getting started

Most individuals haven't got a clue about affiliate marketing when they first get started. Once you join an affiliate program the company usually gives you advertising information for you to use and they will supply you with a referral link (also know as an affiliate link) to post wherever you choose. Sometimes they will have a little training for you in your back office if they have one set up. They tell you to advertise, advertise, advertise!!! They may even give you a few recommended places to advertise.

What then?

This page will give you the basic information you will need for getting started after joining your program. What they don't teach you is to:

• start a corporation,
• think of yourself as a Business Developer,
• develop a mailing list,
• gain some knowledge so you can advertise & market better.

Starting A Corporation

Some of the affiliate programs are smart enough to have you fill out some information for tax purposes, but that's about it. What happens if you get sued by a customer or someone in your downline? If they win the case, you loose all your money and possibly everything you own! Learn to protect your assets by doing some research into starting a Corporation, LLC or even a Parrtnership to protect yourself. The rules and regulations are different depending on where you live on the planet. For those of you living in the United States check with The Internal Revenue Department to find out more information. The cost varies greatly also. If you are involved in a company that is really going to make you a lot of money, remember there are always people looking for the next rich guy or gal to sue!

Think of Yourself as a Business Developer

It took me a long time to understand that it was very important to think of myself as a Business Developer instead of an Affiliate Marketer. As stated above, all the affiliate programs teach you to advertise & market but that's about it. Getting started with the right mindset is very important. This section lets you know just what you need, to place yourself in the proper frame of mind.

What is a Business Developer?

A person that takes the time to communicate with their customers whenever possible and communicate with their downline frequently! You need to develop a relationship with both, if at all possible.

1. How many affiliate programs have you joined where you've never even heard from your Sponsor? 
2. How many programs have you joined and you don't have any answers to the questions that your customers or downline might ask because you haven't taken the time to learn everything you can about the program?
3. Can you teach your downline anything to help them with their advertising and marketing?
4. Have you talked with your Sponsor lately?

If you answered yes to all of these questions then you are a Business Developer. If you answered no, you have some work to do!!!

If you've never heard from your Sponsor then I'm sure you feel as though you're on your own with feeling your way around on the internet. How do you think your customers & downline feel right about now? It really doesn't take much to become better acquainted with people. As you learn new ways of doing things or something about your affiliate program, pass the information out to the appropriate individuals. They will appreciate it greatly!! Which leads me to the next step in getting you started.

If you would like more information on leadership I suggest you go to The Art and Science of Leadership which is an entire website dedicated to informing you on how to become a good leader.

Developing A Mailing List

One of the best ways to communicate with anyone and everyone is by having a mailing list. If you can have more than one, that's even better. Stay in touch with your customers by creating a Newsletter announcing information that will be of interest to your customers. Don't make it a habit of bombarding them about trivial stuff or you won't have anyone on your list. I've joined mailing lists that constantly send you email after email and I'm sure you have too. What do you normally do after joining the list? If you're like me you unsubscribe.  

Stay in touch with your downline whenever there is something important that you want to send to them. I use Aweber for my mailing lists. I was told that GetResponse and ResponseMagic are also good autoresponders. If you would like a complete set of FREE tools select the banner to the right.

Another thing about having a mailing list is being able to use it when you advertise. This site contains lots of ideas to help you advertise. When you have a mailing list, you also have the capability to place your web forms, mailing list links or buttons on any web page that you choose. Use them everywhere you can!

I also advise you to start receiving the Affiliate Marketing e-Course to learn even more about getting started.

gain some knowledge so you can advertise & market better

This site is filled with all sorts of information for you to use. If you haven't bookmarked the site, I suggest you do so by returning to the home page and clicking on the bookmark button. You can return at your leisure to read and gain more knowledge to help you with your advertising & marketing. There is a quick advertisement on this site linking you to a site that has FREE videos that you can watch and learn a lot about getting started in different areas of the internet.

May your future be filled with prosperous endeavors!

         Celestine Gray