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American football season is coming up and I know my husband is getting super excited about cheering for his college team. When I was watching an old game on TV with my husband last night, I had an eureka moment. I couldn’t help but notice how affiliate marketing is a lot like a football game.

If you are not familiar with American football, then here a quick intro.

There are offensive plays, which are designed to protect the quarterback. They also help open up holes in the defense so that yardage can be gained. Then there are defensive plays, which are designed to sack the quarterback and stop him from completing his pass.  They also close holes that would allow yardage to be gained. The basic concept is the same as any other game.

As an affiliate marketer, you must design offensive plays and defensive plays that will put you in a position to win the affiliate games. As an affiliate marketing, you will be promoting other peoples product and competing with hundreds if not thousands of people who are trying to do the same thing.

If you are new, then you will soon realize that every niche market on the Internet is highly competitive. You will also soon notice that if it isn’t competitive, then there can’t possibly be much of a customer base to sell to. There are very few (close to none) gold mines still left. That is just the nature of the internet marketing business.

So in this competitive arena, how do you set up your offensive line as an affiliate marketer? Be unique! Always keep your customer’s best interest in mind and offer them something that sets you completely apart from your competitors. Also, make sure that the bonus you are offering is related to the product you are promoting. The best bonuses are the ones that complement the affiliate products. And having a unique bonus will help you win the sale over your competitors, who will either not offer anything or offer the same thing that everyone else is offering.

The important player in your defensive line will be your reputation with your customers. People don’t like to buy from a stranger that’s why it is important to build your credibility. This is especially important if you are just starting off. I see many new comers who just want to make money from their list and don’t work to establish a relationship with their customers. Don’t fall in this trap; you might win a game or two but you will definitely lose the season. You will regret it in the long run.

You can build your credibility by writing helpful articles and eBooks. Post them to your blog and forums. Visit other blogs and comment on posts. The fact is that when people know you and trust you, they will feel more comfortable buying from you. They will buy from you even if your competitors are offering a better deal or more incentives because they know that you provide value.

Winning in the game of affiliate marketing isn’t easy. Then again, winning a football game is not easy either. You will have to work very hard to get your offensive line and your defensive line strong. Also, make sure that both of them are strong because you won’t win the season without them. And I am sure that you want to win the whole season and not just a few games. Don’t be afraid of disappointments. You will win some and you will lose some but just like any other game, keep your head up and go have fun.

Shreya Banerjee

www.shreyabanerjee.com

This is a guest post written by Shreya Banerjee, if you would like to be considered for a guest post please contact me.