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Microstock Photography Forum - General => General Stock Discussion => Topic started by: WarrenPrice on January 29, 2009, 13:35

Title: What is an Affiliate?
Post by: WarrenPrice on January 29, 2009, 13:35
I have been reading about affiliation -- Affiliate Marketing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affiliate_marketing

I've been curious since reading references to affiliates by the microstock agencies.  Xposurepro's post on "shooting nothing" led me to his site and increased my curiosity.  Where and how did he get so many Affiliation Links?  His site seems to be a good example of what I want to do at my blog, just different markets.

Now, I wonder how many of the Full-Time microstock guys take advantage of the Affiliations offered by different agencies?  Are they available to all members?  Do they make money?

Hope this isn't too big of a secret to share.   8)

Warren



Title: Re: What is an Affiliate?
Post by: Tuilay on January 29, 2009, 14:35
everyone pimps his or her way to affliation. i like to see those ppl angry at Xposurepro for doing it. like they say, "let the one innocent throw the first stone".
i think it's all overblown, and sheer paranoia.  shaking in their boots and all that .
come on ! are you serious?  8)
Title: Re: What is an Affiliate?
Post by: Randy McKown on January 29, 2009, 23:55
Maybe I shouldn't comment on this .. After that last thread I started I began to worry about peoples health conditions .. I dont want anyone freaking out at their computer, clinching their chests and keeling over on the floor ... so maybe I should keep my secrets to myself from now on ... YEAH RIGHT

So anyway, yes you can take advantage of the microstock affiliate programs. Most of them have a program of some type or another. Either you can earn commissions on referred photographers sales or referred buyers purchases and some agencies commission you on both. Just log in to your stock accounts and look around .. they have links that normally will say something like "referral program" or "affiliates"

The 480x60 banners that you see on my site at the top of the page and bottom of each post come from Google. For those you will need to join the Google Adsense program.

On the sidebar I also have another Google ad which is a 250x250 graphic ad. The 125x125 graphic ads were hand picked. I go through an affiliate network called Commission Junction for those.

Don't expect instant fame and fortune ... building a successful blog means thinking long-term. You have to have an attachment to it other than money. You also have to be goal oriented. For example XposurePro is just a baby however I have actually laid out a business plan and strategy for it just like I have for my studio. You will be seeing a lot of changes to it during the course of the year. Especially in content, my goal is to be closing in on 1000 articles by the years end. Between my studio, microstock and XposurePro, it is going to be a very interesting year.  ;D

If you want some awesome tips about blogging, business and marketing you should head over to problogger.net it is run by Darren who also runs DPS
Title: Re: What is an Affiliate?
Post by: WarrenPrice on January 30, 2009, 15:52
Thanks, XP.  I've been discussing this with my webmaster/friend.  Since I am a charity account, he has to satisfy paying customers first.  But, your site is my (our) example.  Want to share you business plan?   ;D

Appreciate the input and wish you all the best.

BTW... we are not really competitors.  My blog is more about action photography with an occasional travel piece thrown in.  Actually, I don't really have a theme?   ::) 8)