So you have decided to join the SimplyCast Affiliate Network.
The prospect of 20% (first-time commission) on each new qualified lead you bring in certainly does sound inviting but becoming an affiliate marketer is not as easy as it seems.
Here are a few common mistakes that new affiliate marketers tend to make. Trust us, you are not alone and that is why we are here to help.
Think Realistically To Start
Large dollar figures can start to dance in your head as you make a list of friends you will send your affiliate link to. Sure, the income projections that are made can come true but don't expect to make it big within your first few months of any program.
Look at this form of marketing as a long-term investment in your future and not a "get rich quick" plan. As the saying goes, if it was that easy to get rich, everyone would be doing it. So ignore the projections and settle in for the long haul.
This is especially true with SimplyCast as there is a free trial attached to the service and it can take a few weeks for someone to buy. That is why we have set 200 day cookies. This way, someone who has clicked on your link has up to 200 days to come back and make a purchase.
Expecting Big Results With Minimal Effort
Sure there are always exceptions to the rule but we want to remind you that you need to put in the work to see results. Signing up with an affiliate network is the same as opening your own store. You need to work at it all the time to make it grow.
Well, being an affiliate is like having an online store. You need to put in the time and effort in order to get people to come look at the product you're selling. Adding a few banners to your website and hoping for the best is not enough. Competition for online traffic is fierce and it is those that put in the effort that get new leads to their sites in the end.
Have Goals Set
Many people join affiliate programs with the simple goal of wanting to make a lot of money. Do you have an idea in your head of how much money or how quickly you want to make it? You will be amazed at how actually writing down a realistic number will help you with your affiliate growth. As long as you keep your goals vague, your plan of action will also be vague.
Promote Your Affiliate Link
This may seem obvious but it needs to be mentioned. If you don't advertise your affiliate link, how are you supposed to make sales? You can share it with your friends, add it to your email signature or create your own website that has your affiliate link listed. This can include a text ad, a blog review or, like we mentioned above, adding banner ads. The more areas you make for people to click on your link, the greater the chance that someone will click on it.
Don't Give Up Too Soon
After building a website, adding banner ads and doing further promotion for a few months, you have very little to show for it. You are beginning to wonder if all the time you are putting in is worth it. Like we said earlier, this is a long-term investment. Add value to what you are already doing by learning more. Contact your affiliate manager for tips, read blog posts that offer suggestions and double check our blog post called Affiliate Marketing Tips: Why Am I Not Seeing Sales? Don't quit because you are not seeing results just yet.
All the hard work that has been put in will pay off.
So if you are new to the affiliate game and not seeing big results, don't worry. All you have to do is keep putting the work in and learn as you go. We are here to make sure you succeed, so if there is anything we can do to help, let us know.
