Start with a niche you are comfortable with - what are your hobbies, your passions? I'm sure when you find something you like, you tell your friends about it. Think about your blog as telling your friend by writing about it rather than doing it verbally. You've probably done that your whole life and it hasn't been scary. Just think about it the same way for your blog. You can do this!

Thank you Jeannine. It's going to be people like you that will help me make the leap and because of how awesome you all are, I know I will succeed!

Welcome! I love helping newbies so let me know if there's a way to assist.

Good for you to try so many different adventures! That's very cool and keeps life fun and interesting!

Yes, you're right. However, jumping from adventure to adventure is not for me. Interesting, but it's not enough. I want to leave this life with a smile of fulfillment and with a mission accomplished.
Merry Xmas!

As I mentioned in my comment on your post, let your passion shine through. That will attract people more than keywords. As your time on page increases, Google will notice that and move you up in the SERPs. Your conversion rate will also rise. You don't have to have a huge number of visitors to make a site profitable; you instead need an engaged audience that follows your recommendation on what they need to buy.

Welcome to Awin! You did things perfectly, following up with additional info so that you were approved. I'd be glad to help you with Convert-A-Link or any other questions you have, anytime!

You've got a good start by joining WA. Have you started going through the training? It's solid for sure. Blogging is basically sharing information online. You write about your topic, post it in the blog section of your site, people read what you wrote and hopefully take your suggestions on how to solve a problem by clicking through to a merchant to purchase something. Hope that helps a bit!

Ask any questions, anytime, and I'll be glad to help any way I can.

And mine to you. Why does Awin want $5 to join their affiliate network? Best,
Jeannine

Thanks for your time and the link Jeannine!

Next month is Affiliate Summit East in NYC. It's July 29-31. About 5-6,000 people attend - merchants, publishers, vendors. I never miss it. You can get the info at www.affiliatesummit.com. They do have some free passes for publishers, so you might be able to get one.

Thank you, Jeannine.
I hope I get a free pass.

I applied today and see if I get in. I will know wiyhin a week.

It is within my commute and that is nice. Thank you Jeannine.

If at all possible, it's best to try the product or your review will not sound as authentic. If you can't afford to buy it, can you at least look at one in a store?

It's not a problem to work with two networks. In fact you'll probably end up working with 4 or 5 different networks to find the products you want to promote on your site. Just don't join the same program on more than one network. You'll be just fine.

Thank you so much for answering. I'll not worry about it. :)

Are you trying to put in the code for Google Analytics or to confirm your site for a network or what?

I'm trying to copy and paste my tracking code and snipet from Google Analytics to my website so I can track my website. Thanks a lot.. Clay

Put it right before the </head> or </header> tag

Where do I find the (head) or (header) tag?

My website is blog style and has the Betheme theme and it is uncategorized. Do these things make a difference as to why I am not finding the (head) or (header) tag?

Sorry, I'm not familiar with that theme, but this should still show up nevertheless in the html code. it's pretty standard. You may need to look in a few more places.

Thank you so very much for your help. I will look at some more html places. I appreciate your guidance... Clay

Hi Marcus,

I haven't gotten to all 17 countries yet, but working for Awin has already taken me to 6! I've still got enough time before I retire to visit the rest :)

Jeannine

Jeannine ,
Living in different places was the most valuable experience I had acquired in my life. Humanize us so much that still amazes me.
I have Portugal ,for some time,as one of my next projects ( spend one or two yrs there and working with WA from there . Travelling is good but living in a place bring us a different experience.
Thank you for your reply and all the best. I wish I will have the opportunity to shake your hands some time in a near future.
Marcus

All the changes are one of the things I enjoy most about this industry - sometimes things change weekly. You never get bored, that's for sure!

Hey Super Granny, glad to be following you too! The best things you can do to be approved by merchants is to make sure you've got all the basics covered - no typos, all the links work, the necessary pages are in place. You don't have to have a specific amount of visitors or posts to qualify. We are happy to grow with you.

Thanks for the tips! I'll reach out when I've got my opt-in email working. I appreciate it.

I'm glad to suggest some merchants on Awin.com for your consideration - Coggles.com, 2modern.com, TheWhiteCompany.com, Gamiss.com, plus Etsy.com has over 400,000 items under "Bedding." All of these have much longer cookies and higher commissions than Amazon.

Thank you so much I have not heard of most of these and I am sure it will bring me some great new ideas if I get accepted. I really do appreciate it.

I just applied for most of these programs thank you for recommending them Jeannine

Best advice I can offer is never stop learning, and always be open to new things. This industry changes almost daily, so you've got to keep up with it all. Part of the reason it's so fun!!

Hey Dave. No, you don't need to have a huge old site to get approved into most programs. Are you trying to join programs via a network? That could be your best opportunity, as most networks have a verification process that makes merchants much more comfortable accepting new affiliates. Are the programs you are applying to all in the motorcycle niche? Are they all in-house programs?

Yes, in-house is what I am trying to achieve. I have joined eBay and Amazon. but I am unsuccessful in joining any in my niche.
For example:
Thank you for applying. We have decided not to accept your application at this time. The website you applied with was denied due to being new and therefore having limited traffic.

We typically only accept websites which rank well with third party traffic tools (3 million or less on Alexa.com), for instance. You are welcome to apply again once you have had a chance to establish traffic by frequently adding unique content, garnering backlinks from other established websites and increasing any social presence associated with your website. This will give you a much better start if accepted!

Another example:
Apologies for not coming back to you. I’ve looked into it and the account hasn’t been agreed as yet. I’m afraid that we’re no longer accepting overseas affiliates, simply due to complications arising from making payment to overseas accounts. We are now only able to pay into UK bank accounts I’m afraid.

Jeannine, should it be this difficult?

It can be really hard working with in-house programs. Each one has their own rules and requirements and limitations (like the UK bank accounts thing). Are you sure there aren't networks that have at least some of the products you want to promote? It would be much, much easier. I used to work in the motorcycle industry. What kind of products are you looking to promote?

The problem I have with networks is that you have to join to find out that they have nothing about motorcycles. For example Commission Factory. There is not a single merchant related to my niche. Isn't it a pity they refuse to show you the niches they have until after you join?
I'll just have to keep joining until I eventually discover a affiliate partner that actually has motorcycles.

The networks that did have motorcycles didn't accept my application as I mentioned.

It is frustrating because you have to provide them so much personal information and website information and banking information only to find they don't get back to you or don't have anything in your niche.

Cheers Dave

I'm going to switch this conversation to a private message. I found 288 merchants on various networks that all have something related to motorcycles. Or do you only want the actual motorcycles rather than parts & accessories?

No parts and accessories is excellent. Thank you. Great sounds like you have been busy to help me. Awesome.

I'm glad to try to help, not sure I totally understand your issue, but it sounds like you are trying to do everything from your smartphone? If that's the case, you will have some issues because not everything is designed to work on a smartphone. May I suggest that you consider going to your library and using a computer there to work on things? Then you'll have a full-sized monitor and everything should function properly. It could make thing much easier for you. Hope that helps.

Yes thank you I will be doing that!

Always glad to help!

That would be very nice, thanks Frank!

Yesterday I was notified that I've been chosen as a speaker for the 2018 Affiliate Management Days conference. Very honored.

Will do coming in a few minutes!

See your UFC fighter side job.

Don't worry i won't tell besides being a speaker
you are a champ in another profession.

I promise I won't tell anybody either.

Wish me luck.

Coming right here. Stay tuned I'll be right back!

Here Jeannine tell no one you do this on the side.

Will ruin your reputation but boxing fans will love you!


Hope you like it champ!

Actually we do have an Australia presence, in conjunction with Commission Factory! I have a huge number of merchants who ship to Australia as well, so yup, we're there too! https://www.awin.com/us/news-and-events/58650980d938117f3383aa07/awin-secures-global-partnership-with-commission-factory-2

Thanks Jeannine I will have a look.

Excellent question! I've seen this done a couple of different ways. For example, if you are targeting the US, would there be a good-sized population for which your second language is their first language who would also be interested in your niche? Or, would there be a good market to produce a version of your entire blog in your other language - depending on the language, you may have very little competition. Have you chosen a niche?

Yes I have. But having issues with post & blog images. Can't seem to get thru that issue. But gonna still move on. Gotta keep on till I get it down.

I may have a few ideas for you. I'll send via PM.

OK, Thanks

What type of suggestions would you like? Merchant suggestions?

Whether dese are potential niche ? If yes , what would be ur best recommendation

Any of those could be niches. Why are you looking at those in particular? Do you have specific interest/knowledge about them, or are you searching for something based on potential revenue?

Hi Dave, Congratulations! That's fantastic that you are a cancer survivor. You can definitely make those different categories on the same site. In fact, they make a lot of sense to be on the same site instead of different ones, as his is a different type of niche. I know that we have several different merchants associated with health and nutrition; you can visit Awin.com and find the Advertiser Directory under the merchant tab to see who we offer without having to join the network first. If you'd like to join, I can message you a link and code to join as my guest.

@JeanineC Hi Jeannine, thank you so much for your very informative response. I would love to join if its not too inconvenient for you. I will however visit the site too. Kind Regards Dave.

That's wonderful news, Dave! I'll message you with the information.

Thanks, Paul, I’d be glad to tell you about Awin, and I’ll do my best not to be spammy, cause I hate Spam too! I’ve included most of our stats in my bio, but one I didn’t include was how much we paid affiliates in commissions last year – over $430 million. I do love that number :)

Awin.com works with merchants in virtually every vertical, from travel to every kind of retail to finance and more. Some of our exclusive merchants in the US are HP.com, Etsy.com, StubHub.com, GymShark.com, and many more.

Since we are familiar with the members of Wealthy Affiliate, we fast track all applications received from WA affiliates. I also can offer a code for you to join as my guest if you’d rather do that than go through our normal process (I wrote a post about it - https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/jeanninec/blog/why-does-awin-want-5-to-join-their-affiliate-network).

I’ve had years of practice at suggesting merchants for websites. If I can be of service doing that for you or anyone at WA, I’m most happy to do so.

I do know how to use the PM, so if you’d like to chat further that way, that works for me too. I can also send you the join link for Awin.com that way if you wish.

Hi, Jeanine.
You have my attention. "We are Affiliate Marketing.'
I love it.

Teach me more. Use PM or contact me directly: paulmindra@gmail.com

Not sure I should give such information, but yo have earned my trust.

What you are doing, is very exciting to me. I look forward to hearing back from you.

Kindest regards,

Paul.

I am honored that I have earned your trust, Paul. I will always do my best to maintain that relationship. Two big tenets of the Awin foundation are ethics and transparency. We embrace those principles company-wide. One of the things I love about working at Awin.com.

I'll reach out to you shortly!

Thank you, Jeannine.
Take your time.
Ethics and Transparancy.
Almost like the 'Lord's Prayer' LOL.
Goes far more down the rabbit hole.

Kindest regards again, Jeaninne.
This is heading in a very good direction.

I hope that I am correct.

Paul.

You are right again!

Hi, Jeannine.
Guess what? I believe another diamond at hand. In your's.
WAU is awesome. We meet.
Let me sort things out and put them into priority. Kind of busy all over the place. (laugh out silently). LOS?
In case I become completely lazy, please give me a nudge.
I consent to receive communication from you whenever you would like to send it. Your smile is contagious.
Thank you.
I am going to awin dot com and check things out.

Regards always,

Paul.

I did send you an email yesterday. Hopefully it didn't get blocked or something. I'd be glad to resend!

Got it.
I will respond shortly.

Paul.

Hi, Jeannine.
My return email sent.

Kindest regards,

Paul.

Glad to help you with everything I can!

The courses here at WA are excellent in helping you to construct a well-designed website. Once you are ready, let me know and I'll review it and see if I can make any suggestions.

Thanks, Dave, it’s really great to be part of Wealthy Affiliate. The members here are wonderful. I do hope I can add a different perspective too, and bridge the gap between affiliates and networks.

I do have a few sites already and am working on a few more – basically my retirement plan. Having those help me ensure that I’m always up on the latest situations and opportunities for publishers, not to mention it’s so much fun to run them.

As far as your questions about networks, there are pro’s and con’s to each choice. Of course I think you should always go with an established network rather than start one of your own, but let me tell you the reasons why.

For starters, there are economy of scale when you work with a network, on areas such as compliance, affiliate base, new technologies and more. Since being a network is our one and only job, we focus on maximizing the job we do in every aspect. We have an entire team looking for the latest fraud strategies, then make sure we are prepared to counter them. Awin can offer 100,000 affiliates to a potential advertiser – it would take you a long time to build that kind of global base on your own, if ever. Having those kinds of numbers mean we can afford to create new technologies, such as cross device tracking, dealing with the EU requirements concerning cookie tracking, offering a robust API in place with all the latest bells and whistles.

Having a network in between also means that the vast majority of issues with affiliates, tracking problems, etc, is handled by the network instead of by your team. Publishers often feel more comfortable working with a network, knowing that the tracking is being monitored, that the commissions will be paid, that there’s someone to turn to when there’s an issue. It’s what we do. So while having a network may seem like more out-of-pocket than doing it in-house, there’s a lot of value there too.

I’ve managed both in-house and network programs over the years. Using a network always made my life easier. If you do decide to go with a network, there are many out there, some specializing in things like digital downloads, working with PPC affiliates, etc., as well as general networks working across all verticals, such as Awin.com or ShareASale.com.

WA does a great job teaching people how to be affiliates. I love that the strategies shared are all "white hat," the way the good guys do things, with solid methods to build sites that will stand the test of time. That's why I've chosen to participate so much here.

Wishing you a great weekend as well!
Jeannine ;)

Thanks for the thorough response! We will definitely look at the network platforms, your points on all fronts were very compelling. We may also stand up an ancillary internal platform as well...

I am sending my comment and your reply over to my business partner today via Skype. He is in Thailand at the moment, standing up an addition to our warehouse operation...

Exciting times, exciting opportunities, and excited to continue to grow our online business s quickly as possible! Your feedback was extremely useful!

Cheers!
Dave : )

I'd be most happy to continue this discussion via private message or offline. One of our biggest clients is based in Thailand - Agoda.com.

Probably the biggest shift is the growth of mobile. Over 50% of all searches begin on mobile devices, so it is critical to make sure your site is mobile friendly. It's also why cross-device tracking is so critical (meaning if someone starts on their phone but completes their purchase later on their desktop, the original affiliate still gets credit). FYI, Amazon does not offer cross-device tracking. Awin.com does.

That’s a valuable insight, thank you!

Thanks, Mitch! It's always my pleasure to share my knowledge. One of my favorite things to do in the world. I also love recommending merchants for each blog - I've done that so often I've gotten pretty good at it! So if I can help on that, let me know.

You can easily create one!

1. Go to Links > Create a custom link.
2. Choose Buddha Groove from the Drop down menu
3. Paste the page you want in the Destination URL
4. It’s optional to add a tracking code in, but I always recommend doing so – something short which will help you identify which sales came through that link or page.
5. Just click “Create Custom Link” and you’re all set!

Let me know if you run into any problems.

FYI, ShareASale also has a bookmarket too, Product Discovery, which makes this a super easy process as well. Here's the link to it: http://blog.shareasale.com/2014/09/18/product-discovery-bookmarklet-tool/

Thank you. How do I create a tracking code?

The steps I just gave you will help you create that code. All of your information will be in the link that is offered when you click "Create Custom Link." Pasting that into your site will give you a trackable link for sales made on Buddha Groove.

Oh, thanks. I was afraid to click "create custom link" until that section was filled out. Thanks for being there. K-

If you have any problems, you can always change it. It's not carved in stone. You can replace it with a new link, change the words that are part of the link, create a new link with a different click ref code - there are many choices for sure. With affiliate marketing, you can always change a link and not hurt anything.

First time is always scary, but before you know it, you'll be an experienced pro doing it in your sleep.

Thanks, I am slowly getting the hang of it. Katherine

Of course that's okay! Always willing to help any way I can.

Any time, Pernilla, any time!