Banners are just little images that link to a sales page.

In the print world, they call them “space ads” because the advertiser pays the publisher according to the amount of space their ad takes up.

Banners can work really nicely if you don’t have them plastered everywhere on your blog.

Less is definitely more when it comes to banner ads on your site.

If you have 2 or 3 banners on your sidebar, people will notice them much more than if you have 30.

It’s like driving your car down the Westside Highway in Manhattan.

There was a time when there were billboards everywhere.

I never even noticed them because you just turn a blind eye to a massive onslaught of advertising.

Since they cleaned up the look, and now there’s only an occasional billboard, I find myself curious to see what it says.
It’s the same on your blog.

Bizzillions of banner ads on your blog… sidebar, header, footer, pop-ins, popups, fade-aways and all the rest will just make your visitor dizzy.

If she doesn’t just bounce away from your blog altogether (great chance of that)… she’ll probably turn a “blind eye” to all the annoying ads you’ve posted everywhere.

If you put one or two here and there, strategically and sporadically, they’ll get more notice and even some clicks!   The best place to have your banner ads is actually within your review post, so that people have an opportunity to buy your affiliate product while they’re reading your review!

Get Your FREE Copy of
“My 3 List Building Machines”

 

3. Link Ads

People often advertise on their blogs via link ads.

The affiliate programs, in this case, are not single products, but large affiliate networks like Google, Amazon and others.

This sort of affiliate marketing is best done on store-front sites, rather than personal branding blogs.

Affiliate “link ads” include text link ads, in-links and rotating ads like Ad Choices and Google Ads, as well as product carousels like the ones that Amazon has made extensive use of.

I won’t get into the exact differences between all these methods, but will summarize use affiliate links that your readers can click on to display an ad for a product that they might be interested in.

These affiliate links are not usually congruent to the exact subject matter being discussed in your articles.

You might be writing about recipes and affiliate text link promoting a dating service appears on your post, or on the header or sidebar.

For this reason, among many, I don’t like link ads of any type, really.

They may be okay for blogs or websites that get extremely heavy traffic, such as a news site or, as I said before, a store-front site.

But for the average blogger, the tiny earnings you might get from these random ads are not worth compromising the integrity and branding of your blog.

After all, one of the main things we try to accomplish on personal branding blogs is to build relationships and stimulate engagement with our readers.

This is a personal connection, not a mass marketing ploy.

Link ads only detract from the sense of community and interaction that most bloggers are trying to develop through personal branding and attraction marketing methods.

4. List Building

Many bloggers don’t think of “list building” as a way to sell affiliate products on their blogs.

They think that “closing the sale” is the main purpose of their affiliate blog.

Actually, the best way to do affiliate marketing on your blog is to offer great content without ever asking for people to buy any of your affiliate products.

While this may sound counter intuitive, I’d ask you to think of it like this.

When you get an opt-in offer to join somebody’s email list, you typically see a place to enter your email address and click some sort of a “submit” button.

You clearly understand that the blogger is offering you something for free, maybe an ebook, and is asking you to opt in to her list as a condition for obtaining it.

But savvy marketers have learned that using a “2-step opt-in” process is much better than that single process.

In a “2-step” process, you are asked if you’re interested in a topic like “how to do produce great videos.”

There might be a button below that offer that says something like “click here to learn more.”

When you click to “learn more” you are asked for you email address to proceed to the training.

The reason that works so much better is that you’ve already convinced yourself that you’re interested in learning more, and that’s why you clicked the “learn more” button.

Because of that action-based “mini commitment” that you’ve already made, you’re far more likely to enter your email address to receive the free ebook or whatever is being offered, than if you had to make that decision in only one step.

For the same reason, building a list on your blog is far better than selling an affiliate product.

Get Your FREE Copy of
“My 3 List Building Machines”

That’s because, by offering great content on, let’s say photography since we began this article with the example of a photography affiliate blog… by offering great content of photography and then asking people to join your photography email list, you will get far greater response than if you ask them to actually buy something.

Once they’ve taken that first step of joining your list, they’ll be able to get your emails all about photography.

Some of those emails will ask for them to buy a camera or other photography equipment.

The first step, the mini-commitment to your authority in this niche was already made when they signed up for your list.

The second step… the actual purchase of your photography affiliate products will occur much more naturally now, since they’re learning about these products from a trusted source… you!

Not only are people on your email list much more likely to actually make purchases from you, but they will do so repeatedly.

Why?

Because, they’ll be getting offers from you via email on a fairly regular basis.

And because many of your emails will continue to be just good and valuable information without sales offers, so that you continue to build the trust and authority with your readers.

For these, and other reasons, you can sell affiliate products on your blog most easily and most often by making list building your top priority.

If you want to find out some of my power techniques for building your list, I suggest you grab my newest guide on the subject called “My 3 List Building Machines.”

Do you struggle to build a list of subscribers for your business?

David and I rely heavily on what we call “list building machines.”

They’re absolutely free access, and you probably use some or all of them already, but just didn’t know how to turn them into the “list building machines” they can be.

Get our FREE Guide on how to use these “3 list building machines” with a zero budget, and with incredible effectiveness.

CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW To Claim Your Copy.

“My 3 List Building Machines”

Now, I’d love to hear about your favorite method for selling affiliate products on your blog.

I’d especially like to hear how you incorporate list building into the process.

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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64 Responses to Sell Affiliate Products On Your Blog

  1. Muhammad Tabish
    Twitter:
    May 3, 2016 at 8:08 pm #

    Hi Donna Sis,
    Really interesting post here about affiliate marketing. Sell Products Great Method Just want to let you know if you are promoting Amazon products, I use Amazon or Flipkart. Can’t I use both ?? don’t use cloaking. It’s against their Affiliate program operating agreement. Keep Sharing Informative Article
    Good Night:
    Muhammad Tabish recently posted..BlueHost Web Hosting Coupon Code 56% Discount + Free DomainMy Profile

  2. Yasin Rishad
    Twitter:
    November 25, 2015 at 9:21 am #

    Hi Donna,

    So glad to see your valuable content on affiliate marketing. Product review is one of the great source to sell product. If any one can build list then this list become asset for their blog. Only increasing subscriber can give direct sell of affiliate product.

    Showing ad and banner also very helpful way to get sell from affiliate product. Here you give awesome tips which is really helpful to increase affiliate sell from blog. Thank you for your valuable content.

    Kind Regards
    Yasin Rishad
    Yasin Rishad recently posted..Instant Approval Directory Submission Sites 2015My Profile

  3. Donna Merrill
    Twitter:
    October 13, 2015 at 12:05 pm #

    Hi Carol,

    You make a good point about banners. When you pay to put them in high visibility spots that are highly targeted to your specific audience… yes, they can do very well.

    So that’s another twist on banners, but not really the same as “blog banners” that I was talking about.

    Banner advertising costs money. It’s advertising. But when you do it right, it can be very effective.

    And whatever promotion you do, free on your own blog, free somewhere else, or paid somewhere else… 2-step conversion is absolutely far and away more effective than a standard squeeze page. Agreed. You give some cool sci-talk reasons for this, so thanks 🙂

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted..Your Blog Is Your Business CardMy Profile

  4. Carol Amato
    Twitter:
    October 12, 2015 at 7:00 pm #

    Hi, Donna!

    Great tips for affiliate marketing, and I agree wholeheartedly with your advice! 🙂

    I definitely like reviews, and banners work great when we pay for a spot on a busy blog or Internet marketing forum with our target audience – great results can be achieved. I avoid putting them on my site though. 🙂

    My favorite tactic for selling affiliate products is to add a bonus to increase the value my buyers are getting. So, I offer bonuses if they buy, which has worked out pretty well.

    I completely agree that once someone has clicked, they’re much more likely to click again. So, I use a lot of LeadBoxes on my site that are two-step sign up processes, and my numbers have increased.

    Curiosity first, then one action begats another action. . . And when a “50% completed….” java bar (motion) is used, conversions increase even more because of the Zeigarnik Effect – people can’t stand to leave a loop open! LOL I know I’m like that, gotta finish something out! I used to think it was OCD, but it’s just human nature.

    Very thought-provoking article, thanks so much for sharing, Donna. I’ll be spreading the word around.

    Ciao Ciao,
    ˜Carol
    Carol Amato recently posted..Learn From My Blunders And Pet PeevesMy Profile

  5. Joy Healey
    Twitter:
    October 4, 2015 at 3:17 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    My favorite method of affiliate marketing – i.e. the one that’s been most successful for me – is to do product reviews. The other good thing about these is that, once done, the blog posts stay “out there” for ever, with the potential to make further sales.

    Of course I occasionally have to do a bit of a prune if products go out-of-date, but in general that’s what’s worked best for me.

    However….. what I wish I were better at selling to my “list”. I have a small list, but my results aren’t spectacular by any means.

    So…. I’m going to request your List Building report. I’m sure I have plenty to learn.

    Joy
    Joy Healey recently posted..Last Call To Double Your MoneyMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 13, 2015 at 11:57 am #

      Hi Joy,

      Affiliate reviews are fun to do on our blogs. But the money is still in the list. No matter how small your list is, there are many cleaver ways to get engagement from the people there.

      Plus every day we have to do something to get more people to join. A free report, a free this or that can work.

      It is all about your goal and what you want to attain from your list.

      Of course, follow the 80/20 rule and give eighty percent content and 20 percent sales options and your list will love you for that.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?My Profile

  6. Kathryn Maclean
    Twitter:
    October 3, 2015 at 10:37 am #

    Hi Donna,
    Very hot topic. Affiliate sales and Blogging
    I do agree All bloggers can and should use an email list.
    List building really is the most important thing you can do to sell affiliate products on your blog.
    Well really from your blog. As you said ” I don’t put affiliate ads on my blog. I find that a good review on something I’m wild about and know my readers would be too is a good part of affiliate marketing. Other than that, if I do want to market an affiliate, I don’t use my blog to do so. I send it to my list instead.”
    I signed up for your 3 List Building Machines. Looking forward to it!
    I do some affiliate marketing, but it has to be something I purchased, and love using myself and have had a good experience with before I would ever send it to others. That just makes good sense. I think people have “sidebar blindness” where banners are concerned.
    Fantastic article on this subject. Love all the comments too! Very interesting subject.
    Kathryn Maclean recently posted..When You Are a Heart- Centered Entrepreneur Ways to Become Visible in BusinessMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 4, 2015 at 1:00 pm #

      Hi Kathryn,

      I’ve seen some of your reviews and they are wonderful. One can choose to opt in or just know that you are an affiliate if someone asks….I can send them to you!

      I hope you enjoy “my free list building machines” and follow up on the emails because I sending tons of information with that product.

      Indeed, many people do have “sidebar blindness” and it doesn’t work as well as it used to.

      Keep up the great work,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..It’s Not What You Say, But The Way That You Say ItMy Profile

  7. Andrew
    Twitter:
    September 29, 2015 at 3:00 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    Really interesting post here about affiliate marketing. This is something that I have not had a lot of experience them but I do know that the times that I tried affiliate marketing I failed miserably.

    What’s interesting though is that I like your tip for affiliate marketing through this building that is definitely something that a lot of people have not thought about but if you do have an active list that you built up you can definitely use the two-step method.

    Good stuff here, Donna.

    – Andrew
    Andrew recently posted..7 Actionable Steps That Will Increase Your Online Presence ImmediatelyMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 30, 2015 at 3:10 pm #

      Hi Andrew,

      I do some affiliate marketing, but it has to be something I purchased, used myself and had a good experience with before I would ever send it to others.

      As I create my own products and services, there are affiliates that fit well and those on my list will want to opt-in. Well…some of them.

      Good to know you enjoyed this post.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..It’s Not What You Say, But The Way That You Say ItMy Profile

  8. Monna Ellithorpe
    Twitter:
    September 28, 2015 at 4:04 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    I just started doing product reviews and so far I’ve yet to receive my pay for the review. A little disheartening but I will keep on because I did enjoy the process of testing, writing and giving my advice on the product.

    I am still working on building my list. I received your 3 List Building Machines but just now getting to looking them over.

    I do have a few ideas that I am going to try. You never know until you try whether it will work or not.
    Monna Ellithorpe recently posted..Grammarly Review September 2015My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 28, 2015 at 4:19 pm #

      Hi Monna,

      Product reviews on your blog is a great way to start, but also needs to be on social media in a fun way. I would start with your FB Page (where it is safe to do) You can create an app or ad and boost it for five bucks. Can’t depend on your blog for everything. But as you mentioned you are testing and that is a constant thing we all have to do. It just never ends!

      Good to know you grabbed my List Building Machine product. There are many ways there to build your list for free.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..It’s Not What You Say, But The Way That You Say ItMy Profile

  9. Nikhil
    Twitter:
    September 27, 2015 at 1:51 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    You are such a magician. I like the way you placed your link building guide in the content. My blog is 4 months old. Which kind of affiliate promotion method I should apply on my blog?

    Well, I am with you in the four of the methods. List building is the most efficient method of pitching someone. I would love if you share the email sample that you use in emails content for affiliate sale.

    Moreover, you inspired me to write the first affiliate product review on my blog. It is also a great way to sell affiliate product.

    This article helped me a lot as I am learning the basics of the affiliate marketing.

    Thanks Donna. Have a great life…..:)
    Nikhil recently posted..9 Recommended Long Tail Keywords Generator to Find Profitable LT KeywordsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 27, 2015 at 2:20 pm #

      Hi Nikhil,

      So good to know you picked up a thing or two from this post. Yes, writing a review is great to do on your blog post for an affiliate product. As long as it is something you love and can share with readers in your niche it is fine. Just make sure you do so sparingly.

      Share an email sample? hmmm There are many different ones I use that coordinate to an affiliate product. They cannot be all the same kind. I usually start with a thank you email, and then go on to elaborate on more information for my list. Hope that helps lol.

      Cheers!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  10. Gaurav Kumar
    Twitter:
    September 26, 2015 at 10:30 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I must say that affiliate marketing is the major source of my earning. The best thing is that affiliate sales give good revenue, as their commission can go between 20% to 70%.

    You have nicely shared all tips of how to sell affiliate products on blogs. I also write reviews and that help me make more sales.

  11. Sue Bride
    Twitter:
    September 26, 2015 at 6:34 am #

    Thank you for these excellent tips, Donna.

    I used to have numerous sidebar banners, when it was the norm, but had little success with them. I now use a couple for products that are ultra useful to me and one for a service I provide. My new blog design will have a static front page – any banners will be on post pages.

    I also have a resources page on my site with listings of products I use and recommend, many of them affiliate products. I don’t think that’s enough so I’m going to include the occasional review post plus some landing pages for linking to on social media. I have too many gonna dos!

    The real way to go of course is create your own products and set up an affiliate program so others sell for you. 🙂

    The only time Google Ads did reasonably well was on a site for a tiny, and not well known, tourist town. I created it for a client who wanted to advertise her holiday home. I wrote a few blog posts to start her off but she didn’t write any more herself. I was surprised at the result.
    Sue Bride recently posted..How to Improve Your WordPress Page Speed ScoreMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 27, 2015 at 1:25 pm #

      Hi Sue,

      Thanks so much for sharing your experience. The days of banner ads are long gone, unless you have just a few and yes, especially if it is for your own product/service.

      I don’t put affiliate ads on my blog. I find that a good review on something I’m wild about and know my readers would be too is a good part of affiliate marketing. Other than that, if I do want to market an affiliate, I don’t use my blog to do so. I send it to my list instead.

      Having a resource page is a great idea, but we have to keep telling people to click it lol. Oh that CTA! We always have to bear in mind to do so.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  12. Kore Duke
    Twitter:
    September 25, 2015 at 4:30 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Awesome post you’ve here.

    I’ve not done affiliate marketing before though I’ve read a little about it.

    It’s good to review products but they should be ideal for your readers and also it’s good thing not faking it because you want them to trust you.

    Thanks for sharing. I’ve bookmarked this page for reference purpose.

    Have a great day!
    Kore Duke recently posted..12 Simple but Effective Ways to Overcome Writer’s BlockMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 27, 2015 at 1:21 pm #

      Hi Kore,

      Affiliate marketing can be tricky when using your blog. There are many ways to do it, but we cannot keep pushing affiliates to our readers otherwise they will not visit us.

      When you find an affiliate product/service that works so well for you as a blogger and you know your readers would benefit from it, a nice review post will do.

      But sparingly is the key!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  13. Theodore Nwangene
    Twitter:
    September 25, 2015 at 3:16 pm #

    Great post Donna,
    There are indeed numerous ways through which a blogger can sell affiliate products via his blog but i think the most popular one is via banner ads.

    However, all the other ways you mentioned here really works well, i think its all about testing different methods and then seeing which one works best for your site.

    Thanks for sharing Donna.
    Theodore Nwangene recently posted..GuestCrew Traffic Stats and Update – September 2015My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 27, 2015 at 1:18 pm #

      Hi Theodore,

      In order for banner ads to work, we have to give a call to action to them in order for people to click. Many just ignore those banners.

      There are many ways and testing is always the answer. What works for one person might not work for another.

      I’m finding that the links I put on the post itself is having a better return. But that was after much testing.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  14. Brenda Pace
    Twitter:
    September 25, 2015 at 2:31 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    This is a great article! I have started to monetize MGP but using Sponsored Content, doing Reviews, and Adsense. However, I’m not so sure I like Adsense and may ditch it all together. I also use Affiliate Marketing on both of my sites and find it to be an up and down business. I’m always looking for more ways to make money on MGP so I look forward to learning.

    Thanks for this inspiring post. Hope you’re having a great Friday!

    B
    Brenda Pace recently posted..What Can Social Media Do For Your Small BusinessMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 27, 2015 at 1:16 pm #

      Hi Bren,

      I’m with you with Adsense. It doesn’t convert so well. If it is not, ditch it by all means.

      I find doing a good review on a product works so well if you are using an affiliate. But it goes beyond the blog itself. It does have to be congruent on social media as well. Using both methods can boost your sales.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  15. Dan Ewah
    Twitter:
    September 25, 2015 at 6:53 am #

    Hi Donna,

    My favourite is Review Post, but I like to write my reviews like “How-to” post. I try to teach how to solve a problem with the product I want to review, that way, it’s not so obvious I’m reviewing or selling the product.

    I prefer to add value by sending links to my How-to Blog to my list, that way my open and click rates are high since my audience expects me to teach them something with my posts.

    Thanks for sharing this valuable piece, it was a good read.

    Cheers.

    Dan
    Dan Ewah recently posted..Global Branding ChallengesMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 27, 2015 at 12:50 pm #

      Hi Dan,

      That is one of my favorite ones too. Writing it like a how – to is sure a great way to capture attention. Also give the reader a chance to resonate with problem/solution.

      Wonderful and thank you for your valued comment.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  16. Kim Willis
    Twitter:
    September 24, 2015 at 9:54 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Of the 4 options my all time fav is list building. Get people onto your list then market to them from there. Don’t correctly your list can represent a continuing flow of sales and income – it’s like push button money!

    The other one I like, and have had some really good results from, is Reviews. I wrote some reviews years ago that still produce traffic to this day! In fact one of the reviews generated more than $10k in the following year. Who would have thunk it!

    Thanks again Donna
    Kim Willis recently posted..Your About Page RevampMy Profile

    • Robin Strohmaier
      Twitter:
      September 25, 2015 at 1:37 pm #

      Hi Donna,

      Thank you! It means so much coming from you 🙂 I would love to hear what you think about Social Warfare if you do get the chance to have it installed.
      Robin Strohmaier recently posted..Social Warfare Plugin Review: Supercharged Social SharingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 25, 2015 at 1:44 pm #

      Hi Kim,

      That is so amazing that your reviews are still producing traffic and revenue. I have one myself that keeps on going like the ever ready bunny. Yes..who would have thunk it? That’s my reaction whenever I get a buyer from it. Isn’t it grand?

      Reviews are my favorite way to introduce an affiliate product/service. If it fits the needs of my followers, I do have to shout it out from the bottom of my heart. If it excites me, I know it will excite others.

      As for emails; it is where I spend most of my writing. The more we give to our list, the better the connection we make and yes, it does become a push button.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  17. Robin Strohmaier
    Twitter:
    September 24, 2015 at 12:06 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    This is such a timely post! My latest post includes my first affiliate link on a product review of my new favorite social sharing WordPress plug. I have tested it for months, but a recent update put it over and above the competition.

    For 15 years, I have been hesitant about including affiliates links on our website. I was hesitant about including the affiliate link, but can firmly say that I stand behind it and now will be recommending it on all of the websites we build.

    Now, I need to fine tune my list building 🙂

    Thank you for sharing your insights on this!

    ~ Robin
    Robin Strohmaier recently posted..Social Warfare Plugin Review: Supercharged Social SharingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 25, 2015 at 1:34 pm #

      Hi Robin,

      I just read your post on this plugin. You have done such an excellent job with it. You shared how it worked for you and fully explained all that it does. It is focused for your readers and is a helpful plugin to use. So much so, I will be looking into it.

      Writing a review like this is exactly how to introduce an affiliate product effectively. Bravo

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  18. Swadhin Agrawal
    Twitter:
    September 24, 2015 at 2:19 am #

    Hello Donna maam,
    I am just beginning to do affiliate marketing and no one but me can say how helpful this post was. So, Thaaank you!

    I see review posts are goo way to show your audience what works and thus make some bucks promoting genuine products that also help your readers.

    Banner ads are going useless these days I think. I have no clicks for the whole month on any of my banners and people are perhaps ignoring the sidebar.

    I too don’t like link ads, bt I have seen some substantial clicks and conversions when I place link ads in my blog posts to relevant products.
    Suppose I am talking about a book or referring it on my article, I tend to register some clicks on them.

    I would definitely try to use your tips to make my banner ads work more.

    -Swadhin
    Swadhin Agrawal recently posted..Twitter Branding Tips: How To Build A Personal Brand On TwitterMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 25, 2015 at 1:24 pm #

      Hi Swadhin,

      In my experience, banner ads just don’t work. People have that “sidebar blindness” when reading a post. The only way to make it work is to have a call to action when writing a post about it.

      A review post can do nicely and at the end you can say something like click the link on my sidebar.

      But I do find that embedding a link on a blog that is pertinent to content works best.

      I find that doing a review post can capture more attention than anything else.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  19. Susan cooper
    Twitter:
    September 23, 2015 at 3:21 pm #

    Hi Donna, I like to include recommendations and links to my favorite cooking/baking tools on my blog. Once you have found equipment that really works for you it’s easy to sing its praises. Often times in my recipes i post I’ll tell them the exact tool, how to use it and why it’s the best one available. The post really ends up being recipe and review rolled into one. 🙂
    Susan cooper recently posted..Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream: #RecipeMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 25, 2015 at 1:14 pm #

      Hi Susan,

      I like the way you do that. You will put up a recipe and the reader will have the opportunity to purchase the necessary products that will go with the exact recipe you are writing about.

      You are brilliant my friend!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  20. Enstine Muki
    Twitter:
    September 23, 2015 at 3:01 pm #

    Affiliate Marketing is Sweet Donna especially when the commissions are rolling in 😉

    One of my favorite methods is reviews. Banners are good but quite limited

    Reviews give you the opportunity to help the readers make a buying decision. Once you are able to help them see how the product can solve their problems, you get them closer to the ‘buy now’ button

    Once I have a good review, I drive traffic from my list, social community and search engines.

    I have also found re-posting, tweaking and ranking affiliate review posts to work quite well. A couple of times I do that, I witness an increase in sales.

    Thanks for yet another valuable and helpful piece

    hope you are having a wonderful week
    Enstine Muki recently posted..Pogo Sticking is killing your SEO! Here’s how to fix it!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 25, 2015 at 1:10 pm #

      Hi Enstine,

      I do believe that reviews on affiliate products work the best. We have to believe in that product and make sure our readers will benefit from it.

      I like your idea of re-purposing here. Once again, you have me thinking 🙂

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  21. Tom Southern
    Twitter:
    September 23, 2015 at 10:31 am #

    Hi Donna,

    You’ve written a timely post for me here because I’m considering selling affiliate products on my blog.

    You really lay out the pros and cons regarding how to go about it. I can’t think why anyone would try to sell anything they hadn’t used themselves and were willing to be honest about their experience of using it. But it does happen.

    For me, the best way of promoting and selling affiliate products is by inviting the products’
    creators on as guests, on podcasts or in posts on your blog. This lets everyone get a feel for not just the product but the people behind it; their story of why they created it. People buy people first. So it’s only reasonable to let them hear from the people behind the scenes.

    You make a great point about the power of list building and how it can be a great way to sell your affiliate products too.

    Success comes down to getting to know your readers well, knowing what they want and
    introducing them to relevant products.

    Thanks again for this timely post, Donna. Enjoyed reading it and learning from you (once again 🙂 ).
    Tom Southern recently posted..Blogging Tips, Strategies And Tactics: How To Sort Through The Pile and Find The One That’ll (Actually) Work For YouMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 25, 2015 at 12:57 pm #

      Hi Tom,

      I know there are many out there that just slap up an affiliate product and it just doesn’t work. People will run from that because there is no credibility behind it.

      I too cannot understand how people would consider ever selling something they haven’t used first and seen how effective it is.

      Inviting the product creator on your blog, podcasts or wherever is THE best practice of all. If someone has already trusted you, and you invite your “friend” (the creator of the product) it has a different feel. It immediately builds the KLT factor.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  22. Mi Muba
    Twitter:
    September 23, 2015 at 3:56 am #

    Hi Donna

    These are the most successful and well tested methods to sell affiliate products and you are right that one should neither follow all nor be stick to one.

    It all depends upon the nature of the product how it can be sold well and one should pick the best method for that purpose.

    For example if a product has already regulated the customer demand with establishing its brand and building a huge reputation then simply its banner ads on your blog is sufficient to attract buyers.

    On the other hand a newly introduced product in the market does need a thorough review because people want to know why they buy a product instead of its so many alternates already available in the market.

    Selling through email is a personal selling that usually brings higher results as the marketer has already established strong rapport with the email receivers by earlier sending pre-selling emails to regulate their demands and building trust with them.

    Thanks a lot for sharing this very effective and useful post on affiliate marketing methods.

    Have a great rest of the week
    Mi Muba recently posted..12 types of blog comments and which one is the best for youMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 25, 2015 at 12:53 pm #

      Hi Mi,

      Thank you for your wonderful input here. I regard you as a successful businessman that sure knows how things work.

      Building trust is what we need to focus on. Through our emails we can get to engage with our list on a more engaging method. We must never bombard them with nonsense, but rather, give them more content and value than we do anywhere else.

      These are our potential buyers. They have to be on our “special” people list lol. We always need to be engaging onour lists.

      Affiliate marketing is wonderful, as long as we do things the appropriate way.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  23. Mark
    Twitter:
    September 22, 2015 at 9:07 pm #

    All solid options for sure Donna!

    But I think I prefer product reviews as one of the primary ways of effectively using
    affiliate marketing.

    Along with (hopefully) some well placed affiliate links!

    And I’m so glad you pointed out to some of the unsuspecting, start out and learn and get comfortable with the basics of any particular strategy first, before you move on.

    That way you’re not constantly spinning your wheels and wondering why you’re business
    is not moving forward!

    I don’t know how many times in the past, ignoring that solid advice caused me much frustration and a lack of consistent results!LOL! Thanks!
    Mark recently posted..Three Ways Some Internet Marketing Companies Actually Cannibalize Themselves!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 23, 2015 at 2:00 pm #

      Hi Mark,

      Yes, online reviews work well, only when done very frequently. It is OK to do as long as we don’t bombard our readers, which I know so well you will never do lol.

      So true, to avoid spinning our wheels wondering why your business is not growing one needs to know how to put out good content in order to do anything when it comes to affiliate marketing.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  24. Lea Bullen
    Twitter:
    September 22, 2015 at 8:24 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I’ve been hearing about affiliate marketing since I first heard of blogging for a living. They make it seem like its the easiest and fastest way to make online. I’m guessing it probably is since you don’t have to come up with your own product.

    Myself I have yet to try it but if I were I think it would be through my list or links. Review posts don’t really appeal to me because I always wonder about the bloggers motive, like are they promoting something they like or they’re being paid to.

    ~Lea
    Lea Bullen recently posted..6 Remarkable Strategies To Put Your Past Behind YouMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 23, 2015 at 1:28 pm #

      Hi Lea,

      Affiliate marketing has always been around. I know many that make a living on it. But they don’t do it on their personal blogs.

      That’s a good idea you have mentioned that if you were going to do something like this you would send it to your list. Indeed that is the best way to go.

      As for putting it on your blog, it would have to be something special that you use and know it will help your readers if you chose to do a review.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  25. Dana
    Twitter:
    September 22, 2015 at 7:37 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    This is another timely post for me.
    I had just read the latest post on Adrienne’s blog about suing video interviews thanks to Brent Jones. It’s an avenue I’d like to implement at some point in the future…and affiliate marketing is another one.

    I will admit that the options are abundant. It’s cool…but also overwhelming!
    I have seen so many methods on various blogs, and they all seem effective for one reason or another.

    I’m thinking along the lines of product reviews and affiliate programs for individuals whose work would be ideal for my readers.

    I’ll have to give it some soul searching, but you’ve given me a lot to think about and discuss with my partner Laura.

    Thanks for the info. You made it easy to understand and I appreciate that 🙂
    Dana recently posted..Strawberry & Golden Vanilla Vegan CupcakesMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 23, 2015 at 1:25 pm #

      Hi Dana,

      A review post on something that you know your readers will enjoy is a nice way to start. If it is an affiliate, then we, by law, have to mention that we are an affiliate of the product.

      It has to be something that you used yourself and had success with. Then you can write an introduction of how it benefited you. What it is all about…then put in an opt-in.

      One stress point here is that whenever you do this, ALWAYS have a capture page for an email to your list. ALWAYS do your own squeeze page before you have them opt into the product or service.

      There is nothing more confusing to our readers than to put a link in and have another person selling something.

      Just Say’n!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

      • Dana
        Twitter:
        September 23, 2015 at 7:19 pm #

        Thank-you Donna.

        Yep – we both like to write about products or services we have actually used, or at least have first hand knowledge of.
        So far, I have included a couple of products that I have worked with (and LOVE) in some of my posts, but that’s about it for now.

        I also have an affiliate disclaimer on our About Page, and will of course go about expanding on this as we expand on how we work with this option.

        We’re not rushing into anything since we want to do this the right way, so for now, it’s all about the learning.

        In the meantime, I went ahead and signed up for your list building machine. I’m about to watch your videos now 🙂

        Thanks again. This is a huge help.

        • Donna Merrill
          Twitter:
          September 24, 2015 at 4:00 pm #

          Hi Dana,

          Smart idea of having an affiliate disclaimer on the About Page.. I do disclaimers all the time with products I sell. It is just keeping things safe.

          When we love a product the energy we write about spreads to others. Taking it one step at a time is a wise choice.

          I do have a designated blog where I interview the owner of a product and that goes pretty well because people can not only see me raving, but also the face behind the product creator. Another nice incentive lol.

          True…it is all about the learning and the learning will never stop. That is the best part!

          Great to know you grabbed your list building machine.

          -Donna
          Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  26. lisa thomson-the great escape
    Twitter:
    September 22, 2015 at 1:55 pm #

    Hi Donna, What a great post to inspire proper affiliate product promo. I don’t do that on my site—yet. I may try it and I definitely agree that the products/services must be related to my brand. That’s the tricky part. Do bloggers approach companies to promote their products of choice? I’m only asking because I’ve had many people/companies contact me but they want to have a post written about their stuff, for free. Uh,no. It doesn’t work that way. It takes a tremendous amount of time to write a quality post plus I always say, the product/service has to be of interest/related to my audience. I’m still figuring this blogging -money relationship out so I really appreciate this post!
    lisa thomson-the great escape recently posted..Memories Are Closer Than They AppearMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 23, 2015 at 1:21 pm #

      Hi Lisa,

      Whenever we want to promote an affiliate product and/or service, it must be part of your brand. Although you don’t do it, if you ever wanted to, I know you would do it appropriately.

      I too get those who want me to write a post about their stuff. Absolutely not!!! I first have to know a person well if I ever considered it. And it has to be related to my brand. If I accepted it once, it would ruin my blog and that I protect like a child lol.

      I don’t think it is appropriate when people do this. They are just chasing after us and it is probably a numbers game. Asking many bloggers the same thing. Not the way to go!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  27. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    September 22, 2015 at 11:12 am #

    Hey Donna,

    All great methods and you’re right, if you’re new do NOT try them all.

    As we both know, there are so many people who do this incorrectly and as Don mentioned there are those who promote products that have nothing to do with what their business is. It’s obvious for others that they just want to make some money so they throw anything up there they possibly can. Bless their hearts.

    Now the ones that really annoy me are Adsense ads. I hate when I’m reading someone’s post and right in the middle is the ad that has absolutely nothing to do with the topic of the post. That’s just as bad to me. They can’t be that hard up for money that they would risk the quality of their content for literally pennies. That still annoys me today and I guess it always will. I don’t know whether or not I should feel sorry for them or be upset but either way I’m making notice that I’m not going to be visiting their blogs on a regular basis when I have to deal with that.

    I have an affiliate program with my course so I can appreciate people promoting it and wanting to make some money. I believe that my course is quality so I would hope that those who go about this are doing it to benefit their community as much as mine.

    Thanks for this awesome post, really put together nicely my dear and I’m off to share it as well. You have a splendid day now.

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted..The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Video Interview SeriesMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 23, 2015 at 1:15 pm #

      Hi Adrienne,

      I’m with you on those Adsense ads. Irritating as it is, it always distracts me from the content. It’s overkill!!! You are spot on when you mention that it would risk the quality of their content for pennies.
      I have the same feeling whether to feel sorry for them, or just not visit them. I just cannot enjoy the post.

      It is also terrible for branding purposes more than anything. It seems to scream “buy this because I need money” Not a good way to go.

      I know your course is amazing. But I’m sure that you support your affiliates to promote it correctly. You sure know how to do that my friend.

      I just had to write this post for my affiliate friends and clients. I try to shout out what works and what does not, so hopefully those who read this can get a better understanding of how to do things correctly.

      Have a great week!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  28. Sylviane Nuccio
    Twitter:
    September 22, 2015 at 8:24 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I used to do a lot of affiliate marketing back in 2008-2010, and I’m glad that you emphasize about delivering good content as part of the marketing of your product.

    Even back in 2010 affiliate marketing was getting crowded, and while I don’t know exactly where it is today, I’m sure it’s even more crowded and I think that one needs to do his shopping around before promoting a product.

    I think that it’s even better if it’s a product that you need yourself and have used. No doubt that the energy you will have and send out while promoting that product will be much stronger.

    Great information for those who need insights about affiliate marketing. Have a great day 🙂
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..Why You Need To Invest More In Content Marketing And Less In AdvertisingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 23, 2015 at 1:08 pm #

      Hi Sylviane,

      I do know so many that are affiliate marketers and just had to write this post for them. The marketplace can be a mess if one does not know how to deliver content well.

      What really inspired me to do this was some of my clients who are not getting anywhere with affiliate marketing and were taught to do it the wrong way.

      Indeed, when promoting an affiliate product one needs to have used it themselves. Found it useful, then can do a review on it.

      Thanks for coming by and enjoy France!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  29. Marquita Herald
    Twitter:
    September 21, 2015 at 10:17 pm #

    Inspiring as always Donna! This isn’t the direction I’ve chosen to grow but if it were I’d be camped on your doorstep for sure! Righting reviews in particular seems to fit with the trend toward native advertising and I think that makes a lot of sense. In fact Amazon has announced to their affiliates that several of the affiliate options currently available will be going away as they focus on native advertising. Thanks for the great information!
    Marquita Herald recently posted..Create a Personal Motto to Stay Focused on What Really MattersMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 23, 2015 at 1:05 pm #

      Hi Marquita,

      Wow I learn something new every day. Didn’t know Amazon announced to their affiliates that they will be focusing on native advertising. Goes to show If the “big guys” are doing that, we have to also.

      Reviewing is a great way to go ONLY if you have used a product/service, found it helpful, and know that people in your niche will be helped also. It is a bit tricky, but telling a story always works when doing this.

      Thanks so much,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  30. Chery Schmidt
    Twitter:
    September 21, 2015 at 8:42 pm #

    Hello Donna, I am sure that you have noticed by now but I DID IT! I have my free report ready and set up my optin box last week.

    I do have my welcome message along with my free report all set up and now need to work on following through each week with e-mails.

    Yeppers my friend, I do have you to thank for giving me the push to get at it.

    Oh Yeh so far so good, I still cannot believe I did it HEHE..

    Always a work in progress HUH?

    Thanks for the much needed push, sounds like this post is just yet another reason why I choose to follow your advice..
    Chery :))
    Chery Schmidt recently posted..How To Mastermind Your Way To Success OnlineMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 23, 2015 at 11:50 am #

      Hi Chery,

      BRAVO my friend. Having your free report is not only great for branding, but more than that…list building. You will get people coming to your list from this and will be those who KLT you. That’s a great way to get people into your sales funnel. Whoopie!

      Work on those emails girl! You will find that you will be writing more with emails than you do blogging. But like anything else, getting into the “groove” will take a little time, but I know you will get there.

      Emails are where engagement begins. I am so happy for you!

      -Donna

      P.S. Thank you for acting on that “push”
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  31. Don Purdum
    Twitter:
    September 21, 2015 at 2:06 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I think one of the things that drives me crazy about some affiliate marketers is that they promote products sometimes that have nothing to do with what they write about or they present the company or product they are selling cheaply, or it’s obvious they will just sell anything to make a buck.

    With that said, I really appreciate how you outlined it. As I am now in the next stage of business and will be presenting referral partners in the future this is a way of promoting them.

    I will never forget what you and David taught me about email marketing in our podcast last February. You guys are gold and full of highly valuable insights.

    I appreciate and respect you immensely!!!!!

    Have a great week Donna!

    ~ Don Purdum
    Don Purdum recently posted..Why You Have Branding Wrong and How to Get it Right for Massive GrowthMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 21, 2015 at 4:00 pm #

      Hi Don,

      I know what you mean. That drives me crazy too. One cannot just throw affiliate products out there like spaghetti on a wall.

      I have no problem offering an affiliate product if it is aligned with my business. I don’t do it much, but when I do, it is because I’ve used it, and it worked for me. If it is something that brought success to the niche I serve, I will share it for their benefit.

      Thanks so much for your kind words about me and David. Since then, our email marketing has skyrocketed. Our open rates are fantastic and we get conversations going on. That’s what I love about it most of all.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  32. Corina Ramos
    Twitter:
    September 21, 2015 at 8:56 am #

    Great post Donna, as always. 🙂

    Reviewing products and sponsored posts are one of the ways I’m making money. However, I only review and write about products I use, have used, or would consider using for me or my family. Before I agree to doing a review or sp, I put myself in my reader’s position and as a consumer myself. I prefer to know about an experience with a product, good or bad and what it could do for me and my family rather than “it’s a great product, you should buy it” kind of post.

    I can see how tempting it is to write a review or sponsored post just for the payout…but for me it’s not about the money but rather being a trusted resource for people looking for products to make their lives easier. And like you mentioned, building those relationships.

    I do have some banner ads on my blog but it’s not plastered all over the place. I’m not into link ads either.

    I’m working on building my list and I do use it to promote products, again keeping in line with my rule for reviews and sp’s. If there is a product I’d like to promote, I’ll do a “specialty” newsletter with just that product and do a mini write up about it. I give it a catchy subject line like “I know I don’t share on Saturday’s but I couldn’t help myself”…something that’ll get subscribers curious.

    Of all these, I’d say list building is my favorite because it’s marketing directly to my target audience. I’ve been playing around with different products to see what works best and just improve and tweak until I get the right formula. 🙂

    Thanks for always giving us great advice! Have a great week!

    Cori
    Corina Ramos recently posted..Work-from-Home Job Lead Round UpMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 21, 2015 at 10:56 am #

      Hi Cori,

      I love your product reviews. You do write them for people and take a lot of consideration on what products will be great for your target audience. I’ve read them and you are doing such a wonderful job.

      I can see right away that “it’s not about the money” when you do a review. You do it to help others and that ALWAYS shines through. You sure know the method that money will follow, but the main reason is giving a review on something that will improve someone’s life.

      I like the catchy title you use for your email..That sure will keep your subscribers curious.

      I must say that list building is one of my favorite things to do. Each and every day I do something to keep my list growing. I do use free ways online to capture more people. I have a strategy I follow, and keep on tweaking as I go too.

      When we have a list, we are constantly tweaking. It’s all part of the game lol. Sometimes people come on to my list from different countries I have not even reached out to. It surprises me. Then I come to find out it is a “word of mouth” sort of thing. One person reads something they like and they tell all their friends. Go figure?

      As list building is something we need to do each day, keeping up with our follow up emails and creating open rates are just as important. But you know that!

      Thanks so much,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

  33. Jasper Oldersom
    Twitter:
    September 21, 2015 at 4:43 am #

    Hey Donna,

    I don’t do a lot of affiliate marketing right now, so this post was definitely a welcome one 😉

    I will definitely start writing some reviews in the near future, but of course I want them to be very valuable. I don’t want to “trick” my readers into buying anything.

    With that said, I have often bought a product or decided to try a service after reading a great review. They are absolutely valuable.

    I noticed some blogs I visit regularly have a LOT of banners. And I don’t really mind, but I also barely ever click on one of them, so I agree with you…Less = More.

    Ehm, I used to have link ads on my site (in the very beginning) but I quickly realized that they we’re not going to make me a lot of money and that they really mess up the user experience.

    Your idea on the 2-step process is excellent! I absolutely trust you when you say it works better, micro commitments are powerful. Thanks for sharing that one Donna.

    I appreciate you and I wish you a great week ahead 🙂

    – Jasper
    Jasper Oldersom recently posted..How To Communicate Effectively and Become Super Likable as a BloggerMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 21, 2015 at 10:47 am #

      Hi Jasper,

      I totally agree with you that you never want to “trick” your readers to purchase something. Affiliate reviews a great only if you are using it yourself and find it useful. If so, you may want to share it with others.

      Oh those banners….Absolutely, less IS more. Thanks for sharing how you used to have a lot of banners in the past and how it didn’t work.

      Always keep in mind that we can change them whenever we want lol.

      As for the two step process, yes, those micro commitments sure work well. I find that it separates those who are really interested, from those who just click to see.

      We do want to fine tune who comes into our list. It sure makes it easer for the user experience and for us too.

      Keeping up a list is a task. We want our list to be quality rather than quantity.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Promoting Your Blog Just Got EasierMy Profile

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