2 Create a Website

SiteSell Sent Me $8,268.35 Last Month

March 2, 2008 · 50 comments

Am I flashing my SiteSell affiliate check in your face to brag?

No, not at all.

When it comes to telling other people how to make money online, it’s all about credibility.

And if you can’t prove you’re actually profiting, then you sort of get lumped in with all the other “how-to-make-money” sites that leave people wondering if that Webmaster has the profits to back-up their advice.

So I thought about it and realized I could turn my success into a blog post to help inspire others.

That check meant a lot to me. Not just because it’s the largest check I’ve received from SiteSell, but because it caused me to reflect on what so many people do wrong in affiliate marketing.

So I thought I’d tell you what has worked for me…

I Use Most Products I Promote

I’ll be the first to admit, when I first started telling people to buy Site Build It!, I didn’t own it.

I was extremely wowed by the fact I could earn $75 per sale (and yearly residuals) that I immediately begin blasting banner ads and text links for SBI! all over my site.

Not a single person bought it for months.

And why would they?

I was just another cold, impersonal website asking them to shell out $299 for the possibility of making money with a website. But of course, I couldn’t really prove it worked because I didn’t own it.

As the years went on, I kept reading all the successful case studies about SBI!. It seemed that every month SiteSell was adding a new success story to the batch. My curiosity got the best of me.

So I bought SBI! in 2005 and created flat-stomach-exercises.com. Not only did I make my investment back in 3-4 months with Google ads, but the site rose to the top of the search engines faster than any site I’d ever created.

Of course this made for a great story on 2CreateAWebSite.com – a site that teaches people how to build websites.

Case studies and real-world examples sell like crazy. So if you are trying to get your audience to buy something, why not build a case study that outlines your experiences with the product?

Saying “The product’s great!” is one thing, but being able to show how it’s worked for you takes PREselling to a whole other level.

I Try to Be Brutally Honest

It seems when I started emphasizing that not everyone succeeds with Site Build It!, my affiliate sales went up. Sounds kinda strange at first, but if you think about it, it makes sense.

When you are reviewing a product and only talk about the benefits, people get suspicious – especially when there’s an affiliate link tied to the recommendation.

However, when I started creating videos and explaining that Site Build It! is not a get-rich-quick program, it’s a lot of work and does not promise instant success, that increased my credibility and helped my sales.

People are so used to websites aggressively pushing products, they find it refreshing when someone doesn’t sugarcoat everything – especially when it comes to a product that supposedly helps you make money.

People Often Ask Me For My Affiliate Link

When you PREsell effectively, you’ll find some people want to make sure you get that commission. I get emails all the time from people who want to make sure they are purchasing from the right link.

Long gone are the days when I used to hide the fact I was an affiliate.

I decided that if I’m giving people my honest opinion of something and showing that I use the product, why should I hide the fact I’m getting a commission?

Sure, the affiliate link probably turns a few people off, but for the most part, people don’t mind it if they believe you are being upfront and honest.

So What’s the Point?

I didn’t write this post to tell you to join SiteSell’s affiliate program, because if I may be honest, most people are not going to generate 4-figure checks every month. (Unless your site is geared toward Webmasters.)

SiteSell’s products perform well on my site because I have the traffic and the right audience. And you can do the same with a product or service that fits with your visitors.

The point is, if you are not seeing the type of commissions and sales you’d like to receive from your affiliate programs, think about your model and approach.

  • Are the products you market relevant to your audience?
  • Are your recommendations filled with all fluff and no facts?
  • Do you even use the products you promote?
  • Do you make it easy for people to ask questions?

And if you’re spending so much time trying to hide the fact you are affiliated with the company then ask yourself “Why?”

The way I look at it is, if you really do like and use the product, what reason would you have to hide your affiliation?

Years ago I would never admit I was an affiliate because I thought it would turn people off.

And while that is still true to some extent, the majority of the people won’t care as much when they feel you are being honest and giving them valuable information.

Yes, developing case studies can be a lot of work, and that also means you’ll have to invest in some products along the way.

But wouldn’t you agree the credibility and rewards you’ll gain in the long-run are well worth the effort? ;)

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{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Sherif March 3, 2008 at 12:26 am

that’s awesome Lisa. Congrats! and great post, by the way!

So… will you finally buy me an e-drink then? :)

Sherif

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2 lisa March 3, 2008 at 12:33 am

Sure, Sherif. As long as I can use e-money. LOL

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3 lissa November 2, 2009 at 8:19 pm

u really inspire me to get my site up and going. congratulations…

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4 Anonymous March 3, 2008 at 7:21 am
Follow on Twitter: @jwall777

Way to go Lisa…you have reason to be proud!

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5 excellent post! March 3, 2008 at 12:03 pm

Thanks – great post, it’s nice to see affiliates who make a good effort get rewarded. :) I hope it continues!

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6 ViralKing March 4, 2008 at 2:15 am

Great post and congrats on your success. Is that a monthly check or for last year?

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7 Internet Marketer March 4, 2008 at 11:29 am

What a great post! Very well said. I agree with you 110%, if people are affiliates of products you should have it yourself and use it to know the real benefits of the product. It’s all about credibility as you said, if people trust you and respect you and your reviews and opinions, you’ll make more sales.

Also I know I personally don’t like cloning your affiliate links as it looks like people are being sneaky and hiding something. Sure it probably helps get you a few more sales but I much rather prefer the whole honesty approach. I think if people learned of a product from someone they should reward them by making sure they use their affiliate links so they get commission. The least people can do is thank you for your help and information. I know myself I want people to make the commission as it’s my way of personally thanking them.

By the way that’s a great looking affiliate check Lisa. Good job and the only way that check will go is up from here on end. Love your blog, great work!

Sincerely,

Jamie Boyle

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8 lisa March 4, 2008 at 1:43 pm

Thanks Jamie!

ViralKing,

That check is for one month. (February 2008) Pretty cool, eh?

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9 Basma March 4, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Follow on Twitter: @jwall777

Nice job again, I don’t get to read all of the articles as I have to work but I’m getting a hold of it slowly.

Thanx,
Basma.

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10 Zac Johnson March 4, 2008 at 8:09 pm

Excellent Job! Post that Check! :P

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11 Pete March 5, 2008 at 1:12 am

Hi Lisa.

I joined the Sitesell 5 Pillar club about 5 or 6 years ago, tried to sell, and nothing.
Like you, I developed a trust in the product and shelled out for the package ready to ‘Aim’ and ‘Fire’.

For whatever reason, it wouldn’t let me past the researching my keywords stage. Just kept locking me out of the system. So I gave up and let my purchase lapse.

I DO still however promote Sitesell on a couple of my sites because I really do know that it was ME rather than Sitesell that was at fault, and that all of you people there that make up the forums are an extremely helpful bunch. Had I put my application to it, I know you’d have all seen me through. Instead, I took the (what seemed like) easy option of signing up to Yahoo.

I guess I’m just a little too impatient.

Good luck to you all over at Sitesell, a wonderful family.

Pete.

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12 Gavalian Web Design Studio Glendale California March 5, 2008 at 2:27 am

Excellent !!!

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13 Ty Brown March 5, 2008 at 8:21 am

Congrats! Thats a great accomplishment

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14 PBGGRLatino.com March 10, 2008 at 4:16 am

¡Enhorabuena!, excelente post. Acabo de suscribirme a tu blog, contiene mucha información interesante. Excellent post. I’ve just subscribed to your blog, a lot of useful info. Regards.

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15 Liz March 11, 2008 at 1:34 pm

Lisa that’s AWESOME!! I’ve been “plugging away” on my site and always come back to 2createawebsite from time to time just to refresh myself, and remind myself I can have the same success you are having. Aside from that whopping check, hope all is well with you!!!
Liz in Atlanta

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16 Johnny March 11, 2008 at 2:59 pm

I am soooo jealous. You make it look so easy, but I know that you have really put in your time. Great Job!

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17 Moin March 20, 2008 at 6:47 am

Nice job there Lisa!

=D

MoiN

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18 Rita March 27, 2008 at 3:04 pm

What a informative post! Thanks Lisa. this really made me think. I’ll sure come back for your tips and strategies.

Congrats to your success.

Rita

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19 Max March 29, 2008 at 5:02 pm

Nice work Lisa,

Next month I wanna see that five figure SBI check!

I’d love to do an interview with you if you have some time available. My visitors would enjoy hearing about your success story and you can get some nice free exposure…

Let me know.
Keep up the good work,
Max

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20 Prettyflower April 3, 2008 at 9:48 pm

I am so thankful, I found this website. Lisa you are awesome, much success to you.
Ok, I just want to get a few things straight
1. If I join Site build it does that mean i don’t need dreamweaver to update my site and webpalace to registr my domain name
2. Do I have to register through webpalace to get the free information on e-books
3.Dose site build IT provide a shopping cart and help with thAT, I also have a hard-good I intend to sell.

So this is approx 700-1000 investment?

Thanks

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21 lisa April 4, 2008 at 10:38 am

Hi Prettyflower,

1. No, if you buy SBI! you don’t need websitepalace at all. SBI! provides the domain, hosting, website building and everything you need.

2. Yes.

3. They do but that’s an additional monthly fee for that. You can always use PayPal.com for free though.

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22 Brent April 4, 2008 at 4:30 pm

Hi Lisa
I sent you a message about site sell but
i wanted to know how many websites i can have on site sell i have like 4 domain names i want to use can i make 4 different site?

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23 lisa April 5, 2008 at 8:48 am

Hi Brent, I believe I responded to your comment on the blog but here goes again. It’s $299 per site so you would need 4 different subscriptions.

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24 Dianne April 9, 2008 at 5:41 am

Hi Lisa,

Great post. I can vouch for creating trust because I am one of those people who made sure to come back to your website (2create) when I purchased SBI so you would get credit. I figured you gave so much free information, you deserved to get paid. My subscription comes up soon and I’ll definitely be renewing so more money coming your way. I’ll also be doing a second website (just because I like you:). SBI was perfect for a newbie like me and I love it. Congrats on all your success – you deserve it.

Dianne from http://www.scuba-diving-smiles.com

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25 Kerry April 20, 2008 at 3:02 pm

Lisa,

I’ve said it before and I will dare to say it again…”You are a wonderfully inspiring woman!”. Congrats on your success, you most certainly deserve any financial compensation you receive as an affiliate because YOU WORK HARD! I know this as I am a fellow SBI user and as you said in your post, this is not a “get-rich overnight” scheme. Running a site can be a full time job, but for those creating a site for th right reasons, it doesn’t feel like work!
You deserve all the success in the world! I hope that one day we can do lunch :)

Hugs,
Kerry :)

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26 Andrea Edwards July 16, 2008 at 9:19 pm

You are so inspiring. I hope to get there with my site someday also. Keep up the good work!

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27 norbert August 16, 2008 at 8:17 am

yes, that is very, very inspiring…
I am very impressed…

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28 Nate August 20, 2008 at 6:07 am

Lisa

I loved your video. You did an excellent job of spelling out what it really takes to make money online. I surfed to your other sites and found them to be just as interesting and informative. I beleve you can tell alot about a person in the first few minutes they talk to you. You sold me! I am signing up for your sitesell. Please look for me and let me know that you have seen my signup if you get a chance.
Nate

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29 Web design tutorials August 21, 2008 at 4:19 am
Follow on Twitter: @jwall777

Excellent post :) Thanks!

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30 Linn October 12, 2008 at 8:29 pm

That’s awesome.. you have been offering true information and great contents…

nicely done..

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31 Jennifer Kilkenny October 23, 2008 at 8:02 am

I will say that credibility most definitely goes a long way. In fact, your credibility led my husband to your flat-stomach-exercises site, and he’s actually going to purchase membership with one of your affiliate links. We never do that, especially with workout programs, but he looked into it, and he said “it all makes sense.”

So I told him – “when you buy the membership, make sure you visit her site and click the link so she gets the commission!”

I’ve already decided that when I’m ready to go ahead and buy sitebuildit, I will go through your site to get it. :)

Congratulations on that fantastic commission check! Rock on!

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32 lisa October 23, 2008 at 1:02 pm

Wow, Jennifer, thank you. A definite example of the importance of credibility.

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33 Josefina Hart October 26, 2008 at 6:05 pm

Hi Lisa!!!
I am going to sign up today…wish me luck!!!
Love,
Josie

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34 mexxaseonetworks January 31, 2009 at 12:36 pm

Awesome! This is the first time I read about a marketer NOT hiding his affiliate interest.
I’ve seen enough blogs and websites promoting Adware Alert – an antispyware product. They claim it reveals and removes every single bit of all types of malware. This is insane to claim – NO software can do that. But what’s worse, those affiliate marketers (are they marketers? Look rather like greedy for big & quick dollars) evidently NEVER tried the product themselves. I can honestly tell that tried it – and got nothing but worst experience possible. It couldn’t update itself. It couldn’t complete the scan. It couldn’t even start scanning – because immediately autoclosed with no warning displayed. It is shame to promote such a crappy product. And today, after reading your post, it struck me that I’ve onto a brilliant theme for my new hubpage – 10 Worst Antispyware Products! Why not? I guess few IM’ers ever wrote something like this because clearly no affiliate links can be put into. But I hope readers will spread the word and will help building my web credibility.

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35 Bad Azz Network Marketer February 25, 2009 at 11:59 am

lol, nice one. I really dig this article because it’s not often I see other marketers talking about their vested intrest in promoting a product.

I’m with you on this one, I don’t hide the fact that I love doing what I do because of the income it generates and the money I make.

I do it for self-expression and of course because I understand and KNOW that there is money to be made by giving people what they want.

So why disguise it?

– Josef Benjamin –

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36 Kelvin March 12, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Follow on Twitter: @smiceo

Hey Lisa, I love your stuff, your knowledge, and your success. Please mentor me. I am training myself to become a webmaster. I can learn a lot from you and would like too.

I am an SBIer as well with my site being up since Feb. 7, 2009. My alexa ranking started at 19M with it now being 3.4M. How can I improve this?

Love you much for all you do…
Checkout my poetry page at http://how-love-begets-money.com/poetry-love.html

Kelvin
Twitter Me:smiceo

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37 david April 5, 2009 at 8:07 pm

can i have that check plz :L:L

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38 PanzerTank April 11, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Follow on Twitter: @jwall777

I like to see u dont have donate option here.. I hate this people what have sites for bloggers blogspot what have big traffic and i see donate to help me… not the small site the big sites what give help for bloggers or tricks or templates … do u belive some1 what is in 20 to 50.000 ranking on alexa need donate … let me tell u this some1 what is 600.000 on alexa win 200$ per month(1 friend what i have) , but them much more… i speack about adsense… and alote from the help u can take from them will be a error on template html when u try to add let say yahoo sitemaps to give only 1 example. But u know what i like u site. i know this site before to have my blog… find him on youtube. And now i have 2 months from when i have a blog. So i will keep 1 eye on this sites what u have.

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39 claire July 20, 2009 at 9:58 pm

That is so cool!! Congratulations!
claire´s last blog … How to Boost Self-Confidence

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40 Kelvin July 21, 2009 at 10:59 am
Follow on Twitter: @smiceo

So, I see you study other sites and borrow from them, too. Is this a tidbit of your success strategy?

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41 lisa July 21, 2009 at 2:01 pm

I’m always studying other people who are more successful than me to learn about successful marketing strategies. Always keep your eyes open. There’s always something new to learn. ;)

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42 Kelvin July 21, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Follow on Twitter: @smiceo

With SiteSell, I am learning so much and I am teaching myself. I once believed that I had to go to school to gain webmaster skill but with this program anyone can become a money making webmaster. If you want it passionately enough, you will make it happen. Now with this New Media (click on my name for more info) your postings and everyone else postings can become your online, moneymaking cash register. Watch the informative video and get started today. A Free trial is offered but it cost so little to maximize your Social Media Marketing Website.

Thank you LL (Lovely Lisa) for such informative and useful websites and information.

If I have but one task to do
let it be of me assisting you
with the luxury of earning so much more…
— Kelvin Shaw
Live Abundantly…
Shaw Web-Marketing International, LLC.

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43 Kelvin July 21, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Follow on Twitter: @smiceo

Oops, that’s webmaster skills.

Sorry for the error.

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44 mohammad July 24, 2009 at 10:38 am
Follow on Twitter: @jwall777

i would like to know more information about to your programme i could not understod what does on site and how we getup the money on online wesite. so please explain easily. my English is not very good.

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45 Bubblewraped Blogger September 1, 2009 at 11:05 am
Follow on Twitter: @ZanMarr

excellent post, I’m working hard to get a check like that. Your site and info are a valuable help , thanks a lot.
Bubblewraped Blogger´s last blog … Let me ’splain No, there’s too much. Let me sum up

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46 Nero September 18, 2009 at 5:41 pm

HI Lisa,

Am reading your blog and website a while, and i really enjoy and learn a lot. Thank you for that and congrats with the big check!!

Its too bad, or maybe am wrong, that SBI is not in europe or holland , where am from, seems like a great tool.

Thanks a lot, and keep up the good work you are doing!!

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47 Mel Lancaster October 7, 2009 at 6:50 am
Follow on Twitter: @onlinemoneyidea

Hi Lisa

You have created a fantastic and informative website.

The fact that you earn great affiliate cheques is down to providing great, honest and reliable content for your readers.

This is a lesson that I also learned from SBI!

“Great place to learn if you are a novice.”

Keep up the great work.

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48 Millie October 7, 2009 at 7:28 am
Follow on Twitter: @milliepatel84
49 Lowell Christensen October 10, 2009 at 3:59 am

Ok, this is getting strange. I just watched your youtube video on your failures and found it very interesting that you started out anonymously. I made the comment that it was like so many people online, including myself a few years back.

Then I found my way to your Site Sell page here and you’ll never guess. I’ve been trying to refer Site Sell to people as well for a few months now to no avail. I totally believe in the product because I believe in the process, but Guess what? I don’t own it.

Next I’ll be doing flat stomach exercises.

Once again, excellent stuff!
Lowell Christensen´s last blog … Successful Internet Based Home Business

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50 Best Wedding Dances November 5, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Follow on Twitter: @WeddingDances

Hi Lisa

That is a great check. good job
Best Wedding Dances´s last blog … Thriller Wedding Dance – Happy Halloween

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