Publisher Mis-Conceptions.
I find that many times people are mis-informed about the publisher role in their marketing journey. There are millions to be made as both affiliate or product owner. Millions more in lists, recruitment, media buying/selling, monetizing your special talents, flipping money etc. Here are a list of tweaks that help me monetize early and long term per campaign/launch.
* Never think for ONE second that a low gravity means the product isn't converting or making money. I have accounts that have a gravity of less than 20 and they still bank 1-2K a week, sometimes less/more. As a publisher you do NOT need a triple figure gravity to be making great bank. You just need a good program that is backed by at least a few solid affiliates.
* Never create your program and half way through decide to rush it and just show up to market with it. Strategize your launch from step one to one thousand if you can. Think about the customer journey, what they buy, how you retain them, their sales, their contact info, the backend, the backend to the backend, and so on.
* Think above and beyond this project - one product on a 'make or break' rollercoaster for a few months won't cut it - don't give up your other online efforts, don't 'expect' your first/fifth program to stay profitable right away and forever. Even with the formula and sequence above there are SO many other variables that your success will greatly be determined by your initial market research vs. time and resources.
* If your program does gain momentum and you find yourself making high volumes of sales, be prepared for a potential much higher need for customer support. Random things WILL happen, your customers WILL contact you believe me.
* No matter HOW GOOD your program is - EXPECT refunds. The markets online are starting to get more and more conditioned to the way our world works, and the ease of use with refund policies. Above and beyond that it's impossible to please 100% of your customers if you've made xxxx sales - however programs to go up to a 98% customer satisfaction rate with the product - along with a 95% technical satisfaction rate - while other more risky niches experience as little as 65% or less. Many times marketers enter these arenas averaging their refunds in advance, and over shooting - just because they've been through the loop before (the MMO gurus). They know to account for them, and it still banks them huge coin in the end, so don't be shy to enter higher risk niches just be prepared for higher refunds in advance. Having said that though, do your best to make sure your product is prime. Please.
For more nuggets check out Niche Choppers.
Norb's Projections for 2009-2010 Pt. 4
