Successful affiliate marketers share an almost uncanny capacity to differentiate themselves from
the great mass of anonymous internet marketers. They do this by developing unique programs,
eye-catching lead capture pages, innovative products or creative marketing strategies.
One of the key strategies that these “gurus” have in common is that they consciously
build their Internet profile. They do this because it has a direct bearing on their capacity to
earn affiliate income and indirectly supports and reinforces their other differentiating
strategies.
Here are six great reasons why you should build your own Internet profile as an affiliate
marketer:
1. Buyers will gradually develop a positive image of you
You can create some form of “virtual” rapport through the development of your
Internet profile. This means that potential customers become positively disposed towards you
because they have seen you associated with something they value and/or admire. Of course, the
reverse is also true if you have been associated with “scams” or illegal programs or
you fail to deliver as promised.
2. Potential customers will buy from people they trust
When you think about it, you are more likely to buy from someone you know and trust than from
someone you do not know. The presence of trust tends to be even more important the larger the
purchase involved. When you make very small purchases you are not concerned about the identity of
the seller. However, if you are committing to a large payment or ongoing monthly payments, your
perception of the integrity and credibility of the seller will affect your buying decision.
3. Buyers are interested in the quality of the service that goes with the
product
Increasingly today, there is a blurring of the boundaries between product and service. Customers
are concerned not only with the value for money of the product, but also with the quality of the
service and support provided. If, for example, you have built up your reputation as a visible,
energetic sponsor, you will attract more affiliates because you are seen to add value to the
product.
4. You can develop a relationship with your customers through the profile you
create
People come to trust you when you develop a relationship with them. Affiliate marketing is very
much about building a relationship with your affiliates and potential buyers. If potential
customers know about you and have experienced your generosity or consideration in action, they will
feel they already have a relationship with you.
5. Your credibility grows as you develop your profile
As you develop your profile as a knowledgeable and helpful affiliate marketer, your credibility
grows – which means you are seen as “believable”. Potential customers will value
your advice and recommendations and will be willing to purchase affiliate products and services
from you.
6. You can demonstrate integrity – a real source of competitive advantage in
internet marketing
Much of the writing about effective leadership these days highlights visibility and personal
integrity as key success factors. The same is true with internet marketing and affiliate marketing.
If people have never heard about you, they know nothing about your integrity – your capacity
to be a positive influence is diminished. If you can demonstrate your integrity through your
visible actions on the Internet, you will create a positive profile that will lead to success.
Dishonest dealing or “doing anything for a buck” can impact negatively on
people’s perception of you and their willingness to purchase from you.
Your Internet profile can create customer awareness, build buyer trust and establish
credibility. You can demonstrate integrity through your visible actions and the affiliate programs
you choose to promote. Your Internet profile is a way to establish “virtual”
relationships.
