When does affiliate marketing become unethical?
If you've even had a small exposure to affiliate marketing than you have no doubt heard of Acai Berry, Google Money Tree etc. and you also know that these products are completely bogus. So my question is simple; as an affiliate marketer where do you draw the line in the products you promote?
I know that one of the main reasons Oprah and Dr Oz are suing these types of companies is because of how they are using their image to sell the product which should happen regardless of what product is being promoted. The government is even getting involved and trying to slow down these companies from doing business. But let's face it very few affiliate marketers (if any) will ever be penalized for selling this product so does that mean you should just continue? Or do you ever think to yourself, 'Ok, I made a lot of money selling products I know are useless, but perhaps now it's time to try and sell legitimate products'
I think it's fairly easy to see which side of the fence I stand on, but I'm interested in what you have to say (especially those of you that promote some of the more questionable offers...)
Tagged: Affiliate Marketing
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I agree Chris…the attitudes in the internet marketing and affiliate marketing communities are really distasteful to me personally. As with everything, there are good ideas and people hidden in there, but on the whole there is not much I like from these communities. I really believe that the only way to build wealth is to help a TON of people…those communities don’t come from this mindset, they’re more interested in getting something in the short term than giving or building l0ng term value.
Brian
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Hey Brian,
I hear you and agree (seems like we have a lot in common when it comes to how we like to run our businesses!).
I believe if you shoot for the long term you’ll make more in the long run anyway. I also think it’s more stable too. When you participate in some of those affiliate marketing promos it can be a here today gone tomorrow sort of a thing which is never good.
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I have not done much affiliate marketing but I have always made sure to promote products that I have personally tried.
I agree with Brian,
They are promoting products that pay higher, not those that have higher value. Maybe that is why new techniques are needed every day.
Take Newsletters as example. I have read many times that they are not as much effective now. Reason? Every second marketer out there is using newsletters to send affiliate link only! No personal offenses but you can sign up for John Chow’s newsletter and see example! There’s not even a single tip in it. Every week, I get links to his posts and “reviews” of new products!
Mr. I´s last blog ..Capture a Screen SnapShot with PrtSC and MS Paint
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Hi Chris,
Cool logo!
Anyways, I guess, we all have to draw the line of our own conscience. The external controls would never be able to stop companies & individuals from doing it. Anyways, it’s a appreciable effort on your part to build a awareness. Would there be any other better way than that available?
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All I can say is that I think you should do business honestly and never tell a lie, not even a little lie, nothing but the truth, in fact!
I read most things online with a certain amount of caution but I have been very pleasantly surprised by how honest some people have been with me.
Treat others as you would like to be treated, I believe.
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I really don’t see the problem with all of this. I mean, there are plenty of stores that pay an associate fee to their workers, why cant we get a commission for selling something online. I don’t see sales associates telling us they make a commission off of stuff they sell us….
bradleybradwell´s last blog ..Is Audio Podcasting Dead?
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