Whats the first thing you do when looking for your first product to push. I understand that there are areas to stay away from due to saturation (ring tones etc). Also, should you start with a low payout product or high payout, or does it really matter? Finally, short lead or long lead for your first affiliate attempt.
Another good question..
When looking for ANY product or service to push via an ad network or marketplace, I focus on three things.
1- Conversion rate
2- Payout
3- Competition
For conversion rate, it's so overlooked now and for years already. Most everyone focuses just on the payout and they judge the product/service based on that. WRONG. I mean, you can do that if you really want, but you're most likely missing out on something great. Conversion ratios are so important. It tells you if the damn thing is going to work, and how well or badly it's converting at. Sometimes that all depends on the landing page and the type of traffic that's hitting it. The payout part, shouldn't be used as a way to dream about being rich. For example, if you find something with a piss poor conversion rate, but a really high payout rate, there is a reason for this. The advertiser is aware it's a lot tougher to convert on so they jack up the payout rate to attract idiots that don't focus on anything else, and in turn all you're doing is branding for the advertiser for free if nothing converts. Also, when focusing on payout rates, sooooo many people, big and small affiliates alike, hell, even I do it sometimes, will add up how much they CAN potentially make, and focus on that more than anything. You're just giving yourself false hopes.
For competition, this is also important because you don't want to jump into a market that's dominated by tons of people who have been doing it for a damn long time only to waste a ton of cash and fail. It can make or break you. Even if you have one hell of a creative and unique idea, just remember, there is a reason why there are so many people in that niche, because it converts well, has a decent payout, an even better profit margin, and they know what's working and what's not, while all you may know is that it does okay and pays out pretty good. Their upperhand over you is pretty solid, and they are betting on the fact that it will scare you away after you fail the first time.
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