As a WHAM (work at home mom), I’m always on the lookout for things to do to earn money from the comfort of my home office (living room).
I’ve tried a few sales groups which turned out to be pyramid schemes and I was too late to the game.
I’ve also dabbled in day-trading stocks but found it super hectic and frankly not a lot of fun. It also took a lot of focus, which also tough to do when taking care of my kids.
I wanted something easier, something that I could put the hours into but then sit back and essentially let the thing run on autopilot.
That’s when a friend of mine introduced me to affiliate marketing.
Basically, I would build a website focused on a topic, drive traffic to it, and get it ranking.
This means utilizing Google search as well as the social networks like Instagram and TikTok in particular.
I wasn’t sure what niche would fit me best, or where I could find a good enough opportunity, but then one day at the dentist office it hit me.
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My affiliate marketing idea
Ok, so I’ll try to keep this as concise as possible and let everyone do their own research into what niche/product and what it takes to get things moving.
So as I said, I was at the dentist office (actually it was the orthodontist with my eldest son to discuss having his teeth straightened.
Our orthodontist at Martindale Dental was checking out my sons digital imaging and ended up recommending clear aligners from Invisalign.
It’s like a lightbulb went off in my head. I thought to myself, “This could be the niche I want to be in for affiliate marketing!”.
The more I thought about it, the more sense it made and my determination to have a go at it grew.
The product is simple.
There are a handful of providers that sell clear aligner treatments through the mail and there is certainly a lot of interest (think search volume) on Google for this topic.
I decided to do some research
So this is what I want to pass onto the rest of you and hopefully inspire at least a few to try out your own hands at affiliate marketing.
I chose the clear aligners (dental stuff) as my focus, but the steps I will share with you can be applied to almost any other niche you want.
Things you’ll want to check or make of include:
Brainstorm niche or product ideas
Think about products you think you could sell and that there is a market for. I recommend paying attention to the things you or your family purchases and uses on a day-to-day basis and branch out from there.
Affiliate Program Availability
Once you have something in mind, start researching. Check if your idea currently offers an affiliate program. Affiliate marketing programs can change, and not all companies may have active affiliate programs at any given time. Visit official websites or contact the companies directly to inquire about their affiliate program status.
Terms and Conditions
Read and understand the terms and conditions of the affiliate program thoroughly. This includes the commission structure, payment terms, and any rules or restrictions that may apply.
Compliance
Ensure that you comply with all legal and ethical guidelines when promoting any product, including Invisalign. Be transparent and disclose your affiliate relationship when promoting their products.
Promotion Methods
Be aware of the methods you can use to promote a product as an affiliate. Some programs have restrictions on how their products can be marketed.
Ethical Considerations
Be honest and ethical in your promotion tactics. Misleading or false information can harm your reputation and the reputation of the product.
Audience
Consider whether your audience is a suitable fit for Invisalign. In my case, clear aligners are a specific dental product, and your audience should have a genuine interest or need for clear aligners.
Content Quality
Create high-quality content that educates and informs your audience about your product. This can include blog posts, videos, and usually above all – social media content.
Disclosure
Always disclose your affiliate status when promoting Invisalign. Transparency builds trust with your audience.
Legal Considerations
Depending on your location and the specifics of your affiliate activities, there may be legal considerations, such as tax obligations or business registration requirements. Consult with legal and financial professionals if needed.
Earnings Potential
One of the most important steps is to always assess the potential earnings from the affiliate program. Consider whether the commission structure aligns with your income goals and if it’s worth your time/investment.
Competition
Be aware that your product may have other affiliates promoting their products. Consider how you can differentiate yourself and provide unique value to potential customers.
If you meet the requirements and are comfortable with the terms and ethical considerations of becoming an affiliate for whatever product you come up with, you can reach out to the company to inquire about their program and application process. Keep in mind that success as an affiliate marketer often requires dedication, effective marketing strategies, and a thorough understanding of the product you are promoting.
Make sure you have the right tools
What I mean by this is that you’ll need to be able to do a few things to be successful. You’ll need to create a website, add social profiles, make content for both, and then be able to manage your affiliate program. Luckily, it’s 2023 and if there’s something you can’t or don’t have time to do yourself, you can easily find someone to help you out.
In conclusion
Coming up with an idea is probably the hardest part, at least it was for me, but hopefully you’ll have an easier time. Then, if after you’ve done your research, the idea still seems viable you will have to put in a lot of upfront work to get things going.
For me it was a bit of a struggle at first, what with juggling family and putting the pieces of my business together. However, I knew that going in, and the thought of the residual income I could secure without a lot of continued effort down the road kept me going.
I wish you all a lot of luck and some fun if you decide to pursue an affiliate marketing home business like I did. Happy selling everyone!
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