Watch For Canceled Affiliate Programs

It's a tough economy and it's not just affecting the typical brick 'n mortar. At an increased rate I've been receiving notifications that some of the affiliate programs I'm using are closing or potentially running low on funds in their Network accounts. It requires careful attention so that you, the affiliate, are not the one left out to dry.

First, make sure the affiliate network you are signed up with has your correct email and check to make sure you are notified of changes. Just because a program within a network closes, doesn't mean the ads won't keep displaying, it just means you won't earn a commission.

Also, make sure that you sign into your Affiliate Network site every day. This will help keep you aware of new programs being offered, news, and potentially new tools to help you make more money. Lately, some of the news I'm getting from long term affiliates are coupon codes. These can be a great way to bring more visitors to your site, since you have something to offer them to buy from the company you are affiliating for.

Lastly, I can't stress enough, make sure you are getting updates from all of the affiliate programs you are signed up with. Often times the commissions end immediately, so the longer their ads are up on your site, the more money you will lose.

Pepper Jam Network inText Ads Beta

No matter how experienced of an affiliate you are, a good affiliate is constantly looking for new tools to increase conversion. The most recent tool that I've found to help increase revenue is the PepperJam Network inText Ads, which works in conjunction with the eBay affiliate program.

Essentially the PJN inText Ads provide java script that you insert into any web page. This will then convert a set amount of keywords into hot links, that bring up a eBay listing popup. The popup includes a specific keyword item, along with similar searches in a small thumbnail preview.

The PJN inText ads are very similar to what's already been used and developed by Vibrant Media and Kontera. So far feedback looks positive and appears to be a great way to help monetize pages with a lot of text, such as blogs, and wiki pages.

Time will tell if it becomes a viable competitor to software like BANS and phpBay. Currently I have a case study in the works and intend to provide my findings over at NailsBlog.com

Blog Scrapers Beware

The Google Adsense blog today made readers aware of a system that would allow content creators to report those who steal their content and monetize with Adsense. It is inferred that the original content creator should attempt to contact the thief responsible, but if all else fails a complaint should be registered through the Google help center.

It's our policy to respond to notices of alleged infringement that comply with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and other applicable intellectual property laws.

Of course the first question that crops up is what will Google do to find proof of infringement? After all anyone could report that any competitors content is stolen and cause issues for the Adsense Publisher. I'm not thinking that this will stop all blog scrapers from stealing content, but maybe it will slow down the biggest offenders. A few well placed Adsense bans might put a stop to those who think it's ok to throw up a Spam Blog and monetize with your hard work.