Associate Programs Newsletter #185

CONTENTS:

1. Earn a $10,000 commission from one sale
2. How to build your own software empire
3. Kudosnet ceases operations
4. Super affiliates - PART 3
    Misconceptions about dealing with super affiliates
5. Why Google ratings can vary
6. 200 pay-per-click search engines, and other news
7. Sell Norton AntiVirus 2002 at huge discount
8. Useful free resource: Google Groups
9. Thought for today: Getting started

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1. Earn a $10,000 commission from one sale
==========================================

Here's an interesting challenge. See if you can earn a $10,000 bonus commission from ONE sale.

If you believe in aiming high, take another look at the SiteSell affiliate program.

The latest high-quality product in the SiteSell line-up gives affiliates the chance to earn $10 per lead. If your leads are converted into sales, you earn bonus commissions which go all the way from $250 up to $10,000 per sale.

What's the catch?

You'll need to do careful research and build a professional looking web site because you'll be promoting a premium product, transaction processing.

The target market is merchants who are achieving $1 million in sales a year - or heading in that direction.

The commissions you'll earn will depend on the levels of sales achieved by the merchants who buy the product.

Here's the premium product you'll be selling:
AssociatePrograms.com/premium

In his latest newsletter to affiliates, Ken Evoy gives detailed instructions. He describes how to create the sort of site which will appeal to a premium market.

To get you started, he has even researched a bunch of keywords you can use and provides a variety of graphics.

After you join the 5 Pillar affiliate program, you can study this how-to report in the online archives.

Go on, take the challenge. I'd love to be able to report that one of you has earned a $10,000 bonus commission.

Join the 5 Pillar program here:

http://www.AssociatePrograms.com/affiliates

[UPDATE: Surefire Premium Processing is no longer available but you can $75 commissions selling SBI.]

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2. How to build your own software empire
========================================

By Christopher Pearce

When I was asked to review Ben Prater's "Software Secrets Exposed!" I was skeptical.

The ebook promises to be the "Ultimate how-to guide for building your own software empire" - even if you've never even touched a line of programming code before in your life.

That's a very bold claim, and one that it proudly lives up to.

It doesn't teach you how to write program code, it teaches you how to conceive an idea, plan it, and develop the software. It shows how to either write the software yourself (if you're already a programmer), or hire a crack team of experienced professionals to code it for you.

Most importantly of all, it shows you how to successfully market and distribute software online, using killer web sites.

This is where most software people fail. They often create amazing, unique and useful products, but are unable to market them properly.

In fact Ben deals with this very issue in just the second chapter - whether it is better to buy and resell one of the thousands of existing but poorly marketed programs out there, or build your own system from scratch.

"Software Secrets Exposed!" spends a lot of time on how to hire a team of crack software engineers. It deals with how to avoid being swindled by the unpleasant sharks out there, and how to write up a bullet-proof contract - a must in the intellectual property minefield of software.

It also covers whether to hire a solo programmer, or an expensive development house, and the advantages and disadvantages of client and server based software.

Ben is Creative Director of BlueFoxLabsWeb Programming, which has a number of high-profile clients including affiliate network PlugInGo. This is his first foray into info-product publishing.

Throughout his ebook he drives home his Blueprint software development system.

The Blueprint system covers from the ground up the conception of an idea, how to develop it, and how to create the extensive planning that is so vital for software engineering.

This ebook strikes me as the sort of thing an entrepreneur would need - the kind of person who is interested in entering the most lucrative industry in the world, and working towards building a rewarding and challenging business.

After all, three of the five richest men in America made their millions through software.

Learn more about "Software Secrets Exposed!" now:

http://www.AssociatePrograms.com/software-secrets

P.S. Even if you're not interested in creating a software empire, check out Ben's site. It's one of the best sales letters I've seen.

http://www.AssociatePrograms.com/software-secrets

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3. Kudosnet ceases operations
=============================

Web host and affiliate merchant Kudosnet Technologies has ceased operations without warning.

Among those affected by the crash is Michael Campbell, who had 80 web sites registered through Kudosnet and at least 50 sites hosted on Kudosnet servers.

In his Internet Marketing Secrets Newsletter, Michael describes what he's doing to extricate himself from the mess. His report will help anyone who has a site hosted on Kudosnet.

For his full report, send a blank email to

[UPDATE: This report is no longer available.]

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4. Super affiliates - PART 3
    Misconceptions about dealing with super affiliates
=====================================================

By Wayne Porter, V.P. Product Development, AffTrack

Every merchant wants to work with super affiliates. It is industry canon that only 2% of affiliates really produce significant sales.

While anti-affiliate marketers like to blame the other 98% for being worthless this is often not the case. The majority of the other 98% are performing to the best of their ability. The trick is to find the sites that have the best abilities to make big things happen.

Here are five misconceptions about dealing with very large affiliates:

Large affiliates work with brand names or big merchants. Not true. While it is certainly more common for affiliate super powers to work with established brands many will look for niche merchants to "fill-in" their inventory mix. Sometimes unique digital products, hand-made products and other high margin items can be a perfect match for the giant affiliate. If you're small you aren't necessarily out, but you will have to work a lot harder to get placement. You may have to pay upfront fees or guarantee commissions in some cases.

Commission is more important than customer value proposition. Not true. Naturally large commissions are important but in many cases super affiliates would rather have a fair commission and pass along a unique deal, coupon or special offer to their client base. We have all heard the call "Use our program and add value to your site." Seasoned affiliates scoff at this recruiting rhetoric. However, if merchants are willing to really give affiliates something special in the way of promotion they are indirectly adding value to their site.

Don't be fooled into thinking the commission is the bottom line. The tools and value propositions you give affiliates to sell with are just as, if not more, important than the commission.

Large affiliates prefer to do business via e-mail. This is absolutely not true. One of the largest and most common complaints among super affiliates is the overwhelming number of pitches they receive. Unless you know them, or know someone who knows them the majority of your pitches will be ignored.

In many cases you are better off working with a consulting firm or agency that has regular direct contact with super affiliates. They can filter deals and can tailor them to their liking. If you are on a network you might consider using their client services to fast track your deals to the big players. You might also consider advertising on prominent affiliate properties so they are "aware" of your name before you contact them.

Large affiliate properties only work with the major networks. Not true. It is no secret that super affiliates run a lot of relationships through the top aggregators: LinkShare, Be Free, CJ and Performics. While this makes it easier it is not mandatory. A lot of extra work has to go on to do things independently but super affiliates will consider independent deals.

Big affiliates prefer cost-per-sale models only. Not true. At AffTrack we see a broad range of deal structures. Successful merchants must tailor their offers to adapt to the desires of large affiliates. The preferred formats are CPM/CPS hybrids, non-conditional CPA campaigns and CPC.

Many super affiliates will charge a "slotting fee" or ask for some form of payment guarantee upfront. Many merchants question the upfront charges but if you are confident your product will sell and the site is a quality site, there is nothing wrong with this.

Always remember that when comparing two merchants within a category a powerhouse is going to take the offer that offers the most advantageous commission coupled with the best value proposition to their customer base.

Armed with this basic information you are primed to start doing deals with bigger players.

Remember that one super affiliate relationship can mean the difference between languishing on the sidelines and reaping the bounty of massive online sales.

COMING SOON: Super affiliates - Part 4.

[UPDATE: AffTrack is no longer available.]


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5. Why Google ratings can vary
==============================

Last week, giving an example of the ratings in the Google Toolbar
- http://toolbar.google.com/ - I said:

"For example, http://www.AssociatePrograms.com gets 6/10 or 7/10 depending on the search phrase used."
That's not quite correct, says Harvey Segal of
http://www.supertips.com .

"The ranking is independent of the search term," Harvey says.

"What may have happened is that currently Google is doing its end of month index run, which can last a week or so. During this period the new and old indexes switch positions intermittently until the new one is stabilized. It's possible to refresh a page and actually see your site in a different ranking position.

"So maybe you saw the old index with page rank 6 and the new with page rank 7. If you search at http://www2.google.com and http://www3.google.com where the new indexes are being created you get a sneak preview of the possible new rankings (although the page rank figure may not be correct)."

"I picked up a lot of this information from an excellent search engine forum - http://www.ihelpyouservices.com/forums/ ," Harvey says.

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6. 200 pay-per-click search engines, and other news
===================================================

PayPerClickSearchEngines.com now lists 200 pay-per-click search engines, with reviews of most of them. If you find the keywords you want are getting too expensive on Overture, try some of the other search engines in Nathan Power's top 10.
http://www.PayPerClickSearchEngines.com

Ultimate Marketing Solution has not paid commissions owed for nearly two months and is not answering e-mails, Dale Reardon says on the Associate Programs Message Board. To find Dale's report do a search for "Ultimate Marketing Solution" (with quotes):
http://www.AssociatePrograms.com/discus/index.php

Barnes & Noble's losses are declining.
internetwk.com/story/INW20011130S0001

KaZaa, which pollutes the Net with predatory advertising via TopText, has been ordered by a Dutch court to cease infringing copyright. KaZaa says it is impossible for it to do so.
theregister.co.uk/content/6/23137.html

Gator has agreed to stop selling its predatory advertising Companion Pop-up Banner vehicle in its current form. "We will put this product on hold as we talk with Internet Advertising Bureau members to co-develop a new version that is more publisher- friendly..." says CEO Jeff McFadden. Let's not start cheering until we've seen what the new model looks like.
zdnet.com/zdnn/stories/news/0,4586,5100083,00.html

The Affiliate Metrix Executive Summary is "thoroughly useful" for affiliate program managers, says Christopher Pearce in his review.
http://LifetimeCommissions.com/managers/affiliate-metrix.shtml

UK merchants, here's a service for you - Shop Announce, launched by Neil Durrant, who does solid, dependable work with his Affiliate Announce. Shop Announce helps you submit your store's details to all the UK shopping directories - about 30 of them.

Here's a special deal for my readers - you get a 15% discount if you quote this promotion code, "AssociateProgramsOffer". This special offer expires on Monday.

[UPDATE: This program has closed.]

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7. Sell Norton AntiVirus 2002 at huge discount
==============================================

With all the viruses zapping around these days, now is an excellent time to promote good, reliable anti-virus software.

The most popular anti-virus software is Norton, made by http://www.Symantec.com .That's what I use. I like the way it deletes viruses automatically and updates itself automatically and unobtrusively.

Symantec doesn't have an affiliate program, but I've just found a really good site which is selling Norton AntiVirus 2002 at an incredible discount - 60% LESS than the $49.95 which Symantec itself charges!

The site, SoftwareOutlet.com, sells discount software, from games and kids' software to business, utilities, and programs for the whole family. It sells mostly bargain, surplus and closeout software but carries a wide selection of programs, all at huge discounts, plus a lot of hard to find titles.

A friend recommended the site to me after buying several good software programs there. Dozens of programs are on sale as cheap as $4.99 - and some are only $1.

People love bargains, so it should be easy to sell this stuff.

You'll find lots of good ideas for cheap Christmas gifts.

The company has a two-tier affiliate program paying 20% and 5% commissions.

[UPDATE: The affiliate program has disappeared.]

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8. Useful free resource: Google Groups
======================================

If you search Google Groups - http://www.groups.google.com - for an industry keyword, you'll find newsgroups populated by the people you want to reach, says Ralph Wilson in his new book, "Planning Your Internet Marketing Strategy".

"Be careful to observe established netiquette or you'll blow your company's chances for good," Ralph says. "Add to the discussion in a helpful way and let the signature at the end of your e-mail message do your marketing for you."

If you're new to newsgroups, read the FAQs first.

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9. Thought for today: Getting started
=====================================

"Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome." - Samuel Johnson

All the best

Allan Gardyne