How to Stay Out of Trouble?

[DonSturgill]

So there I was, enthused about discovering the NAMS community and stoked on the workshop mp3 I listened to on my commute ... I was taking part in a follow-up discussion for an online class I had just attended.

Folks were asking about the best WordPress theme package to buy and I started to recommend StudioPress, when I remembered--"Hey, I am a StudioPress affiliate."

I scrambled to my files to find a link I've never used, ran it through Tiny URL, and linked StudioPress with it (just like that). Then, I felt so darned proud of myself for getting into action with affiliate marketing and taking a first step towards doing it instead of talking about it.

A few minutes later I received an email from the main man: "We don't allow affiliate links. We have removed yours. Please refrain from doing that ever again."

Ouch.

My jaw and my spirits dropped. I felt like a kid with his hand in the cookie jar, or a new MLM guy who got shut down on his first attempt to share the wares.

Here's the thing: I know StudioPress. I've been using it ever since I started Blogging (1996), and I've recommended it without using an affiliate link hundreds of times. It is a good product. Not only that, but my link helps the one receiving it--and it doesn't cost them a dime. There is absolutely nothing wrong with me receiving a reward from the company for helping get the word out about their products. Nothing.

I plan to use this experience--one that could drive me away from NAMS--to stir up my determination rather than to squash it.

My initial thought is to write an article about every product I endorse, then link to the article (that should be allowed, in most cases.) From there, I can use my paid link and maybe even begin building a mailing list.

What do you folks think? What do you do? Your advice is much appreciated.

[David_Perdew]

don - I'm confused. Where were you posting that said you could post affiliate links? Who was the "main man".

I plan to use this experience--one that could drive me away from NAMS--to stir up my determination rather than to squash it.

I don't understand that line at all...

let me know.

[DonSturgill]

The statement about using the experience, rather than running from it: Many people attempt and abandon sales careers because of rejection. They want to make money, they (hopefully) are sold on their own product--but they don't want to be labeled as a "salesman."

When Michael came down quick and hard on me for adding an affiliate link to my recommendation, it hurt. And it was embarrassing. I could just abandon my desire to build an online marketing business. Like the neophyte salesman, I want to be liked, and I hate feeling like I'm trying to pull something over on others so that I can benefit. After the incident, I had to have a talk with myself. I had to reaffirm that my actions were well-intended. It's not that I need to stop using affiliate links. It is simply that I need to learn how to use them correctly.

Thanks for asking, David. Your integrity and heartfelt concern is the reason I joined NAMS in the first place. I'm sick of hucksters. Everyone is sick of hucksters. I don't want to be a scammer or a spammer... and I don't want to hang out with them. I see NAMS as a different sort of place with a different sort of people. If I put in the effort and listen up here, I know I can be successful.

[DonSturgill]

This may be a duplicate, so I'll be brief: The class is hosted by Social Media Examiner on WebEx. The forum is one of their online Clubs. Michael Stelzner, their founder and CEO, is "the main man." They do not allow affiliate links. That much, I discovered quickly.

[Gary Cornelisse]

Don,

Its not uncommon for websites, particularly forums related to marketing, not to allow affiliate links. Forum moderates are especially sensitive because there are so many people that try to spam forums in mass.

Good to hear you're turning into a positive experience. On a regular basis, I'm sure you'll hear the NAMS instructors explain the finer points of "PC" marketing and how to avoid getting "caught in the cookie jar".

Please feel free to ask the group here if you're not sure how to approach an audience. Most of us have had similar experiences. I've been stung by posting a non-affiliate link to a manufacturer's website in a forum about fishing talking about fishing equipment. Go figure.

Gary

[DonSturgill]

I appreciate the reply, Gary. Hope to see you in Atlanta.

[angienewton]

Oh yea it happened to me many years ago in the beginning. Don't let it get you down. Don't hesitate to ask questions here about how best to promote your affiliate links, etc.

What is your niche and/or were you thinking about starting a blog all about studio press?

[DonSturgill]

Thank you, Angie. My primary site is the Roadturn Blog. It is a "life in general" blog with no real focus. In my dabbling with online marketing, I have launched a survival-themed site, a boomer generation site and a self-improvement site that offers a program I have written.

My current plan is to first focus on self-improvement, then take the systems I develop there and use them on other properties. I have not yet decided what to do with Roadturn. Any suggestions?

[angienewton]

Let's see...I have looked at the Road Turn blog and the Dream Into It self improvement site. If it were me, I would use those two together for your self improvement niche. The Road Turn as the blog like you have and the other for the product.

Focus on that one project and let the others sit for now.

As for the Road Turn blog, I would keep it on topic of self improvement so I would remove the affiliate links to things that don't fit there (keyword clinic, marketing tool, etc. are not relevant). Make sense?

Just some thoughts.

[ChristineCobb]

The lesson from Don's experience is to alway read a forum's rules and guidelines before posting to it. Most forum rules come about because of the abuse by spammers as Gary mentioned. Typical restrictions concern links within posts and signature rules.

Writing an article or blog post about a product is a great way to promote the product not only for referring people from a forum, but also adding value in the form of an honest product review can lead to higher affiliate sales.

[DonSturgill]

Thank you, Angie. I appreciate the advice.

[DonSturgill]

Yep... lack of reading the rules and youthful enthusiasm. I was so hyped on finally feeling like I was on the road that I jumped at the opportunity to include an affiliate link with the (valuable) information I provided on the forum.

Nobody likes a salesman--but business would cease without sales. Go figure.

[PTaubman]

I realize that this thread has been dormant for a little while now, but I also wanted to add an area to be careful when posting links... (My story of getting my hand caught in the cookie jar!)

I was a paid customer of a program that had a private/closed/secret group on Facebook. I was participating and contributing to the group and helping where I could.

One day a question was asked and I knew the answer. Not only did I know the answer, but I had written a detailed and long explanation on my site a few weeks earlier. I gave a short quick answer to the group and included a link to the blog post (not an affiliate link or anything - just sharing the info).

I was quick to learn that this practice of linking to my site was not allowed. Whoops!

The moral of the story here is that, as Gary and Christine stated, find out the rules where you are playing. What is acceptable on one playground is not on another. Social Media sites have different rules. Forums have different rules.

All in the name of learning!

Be Well.
Paul.

[ConnieRagen Green]

Paul,

This thread is definitely worth revisiting. I have found that the very best way to connect with other forum members and to share information is through the signature line. This gives you the opportunity, in an acceptable way, to invite people from the forum (the big playground) back to your site (your own backyard). Make sure your signature line is inviting to others.

Connie