What's wrong with Affiliate Marketing?

9
935 followers

In my journey learning all about Internet marketing, and Affiliate Marketing in particular, I've come across comments and actions on the part of those with Affiliate Programs that cast a negative shadow over the industry -- not a lot, but enough to write this blog to see what other people have experienced.

One comment I came across indicated that Google doesn't like Affiliate Marketing. Now, to me, Google is an integral part of our business; so why would they put up roadblocks that we have to work around to get our business to be successful? Apparently Google doesn't like a lot of affiliate links, and they will penalize you for having multiple links on a page or post and categorize you as Spam. This is anti-business and confusing to me, because the business model we're talking about here is legitimate. Are they confusing this with Multilevel Marketing?

Affiliate Marketing has the same business structure as a Manufacturer's Rep. You have an independent company, a product or service offered for sale, a marketing program, and the ultimate consumer. The Affiliate Marketer is part of the marketing program and represents the company and its products. The customer has to buy the product before the Affiliate gets a commission -- the basic structure of a good business model. This is repeatable and will succeed over time.

Multilevel Marketing, on the other hand, is organized around a program and is not an independent company, the products they "sell" are made specifically for the program, the marketing plan is based on getting other people into the program, and the consumer is buying the dream of financial independence. The real product is the dream. It's akin to chasing a rainbow -- you never get to the pot of gold. The only people who make any real money with MLM programs are the ones who start the program and then feed off of the other people's dreams. There's a huge moral challenge here. There is no legitimate business model and MLM will self-destruct in time (as planned).

So I can understand why Google might not like MLM. Let's hope Google's attitude about Affiliate Marketing will change over time so we can get on with business.

Another quandary that surfaced as I was looking for Affiliate Programs was that some I spoke with wanted to see how my website looked when it was completely built out and the volume of traffic I could generate. Again, that doesn't make sense. My website is centered around the Affiliated Partners and what products and services they provide; so building out my website depends on them as much as it does on my contribution. The logic here is as bad as "If the stock doesn't go up, don't buy it". Needless to say, I will keep looking for those Affiliated Partners that understand their part in the success of our joint effort. And if I run into this problem a lot, I will make it a crusade to change the attitude through education.

So, to my ultimate purpose, has anyone experienced any of what I've run into? Has it changed your view of the industry? Or, like me, has your experience convinced you that there's something worth doing to help people solve a problem or improve their lives and Affiliate Marketing is a legitimate path to that end?

To your success.

Ted

PS. I tried to insert an image (my signature) and was told that the image type was not allowed. I'm sure the answer is very simple, but I couldn't find it.

Login
Create Your Free Wealthy Affiliate Account Today!
icon
4-Steps to Success Class
icon
One Profit Ready Website
icon
Market Research & Analysis Tools
icon
Millionaire Mentorship
icon
Core “Business Start Up” Training

Recent Comments

7

Hi Ted. I read your post with interest along with the associated comments of others. I am new to this industry and have and open mind and do not expect quick results, but I found this information very helpful. - Zak

I agree Ted it is confusing I sometimes think they do not get affiliate marketing either after all google have ad words which is buying keywords and they know that is for promoting and selling products

Thanks, Katie. If more people could see the double-standard put out by Google and stop being confused about MLM, affiliate marketing could come into its own. We have a way to go, but I feel we're on the ground floor of a grand opportunity. Affiliate marketing is a legitimate business model done properly. Keep the faith. Ted

It certainly is Ted no different to anyone working on a commission based job

To be honest because I have been a successful person all of my life and a part of productive society at one point I was ashamed. I felt that I have stooped to a level reserved for losers of the world. and then of all things some nameless member of WA changed my perspective. I now think of affiliate marketing as more than just being a middle man. I still don't think we are a productive part of society but I no longer think that we are value less Hustler's. So I am no longer ashamed, and especially in the WA case, I think structure is being added where there never was structure before.

there was a point that I believed anytime you have to recruit someone you were feeding them false hope. I am aware that the vast majority of people who tried never generate any substantial income through this industry. I am also aware that people are unsuccessful in life primarily because they don't try. as far as WA is concerned , it is usually generates lots of hope in people who are very new. I love the excitement of something that you did not think you were capable of doing. wa for sure will teach you how to build a website. I am not so sure if it will teach you how to run a business. Recently there has been an influx of smart people WA. I noticed these people are supplementing there wa training with training in other areas. I am 100% sure that all of these people would do quite well.

I like WA. it has developed habits within me. After 18 months I am Not sure it has done anything to increase my income but I am still here with little intention of leaving.

Thanks for your perspective and how experience has changed your outlook on this industry. There are still remnants of the old view you had, and I'm trying to come to terms with how it impacts our business and how to change it for the positive. One thing I'd like to do is separate Affiliate Marketing from Multilevel Marketing. There really is no comparison. I'm getting the feeling that people put them in the same industry, and that shouldn't be, as I outlined above. You do add value as an Affiliate Marketer by representing products and services that you believe in to a customer you can help. No different than a good sales person or product representative.

Help spread the word and our industry may get a new image, one it deserves. Here's to renewed effort.

Ted

Thank you for comprehending the entire message.

See more comments

Login
Create Your Free Wealthy Affiliate Account Today!
icon
4-Steps to Success Class
icon
One Profit Ready Website
icon
Market Research & Analysis Tools
icon
Millionaire Mentorship
icon
Core “Business Start Up” Training