Building Out Your Resource Category Page

Building Out Your Resource Category Page

Start with the category you’re most interested in for your site and go build the category resource page.

You have already created these pages, now just go add the content. 

Table of Contents:

Focus on One Product

As you’ll see, any website follows a certain structure for our content. We do as well. The difference in these posts is that you should add more images and focus on the product. The aim is to convince the reader to buy the product, so the focus should be on the features and benefits of the product.
You might find people recommending 2–3 products on a single resource page. Always remember the more products you recommend, the more you confuse readers. Your motive is to help them make a decision, so just put the product forward. When you put yourself under pressure, the first product that pops in your mind is the best product and the answer. Sometimes it’s good to recommend more than one. However, for the majority of resource pages, just focus on one.

Tell Your Story

Spell out the merits of the product. If you’ve used it, say that and talk about your experience. It is difficult to convince a reader. However, if you share your personal story, it becomes easier to do so. Sharing your personal story allows a reader to connect with you and understand why you are recommending this product. Don’t just recommend a product because of its commission value. Recommend what you have used so you can share your personal story with the product, which will go a long way toward convincing them that the product is best for them.
If the product in question is expensive, and you cannot buy it just for the sake of a page, then you can talk about the research you’ve done. After all, you can only fill the content of your resource page after thorough research, right? So just share with your readers what you found. Tell them that the info is based on research and not personal experience. Transparency is the best way to gain trust.

Use Authentic Images

If you have your own images, use them. At this point, we won’t be adding images from Amazon. But if you’re using another affiliate program and they have images available for you to use, go ahead and insert them.

The best option is to use images of you using the product. This will increase the credibility of the page. People will take note that you know what you are talking about. Readers like to read personal experiences with personal images. It is emotional, authentic, and reliable. 

Concentrate on Quality and Not Price

Do not get distracted by the price of a product. When writing content for your resource page, you have to be sure that your recommendations are genuine. Some people just recommend expensive products because they will receive a better commission. They might be aware of a better quality or equal quality product that is cheaper, but they go for the expensive one just for the commission. This act translates into deceiving your readers.

If you want to offer something valuable and helpful, then instead of focusing on the price, concentrate on the quality. Recommend the best quality product with a reasonable price. If you want people to buy the product, then recommend an affordable product. 

In the short term, you might think an expensive product is better, but in the long run, inexpensive products will fetch you more profit. For example, if you recommend a product of $1000, only one or two people will purchase it. On the other hand, if you recommend a product $200 and below, more than ten people might actually purchase it. If it’s an affordable quality product, people will make the buying decision quickly, whereas people take a lot more time deciding on an expensive product. 

So, if you calculate the total commission in the long run, then products that cost $200 and below will have results. 

Offer Diversity

There are tons of affiliate programs. You can diversify your resource pages by exploring outside of Amazon. Do not just stick with Amazon and ignore all the other programs. Google is the best place to find affiliate programs that will help you generate a commission from different sources. Just Google the product you are interested in recommending and add “affiliate program” at the end. You will see a whole list of relevant affiliate programs. Select the best ones and link to different websites. 

Don’t always send your reader to Amazon. Try out some retailers such as Walmart. Try out new websites just like yours. Just try to add different links to your resource pages.

Always keep one thing in mind: Amazon wins every competition. For example, if the same product is available on two different platforms, say on Amazon and Walmart, then always go for Amazon. It offers an incredible conversion rate. So, in case of confusion, always choose Amazon.  

Format According to Your Aesthetics

Try to differentiate your resource page from the product page on Amazon. You are recommending a product, and Amazon is selling the product. People will come to your page to read about the product, your experience with the product and why is it the best, according to you So, your goal should be to provide what they want. Don’t create a store-like look for your resource page.

Adjust the content according to your website’s aesthetics. Do not use tables like they do on a retailer’s website. Just express your experiences and keep the content authentic and convincing. Readers click on the link to see your point of view on a product, not to open a store page with comparison tables and description bars. Just keep it simple and understandable. Then format in a way to establish a flow. Compel the reader to read till the end.  

Don’t Rush to Get an Amazon Tracking ID

Lastly, don’t worry about adding your Amazon tracking ID yet. We’ll get to that later. For now, just link to the products on Amazon. You won’t be getting much traffic yet so you’re not missing out on commissions. It’s better to wait until a bit later so you can be sure to get some early sales after you sign up. If you don’t get any sales in the first 180 days of signing up, Amazon will reject your application, and you will have to re-apply.

You have to invest time and energy in building your first resource page. Product selection and formatting the final content is a lot of work. But it is worth it. If you write quality content and convince your reader that the product is best for them, then you will generate extra income. Remember to link to your resource page in the menu section and even in your posts. Always add your personality to the content you offer. Your images, your stories, your mistakes, and your recommendations all matter to a reader. Once you have completed your first resource page, you will be able to easily complete the rest.