More and more people are using affiliate marketing programs to make money online, as they are easy to join and put into action. But, just like any other business, there are mistakes that many beginners make when first starting out in the affiliate marketing business.

Below are 3 common mistakes that you will need to avoid now, rather than later on in your marketing efforts. How do I know this? Because, unfortunately, I have done all 3 of these and now I am in the process of starting over with my affiliate marketing plans.

1. Choosing the wrong affiliate product.

Many beginners want to earn from affiliate marketing as quickly as possible and in their rush to get started, they tend to choose a "Hot" product. This is the kind of product that everyone is promoting and is in high demand at the time, without actually considering if the product appeals to them. Most of the "hot" products are overcrowded with affiliates and it can be difficult to find buyers.

Instead you need to try to choose a product in which you are interested in and appeals to you. Then do some research on that product to see if there is a demand for it. Promoting a product that appeals to you is easier than promoting one for the sake of making money only.

2. Joining multiple affiliate programs.

You might be tempted to join as many affiliate programs as you can to try and increase your earnings. However, joining multiple programs and attempting to promote them all at the same time will prevent you from concentrating on each one of them individually. The end result? The potential of your affiliate programs are not met and the income generated will not be as big as you were hoping it would be.

The best way to get results is by joining just one or two related programs that pays at least 50% in commissions. Then give them your best promotion efforts and as soon as you see that they are making a reasonable profit, then you can add another affiliate program and so on... The best way to succeed, is to do it slowly. There is no need to rush into things, especially with affiliate marketing.

3: Not buying or researching the product or service.

As an affiliate, your main purpose is to promote a product or service to the best of your ability and to find customers. In order to do this, you must be able to tell your customer about your product or service. If you have not used or tried the products you are promoting then it can be difficult, but not impossible, to convince others to buy what you are offering.

Whenever possible, you need to buy the product or service yourself before you sign up as an affiliate and check to see if it is something you really want to promote. As a beginner and just starting out, you may not be able to afford to buy them, you will need to research it as much as you can and use the affiliate tools they provide to promote the product or service until such a time that you can buy the product or service yourself.


Remember, "Time" is the key...Take the time to research your marketing tactics, products or services and make sure you are on the right track. If done correctly, you will be able to succeed with your affiliate marketing and earn higher profits.