PART 3 of a FIVE PART Series
Part 1
Part 2
If you haven't noticed yet, ezine publishing is what will make or break your affiliate business. In this series of articles we've been learning some of the aspects of creating an ezine that leads to higher and higher affiliate prof1ts.
It can not be understated. If you have an affiliate site of any kind, with any product... you need to be publishing some sort of communication piece (ezine) to stay in touch with your website visitors.
The previous article in this series dealt with being consistent in your publishing schedule. Basically, pick a schedule (weekly, bi-monthly, monthly) and stick to it. Guard that schedule with your life.
This part deals with the actual ezine itself. Or the content. What are you putting in your ezine? What type of information will people be receiving?
One of the most misunderstood concepts in publishing an ezine is the content itself. People seem to think that they can put in whatever they want and because people have subscribed that they will stay. If you do not deliver the 'goods' then people will leave. (I know you're not suppose to take it personally, but if you don't take people leaving personally you will never get any better.)
I see ezines that have nothing but advertisements in them. What a waste of time both to read and/or put together. Nobody wants to read that. People want information. But, that's not all...
Here are three different content ideas that people are looking for now that can be an addition to the BIG one.
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Interactive and Personal
Blogs are becoming a huge marketing tactic, but the reason they came into prominence is because of the interaction factor. People can talk about their favorite topic with others and they also get to congregate around a central hub, ie.. the person who is posting on the blog. The amount of work the visitors have to do is minimal, they just visit see the new post and leave a comment.
The real thing that people love is when the owner of the blog actually responds to their comments. The eat it up!
The same principle holds true with ezines. One of my favorite ezines allows a certain amount of space for reader emails and comments about the previous issue's article. The publisher will not only publish some of these emails but he responds personally to most of them. I don't want to say all because I don't know for sure, but I do know that he does respond because I've been the recipient of an email regarding my comment. And you know what? I felt like this person really cared that I was a subscriber.
When you create an atmosphere of interaction you are getting personal. People want personal. They don't want to think that there is just a machine writing each issue.
You can do this in three great ways...
Have an "Ask Me" section
Allows your subscribers to be able to ask you questions about the particular niche you are in. If you have an ezine dedicated to golf, then allow your subscribers to ask your advice. One question isn't going to break your consulting business, or detract from the value of your ebook. Just answer their question.
Do it with as much information as you can. Don't skimp and don't make it an advertisement. That being said, there is nothing against you putting in a short plug for a product you are promoting. For example, if someone asks your advice on getting more distance from a tee shot, answer it, but also mention a club you like. Provide the affiliate link and you just might make a sale.
Reader Polls
I personally like these. I get an inside glimpse of what other people think about a topic. But don't just have a poll and list the results. Publish some of the responses with the person's name and website address. People love their opinions and love to see them published.
Pictures, pictures, pictures
This is not a new concept, but is being used more now that digital cameras and blogs are everywhere. This goes along with being real and peronable. Post pictures on a page on your site, or blog, and allow others into your life. Let them see you, your family, your home, some of the projects you work on.
Again, if you publish a golfing ezine, then having some pictures of you actually playing golf will go a long, long way in gaining people's trust. People like Lorrie Morgan Ferrero and Alexandria Brown always have pictures of them doing the things they say they do. Their subscribers love it... me included.
It doesn't always have to be articles
Yes, information is going to sell your affiliate products, but it doesn't have to be the only thing. While articles are the main event, these other content ideas are the warm up band. Use one, or a combination, of these content ideas in your next ezine and you'll see a major increase.
Tim Bossie is the owner of Guaranteed-Ads.com and specializes in providing quality content for affiliates and niche marketers. Check out the much sought after services today and start earning more profits quickly.
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