Russ is looking to select a domain name for his affiliate website, but does not know what he wants to promote. He cannot get a Commission Junction account because he does not have a website. He feels like he is stuck in a “catch 22″ situation. Below is his email along with my suggestions:
Hi Ben and Dave,
After going through your training material, I find myself in a catch 22 situation. You mention that I need to register a domain name but I must first browse through the site ‘cj.com’ to find out what I’d like to market thus enabling an appropriate domain name.
The problem is that cj.com won’t allow you to browse their site the way you’ve shown me on the video unless you register – and part of the registration process is telling them your domain name.
As a result, I feel stuck.
Please help – Russ
Hi Russ,
I understand the dilemma you are in. Here are a few suggestions for you.
You can always select a domain name now based upon the overall niche you see yourself getting involved in. In other words, you don’t need to know exactly which company or which product you are going to promote today in order to select a domain name that suits a general niche.
For instance, if you believe you may want to promote language learning software, perhaps you choose a fitting domain name for that niche.
You can always add or change your domain name at a later date too. One good thing about doing business online is that you can make these quick changes. It isn’t like selecting a store location and moving in.
The other option is to open a Commission Junction account without a website. You can do this by indicating you are the owner of yahoo.com or aol.com, etc. in the fields where it asks you for your website information. This will usually at least get your account opened up with Commission Junction. (You will eventually need your real website to get approved for the individual programs.)
Remember too that you can browse affiliate programs without a Commission Junction account at all. There are hundreds of affiliate networks just like it you can use to do your market research. Otherwise, you can simply browse stores and products online. Once you find a store you like, search for their affiliate program information. Most stores post this information somewhere on their website.
Best,
Ben
Tags: picking a domain name