There are many articles out there for the beginner blogger, like essays and how-to guides to help them learn the ropes and maintain their blog. But after a while, for some at least, there will come a time when you have a strong readership. There will come a time when your blog has proven itself to be a strong voice on the topic or topics it is devoted to. There will come a time when you as a blogger will have developed an online reputation that you can be proud of; a time when people interested in your blog’s topic actually know your name.
When this time comes, it is safe to say that you have a loyal following of readers who enjoy and trust what you tell them. These readers will trust you when you tell them to try a certain product or read a certain book. They will consider your opinion on a certain brand or company and actually heed your advice. Therefore, you should make use of this power and begin to do what every blogger dreams of- making money through blogging.
By implementing affiliate marketing on your blog, you will be able to make money by promoting other brands and companies and leading your readers to purchase their products and services. While this may seem as if you are taking advantage of your readers, the truth is you can do this while still holding onto your integrity. The key is to adhere to certain rules:
Make Sure Your Associates Jive With Your Blog
If you are writing about a product that has nothing to do with your area of expertise, readers will immediately get suspicious. When this happens on more than one occasion, chances are, they will figure out what you are doing. On the other hand, your readers are coming to your blog for a purpose, and the chances of them being interested in a brand that has nothing to do with that purpose are slim.
For example, if a construction management software company was your affiliate and you run a book review blog, your readers are going to wonder why you’re suddenly promoting construction software when talking about books. However, if you are a construction industry blogger, this would be the perfect chance to introduce your readers to a company that produces helpful software specifically for construction managers, which wouldn’t be out of the ordinary. The key to great affiliate linking is to actually team up with useful, quality organizations with whom your readers could also connect.
Don’t Do This Too Often
Readers will realize if suddenly your entire blog is full of links, even if they are related to the theme of your site. When this happens, you will lose your credibility as a blogger. You have to limit the frequency of such posts as well as the quantity of affiliates you associate with. Be selective with the affiliates you choose to work with and make sure that your endorsement of their company comes from an actual appreciation for their products and services.
Host Reviews, Ads and Giveaways
Reviewing products is a common aspect of many blogs, and it allows you to provide your honest opinion about a product, leading your readers to trust your opinions. Additionally, hosting a giveaway of the product will generate a lot of excitement. After all, who doesn’t love free gifts? Many companies will pay for reviews and giveaways, but even if they don’t, it is still a great way to get free things yourself. Additionally, if you offer a newsletter that your readers can subscribe to, a great idea is to sell ad space for each issue.
Just remember that in order to take advantage of affiliate marketing, you have to already have an established online persona. Only a blogger with a following will be able to succeed in this area.
Do you have any other tips for affiliate marketing on blogs? Tell us in the comments below!