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Continuing with the Affiliate Marketing Tips series, we’ll look at how to choose niches or products when creating affiliate sites.

This seems to be the one thing that stumps most people, or holds them back from getting started in affiliate marketing.

I have 3 great questions from the Twitter Q&A that all relate to this topic, so we’ll start there…

@MikeHays: Do you look for markets or niches when looking to start an affiliate site?

There’s not really any magic to my methods. Sometimes I start with a product that I like and then research the market for that product. Sometimes I start with a market and then locate products that are a match. So it can go either way.

For me it usually starts with a basic thought or idea sparked by something I see out and about, on television, while surfing the internet, or even something that comes up in my daily life. Ideas are literally everywhere.

I prefer to work with niches & products that I enjoy, have personal experience with, or want to learn more about (for example, if I decide to take up cross-stitching).

I also like to work with Hot Markets (think: Tickle Me Elmo) so I keep my eyes peeled for trends both online and offline.

@TraciKnoppe: Aside from keyword research – is there anything else you consider when choosing a niche or affiliate product?

Keyword Research is where I begin, because I want to get a feel for what people are searching for – and how. One of the main things that I look at is the intent of the search – is it informational, or commercial?

Also see: Frustrated with market research or finding niches?

I also look at the depth of the market. Are there blogs, newsletters, websites, directories, forums, social networks, etc on that topic? These are all a plus because they give me marketing leverage in that niche.

As for products, I like to research the options. Which merchants offer this product, who offers the best shipping and/or the easiest ordering process, which sites might appeal to my target market best, etc. I also look for alternate products that I may want to recommend, or use in comparative reviews.

I really like to get a feel for the market and the product options as a whole.

@VirtualDream: as an affiliate do you stick to one line of products or promote a variety?

I generally do not create an affiliate site around a product, or one particular affiliate program, but rather create my affiliate sites around topics. For example, instead of creating an affiliate site around HostGator, I would create the site around website hosting – or more specifically shared web hosting plans. Just as an example.

For each niche affiliate site that I create I will usually have a primary affiliate program, and at least two other affiliate programs. You never know when a program will close, cancel your affiliation, or stop offering the product. It pays to have multiple options so you can continue to make a profit on the site.

Next we’ll look at what type of site to create in different markets or situations, and when and why you might use a pen name…

Best,

p.s. I’ll be presenting at the Affiliate Marketing workshop in Atlanta this January (coupon code at that link). There are still a few seats left if you’d like to join us! If you can’t make it to a live event, but still want to learn affiliate marketing, check out my overview of Rosalind Gardner’s Super Affiliate Handbook.

Original post by Lynn Terry and software by Elliott Back