2013 Affiliate Marketer Resolutions

Everyone seems to make New Year’s resolutions. Some of the most common resolutions made include losing weight, quitting smoking and vowing to spend more time with friends and family. If you go to a typical New Year’s Eve party this year, several guests will mention one of the common resolutions listed above as they sip champagne and guzzle down bagel bites. However, what if you decided to attend a New Year’s Eve party this year hosted by a group of affiliate marketers? Chances are, you wouldn’t hear the typical New Year’s resolutions.

In fact, you might just even hear some of the following:

The Top 5 Resolutions Made by Affiliate Marketers for 2013 (and what you can do to keep them!):

1. “I am going to be more productive.”

Many affiliate marketers work their own schedules from the comfort of their homes. Thus, they are tempted constantly to put work on hold. To fight non-productivity, consider  creating a daily schedule (including break times), eliminating distractions (i.e. television, pets, video games) and improving the look and functionality of your home office. Or, if all else fails, you can just refer to our blog post about working from home a.k.a. For Those About to Work from Home…We Salute You!

2. “I am going to diversify my marketing techniques.”

A common desire by affiliate marketers, diversifying marketing techniques is a goal that is easier to achieve than you might think. If you are already well versed in a particular marketing technique (SEO, PPC, content locking etc.), you have a major advantage over those who are trying to learn an affiliate marketing strategy for the first time. You know how the industry works, so you don’t have to worry about common newbie roadblocks such as establishing familiarity with affiliate offers and networks, learning how to track sales, and figuring out budgeting and income. With these roadblocks out of your way, your focus should be squarely on education. To learn a new marketing technique, you must immerse yourself in it. So, get back to the basics that helped you get started in the first place including reading industry blogs, asking questions on forums and “talking shop” with other industry pros. Additionally, perhaps a knowledge exchange might help you master a new marketing technique? For example, an email marketer can provide basic strategies to a PPC pro and vice versa.

3. “I am going to travel more.”

It’s a shame to have a flexible schedule and not travel anywhere. While working on a remote island off the coast of Fiji may not happen for you in 2013, there is no reason why you can’t sample some of the best cities in the world this year though the affiliate marketing industry. Conferences are a great way to improve your knowledge, make connections and also see a few new places. Besides Affiliate Summit, there are tons of affiliate marketing conferences happening worldwide including ad:tech (Sydney, London, Tokyo and more) iDate (Moscow) and a4uexpo (Barcelona, Munich, Amsterdam and more). Before registering for any conference, make sure to apply for any relevant travel rewards programs as well as try to secure free or discounted conference passes. Finally, make sure to talk to your financial advisor about which parts of your travel are tax deductible.

4. “I am going to buy a car, watch, house etc. in 2013”

Affiliate marketers always have something on their wish lists. The key to obtaining a new Rolex, BMW or renting a vacation home in Cabo is budgeting. Smart affiliate marketers skip instant gratification and put a little money aside each month to be able to comfortably afford big ticket items later on during the year.  Sadly, this means that you may not be able to afford a Breitling next month. However, if you manage to put some of your campaign earnings aside each month, that Breitling wouldn’t make a bad x-mas gift for yourself next year.

5. “I am going to get in shape.”

Affiliate marketers want to get healthier in 2013. Working on a computer all day “networking” on social networks and message boards also gives affiliate marketers ample opportunity to check out the latest fitness craze, contemplate new diet options and watch friends engage in exciting new physical activities such as cross-fit, mud running and heli-boarding (yes, we have seen some affiliate marketers post pics!). The cumulative effect of all of these daily health related signals typically leads the affiliate marketer to want to begin exercising more in the new year. But how do you start? Starting out slowly by walking thirty minutes per day is a great option. Setting aside some time each day to exercise is a good option as well. Many affiliate marketers have even joined support groups like Fit Affiliate. Whatever you choose to try, make sure you stick to it!

Have a fabulous 2013 and make sure to bookmark this post to see how many of these resolutions you achieved at the end of next year!