Top Three Secret Destinations for Hidden Traffic
Don’t buy into the mindset that affiliate marketing is a saturated industry or that turning a profit is darn near impossible. Though it may seem like that at times, the truth is that untapped traffic sources are being discovered every day by affiliates who know that industry innovation starts with them. With a little ingenuity and a lot of hard work, you too can unearth these untapped leads and convert them into your own personal profit portfolio. Here are three ideas to get you started.
Seek out the smaller sites. For newbies, I recommend sticking with the big guns. But if you are well established and have a comfortable revenue stream, start checking out budding websites that are trying to build traffic. Typically, these small sites can’t afford to roll out an affiliate program, but they want to monetize the traffic they receive. Reach out to these sites and propose an affiliate-style exclusive advertising agreement that is mutually beneficial. Because traffic on these sites is varied and previously untapped, think about ways you can get visitors to tell you what they want. Consider rotating ads on multiple niches to reach as many visitors as possible. Offer free e-books, discounts, and informative reports, and then see what sticks. Over time, you will build a solid list of quality leads that you can refine.
Have Your Cake. Consider all new trends as opportunities. For example, the mobile food industry is going gangbusters. Restaurateurs and foodies are bringing food to the masses instead of twiddling their thumbs waiting for the masses to come to them. These folks rely heavily on social media to let people know where they are going to be and when. They are part of the SoLoMo trend (Social, Local and Mobile) trend, and you should be, too. Pitch an affiliate-style program to them: If you bring them new business through online advertising, you get paid. If not, then no money exchanges hands. These mobile businesses can garner quite a following.
Partner With a Good Cause. Again, think local. Open yourself up to consider pet shelters, food pantries and clothing centers to name just a few. Think about the niches in which you work. Which ones could lend themselves to charitable extensions? People want to support local charities, they just often don’t know how or don’t take the time. It might be possible to kill two birds with one stone. For instance, 3GirlsCupcakes donates a portion of its proceeds to local children’s charities. Make it easy for people to donate while they shop on your site. Chances are they will spend more if they know that a part of the sale is going to help a good cause.
To quote SethGodin, if you want great things to happen, you have to “Poke The Box.” In the new year, monetary success in affiliate land will continue to require more innovation and more unique thinking than ever before. Are you ready?