There are still big companies that think they can compete effectively online solely by virtue of the reputation they have earned in the offline world. And yes, people visit their branded sites for transactions, coupons, recipes and sweepstakes. But many of them have done nothing to create an environment that compels visitors to return regularly.
Affiliates can use this to their advantage. You can create a site that has information and solutions that have value in themselves, without selling anything. You can give advice, review products and services, reprint expert articles, publish studies. Provide tips and detailed FAQ's. Become a voice and an advocate of your niche.
The difference is that you are creating a relationship, and they are furthering a transaction. For example, a brand name auto supply store sells car waxes and polishes. Your affiliate car detailing and accessory site links to stores that sell similar products. The difference is that you have several articles about getting bugs and sap off a car before waxing. And more articles about the number of times a car can be run through a car wash before different products are washed off. A humorous article by a site visitor about the perils of an electric buffer. Add these to some charts with cost, time to apply and overall ratings of products. Why would anyone buy from the other site, unless they couldn't find you in a search? (That's another article, but the more content on your site the better you will continue to do in searches.)
If you have enough good content, you'll find that even after the buyer has bought the product with a manufacturer or distributor web address printed on it, he'll return to you – because you may have the next greatest thing he may have missed otherwise. Now that's how to compete!
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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