Many beginners jump on the affiliate marketing bandwagon expecting fortunes.  For some reason it doesn't work out that way.  People are scratching their heads wondering what has gone wrong.  They've been working hard with the marketing, promoting heavily but for some reason it is not working out.  They are confused!

So, why do a lot of people fail?  

•    Sell it cold - Your typical beginner will sign up at Clickbank and choose the program they fancy promoting.  They would then sell it cold straight away by driving traffic to a sales page.  This strategy unfortunately no longer works; it can really be harsh lesson to learn especially if they've spent some money on advertising.

What is the correct smarter way?

•    Build a list - Create a report or offer a newsletter, something for free in exchange for their email address.  Building a list may take a little longer but once built, it will serve you well.

•    Building trust - Using an autoresponder, you can start emailing your subscribers and build relationships.  You do this by giving various useful information as well as free gifts which you believe will benefit them.  Also emailing them back answering their specific questions.  This all builds trust.

•    Recommending products - Once you have built their trust over time, only then should you be recommending affiliate products.  Remember once your list is built correctly, this is free advertising.

Affiliate marketing can be profitable if it is done correctly.  Although building your list will take time, it is not a sprint.  Unfortunately too many beginners are in a rush to make their millions.