Affiliates Should Set Realistic Goals

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 29th, 2010

When starting out as an affiliate promoting someone elses product or website it is normal to swing for the fence. However, this can eventually end in failure. Setting realistic sales and income goals can actually motivate and ensure longevity. For example everyone wants to make a million dollars and retire early. This is achievable if you set your goals realistically.

The Internet is the grand illusion that paints this portrait of instant riches to the average online marketer. Newcomers often think they will see immediate income and be able to retire in 3-6 months. While this has happened for some the majority need a 3-5 year plan for success. The Internet guru's and scam artists can be blamed for this tragic reality. They often write ad copy that paints this grand illusion just to get their hands on your money. Success is easier online than a traditional brick and mortar business but it just takes time and focus.

It is safe to say your first few months in business will be trial and error, learning as much as you can about marketing online and off and figuring out what works. Everyone should have a marketing budget and stay within that budget and grow advertising expenses as the profits start to come in. Setting a goal to at least cover your car payment within 3 months is realistic. Then add to it every three months.

Add your credit card payments from month 3-6 and then your utility bills to month 6-9 and then the grand daddy of them your entire mortgage by month 12. Even if you just made an extra $300 a month and never added any more income, that could be used to accelerate the pay-off of debts and then put into a IRA to build retirement income. A $300 a month investment for 5 years at a 10% return in a tax-deferred account could end up being well over $21,000. Then include compounding interest as the years go on you get into the millions by year twenty.

Add an extra $100 to your monthly credit card payment and you can pay it off in 1-2 years as opposed to 15-20. The power of making extra money online is all in how you look at it. Keep your day job, set realistic income and sales goals, track them daily, weekly, monthly and yearly and you will see your income grow and grow.