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One of the mistakes I made as a new Internet Marketer was joining too many affiliate networks.
When I learned about the different companies I could partner with, I went a little crazy. I signed up with Clickbank, Commission Junction, Linkshare, Share-a-sale, and the Google affiliate network. Between all of them, I’ve probably made about $600 in four years. Some might think that’s pretty good, but it’s not.
There’s nothing wrong with being a member of each of these affiliate networks. The problem is when you’re new to affiliate marketing and have absolutely no idea what it is you’re doing. When just starting out, it’s best to get a feel for the products you’re promoting and the company you’re working for.
Some affiliate networks will drop you if you’re not producing any sales. Clickbank actually penalizes you monetarily when you don’t produce any sales. They consider you account as dormant if they’re no sales. For instance, if you have a balance in your account, but don’t make any sales after 90 days $1 is deducted per pay period. After 180 days without any sales, $5 is deducted from your account per pay period, which will eventually leave your account at zero- like mine was.
The best thing to do is find one company you’re interested in based on the niche you’re focusing on. When I first started, I would jump at whatever was hot at the time. I still do that from time to time. I think it’s going to take me a long time before I’m disciplined enough not to do that. Don’t think you’re alone; it’s something a lot of affiliates do.
Here are a few tips on how to avoid the mistake of joining too many affiliate networks:
- Choose your niche.
- Decide what type of products you want to promote within that niche.
- Research the company you want to join. Some things to look for is if they offer support to their affiliates and free training.
- Apply to the company. Once accepted start building your links and inputting your product banners on your website. If you’re not accepted, move on to another affiliate network of your choice.
- Learn how to effectively market in your niche. Allow yourself a full year to get the hang of things and earn commissions.
- Once you’ve become successful, choose a new niche or continue with the old one and repeat your same affiliate strategy and formula.
I know the suggestion of you waiting and working at one niche topic for an entire year seems daunting, but it takes time to learn how to market effectively. Allow yourself time to learn and grow. Develop your own strategy for earning affiliate commissions.
