You may think that because people pay for the things they value, that giving something for free will cheapen your affiliate site. Actually, if a freebie is done well and relates directly to the purpose and target visitors of your site, it can go a long way in helping you form relationships with site visitors.

Because of the trend toward relationship building on the web now, sites that just sell a product or service don’t create the atmosphere visitors are looking for. Yes, they’re reasonably likely to buy the jacket they were looking for, but if that’s all there is, they won’t necessarily stop back to see your site, and are just as likely to be attracted to another site, and stick with it if yours doesn’t have the value added kicker.

Some freebies to consider: An excerpt of an e-book, the full version of which you have for sale; a compiled book of tips from your archives; a recipe that relates to your product (how many people wearing the jacket would like to have a recipe for spiked cider or some creative, but easy tailgating recipes?); a chapter of a serialized story including a character created for your site – one who personifies your target customer; a how-to for a seasonal task such as getting the storm windows to slide using a common household product.

Affiliates usually provide information rather than product, due to the cost of production and shipping, but if your site has a prestige or popular following, you might also consider giving a small, but exclusive branded item to loyal buyers. Something that will be displayed on an office desk, for instance, and provoke the “Hey, how’d you rate that?” question and keep your site’s buzz getting and getting louder!

Karen Kari's articles and more information on the affiliate business can be found at:

http://www.affiliatebandit.com
http://www.advertisingcellar.com
http://www.billionfreeads.com

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