Using Affiliates to increase your Income.

Have you tried affiliate marketing? I have been doing it for a number of years. I started off with a company that sells just about everything. it was a good way to get started but the commission were 4%. AS I learned more I earned more. I eventually started offering my own affiliate program.

You can see what products I offer affiliates here My Products

Sales from affiliate marketing have increased the last few years, it is no wonder.  It is a no cost ot little cost project to venture into.

How do you become an affiliate?

You will have to register to become an affiliate. 

You Can Register here for my affiliate program

You will have to enter your name, email and other information to get paid. If you are in the United States you will need to fill out a W-9 form. As your income is reportable. At the end of the year you will be given a 1099 depending on what you were paid throughout the year.  You should declare this payment on your tax return.

Grab your affiliate links

Most programs will have affiliate links to the products they sell. You will need product links and images to help you make sales for your affiliate program.

How are you paid through an affiliate program?

Most programs pay out monthly. Some companies will wait until you have generated over a certain amount. I don't agree with that. If you earned the money, you should get the money regardless of how little you earned. I always say better in your pocket than somebody else's. 

I prefer digital payments rather than a check in the mail. It is important to keep track of your affiliate earnings.

When signing up for an affiliate program ask about,

When and how I will be paid?

Some programs pay monthly, other programs do not. They may pay quarterly. The means by which are are getting paid is important as well. Do they pay by check? By Paypal? By Strip? Do you participate with that program?

Are there minimums. As I mentioned above, some programs require a minimum before payment is made.

Cookie Duration?

The cookies duration will keep track of clicks. perhaps you sent someone to a website but that person did not but that day, they purchased a week later. The cookie duration of the affiliate program is important to know.  Some programs are just for that click whereas other programs are for 30 days.

Benefits of affiliate marketing

Income

You get to earn income if your lead generates a sale. One of the best ways you can do this is through blog writing and social media sites. You can write a blog about the product then offer a link to it. if a ale is made you will earn a commission. 

Low cost

Just about everything you will sell has a price tag, This is not the case with affiliate marketing, You can link to a product with your affiliate link and earn income without ever having to keep inventory. In addition, there is no need to worry about shipping and handling, all of that is taken care of the company you are an affiliate for. Yes, you earn less but there are also less headaches and there is something to be said for that.

No experience needed

Because this is a low cost just about anyone can do this. You might not succeed but then again it did not cost you anything. You can have absolutely NO experience and yet still be able to make a sale. It helps to have a following. it helps that people trust you. Think about it! When do you buy? When you ned something. When you want something. Emotion plays a big part. Be a trustworthy individual and you will be more likely to make a sale. people like to buy but they don't like to be sold to. I hope this makes sense.

Flexibility

Because you are generating the leads. The leads can be done anytime of day. With scheduled posts you can literally write the blog or social media post at 3AM when you are up but not have it published into 3PM when more people can see it. The bottom line is that you work on your own schedule. You are your own boss.

Tips in succeeding in affiliate marketing

Picking the right product

Here is where target markets come in. If you write about cats then you probably will not be able to sell products related to cars, that would be a different market. Make sure the products you are selling has to do with the people you are already connected with. See how this works? 

Be honest

People will continue to trust you if you are being honest and making good recommendations. don't sell someone crap.

Wishing you the very best with all your endeavors.