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How to Build an Email List for Affiliate Marketing

by | Affiliate Marketing, Email Marketing, List Building | 0 comments

What sets the top-earning affiliate marketers apart from those with average earnings? And how can you build an email list for affiliate marketing?

For me, there are three key strategies I implement that most affiliates overlook.

The Purpose of Affiliate Marketing is List Building

Commissions are just a way to monetize building the list. Usually my profit is at least double what I’ve spent on traffic, but even if it was only break-even I have a very good chance of being profitable because of the list.

Bypassing the merchant (see point 2) and building my own list means follow-up. Even the most pathetically, terrible follow-up sequence tends to double sales.

Top Affiliates Take Responsibility for Closing the Sale

Since Ken Evoy said affiliates shouldn’t try to sell a product – that should be left to the product vendor, according to him – affiliates have assumed a certain passive role. IE, put up a banner ad or insert a link at the end of an article and hope for the best.

My approach to affiliate marketing is what I call “Replace the Merchant”. I do not ever want to appear to be an affiliate, but rather I want my sites to appear as THE merchant. The buy button is on my site. Using some linking trickery   (Link Loader/Soda Popper)  I then send people straight into the shopping cart, while ensuring my affiliate tracking cookie is placed. This approach is especially useful in the case of a good product with poor web marketing.

Top Affiliate Marketers are Willing to Pay for the Best Traffic

There is no free traffic. You’re not putting yourself ahead by spending six months trying to game the search engines for top ranks. I have evidence that ranking multiple sites in the top-10 Google search results isn’t as effective as one paid ad.

Paid traffic is relatively low-risk if you know the correct keyword phrases to advertise on. Think 80/20 . . . except it’s more like 95/5. Use very few keyword phrases in your campaigns, but make them the most highly targeted that are possible. Guitar > No! Gibson Les Paul Menace > Yes!

I’ve been in this game for a very long time now and I’ve never met a successful marketer that relied on organic search engine traffic. It might be a part of the mix for some, sure, but it’s never the “go to”.

This is how to build an email list for affiliate marketing.

In essence, be as proactive, strategic and aggressive as possible. Do not wait for someone else to make your living for you. YOU, affiliate marketing pro, own the prospect; you are not simply a traffic conduit assuming all of the risk. It’s what’s been taught over and over, but it’s pure foolishness. You must find ways to turn the tables in your favor – you’re just as important as anyone else in the equation, or at least you should see yourself that way.

How to Find Top Affiliates

by | Affiliate Marketing, List Building | 0 comments

It might seem hard to believe, but you actually do need to ask this question.

In theory, offering a generous commission should attract strong affiliates to your offer. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work that way.

For example, paying extra fees to be listed on platforms like Commission Junction, Share-a-Sale (Awin), or ClickBank often doesn’t yield great results (at least in my experience). Unless you’re already a dominant player in the market, your offer can easily get lost in the noise.

The same applies to paying to have your product featured on launch boards, which are often crowded with inexperienced promoters or individuals hoping you’ll promote them—rather than the other way around.

In short, finding the right affiliates requires active effort.

So, what makes a good affiliate?

The best affiliates usually have two key assets: traffic (they rank well in organic search) and an engaged email list. Some may also pay for traffic, though these affiliates are harder to identify.

Your job is to find websites that are ranking well and also building an email list.

Here’s how you can go about it:

1.  Identify the right keywords: Make a list of search terms that align with your offer.

2.  Research top sites: Visit the top 20 websites ranking for those terms.

3.  Look for list-building strategies: Focus on sites that have strong list-building mechanisms, like opt-in forms, lead magnets, and more.

4.  Reach out: Contact site owners directly and start a conversation. Once you’ve built rapport, ask if they know of others who could be a good fit.

Securing just one solid affiliate per week who can drive meaningful sales is well worth the effort.

A great shortcut I’ve found is to reach out to people you already know who sell complementary products or services. This can be beneficial for two reasons:

1.  They likely have a list: If they’re not actively promoting offers to their list, they’re missing out on income.

2.  They have affiliates: They may be able to connect you with affiliates who already trust them, making it easier for you to build those relationships.

Finding the right affiliates and getting them to promote your offer can be challenging, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. Be ready to provide affiliates with everything they need to make their job as easy as possible.

Like many things in business, the first step is the hardest. But once you start making connections, it can snowball quickly—especially in markets where the key players already know each other.

Pro Tip: Some markets host affiliate launch contests with public leaderboards based on sales. These can be goldmines for discovering high-performing affiliates.

Finding top affiliate marketers can be a valuable step in growing your affiliate marketing program or partnership. These individuals can help promote your products or services to a wider audience and drive sales. Here’s how you can find top affiliate marketers:

1. Affiliate Networks

Affiliate networks are platforms that connect affiliates (marketers) with merchants (businesses). They provide a curated list of experienced affiliate marketers, often categorized by niche. Some of the most popular affiliate networks include:

  • ShareASale (Awin)
  • CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction)
  • Rakuten Marketing
  • Impact Radius
  • ClickBank
  • Awin

By joining these networks, you can access a list of top-performing affiliates, view their performance statistics, and filter them by niche, location, or marketing style.

2. Affiliate Marketplaces

Affiliate marketplaces are dedicated platforms where you can browse through profiles of affiliate marketers and review their success metrics. Some of the most popular marketplaces include:

  • Fiverr: Look for experienced affiliate marketers offering services like affiliate marketing strategy, management, and promotion.
  • Upwork: Many top affiliate marketers offer freelance services through Upwork, and you can review their portfolios and past client feedback.
  • Affilorama: This is an affiliate marketing training site with a community where you can connect with top marketers.

3. Social Media Platforms

Top affiliate marketers often build their presence on social media. Here are some ways to find them:

  • Instagram: Search for influencers or affiliate marketers who use affiliate links in their posts. Use hashtags like #affiliatemarketer, #affiliateprograms, #influencermarketing, or #makemoneyonline.
  • YouTube: Many affiliate marketers produce video content related to product reviews or affiliate marketing tips. Searching for “affiliate marketing tips” or “affiliate product reviews” on YouTube can help you identify influencers.
  • Twitter: Search for affiliate marketers by using hashtags or keywords like “affiliate marketing,” “affiliate success,” or “affiliate marketer.”
  • LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn’s search function to find experienced affiliate marketers by looking up profiles with affiliate marketing in their job titles or summaries.

4. Affiliate Marketing Forums and Communities

Joining affiliate marketing communities or forums allows you to network and discover experienced marketers. Some of the most popular affiliate marketing communities are:

  • Warrior Forum: A large community of digital marketers, including top affiliate marketers who share advice and opportunities.
  • Affilorama Forum: A forum for affiliate marketers where they discuss strategies, share success stories, and recommend affiliate products.
  • Reddit: Subreddits like r/affiliatemarketing and r/entrepreneur are good places to find experienced affiliates and learn about their strategies.

5. Competitor Research

Researching competitors in your niche can help identify top affiliate marketers who promote similar products. Look for the following:

  • Affiliate links on blogs: Many bloggers monetize their sites through affiliate marketing. Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to identify the top affiliates who are promoting your competitors’ products.
  • Product reviews: Look for product review websites and videos related to your niche. The creators of these reviews are often affiliate marketers promoting specific products.
  • Social proof: Check out social proof in the form of testimonials, reviews, and endorsements that affiliates might showcase on their websites or social media.

6. Top Affiliate Marketing Blogs and Websites

Some well-known affiliate marketers run successful blogs where they share their insights and experiences. These blogs often feature affiliate links and recommendations. A few top affiliate marketing blogs include:

  • Neil Patel: He is a prominent digital marketer and affiliate marketer who offers valuable tips and advice for affiliate marketing.
  • Smart Passive Income (Pat Flynn): This blog focuses on passive income strategies, including affiliate marketing, and often highlights top affiliate marketers and their strategies.
  • Affiliate Summit: This blog features industry news, case studies, and interviews with top affiliate marketers.

7. Affiliate Marketing Conferences and Events

Attending affiliate marketing conferences and events can help you connect with top affiliate marketers. Some major conferences include:

  • Affiliate Summit: One of the largest and most respected affiliate marketing conferences in the world, attracting top affiliates, networks, and brands.
  • d6 Affiliate Summit: A smaller, more intimate conference focused on networking with top affiliates.
  • ClickBank University: Offers workshops and networking opportunities for affiliate marketers.

8. Use Affiliate Marketing Directories

Several directories list top affiliate marketers. You can browse these platforms to find experienced marketers:

  • Affiliate Directory: A resource where you can find top affiliates by niche and performance.
  • Affiliates for You: Another affiliate directory that helps brands connect with top-performing marketers.

9. Reach Out to Influencers

Influencers in your niche often operate as affiliate marketers. Reach out to influencers on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok who might be a good fit to promote your products. Influencers are typically highly effective in affiliate marketing because they already have an established audience.

10. Leverage Affiliate Marketing Agencies

If you’re looking to partner with a team of top affiliate marketers, agencies specializing in affiliate marketing may be an option. These agencies can provide access to a network of experienced affiliates and handle campaign management. Some well-known agencies in the affiliate marketing space include:

  • Rakuten Marketing
  • CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction)
  • MaxBounty

Conclusion

Finding top affiliate marketers requires a mix of research, networking, and leveraging the right platforms. By using affiliate networks, marketplaces, social media, forums, and influencer outreach, you can identify individuals who can effectively promote your products or services and help grow your business. Be sure to review their past performance, niche expertise, and reputation to ensure they align with your brand values and goals.

Testimonials

by | Affiliate Marketing, List Building | 0 comments

Testimonials

Testimonials: Show social proof by highlighting testimonials from current subscribers about the value they receive.

The ideal testimonial points to specific gains the subscriber has made as a result of reading your newsletter.

Example:  Using a tip from one of John’s newsletters I nearly tripled my conversion rates and sales.

It’s OK to openly solicit testimonials from subscribers.  I like to include a PS in every 4 or 5 mailing that says something to the effect of “If you’re gaining value from these messages then please consider shooting me a testimonial.”

Using testimonials effectively can significantly boost conversion rates by building trust, addressing potential concerns, and reinforcing the value of your product or service. Here are several strategies for using testimonials to maximize their impact on your conversion rates:

1. Place Testimonials on Key Pages

  • Homepage: Display a few of your best testimonials on the homepage to immediately establish credibility when visitors land on your site.
  • Landing Pages: Place testimonials strategically on landing pages, particularly near the call to action (CTA). This creates reassurance at the decision-making point.
  • Product/Service Pages: Showcase testimonials directly on the pages where your products or services are displayed. Reviews relevant to the specific product can encourage visitors to purchase.
  • Checkout Pages: Display testimonials on the checkout page to reduce any last-minute hesitations and reaffirm that others trust your product.

2. Use Real, Detailed Testimonials

  • Authenticity: Use real names, photos, and even video testimonials where possible. This increases authenticity and trust. Fake or generic testimonials can raise skepticism, while real customer stories create emotional connections.
  • Detailed Feedback: Testimonials that detail specific problems solved, features that stood out, or benefits gained are more persuasive than vague statements. The more specific, the more relatable and convincing they are.

3. Highlight Customer Pain Points and Results

  • Focus on how your product or service solved common pain points. For example, “Before using this service, I struggled with [specific problem], but now I feel [benefit or result].”
  • Testimonials that highlight before-and-after scenarios are particularly powerful. Prospective customers can easily relate to the struggles your past customers faced and see how your offering can bring them similar results.

4. Leverage Video Testimonials

  • Video testimonials are incredibly engaging and have a higher conversion rate than written testimonials. People are more likely to trust a real person speaking about their experience.
  • Feature video testimonials on product pages, social media, and email campaigns. A compelling, authentic video can significantly influence buying decisions.

5. Include Testimonials from Influential or Respected Figures

  • Partnering with industry influencers, thought leaders, or notable figures who endorse your product can dramatically boost credibility and encourage conversions.
  • Testimonials from well-known figures can help overcome any skepticism, especially if you’re new or trying to establish authority in your market.

6. Use Social Proof for Urgency

  • Quantity: Showcase the number of happy customers you’ve served. For example, “Join over 50,000 satisfied customers.” This shows that many people have already trusted your product.
  • Recent Testimonials: Show recent testimonials to prove that people are consistently satisfied with your offering. Fresh testimonials suggest that your business is actively helping customers right now.

7. Segment Testimonials by Customer Type

  • Tailor testimonials to specific customer segments. For example, if you’re selling to both businesses and consumers, have separate testimonials for each segment. This increases the relatability of the testimonial to different types of customers, making it more persuasive.
  • If your product has different use cases, showcase testimonials for each use case to demonstrate its versatility.

8. Showcase Testimonials from Similar Customers

  • Highlight testimonials from customers who resemble your target audience in terms of demographics, challenges, and goals. Prospective buyers are more likely to relate to someone who shares similar characteristics, which helps to build trust.
  • For instance, if you’re selling a B2B SaaS product, use testimonials from companies in similar industries or of similar size to your potential customers.

9. Incorporate Testimonials into Email Marketing

  • Follow-Up Emails: After a customer shows interest (such as signing up for a free trial or abandoning a cart), include a testimonial in your follow-up emails. This provides additional social proof that can nudge them towards conversion.
  • Welcome Emails: For new subscribers or customers, include a testimonial from a satisfied customer to reinforce the value they’ll gain from your product or service.

10. Optimize Testimonials for Mobile Devices

  • Since many users browse and shop on mobile devices, ensure that your testimonials are easy to read and engaging on smaller screens. This may involve using shorter quotes, larger fonts, and optimized video content for mobile views.

11. Use Testimonials in Ads and Social Media Campaigns

  • Incorporate customer testimonials in your paid ads (Google Ads, Facebook Ads, etc.) to increase trust with potential customers who may not be familiar with your brand yet.
  • Feature testimonials in social media posts or Instagram stories to encourage followers to take the next step, whether it’s clicking a link or making a purchase.

12. Combine Testimonials with Case Studies

  • For high-value or complex products, combine testimonials with in-depth case studies. Case studies provide the context and results that make testimonials even more powerful. They show how your product or service solved a real-world problem in detail.

13. Use Testimonials in Retargeting Campaigns

  • If a visitor leaves your site without converting, use retargeting ads to remind them of your offering, and incorporate a testimonial to help persuade them to complete their purchase.
  • Testimonials in retargeting ads can remind potential customers of the positive experiences of others, reinforcing their decision to come back and convert.

14. Address Common Objections Through Testimonials

  • Identify common concerns your audience may have (price, quality, difficulty of use, etc.), and use testimonials that address these objections directly. If customers mention how easy your product is to use, or how quickly they saw results, it can help address fears of frustration or inefficacy.

15. Create a “Social Proof” Page

  • If you have a wealth of testimonials, create a dedicated page on your website with a collection of customer reviews, case studies, and success stories. This can be used as a reference page to reassure skeptical customers, particularly during the consideration phase of their buying journey.

Conclusion

To effectively use testimonials to boost conversions, focus on authenticity, relevance, and emotional appeal. Testimonials should reassure potential customers, address their concerns, and provide evidence that your product or service works. By strategically placing testimonials throughout your site, email campaigns, ads, and social media, you’ll leverage the power of social proof to influence purchasing decisions and increase your conversion rates.

Communicate Consistently

by | Email Marketing, List Building | 0 comments

communicate consistently

Communicate Consistently: Regularly communicate with your existing subscribers, to encourage them to share your content with others.

How often is often enough, or too much?  Once per month is definitely not enough.  Daily?  Twice daily?  That depends on your ability, and desire, to produce quality content consistently.

I like 3-5 times per week. I could go more if I’m in a groove.

How often you mail is a personal choice depending on your goals.  I will say that if 3-5 times per week sounds like it would be too much for subscribers you may be blocking yourself.

Consistent communication with your subscribers is crucial for several reasons:

 

    1. Builds Trust and Loyalty: Regular updates keep your audience engaged and show that you’re reliable. When subscribers know they can expect communication from you at regular intervals, they feel more connected and are more likely to stay loyal to your brand or message.
    2. Increases Engagement: Frequent and consistent communication helps to maintain interest. When you share valuable content regularly, your subscribers are more likely to interact with your messages, respond, or take action on your offers.
    3. Strengthens Your Relationship: Consistency in communication helps foster a deeper relationship with your audience. By keeping them informed and engaged, you’re not just providing content—you’re building a community and encouraging ongoing interaction.
    4. Improves Brand Awareness: Regular communication helps keep your brand top of mind. When you stay in front of your subscribers consistently, they’re more likely to remember you when they need your product or service.
    5. Enhances Customer Retention: Subscribers who receive regular communication are less likely to forget about you or drift away. That consistency helps keep your relationship fresh, reinforcing their decision to stay subscribed.

      “Consistency is the key to achieving and maintaining success. Small, steady efforts compound over time to yield remarkable results.”

       

       

    6. Encourages Action: Whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for an event, or sharing content, consistent communication provides opportunities for your subscribers to take action. You can direct them to your desired outcomes more effectively.
    7. Improves Metrics and Results: Regular communication lets you track which types of content or messaging resonate most with your audience. Therefore, over time, you can refine your strategies based on the responses and data you gather from consistent engagement.
    8. Establishes Your Authority: Consistent communication positions you as a thought leader or trusted source in your industry. It shows that you’re always up-to-date, and your expertise becomes more apparent over time.  In short, when you communicate consistently it nurtures relationships, increases engagement, and drives action, which all contribute to long-term success and growth.

Get a Little Personal

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Personalize Your Approach: Share personal stories or experiences to build a connection and make people more likely to subscribe.

Years ago I told a story about my youngest son tying himself to a telephone pole.  Just the kind of silly thing little kids do.

Tied up and helpless this mean old rooster we had attacked my son.  There was blood everywhere and we were afraid Noel lost an eye.

Well I went after that rooster – it was long overdue.  He made a very nice meal.

The important thing about personal stories is that they help humanize you and that creates connection with your subscribers because they feel like they know you.

Being more personable with your email list subscribers can help you build trust, foster stronger relationships, and improve engagement. Here are practical ways to connect with your audience on a more personal level:

1. Use Their First Name

Start by personalizing your emails with your subscriber’s first name. Most email marketing tools allow you to add a “first name” tag to address each reader individually. A simple greeting like “Hi Sarah” feels more personal than “Dear Subscriber.”

2. Write Like You’re Talking to a Friend

Adopt a conversational tone in your emails. Use simple, natural language instead of sounding overly formal or corporate. Write as if you’re speaking directly to one person, not a crowd. This creates a warm, friendly connection.

Example: Instead of saying, “We are pleased to announce our new product,” try, “I’m excited to share something new with you today!”

3. Share Stories and Personal Experiences

People connect with stories more than plain facts. Share personal anecdotes, challenges, or behind-the-scenes moments that make you relatable. Storytelling creates an emotional connection and shows your human side.

Example: Share how you overcame a challenge related to your product or service, and invite your readers to share their own experiences.

4. Segment Your List for Personal Relevance

Send tailored content to different groups of subscribers. Use segmentation to understand their interests, purchase history, or preferences. Personalized messages that reflect their needs feel more thoughtful and relevant.

Example: If a user purchased a beginner fitness program, follow up with advice on progressing to an intermediate level.

5. Use Personal Sign-Offs

Sign off your emails as yourself, not your company. Include your name, title, and sometimes even a photo or your signature. This small detail makes the email feel like it’s coming from a real person.

Example:
“Talk soon,
Emma Smith
Founder of FreshFit”

6. Ask Questions and Encourage Replies

Make your emails a two-way conversation by asking readers to reply. This could be a simple question about their challenges, preferences, or feedback. When subscribers respond, take the time to engage with them.

Example: “What’s the biggest challenge you face when starting a new diet? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to help.”

7. Celebrate Their Milestones

Send personalized emails to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or achievements related to your brand. This shows you care about their journey.

Example: “Happy Anniversary! It’s been one year since you joined us. We’re so grateful for your support!”

8. Provide Exclusive Content or Offers

Make subscribers feel valued by offering exclusive content, early access to products, or subscriber-only discounts. Let them know they’re receiving something special because they’re part of your community.

Example: “As one of our VIP subscribers, you’re the first to see our new product lineup—just for you!”

9. Be Transparent and Human

Share both successes and failures to let subscribers know you’re human. Admit when mistakes happen, show how you’re improving, or share lessons you’ve learned. People appreciate honesty.

Example: “We missed the mark on last week’s offer, and I want to make it right. Here’s something special as a thank-you for sticking with us.”

10. Add a Personal Touch with Video or Voice Notes

Occasionally, include a short video or audio message in your emails. Seeing or hearing you adds a human element that written text alone can’t achieve.

Example: “I recorded this quick video to share three tips I think you’ll love.”

11. Show Gratitude Often

Thank your subscribers for being part of your list. A simple message expressing appreciation can make people feel valued.

Example: “I just wanted to say thanks for being here. Your support means the world to me.”

12. Share User-Generated Content and Testimonials

Highlight subscriber stories, testimonials, or content they’ve shared with you. This builds a sense of community and connection. Readers will appreciate seeing others like them in your emails.

Example: “Here’s how Jane, one of our subscribers, achieved her fitness goals—her story is so inspiring!”

13. Use Humor and Personality

Don’t be afraid to add humor, fun emojis, or lighthearted content when it aligns with your brand. A bit of personality can help you stand out in the inbox.

Example: “Missed yesterday’s email? No worries, I’m back with fewer typos and more coffee ☕.”

14. Follow Up Thoughtfully

If a subscriber engages with your content (e.g., clicks a link or downloads a resource), follow up with a personalized email. Acknowledge their interest and offer something additional of value.

Example: “I noticed you downloaded our guide to clean eating—here’s a meal plan to help you get started.”

15. Keep It About Them

Focus on your subscribers’ needs, challenges, and goals. Use “you” and “your” more often than “we” and “us.” Show that you understand them and care about providing value.

 

By implementing these strategies, you can build a more personable connection with your email list subscribers. When readers feel seen, heard, and valued, they’re more likely to engage with your content, trust your brand, and stick around for the long haul.