5 Common Mistakes Made By Affiliates

1. Lack of Communication
2. Too Many Programs at Once
3. Inappropriate Ads for your Audience
4. Ignoring Reports
5. Supplying Bad Contact Information

Communication

Communication is the secret to staying abreast of the world around you. You would be surprised how many people join programs, services, what have you and never read anything after they join. The same can be said of managers too so don't be too dismayed. Good programs will send communications at least once monthly to their partners to keep members up to date about product changes, additions, bonus programs, and other things related to the program. It is always in your best interest to read as much of these communications as possible so that you can take full advantage of the programs offerings.

Take time to call your managers and email them. They should be there to respond to you quickly. Generally within 24 business hours is an acceptable time. These are the people that can offer you suggestions and inside tips. They are dialed into the success of the program and as such should be dialed into yours as well since without your success, theirs would crease to exist.

Too Much of A Good Thing

Have you ever heard the term spreading yourself to thin? So many of us multi-task, get involved with as many things as possible, and in the end run ourselves ragged and end up tired and sick. The same can be true for affiliate marketing. Spreading your attention our too far out can spell disaster. Would you rather be excellent at a few things or mediocre at a lot of things? Affiliates who focus their energy on a couple of handfuls of programs will do much better that those who promote many many programs at the same time. However, bear in mind that placing your eggs all in one basket is generally not a good idea so it's best to diversify, but not to extend that it is unmanageable.

Inappropriate Ads for Your Audience

It's all about reaching your audience. Who visits your site? Who are you targeting with the content of your site? Before you choose any programs to promote, think about these things. Your ads and your audience will help determine your success. For example, affiliate A owns asportsite.com and promotes diapers. Affiliate B owns ababysite.com and promotes diapers. Who do you think will do better? Exactly. This may be common sense to many of you, but appropriate targeting is at the core of every successful campaign. If you're not sure, research the products whether they be life insurance, diapers, diamonds, or sports cars each has a unique buyer. Maybe you've found a dozen programs that you like or that were recommended to you. Make a chart listing the audience you think would purchase each product or service. Then make a chart listing the types of people your site is trying to attract. Compare the types and choose the products or services most similar to your audience. This is not a method that will guarantee success, but it most certainly will help.

Ignoring Reports

Not many people like to stare at reports and statistics for hours on end. I know I certainly would rather be doing other things. However, they are a necessity when it comes to running a successful campaign. You should know which banners are performing the best, which pages are bringing in the most revenue for each product, service etc. If you pay per click, you best be checking your stats on a daily basis to ensure that you are not overspending and losing money. Most programs will supply real time tracking available online. You should be checking your stats on a weekly basis, if not daily if possible. If you are unsure how to read the reports, contact the program manager for assistance. These reports are the doorway to understanding what is working and what is not. If you do not understand the reports right away or think to yourself, ok now what? Ask. It is in your best interest to know what is working with your programs and in the best interest of the affiliate program managers to assist you in any way that they can.

Supplying Bad Contact Information

When you sign up to join an affiliate program, be sure to supply your correct contact information including if asked, your phone number, mailing address, and website url(s). Sometimes if program managers can not verify your contact information they will not approve your application. If you are leery of the program and are not comfortable disclosing your contact information right away, contact the program manager and speak with them. This is the best way to get a correct feel for the program and the integrity of the company.

Sign up for a Free Traffic Partners Account Today!

Click here to register your program preferences with Traffic Partners and get started finding merchant matches right away!