Affiliate marketing is a great way for an online business owner to make money because it doesn't require them to stock products, ship them, handle returns, process credit cards, etc. But as an affiliate marketer, it can be hard to make money sometimes because the competition is so high. Here are some things you can do to make yourself stand out from the crowd.
First Tip: Content is King
"Content is King" is probably the most overused Internet marketing cliche. But it's real. If you want to stand out from other affiliate marketers who sell the same products as you, you need to give your visitors something that the other websites don't.
For example, you could do a detailed comparison of two similar products and include links to buy each one. Or, you could make a script that helps buyers find the product that meets the criteria they chose.
You could also have a "deal finder" option that would search for the best prices on a product from several stores, like Bizrate.com and similar sites.
Tip 2: Play on both sides of the field
As an affiliate marketer, it's to your advantage to sell brands that are in competition with each other. This way, you can give your customers more options, a fair view, etc. You can also join an affiliate programme like Amazon's to fill in the gaps in your other programmes and offer your visitors a full line of products.
Tip 3: Do what the rules say.
Read the rules of the affiliate programmes you're in, even if it seems like a simple thing to do. Pay close attention to the rules for marketing and the licence you are given to use corporate trademarks. It wouldn't be worth losing your spot in the programme.
It will take time and work to become an expert at affiliate marketing. Start with the tips above and continue to learn and try new things. Join forums about affiliate marketing and learn from the pros there. The best of luck to you!
