Yes, the title of this post is a spoof on Andrew Hyde’s well-publicized campaign against spec work. However, it is also a relatively accurate statement on my feelings toward affiliate marketing. So, despite a solid conviction one way or the other — evil or not — here are my thoughts on affiliate marketing in more-or-less random order:
- It’s a decent way to make a buck. There’s no disputing that affiliate marketing makes money… the foundations of selling good products, then deriving increased profit from other people under you selling those same products, are solid, and financially benefits nearly everyone. I raise my glass to any entrepreneur who works hard, and achieves some financial security as a result.
- Most affiliate marketers are good people. While I have my reservations about snake-oil salesmen, I’ve found most affiliate marketers to be pretty nice folks… good marketers, who use specific tactics and hard effort to improve their businesses over time. That’s something I value, and again, something I raise my glass to.
However…
- Who’s on the other end? It seems like in their rush to make profits, most affiliate marketers will sell just about any hot product. I’ve seen hypnosis to cure smoking addictions, 101 fantastic tips to do such-and-such, and of course, the pad that you strap on to shock your abs while you’re sitting on the couch not exercising. I don’t begrudge a good marketer for finding a customer case for their product, but who is buying this shit? Where is the customer, and if you’re such a smart marketer, can’t you sell stuff to smarter customers?
- Doesn’t it lack honor? While I recognize the value in making a good living, and recognize everyone’s right to do so in the way they feel is right, I can’t help but think that most affiliate marketers lack honor doing so. Most are willing to sell any product to any person, as long as the profits are right. They don’t seem to care if the product doesn’t work (do they ever?), and they don’t seem to care if they have to con their customers into buying it.
These are my thoughts. But they’re just mine, and really, they’re just off the top of my head. I’d be curious to hear what readers of this post think, especially if you’re an affiliate marketer, or have experience with the industry. Join the conversation in the comments section!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
My little brother once attempted to get into selling a magic juice called Xango. I couldn’t understand why he wanted to get into selling something that wasn’t medically proven. He couldn’t believe I didn’t think he was going to get rich doing it.
He did not get rich.
I really think you have to be the type of person who can:
a) Find the right kind of people to sell to. The kind who will cave in a high pressure pitch, or will swallow whatever you tell them for whatever reason. I think this is a distinct skill (being able to find the “suckers,” or people open to hearing what you have to say).
b) Sell those people anything by making them believe that you believe in the product, regardless of whether you actually do.
Basically I think that it takes a special type of person to do well. A ketchup-popsicle-to-a-lady-in-white-gloves kind of salesmen who can sell any product.
BRANDON: I agree with you on both points, man. While I have some respect for someone with those special skills, and don’t begrudge them for using them to make a living… I just can’t wrap my head around that sort of thinking. Kindof makes my skin crawl.
If I find anyone looking for magic juice, I’ll let your brother know. hahaha
First, Brandon, tell your brother I want a refund on the Xango he sold me.
Second, I think it depends are your target market and brand. If it is something appropriate and you believe in it, then sell it. If not your market is probably not going to respond anyway and your brand will be tarnish.
Now, please buy the following…
MARK: Ha. No refunds, man. That’s rule #1!
I agree with you on your main point in most cases, especially dealing with more traditional-type Internet businesses. However, it seems like some affiliate marketers can sell anything, overwhelming their customer’s perception of fakeness with clever hard-sell tactics. I mean, I’ve seen a lot of idiots make a ton of money… so some market must still be responding. Who knows.
Thanks for stopping by, though. Much appreciated.
I have no direct experience with affiliate marketing but I am interested in going this route to make some money for writing content. For me, I used to object because I saw people doing it in a sleezy way - but I’ve also seen a lot of people build trust and pitch stuff in a way I’m 100% cool with. I think Brian Clark (@copyblogger) is a gangster affiliate marketer who promotes good stuff with style and no sleeze - and he’s also THE master copywriter of the Web generation. I’m inspired a lot by his stuff, building up some courage to act.
BRETT: That’s very cool, Brett… I’m sure you could be successful doing so, and I’m sure you’d be good at building trust and making sales the right way. I’d be curious to hear how that goes for you.
However, while I think Brian Clark is a good example of someone who promotes good stuff, with a good style, I also think he has plenty of sleeze. It seems his connection with his trusting followers only goes as far as how they can benefit him, and he seems plenty willing to cash in his trust currency whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Again, I’m not ready to proclaim him evil, but I’m not buying his virtousness either. The term you used, gangster, seems a pretty apt term. But obviously, a very talented one ;-).
Thanks again for stopping by, and contributing your thoughts!