Comments on: Are You Overselling To Your Readers?

By: Codrut Turcanu I Sta

Codrut Turcanu I Sta — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 13:31:56 +0000

I can't stress enough the importance of your last point…

That's why I always test a product prior promoting it, and in 9 out of 10 times I will write an honest review about it.

It's a sure-fire way to boost commissions, it works like crazy particularly when you're offering an incentive…

By: How To Be A Good Blogger And Still Make Sales – The Top 3 Ways

How To Be A Good Blogger And Still Make Sales – The Top 3 Ways — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:18:09 +0000

[...] probably read my previous posts about overselling. The first one asked you whether you are overselling and the second one was about the five warning signs of overselling. So you know how to find whether [...]

By: 5 Warning Signs Of Overselling

5 Warning Signs Of Overselling — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 15:00:33 +0000

[...] I know I have given you a good introduction and if you want to know more about overselling, you can read my last post on “Are you overselling to your readers?” [...]

By: Photoshop templates

Photoshop templates — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:14:59 +0000

Yes most of the bloggers loose readers by posting too many paid reviews.

By: Chelsa

Chelsa — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 04:03:07 +0000

If possible, use what you are selling. I remember I read a post somewhere that he is endorsing/selling a blog theme, and when I asked him why he is not using it. His reply made me laugh – I can’t afford it, it’s too expensive”

By: Dan

Dan — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:47:02 +0000

I somewhat agree with most of this, though I think banner implemented correctly and blended well in a non-obtrusive way can often increase your revenue.

I have seen this backfire in the past though where I had ads so well blended that people mistook them for links on the site, I got plenty of clicks but the profits went south fairly quickly

By: Perfect Sales Pitch

Perfect Sales Pitch — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:16:39 +0000

I think there's a really tricky line between recommending a product and selling a product when it you're blogging. Personally I am always very sceptical when a blogger recommends a product and then links to it using his affiliate link. As you say I think if you do decide to recommend a product which you'll earn a commission from you should certainly write a balanced review.

By: B. Durant

B. Durant — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 02:22:39 +0000

Nice article. It drives me nuts every time I go on certain blogs (who I won't name here) and almost all of their content is nothing but long winded sales pitches for whatever product crosses their "radar".

Anyone with half a brain can see right through their bs.

By: Ramkarthik

Ramkarthik — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:28:54 +0000

@ Hank,

It does happen sometimes when companies will contact you regarding reviews and when you have done it honestly, you will be having a good time talking to them.

@ Kim,

That's excellent comment. Being in your visitors' shoes will get the BEST result you can ever expect. Words should sell.

@ one.choen,

Glad you liked the article.

@ Angel,

Funny. People do that sometimes. I, most of the times, recommend people to be an affiliate for their hosting company since it is something they use.

@ Affiliate Famous,

I agree and in fact people, in the modern world, have to give a lot to get a little.

@Rajeev,

Exacatly what I wanted to say. Give crap and you will receive only crap.

@ TechnoSamrat,

Yes games blog have a lot of irrelevant banners.

By: TechnoSamrat

TechnoSamrat — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:50:09 +0000

Great article.. i really hate the sites with lot of banners…. Especially the games related sites…

By: Rajeev Edmonds

Rajeev Edmonds — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:03:54 +0000

Good article RamKarthik,

Kim has hit the nail. We should put ourselves in visitor's shoes to assess the content of our blog. If I will give crap, I will get the same in return.

By: Affiliate Famous

Affiliate Famous — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 10:23:21 +0000

Great post! Especially in the affiliate industry, I have read too many blogs that are always trying to sell instead of giving useful content. Its the old rule of thumb, "you have to give a little to get a little."

By: Angel Cuala

Angel Cuala — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 01:39:29 +0000

Nice list, but I would like to add something to the last one.

By: one.choen

one.choen — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:05:45 +0000

Thanks… great information… i totally agree to.

By: Kim McGinnis

Kim McGinnis — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:13:06 +0000

Ramkarthik-I totally agree.

Many times bloggers or information sites do not give enough credit to the web surfer. Most visitors are too savvy to be swept in by a cool looking ad, or simply "click and buy" just because the website owner gave a product or service the thumbs up.

It brings to mind the Wendy's commercial of groups of people flocking toward a gapping hole in the ground just because others are doing it.

Integrity and well written content will always have more staying power and potential for abundance than ads and words of quiet desperation.

So how do you make money? You said it in the beginning of your post. Trust must be developed. And just like a true friendship with a fellow human being, real trust can not be forced. Want a friend? Act like a friend. Want an ideal visitor? Put yourself in your visitors shoes. Now give them what you would want.

Patience is a virtue, and in today's world it has become a lost art. All the same, it is a universal law that it will prevail as long as your integrity remains constant.