What if you have an amazing product, but nobody will give you the time of day to promote it? Sound familiar?

Many others have walked this path. Once you think about human nature, you’ll see that there is always a way.

Master Key #1: Make News

People are always hungry for the latest news. They want hot, fresh news. “Insider” views that aren’t spread all across the internet.

On the flip side, journalists hate to be “scooped” by another station or publication. There’s nothing worse than old, stale news which is no longer new.

To apply this Key, you need to create some news and buzz that your partners and affiliates can’t resist sharing. The hotter and more exclusive the news, the better.

Even existing products can be made newsworthy. This happens all the time with traditional products. Make some dramatic changes to your offer or packaging, or create a story that ignites discussion and debate. Make it new enough, and your affiliates and partners will eagerly promote you.

Master Key #2: Make It Easy For Them, and They’ll Make It Better for You

For this Key, there are two principles at work.

The first principle is almost as common as death and taxes: people don’t want to do more than they have to. They are stressed, overworked, doing the best they can, and just don’t want to be bothered unless it’s in their interest. And some people are downright lazy! They also love it when others serve them.

So, go out of your way to make it easy for them. It should be brain dead simple to join your affiliate program and get your marketing materials. They should be easy to use, or even customize. If it’s worth it, YOU should do the customizing so they don’t have to. Create special materials for highly valued partners.

The second principle is that people do feel obligated — very strongly obligated sometimes — to return a favor. Social psychologist Robert B. Cialdini calls this the law of reciprocation.

Make doing promotions easy for your partners and affiliates. Chances are, they will reciprocate and make your business better for you.

Master Key #3: Use the Power of the Deadline

If you want to virtually “force” affiliates and partners promote for you, apply the irresistible power of the deadline.

Come up with an attractive offer or event, with a clear deadline. You “force” participation because once the deadline passes, the offer or event is gone.

Examples of deadline offers include:

* Deep discount sales
* Holiday promotions
* Teleseminars and other live events
* Contests
* Special offers, such as bonuses
* Other scarcity, such as limited quantities

One very important point: don’t allow exceptions. Some people may test you to see if you’ll bend the rules. Don’t do it. That sends the wrong message for your future promotions. Your customers need to know that when you set a deadline or other limit, you mean it.

To summarize: Try these three keys and benefit from greater excitement and involvement by your partners and affiliates.

Author Bio: Tom Canyon writes about affiliate marketing. For more details, get a copy of a Free Report on the experts’ secrets to starting a profitable affiliate program, at www.OnlineSalesArmySecrets.com/report.html

Category: Marketing
Keywords: online affiliate programs, start affiliate program, make money with affiliate program