| Exotic pet enthusiasts can turn their passion (pet | | | | answer somewhere on the Internet. You can then |
| snakes, lizards, frogs, salamanders, turtles and more) | | | | word the answer to your liking and post it in the |
| into an income-producing side job that only requires a | | | | forum. In time, you will be recognized as a good |
| few hours a week and almost no financial investment. | | | | source of information. |
| To do this does not even require a website. All you | | | | In essence, you are a marketing representative for |
| need is a passion or a desire, a computer with an | | | | the affiliate pet company you've chosen. They are |
| Internet connection and a little creativity. | | | | willing to give you sales commissions for helping them |
| Overview: | | | | find customers. Your forum posts and classified ads |
| There are dozens of forums and discussion boards | | | | are your marketing tools. |
| online dealing with everything from snakes to frogs | | | | What to do in the Discussion Forums |
| and every kind of lizard you can find. Thousands of | | | | As I mentioned before, the point of posting in |
| other exotic pet owners are looking for tips, tricks | | | | forums is to get readers to follow your affiliate links. |
| and advice from like-minded individuals online; what to | | | | With that in mind, here are some meaningful ways to |
| feed a tree frog, how to breed corn snakes, what | | | | participate in your reptile forum (or whatever subject |
| type of housing to use for a chameleon, and what to | | | | you are marketing) and hopefully get readers to click |
| do about a sick turtle just to name a few. The | | | | on your affiliate links to buy exotic pet-related items |
| forum owners are often passionate owners | | | | for their favorite pets. |
| themselves and are always seeking active members | | | | - Format your Signature. Always link to your site. If |
| to help answer questions and grow readership. That's | | | | they don't allow any links, find another forum. |
| where you come in! Sure it's fun to give advice and | | | | Sometimes you can put banners in your signature as |
| discuss things of interest to you but the point of | | | | well. The signature system is built into the forum and |
| posting in forums is to get readers to follow your | | | | it is free for you to use. Most forums limit you to a |
| affiliate links. | | | | 150 - 250 letters in your signature space, so please |
| Getting Started - You can get started in three simple | | | | be sure that you fully maximize your signature space. |
| steps. | | | | Most people will click on a reputable person's |
| 1. Choose a species that interest you. You can | | | | signature and most probably buy from the affiliates |
| choose something as broad as snakes or narrow it | | | | he/she puts in the signature. The more posts you |
| down a little bit to corn snakes or pythons. Most | | | | have, the more chances your signature ad is going to |
| people choose exactly the animals that they have | | | | be exposed to buying customers. |
| personally owned but don't limit yourself. You can | | | | - Don't "spam." Sales pitches will be removed. Offer |
| make money with any animal. You may have to | | | | honest advice or express an opinion, then sign off |
| revisit this step a few times depending on what you | | | | with your name and the affiliate link. |
| find in steps 2 and 3. | | | | - Ask for help from others on topics related to your |
| 2. Do a Google search for pet-related affiliate | | | | own pets. This is an effective and acceptable way to |
| programs. If you've ever bought anything online for | | | | "advertise." Enter a topic like "Can I get some |
| your own pets, this is the best place to look first. | | | | advice?" People love to help, and to give opinions, |
| You want to find pet supply websites and live animal | | | | and they'll click on those ads while they're at your |
| sales sites that have products related to what you | | | | site. |
| are interested in. Once you find them, sign up. | | | | - Post in the Classifieds Section. If the forum has a |
| 3. Do a Google search for forums and discussion | | | | Classifieds section, post to it. If your affiliate |
| boards related to the animal(s) you have chosen. You | | | | company is having a sale or has a new item in stock, |
| don't have to limit yourself to just one forum either. | | | | let people know in the classifieds and provide a link |
| Register for as many forums as you think you can | | | | directly to the item on the website. |
| effectively manage in the amount of time you are | | | | - Find the Wanted posts. Help them get what they |
| willing to dedicate to your new online business. | | | | want. Every sub forum of a forum has its own |
| Starting out with one forum and working your way | | | | reason for being there. Explore every part of the |
| up is a good way to get your feet wet. | | | | forum and you will be amazed of what you can find. |
| You don't have to be an expert to start | | | | I didn't like the idea of forums until I made a few |
| You don't have to be an expert. Just be a helpful | | | | posts, and saw my traffic and revenue climb for |
| enthusiast. Add quality posts to a forum and build | | | | days afterwards. That convinced me. Just be polite, |
| your reputation. By building your reputation, you are | | | | offer some value to others, and always have your |
| indirectly building friendship and trust. | | | | affiliate link in the signature. There are many other |
| If someone poses a question that you do not know | | | | secrets to using forums but this should get you |
| the answer to, do a quick Google search by typing in | | | | started. Talk and make money today. |
| the question. Chances are very good you'll find the | | | | |