Clickbank really works - should I feel bad?
I recently signed up to Clickbank, and as I looked closer, I immediately noticed most of the listed affiliate products and services I wouldn't touch with a stick. It's stinky, fishy, duping stuff that no one with a 3-digit IQ would ever spend money on.
Yet I gave it a try, and guess what? That shit sells.
So here is my dilemma. When I promote something I know is crap, yet people keep buying, should I stop or enjoy my cash?
If I continue that, this can mean any of the following:
- People are truly bloody stupid. It's on them.
- Free will. I did not hold a gun to anyone's head to pay for anything.
- It's how the world is, so suck it up and fit in. Keep going.
- I am a heartless, greedy sod.
I am not saying your opinion would affect my decision, but I am curious how many of you see the same.
So me hearties, please share yer musings 'bout that matter, and we'll see where that'll take us on this grand adventure of the seas.
Recent Comments
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You do want your audience to trust you. People may buy from you in the beginning, but then they may start to ignore what you promote if it all ends up being useless.
I only promote stuff I have or would use for myself, so my audience will keep trusting what I have to say.
It's a question for the ages isn't it? At the risk of sounding elitist, if the past three years has taught us anything it is that so many people are like sheep or perhaps lemmings might be a better characterization. However, do you expose yourself to the guilt of knowing that you are offering garbage and yet you are profiting from the vulnerability of others? I guess another consideration is the question whether you are jeopardizing your reputation or standing in the community by sinking to the depth of the snake oil salesman? I'm sure there are other issues to consider but there's my opinion for your consideration...have a blessed Sunday!
Good morning Andy,
That's an interesting blog post!
On one of my websites that has garden machinery, within the shop, there are products that I personally wouldn't buy. When I buy a product, I would prefer to buy a quality product, I always recommend this to potential customers, as I believe it works out cheaper in the long run.
However, it does seem that people like to buy rubbish, so it's available if people want it.
I would never recommend a product that is poor, even if it's in the shop. In many cases, I will tell people that a product is only suitable for light use etc and also give them a link to a better quality product.
So to conclude, you could have the product in your shop, but recommend something far better.
Have a great day.
Roy
Thank you, Andy!
I also think there is much more joy when we promote something that we like. For example, if you are promoting Wealthy Affiliate, you can promote it in a very sincere and genuine way. It's much better than promoting something that is not very good.
Roy
Yes, WA is solid. It needs some maintenance and cleaning, but it's working.
When it comes to Clickbank, if you look through the comments here, this is a pretty polarising subject, though.
Wealthy Affiliate definitely works and is solid! I must admit I started out the hard way, but Wealthy Affiliate takes the guesswork away!
I actually bookmarked your post, Andy, as I thought it was such an interesting post. Sometimes it's good to refer back to these type of posts and read the comments again. It's amazing what we can learn just through reading comments and other people's experiences.
Roy
Hey, Andy. I think I will go with Roy here.
You can make sure that what you advertise and sell is quality. However, if Clickbank offers something else that is inferior, it is on them.
As to your 4 points,. Unfortunately, the first three seem to be true for the majority, but not all. The last one, you have to decide what you want to do and how to be or not be a "heartless greedy sod".
I hope this helps.
JD
I agree. The greatest value of my post is the comments you guys leave. I have learned a lot too.
Again, thank you!
Thank you for that. Yes, I think all four points are true a little, but I don't want to become Gordon Gekko, lol.
Thank you, J.D. it's an interesting post, with some interesting comments!
I have a feeling that this comment was meant for Andy, rather than myself.
Have a great day.
Roy
I think if you have advertised the product for what it is and not embellished anything yourself. You are not knowingly selling something that is misrepresented, and your customers will receive a legitimate product, then.....
You are simply selling something to individuals who would purchase elsewhere if not from you.
Have at it.
Alex
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Yes, many people are stupid, greedy and lazy. They are looking for the quick easy way to make money online, as an example and will gladly pay lots of money if it means they won't have to lift a finger.
That being said, I would never work with Clickbank. Since I do know better, I would feel like a thief taking money from people who are spending it through my affiliate links just because I know how to easily manipulate them into doing that. I think that's unconscionable and inexcusable. You asked.
Thank you for your input. Looking through these comments, we are on a 50-50 ground.