Tonight the kids and I decided to swing through McDonalds for a CDC (chocolate dipped cone) after dinner. That’s what happens when we’re on our own for dinner while mom is out with the gals.
As we were pulling out of the parking lot, I saw a couple of homeless looking guys, with a dog (why is it that about 50% of homeless people have dogs?), standing on the sidewalk. They’d staked out a little high traffic spot and had the usual homeless person sign. Instead of the standard “Will work for food” or “Hungry, anything will help”, theirs read “McHungry”.
I have no idea why, but after a good chuckle, all I could think about was how creative that was both in the sign verbiage as well as their location. Didn’t make me want to give them money, but it did get me to thinking about my affiliate marketing efforts.
In an effort to turn the thoughts into useful action, I tried to summarize things into several takeaway points.
1. Don’t use canned creatives, create your own. Any time you start promoting a new product, especially if you’re on the newer side to affiliate marketing, it’s very VERY tempting to just use the creatives provided. In my opinion, that’s one of the worst things you can do. The reason being it’s likely every body and their dog (yes, even the homeless people with dogs) will have tried to use the same banners. Affiliate marketing is all about standing out. Differentiating yourself from everyone else. Breaking through the noise. So why in the world would you start things off with the same old stuff everyone else is using. I’ll admit, I’m guilty of this same thing.
You need to make your own creatives. You may not have any skills. You may not have any confidence. But even if you think what you’ve done sucks, it’ll give you a shot at being different.
2. Take the creative approach with where you display your ads. I love that these 2 guys were standing out in front of McDonald’s tonight. We’ve become accustomed to seeing people on freeway exit ramps and busy intersections. This caused me to notice them. For us, where can we pitch our offers that would be outside the norm? Nursing home services on a mommy blog? Baby goods on men’s site? Gourmet food on a diet blog? Try something different. Step outside the norm and take a chance.
Lots of affiliates already do this, but if you haven’t tried it, it can be tough to get your brain to think that way. Our natural tendency is again to go with the norms on where we promote offers. The problem is you have to work all that much harder to differentiate yourself, just like with your creatives. When you go against the flow, it’s easier to get noticed. Sure it may be tougher to sell to particular audiences, but you also may be pleasantly surprised at what people respond to.
3. Step outside your offer promotion comfort zone. We get used to promoting certain types of offers or promoting to particular demographics and it’s healthy to get challenged once in a while. Mix things up a bit. Try an over saturated market like dating or ring tones. Challenge yourself a bit and see what you can do with it. The two homeless guys weren’t breaking the bank, at least when we saw them, but they were trying a new tactic to raise some capital. A different place and message.
I’m sure there’s more you could pull from this, but that’s just what came to mind while driving home tonight after seeing those guys. I almost went back to take a picture for this post, but the kids were ready to get home. It’s funny what little moments in life can teach you sometimes.
May 21st, 2010 at 3:42 am
Its a really nice idea you got that night that these 2 guys were standing out in front of McDonald’s tonight. You are absolutely right that we should take a creative approach with where you display your ads. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful thought.
May 21st, 2010 at 6:23 am
cool, thanks for the post
May 21st, 2010 at 7:55 am
Very well said ! Speaking personally, something that is out of the ordinary will pique my interest. I gloss right over the "same-'ole, same-'ole ".
May 21st, 2010 at 9:19 am
It’s funny what little moments in life can teach you sometimes.
I totally agree with this. And I also admit to number 1. I've been reading posts about how it's good to stand out from the crowd. But there's really no detailed explanation of how one can really standout from all the rest. Your post has given me some details on how to be different, unique or one-of-a-kind. Thanks for the details. Will always be remembering – a different place, a different message.
May 21st, 2010 at 11:19 am
So, as I see, the key point of your approach is creativity – I can agree with this, because the best way to become popular is to define yourself, to stand out from the crowd!
May 22nd, 2010 at 7:04 am
Yes, i agree with you. This self creativity idea is very good!
May 22nd, 2010 at 10:58 am
your thoughts are entirely different from other bloggers. Thanks for the post
May 22nd, 2010 at 4:22 pm
I really liked your article a title really useful blog also very nice, liked it very much, thank you.
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:24 am
Everyone who wants to gain big fortunes in an area full of keen competition, creative approach is a necessity indeed. Or, he/she will have to face the failure sooner or later.
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Yes, i agree with you. This self creativity idea is very good!
Thanks admin
May 23rd, 2010 at 8:39 pm
Being creative helps but you should know what you are doing so that you don't end up trying to reinvent the wheel. And I have didcovered several times in my life that simplicity works better than anything. So while trying to be creative I think it is important to keep the simplicity factor in mind.
May 23rd, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Mmm… CDC chocolate dipped cone sound great. Along with an apple pie. You are dead on about using your own creatives. You have to stand out. Who was a great rebounder in the NBA? One guy stands out is Dennis Rodman. Why him? His colorful hair. He stands out along with his rebound career.
May 23rd, 2010 at 11:20 pm
As for me it is strange that two poor hungry guys had enough corriage to invent such a creative method of asking for help. But never the less I appreciate their creativity!
May 24th, 2010 at 12:55 am
Good idea!
May 24th, 2010 at 12:58 am
I like this. Good and detailed post
May 24th, 2010 at 4:46 am
Thats a funny Post MacDonald On road.
Nice share i like it.
May 24th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
So standing out in the crowd is the whole point as the homeless guys did. But i tried to apply this to my business and it did work well
Cheers mate for the wonderful post!!
May 24th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
100% ACK!
May 24th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
"Anybody got a light?"
-Ronald McDonald
May 24th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Ha, this is really ironic because today I was talking to my colleagues about marketing and homeless panhandlers.
I was thinking it through and realized that panhandlers get right up in your face and (in some ways) use an elevator pitch. I always give money regardless if others say not to.
While in Miami I saw a homeless man that used a comedic sign, he did it to give everyone a laugh in which everyone gave money to him.
May 25th, 2010 at 12:12 am
I like your picture seeing ronald mcdonald pushing a cart. anyways, being part of any affiliate programs takes a lot of effort and creativity.
May 25th, 2010 at 12:34 am
Awesome post! Nice pic too
May 25th, 2010 at 12:37 am
creative, I'd give him that
May 25th, 2010 at 7:42 am
Great way to get us to think outside the box.
May 25th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
That is a great way for those guys to try a different approach. It is hard to stray away from the norm. i have found when I have taken a chance and strayed form the norm it has worked out in my favor. Not all the time but more often that I thought it would. So your right take a chance at least you can get originality points!
May 25th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
LOL the McHungry part was classic, I actually chuckled a bit, I might even have given the guy a french fry for being ingenious, or maybe 2
May 26th, 2010 at 2:42 am
Hey, i like your example of the poor guys! And i totally agree with that create your own topic. I have found many duplicate contents on the web!
May 26th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Very good ideias.
Congratulations
May 26th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
Having a niche to specialize in is the greatest product one can have. Your productivity increases a lot when it’s something you enjoy or are passionate about.
May 27th, 2010 at 3:10 am
It’s always been there, the creativity, the need to stand out from the crowd.
An idea is special only when not many people are doing it and most have not seen it before, when everyone else is doing it – its the crowd now.
May 27th, 2010 at 6:44 am
Creative people can make everything into an opportunity. Yeah, "Think out of the box" is the word…
May 27th, 2010 at 6:45 am
Creative people can turn everything into opportunity. Yeah, "Think out of the box" is the word…
May 28th, 2010 at 2:07 am
Creativity is probably the most important quality that an internet marketer must have if he wants to succeed in online marketing, but unfortunately most people are trying to duplicate in the exactly same way what other successful marketers have done without thinking to make changes and add their own thoughts and as a result they fail.
May 28th, 2010 at 4:55 am
With all the competition around, it's a must to stand out among all others. Being creative is one sure way of standing out.
May 28th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
awsome post
May 29th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
As for me it is strange that two poor hungry guys had enough corriage to invent such a creative method of asking for help. But never the less I appreciate their creativity!
May 29th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
I agree that we have to be creative in little ways like this. Its ingenuity that will put you ahead of the rest. Great article got me thinking about different ways to promote my business! Thanks!
May 29th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
i thing this is just burger king joke
May 29th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
hahaha great! it's so lovely
June 1st, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Nice way.. Yes me too I'd give him that.
June 2nd, 2010 at 5:54 am
I think self creatives are good
June 4th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Awesome comparison between creative pan handlers and affiliate marketing. There are definitely some bums who show some brains by not doing the typical sign saying that they're hungry and they want money for food. When they differentiate themselves they get a lot more attention and their scheme works better. I think some of the smarter ones are actually doing well for themselves and go home to a decent apartment each night. Affiliate marketers can learn a thing or two from these kinds of marketing strategies. If you're just following the crowd, people will pass through your site as it has all the same stuff as the last 5 sites they were on.
June 6th, 2010 at 5:48 am
Method, the key is innovation – I can agree with that, because the best way is defined as the prevalence of their own, standing out from the crowd!
June 8th, 2010 at 4:30 am
June 8th, 2010 at 8:24 am
Very well said! I totally agree with you about coming up with your own original creative approach
June 10th, 2010 at 7:34 am
Being Creative can really help a person. Great post.
June 13th, 2010 at 12:00 am
Your article gave me how to be different and unique in a class of one to some of the details. Thank you for your details.
June 13th, 2010 at 1:16 am
I’ve seen so many homeless people in the philippines. They had lived for a couple of years in the street.
June 18th, 2010 at 1:57 am
I so agree with number two. You would likely lose some of your audience when you place some ads in the improper page. Some people are too too quick to judge that the site is substandard if it allows unrelated ads on a particular topic. This article is true!
June 18th, 2010 at 8:45 am
Good analysis – we've got a couple permanent homeless fixtures stationed near our McDonald's, but they're not particularly creative.
I'm pretty new to IM stuff though, and am at the point where I don't quite have a box yet to think outside of (that's a bit of convoluted grammar…). Once I get my foundation working, then I'll get creative!
June 22nd, 2010 at 6:03 am
thanks for the post !
June 27th, 2010 at 2:33 am
Now this is creative! It's a very competitive world out there that it is important to stand out if you want to stay afloat.
June 27th, 2010 at 10:25 am
extraordinary site! I’ve actually appreciated it!
June 28th, 2010 at 9:00 am
ha-ha…Real life!
June 28th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Thanks for the tips! While I am not new to blogging, I am new to actually trying to grow my blogs rather than just blog and see what happens. Your info is helpfull
June 30th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Good idea! thankss
July 1st, 2010 at 11:51 am
cool, thanks for the post
July 1st, 2010 at 1:07 pm
Haha, McHungry, that's a great idea! Really does get you thinking outside of the box.
Also when my wife goes out we tend to go for takeaways instead of my shocking cooking!
July 4th, 2010 at 5:36 am
I'm always thinking outside the box. One thing I do is put up flyers in grocery stores. Simple, but it really works!
July 5th, 2010 at 11:35 am
well done by Homeless guys, this is right to always think out of box and self creativity as well. I think the best you can convince one by you article about your product the best will be your sales.
July 5th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
From the headline I was thinking that you had paid the guys to advertise your site…
July 5th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Very good points. I think people by nature always want to take the path of least resistance…and do what's easy and convenient. It takes a lot for someone to go beyond that and start thinking outside of the box. Good post.
July 9th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
It's very creative to have this post. It helps a lot of people to realize that they have to share their blessings as well to others who are in need.
July 11th, 2010 at 2:50 am
Although I don't base my reason for giving money to homeless people solely on their sign – I do find myself giving more often if it says something creative.
The best "pitch" I had from a homeless guy was this dude that ran up to me and my friends late nite after clubbing. He ran up and said he needed money for a bus because his final exam was due and he needed to get to the library. He had a flash drive an everything. It was so mindboggling that he ended up getting $5 from each of us, coming out to be about $40.
July 15th, 2010 at 7:19 am
Cheers, good post. Homeess guys!!
July 17th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
This is really very entertaining, nice blog!
July 20th, 2010 at 2:34 am
Everytime I saw a homeless man I felt pity towards them. Regardless of what other people say not to give them money, I always end up giving. Your point of sharing this article is that to create an approach that could stand out of the crowd. And yes, a unique and creative project will end up to a good, productive, and attractive one. A creative approach will stand out of the crowd and get much attention.
July 28th, 2010 at 5:17 am
You are right about the position of the ads. Just moving them from their usual spot should give you an increase in revenue. But it is just for a while.
July 30th, 2010 at 2:24 am
http://www.robbinsbrothers.com/
August 4th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
If I were homeless I would have a dog so I have some company and someone to talk to. LOL I didn't say I would be a sane homeless person… =P
August 5th, 2010 at 6:24 am
Creativity matter a lot .We should be creative enough such that the person who see the add can directly knows that it's gone be on the important,.make sure you move ahead..In Affiliate you have tooo be creative enought through which you gone attract new viewers..
August 13th, 2010 at 12:21 am
great post. thank's.
August 17th, 2010 at 2:40 am
The said post here is very informative. I am impressed as to the ways in which the author delivered the message to us readers. I am curious as to the details and have read and got my answers to my query. It is nice to know that this one here really exist. The poor and homeless are being served by Mcdonalds it really is an inspiring story.
I would love to track your future posts.
August 17th, 2010 at 8:57 am
haa!!nice post!!
Thanks for sharing!
August 23rd, 2010 at 5:16 am
I like it very much ,thak you for your acticle .