Aired: June 16, 2008

Information: James is back from Minneapolis at the Digital River One Network Direct conference. This is an affiliate manager that deals with software and represents over 40000 titles. James was invited to deliver a talk to their top affiliates and upper management about how to make money with affiliate programs. James talked about Google natural search, paid search, how he built his business and the business of affiliate marketing. James has interviewed two of the Digital River management in the past for Coffee Talk. Software is a profitable niche for affiliate marketers. James kept the focus of his talk on the information rich websites. Some of the other types of sites represented were reviews sites, paid search and coupon sites. Digital River did 2 billion dollars in sales last year. James spoke to Targus who are the largest manufacturer of laptop bags and accessories who were actively recruiting affiliates. James got some ideas for doing websites for some of the companies there. James talked to suppliers and where they felt their products were going and how digital distribution really is the way of the future for the majority of software. Digital River also asked James to invite some of his students. Christian Chappa joined James in Minneapolis. It is important to get to know your affiliate manager they know what works and what does not work and how you can improve your site to get a higher conversion rate. James has used several ways of creating websites over the years. He has used FrontPage, EzWebBuilder and XsitePro. XsitePro (http://www.xsitepro.com/) has a lot going for it that James likes. James talks about the advantages of using Excite Pro and the features that are offered as part of their hosting package. James talks a little bit about his family and the recent graduation from high school of his daughter Shelby and the lifestyle affiliate marketing has afforded him over the years.
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