I guess I am not supposed to write something like this while I am in the middle of a pre-launch …. right? I mean who would be dumb enough to do that… well who also would give away there best tips to sell something before they try to sell you something… that would be me too 
I recently got a email asking me what it takes to get me to promote someone’s product.
I would like to divide this up into 2 parts. The first which is something I wrote about in my newsletter a couple weeks back. Its all the criteria I personally look at before promoting something to my email list & Blog and the rules go something like this:
$$$ Money $$$ – First and foremost lets talk about the elephant in the room. If you purchase something through my link I get paid for it. But while this might seem to be the biggest motivator its about 3rd or 4th in line behind the following.
Met In Person – Every person’s product I promote I have met in person and have sized them up. I also have asked around about them and made sure they are the real deal.
No Risk – This is by far the biggest thing for me. I will not recommend anything that does not come with minimum 30 day 100% NO QUESTIONS ASKED refund policy. The bottom line is the product either works for you or it doesn’t. and if it doesn’t I want you to get your money back. PERIOD.
Evaluation Copy – I always personally review the product before recommending it. Sometimes the full product is not available so I have to rely on other factors more.
Purchasing It Myself – I will not recommend anything to anyone that I am not purchasing myself. In the last 6 months I have purchased over $14,000.00 in info products. I have only gotten a refund one of them and it was because the person noticed I purchased it and refunded my money and gave me a free account.
Lets look at the last thing big thing I promoted – Jeff Walkers Product Launch Formula. I ended up ranking #10 over all on his JV list in sales. Awesome! I take home something like 40k in profit, but what is even cooler is hearing from all of you folks who purchased it that can’t stop raving about it.
“Shoe, thanks for pointing me to PLF 3.0. It’s exactly what I have been looking for!” -Steve
“I can’t thank you enough for introducing me to Jeff Walker (virtually). The production quality of his product launch formula modules is amazing.” – Jason
And the list goes on and on…
The one big thing I have learned over the years is if you sell things that actually give people value then they are more likely to buy from you in the future. Sell people crap and they are gone.
So those are my rules…. but lets say your getting ready to launch a product and are looking to get affiliates for that product and of course… you want the top affiliates. Then I would have some different advice for you.
There are a couple paths you can go and depending on your budget and experience its probably clear what path you should take:
1) Guarantee a earnings per click. Most guys get $5-$10 per click. I know that seems high but its on par with what they make for a affiliate product. Since you have no history its going to be tough to get affiliates on board cause they have to put all their trust that you know what you are doing… again since you have no history nothing makes you different then the 30 other people who approach them a day to pitch their stuff. So you back it up and now they listen. I did this with my first launch and it worked out really well. Also when people see the biggest guys promoting it they want to get on board.
2) Get a well know person to run your launch.. Amish Shaw (magic bullet) did this getting Frank Kern to run his magic bullet launch and he crushed it. You can save yourself a ton of headache by getting a certified product launch manager to run your stuff. Generally they take 20% of the gross and require an up front deposit (like 50k) that goes against their pay. What your paying for with these guys is experience and their Rolodex.
3) Go with it yourself. Like I said before your first launch is really your learning experience more then anything. Just like anything else its going to take you a while to get it down. The cool thing though is you will build a good sized email list to now promote other peoples stuff. That’s where my list came from and it only took me 2 launches to get a list decent enough size to be in the top 10 on BIG launch leader boards. Here is another interesting fact. Ive made over $250,000 in profit promoting other people’s products (from email alone) from the original 20,000 ShoeMoney system 1.0 lead list. When I launched people told me that the money was in the lead list because basically what your doing is scraping other peoples lists getting the best, most active leads they have. They also told me those leads would be worth about $10 per lead per year on average depending on how hard you promote other peoples stuff.
So thats all the advice I have for those looking to get partners to push your stuff…. hopefully it helps
July 20, 2010 at 11:03 am
The biggest reason I follow Shoemoney? Transparency. No white elephants here!
July 21, 2010 at 12:25 am
Great information and insight. I bet you are getting bombarded with even more requests to market products!
July 23, 2010 at 3:03 pm
That’s great! I hope I get bombarded like that too someday
July 20, 2010 at 11:12 am
Once you let your customers know you aren’t promoting trash, you don’t even have to sell to them anymore. It’s like Oprah… she recommends a product and that product/service turns to gold
July 20, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Boy your so write about the Oprah statement, because I seen this story on CMBC..”I Think” about a lady who just have a website on Oprah’s everyday giveaways and recommended items.
She found out when she(Oprah) recommends a product or website, people just go banana and just got to have it.
Jeremy success shows that he have this same effect when it comes to the people who follow the ShoeMoney way.
TrafficColeman “Signing Off”
July 24, 2010 at 6:11 pm
That’s the truth. Don’t bullshit the customers & they’ll come a-running.
July 20, 2010 at 11:24 am
Easy read and to the point. Always like hearing your perspective. Great post Jeremy.
July 20, 2010 at 11:31 am
You have impressed me as usual with a superb post, Jeremy. I believe that this serves as a reminder to struggling web marketers out there that there is really no magic formula for making money online. It basically involves hard work, determination, diligence and a bit of luck. Internet marketing is as close to conventional marketing like two peas in the pod.
July 20, 2010 at 11:33 am
I’m 19 and have been making money online since I was 15. No big numbers here, but it is paying for school. So how could your process work for someone who doesn’t make a lot of money yet? Some of your suggestions cost a lot of $$$$.
July 20, 2010 at 1:31 pm
Hi There Jason S.! I think that the #3 option would be best for you – Doing it Yourself. Correct me if i”m wrong, but I think that this is how Shoemoney got started. He just rolled up his sleeves and made it happen.
you could do it too!
July 20, 2010 at 5:20 pm
Yes exactly what nicmoon said. If you dont have the cash to shortcut your way then your going to have to put in the work over time… period…
July 20, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Shoe,
Great tips for anyone who has a product the 30day money back guarantee is key.
July 20, 2010 at 12:25 pm
I’ve heard about this product launch and I will have to look into it. Great post.
July 20, 2010 at 12:29 pm
This is probably one of the easiest things to do as long as you offer value to them
July 20, 2010 at 1:07 pm
I think it’s great to know how YOU approach the products and offers you promote. It’s great to know you know Jeff and that you are a true believer in what he has to offer.
July 20, 2010 at 1:09 pm
The no risk factor is a biggie. It is SO MUCH easier to make a buying decision knowing that your risk is reduced. It also says that the product owner must truly believe in the product, or they wouldn’t make such an offer in the first place.
July 20, 2010 at 1:21 pm
I am sharing this comment in response to your thoughts on customer service and guarantees. We went through a rough spot earlier this year, almost losing our home. Banks and realtors rolled out the red carpet when it was time to purchase, but offered virtually no support after.
I think a customer-based approach is rare these days in all industries. I am hoping that people like you will redefine customer service for all industries, and purchases of all sizes.
Good for you for living up to your commitment.
July 20, 2010 at 1:42 pm
I’m looking for that big pay day on a list. Can’t wait.
July 20, 2010 at 1:46 pm
A certified product launch manager? I never knew such a thing existed. Who are these people and where do you find them? Interesting take away…
July 20, 2010 at 2:16 pm
You make so much $$
July 20, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Lots of good stuff in this post! First, your thoughts on promoting products and how you choose products / people to partner with. Next, a real world example of why and how it really works. Then, a few good pointers on HOW to actually get a product off the ground. This is like three posts in one. Thanks!
July 20, 2010 at 2:40 pm
I feel like I am late to the game. So much to learn!!!!
July 20, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Epic Advice as always!
July 20, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Wise words. Money talks.
July 20, 2010 at 4:14 pm
So do people who sell crap actually know they are selling crap?
July 20, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Isn’t there a nice clear shortcut to the top? This is an awful lot of work.
July 20, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Getting people to promote your products is a big challenge if you are starting from the bottom. I think that the internet offers you opportunities DAILY, no matter who you are, to start building a brand for yourself. This is just one of the many puzzle pieces JS offers in making it happen. I have been at it for about one year now, and am really enjoying watching my traffic and list grow. I’m on my way! Once I get a little more traction, I will look into partners and super affs. For now, I am enjoying learning!
July 20, 2010 at 5:13 pm
I’ve seen this before lol.
Great advice, thanks for sharing once again.
July 20, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Yet another facet of the sales process… Choosing who and what to work with, and even getting off the ground from ground zero. Very sound advice.
July 20, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Guarantee earnings / click. That is pretty brilliant! Thanks for sharing the fact that you did that for your first launch. That said…. Do you really get 30 people a day asking you to promote their stuff? So awesome!
July 20, 2010 at 7:39 pm
Kind of like handing it out on a silver platter, dontcha think?
July 20, 2010 at 7:40 pm
If money is not the primary motivation, then why is it first on the list?
July 20, 2010 at 7:40 pm
Thanks for providing a road map for all budgets here. I think your readers will appreciate that they too can be successful without having a big financial push from the start.
July 20, 2010 at 7:41 pm
So if you want Shoemoney to promote your products, you better hit a conference and hunt him down pronto for that personal intro!
July 20, 2010 at 7:42 pm
It’s hard not to have a love / hate relationship with Shoemoney. Love for sharing tons of great stuff… Hate because he’s so successful and lives like a rock star!
July 20, 2010 at 7:43 pm
Hey… I’m on to you…. Is this another post thats really supporting your new product? Hmmmm….
July 20, 2010 at 7:43 pm
It’s like a well-oiled machine once you get it going. I can’t believe the buzz I’m already hearing about your Weapons 2.0. You’ve got some serious testimonials.
July 30, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Yea I thought the same thing after I read his post he is still working on selling his product, thats how he got there every little promo counts ….CHA-CHING
July 20, 2010 at 7:44 pm
There’s been a lot of talk around here about selling crap lately. Yet I have yet to find some crap that meets my standards. If you know of a good crap salesperson, I’m in the market.
July 20, 2010 at 7:46 pm
So you just have to “do it” and learn as you go, right?
July 20, 2010 at 10:03 pm
What other elements make a product launch successful apart from getting a reliable manager in the bandwagon? Does it really matter if you don’t have one?
July 20, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Nice insight, Shoe. This is a helpful guide for newbie web marketers who are planning to get their business plans off the ground without getting their budget off the hook. Hope to read more posts like these.
July 20, 2010 at 10:16 pm
I’ve been a loyal fan of yours for the past two years and the Shoemoney Blog is still one the most popular sites in terms of making money online. Keep up the good work!
July 20, 2010 at 10:19 pm
I have stumbled upon this definition of EPC or earnings per click a while back when I was browsing the web for useful stuff. “EPC is a relative measure of the effectiveness of a site or section of a site in generating revenue for the site owner or publisher through affiliate marketing for every 100 outbound clicks generated.” What do you think?
July 20, 2010 at 10:30 pm
Hi, Shoe. I am an eager social and new media marketing student and still learning the ropes of making web business initiatives work as successfully as they should. I just strongly believe that to make money online, it is wise to invest money as well to start the ball rolling. What do you think?
July 20, 2010 at 10:30 pm
I am a certified penny-pincher and a person who absolutely loves cutting corners.Is there a chance that we can see a web marketing success shortcut post in the next few days?
July 20, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Why do these certified product launch managers demand too much pay? They just help launch the product to the public, right? Or do they go the extra mile and act as endorsers, too?
July 20, 2010 at 10:47 pm
Everyday is a learning day and it’s nice to learn a gem or two about web marketing from you, Shoe. The last item on the list really speaks to us newbies who are aspiring to make it big in the Internet business arena. Whether you finish successfully or the other way around, going with it yourself is a learning experience you can’t afford to miss.
July 20, 2010 at 10:50 pm
See, folks? This is the reason why I monitor the real Shoe’s blog daily for valuable advice like these. Keep them coming, buddy!
July 20, 2010 at 10:52 pm
Thanks, Shoe. Now I know that making a mark in web marketing doesn’t only involve knowing WHAT strategies to apply, it also requires knowing WHO you should ask help from.
July 20, 2010 at 10:58 pm
Can you provide a sample start-up product launch template us web marketing beginners can use as a guide, Shoe? That would be really be awesome.
July 21, 2010 at 8:34 am
Sure… give a ton of value, give a ton of value, give a ton of value, sell a product.
July 30, 2010 at 8:43 pm
Right, see this is the real lesson here: Every Little Promo Can Help Sell Alot!!!!
Am I the only one getting this Shoe?
July 20, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Can you be my product launch manager in the future, Shoe? Why go for other web marketing gurus when I can have the best?
July 20, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Although this does sound like a lot of work, hitting the jackpot means just sitting in your favorite chair and watch the cash flowing in. Ain’t that right, Shoe?
July 20, 2010 at 11:03 pm
Now this is what you call a comprehensive web marketing blog! Kudos, Jeremy!
July 20, 2010 at 11:07 pm
Getting the job done requires the necessary knowledge. And this post right here is just what I need to finally take my web marketing initiatives up a notch.
July 20, 2010 at 11:07 pm
How do you do it, Shoe? I’ve been following you for almost a year now and I still get amazed with the things you post everyday. You can guarantee I won’t be leaving you anytime soon.
July 20, 2010 at 11:17 pm
Money is everything in the web marketing world and nothing else comes close.
July 20, 2010 at 11:29 pm
Is this a preview of more great things to come? Throw in a few more free stuff and we’re in business, Jeremy. All in all a very nice post!
July 20, 2010 at 11:41 pm
Sweet post. Great thoughts on sales / marketing / promotions. Keep it up, Shoe.
July 20, 2010 at 11:50 pm
But what should you include in your offer to make it an irresistible offer to potential customers? Is the product launch manager supposed to take care of that?
July 21, 2010 at 12:00 am
As an aspiring product launch manager myself, I think that it is not really wise to rely heavily on what your client is telling you. Test, ask questions, look at the marketplace and see what’s out there. Ask more questions about the ideal customer, get inside their head and figure out what you would want if you were their customer.
July 21, 2010 at 12:27 am
Great advice on getting a well know person to do the launch as they have trusting followers already.
July 21, 2010 at 12:56 am
Jeremy, what is your take on the whole sales letter versus sales video argument? Which one of the two makes the biggest impact among customers?
July 21, 2010 at 12:59 am
The market is a constantly evolving playing field for web marketers. There is no single effective formula to conquer the whole thing at once. Thanks to Jeremy, us noobs can learn a thing or two from the master himself!
July 21, 2010 at 1:01 am
When’s the next conference you’re going to attend, Jeremy? I’d definitely be there and ask you to be on my product launch team.
July 21, 2010 at 1:02 am
I bet my bottom dollar that you can’t find similar info as accurate and concise like this on any other website. (I’d be a millionaire by now if there were any takers right from the start)
July 21, 2010 at 1:03 am
Kapow! This is why I am a Shoemoney fan for the last two years. Nice one, Shoe!
July 21, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Some good tips in there, Shoe. Thanks for the insider info.
July 22, 2010 at 7:09 am
really cool tips. thanks for shared
July 25, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Interesting tips. Keep them up.
July 25, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Thanks for the tips mr.(shoemoney) i learned about you through harrison…i plan on starting my company in a week,with cold calls until i am able to gain an advertisers trust.
wish me luck i know i can do a great job!!
July 28, 2010 at 5:42 am
As a sales training company it’s important for us to stay ahead of the curve. Extremely informative, for both newbies and advanced marketers. Great article.
July 30, 2010 at 12:06 am
Jeremy – good luck on your product laund thanks for an interesting article.
August 2, 2010 at 7:37 am
Interesting stuff there, thanks for the info
August 24, 2010 at 6:50 am
Nice post Jeremy,
Great Post This is a helpful guide for newbie marketers who are planning to get their first product launched off the ground without getting their budget off the hook. Hope to read more posts like these.
I am a student of Mark Terrell’s coaching and this is a great post thanks for the info. I would love for you to stop by blog sometime and leave a comment thank you
Karen
August 24, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Nice, But if I’m giving some thing for free on my website why should I care for satisfaction. It is free
September 4, 2010 at 10:55 am
A really clear and honest review. This was a question I was asked about how Shoemoney made his money.