The Top 5 Affiliate Marketing Mistakes

You've been working hard to get your affiliate marketing campaign up and running effectively, but anyone can stumble along the way. Today's topic is the top five mistakes that affiliate marketers make. And, of course, we'll be talking about how you can correct—or, better yet, even avoid—these snares.

1. Neglecting niche or local markets.

Competing with the enormous marketing budgets of large corporations can be really difficult. And on the Internet, your website is but one of many. Rather than getting lost in the mix, you can focus your attention on your local market and go grassroots. An online presence is critical these days, and you should certainly optimize your existence there. But by understanding your position within your community and focusing some attention locally, you can really benefit your business.

2. Acting as a Vendor Rather Than an Endorser

As an affiliate, you are a vendor. However, distancing yourself from the product or service and treating it as just another means of making a profit is the wrong way to go. It may take some time out of your day, but sit down to review the product you're selling. By evaluating the product and knowing its pros and cons, you'll be able to relate more closely to your customers and offer much-appreciated advice. And because positive personal endorsements generate sales, you will undoubtedly boost your bottom line by offering your own sincere, affirmative backing.

3. Failing to Convert Visitors

Some affiliates complain that their sites see a lot of traffic, but fail to convert visitors into sales. We've discussed before the merits of making sure that you position your selling message in a constructive, appealing, and personal manner on your homepage. Doing so will grab browsers' attention and encourage them to further investigate your site—and your wares.

4. Forgetting to Add Personality

The Internet can be cold and anonymous. Your customers will enjoy a warmer atmosphere when they see a splash of personality on your homepage. They'll appreciate the realization that there's an actual staff of human beings behind the website.

5. Failing to Plan Ahead

Involving yourself in your enterprise and having a long-term, clear vision for its future can take you far. If you are entering into an affiliate program without a lot of experience or a background in your chosen industry, explore the many articles and other resources and tools that are available on the Internet. And, self-sufficient as you are, consider picking the brain of your affiliate manager, who has an expert knowledge of the industry and affiliate operations. Formulating reasonable objectives and assembling the appropriate resources can help to expand your business beyond your expectations.


The marketing and sales techniques of the e-commerce world are ever-changing. As a vendor, it's important not to get left behind. By staying active and keeping up-to-date with your marketing efforts, you're sure to reap financial rewards!

'Snow Joke in New Jersey!

The trees are starting to turn, and winter will soon be upon us. While no snow is forecast for this week, now is the time to remind your students that they should be sure to clear snow and ice from their vehicles before hitting the road. Like loose items in the passenger cabin, snow and ice left on a vehicle can become deadly projectiles.

Under current state law, if ice or snow detaches from a vehicle and causes property damage or injury to others, the driver who failed to remove it from the vehicle can be cited and fined between $200 and $1,000 per offense. An amendment to that statute which takes effect on October 20, 2010, requires the driver of any vehicle operated on a roadway in the state to make all reasonable efforts to remove accumulated snow and ice from all exposed surfaces prior to operation. Drivers are encouraged to proactively clear their vehicle's lights, hood, windows, and roof.

It's safest to stay off of the road in bad weather, Highway Traffic Safety Director Pam Fischer reminds us. "If you must travel, slow down—particularly on exit ramps and bridges; leave ample travel time; allow extra space between your vehicle and others on the road; make sure you turn on your headlights, using low beams when driving in snow; and, buckle up, every ride."

To help prepare a vehicle for safe winter travel:

• Check the radiator, battery, and all fluid levels—especially antifreeze and windshield washer fluid. If you don't know what you're looking for or how to correct a problem, enlist the help of a qualified mechanic.
• Check the tires and replace them if they have less than 1/16" tread. (Even more is better for wintery conditions!) Change to snow tires before the first snow if you intend to use them.
• Check windshield wiper blades and replace them if the rubber is cracked and/or brittle.
• Keep the gas tank at least half-full in cold temperatures to prevent the fuel line from freezing.
• Keep a "winter survival kit" in the vehicle that is easily accessible in the event of an emergency. The kit might include: an ice scraper/brush; a shovel; jumper cables; a warm blanket; a traction enhancer (e.g., sand, salt, cat litter); lock de-icer; safety flares/warning devices; a flashlight with fresh batteries; extra windshield washer fluid; and water and non-perishable food.