New here

[Darkranger85]

I see what you mean.

And I do think that doing an affiliate site to start is a good start but I dont really know what to do.

Do I just make a website and write an article about the thing and string the links into the text?

I read some of the articles you linked above and it talked about researching keywords and stuff but I have to admit I'm a little lost.

A few times you mentioned seeing what it would take to get into the top 3.

also as I was reading I got the feeling that the idea of an affiliate site, as I was picturing it, was wrong.

Is your typical affiliate site just a webpage about a "product" and a link to buy it? Or is it more like a website with articles that are updated regularly with links to the product in it?

I apologize for my newbishness.

[Darkranger85]

[Lynn Terry]

When it comes to ebooks or info products on ClickBank, I prefer to review them myself before recommending them as an affiliate. That's the only way you'll know if they are worth recommending or not.

Why not start with something easier - things people are searching for online in other niches? In this post I list the 5 things people spend money on: Love, Money, Beauty, Health & Entertainment: http://www.clicknewz.com/1094/5-things- ... -money-on/

The goal is to choose a niche or a product and create a whole website around it. What you are promoting will determine how you promote it. For example, if I am searching for patio furniture I want to see pictures and prices (not articles). If I am searching for how to treat acne, I want to read how-to information. So you just have to use a little common sense on how to best appeal to your target market and introduce products to them.

Once you pick a general topic, do some searches and make notes of websites you like, what you dont like, and make a list of ideas for your own site.

[Darkranger85]

alrighty, makes sense.

If say I was doing a product that you needed articles for, would you want to have articles that are more or less like a review of the product?

And in either case, with a non ebook product how do you know if its worth promoting?

[Lynn Terry]

Again, what type of content depends on the keywords you are targeting and how you are "meeting" the visitor. If they search for "Acne Product X" you would want to give them a review. If they search for "how to treat acne" you want to give them a how-to article.

Some products are a no-brainer, like name brand or popular products - or something general like outdoor furniture or gardening tools. You just know they're worth promoting. If you come across products you're unsure about, you do some research and see if you can find reviews or discussions about them.

You can also use sites like Yahoo! Answers http://answers.yahoo.com and ask for consumer reviews. If people own the product and are willing to give you a candid review, you could offer to pay them $10 to expand on that to be featured on your website.

Get creative with it - there are tons of options

[Maa]

Hello Darkranger and welcome to the forum!:)

[Darkranger85]

[Darkranger85]

[Lynn Terry]

[Darkranger85]

[Darkranger85]

Ok, I'm starting a website now. Had a bit of a hold up.

Now since I have chosen the health/beauty category, should I dedicate my site to a single product or should it be health and beauty in general and review sites for everything from Makeup to Vitamins?

Or would that be to broad a selection?

[angienewton]

I think that is too broad. I would go either health or beauty. Maybe start one until it gets up and going really good and then do the other. Just a thought!

[tknoppe]

The more focused the niche, the easier and quicker it will be rank for specific keywords. Makeup and vitamins are not at all the same thing. Men may shop for vitamins, but not necessarily makeup. So it changes your target audience.

Take vitamins: you can even drill down some to organic vitamins, natural vitamins or herbal vitamins; or even specific vitamins vitamin a, vitamin b12, etc....

So easier to pick one general topic, then find long-tail keywords from there. Helps focus in better on your target market.

[Darkranger85]

I'm wondering.

Is there anyone here that is experienced in affiliate programes and stuff like that, has had decent success (my definition would be making at least a few hundred a month) that would actually be willing to get on like AIM or something like that so I could ask questions and such?

[tknoppe]

Lynn Terry, the owner of this forum is a super affilate - and there are others on here who I am sure would meet your qualifications. I am just starting to make some money with affiliate marketing, but not quite consistent enough to be handing out advice.

So perhaps someone else can help you; but doing a search of this forum with your specific questions may very well turn up your answer.