good affiliate content personality not personalI want to take a few minutes today to write about some missteps a lot of beginners make when it comes to producing good affiliate content.

Namely: finding the line between including your personality and experience without making the site too personal.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Click here to learn more about content mistakes to avoid.

Personal Site Topics Are Bad

Many people start a blog to write about their personal everyday experiences.

These vary from everything from travel stories to personal anecdotes to that great new quinoa recipe you just found.

Usually, this type of blog starts out as a personal hobby, and is meant as something to share with family friends.

At some point down the line, however, the blogger decides to try to include affiliate promotions in order to earn a little side income, and is quickly frustrated.

Why?

In general, personal blogs do not make for good affiliate content.

They tend to be unfocused and too personal for readers outside of your immediate circle of friends and family. I know your Mom is already proud of you and reads every post, but to be successful online you need to take it to the next level.

Read more about how to make money with internet marketing.

Personality Is Good

On the other hand, good affiliate content does include some posts that show your personality.

If your site is on a specific niche topic, rather than a personal topic, letting your voice shine through in your writing is part of what will make you stand out from the crowd and can be an important factor in gaining a decent following.

Not only that, but including references to your personal experiences within the context of helping others to solve their problems can be extremely beneficial. For an example, you can read my personal story here. It’s relevant to readers, while leveraging my own experiences.

For example: telling about mistakes you made when you were in your user’s shoes, or explaining why you genuinely like Product A over Product B.

This approach often lets you come across as a wise, knowledgeable authority. You’ve been there, done that, and you’re eager to pass on your knowledge.

That’s way different than saying: “Yesterday I was in Target and decided to try the new purple Listerine instead of my usual green one.”

Find the line…and maybe a little common sense.

Click here for more info on beginning affiliate marketing.