Hey, its Tony.
It seems like there's Youtubers, Newsletter Operators, other creators build audiences, and then struggled to monetize. Affiliate programs give you a great opportunity to do this without having to produce your own product. All you need to do is plug in a product that fits your audience's interests. Its even easier if its something you use yourself.
The important thing here is not so much the product, its that you have what product creators, builders and other vendors need.
Distribution Baby…..
In today’s issue…
Affiliates for Monetization: There are affiliate programs for EVERYTHING! (and on that fits for EVERY Audience)
Distribution Baby!: Venture Capital firms are literally Investing in Creators
Video that made an Impact: Rob the Maritimer.
BTW…if you haven’t joined the FREE One of One Community - Sign up here…
Monetization: Affiliate Programs are Legit
Affiliate has a bad name but that doesn’t stop brands like Nike, Target, and Amazon quietly banking billions from it and giving savvy audience owners the chance to share the love.
Affiliate marketing has a worse reputation than hospital food, thanks to the Rented Lamborghini Brigade and promises of generational wealth built on $197 courses and endless upsells. The loud minority has taken the shine off affiliate programs as a very legitimate monetization tactic.
Despite that, its estimated that 16% of all U.S. online orders and a total of $37.3 billion in sales globally was driven by affiliate marketing. That's not some dodgy marketing bro in his mom's basement. Its Fortune 500 companies treating affiliate marketing like actual business strategy. Companies like Nike, Target, Adidas and Amazon have all got programs. That is just the tip of the iceberg. There are affiliate programs for every audience.
From the vendor point of view, the numbers are bonkers. Affiliate marketing delivers $12-15 back for every dollar invested, absolutely demolishing Google Ads ($3.31) and social media ($2-4).
For affiliates themselves, it's a legitimate income stream. Whether you go all in and make it your primary business model or just place affiliate links sparingly through your content, its crazy not to give your audience the opportunity to buy.
Affiliate legend, Pat Flynn turned unemployment into Smart Passive Income, generating hundreds of thousands annually. The Wirecutter got so good at product reviews that The New York Times bought them for $30 million. It now earns over $20 million yearly.
If it's legitimate enough for the Fortune 500 Companies and Alex Hormozi, maybe it's time to separate the business strategy from the rented Lambo crowd.
If you’re stuck for ideas on affiliate programs, sign up to our FREE Community for ideas.
FYI…There is a good summary of the pitfalls to be aware of here….. just in case you need it
IMPLEMENTATION
Become an Amazon Affiliate - they have heaps of things to sell and something you can put in front of any audience.
Find other affiliate programs that fit for your audience. Join One of One Community for more affiliate ideas.
Place your link in your content and share whenever its appropriate (descriptions on videos, captions, newsletters, etc).
If you have an audience, you’re crazy not to give them an opportunity to buy through you.
Distribution Baby…
While you're wondering if you should charge $200 or $500 for a sponsored video, brands are systematically messaging hundreds of creators, hunting for the ones who don't know their worth. They're not just buying a video….they're buying distribution, They understand your value - you need to know to. Its not all one way traffic because it does provide a win-win affiliate commission than can keep on rolling well after the initial sale.
CONTENT I LOVED THIS WEEK
Rob the Maritimer talks about understand your audience, try new things and be authentic.
"You don't have to be perfect. People really don't mind. In fact, I think it's another side of you that people will connect with."
- Rob the Maritimer
Until next time…
Stay One of One,
Tony M