There are so many ways that people make money online today.
Some prefer to use Google AdSense, some use ClickBank, some use Cost Per Action (CPA) products whilst others sell advertising space.
The problem with all of these methods is that you're relying an awful lot on other people to do things for you.
You're relying on people to click your links and you're relying on companies (such as Google) to continue to want your service.
So what alternatives do you have? Lots of people these days have turned to email marketing, and it's seen by many as the next step in the evolutionary line of direct mail marketing.
The main principle behind it is this: You make a site that about something you are knowledgeable about and that people would want to read.
You then have a small box on your homepage where you invite the user to enter their email address in order to be added to your email list.
You promise them that by doing so they'll receive extra content and updates that isn't on the site.
Once they're added, you email them regularly with interesting articles and tips related to your website.
Every now and then you can send them a related offer for a product that they can buy with your affiliate link added into the email.
While you're still relying on people to open your email, read it, click the affiliate link and then buy whatever it is you're selling, it's a lot easier to do when you're emailing them directly rather than hoping that they'll visit your site.
Let's also not forget that if someone's on your email list they're on there because they chose to be (i.
e.
they decided to sign up on your website).