People on the web are usually searching for answers to something and many of them want to know how to do something from wallpapering to washing the dog. Does your affiliate site lend itself to providing How Tos?

Do you sell a product of your own on your site? How Tos that relate to your product categories and those of your merchant partners will draw visitors to your site, provide real value and set buyers up for purchases of the items needed in the activity. Links to merchants of books and videos are particularly appropriate here.

Does your site sell a service? Showing people how to perform once of your activities, step-by-step wont necessarily undercut your business. Many people will see the effort and skill required and decide to hire the expert you. If they dont you still stand to win, by placing links or banners to the tools or other resources theyll need right in context of the instructions.

Does your site promote a cause or is it a the place to learn and share about a specific niche subject? For instance, a local conservation website can include how tos about composting. Gardening sites that promote compost bins, accelerators and pitch forks are a natural for this subject.

By providing your site visitors with real, actionable information and instructions, you are earning their trust and winning their allegiance. You are also creating a depth to your site that will help in its recognition by search engines. Creating a situation where buyers are pre-sold will also help you in negotiations with merchants and advertisers -- theyre looking for relevant sites that will help pre-sell their products and services.