Read this from Marketing Pilgrim, then come back.
Andy says: “I try to be selective about which affiliate ads I run on the site, as I don’t want to fill the site with crap I would never use.”
What a mind-blowing concept! Oh wait, it gets better. Andy goes out of his way to fully disclose, in the very first sentence of his blog entry no less!
Andy says: “Regular readers will notice the addition of Mozy as a Marketing Pilgrim advertiser.”
And even more… fully disclosing, and explaining why, his affiliate link to the product.
Andy says: “So “yesâ€, it’s an affiliate, but it’s also a great free tool that everyone should consider using.”
So let’s review, shall we? Andy has successfully promoted a product on his blog using the following attributes.
1. Full disclosure
2. Clear explanation
3. Promoting something he truly believes in (not just for a buck)
This is how you do it. This is how you become, and stay a thought-leader… respected in your community, yet still use your blog to make money.
Good work Andy. I’d be curious to see how many more signups you will probably get through your affiliate link just by being honest and providing value as opposed to trying to slide something in just to make a buck.
My cynicism for the day has passed, good night.
Thanks Jim, I appreciate your feedback.