What does it take to make good A/M money?

[Bubzeebub]

Don't tell me it takes hard work because EVERYTHING good takes hard work. That's a given. What does it take? What skills? What is required to get a site from scratch to a top notch money-making machine? Also, for those that have done this and ARE doing it, what's your background?

[teenwolf]

The most important part of any AM business is the idea behind it. If you have a unique idea or a unique way to present an old idea, it will usually work out in the end.

Too many people make the mistake of rushing into an AM business without putting much thought into what differentiates them from the pack.

All great businesses start with a great idea and AM is no exception.

[antoine]

You dont need a backround in anything.... try high school drop out. The affiliate income was just too good to continue pursuing a normal job or regular schooling.

[MovingOnUp]

You don't need anything, but it helps if you have experience with (in order of importance, IMHO):

1) computer programming
2) marketing
3) search engine optimization
4) web design
5) knowledge of the niche your site is in
6) business management
7) analytical skills
8) graphic design

If you're lacking in one of those areas, it will be a limitation that you'll have to work around. You might get around it by outsourcing. You might get around it by working in areas that don't require as much of that skill. You might get around it by learning as you go.

[Bubzeebub]

NOW we're talking. Go on.....I'm listening......

[Procyon]

[webmasterworld.com...]

Worked then, still works now.

[wrgvt]

Know your market.
Know your product.
Know your competition.
Read, research, experiment.
Learn when to have patience and when to change and try a different approach.

[tml89]

Importiant skill #1

Keyword research

Importiant skill #2

using the right keywords in the right places when building the site

[Bubzeebub]

Do you have any info on where keywords should be and how to place effective keywords on your site for high S/E placement? This is a topic I'm interested in learning more about.

[Bubzeebub]

It seems like whatever site it is that has a Google top 10 ranking has a TON of links on that home page. Seems like that is a major strategy to listing high.