The Affiliate's Dilemma: Should You Purchase the Product You're Promoting?

The Importance of Product Knowledge in Affiliate Marketing

From my perspective as an affiliate sponsor, it was clear that he didn't have a deep understanding of the product. Many people resist this idea, but one of the most effective ways to sell an affiliate product is to purchase it, use it, and then provide a personal testimonial.

"But that costs money!" some might argue. Yes, it does. However, so does wasted advertising dollars and effort. Remember, you're running a business. The saying, "you have to spend money to make money" is popular for a reason: it's true.

The Benefits of Investing in the Product You're Promoting

Investing in the product you're promoting offers several advantages:

• You'll have first-hand knowledge of the product or service, enabling you to answer most customer queries.
• You'll know the quality of the product you're selling. Offering top-quality products increases your chances of converting visitors into repeat customers, which means more profit for you.
• You can offer a personal endorsement of the product. This can be particularly effective with those you've developed a good working relationship with, such as newsletter subscribers.

Overcoming Financial Constraints

If the product you're promoting is expensive, it's understandable to hesitate before purchasing it. However, if it's only a few dollars, why not invest? Many people spend more on advertising than it would cost them to purchase the product.

If you're on a tight budget, here are a few strategies:

• Buy the product and absorb the cost. If it's only a few dollars, it probably won't hurt your finances.
• Try to make a few sales first. Invest in the product once you've earned enough in commissions.
• Purchase the product, absorb the cost, and opt for effective no-cost advertising to offset your investment. For example, you could swap or barter for website or ezine advertising.

Can you make good money selling affiliate products without buying them yourself? Sure, some people do. But most people struggle to sell anything online, especially a product they know little about. The choice is yours.

For more information on affiliate marketing, check out Affiliate Marketing 101 and The Balance Small Business.