2 Words Increased My Opt-In Rate By 364% & Sales By 200%
I’ve been humbled.
I thought I knew all about affiliate marketing that I fine-tuned over the years, but I was recently jolted to my senses.
Alright, I didn’t do too badly either, as I still managed a consistent 5-figure income from the Internet, mostly on autopilot now.
My online business is in all kinds of niches - mainly affiliate marketing, and mostly in non-Internet Marketing niches.
There’s one important lesson I recently learnt that I’d like to share with you here. And it is just 2 words:
=> RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
Before I touch on that, you probably already know that the fundamentals of building an Internet business are:
1) Find a rabid niche and related affiliate products to promote
2) Build a landing page to capture leads
3) Drive traffic to your lead-capturing page
4) REALLY SPEND TIME to cultivate your leads into a highly responsive list so you can recommend good affiliate products to
5) Repeat with another niche
Here’s an important point that many people missed:
=> Building Relationship With Your Subscribers
This is so fundamental to success that many marketers are simply too lazy or busy to spend time on. Each subscriber can be worth $1-$2 per month from my experience, so I don’t see why anyone should not focus on giving great value to their subscribers. Your subscribers are live people, so treat them as such, and not just another name you can milk money from.
Many times when people buy through your affiliate link, it’s because of the special relationship and trust that you’ve nurtured with your subscribers over time. They buy on the stength of your recommendation. Always seek to over-deliver in giving good and free information First.
Another very important aspect of relationship building that not many marketers are even aware of:
=> Building Relationship With The Affiliate Product Owner
If you promote an affiliate product, have you ever communicated with the product owner? I know most people don’t.
Here are some insider tips and benefits in building that special relationship:
1) First, get a copy of the product. You can either buy it yourself (if you don’t want to feel indebted later), or request an evaluation copy. 8 out of 10 times they will be happy to oblige since this is a win-win.
It would be easier, but not mandatory, if you can show that your website is promoting their product, or if you have already made a few sales. With a copy, you can then assess if it is good enough to recommend to your subscribers, and this can be a starting point to build the relationship.
2) Some product owners have prepared marketing materials for their affiliates, and some are willing to produce if you just tell them what you need. An example is to extract a good chapter from the product to make into a viral report that has your affiliate links sprinkled sparingly in the pages.
You can give the report to your subscribers and encourage them to pass it around (hence the viral effect), or you can use it as an opt-in incentive. If such report is not available, you can offer your service to do it for them.
3) This is the most exciting part of building a relationship with the product owner: you can tap into their traffic sources!
I bet you didn’t know that. Most owners have opt-in subscribers that other affiliates send their traffic to. Most owners also do not have enough unique and quality content to keep up with their subscribers.
This is where you come in: offer to provide unique content for their subscribers, and in return, they send their subscribers to opt-in into your newsletter.
Of course, you can make their product as the primary product to promote, but subsequently you can cross-promote related products to your subscribers over and over (and not forgetting to provide good useful information in between).
As an experiment, I applied what I learned recently, and refocused my marketing activities for one of my niche sites that I somewhat neglected.
In 2 days, my opt-in rate went from 11% to 40%. Resulting sales figures? That site used to make one sale every 2 days on average, but after I tweaked it, it has been one sale a day now. That’s a sales increase of 200%!
This is all possible, and the resource that jolted me to my senses is a Blueprint from Alex’s 1% MOLB Wealth Formula that I wished I had much earlier. The steps laid out are so simple and straight to the point easily double or triple my revenue from one of my niches.
The author is an affiliate marketer who made $541,000 in 15 months. I can attest to the authenticity of the income claim, as he made a video showing him logging into his Clickbank account with all those mind-numbing dollars.
Being doubtful as I always am, I got hold of a copy of the blueprint myself, read through the 128-page report twice, viewed the 12 video tutorials, and I am totally amazed! Some of the techniques are new to me, but I’m impressed by the simplicity and the micro-details of the blueprint, which I believe anybody can put to good use.
The resource is a step-by-step blueprint, covering every aspect of starting and building a profitable Internet business. The part about Relationship Building is explained in much greater in the blueprint. It can give a sense of direction for anyone who is lost in the Internet jungle, whether you are a newbie or experienced marketer.
In case you think it’s a bloated home study course costing thousands, it’s not. I must add that it is really really affordable considering the value. This is one of those clickbank products that I highly endorsed.
No, wait! It’s the first I bother to blog about a clickbank product.
In any case, Alex’s 1% MOLB Wealth Formula is definitely worth looking at. Most importantly for many of us out there, it’s not the “feel good” factor in the content that makes you money, it’s implementing it!
Here’s to you - success, wealth and health.
Craig
P.S: I encourage you to leave your comments here…tell me how you feel or if you resonate with me. As you write your thoughts and sentiments in the comment below, you’ll feel more propelled to do what you need to do to move your business to the next level.
P.S.S: If you have already read Alex’s 1% MOLB Wealth Formula, do pen your action plans here, when you write it here, it’s like a public commitment and on some level, a sense of accountability. You’ll also reinforce your learning. Looking forward to hear from you…Cheers..=)
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April 25th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Thanks for the wonderful tip it helps to know others think in bits too.
April 25th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Wow this is an interesting blog.
April 25th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Great post, lots of great ti[s I am going to use immediately.
Finding a hot niche that doesn’t have tons of people is next to impossible but it can be done and even if there is a bunch out there, if like you say you actually have good content and build trust you will have it made.
April 26th, 2008 at 4:08 am
A great informations,Thanks.
April 26th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
great info and site, got to learn more from you!
April 26th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Great post mate..really helpful.
Zacky
April 26th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
I’m really impressed with your blog. you’re giving away some solid information.
I totally agree that buidling a relationship with your visitors is vital to success. The time it takes is well worth the effort
Lynne Lee
April 26th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Really enjoyed reading your blog.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks,
Nick
April 27th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Your information is great.I do strongly believe in building relationship with the visitors if we want to get the success.
archi
April 27th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Thsi was great insightful readind.Must say I never thought about this technique about getting in touch with product owners.
Rajan Sethi
April 27th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Nice post and very informative. I’ll will definitely read Alex’s Wealth Formula.
April 27th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
This is fantastic information you have compiled that teaches people in a short way to create an online business.
I agree about relationship with your visitors because having one really builds credibility in your niche. Customers love to be shown how to do things if it can save them time and effort.
Great!
April 28th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Hi Craig,
Alex’a wealth formula looks great… unfortunately I’m one of those newbie types who has not yet taken an online step into affiliate/information marketing arena. Yes, I have been overburdened with information, but I believe I’ve been selective with whatever I have purchased thus far - which isn’t a lot.
Effectively, I have narrowed my mentoring focus down to your good self, Ewen Chia and Brad & Matt Callen - This process has taken me some 4 months and as mentioned above I’ve not spent too much on anyone’s next big thing, as it were.
I have very little money at my disposal right now so I need to ensure I spend it as wisely as I can. I have also just received Ewen Chia’s NEW work from home offer, which also looks good and priced similarly to that of Alex’s wealth formula program - so I’m tossing up at present, however I am leaning towards Alex’s offer.
I already have Brad Callens Affiliate Elite program and Matt Callens HyperVRE and PopOver programs so it’s about time for me to take some action.
Building a relationship is the key to online success and of all the online marketers whom I’ve received information from, you are one that I have some respect for. I know I need to take action and I’m very close to doing that.
Apologies for the converluted comments - hope to hear from you soon
Regards,
Graeme
April 28th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Hi Graeme,
Thank you for your comments. That’s very nice of you. I am a rather straight forward person and I like to tell it like it is…
Here’s an reply email to one of my subscriber that might be helpful…
———————————————————————–
If I could be honest with you, there are a thrillion ways to make money on the internet..
Alright I’m exaggerating but here’s the crunch..
Do not let the so called gurus push you around because you really need to learn and decide
For yourself what makes sense and which direction you should take.
With so many ways to make money and with the thousands of courses out there, you’re bound
To get information overload even if a 1000 ebooks has a step by step formula.
Here’s my simple formula.
Select A Hot Market
A hot market is usually one that people are desperate for
solution such as sex, love, money and health
In fact, the money making market is filled with desperate people like you..
In the love market, there are man who are desperately looking for a mate..(dating niche is big)
In the health market, lots of people are suffering physically and is need of help
Select A Hot Affiliate Product For The Hot Market
Find not just good products but products that are hot and very convincing.
Use clickbank.com paydotcom.com to find hot products (or you can simply go to google and type in your keyword +affiliate program eg. “Dating affiliate program”
(information products are usually the best since people come online to look for information)
Setup A website
Alright, this is rather technical but most website that are good, you can just copy and edit..
You can get free video everywhere..here are some examples
masscontrolsite.com/blog/?p=7
masscontrolsite.com/blog/?p=8
www.internetbusinessfornewbies.com/videos.htm
www.igottatellyou.com/blog/proven-html-template-for-killer-opt-in-page-results/
You will also need an autoresponder such as aweber.com or monsterresponse.com
Get Traffic
Build a list by driving traffic to your optin page using
Google adwords or other pay per click
Blogging is a good way to start to get traffic.as long as there is content you’ll get traffic Post videos on youtube and other video sites to get traffic
Write articles and submit to ezinearticles.com (by far one of the best free method to get traffic to your site)
Convert to customers using email persuasion
Which is nothing difficult as you just repeat the benefits of the product using the product’s sales page
Repeat the same process for which ever market for whichever product.
May I be frank with you..The internet game is easy for me to say the least..but that’s because I’ve spend countless nights and hours for the last 7yrs Spending well over 50 grand online and getting the experience in order to get to where I am.a good 5 figure income.
I’ve got friends who makes 6-8 grand a month residually..and you might be surprise at their strategy.If I may put it aptly, it’s the 1000 self-written article strategy.
It’s hard work in the beginning but it pays off.
I am no guru because there are literally thousands of people who are making good income online discreetly, many of which are making more Than the so-called gurus. The truth is, they just want to keep themselves out of the limelight (especially when you’re making good income online, it draws attention..some people like the attention & some not…).
I’m not sure if you can understand where I’m coming from but here’s my take on how you can become successful online..
1.) Focus on getting the experience
Many people are spending too much time focusing on immediate returns so much so that they give up easily.
Ever recall when you first learnt how to bat a baseball bat or ride a bicycle?
No matter how good a coach such as our “Pop aka Dad” is, we do not bat it right the first time…or do you?
It takes tons of practice before anyone could bat like Babe Ruth..
I recalled I had to evaluate my batting when I first started out..until it became intuitive..
Yes..the keyword is Intuition.I can now intuitively tell you what to do because I’ve done it tons of times..
Your focus should be on the experience rather than instant gratification..
If you want to be good at marketing..try marketing products online..(get the experience..if you fail, try again..think through. it’s the same process when you’re picking up any sports or anything per se) before you know it, You’ll be able to do it intuitively..(what most people would say..talent)
2.) Simple formula for making money online
No Sale = No Money
No Subscriber=No Sale
No Optin=No Subscriber
No Traffic = No Optin
Step 1 = Aim to get 100 visitors to your optin page first & work on improving your conversion Step 2 = Aim to get 100 Subscribers Step 3 = Aim to get 1 Sale (since conversion rate for an average salesletter website is around 1-4%) if you can’t get pass Step 1.don’t buy any course. You should read “One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way by Robert Maurer.
Hope this helps,
CJ
—————————————————————–
April 28th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Great post Craig, especially the reply email to one of your subscribers.
I realized a while ago that the true secret to online success is the interaction and communication with people.
Unfortunately I am one of those private people and find it extremely hard to “network” with those online in forums, blogs or what-have-you…and I don’t like to “post” for posting sake.
Because you shared a private moment of a loss in your life; that changed you from just a “marketer” like all the others, to someone I empathize with…which turned you into a real person.
Good blog, good job, well done Craig
Best ~ Wm.
houseofwolfsberg.cashhosters.com/wordpress/
April 28th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Craig, as usual you provide information to help others
realize their drams.
I have to admit that I never thought about contacting the
owners of the products I promote and establish a
personal and business relationship based on trust and
loyalty.
I have come to realize that you are one of a dying breed.
Thanks and may God keep showering blessings on you,
your daughter and dog.
Ramon
April 29th, 2008 at 1:15 am
Craig,
I was reading this and was about to accuse you of ripping off M.O.L.B., until I saw that you bought it:) BTW if anybody reads this comment and really cares it’s actually a 178 pages, and I have to agree with Craig - It is good but it’s lacking one thing that I think Craig could help his blog readers with, and that’s an actuall autoresponder sequence to use.
Alex tells you when to interject information with promotion but not exactly what to say to your list. This is the only thing that Alex’s product is really lacking. Otherwise it’s a very good “blueprint”.
Marcia
April 29th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Hello,
I 100% agree with your tips, thank you.
If you desire to make profits on the internet, you need to create a rock relationship with your readers. You must give solid information to them before to sell something.
Give + give them => (after that) => sell your products
This is the “Wheel of Marketing”, simply do not reinvent the wheel. Give good content to your visitors and they will buy. Thank you!
April 29th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Very good information on building relationships in the marketing world. I have never thought about the relationship with the affiliate product owner.
Thanks,
Troy
April 29th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Hi Craig, I am a real newbie, and I felt like Ifell into a deep pool and not being able to swim, I thought I was going to drown until I kept courage and got to the edge to old on, now I am getting help to paddle and let go with one hand. It is good to know that there is a real person out here to help give confidence and support. Thanks alot and I am getting some good advise and support. Please let me hear from you. Sarah
April 29th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Hey Craig .you hit the nail on the head about the public relation ship, that is vital in any business it’s like a bounding glue .
April 29th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Craig,
First, great information and it came in perfect timing for me. I just started getting involved with people in the online business. Regular business requires me to be involved all the time and I’m finding the internet is no different other than there is no face to face.
I would also agree with Graeme. You seem to be the most trusted person in the online game. And truly I hope to have half the rap you have.
Thanks again for this and all the other bits of information you have provided me in the past.
Martin
JMW Global Ventures, LLC
April 29th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Hey Craig
You know that what you have written is a great consept in marketing. Two many marketers are seeing dollar signs with every campain they start.
But the truth is that people are what business is all about. Without your subscribers trust and apreciation of what you do for them you might as well get a 9 to 5.
Great post
April 30th, 2008 at 1:40 am
Hi Craig,
Thank you so much for the information you’ve given in your post. Information is so helpful and clearly explained. You’ve done a great job in sharing truths so generously! Currently, I’m on Ewen Chia’s program (into third week). I am quite curious to find out more about Alex’s program too. I’m pretty new and want to pick up good learning. Your post gives me timely confidence. Thanks alot Craig, keep in touch. God bless..
Cheers..
Jeremy
April 30th, 2008 at 1:44 am
I just went for a quick look at MOLB site - impressive to say the least!! Very encouraging!
April 30th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
That made for some pretty interesting reading. Thanks.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:13 am
Great post, especially the reply to one of your readers. SOme great information, you just gotta act on it. That really is the key, as Nike says “Just Do It!”
May 1st, 2008 at 7:33 am
Nicely put and considerate! Thank you.
May 1st, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Good Points, well taken and well written
May 3rd, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Hi CJ,
My name is Gail and want to learn to make money onthe internet. i have joined a couple of website to do some premoting, but have got nothing in return. I don’t really expext anythimg because I’m so new with this, I’m probably doing something wrong.
I going to do what it said in this email, and if I need any help, I might be emailing you back with questions.
I hope you can help.
Thanks,
Gail
May 4th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Two things are MOSRT INPORTED, the price of the courde and the result. It must be easy to anderstand.
Thaks very much
Jan
May 7th, 2008 at 10:41 am
I am thinking you really start to get my attention with this post and you really start to move the water around you Craig.
Great Post!
I’ll be visiting this blog more often.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:00 am
Craig,
This is a really good post. Building Relationship in any business is fundamental. You do need to build trust and credibility with your past, present and future customers.
With today’s Online Marketing, people are more and more losing that “human” factor and the “personal touch” that most offline businesses do, and they are weary of investing into their future with someone they don’t know that well.
Overall, great post and look forward to your next post.
May 10th, 2008 at 12:46 am
Hi Craig,
Thanks for your great information. I thought I’ve no idea of what to say. Everybody has mentioned that. But I feel that, this is a good place for me to get some ideas in the Internet Marketing. The post that I’ve just read was wonderful and I enjoyed it.
You’re making me more confidence and opened up my eyes to this virtual world, especially in this Internet Marketing business. Hopefully to come back, if you’re still around.
Now Craig. Can you give me some ideas on how to advertise affiliate products using PPC Adwords on Google?
I’ve ever experienced before with Google PPC but unfortunately I’ve to pay for the clicks, without any sales and so no profit.
Need you advice to resolve this matter. Thanks a lot.
May 11th, 2008 at 12:29 am
Spot-on comments from Craig (post 269, April 28th) you have really summed up all of the e-Book courses on how to make money from the internet - listen to that advice!
The solution is not ‘magic’ but normal ‘work’, and while it can amount to selling books on how to make money (by selling books on how to make money!!) you also have decide where your interest or passions are before you join the list-builder game. Otherwise you will be a PC slave as much as a 9-5er.
Either way - Assume you need to take 9 months to build a useable list, and to supplement the posting, I would add the options are:I can also refer you to same, or email.
1. build traffic - then use the list , or replicate, OR
2. actually sell product (affilliate or not) into a niche you are interested in, then from that organic list, grow out or replicate. (you now understand the keywords and mindest of buyers)
3. Mass market - ‘volume’ traffic game.
If you try and compete in the keyword ‘make money online’ market asa newbie you will be squashed.
One way around this is to play arbitrage on advertising, and (shock horror) replicate a successful ‘real-world’ advertising model online.
There’s plenty of examples on google, but the concept is basically aggregating online advertising (and can be from the same mail list you are trying to target).
May 15th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Hi Craig,
Nice Post as always!!
Just started with the Online thing and so far I just spent money buying the Ebooks etc…, have not made one sale yet.
Anyway I always liked to read your posts, they have plenty of good info in them.
Maybe once I will be as successful as you ;-).
Until then, Keep up the good work!!!
Regards
Krystian
www.filiksco.com