I wasn’t at all surprised to hear the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) announcer mention that some dating sites have reported up to 70% increases in paid memberships since the economic turmoil began in earnest a few months ago. Match.com (CJ and Linkshare) announced that November was its strongest in more than seven years and December saw a 22% increase over the same month a year prior.
The desire to pair up is basic human nature, so matchmaking will always be in vogue, no matter what the economy. But in tough times, building new relationships can become a necessity in order to cope either financially or emotionally.
“One of the hardest emotional feelings is being in the midst of bad news by yourself,” said Dr. Pepper Schwartz, chief relationship expert for leading dating site Perfectmatch.com (a Commission Junction merchant). “We are all generally better as a team and appreciate someone who shares our values, goals and lifestyle, and that’s why we’ve seen increased traffic to top dating sites in the current economic climate.”
As to finding true love, a bad economy is actually GOOD for the dating set. Couples who can’t afford to spend money on entertainment will actually talk more during their dates and thus build better, more intimate relationships. Talking intimately to build relationships – what a concept – and a great selling point too!
Dating Service Memberships are an Easy Sell
It’s easy to convince the lovelorn that a dollar a day (and sometimes even less) to join a proper matchmaking site like Eharmony or Chemistry.com is a better investment in their future than wasting time trying find a needle in a haystack on a free dating site.
You don’t need to start a completely new site dedicated just to dating to take advantage of dating affiliate programs — you can simple dovetail dating into your existing site. For example, a site for parents or moms would be remiss not to promote a site like Single Parents Mingle and a Mexican cooking site could entice their audience to find Latin lovers at Amigos.com. Use your imagination.
Get Those Dating Promos Out NOW
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this is definitely the time to ramp up your dating promotions as most merchants are offering customer discounts and affiliate incentives.
For example, Yahoo! Personals (Commission Junction) has it’s February Bonus program, in which they’ll double your commission if you generate 5 or more subscriptions in February. Just note that you’ll have to contact them via email to qualify for and receive your prize.
Take advantage of the season by making gift products such as flowers, chocolates, jewelry and lingerie available to your audience as well — and be sure to focus on how the products you list will save your visitors money either through time-limited discounts or free-shipping.
- Amazon is offering an extra 30% off at check on Select Jewelry from the Amazon.com Collection until Feb. 14, 2009.
- American Greetings (Commission Junction) is letting folks send Free eCards to their loved ones.
About Rosalind Gardner
Hi Rosalind,
I don’t run a lot of dating affiliate sites/blogs, but I do have a few and I’ve noticed the same increase over the last few months, even in the “Foreign Brides” niche, which I found myself with sites in for some reason..
my second wife was Russian.
Matt Garrett
Uh Matt,
Sssshhhh… don’t give away our best niches.
Cheers,
Ros
Ok, so there is a rise in memberships- that’s great, But how can I, with a small budget, compete with those big names for my part of the ‘dating’ pie?
Hi Michelle,
You’d need a content site about dating, relationships etc. Check out 101Date.com.
Cheers,
Ros
Agree, Ros. The dating links are hot now, as are some Valentine’s special stuff.
Since I’ve been happily married since affiliate marketing, I didn’t try any dating products until recently. WOW, was I missing out!
I think everyone realizes that it’s harder to make ends meet when you don’t share the expenses with others. And if you don’t have a mate, you are looking for one now.
Hi Karen,
Happily married can be a good position from which to teach others the right way to date.
Good to hear that your promos are paying off.
Cheers,
Ros
Maybe some people may find it not very sensitive to cash in on the need of others. Well, it is something of all times and when you promote a dating site with a honest review, chances are you HELP indeed several desperate people.
Leo S.
Leo S, I think it just depends on your focus:
If you are running your website thinking about making money from the suckers who are willing to part with their cash, then that’s not being sensitive.
On the other hand, if you are building your site with your site-visitors in mind, with their interests at heart, trying to help them achieve their goals and become better people, then you are definitely being sensitive to their needs.
So you can have the same actions in either case, but different intentions.
I have two related to the dating/reltionship niche. They are always stable, and you know what I have noticed a bump up in the last couple of weeks. I am going to take a hint from your post. Thanks again Ros.
Hey Ros,
Love your blog posts. I get a lot of value from them.
My wife and I were just discussing what should be our next affiliate website and if the dating niche was a good one in this economy.
Thanks for the answer.
Living the good Life in Mexico,
Joe Chapala
Casa Preciosa Ajijic, Mexico
I did like your IDEA. However , today is the 11th. Had I thought of this myself, I could have made some serious money. The PLR package is great to make a quick buck since I do have a free account at Article Marketer. Anyone could. I just never thought of it but I will be ready next year. I’m not selling Article Marketer, but some of your readers might like to know that with a free account, your articles go out to thousands with one click. Let thousands know what you are selling. I am a beginner and I hope this helps others to get started.
I did buy your Super Affiliate Book and do highly recomend it.
Bring em back alive,
Richard
its depend upon how you take it! if you work hard you will get more money!