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We're three-quarters of the way through a 4-part series on the anxiety newbies feel when trying to settle on a niche. Part 1 was about whether you should go for passion or profit, and Part 2 discussed the amount of competition. Today, our focus is on what is sort of an ethical question.
How can I promote products I haven't used?
Some marketers feel they have a dilemma because they don't want to promote products they don't personally own or use. They are likely in the minority; sometimes it seems the vast majority of Internet marketers are just in it for a quick buck, regardless of what they have to do. That approach doesn't even work well, but that's a story for another time.
What you should and shouldn't promote is an excellent question to consider. But it's not realistic to limit yourself to things you've personally used, and few people would actually expect that. Why not?
Well, does your local hardware store owner personally possess one of every item in his store? No. He just chooses products that he can promote with confidence from manufacturers he respects. It's the same with an Internet "store." If you're choosy about what you endorse, and write responsible copy about it, you can have a clean conscience about your business.
Remember, niches are narrow
Besides, a niche is by definition narrow. So say you want to build a site about infant car seats. If you feel uncomfortable promoting models you've never even heard of before, you don't have to cover all types of car seats. Maybe you could talk about just one type, one brand, or even one model; that way you may be able to limit it to something you do own or know about. However, if you are covering several types or models, do research for the ones you don't have specific experience with.
For instance, find out what others have to say about a product and compile it into a list of pros and cons, basically writing a composite review, while not pretending that you personally have used the product. You can flat-out say, Here's what others have had to say about product X.
This is where a high level of interest in the subject (or a high level of motivation) becomes very valuable. It might not be your life's calling, but you're happy to write about it.
So don't let this fear stop you. Honest, responsible marketing will ensure that your site earns trust and builds authority.
In part 4 (coming soon), we'll cover the issue of domain names and whether all the good ones are gone.
I LOVE my “job.” Affiliate marketing takes work, but it doesn’t feel like work.
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