In this post I’m going to discuss the huge spike in online sales that occurs the months leading up to Christmas, and how you can potentially get in on the action.
I’m not 100% certain of the increase over Christmas, but I’m pretty sure it easily doubles if not triples at this time of year. If you postition yourself right now, you can get in on this massive spike in spending and come out on top.
The first thing you need to be aware of, is that if you’re doing an SEO site, you need to start right now in order to get rankings by early November, as most shopping is done in November and the first part of December.
There are also a few other things that play into our hands well during this time of year, that a lot of offline stores sell out of popular products, and this forces people to shop online in desperation to find the gift they so desire.
The next obvious question is, what products to promote on your affiliate marketing sites? The best thing to do is find out what’s popular this year, and there are a few ways that you can do this. One way is to go to Ebay pulse and see what’s selling. Ebay pulse provides info of the most popular products sold on Ebay. Alternatively you can go to a local department store and ask the sales reps in there what have been the most popular products this year. They’ll know if they’re the ones constantly refiling the shelves!!
Aside from these techniques you can just use your own knowledge of popoular products that would make good gifts. Toys are clearly a good one as these are popular gifts. You can also Google Trends, to see the trend in search volume of a keyword over time, and work out if this product is growing in popularity or not.
Below is a video I made to help explain how I go about this:
Christmas Affiliate Marketing Video
The key is to make sure you are targeting products that would make a good gift for someone, and that you can be an affiliate for.
The next step is to build your affiliate website and get it ranking in Google ready for the rush!
Ranking in Google for product names is a winner, so for example if there is a popular toy that’s selling this year, you would do well to rank for the name of this toy in Google and have a review of the product and affiliate links on the page to Amazon, or where ever else you choose. Even if you can’t rank for the exact product name, try and rank for a longer tail version of it.
The great thing about Amazon, is that you get commission for anything the customer buys in a 24hr period after clicking your affiilate link. So if they are the type of person who likes to do all their Christmas shopping at once, like me, then you will get commission on the lot!!
Start having a hunt around Amazon, starting in the Toys section, and even other large toy retailers and have a look at the products there. I’m sure you will find a few gems that you can whip up a small affiliate site on and start backlinking now in time for Christmas.
Hope that sparked some ideas!
Related articles
thanks for the tips matt
Matt Carter Reply:
September 5th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
Hi Shyam
You’re very welcome!
Matt
Your 100% right if you want a Good internet marketing or seo must start now if you want to be on page one of Google. what i do like about this page is the amazon stuff. great info matt thanks 🙂
Matt Carter Reply:
September 5th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
Hi Philip
Yeah you have to move now to secure the rankings, but its worth it, even if the keywords now show low volume the nov dec rush can mean good commissions still
Regards
Matt
Hello Matt,
Thiank you for the info. This reminds me that it is near Christmas time again. I will surely go for the affiliate phyisical products this year. Keep up the good work.
Matt Carter Reply:
September 5th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
Hi Lina
Cool, all the best with it
Matt
Good call Matt! I’ve been putting content and backlinks to a few Christmas sites for the last couple of weeks 🙂
Good stuff!
Thanks for the reminder that I just may be ontime to take advantage of this Christmas season. Great tips. Good luck this season.
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:35 am
Thanks Mark!!
Regards
Matt
Your thought on how brick and mortars sell out of the most popular items is spot on. Many IMer’s think it is too competitive, but your point is excellent. And your timing is great. Good job.
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:35 am
Thanks!
I have started promoting a new site , a week ago. Already number 7 on google 🙂
Hope to be number 1 up to November.
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:35 am
Well done Terry, you are on the ball!
Regards
Matt
Good post and good video, I had success with the Xbox Kinect Sensor last Christmas so hopefully I can get more successful sites this year, the earlier the site is ranked the better!
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:34 am
Hi Jake
Great to hear you already know how to make sales at Christmas, I think you will do well!!
All the best
Matt
Yes, Christmas is big time for us affiliates and we have to cash in on this opportunity. Some good point Matt.
Well said, Matt. Thanks for reminding me it’s time to get going for Christmas sales. Do you think it’s better to get a “catch-all” domain name or target one specific product?
Thanks for all the quality info!
Ted
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:33 am
Hi Ted
I think it is best to have a single product approach for this method.
regards
Matt
Hi Matt,
You’re right. To profit from the christmas traffic it make sense to start very early to position oneself.
Hi Matt
Thanks for reminding that christmas is around the corner cos if we have to set-up a website it will take around two to three months to be on page one.Also thanks for your informative video..
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:33 am
Hi Jim
Hope you are well, and glad you liked this post!!!
Regards
Matt
Hi Matt,
Thanks for sharing.
are we late for Halloween season?
Hi Matt thank you for the tips will start getting ready now for Christmas
You on the ball, thanks for the video,
important for us newbies to know you
and the team are there for us.
This video illustrates that.
Rob
earningagain
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:32 am
Hi Rob
Glad you liked the video and hope it helps you make some sales
All the best
Matt
Hi Matt,
I agree. Chrismas is a huge pulse of shopping and every year, there are new possibilities.
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:32 am
Hi Antti
Yeah there certainly is a big increase in traffic at Christmas
Cheers
Matt
Your post is quite insightful with excellent timing Matt…we don’t realize just how fast time flies! I certainly had not even considered that Christmas is just around the corner.
I guess it’s time to jump into some creative product research. Thanks again.
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:29 am
Hi Chramaine
Good to hear from you, and yeah it is amazing how quickly the year flies by!!!!
Regards
Matt
Hi Matt,
Thanks for the heads up. Recently started a new blog so I’d better start optimizing it with a few offers and links to my other websites.
Merry Christmas
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:29 am
Awesome stuff Fred, keep going with your new blog and I hope you do well with it
Regards
Matt
Matt,
Do you have any suggestions about the domains to purchase for the reviews? For example, do you always try to get .com first and if that domain don’t pan out just not renew it or is the less expensive .info okay to try? You know it can get quite expensive to keep purchasing domains. Also do you recommend using Blogger.com to test review products such as these?
Thanks again, Matt, for some great ideas for Christmas marketing! It’s too easy to let time fly by and then suddenly Christmas is here, so I’m really glad you posted this video and info now so we can get to work on our “Christmas affiliate sites”! Thanks!
Hello Matt,
Great video and great timing. This post helps to point out how proper prior planning and preparation are very important tools in creating a successful online business.
Keep up the good work ; – )
buy hgh pills @ Pritom Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 6:26 am
Where is the video link? plz give me the link. I am using a slow connection..
Regards
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:11 am
Video is in the post
Matt
Great video Mr.Matt … thanks
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:28 am
Hi Walied
Your very welcome
Matt
Hi Matt, thank you for all the excellent info you share with your readers. Xmas with Amazon would be great, except Amazon doesn’t work with Colorado affiliates. It has to do with our tax code. Anyways you guys kick some butt. Happy selling!
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:28 am
Hi Stephen
Yeah I know about that tax law, and I think it stinks to be honest.
You could try Adsense instead.
Matt
Awesome value Matt thanks for sharing
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:24 am
Hi Ralpheal
You’re welcome!
Matt
Thanks for the heads up Matt! It had not crossed my mind yet, now I am still in time! This could be the break through I need 😉
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:24 am
Go for it Ruth!!!!!!
I hope you really well
Regards
Matt
Matt, thanks for being a guy out there who genuinely cares about others success. You continue to be real and show concern for all of us out here trying to make it. I appreciate your way of teaching and try to send people your way as much as I can. In a world of so many trying to take advantage of the masses online, it is refreshing and inspiring to have someone like yourself just being real!
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:23 am
Hi,
Not sure what your name as, but I really appreciate your kind words and for sending people my way!!
Great stuff
Matt
I was having the same thoughts a few weeks back but they had slipped my mind so many thanks for this timely reminder.
The fundamental issue now is in choosing the right product, or rather products because chose one that bombs and that’s another wasted effort so I guess a few related products would suit better.
What do you think?
Regards
Russ
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:40 am
Hi Russ
I would choose a few products and don’t be too concerned if a one bombs out. I did a bike site for Chritstmas once and it made hardly nothing, but I learned from it!!
All the best
Matt
Great article Matt,
Yes, I appreciate the heads up. I was just thinking along the same lines the other day about Christmas coming up.
The tips you gave about Ebay Pulse will come in handy:-)
Becky x
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:23 am
HI Becky
Glad you found the post helpful and hope you do well with sales this Christmas
Matt
Thanks for the well- timed reminder Matt. Last year I left it too late. This year I will make sure that I don’t miss the boat.
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:22 am
Goog stuff Gerard, hope you do well
Matt
OMG!! , getting ready for christmas again already,my credit card hasn’t recovered from last christmas yet,LOL..Thanks for the tip matt : )
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:22 am
Your welcome Sasha and thanks for stopping by
Matt
Hi Matt,
For these Christmas sites would you buy a domain and hosting etc or just use a free blogger blog/wordpress. My reasoning is that if you buy a domain and set up a site for a particular toy, that toy may be out of favor next year – then what? Your money spent for domain/hosting etc will be down the drain.
Money Maker
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:20 am
Hi,
Well I don’t mind spending $10 for a domain, and I just use an existing hosting account, so really its not that big an investment at all.
Regards
Matt
I wish everyday would be Christmas 🙂
Great Post Matt. BTW i am enjoying your mail Service very much. Getting some good stuff.
Thanks
Regards
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:18 am
You’re welcome
Hey Matt,
Will you violate trademark laws by having the product name in the domain? For example, ElmoToys.com
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:17 am
Hi Michael
Never a wise idea to violate trademark
Matt
As always you are right on top of it. Thanks for the advice. I am sure this will be the turning point for me as the Google dance is still rocking my site.
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:17 am
Thanks Hennie!
Matt
Thanks Matt…
Always helpful, I was doing this a couple of months back for Halloween costumes…
Thanks
Brian
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:16 am
Good stuff Brian, yeah I have heard Halloween can work well.
Matt
Yes, it’s good time to start now. I really hope I can make something this Xmas.
Thanks Matt,
Matt you know SEO has become such a grid everyday especially with all of my websites have on the internet I believe i’ll outsource these task from now on out there just not enough time to do everything right…what do you think about this?
Darryl H
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:13 am
Hi Darryl
SEO is becoming tougher I suppose, but only if you don’t stay ahead of the crowd. I am always finding new ways get links and now my indexing rate is over 80%. Its all about continually improving and you can beat people relatievly easily. SEO is all strategy.
All the best
Matt
Thanks for the video Matt. What would you recommend as far as the domains go? Should I use the full product name as the domain or what? Still trying to get my head around the best strategy for these mini sites.
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:11 am
Hi Paul
I would not use brands names in the domain, as you can get into trouble with this. Sometimes companies don’t care and you can get away with it, but I can’t recommend that you do that.
Regards
Matt
Hey Matt, thanks for the great tips as always. We always love when you send us those fresh ideas to help us succeed.
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:39 am
Hi Jim,
Nice to hear from you again, and you are more than welomce my friend!
Regards
Matt
Some good tips there Matt. However, you do have to be a little careful about registering a domain name based on a brand name.
In most instances, you probably won’t have any issues, but you still leave yourself open to the potential of having your site being taken down and loosing your income stream.
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 7:38 am
Hi Peter
Yes you do have to be careful, and not something I recommend doing.
All the best
Matt
Hi Matt,
Very good pointers. Even though it’s September, it’s important to start positioning yourself for xmas tonight
PS – I enrolled in your SEO webinars but I missed yesterday’s one but I will listen to the recording. I’ve been busy with my tax clients which incidentally is where I’m getting my first SEO clients. I have a website built & will be getting the cards etc done up for the SEO work
Hey Matt
Always a pleasure to learn from you.
Thanks for the info.
Regards.
Winchel
Hello Matt, great and timely content.
Can you tell me what your thoughts are on using subdomains which are related to the root domain. Some use them to save on domain fees, but I’m sure there are some good reasons for not using them. Could you kindly elaborate?
Thanks
Hey Matt – There are a small number of states that Amazon has excluded for affiliate sales due to an issue over taxation. My state, California, happens to be on the exclusion list. I’ve found OFFER VAULT and ODIGGER to be good options.
Cheers and thanks for the Christmas reminder and the reminder of the importance of planning today for best results tomorrow.
Charles Anderson Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 8:55 am
I’m aware of a marketer who lives in CA who had the same problem. Amazon had actually dropped him, but he was able restore his affiliation. His solution involved setting up a company that was incorporated outside of CA.
Hi Matt,
Thanks for this post…
I have been busy with my Halloween sites, but now it is time to get busy with Christmas! My, time sure flies! 😀
Cindy
Hey Matt
I have had a site up for about 4 months now selling certain kitchen appliances and up until last week it hadn’t sold a thing, even though I have 2 pages in the top 6 on page 1. Then suddenly this week I started to see some sales. Not many but hopefully it will build up. I rechecked the Google stats and realised that there is a huge spike for this product at Christmas starting around now. A little bit of inexperience showing there. A big learning curve for me but hopefully it will be worth it now.
Hey Matt,
Thank will you be giving tips what’s the hottest product this year?
Matt, another great post and very helpful, especially for us newbies.
Before this post I hadn’t realised the seasonal aspect of niche marketing presented these opportunities.
I didn’t even know about Google Trends, so I’ve picked up plenty of advice again.
I’ve had your Rapid Profit Formula on the hard drive for a while now, so I think it’s time to leave Clickbank and get physical.
My main problem is finding out how to get the bells and whistles on my site, such as images of products, banners, clickable ads etc.
Cheers, Leon
Great timing Matt thanks.
As this is a short term campaign what do you think is the best ways to create quick rankings, keeping in mind the current trend toward social media exposure since Google Panda. Would you consider ramping up social media back linking rather than trying to build long term, deep linking via article marketing etc.
Your thoughts on this??
Peter
Amazon is a great affiliate site.
Thanks Matt,
As usual you have given us valuable timely information, you are a great over provider and inspiration to us all.
Will get to my research now!
thanks again Jeff
Thanks for the tip, Matt.
hi matt i have a generic xmas website would you recommend a subdomain or a page for each product as ive been told a sub domain is treated as a seperate domain what about ranking which would you prefer ?
Matt Carter Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
I would have a new page for each product myself.
Regards
Matt
Thanks for this Matt. I had just finished doing keyword research into three digital cameras… in the 2 to 4 hundred dollar range. Going to use a wp template that has a Christmas feel to it. Thanks for your effort in making this video and giving me some inspirational ideas.
Cheers
Shane
Thanks Matt for the timely reminder…It’s never too early to start getting those Christmas sites updated and ranking. Now is the perfect time to start the process. I’m starting this week in fact…
Hi Matt,
eBay Pulse is a good tip and also Google Insights is helpful.
I agree about getting started now for rankings to kick in before Christmas. This was the case last year when doing Halloween sites. Took about 3 months before top rankings.
Thanks for the great info.
Regards
Catherine
Thanks Matt for this blog, as usual, you’ve provided valuable advise. I’m off to take action. This is where your Rapid Profit Formula and back linking blogs will come in handy.
Once again, thanks for the valuable advise.
Thanks a great deal Matt for the video as it help me to recognize the angle that I must take to make some money this Christmas. Thanks a lot.
I appreciate your insights on google trends, ebay, and amazon. You’re the man Matt.
Hi Matt,
Just wanted to say we recently bought your rapid profit formula course and it is so cool! We are going through it for the second time as you recommended and can’t wait to get our first affiliate site up. Your information is priceless, and we will also be applying the off page SEO to our existing online beauty guides.
Our eyes have been opened to the endless possibilities with affiliate marketing, and all without bricks and mortar, paying rent and having expensive inventory!!
Cheers Matt
Celia, Rick and Brooke Hamilton
Noosa
There you go another fantastic post Matt.Have to say got into a mental block building more Amazon blog reviews in the last month-just burnt out a bit-however reading your post and viewing your video,am inspired again-I might add selling some of the cheap products on Amazon might not make a lot of dollars but they put me up to getting 7% commission as sell easier, and then if selling a more expensive item say $150 you get a boost of $10.50
Again thank you for your skills you share and it certainly inspires me.I generally make $400 plus a month from Amazon-I just need to build more sites amazing some times one just gets a winner,boy does that give one a injection of enthusiasm- Take care
Hi Matt,
thank you for great advice.
Need to hurry to set up my site…
And gotto ask my kids and their friends what will be hot this Christmas..:)
Take care,
Tim Pond
Hi Matt,
Thank you for the advice and I plan on implementing it with my own twist 🙂 . I like the way you stress that the commission of the products you promoting does not matter that much, what is of utmost importance is getting the click to amazon since the visitor is already in a shopping mood. They might as well purchase other higher ticket products while at it.
PS. For what its worth, I really appreciate the fact that you are real and show genuine care for other people.