$350 for acting in a porn flick?

[Toby]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

You know that for sure?

I've only been working with the amateur adult market since 1997, so maybe I don't know squat.

[softball]

Originally Posted by Toby

I've only been working with the amateur adult market since 1997, so maybe I don't know squat.

That wasn't the question, really. I have been working in the amateur market since 1998 and I don't always know what people earn. You, I would assume, know what you make off of websites, but that was not the question. I know your history so you don't have to reiterate. However, you dodged the question.

[Toby]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

That wasn't the question, really. I have been working in the amateur market since 1998 and I don't always know what people earn. You, I would assume, know what you make off of websites, but that was not the question. I know your history so you don't have to reiterate. However, you dodged the question.

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.

[softball]

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.

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.

[Toby]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

...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.

The first thing new sites should do, before any money is spent on promotion is use some of the "free" sources of traffic to test tours and conversions. Once the conversion ratios are acceptible, then money spent will have a far better chance of generating a nice return.

One of the biggest differences between affiliate program promotions and other paid promotional methods is the fact that affiliates aren't paid until AFTER the sale is made. Nearly all others require payment up front and you take your chances that the traffic you receive converts.

[softball]

Originally Posted by Toby

The first thing new sites should do, before any money is spent on promotion is use some of the "free" sources of traffic to test tours and conversions. Once the conversion ratios are acceptible, then money spent will have a far better chance of generating a nice return.

One of the biggest differences between affiliate program promotions and other paid promotional methods is the fact that affiliates aren't paid until AFTER the sale is made. Nearly all others require payment up front and you take your chances that the traffic you receive converts.

That is true, but it still costs. You can pay me now or you can pay me later. The you can pay me later option is always the most costly. What I am talking about is free marketing like link exchanges. The mag advertising is a bargain, but not necessary to start. There is also no point in buying traffic that you can get for free. When you have exhausted your free sources, then it might be time to move on to an affiliate model.