Home Based Business Affiliate Marketing

A number of profitable home based businesses are online. They use affiliate marketing Web sites to earn revenue. The Web site is created with content relevant to a theme or interest, such as party planning, weddings, honeymoon spots, travel, motorcycles, and so forth.

The affiliate Web site generally has "in context" links to an e-tailer (e-commerce) Web site. When a visitor to the Web site clicks on a link, they are connected to the e-tailer. If they purchase an item, the affiliate receives a commission.

The affiliate drives traffic to the e-tailer to increase sales. By updating content and using viral marketing techniques, such as "Tell a Friend," or "Bookmark This Page," the affiliate can keep traffic returning to their home based business affiliate marketing Web site.

There are three types of affiliate programs:

• Pay-per-sale: payment is either a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of sales.
• Pay-per-lead: you earn a set amount when your customer fills out a survey or requests a quote or information.
• Pay-per-click: You are paid each time one of your visitors clicks through from your site to the e-tailer's site (such as google ads).

You place the affiliate ad or banner on your Web site. You are assigned an ID by the e-tailer. So, when the visitor to your Web site clicks on the e-tailer's link, your ID is carried with the click. If the visitor performs the necessary action, you earn a payment for your home based business.

The advantage of this type of home-based business is that you carry no inventory and you have low overhead. The cost to you is the development of your Web site.

This is not a "get rich quick" scheme.

You have to develop a content rich site and you have to generate traffic to your Web site to make this a profitable home based business opportunity.

What does it take for this business?

This home based business requires research, both online and offline, organizational and written communication skills. You need to be knowlegeable of Internet search techniques.

You need to be knowledgeable of techniques used for search engine optimization and Internet marketing. You need to have some knowledge of the theme or topic of your Website and/or be willing to learn about it through research. You can turn your favorite recipes, favorite authors, favorite vacations spots, and so forth into a profitable home based business.

What do I need to operate this business?

You should set up a separate space for your home based business office. This will make it easier for you to focus on your work.

The start-up cost for this business is low. You need a computer and a printer. A business phone line is an asset. Your other costs will include the design, development, and hosting of your Web site.

As you develop your business, you will want to use any free tools that will help you. As your home based business grows, you will want to purchase more sophisticated tools and they need not be expensive.

Basic Equipment and Supplies:

• Computer
• Printer
• Keyword Analysis Software
• Statistical Tracking Software
• Search Engine Optimization Software
• Content relevant Web site

You can review resources for this home based business here.

What services do I provide?

An affiliate marketing Web site is a source of information on a particular topic and sells products and/or services related to the content of the Web site.

What are my potential earnings?

$100 to $100,000+ annually

How much do I charge for my services?

The e-tailers you affiliate with set the prices for their goods and services. If you offer advertising on your Web site, research similar sites for pricing guidelines.

How do I bill for my services?

As an affiliate marketer, the e-tailer you link to assigns you an ID number. This number is attached to the link your visitor clicks. If it is pay-per-click affiliate (such as Google AdSense), you are paid for each click. Payment is established by the e-tailer.

If it is pay-per-sale (such as amazon.com), you are paid a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of sales as set by the e-tailer.

If it is pay-per-lead (such as a survey site), you are paid a fixed dollar amount as set by the e-tailer.

The e-tailer (merchant) or its intermediary, such as Commission Junction or LinkShare, keeps a record and pays you based on set dollar amounts accumulated monthly or quarterly.

How do I market my business?

Offline

• Create flyers and place them on community bulletin boards.
• List your home based business Web site in trade journals and print publications related to the content of your Web site.
• Encourage visitors to your Web site through family and friends.
• Throw yourself a "grand opening" party by sending invitations to family, friends, and local businesses. Hold the grand opening in a restaurant.

Online

• Develop a site that interests you.
• Create "rich" content that provides the visitor with information.
• Develop your home based business Web site so that it is optimized for search engines.
• Use keywords so visitors can find your Web site.
• Link your Web site to related sites.
• List your Web site in online directories.
• Write articles for online e-zines.
• Affiliate with a company or companies that offer products related to the content on your Web site.
• Write articles for print publications related to your Web site content.
• Sell advertising on your Web site.
• Use Google AdSense on your Web site to generate revenue.
• Develop a newsletter and/or blog to generate traffic and to develop a mailing list.
• Use viral marketing techniques to generate traffic to your Web site.
• Participate in newsgroups and discussion forums related to the content on your Web site.

An affiliate marketing home based business takes a lot of hard work and dedication. It is not a "get rich scheme" but can be highly profitable if you are dedicated. You can review resources for this home based business here.