Affiliate Websites

Nicksyb · #1 25-01-2009, 08:33 PM

What is it? What is the purpose? Does it make you any money?

#2 25-01-2009, 08:45 PM

Short answer... Probably not.

Long answer...You need to look at why the company offering an affiliate programme needs to go that route. If it is a large company, they are probably just trying to 'mop up' catching the few their own site or advertising campaign missed for a small fee.

Smaller companies may be looking for exposure that they do not have the funds to do themselves, so are possibly more lucrative.

If the affiliate program is outside your own industry, you need to consider if the rewards (potential commission) are worth the possible loss of SERPs if their product confuses what Search see's you offering.

RawRob · #3 25-01-2009, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IP2

Short answer... Probably not.

It really depends on the product and how it relates to your business. I have one product I am an affiliate for which nets me around ?50 per sale. I seem to sell a couple a month which makes it worth my while - I don't have to do much once it's all set up.

I also recently send out an email to my list about an affiliate information product, I was a bit sceptical, and I was right to be sceptical as I only sold 1, but for ?50 it was still probably worth doing.

Rob

Lou · #4 25-01-2009, 10:49 PM

Not got time for a proper reply, Nic, but if it's done properly, it's a very lucrative business. One of the few types of marketing where companies only pay for results, so the commissions can be very generous.

I earn ?20 - ?50 a day from one site that takes me around 20 mins a week to keep updated. My other sites require much more updating, but should deliver better returns long-term. I certainly know of several people making megabucks from it, which has perhaps attracted the 'get rick quick' crowd. I suspect the industry is about to change considerably this year (there's a lot of debate at the moment around affiliates who cookie stuff - e.g. force clicks with the promise of discount codes that don't exist). My approach is to give quality, useful content to visitors which seems to be working.

Alpha · #5 29-04-2009, 10:53 AM

Out to Lunch Club have a great affiliate scheme where you can earn ?5 per sign up! For more information PM.

#6 29-04-2009, 10:57 AM

Alpha....Please see this thread...

http://www.freebusinessforums.co.uk/...en-edited.html

fantasycouriers · #7 29-04-2009, 11:02 AM

If the products are 100% relevant to your customer/visitor, then yes it is worthwhile. If it's all a bit tenous, then don't bother.

I have recently tried affilate marketing on Boxby, and there are some ads/links that are very very good. Others are a waste of space, despite the fact that I can see they are relevant to my visitors.

The key is not just to be relevant, but to be immediately relevant.

What I would do is look at the things that your website doesn't provide, to the customers that are already coming through to it. Effectively what you have here are "lost leads", and a perfect opportunity for affiliate marketing.

GridmodelsUK · #8 29-04-2009, 12:47 PM

You know most of the original comparison sites started out as affiliate sites and look how well they are doing now!

Affiliate Websites

General Business Questions and Discussion