Do you have any tips to offer as far as where to spend the bulk of your time? I get overwhelmed and never know where to start. I started out learning from Pat Flynn and just googling from there, and you're right that once you learn the basics it's just a matter of creating compelling, high value content. I just struggle to figure out what direction to go in. Should I create an identity with lots of personality or just a generic tone on the website? How much do I need to connect with visitors, how important is a strong social media presence? How important is website speed as far as what I get from my host goes (outside of website performance on my end)?
How can you do this? Be clear on what is working in the industry and not. Be clear on what strategies both merchants and affiliates are using so you can offer fair, honest and useful feedback to your affiliate partners. Be ready to offer helpful tools and tips affiliates can learn more about. The PMA blogs about all kinds of important issues – things that can help prepare both affiliates and merchants for those changes. That’s usually a good place to start.