Many people today are searching for ways to work from home. The reasons might differ from wanting additional income, spending more time with the kids, or even being their own boss. However, one underlying goal is probably the same for everyone … to make money. I have been an affiliate marketer since 1999, and have worked most of this time in helping others to make the most of their affiliate marketing business. In this article, I am going to talk about taking your affiliate marketing business to a new level before you even get started.

1. The Home Office

Other than choosing your niche, finding your home office is probably the most important first step you can take. I find that when people take their business seriously, it tends to seriously take off. In order to do that, you need to find a place to work, other than the dining room table.



If you can, find space in a room where you can close a door, to shut off the typical household distractions, such as the TV, talking, and pets. A guest room or den would work well for this set up.

However, if you don’t have an extra room to spare, then corner off a space in a room that you can call your own. There are l-shaped computer desks that would be ideal for an area like this. Make sure that everyone knows this is your work area, and when you are at sitting there, you are working.

An attic or garage could even work well, if you have the funds to transform it into a comfortable workspace.

2. Drive More Traffic to Your Site

There are several ways you can drive more traffic to your site, and they don’t have to cost much, if anything at all. Personally, I like that kind of return on my investments.

I have come across some great sources for inexpensive, yet professional graphics and tools, which can significantly drive more traffic, as well as increase the return traffic to your site. They are:

. ThemeForest.net, which is similar to WordPress, but offers a wider selection to choose from, and are all fully functional themes. They are not free however, but for only $30-40 you can have a very professional appearance and functionality that would have cost you in the thousands back when I started.

. AudioJungle.net is a great option for producing podcasts. My wife Arlene has one on her website epilepsymoms.com, which has been downloaded over 60,000 times. It’s easier to build a rapport with your targeted audience when they can actually hear your voice, rather than always reading the black and white. We know this works well, so I also have several on many of my own websites. The cost is minimal, depending on what you want, from $2-12.

. VideoHive.net is similar to Youtube, but offers a more professional result. A video that will look like you had it done by an expensive New York ad agency will only cost you on the average $12. Video, like audio, is another way to build a relationship with your audience.

. GraphicRiver.net offers an inexpensive way to create your offline graphics such as business cards, brochures, and letterhead. This is important, even if all of your work is online. If you run into someone who is interested in your work, then you have a professional card to hand to them with your website already on it. Or, if you need to send out letters to anyone, it’s more professional than simply writing on a blank piece of paper.

You might not want to jump into all of these at once, but they are there for you to use, and for very little cost or effort.

Again, the reason why I believe these are important tools to have is because graphics entice traffic to your site, audio and video are ways to build a rapport with your audience, and offline graphics are a more professional way to communicate with others.

3. Advanced Technology

Speaking of communicating, there are so many new and exciting tools in technology that can enhance your home business.

The first is a smartphone, with Internet access. This allows you to be able to communicate with others, when you are not sitting at your desk. Jumping on the Internet to check messages has never been easier than with one of these phones.

Webinars are quickly catching on as a way to drive traffic to your site. Short for “web based seminar”, it’s a lecture, or workshop which can be transmitted right on your website. Webinar software allows for interaction with your audience.

And finally, video conferencing services are available to make communicating with vendors, staff, and clients easy, without leaving the home. You can now host a meeting with people from around the world, without having to leave your home office.

I have just shared some information on tools and technology that will enhance your website from the beginning. If you have any comments, suggestions, or ideas that you believe will help as well, please leave them in the comment box below to share with us.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James Martell has been an affiliate marketer since 1999, and shares his information in how to make money with home based businesses through various avenues. He wrote the book Affiliate Marketers Handbook, has the longest running podcast in the industry called Affiliate Buzz, and offers online training and speaking engagements. He and his wife Arlene live in a seaside suburb in Vancouver.