Q: I am VERY new to this… so please excuse me if this is a stupid question. If I want to be an affiliate marketer, I need a Web site correct? My question is if I do not have a product to sell, how do I set up a Web site?
A: You do not need a Web site, but I would suggest that you build one up to develop your business. It’s not up to you to stock or fulfill and products when you are an affiliate. Your goal is to send targeted traffic to the affiliate programs you promote.
There are many ways that affiliates promote affiliate links, both with Web sites and without. Some affiliates bid on keywords in pay per click search engines or market offers to e-mail lists.
If you plan to build up a long term business based on affiliate marketing, I would suggest launching a Web site. You should strive to provide a unique value proposition on the site, such as a niche community or original content, in order to give people a reason to visit the site.
Be selective about the affiliate programs you promote. Craft your site to appeal to a specific demographic and join affiliate programs that appeal to that audience.
I think a good place for you to start would be at the various affiliate marketing message boards, where you can learn from the members of each community as to how you can grow your business with affiliate marketing.
Also, take a look at the dozens of affiliate tips I’ve written to help out with your marketing efforts.