Why I use Google Affiliate Network!

Google Affiliate Network Summit 045 (Photo credit: Affiliate)

There's More than one way to skin a cat!

When all said is done, you have a big selection of affiliate networks that you can choose from.   You might even wonder which affiliate network is the best for your situation.   In this blog post, we will talk about some of the things that you can do to choose which one might be the best for your situation.   Not all Affiliate networks will be the same but this will at least let you understand which ones are right for you.

An affiliate network acts as an intermediary between publishers (affiliates) and merchant affiliate programs. It allows website publishers to more easily find and participate in affiliate programs which are suitable for their website (and thus generate income from those programs)

[Wikipedia]

Finding what works for you!

There are so many different networks you can use that you may have trouble knowing which one will work for you.  I will say before we go on that I do not know every single affiliate network but I have tried all the major affiliate networks and I will give you my opinions on each of them.

 Google Affiliate Network -- I've been using this network from the get go, I will say that I've had some modest luck with this network.  I've made some money with network because of Glasses USA (Affiliate link).   I've always got paid for my commissions and they do actually care about your website and helping you get your commissions.

Commission Junction -- I've tried this network and gotten some commissions from this network but it hasn't really been a good relationship for me.  I didn't really feel like they had my own website in mind.  I had to apply for all the merchants and never really had any luck with merchants wanting to have their advertising on my site.

Linkshare -- Another good network that I didn't have any luck with.   I know they have a wide variety of things that might be good for you but I really didn't find anything that fit well with my website.  It always seemed to be more about page views then commissions.   They would always be someone wanting to be on my site that was unrelated to my blog.   I really didn't feel that was a good fit for my website.

Linkconnector -- I recently signed up to find out which programs they have on this site.  I haven't been on their long and have already been offered to be part of merchants that are unrelated to my blog again.   These sites that were offered are nice for blogs or advertisers who is related in one way or another.   I bet these guys don't even check the website they are offering to.

 Mal-Advertising!

Malware Advertising is something that I have come to understand just a little more and thus it is always going to be a problem for the affiliate networks because someone will come along and offer a service but are rarely understood because of the nature of advertising.   I am not saying that every time you sign up for a new advertiser that you are going always going to have one when you sign up but that doesn't mean you shouldn't at least do your research before you start using their ads.   I've been happy with my selection of using Google Affiliate networks but I would love to hear which ones you use and why.   Just leave a comment and tell me and others who you recommend.

Paul Sylvester

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Affiliate Marketing - changing the scene!

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Doing a 160, isn't easy!

You've seen that the last few weeks, I've become more honest about my Affiliate Links, this is the one approach that seems to be working best with what I am intending to do. I however am feeling that You probably are getting tired of just seeing affiliate links.  I have been reading about how to do it better affiliate marketing!  Even Though I've not been as successful as I would like to be, I will be working a that in the next few weeks but first we need to fix some common errors in the webpage design!

In the coming weeks, I will find a more professional template that I can use for my blog.  I haven't found one just yet but I will be looking.   I also am wondering what the tagline should be.   I've been looking around for ideas but I thought I would ask my readers what they think the tagline should be!

Does All this really Matter?

I've been thinking about this aspect of the blogging and I wanted to share with you some of the key points that I've come to realize and retain from my experiences.   I'd like to share some of them with you and help others who are asking the questions about Affiliate Marketing conundrum.

There isn't really any way to be successful if you don't at least try.

Learn from your mistakes and change accordingly.

Don't keep doing what you've been doing, think outside the box!

Without risks there isn't any loses, so step out and take a chance!

Keep in contact with your affiliates and they can help you!

Research the product or service before you post.

Try to give away a free product/service this helps from time to time!

Be Honest about your Affiliate links! It just makes good cents!

 I've come to realize these eight points but I am sure I will be reading even more in the coming weeks.  I'm going to sit down and start reading even more about how to do it right.   I'm tired of making little to nothing with my blog and thus I will be working really hard at changing that.  I'm unsure of how I will accomplish this but it does make even more sense to me that if I don't change I will only be hurting you the reader and in the long run, I will also be hurting myself because of the possible money that I could be making.   I'm you want to support me, you can always visit my Support Affiliate page and find something that will help you.  I will of course be changing my approach, but I won't stop doing blogging about products or services that I think you may be interested in.

Before you go!

Tax deadline is coming up in the few months, you only have like 12 weeks to file your taxes.   If your expecting a large return you should consider buying yourself some stylish and better quality Prescription Glasses from Glasses USA (Affiliate Link) then you could buy at any Walmart Store.  I simply love to go their every year to see what Styles they have and what I might want to buy.  This year, I'm really interested in iSee 2004 Gunmetal  (Affiliate Link).  I'll be getting these sometime in next few weeks and probably do a nice review of the Glasses themself.  I strongly recommend you go check these and other glasses, that way you can be prepared to buy them when you get your refund back from taxes.

Paul Sylvester

 

 

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Being more Honest with my Affiliate Links!

Google Affiliate Network Summit 035 (Photo credit: Affiliate

Testing the Waters!

A friend told me, a couple days ago that I should be telling my readers when I have affiliate links.  He said I would would get even more sales if I were to be a little more honest with which ones are actually the ones that I make money off of!   It would better help those decide if your going to be a a good blog or not.   I really didn't have much to say on the matter because I didn't know what to say. I am sure there will always be those who will not tell you.   I thought it was quite obvious when I didn't tell you but then I forgot I was hiding my affiliate links, not to be dishonest but to prevent programs and virus from taking away from all the work I have done.   I know there will always be people who will got the site directly and not give the site the credit.  I understand that, and somewhat expect that.

Honesty is the best Policy!

That being said, if you ever come to one of my posts and you see the (Affiliate links) or (Affiliate link) then it will be linked to this post.   So you can read about my honesty and understand that I am working really hard at changing.   Here is how this will work:

• Reviews -- I promise to my readers that I believe in the review of the product and that it is a recommendation from me.


• Reimbursement -- Hosting isn't cheap now a days, that is I put up my Affiliate links and also to try supplement my working income.


• If Gifted to me -- I will clearly state that in my post and my review will no be swayed by the free gift of the item.  If it sucks, you will know about it and if it is something useful then you will also know about it.  I may however have affiliate links for the item.


• Nicer URLS -- even though I have hidden the urls and you have to click the URL to go the affiliate site in question, it is because the URL aren't really neat and tidy.   If you feel offended because you can't see URL then please feel free not to click those links.  (I wouldn't want to see http://www.amazon.com/blah/blah/blah/blah/etc, anyways and I bet you don't either)


• Gift Cards -- If you are wanting me to review a certain item and it is on Amazon or some other place then I will gladly accept a gift card through email(First name @ this domain).  However if it is something else please don't hesitate to email me.


• Review UNITS -- Same as Gifted cards, if your wanting me to review an item but don't know where to send it.   Please email me and I'll discuss with you where to send it.  (First Name @ this domain)  Please bear in mind that I may not give a nice review, so I make no PROMISES and there are no expectations.

Prove to me!

I've done the unthinkable and stopped hiding all my links on this site.   So if you want me to continue to do it this way,  I will need to see a positive out come.   I was making money hiding sites links and not telling people about them being affiliate links.   Now I don't want to see a drop in sales and money by being honest.   Help support my love to blog and being able to read about the stuff that matters to you.   Just like Glasses USA (Affiliate link) matters to me because I have to wear glasses everyday and I can't afford to go buy some really expensive pairs of glasses.   They have been the one source for me, when I need to buy new glasses.  If you find a post that you really think is good, then don't be afraid to share it on Facebook or Twitter.   Those are one ways to show your support of my blog.

Nothing shows support like sharing a post!

Paul Sylvester

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My Top Five Favorite Posts for 2011

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It's that time again!

I know this blog has been up and down this year and thus I want to discuss some of my more popular and ones that I am really proud of.   We all know that is isn't going to be easy for me but I thought we could at least talk about some of more favorite posts and let people who just found my blog see some of my other posts!

We've all seen those post each year on different blogs and I am sure I am not the only one who does this but it is something that I like to do.   It after all is about community and sharing with my friends.  I know I consider my readers like close family because I am always thinking what I can do to better my life and yours.   This is my biggest reason for blogging, to make life better for everyone and make it much more enjoyable for me also.   You don't know how nice it is just to sit down and write to my family(readers) and not have to feel like there is pressure to post.   This is my goal every time I write a post to share and hope it makes people think about how to work smarter and not hard.

Top Five Favorite Posts!

I will start off with my Five favorite posts and discuss them in length.   You can always feel free to look around and click any article on my site without worries.

1. How to Get a Free VPN for Ubuntu/Kubuntu! --This is was one of those that I did because it was essential for me to find a free VPN for when I go to hotspots and not have to pay.   When you are on a limited income and trying to get to your next paycheck, then you know why I couldn't afford to pay for a VPN service.  Also I use Kubuntu and thus couldn't use the Windows only free VPNS that were available.


2. Three ways on how to NOT waste your Money! --  This one is a supposedly a recruiting job from (crmglobalresources.com) but after doing my research it looks to be like my other post "Why do I need to pay for recruitment?" So I was really proud of this one to tell people about it! So don't always think there will be easy money.4


3. Apple Needs to Worry about Security and Virus! --  This one was of my favorite post also because I am always tell people that there will always be Apple viruses and that their advertisements in the past will always haunt them because Apple can and will be targeted now and in the future for virus attacks because they are getting a larger share in the Marketplace.


4. My Reasons why Amazon will make an Android Tablet!  --  This is another one of my favorites because it was one of those that came true.   Just look at the the Kindle Fire to verify it, that is after all an Android tablet.   I think they have more to come in the future but only time will tell!


5. Android Malware, Ridiculous! --   Let's face it, most people think that Androids can't get virus or have malware.   I discuss this in length and tell you that even Linux can have viruses and you should count your eggs before they are hatched.  I am not going to say that they will or will not but I discuss why hackers and virus writers would love to do it.   Once the market gets saturated enough with Android devices they will start to develop viruses and malware for them, I am sure it.

As you can see that there were some really good posts in 2011 and I hope to get even more post done in 2012. I am going to be resolute to doing a better job of posting but that could be a futile effort.

Paul Sylvester

Need Glasses? Try GlassesUSA!

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Androids aren't immune because of people!

Image by twenty_questions via Flickr

Androids having viruses?

Really, I do not know who thinks android devices will be just as secure as an Apple product.  Now I know people have probably said that Androids are just as insecure as a Windows Machine.   I am not going to argue those points because they seem to be always floating to the surface every day from some unskilled computer user.   I’ve been asked by a few friends and even some family members who are concerned about a virus on their android device and thus want to buy Ipads more.  Even though Androids OS is an open sourced project the more the market share goes up for Android’s the more the evil guys will focus on creating applications and fraudulent software or games.   It is the nature of security and of the beast.   Nothing you can do to stop it.

Use Common sense!

This is something I tell my friends and family when buying an Application on the Market place from anywhere there is usually a bunch of reviews of it from various users and thus will help you determine if this application is worth the money or could be a problem.  When I want to add an application to my Android device, I will usually also see what others have said about the game or application and see the users ratings.   I will almost never buy an android application that has no comments but I am not novice when it comes Android.   I can always reset my android to factory defaults and restart the process.   So I know that is always my option when it comes to installing something that is unfavorable.   It however is not the end all save all for wiping a virus from your android device, if they want to get that virus on you device that would be the last place, I would put my application.   So it will clean most of the so called viruses off your device but until antivirus companies start getting the hint to make better applications for android the only true way to clean it is to erase and re-install but that is no option on your part especially if you have a phone or some proprietary device.

No Device is really safe!

Now when I go to buy a operating system, I already have that in my mind.   Nothing I have bought is ever going to truly be secured and thus I always go into this with an open mind and not worry about which one is the most secure.   I look for the one that is going to help me do what I want to do and not be restrained by any company.   I can view Netflix on Android just like I can view it on an Ipad.   I can take it anywhere I like just like my Ipad, it can be smaller for my convenience and cheaper.  Apple has their perks but then you pay for it, that is why I love Android because of the openness of the system.   I can do anything in the sun I want to do to the device and not worry about warranties and keeping it cheap.

If you understand this principle of mine then you will be FAR better than most people when it comes to buying applications on the device or installing applications from unknown websites.   As long as you know when you install an unknown application from an untrustworthy source you setting yourself up for problems.   Follow the path that has more security and don’t install anything without consulting some technology person and find out the risks and benefits of a program or application.

 

Paul Sylvester

Need Glasses try GlassesUSA!

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How to get free pair of glasses every year!

That's not possible?

If you saying it sn't possible then you don't know how to refer friends. The great idea of Glasses USA (Affiliate Link)is that you can get your glasses paid with as little as 10 people buy glasses from them. I don't mean to say it is easy but it can be a cheap way to get the people needed to get your free pair of glasses. I like to do this from time when I need new glasses and I'm going to share you the secret to me getting some great glasses for little to no money on your part. Most of the time you have to pay to Glasses, but if you follow my three easy steps, you will be on your way to not having to pay for anything but time.

All it takes is time!

If you willing to invest in a little you can also get glasses for free, this might not be easy but it will be the most rewarding when you Refer people to Glasses USA (Affiliate Sale). I've done this in the past and it works really well. I will be giving you my secrets so you can get get people you free pair of glasses and not spend a dime.

The first thing you will need to do is go to Glasses USA (Affiliate Link)and create an account.

• Go into your Account and find Referred Friends


• Look for the "Share the link with your friends:"


• Use that link provided to tell people about Glasses USA(Affiliate Link)!

There are some other ideas to consider!

If you have a weblog or website you can always recommend it on your website and using that URL that you just got done finding. It can be a very easy way to get a free pair of glasses. I must say that I am an sell for them (Affiliate Link) also so when I am done getting my free pair of glasses, I then switch back to my affiliate link. So you can see this is very useful for me to make money the rest of the year and still get my free pair of Glasses.

Use the URL on:

• Twitter


• Facebook


• LinkedIn


• Other Social Networks

If you do it right you can get a free pair of glasses each year. Although it can be very useful to also include coupon codes when you refer people in blog posts and other social networks. Like here are some for you right now:

• Get 50% off any pair of eyeglasses (basic single vision lenses) on orders over $80. Use code: SPECIAL50


• Buy any pair of glasses and get FREE U.S. shipping plus FREE anti-scratch, anti-reflective, and UV protective coatings! Use Code: FIVESTAR


• Get Multifocal Lenses + 3 Premium Coatings for only $45 (Instead of $110)! MULTISAVE


• Get FREE SHIPPING on any US order. No minimum purchase required!
  Use code: freeship10


• Buy two or more pairs and get FREE U.S. shipping plus FREE anti-scratch, anti-reflective, and UV protective coatings on both pairs! Use Code: PERFECTPAIR


• LIMITED TIME SALE – Get 20% off any pair of prescription eyeglasses from our iSee Eyewear collection + Free Shipping within the US (basic single-vision lenses included).  Use code: ISEE20FS

Find more Coupons on this page! (affiliate Link)

We all need glasses

Paul Sylvester

Your Chance to win a Free Pair of Glasses!

Did someone say Free??

I've been in contact with Glasses USA, and they told me they would be proud to sponsor this give away.  They have agreed to give away 3 pairs of Glasses.   They've told me:

There are no limitations. it only covers the cost of the glasses and cannot be used with a Free Shipping Coupon.  Users can get free standard shipping but will have to pay out of pocket for any upgrade to the shipping method. You will need to have your Prescription ready by the time this contest is over.   In their FAQ's they say you will need a copy of your prescription to order your Glasses.  When You when I will need to have a verified email address so as to tell them the email address you will be using to order your pair of glasses.   I will also be giving your a coupon code to use to get your free pair of glasses.  If you need a new pair of glasses and can't afford it then this is a way to get your free pair of glasses.   You can also get your free pair of sunglasses if you already have a good pair of glasses.

How do I enter?

I will be giving away three pairs and each pair will be from the following three ways:

1. Sign up to my Mailing List — By signing up to my list that is one way to verify your email address.  It must stay valid for a month in order to email you the details on how to get your instructions on getting your free pair of glasses.
2. Comment on this page — Again this will be a month long prize campaign, so you will have to put down an email address that will be valid for a least a month.   This will also be only seen by me, so you must not worry about getting spam emails.
3. Link to my homepage or this page from your site — This is my last way to enter to win your free pair of glasses.   If you have a blog and you link to me by making a blog post or through a blog roll.   You’ll be entered into my contest.   The only thing about this is the more individual Internet Protocols that come my way the more chances your entered.   every 5 unique IP’s, you’ll be entered into the drawing.   So the more you send my way the more chance you will win.   This does not include forums or tweeting about it but if you know someone who might need a new pair of glasses then by all means.

This give away will be valid from 05/13/2011 to 06/13/2011.   This is done to maximize the chances of people entering this contest.  I will be using Random.org to determine the 3 winners.   Good Luck to all!!

Paul Sylvester

*Contest is Closed*

Although you didn't have a chance to enter. Stay tuned to win something else from my site. I will be doing another contest. Winners will be announced later on today!

*Winners*

• Kendra Gillian (MaIling List)
• Emmy Coffee (one who left the comment)

Congratulations to the two winners. Since I didn't have anyone referrers from other sites I can't give out the last pair, so I am going to get my free pair to review for later on. Have a good day!!

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