Affiliate marketing is just like any other business in that it has it’s ups and downs, is dictated to by economic cycles and can be hit or miss depending on the consumer spending. While in the US, we are currently experiencing a downturn in the economy and consumer spending is driving many merchants to despair, there are always niches to be exploited by clever marketers if you apply a little bit of creativity and think outside the box.
In preparation for this article, I was inspired by Kris Jones of PepperJam Network’s incredible article Affiliate Marketing - Thinking Outside the Box. Kris goes into detail with several innovative ideas he and others have used in the past to turn incredible profits by finding untapped niches by *not* following what everybody else is doing but by following gut instinct.
One example Kris shares is his experience marketing “UGG Australia Boots” in November 2006. For those who don’t know what UGG boots are, they’re the absolutely most ugly boots that are popular with teenage girls. You know, those fuzzy wuzzy boots that Bam Margera’s wife Missy loves and although Bam threw Missy’s UGG boots in the fireplace, he quickly replaced them. Jessica Simpson has also been seen sporting UGG boots in the middle of the summer when she was out grocery shopping with Tony Romo. Anyway, UGG boots are a very popular item and Kris noticed they sell the best in the winter when there is a high demand for them. Additionally, UGG boots are not cheap. Kris netted over $15,000 profit from his ad campaign marketing these luxury items that will sell even when the economy is poor because girls just want to have fun, even when they can’t afford it.
Kris also brings up the point that he is a big believer that playing seasonality, holidays and other timeframes that generally lend themselves to sales and marketing. With that knowledge in hand, it’s easy to see how thinking outside the box while paying attention to the world around you can result in a successful campaign.
While the vast majority of affiliate marketers are spinning their wheels trying to cut a piece out of the most popular niches such as mesothelioma, mortgages, poker, ringtones and online dating, the easy money lies in taking a fresh perspective and evaluating which offers might be the easiest to pitch to consumers. Remember, affiliate marketing is sales, there’s no way around it but the advantage we affiliate marketers have is that we can pick and choose whatever offers we feel comfortable with promoting.
As with Kris Jones, I tend to prefer finding opportunity through promoting trusted products or services. As much as I hear the “super affiliates” talking about how much money they make through CPA networks such as Azoogle or Copeac by promoting those scammy “Get a Free Laptop” or “Get a Free Bahamas Vacation” offers, I prefer to avoid those type of offerings. I’m not condescending on marketers profiting from these offers, but for my ethics, promoting offers where internet noobs are duped into giving their personal information to hordes of rabid marketers for a freebie they will never get is just something I want no part of.
So back to Kris again, his philospohy runs true with mine. Give people what they really want, not something they don’t need or something that will jade their experience to the internet marketplace in the future. Equally important is to adequately check out the offers you intend to promote and ask yourself “Would I buy this product or service” and more importantly “Would I sell this pitch to my friends and family” ? If you answer “no” to either of those questions, then an offer is not worth wasting your time on.
Now onto the part you’re all waiting for, the recession proof niche marketing tips. Drum roll please…
1.) Healthcare and Dental Care - It’s quite obvious why this niche is at the top of the list. In a poor economy, where many people are in between jobs, the one thing people don’t want to lose is healthcare for their family and especially for their children. There are a number of programs available to promote but here are a few that have been working well for me :
- DentalPlans.com
- Bringing individuals, families and groups affordable and comprehensive discount dental plans. Their offering through PepperJam Network pays a whopping $47.50 per lead and with a 120 day tracking cookie, this one is unstoppable.
- Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance
- Plans that start at $99 for the whole family. The program pays $4.50 per lead and with a 45 day tracking cookie, this one can really pay off.
2.) eBay - Yes, I know you’re thinking I’m crazy but think about it. eBay is a recession proof marketplace because even if the number of sales are down, it’s always going to exist as the premiere place for people to sell their belongings to the highest bidder. eBay’s affiliate program is lucrative in that it not only pays you for people who signup using your affiliate link, you can also earn for any auction purchases people make through your link.
3.) Guaranteed Approval Credit Cards - No matter what shape the economy is in, people are always going to be applying for credit cards even when the the interest rate is. Sure, savvy consumers will look for a low rate but when marketing on the internet, we’re looking for impulsive consumers and guaranteed credit cards are a snap to promote. My personal favorites are :
- First Universal Platinum
- First Universal Platinum has the credit card marketing game downpat. All you have to dois turn traffic at their landing pages and you’re in the money. Their offering through PepperJam Network pays $22.30 per lead and the 45 day tracking cookie is a dream for promoters.
- MyFreedom Credit Cards - Pairs consumers with credit cards offers that are suitable for them. The program is offered through NeverblueAds and pays $1.15 per lead but converts after first page submit of first name, last name, email, verify email, and self credit rating. Easy Money.
If you’re not signed up to promote offers for Pepperjam Network, Neverblue Ads or Market Leverage, you can signup through the links below.
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Brilliant post Dave. Kris Jones is one of the best affiliate marketers and PJN is a culmination of all his experience using other programs. I’d say you’re on your way to becoming a voice of distinction in the affiliate marketing community but of course you already know that.
Keep up the quality publishing and please never let this blog turn into a fashion show and restaurant review blog like Shoemoney and John Chow. I come to a blog like this to be enlightened. Thought provoking articles like the on you just wrote really make my day.
I believe that internet marketing in general is recession proof. Especially in todays economy where commuting costs an arm and a leg.
Unless it gets to the point where people can’t afford internet here in the U.S. ( a very sad thought indeed :(
That’s why I started my own attempts to learn internet marketing techniques and become less dependent on the man!
Online business is the way to go because it opens you up to the world market, not just your local economy that happens to be in recession.
Cheers,
Darin
Generally speaking, affiliate marketing is quite recession proof, however for people who are marketing ancellary and luxury related items, a poor economy results in less spending which means less commissions for affiliates.
One great thing about the internet is that a poor economy definitely drives up the number of people searching oline for deals. That’s another aspect to consider when setting up a campaign.
I trust on that internet affiliate marketing in general is recession proof. Affiliate marketing creating the traffic to the particular products which is supported by the affiliate marketing.
Great post Dave, if your an affiliate marketer and into promoting how to information then no matter the state of any economy you will always be able to make money at it.
is this site for real?.. the information here is good , no it’s really good, congratulations… Real data we can use in our own marketing but it isn’t telling us a how-to.
Raijinn, can you expect to have your hand held? I think he is tell you how to join each program that make a good payout.
Brilliant thoughts, seems so basic but yes - in this economy perhaps luxury based marketing is not the way to go.
I should be learn this article more… Thanks for info…
I usually run into a bunch of junk when it comes to this niche, but this is some good useful information I found here. I can’t tell you how much rubbish there is out there, but again I like this site and just wanted to say keep it going.
Effective online marketing is so much more important in a recession, much more so that it was during the boom of the past few years. Good post, keep it coming!