I'm embarrassed to
admit that it took me a couple of years to realize the
one thing that super affiliates do that sets them apart
from all the rest. It's something they do repeatedly and
often, even if they don't always do it well.
Do you
know what they do?
They
write.
They
write articles, endorsements and recommendations. They
write ad copy and sales copy. They write for their own
sites and newsletters, and they write articles for other
webmasters' sites and newsletters.
The
bottom line is that they all write.
Super
affiliates know that sharing sincere and honest opinions
about the products that they promote builds visitor
trust. They also know that their personal product
endorsements convert visitors to buyers like banners
never will. Successful affiliates understand that
writing a newsletter to keep in touch with their
visitors enhances trust over time, which results in more
sales.
Unfortunately, many
webmasters run scared when it comes to writing.
I know
and understand that fear. I used to sit and stare
blankly at a similarly blank computer screen, or chew
the top off my pencil and waste hours producing nothing
more than stomach acid, worried about what others' would
think.
Then
the wise words about the difference between winners and
losers would come to mind. Winners do what needs to be
done, whether or not it pleases them to do so.
Because I like to put food on my plate and clothes on my
back, I saw that I didn't have much choice in the
matter. I knew that I needed to start writing, despite
my fear.
To address those fears, I
asked myself, "What is the worst that could happen if
people really hate my writing?"
The
answers proved not to be so frightening. They could
email to say that my grammar sucks, that I'd made
umpteen spelling mistakes or that I made no sense at
all.
The
reality is that ninety-nine percent of all the emails I
receive are compliments or expressions of gratitude for
my efforts, and not the derision I feared. Those kind
folks fuel my fire to continue sharing information from
which we all benefit.
As for
the critical one percent - so what? I'm still here
enjoying the fruits of my labor. It pleases me to think
that the critics are probably still wasting their
efforts carping rather than earning money on the 'Net.
So, as it turns
out, there is nothing to be afraid of.
Fears
aside, you may think that you are not a writer. On the
contrary! If you've ever sent an email, you're already a
writer! Even if all you've ever written is a grocery
list or a postcard, you have what it takes to be a
writer.
Writing is nothing more than telling someone something,
while saving your words so that the telling can be
experienced more than once.
When
you set out to write endorsements for your site, simply
pretend that you are telling your best friend about the
product you are recommending. Tell them what you liked
about it, what it did for you, and why you think the
product will benefit them. Say it in your own words, and
be honest.
You
may use a tape recorder to capture your words, or write
a rough draft in point form on legal paper. However you
choose to capture your words, simply keep in mind that
you are speaking to a friend, and write in the manner
that you speak.
It
really is that simple.
When
you need content for your site, give your visitors
excellent, first-hand information about the products
that you promote.
Content is, and always will be, king on
the web. Pay proper homage and you'll be duly rewarded.
Author's Resource:
Article by Rosalind Gardner, author of the best-selling
"Super
Affiliate Handbook: How I Made $436,797 in One Year
Selling Other People's Stuff Online".
To learn how you too can succeed in Internet and
affiliate marketing, please visit
www.netprofitstoday.com
© Copyright Rosalind Gardner, All Rights Reserved