It’s a common problem in affiliate marketing that you get a decent amount of traffic to your site, but it doesn’t convert into sales or even a list.  There could be a number of reasons for this problem, some of which I’ll explain.  Here are some of the top reasons that affiliate traffic doesn’t convert.

Your Affiliate Link Isn’t in Your Niche

A common mistake among affiliates is that their affiliate link isn’t in their niche.  Sometimes people think that the more links they have, the merrier.  While it sometimes works out that way, but only in moderation, you can often put up an irrelevant or even antagonistic link.

Let’s say, for instance, that your website is geared toward Christian products.  You have a link for the Bible, another for crucifix pendants, a different one for statues of Buddha, and then you have a link for satanic metal t-shirts.  It stands to reason that the Buddha statue isn’t going to be a very popular link, and the satanic merchandise can actually cause you to lose traffic.

The lesson to be learned here is that diversity does not work well for affiliate marketing on the same webpage.  Stick to your target.

There’s No Strong Call to Action

If your website doesn’t have a call to action, or in some way doesn’t motivate the viewers to click your link, you’re wasting your time and Web space.  How badly you want them to click the link has to be apparent, but it has to be done in a way so that you’re not begging.  Affiliate marketing isn’t a place to be mealy-mouthed or merely suggestive.

If you’re getting an ample amount of traffic that isn’t converting, your sales copy may be your weakness.  You have to convince your visitors of one of two things:  They either have to click on the link, or they want to click on the link.  Since the second option is the easiest, you should focus on what they’re lacking without your product and why clicking on the link will solve their problems.

Dangle the Carrot by Giving Bonuses

Getting free stuff is a huge motivator for nearly everyone.  Giving bonuses to people that follow your link and convert is a great way to move visitors to the sales page.  This is a common technique used among the best affiliate marketers out there.

Naturally, you’ll want the bonus to be something that doesn’t cost you anything but has a lot of value to your visitors.  Usually, a video or PDF is enough, but especially with the more expensive products, you’ll want to give more than that.  Some affiliates that are selling Internet marketing programs will give bonuses that are (mostly) complete Internet marketing programs themselves!

You’re not Selling Yourself as a Successful Affiliate Marketer

Nearly every affiliate marketer will sell themselves to some extent or another.  The better you are at it, the more likely you’ll get sales.  Don’t videotape yourself if you look like you’re working out of mom’s basement and have lived on nothing but Red Bull for the past 3 weeks.  Showcase your affiliate marketing success and success will come to you.