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Originally Posted by Toby
There are ways to evaluate the success (profitability) of a site that does not include my own affiliate sales figures or any insider information. Simply being observant over time, paying attention to lifestyle changes major purchases etc. that show up in the day to day updates on the site and in posts to boards, journals, blogs, etc.
Affiliate program promotions are always going to be the most obvious, but if you're observant you'll also see other promotional avenues being used by many of these same sites.
Are there amateur sites making big money that don't have affiliate programs? Sure there are.
Are there amateur sites making big money that do little promotion other than their affiliate program? Yes again.
Are there far more amateur sites making big money that are untilizing many promotional avenues, including an affiliate program? Yes there are.
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Well, you see, Toby. This is not necessarily bad advice. However, speaking as one who has arguably more intimate knowledge of independant website marketing, my advice was for a prudent strategy that is the least expensive and easiest route to immediate success. I will say it again. Affiliate marketing is hugely expensive and unless a new website is well funded and confident of success, not necessarily the best strategy. For instance, I buy better traffic that converts like a son of a bitch from magazines and will outperform any affiliate strategy for a fraction of the price. That is a good roi. I am not poopooing affiliate options, just suggesting that in the first instance it is not always a prudent option because of the breathtaking expense involved. And, of course, there is the obvious...why pay for it when you can get it for free option.
edit: another reason not to use affiliate marketing to launch a new site is that it can lull one into thinking that this is the answer and make you less likely to do your own legwork and set up personal business relationships.