Affiliate marketing. You?ve heard of it?and you might have also heard a lot of other things that make you think it?s not for you. Here, we dispel the top 5 myths about affiliate marketing with affilinet, BritMums?s partner in our Affiliate Marketing Masterclass. This is sponsored content.

Richard Leake, affilinet?s Senior Publisher Development Manager, sets the record straight, in easy-to-understand language.

To sign up to affilinet and start making money from your blog click here.

 
 

1. Affiliate marketing only makes money for companies, never for the blogger.

This is certainly not true. Affiliate commissions are paid out on a performance basis e.g. you get paid when a specific action takes place. The advertiser only makes money when a sale is made, which means you make money too. Many advertisers will also work on a tenancy basis, which means they will pay for a set amount of exposure on your site. This is money straight in the bank for the affiliate blogger, with the advertiser taking the risk that they will see a good Return On Investment (ROI).

2. It?s too complicated and hard to understand.

Out of all the online marketing channels affiliate is perhaps the easiest to understand: You sign up to an affiliate programme, select the advertiser you want to work with and integrate their brand assets onto your site. You are then paid a commission for each sale you generate; this is much simpler than the dark arts needed to be successful in SEO and Pay Per Click. If you have questions on the technical side of things, you should get in touch with the support team at the relevant network/agency. They should always be willing to help you. Never be afraid to ask for help!

3. If I sign up, I?ll have to spend loads of time every week or every month maintaining it.

The level of maintenance for an affiliate relationship depends on the advertiser. If it is an advertiser who has new sales and promotions every week, then yes you will need to maintain it. Consider though if you didn?t bother updating an advertiser?s offer; you definitely won?t see any revenue and you?ll be providing a poor user experience by showing out-of-date creative. Think about how much time you want to invest in updating your affiliate content and make you choose an advertiser based on their offer frequency.

Affiliate like any form of onsite monetisation requires time and dedication to bear fruit.

4. If I make any money, it will be a pittance.

There is no other way to put this: Like every other form of online marketing, you get out of affiliate what you put in. Admittedly it?s easy to put a Google AdSense banner on your site and watch a few clicks come through and generate some revenue but is this showing relevant content? Or delivering an enhanced user experience?

If you have maybe 100 visitors to your site each day, then the chances of making a sale are reduced compared to someone who has 200 visitors a day and so on, and again that?s the same for other marketing channels. Does that mean affiliate is a waste of time? Not at all! Affiliate is a piece of the overall online success puzzle. If you enjoy what you are writing about, keep going, keep building up an audience and your advertising will start to generate more for you.

5. I won?t like the companies or products that are featured on my site.

This shouldn?t really happen, as you sign up for advertiser programmes that are the right fit for you. If you do sign up for a programme where you don?t select the advertisers that will be shown such as affilinet?s Performance Ads, then you can rest assured that the network has taken all necessary steps to make sure that no inappropriate advertisers will be shown, such as gambling, payday loans, sexually explicit ads and so on.

It is not in the best interests of any party involved to show offensive or inappropriate advertisers and of course you should always feel able to raise any concerns or questions and get an answer.

To learn more about affiliate marketing, how it works and what you can do it with, take our Affiliate Marketing Masterclass, sponsored by affilinet.

To find out more about what you can do with affiliate marketing and how to work with affilinet click here.

To sign up to affilinet and start making money from your blog click here.

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Hot Toys have announced that the have acquired the rights to offer their incredibly stunning life-size statues of iconic film characters to the dedicated collectors around the world.

They have always done great things with their 1/6th and 1/4th scale collectibles, and now collectors can now own life-size collectibles from Hot Toys? new ?Life-Size Masterpiece Series.?

To kick-off the new series, Hot Toys present the Armoured Batman Life-Size Collectible based on one of the biggest blockbusters of 2016 ? Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

The movie-accurate and realistic life-size collectible will be available in selected markets and stands approximately 1.95m/6.4ft tall (2.2m/7.2ft tall with base). It features an armoured head with light-up eyes, authentic and detailed likeness of Batman?s (Ben Affleck) lower face, meticulously sculpted replica of the Batsuit and armor, a fabric cape, and a circular base with light-up function and movie logo.

This Armoured Batman Life-Size Collectible is a phenomenal work that rivals a piece of fine art and will be a truly spectacular centerpiece for your ?Batcave.?

The Life-Size Armored Batman Collectible special features:
? Authentic and detailed likeness of Armored Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
? Armored Batman head with light-up eyes (white light, power cord/plug in)
? Movie-accurate facial expression of Batman with detailed skin and stubble texture
? Approximately 1.95m/6.4ft tall (Approx. 2.2m/7.2ft tall with base)
? Meticulously sculpted replica of the Batsuit and armor
? Black colored fabric cape
? Specially designed circular base with light-up function and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice movie logo (white light, power cord/plug in)

Artists:
? Head Sculpted by Jae-sung, Eom
? Head Painted by JC. Hong
? Head Art Directed by Kojun

Welcome back everyone, I have to say I am now on the countdown to Easter and looking forward to some quality time with the children.  I am actually going away for the long weekend and leaving the laptop behind, and hoping to leave the phone switched off as much as possible. 

I know this is a scary thought for those of us who spend far too many hours glued to our screens and social media channels but it doesn?t have to be, in fact there a few things you can do in advance to plan for these blogging breaks ? why not make your social media channels who?ve spent a long time building up do some of the work for you?

You can schedule your Facebook and Twitter posts in advance ? I?ve recently been experimenting with a few ways of doing this after asking for recommendations from my fellow bloggers, of course as with all apps etc. etc some work better for others and you need to play around to figure out which you prefer.  Some of these in no particular order include: Hootsuite, Buffer, Social Oomph & Buffer Gram ? there are lots more available too.  By scheduling your posts in advance it can save you hours per week ? hands up who goes onto Facebook or Twitter to share a post and gets lost procrastinating for hours at a time.  You can also schedule tweets for your older posts and your competitions which you may be running.

Once you have scheduled your blog posts, scheduled your social media posts you can then look into ways of sharing these further afield so that the traffic still flows on your break. 

Stumble Upon is great for finding new content and can be a fantastic way of driving traffic to your posts, Karen explains how it has doubled her views since she has been using it and talks you through setting up an account and using it.

Pinterest is another great traffic builder, who?d have thought a few years ago that you could pin more than just pretty pictures ? Jessica explains how you are able to grow your blog with Pinterest  and Joanne talks about Rich Pins ? these are pins from your website which get extra promotion.

Instagram has become a popular platform for bloggers recently, noted as not only a way of showing off family pictures but a way of extending the blogging platform and a way to tell a story.  Aby has a great post about how to rapidly grow your IG account after interviewing Nathan Chan and Becky also has a post on growing your following.

There are other ways to increase your reach ? Joanne  talks about how she increased her Facebook reach in a week, while Jenny has Twitter tips for bloggers and Lucy will talk you through ways to grow your blog.

It is important to take some time out, I am looking forward to mine and remember your blog will still be there on your return and of course you work on building your social media presence on your return ready for the next break!

Don?t forget to tweet or email me ([email protected]) if you have a topic you would like to see covered in these posts.

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In the round-up: Bernie Ecclestone denies the Italian Grand Prix is essential to Formula One as the race still lacks a contract beyond the end of this season.

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Fernando Alonso and Esteban Gutierrez survey the scene after their race-stopping crash in the Australian Grand Prix.

What did the pair have to say to each other? That?s for you two work out in this week?s Caption Competition.

Post your funniest suggestion in the comments below.

A selection of the best will feature in a future edition of the F1 Fanatic Round-up.

Caption Competition

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There are daffodils aplenty, the birds are singing and we?re seeing buds appear on the trees. The days are longer, the yearned for blue skies bring a smile to our face and we shout ?lambs? whenever we pass a field. Spring has most certainly sprung and we?re full of joy as a result. 

The crazy weather we?ve recently experienced has almost echoed Melbourne?s changeable climate. But it?s not stopped us exploring, having a great time or marvelling at mother nature. On the duller days we?ve reminisced about sunshine and warmth like Birds and Lilies who took this photograph while travelling from Seville to Madrid. 

When the snow came, the BritMums community was quick to take full advantage. Had we had some of the white stuff we?d totally be joining Mummy Alarm to make snow angels! 

For Wishes and Wellies, the snowfall meant their little viking was able to build his first ever snowman ? suitably dressed in the most adorable penguin coat!

Even without the flakes, we?ve seen frozen rivers and splendid skies. This was the view Lukeosaurus And Me had on a wander at the historic Waverley Abbey. 

There?s nothing like being prepared and Mr and Mrs T Plus 3 littlest was more than ready with her umbrella up ? just in case it rained! Accompanied with the necessities ? a rucksack that contained Lego characters, a stuffed Bagpuss and Playdoh. 

For Mummy Travels, Brighton showers brought puddles to splash in, a walk on the beach and a discovery in these glorious blue tiles. Complementing those snazzy yellow wellies beautifully. 

Muff and Teacake was greeted by a sea of colourful umbrellas at Borough Market where you can also expect to find exceptional British and International produce. 

The past few weeks has also seen us take a breath and appreciate our surroundings. Over 40 And Mum To One caught this beautiful cobweb on the wing mirror of her car. 

And Mini Travellers captured this stunning view while out running in the Wirral. 

The Joy of Five family also hit the beach, enjoying calm seas that almost blended into the sky. The kids even enjoyed their first barefoot dip of the year! 

As for the Doves, we?ve seen many a dramatic sky over recent weeks, embraced misty mornings and stared in awe at the most magnificent sunsets. A favourite most certainly being the calm after a storm. 

That?s it for this month everyone ? keep your eyes peeled for next month?s photography theme. If you?d like to say hello, you?ll find me here on Twitter and on Instagram.   

Report and photos

Jamie Stevens is no stranger to Clothes-Make-the-Man having in the past offered us advice on the latest hairstyles for that coming season and neither is he any stranger to being on our TV Screens, being a regular fixture on This Morning and the resident stylist for X Factor for four years. He is three-time winner of Men?s hairdresser of the year (and is exempt from winning the prize again) and in 2015 was entered into the British Hairdressing Awards hall of fame. He is the youngest ever nominee for Hairdresser of the Year, an award he has been nominated for four times.

His latest venture sees him launching an innovative new men?s haircare system, called MR designed to combat the challenges associated with hair thinning, whilst also being perfectly suitable for all men to keep hair strong and healthy. Three years in development, Stevens worked with some of the leading  scientists to develop MR. drawing on the most advanced science and industry innovations, to deliver targeted solutions.

As people age hair begins to thin ? an inescapable fact, I?m afraid ? which is a result of the active growth cycle slowing down so lost hairs are not replaced as quickly. However, this common complaint is still seen as a largely taboo subject despite findings from research showing the fact that 56% of young men (aged 18-24 years old) and 33% of ALL men have concerns and anxieties over it and, until now, there has been very little on the market to actively and effectively target this problem.

MR. is divided into three categories, Disguise, Thicken and Style, the line-up is a clearly defined range of 12 products, all containing a unique active complex designed specifically for this collection ? System- PPXTM ? proven to help promote thicker, hydrated and stronger hair.

Disguise contains two hero products, the MR. Hair Fibres and MR. Disguise Spray, both of which are designed to subtly, but effectively, mask areas of hair loss. The Spray adds colour to the scalp, to disguise thinning and receding areas and the Hair Fibres attach to existing hair, to make it look fuller and thicker. Results are truly unprecedented. The Shampoo, Conditioner and Treatment within the Thicken category all create healthy strong, thick hair and the seven Style products incorporate formulas to help support the strength and structure of the hair.

some ideas

At our #BritMumsBudget Twitter conversation we chatted with experts from NatWest about what the budget means for you and your family. Sponsored by NatWest, this Twitter Conversation formed part of the special Budget edition of NatWest Money Clip, which helps you make sense of financial news and simplifies what it means for your family finances.

Economists from NatWest were on hand to answer your questions on Twitter and continue to share helpful tips on the NatWest website hub, www.NatWest.com/budget2016.

So what topics and issues were important to mums and families for this budget? See what influential tweeters said, and leave a comment, telling us whether it?s the same for you.

Housing remains top of the list for families

Housing was the first thing on mums? minds during our chat. Buying a first home or moving up the property ladder remains a family goal, but one that?s increasingly out of reach. While the Government described a Lifetime ISA that under-40s can use to save for retirement or to buy a first home (see more below), that won?t help everyone.

Would LOVE to think that in 5 years time I will start seeing myself get on the property ladder! @Luckysammyg

If I had money, I would build houses with granny flats and annexes @kateonthinice

This would work for grown up children not just parents! https://t.co/JSa3lnCZYu @goriami

I have given up worrying about any potential future home ownership. @peacockfeather

My partner is self employed, I stay at home. It?s almost impossible [to get onto property ladder]. We have looked into it and renting is expensive too @29niknak29

We can?t afford to even save a 5% deposit. Prices are just ridiculous. £200k for a 2 bed @maxandmummyblog

We own but can?t afford to move up the ladder @ChelseaMamma

My partner works and I?m a stay-at-home mum and it feels impossible to own a home. @MayersCassie

This is such a big issue in my family atm! So difficult to get onto the housing ladder! @ajmajor

We need to leave enough arable land to be able to feed the population sustainably @LovesBeingMummy

The more houses that the government helps to build, the more likely affordability can improve @NatWest_Help

Income tax ? what mums think

Everyone is concerned about paying more tax; some mums just want to ensure our taxes support programmes essential to them, such as the NHS. The Government said the Personal Allowance will increase to £11,500, and the higher rate threshold will rise to £45,000 in April 2017.

Working families are always affected in some way. The harder you work the more they tax! @Beckielise

Higher personal allowance on income tax, have to have the money to save it! @Beckelise

Personally would be happy for slight increase in income tax if I got better NHS and better childcare @peacockfeather

Pensions

There were no announcements about pension changes, the main focus for savers was the Lifetime ISA, said @NatWest_Help. Even so, pensions remain a hot topic for families ? and a source of confusion. Some of the questions mums had:

• What pension options are there for me being self-employed & nearly 40? @jibberjabberuk
• Are we better just saving or putting money into a pension if we don?t have much to start with @goriami
• Who can advise you if you are totally bamboozled by pensions? @kateonthinice
• I haven?t opted in to a pension as I only work 10 hours a week, should I? @Luckysammyg

Constant changes to pensions makes me nervous for what they might do in future, no stability @DGraceLloyd

The new Lifetime ISA ? welcome but?.

This ISA seems too good to be true, what?s the catch? @kirankaur1985

This Lifetime ISA sounds great for us as self-employed young parents! @DGraceLloyds
 
Lifetime ISA is all very well if one has anything spare to save @peacockfeather

Guess I best open a lifetime ISA soon as I?m nearly 40! @domestigoddesq

Our relationship to saving and spending is complicated

Saving money remains a goal, as well as teaching kids to manage their money. The amount you can save each year into ISAs will be increased from £15,240 to £20,000 from April 2017 @NatWest_Help

Would like to see higher thresholds on tax-free saving! @Beckielise

We?re saving in our mortgage offset as get better effective interest rate than savings accounts @katedavis

I?d like to see better savings rate for kids @CaraB81

ISAs confuse me; I prefer the safety of instant access savings account because I understand them
@CarlaRSTOATSblog

I work to live, no money for saving or spending @MyTwoMums

Hopefully it?ll make people think a bit more about what they are buying @mummascribbles

With things like Lifetime ISA announced but not until April 2017. Could it all change by then? @DGraceLLoyd

Q. As a young mum to 2 children what are your suggestions for the best savings scheme for them @Tantrums2Smiles   A. The MoneySense programme can help kids work towards their financial future https://t.co/gzLlWAW1oU @NatWest_Help

Hurrah for the sugar tax

The Government said they will double the dedicated funding for sport in primary schools, paid for by a levy on soft drinks. Mum cheered, but remained skeptical that it would address the larger issue of obesity.

It is a good thing, but why is it only soft drinks? @DoniMFS

They need to fund more fun outside activities for all school children @thesoupdragon44

Great that it?s supporting sports ? really not sure it?ll make a huge difference to childhood obesity though @mummascribbles

Great news re sugar tax @gambofi

The last words

I would also like to see less emphasis on free childcare, and more emphasis on supporting families directly @goriami

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