Some people look at affiliate marketing as some scammer trying to push any old product in order to get a commission. If you're not an affiliate marketer, you may have preconceived notions that affiliate marketing is in some way less than legitimate. Today, we are going to set the record straight. The Affiliate Guy, Matt McWilliams is here to talk about his affiliate marketing journey and how affiliate marketing can have a positive impact on the world.
We are specifically going to talk about partnering with other online entrepreneurs to reach a broader audience and get your product in front of those who actually need it. Matt breaks down how anyone can start an affiliate program for their product for free. We talk about some of the tools needed and how to remain ethical while actually doing good. According to Matt, the best partners are ones that help you create value, provide quality, and have a relevant audience. He's not willing to promote a product that he wouldn't be willing to sell to one of his closest friends.
Matt has been doing affiliate marketing for over 16 years. In fact, it's how he saved one of his businesses. He has trained more than 300,000 affiliates. He has worked with Shutterfly and Adidas. He's also worked with entrepreneurs like Michael Hyatt, Stu McLaren, Lewis Howes, Brian Tracy, Ray Edwards, Claire Diaz-Ortiz, Shark Tank’s Kevin Harrington, and Zig Ziglar. He’s the host of The Affiliate Guy Podcast, and he’s passionate about creating positive impact by helping great businesses thrive and build an audience.
And be sure to subscribe to The Self-Employed Life in Apple podcasts or follow us on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss an episode.
Everything you need can all be found at jeffreyshaw.com
Matt McWilliams thank you so much for being here!
Remember, you might be in business FOR yourself but you are not in business BY yourself.
Be your best self. Be proud and keep changing the world.
Join 17,000 subscribers looking to do "business with a soul" and sign up to receive
my Self-Employed Nutshell Newsletter! Sign up here!
Highlights –
[02:24] Matt has been on a 15-year journey to become a better leader. He discovered that fear was holding him back. He had PTSD from a failed business in the past. Now that he's acknowledged that, it's made a huge difference in his leadership ability.
[04:43] He also lost 88 pounds and improved his health.
[07:35] Matt has been involved with affiliate marketing for the last 16 years. Affiliate marketing saved his business.
[10:33] Matt shares how he realized the actual importance of his job helping businesses by teaching affiliate marketing. He realized he is making a difference.
[15:13] Matt lost 88 pounds with the help of his coach. He felt his weight was holding him back in his business.
[19:46] Values, quality, relevance and being able to offer the product to a friend can help you decide if your values are in line with the affiliate program you're looking at.
[22:55] When looking at potential affiliate programs always ask what is the best way to serve your audience. It's good to go through it or have someone on your team do so.
[26:29] When you promote a program, don't send it to everyone on your list or your new subscribers.
[30:10] If you promote something, always give value. Share how it impacted you and why that is so valuable. Give your subscribers an option to opt out of your further affiliate marketing emails on this one program that you are promoting.
[32:02] The best place to start finding affiliates is with your friends and people who have promoted similar products.
[34:35] The four sentence rule. Don't overwhelm your list. You can start an affiliate program for free.
[36:02] You can use a tool like ConvertKit to set up a landing page URL that will tag affiliates that send traffic to that URL.
[38:39] Follow best practices, and then test everything else. A/B split testing will help you improve your conversions.
[45:26] Matt has a new book called The Passion to Profit Path.
[46:02] The three types of entrepreneurs include the profitable who hate their work, the ones who love what they don't but don't make any money, and the ones who love what they do and make great money.
[48:39] The goal of Matt's business and book is to help entrepreneurs make money and love what they do.
[52:34] Affiliate marketing bridges the gap between having nothing to sell and being able to sell something. It also helps you learn about your audience.
[54:27] We learn about Matt in the Rapid Round including his secret for getting things done.
Guest Contact –
Resources –
Contact Jeffrey –
Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website and are all your marketing materials speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Often it’s not which is why you’re not converting traffic and leads to clients and attracting your most profitable customers. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I’ll take a look at your website. If I have suggestions for you to improve your brand message (I almost always do), we’ll set up a complimentary 30-minute call to discuss. A select number of websites are also chosen for my LINGO Review Video Series. Fill out the application today and let’s get your business speaking the right LINGO!
Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.
943: Peter Wilken – Unveiling the Power of Brand DNA
942: Coaching Break - Fear......yes, and....
941: Mark Herschberg – Understanding the Evolution of Content Marketing
940: Kasey Compton – Finding True Joy Through Self-Awareness
939: Coaching Break – How To Make Your Customers Feel Great About Their Decision
938: Coline Monsarrat – Closing the Gap: From Imposter Syndrome to Authenticity
937: Coaching Break – Legacy: A Connection to the Past, Future, and Your Customers
936: Pat Flynn - Creating a Community of Superfans
935: Coaching Break – Beware of Mindset Gaps
934: Paul Cuneo – Navigating Your Hero's Journey
933: Coaching Break – Fighting Off Feelings of Discouragement
932: Andy Guttormsen – Crafting a Community for your Business
931: Coaching Break – The Challenge of Being Chosen
930: Jon Ostenson – The Benefits of Franchise Ownership
929: Coaching Break – How To Create an Unbreakable Bond Level of Service
928: Jim Vaselopulos – The Wisdom of Clarity
927: Regina Lawless – The Secret to a MeaningFULL Life
926: Coaching Break – Two Tips to Kickstart Your Business Growth
925: Ronak Sheth – LIT Videobooks: The Future of Books
924: Coaching Break – Two Tips for a Great New Year
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Commercial Edge: Unleash the Power of People
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Organic Marketing Simplified: Master podcast marketing, fuel podcast growth, and make money podcasting!
THE GO BIZ GUY
The Sigma Femme Podcast
The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway
The Tim Ferriss Show