Yesterday I shared one of my own Affiliate Sites with my newsletter subscribers. It's a product-based affiliate site and one that I have just recently re-vamped.
If you'd like to see that issue, it is now archived online: Easily Create Niche Web 2.0
Affiliate Sites. Of course, you can easily create any type of niche Web 2.0 site, but the example was specifically for creating product based sites using affiliate datafeeds. The main concept being how to turn a regular website into a self-updating interactive Web 2.0-type site...
What I shared was both the before and the after. The before site was done in basic HTML and had to be manually updated. It was basically an "online store" with each product linking to the merchants site for checkout.
The 'after' site looked almost identical, except it is powered by WordPress using the Static Blogging method. The products were automatically added and updated using WordPress Datafeed Import along with the merchants affiliate datafeed.
Static Blogging is a method of using WordPress as a Content Management System (CMS) to create Web 2.0 type sites - instead of the traditional blog style that you would normally associate with WordPress.
Static Blogging is actually a "course" that was just developed this year and hasnt been launched publicly yet. And while it has great documentation and tons of detailed video tutorials, it is MUCH more than a "course". Its a complete system, and comes with themes and plugins to make everything super simple for you.
For the next 24 hours (until end of day on Thursday 10/25), I have a special link for Static Blogging you can use to get $20 off: Static Blogging Special. This is a special deal exclusively for my readers, offered yesterday and good for 48 hours only.
Stacie Bennett and Christy Knowlton are the developers behind Static Blogging, and they were more than happy to extend the reduced price to fellow readers. The timing couldnt have been better with the holiday sales rush right around the corner, and the New Year right behind it.
You may not be able to get great search engine rankings with a brand new static site in time for holiday sales... but you can gain exposure with a WordPress-based site much easier and much more quickly! 😉
If this interests you, be sure to read my latest issue of SSWT and see the before and after versions of my own affiliate site. You'll see that they are very similar in look and feel... but they are VERY different in almost every other way... all the good ways, that is 😀
By the way, if you are interested in doing product-based sites, and creating online stores with affiliate products, I would highly recommend NetShops. They have great payout versus most other programs for physical products, and tend to convert very well. That is my referral link of course - it's a 2-tier program too.
I know all the experts say "Content is King!"... but hey - sometimes an online store is the perfect approach if you are targeting a market that is looking to buy products online!
Definitely check out NetShops and all the product lines they offer. Combine that with WordPress Datafeed Import and Static Blogging... and you will have a brand new Niche Web 2.0 Affiliate Site of your own up and running in no time!
Best,
P.S. Here's what one of my readers had to say about Static Blogging:
"I’ve been watching the videos and have to say SB is exactly what I needed. I really appreciate the step-by-step instructions on the videos. Thanks for taking the time to go in-depth, it is very helpful.
I’ve set up WordPress blogs in the past and am fair in my understanding of what’s what, but I have already learned tons of new things and found answers to problems I’ve had in the past with WP.
I got very excited in the section on the how to do silo layouts in WP. I’ve built regular sites for years and have “mapped out†my sites - now I can do it in WP. Who knew WordPress could do this?
The bottom line is that I feel like I now have control over WP and can use it as the wonderful content management system that it is but not be stuck in the “traditional†blog world."
-Robert Ragan
Click here to Save $20 on Static Blogging
OR Click here to Pay Full Price 
About Lynn Terry
I think I might just have to check it out!
I have been creating affiliate sites for years, but I have to tell you - I am IN LOVE with my new set up.
Once you go WordPress, you'll never go back 😉
I won't have the money in time to get in on the deal, but I'm for sure going to check this out in the near future. I'm very interested in changing most if not all of my sites over to WordPress.
By the way, I like the look of the new WP dart site better anyway. It's very nice!
Thank you 🙂 Me too - I'm very pleased with it so far. I am still working on the updates obviously, but its definitely what I wanted. And its MUCH easier to update (the products are still dripping in via datafeed as we speak!).
Lynn - not sure where else to post this but I'm having trouble posting to the SSWT forums. Tried last night and then this morning but every time I hit the submit button it takes me to your 404 error page. Is it just me or is there a problem with the forum?
Danielle
Hmm - I'll check that out. It didnt happen to be on a specific post, or in private messaging, or something like that did it? I'm off to see if it gives me the error on my end... Thanks for letting me know!
Okay, just returned from the forum and its working fine for me - both PMs and regular posts and replies. Let me know if you're still getting errors on your end...
I'm still having trouble on my PC but my home MAC is working fine. Looks like it is on my end.. strange I have never had a problem before.
Hmm - I wish I knew what the issue was. That would make it easier to resolve 🙂
Hi Danielle,
In case it was a temporary problem, you may want to clear your cache and cookies before accessing the forum again.
Sometimes the persistent cache will continue to show the 404 page even though the issue was revolved. 🙂
~ Teli
Great suggestion Teli - thank you for that! I'm loving your WPDI script, by the way - awesome 😉
I am new at this I hope you can help, I have read practically a lot about being an affiliate and it sounds great, I know that you need a web page, the question is how and where to go to create this webpage, eventhough some people say you do not need a web page, how do you place the banners on other webpages? hope you can help or lead me to someone that can
thanks
Hey Lynn,
I just ordered Static Blogging! I haven't downloaded all the good stuff yet but plan to download it an take a peek this weekend.
I just signed up for this course last night, and although I didn't go through all of it yet (only about half) I can safely say this is completely worth it 🙂 thanks Lynn for the pointer... and the discount!
I used to have several affiliate sites running that require manual updates and I totally agree with you how troublesome it is. I migrated to WordPress a year back and that is where everything start to become more automated.
I simply love WordPress.
Lynn, thanks for sharing too.
You're most welcome 😉
George - you'll want to start here:
http://www.clicknewz.com/424/getting-a-website-online/
You will need a hosting account to host your new website, and you can get a coupon code to get your first month free at:
http://www.clicknewz.com/995/hostgator-coupon-code-first-month-for-a-penny/
Once you set that up, you can install WordPress from that account, or you can use their website builder to start creating your website. If you have any questions along the way you are welcome to ask them on my discussion forum at http://www.selfstartersweeklytips.com/forum/
You'll find all the help you need there!
Lynn, it sounds great and the sample site you showed us looks great, too -- almost exactly like your old one except you say it's easier to manage.
Does the course teach you how to research products to sell and niches, as well as how to put up and design this WordPress site?
I have been using wordpress to create websites as well, but I didn't buy any courses or software. I just set the homepage to be a static page (under the options menu) and added pages instead of posts. I didn't get a chance to ask in the webinar on Tuesday but I'm curious what the difference is between that method and the Static Blogging program you mentioned using.
Hi Loretta,
Stacie and I have talked about that before, and its true that you can do much of the same yourself - its just a matter of figuring it all out one element at a time. Too, their package comes with custom templates and plugins that are unique to Static Blogging. Personally, I like the ease of set-up vs going it alone - but yes, you could take the time to do it without SB if you preferred. Stacie may stop by too and pipe in with details I might have left out in regards to what all they offer in the bundle...
Hi Ana,
No - but I have a report on that which details my own Strategy. If you decide to get SB, just send me an email and I'll give you a copy. You can also get help with Market Research on my forum free too.
It does come with the templates and designs though - so yes to the 2nd part of your question.
Thanks for the response, Lynn 🙂
I'm all for anything that makes things easier and faster!
That makes two of us 😉
Its either spend a little on an out-of-the-box solution or spend a lot more outsourcing the setup lol
I'm most for anything that makes things more effective and makes the money -- even if we have to put in the time, learn and do the work.
I always question "easy" and "fast." Getting a good business going isn't easy, and no one makes money fast.
Still ... I am *impressed* with that site you showed us, Lynn. For once, we see a site put together with a template that actually looks original and professional.
But ... since no templates are really "custom" (they're premade), do they all look the same? I'd much rather learn how to design it myself ...
And since you, Lynn, are familiar with code, have you noticed any extra or extraneous code these templates tend to have, that Google might not like?
I must say I *do* like the price, too.
Ana
I havent, no - but I am new to using the Static Blogging method myself. I am super happy with it so far, but this switchover was very recent and I am still working with it. So far, like I said, I am loving it - especially not having to do the constant product updates 🙂
As for the design, I already had the header graphic and the background color and such from the original site - so as you can see its easy enough to customize templates to suit your own liking.
Loretta (and all),
If you are using WordPress - you need the Static Blogging course. End of story. And it is an absolute steal at this price.
I promise you will save plenty of time after you see what they cover in SB. Who else has spent hours going over the WordPress help boards just trying to figure one little WP problem out?
Also, I have just discovered that they have fantastic support. Christy and Stacie have recently gone above and beyond to help me with one of my WP issues.
I have a short list of trusted on-line resources that will actually answer your questions and sincerely help you out. It just hit me that most of them are women. Go figure. 😉
Here's part of that list:
-Lynn Terry, you know she's awesome.
-Alice Seba, Internet Sweetie.
-Teli, WP goddess/Optiniche/and has the WP Datafeed Importer mentioned in this post)
-And now Christy and Stacie of Static Blogging.
I've been burned or not-so-pleased many times over the years in the Internet marketing arena with different products, software and courses, but these ladies are the real deal.
GushFest? Maybe, but darn it - it's true.
In fact, I'm so excited about the blogging options that the SB methods have personally opened up for me (and my long-time vision of how I want WP to work for me) that I am bursting with new ideas every day.
SB and the WP Datafeed Importer are two blogging solutions that I have been both waiting and searching for - for a long time.
Really...Run don't walk on this one!
😉 Robert
Lynn,
This may be obvious, but if you use WordPress to create your pages/site, do you also need to register a domain name for each affiliate site?
Or, do you just use your WordPress name and the blog is the site?
I haven't started on WordPress, yet, but I'm heading in that direction! The products look terrific, thanks!
Bette
You should register a domain name for each affiliate site that you create. I am not sure what you mean by "wordpress name" unless you are mistaking this for setting up a free blog on WordPress.com, which is not the same at all...
Let me know if you still have questions 😉
Hi Lynn,
Long time fan of yours! Anyway, does the static blogging package come with the wordpress datafeed import software that you mentioned using?
Thanks.
No, its a separate program that I use:
http://www.clicknewz.com/wp-datafeed-import.php
Hello Lynn,
Is the discount on the Static Blogging offically over? The product looks great but of course I'm not thrilled with Datafeed Import script price! Is there any way around it at least for starters? What do you think of WebMerge? If I purchase the Static Blogging package could I still receive your product and niche research report?
WPDI has a higher price tag, yes - but its a great investment if you are going to be working with datafeeds. As for Static Blogging, I have another special running this week from the developers:
http://www.clicknewz.com/1210/48-hour-discount-for-my-readers/
I've heard good things about WebMerge but I havent used it personally. You might want to ask about that on my forum.
I'm not sure what you were asking about my Fast Cash Strategy & Keyword Research report... but you can get them both in the Elite Members section at my discussion forum if you are a member there.
This is the link to the forum if you need it:
http://www.selfstartersweeklytips.com/forum/
Best,
Lynn Terry
Thank you so much for the info and the link. I've looked at BANS in the past and it indeed looks promising.
Not looking for a definitive answer but how fast would you suspect a complete newbie to turn the first dollar after the site is completely set up? Is 2 to 300 bucks a month a realistic profit per site?
Really interested in this process since it will trickle in dollars while I focus on other IM projects!
I agree - in fact, I have it in the queue for review:
http://www.clicknewz.com/1212/whats-next-in-the-review-queue-bans/
About new sites - yes, $300/month is VERY realistic. You can easily earn that in the first year consistently, and of course much much more.
Using PPC, Viral Marketing and Social Networking you can expect to "turn the first dollar" within a matter of days.
Lynn - is BANS an online application or does it require you to download a program or software to your PC? I am wanting to make sure that it is MAC compatible - anyone know?
Hi Danielle,
You can get all the details here:
http://www.clicknewz.com/bans.htm
But to answer to your question, BANS is a 6-part package. You get the website builder, user manual, an unlimited site license, the templates, the online members area and free updates.
You do have to download the program and some other components so I am assuming it may not be MAC compatible but it doesnt say either way anywhere on their site. You might contact them through their support form to be sure.
Thankiossi
It's great
The bottom line is that you need to have good IDEAS of what to sell. My course is emphasizing the necessity of expertise in whatever niche you choose, whether it's a little product site or an authority content site.
It's why I'm one of only two so far who do not have products yet: My favorite niche doesn't seem to have any demand, my other passions are not moneymakers by nature, and I have no other expertise.
What to do ... ;-'(
Ahh then you will enjoy one of my upcoming posts (scheduled for this week) titled "Passion vs Profit" 😉
As you probably know by now, I selected Musical Instruments as the general niche for my new BANS site - and I have ZERO knowledge or experience in this market.
I'll definitely look for that, Lynn. I have to have a product this week, no excuses! And I have to get used to researching products every single time. They're already up to writing your own free report, and we have to have one to finish the course.
I dont know where you're taking this online course, but have you gotten advice from them on how to proceed from where you are now?
I'm so far behind because of the project, that everyone's already found their products, built their pages, written their sales copy, learned how to make affiliate links, gone into 2.0 marketing, etc.
I'm not even close. Even when everyone was working on niche research, though, they were ahead of me. It was bad for me because my beloved big niche had few searches -- at least in Wordtracker's free version.
And with the instructor's insistence that you be an expert in whatever niche you choose, even for little product sites ... it makes it hard for someone whose niche just doesn't match.
I can't bother them now, it's been too long. They've moved on.
The course lasts until January.
I have absolutely no expertise in musical instruments. Heck, I dont even have a personal interest in them - let alone the first shred of knowledge... yet that is the topic for my newest site. I would get past that and either find a way to work your niche or pick a new one.
You are a member at my forum, correct? If so, feel free to post your questions in the Market Research category if you need help along the way.
Good read, thanks. Seo is important. Looking for good free rank checking software.
Try Digital Point or SEO Book for their free tools. I believe they both have one.
This sounds really promising. I'm in the middle of designing a new site that I can deploy quickly and easily. Since WordPress is very SEO friendly straight out of the box, and is easy to control and edit, I think it would serve my purpose very well. Thanks for this excellent post.
Can anyone suggest a very good seo book?",,
Sure! Go to http://www.SEOfaststart.com (free download)