Get off the DIME! How to Get Started in Affiliate Marketing

[Linda Buquet]

I was going to add the following info to this thread:
1st Affiliate Website? Where to get it? How to build it?

But decided it's really filled with so much great information I should start a new thread.

This comes from James over at the InsureMe blog.
If you are a Newbie or a SMART oldie - you'll soak this up!!!

Taking the Plunge – Getting Going in Affiliate Marketing - InsureMe Affiliate Blog:

"For a person thinking of getting into the affiliate business, I think one of the biggest first steps (and point of procrastination) is getting a web site up and running. I know that this can be a daunting task for most…what should the domain be? What will the site cost? How can I design a site when I’m not a designer?

In the spirit of helping affiliates answer these questions and get on track for success, I offer you these links to help you get started on your next (or first) affiliate project:"

BE SURE TO READ THE REST: Taking the Plunge - Getting Going in Affiliate Marketing

One of the things James mentions in his blog is a FREE CMS (content managements system - I.E. Easy web site builder). I have been looking for good easy free CMS and I had not seen this one before - it looks GREAT!

He says "An awesome, free content management system called Website Baker that can give you an easy to use, reliable, and professional looking site in no time."

Here is the Website Baker site: Website Baker: Start - Introduction
Here is a LIVE demo you can play with to see if you like it: Website Baker: Start - Demo
And there are a TON of free templates: Website Baker: Addons Repository - Templates

He also recommends Godaddy for registering domains, my personal preference is Namecheap.com.

AFTER YOU ABSORB EVERYTHING ABOVE
OR IF YOU ALREADY KNOW HOW TO BUILD SITES READ:

After the Plunge – It’s Time to Swim (and Start Advertising)

"As a follow-up to yesterday’s post, Chris asked:

Can you offer any advice on someone who can already build sites, including custom CMS etc...

But is finding it hard making the jump from normal site and link building to affiliate site / link building?

I know we have lots of newbie stickies, but I'm sticking this one too.
There is no ONE right way to get started so here in the n00b section
you will find a repostory of some of the best advice for getting started.

AND ALL OUR INFO IS FREE!
You don't need no stinkin ebook to get started!

[JamesOmdahl]

Thanks for posting a link to our articles Linda. I fully agree with you, there is no "right way" to get started in affiliate marketing, everyone has their own talents, passions and skills.

Keep up the good work!

[fitnfree]

AND ALL OUR INFO IS FREE!
You don't need no stinkin ebook to get started!

LOL! Thumbs up on that note! I'm a nOOb right here, but not in affiliate marketing and couldn't agree more that those eBooks are a total waste -- especially with a forum such as this. I'm impressed at all I've seen thus far.

Getting started in this arena can be done in so many ways -- one can even run paper ads from affiliates, or use business cards, brochures...so many things you can do that don't cost an arm and a leg. It's exciting and endless! And yes, takes a lot of work, but when commissions start rolling in, you're just motivated to work more, because it's fun! ; )

[cashadventure]

What one has to realize is , that what might have worked 5 years ago, or even a year ago for that matter. May not work now. Creativity is the key. Look for something new and fresh.

[yanbiz]

Hi everyone,

There are many success story has there might be home business owners on the internet. Everyone of us are building their path their own way.

Yes Linda, there is no right way to start in affiliate marketing. There is a way and this way it's to create our own.

Cheers :-)

[coltrev]

Cashadventure is spot on about using 5 year old strategies, but if we don't get the latest ebooks etc how do we know? Try to ensure that what you receive is something new and not some rehashed article.

[Joseph Ratliff]

One quick tip for those who may be new to marketing on the internet, and this applies to affiliate marketing as well...

Stay focused. There are literally thousands of programs out there that you can join and make money from. Pick a good program in a niche you have passion about, and stay focused on that program until you have developed the marketing processes around it 100%.

When I started, I scattered myself all over the place...and lost a bunch of time and energy promoting 100 things...

Once I stopped doing that...

BAM! I started to make money.

IMPORTANT: The program you decide to use might have more than one product associated with it, that is okay. Just stay focused on that program, which could mean you are promoting related products.

Once you have developed the promotional system all the way out...and are making money with it...you might decide to start another income stream.

Just don't lose focus.

Enjoy!

[geoman11]

THanks im getting started and i like the information

[Niche]

The best way to start in affiliate marketing is to just do that. Start, take action, put up that website. It does not need to be perfect before you put it up. The honest truth is it never really is. You will be constantly tweaking this and tuning that for as long as your website is up

[Arun Lakhera]

Linda after going through posts I will advice the beginners in affiliate marketing to participate in as many forums as they can. Newbies can learn the art of affiliate marketing from experienced oldies.