Mistake of a New WA Blogger
Just because you have a blog doesn't mean you're "Affiliate Material"
Don't worry, this isn't a hit piece on WA, in fact, this blog is designed to help other WA members. Namely, I don't want them to make the same mistake I did. Read on to find out somehthing not to do if you want to be a successful blogger.
Choose your affiliate programs based on what your webiste is, not what it will be.
I recently joined WA. After writing about three blog posts in my niche, targeted to jaxxy seo optimized keywords, and getting ranked on Google, I thought to myself, "Alright, let's join some affiliate programs!" and I proceeded to apply to 5 different affiliate networks (the tutorial said that I should apply to two). One of them, AWIN, costs $5 upfront to join. I paid it willingly, assuming that I would be accepted. Needless to say, I was shocked when I received an email from them stating that "my website didn't have enough original content to be accepted to their affiliate program." I had made a critical mistake: I pitched the vision of my website's future rather than it's current reality.
Choose your affiliates with care
Not every affiliate program is right for every niche/blog(ger)/time. There are literally thousands of programs available, so finding a good fit or two for your particular website shouldn't be difficult, nor tedious. If you're having trouble, you're probably overthinking it. Just stick to the training, choose two, apply to them, and keep it moving! Some affiliate programs (Amazon and Click Junction are two) don't require a form of payment, nor is there a strict approval process for them. If you feel the need to get affiliate links in your website right away, I recommend these two.
K.I.S.S. to Succeed
Keep It Simple Stupid. Just write original material, and apply to affiliate programs slowly, over time, as you build your website out. I had gotten so wrapped up in the "Affiliate" part of Wealthy Affiliate, I had forgotten to keep my goals that I originally set out for myself weeks ago: to write one original article per day. Had I done that, I would have had over 14 pages of original content already on my site, rather than the 4 pages I currently do.
What I learned
Just because I have a website about a particular niche doesn't necessarily mean that I am a good fit for every affiliate program. Sticking to the course that has been carefully laid out for me by my predecessors here at WA is enough for this guy from now on. "If I do what you did, I will get what you got!"
~Tom
Recent Comments
10
What a great post! I am just at the affiliate links in the training and will listen to your advice.
Thanks for sharing!
Wanda
As a retired engineer the KISS rule applied to most design activities related to reduce injury, errors and improved safety for mitigation. I see the the same application here at WA. I can write a book on this subject. Best regards.
Perfect advice Tom. This whole 'affiliate marketing journey', is a continual learning curve. Jim
You're right, Jim. The thing is, you're not alone on the journey, though! Others have been where we are and not only have found a way through it, but have done so with success! Help is only a message away.
I couldn't agree more this article all around. In fact, when I started here originally (4 years ago), I just started writing blogs.
I wanted to get my rankings up. Because even though Amazon Affiliates is easy to join, if you don't have anyone using your link within 30 days, they will kill your link and you will have to re-apply.
When promoting your own niche (as opposed to WA), probably better to write content first, then start promoting.
You're absolutely right! I should have mentioned that in my post. D'oh! And.. now we have another mistake to add to the list of mistakes to avoid.
See more comments
Excellent info thank you so much
No problem at all! Thank you for your comment.