AFFILIATE MARKETING
Clicks and conversions lurk in Telegram channels for affiliate marketers, ET BrandEquity
Telegram is one of the most popular messaging apps in India – 384.06 million active users in the country (close to 55.5% of India’s total internet users). This is seconded only by WhatsApp which has 531,46 million active users. India is one of the largest markets for Telegram with 22% of lifetime app installs coming from the country.
Digital marketers have found a new way to leverage Telegram – for affiliate marketing. There are multiple advantages to using Telegram to market to audiences. The first and foremost advantage is that Telegram channels enable one-way communication to an unlimited number of subscribers. This is beneficial for broadcasting affiliate links, promotions, and content to a wider audience.
Another interesting way that an affiliate marketer can use Telegram is by utilising Telegram’s bots feature. Telegram supports bots capable of automating various tasks, such as posting from other social media platforms and scheduling posts.
Rohit Raj – founder of Discounts Deck, an affiliate marketing Twitter account that shares deals across product categories on X (formerly Twitter) comments that Telegram has proven to be a highly effective channel for generating link clicks and conversions for us. He explains that the platform’s instant notification system ensures that our offer messages reach users quickly, making it a perfect place for time-sensitive promotions or exclusive deals. This immediacy is particularly beneficial when promoting time-sensitive offers or limited-time discounts such as flash sales.
When it comes to link clicks and transactions – Raj estimates that on an average, If 1,000 users visited an affiliate link and 50 of them will complete the transactions. He draws attention to a specific Telegram feature that improves conversions – Telegram link previews that allow users to see a preview of the content before clicking.
“This can lead to higher click-through rates, as users can preview the offer and make an informed decision before navigating to the destination. However, It is worth noting that click-through and conversion rates can vary based on the products and time of posting, with lower-priced products generally having higher conversion rates than higher-priced ones,” he says.
What works in the favour of people Telegram provides more precise control over privacy settings, allowing users to determine who can view their phone number, profile picture, and last seen status. This flexibility contributes to a more comfortable and secure environment for users interacting with affiliate content.
Also, It is worth noting that the newly launched “Whatsapp Channels” mimic some of these features and may emerge as a competitor to Telegram in the future. When an affiliate marketer such as Raj wants to work with different affiliate networks or partners, they can participate in affiliate programs or networks relevant to their chosen niche, such as Amazon Associates, Flipkart Affiliate, and Admitad. Enrolling in these programs are typically free, and typically requires details about our Telegram channel or group, such as subscriber count, engagement metrics, and channel type.
“Affiliate networks use broadcasts to share important updates, promotional schedules, and guidelines, ensuring all affiliates receive information simultaneously and stay informed about ongoing campaigns. Also, Telegram’s file-sharing features are useful for exchanging documents, promotional creatives, and marketing materials like banners and graphics that affiliates may need for promotions.” says Raj.
When e-commerce sites host big ticket sales such as Amazon’s Great Indian Sale, the links on the Telegram channel typically see a good response. This is in part because during major sale events, users on the channel are actively seeking deals and discounts, making it a perfect time for affiliate marketers to engage with their audience.
“The urgency and excitement surrounding sale events often result in higher click-through rates, with users more inclined to explore and click on affiliate links offering discounts or exclusive deals during these periods. The time-sensitive nature of sale days can lead to faster conversions, as users in a buying mindset are more likely to promptly complete transactions, resulting in a spike in conversion rates,” says Raj.
The DiscountsDeck account has more followers on X (formerly Twitter) than on its Telegram Channel. But Raj tells us the organic reach on Twitter is lower when compared to Telegram, which is mainly influenced by factors such as timing of posts. Additionally, the conversion rates on Twitter are slightly lower than those on Telegram. On average, out of 1,000 users who visit an affiliate link, approximately 35-40 of them complete transactions.
The conversion rates for items in the mid-to-high price range, such as Smart TVs, appliances, and furniture, are higher on Twitter. In contrast, lower-priced products like clothing, bags, shoes, and groceries tend to have higher conversion rates on Telegram.
Festive seasons and sales are also typically when people buy essential items for their house such as air conditioners, refrigerators, mobile phones etc. Swati Bhargava , co-founder of Cashkaro calls these categories the best performing during festive season. The price wars on sites such as Amazon and Flipkarts and deep discounting also pushes traction.
According to Bhargava, Telegram users form a big part of the company’s audience. A Telegram group can have 2,00,000 members whereas a Telegram Channel can have an unlimited number of followers.
“Cashkaro has collaborated with the top 80 per cent of Telegrammers in India so that their affiliate links and deals are promoted in various Telegram channels. This is a high performing channel for us,” says Bhargava. The variety of products they sell ranges from beauty products to home furnishing to cryptocurrencies and financial products as well.
Puneet Dua, co-founder and CMO of Sportsbaazi, says that when it comes to branding and marketing, people tend to think about it from a retainer point of view – such as buying a billboard for X rupees per day, but that is a short time value in the modern marketing scheme.
People can leverage their social currency as influencers. When it comes to sporting events like the India versus Australia T20 series subject matter experts are talking on YouTube and Telegram about news and their thoughts, predictions etc. The subject matter experts also suggest to people how to invest and what kind of contests to engage with.
On Telegram – a user subscribes to content because he might relate to it or be interested in that information – such as stock market trading tips or . It’s not on the basis of say, a digital ad they saw. This is why Dua stresses on the importance of choosing the right affiliate marketers to work with, keeping in mind relevance to the category.
“An influencer with a million followers might result in the company getting 10 new users whereas someone who’s got around 100,000 followers might be able to help you get 100 new users. Depending on your media mix and messaging”, says Dua.
Dua explains that the channels feature on Telegram helps individuals pursue particular interests such as stock markets or sports, but the privacy features of Telegram ensure that it can be done anonymously. Some influencers also share links to their YouTube channel on Telegram. It provides for a way for them to get in touch with the audience in a casual way and have impromptu interactions with users.
These impromptu interactions especially work when real time sports tournaments are going on. That is the time when everyone is making their teams on Sportsbaazi. At a time like that, users might not be receptive to a full YouTube video but might be more open to text interactions from the influencers who might be seen as subject matter experts.
These websites were identified and recommended for blocking by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), an initiative of the Home Ministry aimed at addressing cybercrimes in a coordinated and comprehensive manner through its National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU), an official spokesperson said.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
Protect Your Business Computer From Hackers and Trackers with This $70 VPN Deal
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
Browsing online and using public networks can make your computer vulnerable to a wide range of hackers and trackers. For entrepreneurs running a business, being bogged down or having your team members bogged down by dangerous, cost-threatening disruptions like these is unacceptable.
A good way to keep you and your team safe and working fast while online is with a reliable VPN subscription. To help, this Windscribe VPN Pro Plan three-year subscription is available for $69.97 (reg. $207) through May 12th at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Windscribe can be a great VPN subscription for entrepreneurs and small businesses because it supports unlimited devices. Going beyond typical VPN services, Windscribe offers itself as a desktop application and browser extension. All-in-all, it can be used to unblock websites, block ads, and keep you safe without expecting you to configure a wide range of complicated settings.
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This service runs on a system of servers in more than 69 countries and 112 cities. It uses something called split tunneling, which allows users to choose which apps use the VPN and which ones don’t. This is a great feature for teams with remote employees who toggle between work and personal programs on the same screen.
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Don’t forget that this Windscribe VPN Pro Plan three-year subscription is available for the best-of-web price of $69.97 (reg. $207) only through May 12th at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
Get Microsoft Office Plus Windows 11 Pro for $70 This Week Only
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
When you run a company, you need every basic tool available to streamline your communications, content creation, and sales abilities. You also need to operate on a computer outfitted with a capable and robust operating system designed to support modern productivity.
Through 11:59 p.m. PT on May 12th only, you can get The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle on sale for just $69.97 (reg. $438).
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Through 11:59 p.m. PT on May 12th only, you can get The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle on sale for just $69.97 (reg. $438).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
8 Common SEO Myths Debunked
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
In today’s digital landscape, a strong Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy is crucial for businesses to thrive. SEO helps websites rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), driving organic traffic and boosting online visibility.
However, the world of SEO is also riddled with myths and misconceptions that can lead businesses astray. Let’s debunk some of the most common SEO myths and separate fact from fiction.
Myth 1: More keywords mean better rankings
Gone are the days of stuffing your content with every keyword imaginable. Google’s algorithms have shifted towards natural language processing (NLP), prioritizing content quality and user experience above keyword density. While keywords remain important, focusing on keyword intent and strategic placement throughout your content is far more beneficial than keyword quantity.
Fact: Research relevant keywords related to your target audience and their search queries. Use those keywords naturally within your content, focusing on providing informative and engaging information that fulfills user intent.
Related: Ultimate SEO Guide On How to Get 100,000 Visits Per Month From Google
Myth 2: Meta tags don’t matter anymore
While meta tags may not hold the same weight they once did, they’re far from irrelevant. Title tags and meta descriptions are like billboards for your content, serving as the first impression users see in search results. Compelling and informative meta tags can significantly improve click-through rates (CTR) and user engagement.
Fact: Craft clear, concise, and keyword-rich title tags that accurately reflect your content. Similarly, write engaging meta descriptions that entice users to click. Keep your title tag under 60 characters and your meta description around 160 characters to ensure they display fully in search results.
Myth 3: Social media directly influences SEO rankings
Social media shares and likes don’t directly translate into higher search rankings. However, social media plays a vital role in online visibility and brand awareness. Strong social media engagement can drive traffic back to your website, indirectly contributing to SEO by increasing user engagement and potentially influencing click-through rates.
Fact: Utilize social media platforms to share your content and connect with your audience. Encourage social media followers to share your content further, expanding your reach and driving more visitors to your website.
Myth 4: Backlinks are no longer relevant
Backlinks, or links from other websites to yours, remain a cornerstone of SEO. High-quality backlinks from reputable websites act as a vote of confidence for your content, signaling to search engines that your site is trustworthy and authoritative. This can significantly boost your domain authority and improve search rankings for relevant keywords.
Fact: Focus on acquiring backlinks from relevant websites within your niche. Create high-quality content that others will find valuable and link to naturally. Avoid spammy link-building tactics, as they can actually harm your SEO efforts.
Related: 9 SEO Tips to Help You Rank No. 1 on Google in 2024
Myth 5: SEO is a one-time effort
If you think you can optimize your website once and reap the benefits forever, think again. Search engines constantly update their algorithms, and SEO is an ongoing process. To maintain strong search rankings, you need to stay on top of SEO best practices.
Fact: Regularly update your website content with fresh, informative, and engaging material. Review your keyword strategy periodically and adapt to changes in the search landscape. Stay updated on the latest SEO trends and best practices to ensure your website stays relevant.
Myth 6: Mobile optimization doesn’t matter
With the majority of web searches now conducted on mobile devices, having a website that’s optimized for mobile browsing is no longer optional. Search engines prioritize mobile-friendly websites in search results, ensuring users have a positive experience when accessing your content.
Fact: Make sure your website has a responsive design that adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes and devices. Ensure fast loading times and easy navigation for mobile users.
Myth 7: Paid advertising can replace SEO
While paid advertising (PPC) can be a valuable tool to drive immediate traffic, it’s not a replacement for SEO. The benefits of SEO are long-term and sustainable, with organic traffic continuing to flow to your website even without ongoing ad spend.
Fact: Develop a strong SEO strategy alongside your paid advertising efforts for a well-rounded digital marketing approach. Organic traffic can provide a more cost-effective source of website visitors in the long run.
Myth 8: Focusing on local SEO doesn’t matter if I sell online
Even for e-commerce businesses, neglecting local SEO can be a missed opportunity. If you have a physical location or offer local delivery, optimizing your website for local search terms can significantly increase your visibility to potential customers in your area.
Fact: Claim and manage your Google My Business listing to ensure your business information is accurate and up-to-date. Utilize location-specific keywords throughout your website content and target local search queries.
Conclusion
Staying informed about SEO best practices is crucial for optimizing your website and achieving success in the digital marketplace. Don’t be swayed by outdated myths or quick-fix SEO schemes. Focus on creating high-quality content, building a strong backlink profile, and staying updated on the latest SEO trends.
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MARKETING6 days agoA Recap of Everything Marketers & Advertisers Need to Know
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PPC4 days agoHow the TikTok Algorithm Works in 2024 (+9 Ways to Go Viral)
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SEO5 days agoBlog Post Checklist: Check All Prior to Hitting “Publish”
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SEO3 days agoHow to Use Keywords for SEO: The Complete Beginner’s Guide
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MARKETING4 days agoHow To Protect Your People and Brand
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PPC6 days agoHow to Craft Compelling Google Ads for eCommerce
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