Okay maybe “trash” is exaggerating (although see my example below!). Still, Internet marketing blogger Yaro Starak makes a good argument that you can (and probably should) write a product review that reveals the flaws of a product… and still expect to sell it through your affiliate link.

Yaro explains that while most Internet marketing product reviews are sales pitches - and that part of his motivation in writing product reviews is to sell products - by explaining the negatives as well as the positives, he ends up selling more.

I’m reminded of a product review I wrote on another blog a year or so ago. I called the product lame… and I still got an affiliate commission out of it! I’m not sure whether someone forgot to clear their cookies… or really did want to buy a lame product… or dismissed my product review… but it just goes to prove anything’s possible!

In any case, Yaro indicates that it IS possible to write genuine product reviews AND sell products if you follow these four guidelines:

1. Pick products you’re interested in that are relevant to your audience.

2. Write a thorough review after studying the product.

3. Build up credibility as a trusted source in the industry.

4. Build a large audience so that when you say something, enough people listen.

This is pretty much the approach we take at Kikabink News. I will say, however, that apart from the strange example above, we won’t write promotional product reviews UNLESS we genuinely endorse the product.

(No, I DON’T believe you can trash a product and sell it!)

Bottom line: if you plan to run a review site, be sure to discuss the cons as well as the pros of a product you review. Chances are you’ll build up more credibility and, in the long run, more affiliate sales.

Source: Yaro Starak, “Why Writing a Bad Review is Sometimes a Good Idea”, Entrepreneurs Journey, November 11, 2008

Many people seem to come into Internet marketing with the goal of achieving financial freedom.

Nothing wrong with that, and being committed to that goal will take you far.

But ironically enough, wanting financial freedom as your only - or even primary - motivation probably won’t lead you to achieving financial freedom.

Put it this way, I doubt that any Hollywood superstar, or top-earning athlete, or even billionaire got to where they are because they were chiefly motivated by financial freedom.

They got to where they are because (whether or not they also wanted financial wealth) they were fueled by an enormous desire to be EXCELLENT in their respective fields. To be the BEST at what they do.

So… do you have the desire to best possible marketer you can be? To deliver more value to your customers than anyone else? To “wow” them with your customer service?

Does that desire drive you as much as, if not more than, your personal desire to attain financial freedom?

If so, I think you’re much more likely to succeed long term. Simply because your desire for marketing excellence gives you more VISION over what needs to be done and greater DESIRE to do it. You’ll be more likely to seek a deeper understanding of your prospects and customers… to deliver top quality products and services to them… to provide exceptional customer service… and to go the extra mile in every other aspect of your business. And, as a result, you will reap the rewards.

If, on the other hand, Internet marketing is just a “money maker” and you have no real desire to be excellent, let alone be the best, I think you’ll find it tough. As many have said, Internet marketing is NOT an easy path to riches. It requires effort. Effort to learn… effort to implement… effort to overcome doubts… effort to stick to a plan without being swayed by the latest and greatest new thing!

Those who are just motivated by financial freedom, are less likely to keep putting in that effort when things get tough… whereas those who are motivated by a “higher calling” are on a mission that is likely to carry them forward no matter what.

If you don’t feel this way about your current business - if you don’t feel inspired to be the best - I would encourage you to rethink what you’re doing. There are all sorts of opportunities in Internet marketing, and I truly believe that when you find your “calling” you will become unstoppable. Not only will you be more likely to achieve financial freedom… but you’ll likely have much more fun along the way.

Welcome to our new look, new name email newsletter. Now before we go any further I’d like to suggest you don’t read any further… unless you’re genuinely passionate about Internet marketing!

That’s because our aim is to publish THE Internet marketing newsletter for Internet marketers. You know, where we actually tell you about breaking news… give you our take on topical issues… and provide you with helpful research findings, tips and more for improving the effectiveness of your Internet marketing efforts.

This ain’t gonna be your regular thinly veiled promotion for some self-styled Internet marketing guru’s latest home study course on how to get rich from the Internet! Boy, that was a mouthful.

So what’s our motivation? (Like, what’s our plan to extract money from you?) It’s simple really. The business model underlying Kikabink News is to generate revenue from advertising sales, affiliate promotions, and promotions for our own products and services.

But what may distinguish Kikabink News from some other so-called Internet marketing newsletters is that (a) we’ll actually publish news (as opposed to just tips on how to do this or that) and (b) there will be a clear distinction between news articles and advertisements or promotions. Hey, it works for The New York Times doesn’t it? Imagine that… providing a clear distinction between news and promotions.

Hopefully, you’ll like the new look Kikabink News, and if you have any suggestions for improvement or other feedback, drop me a line.