Finding affiliates in a niche area

a newbie looking for affiliate partners

[Ezrah]

Hello

I'm a newbie at this kind of thing, so I hope you can help.

I'm about to launch a product and I'm on the lookout for affiliate partners with decent relevant lists.

The trouble is, whilst it seems easy to find out who the big internet 'gurus' are, I haven't got a clue who the big gurus in my niche (with lists of course) are. Or how to find out.

Could anyone advise me how to go about this please?

Many thanks!

[edited by: engine at 7:20 am (utc) on Oct. 6, 2009]

[edited by: eljefe3 at 7:29 am (utc) on Oct. 6, 2009]
[edit reason] specifics [/edit]

[eljefe3]

Welcome to WebmasterWorld!

One way is to see who is linking to your biggest competitors in your field. Once you see what the linking structure is to your competitor, use some tools to find all sites that are linking to the competitor's affiliate program and take it from there.

[Ezrah]

so from there i may be able to find decent affiliates?

can you give me some ideas about resposible affiliates and how to find them?

[eljefe3]

The tough thing for you is proving you are responsible and will pay. Most affiliates will not switch from a proven money maker to try out the new guy on the block, unless you make it very sweet for them, especially the big hitters in the niche.

[Geronimo]

Most affiliate programs won't take you on, like commission junctio I think ask for a 50.000 turnover in order to set you up.

There are a few other great programs out there where you can promote your product.

openx has a decent marketplace where you could offer your product.

plimus is awsome for setting up the ecommerce side of things and also has a few marketplace options.

In my niche some people are making between 2 and 10 sales per day on ebay! Something I had completely overlooked!

Coldcalling the competitors promoting sites is often frustrating and will in my only get some feedback, but it is worth a shot.

[Skeptic]

Easiest way to find affiliates is to join one of the major networks:

Commission Junction
Linkshare
Google Affiliate Network (formerly Performics)
Shareasale (my favorite)

[danay]

it's also a good idea to work with an OPM - outsourced program manager to get you started and show you the ropes if you are completely lost. It's better than the learning curve you are experiencing.