Many of you already know I have opened up an affiliate store specializing in releasing landing pages and creatives for newer affiliate marketers on a budget. I guess you could say this is my first real product and attempt at an e-commerce store that has had some pretty decent success. I took a chance on this because I was looking for a way to make money on things I’d never used and to provide me with another stream of revenue. My designer makes some great landing pages, but half the time the work is just filler on what I need from him. The extra landing pages get passed on to you for $5 each.

I just wanted to share what I’ve learned about being able to launch this store, and what it took to actually make it success.

Always start out with a list. When I first started building my email list, I had no idea what I would use it for. I ended up giving away all the images I used for Facebook ads, because I didn’t need them, but others did. Build a list by giving away things people will find useful. I’ve been told my images have helped some affiliate marketers make 4-figures a day. Needless to say, it was useful, and built my list up very quickly. I’ve also given away some free landing pages here and there, to my subscribers, as well.

I used the list I built to send updates about the store. Those who were on it before New Years saw I sent out a discount code for a decreased total on all landing pages and creatives. This helped drive a lot of sales, and every time I send out an email, I get a few more sales. The list is powerful, and I’m beginning to understand why everyone is saying that.

Good support has helped me. Luckily, I’m in front of the computer most of the day. I have lots of time to give support to any emails that come in. This has helped bring back return service. I also get suggestions for this or that kind of landing page. With that input, I can make more sales in the future when I put out what people want.

Use social media. This is a big no-brainer. My following on Twitter and Facebook is pretty big. Every once and a while, I update it with news on my affiliate store. It’s fast, free and easy advertising.

Post on forums targeting your niche. I’ve focused on posting in Wickedfire, but there are a plethora of other affiliate marketing forums I plan to hit up. Again, this is another free and fast advertising option. I know I’ve picked up sales from Wickedfire, one of the toughest forums on affiliate marketing, so I can only see bringing in more money from some of the more lax affiliate forums.

I’m also considering installing an affiliate system and buying banner space on other affiliate blogs and forums. We all know how affiliate marketing works for advertisers (if it didn’t work out for them, why would they have these programs), and buying banner space is no different than a media buy. That’s something I am used to, and if you ever launch your own product, I’d include it on your agenda.

Yeah most of this stuff is Hurr-Durr, but it’s an interesting space to be in. I want to say it’s like being an affiliate, but instead of taking just a piece of the pie, you are taking all of it. Just make sure your product isn’t a recycled pile of garbage scraped off of JohnChow.com and you should be alright. Provide value, and you will be greatly rewarded.