Nutra is one of the oldest verticals in affiliate marketing. While there are a lot of characteristics we should mention, the most outstanding hallmark is that you practically can drive traffic to one and the same offer for years. This, however, is not the only piece of benevolent news: Nutra is a beginner-friendly niche where certain offers are not heavily subject to seasonal change. That's why many affiliates call the vertical evergreen.
But what offers are indeed evergreen? Which GEOs are most responsive? What payment models are introduced in the niche? Why do advertisers sacrifice their revenue, giving a bigger rate? Why will Nutra thrive regardless of the world situation? And what affiliates should do to prosper and keep up the pace?
We know the answers. And we are willing to share.
Define Your Offer
Nutra is replete with various offers of any type. You can go for hypertension or diabetes, or you can choose weight loss for a change, but this abundance is subdivided into two big groups: health and beauty. Both categories have their characteristics, fortes, and weak spots, and we will get back to them shortly.
Health
The health category contains offers focused primarily on health or improving a person's well-being. Technically, we imply food supplements, biologically active supplements that replenish the deficiency of certain microelements in the organism. Attention: these supplements do not have anything to do with medicine.
An aggressive and overly invasive campaign, including a medical approach, may entail legal consequences for the advertiser, so carefully examine the terms and conditions of the offer and ask the manager if you can refer to medicine in your campaign.
The health group usually includes the following:
Hypertension.
Diabetes.
Libido.
Varix (varicose veins.)
Prostatitis.
Parasites.
Fungus.
Joints.
Eyesight.
Hemorrhoids.
COVID & other respiratory infections prevention.
Please note that the list above shouldn't and can't be limited to the enumerated options: in reality, any product aimed at improving a person's well-being is classified as a component of the health niche.
Strengths:
Stable demand. If a person is suffering from a certain condition, they're more likely to buy a product that eliminates his pain than something of subordinate significance, such as a rejuvenator or weight loss pill.
Seasonal boost. When we mention the seasonal aspect, we imply a short period of high demand. However, aching joints don't stop aching in the summer: they keep doing it all year round, maintaining the demand level, which only grows during the season.
Higher rate (depends on the situation). It's not a fundamental truth, but usually, these offers have a higher profit and, accordingly, a higher final payout per lead.
Weaknesses:
Moderation issues. Health offers are known to get stuck during the procedure. When affiliates emphasize the therapeutic and health-promoting effect, moderators, already on alert, examine the offer way too attentively.
Warming procedures. In the health-related niche, it is much more difficult to warm up the audience: you can't point out the qualities of the product or its effect, which reduces the possibilities of the technique.
Beauty
The beauty niche contains offers that improve life quality. Some speak about various creams and cosmetics, but others also include dietary supplements that are claimed to change or enhance certain features.
The beauty group usually includes the following:
Weight loss.
Skin whiteners.
Teeth whiteners.
Tanning products.
Sunscreens.
Anti-wrinkle products.
Anti-aging creams.
Muscle enlargers.
Hair products.
As in the health category, the list should not be limited to the enumerated option: offers in the beauty niche can be much more diverse. However, unlike the previous group, these products are not positioned as a magic treatment that can fight disease.
Strengths:
Restrictions lifted. Moderators don't have a prejudice against cosmetic products, which makes the entire process a bit easier and less strict.
Warming up simplified. This target audience is normally interested in the final result, cost, and delivery, not the composition.
Weaknesses:
Seasonal change. Some products, such as weight loss pills, sunscreens, and muscle enlargers have a pronounced seasonal pattern. Take this into account when planning your campaign.
Lower benefit. Of course, offers differ, but on average, the cost of goods in the beauty category is lower, so you'd better focus on the volume.
Know Your GEO
Just like in other verticals, Nutra has its own GEO segmentation.
Tier 1
Economically developed countries are combined in the Tier 1 category. The competition there is tough, and the competitors are quite experienced in what they are doing. Besides, the RTB is higher, and the consumers are more demanding. On the other hand, this is where the most solvent audience resides, and we're all here for the profit. Still, Tier 1 is a challenging market for newcomers, so they'd better turn to Tier 2 and Tier 3.
However, if you already have some expertise in the field and possess all the necessary resources for such an adventurous undertaking, give it a test. You're unlikely to burst into the niche in one dash, but when you finally succeed, you will be pleasantly surprised by the revenue you'll get. By the way, it's still possible to use non-standard sources, but they must be discussed with the manager first.
Tier 2
Countries with developing economies were classified in the Tier 2 category. The audience of these countries is not as wealthy as the residents of Tier 1, but they still have something in their pockets: they can afford even the most expensive offers, but in terms of percentage, there will still be fewer such leads than in Tier 1.
On the other hand, clients from these countries set lower expectations and requirements for the product, and the competition there is not that fierce. These two aspects make Tier 2 the most lucrative market for affiliates who have already gained experience but have not yet crawled to the top. While it's not an easy task anyone can accomplish, beginners who've made preparations can conquer that market. One note before you start, though: try only if you are confident in your skills and knowledge.
Tier 3
Tier 3, or the least economically developed countries, are known for their low purchasing power and trust in Nutra products. Unlike the previous two groups, these countries do not normally work on prepayment terms, so if you are dealing with Tier 3, prepare to work on a payment-upon-delivery basis and wait until the hold is lifted.
Besides, in countries with a high crime rate, the delivery guy might accidentally get lost, which will eventually take its toll and affect your profit. But don't think there's nothing good about the option: in reality, you gain your profit by the total volume, which makes this group ideal for the first campaigns.
When you choose GEO for the campaign, check out population density, purchasing power, Internet availability, online shopping popularity, and RTB competition. If you are testing a new GEO, always compare analytics with the numbers you've got in the new GEO in order not to splurge your money in vain.
Clarify Your Conditions
As we have already concluded, all Nutra offers can be divided into two groups (health and beauty) and three Tiers, from where offers get the traffic. However, there's one more classification that may come in handy when you start working with the niche.
So, Nutra offers differ by their conditions.
Exclusive (private) conditions. As a rule, such offers are removed from public access due to reputational concerns. In many countries, local legislation leaves very little room for maneuvering, and a tiny thing can result in a fine for the advertiser. Sometimes offers are kept private from inexperienced affiliates so they wouldn't undermine trust in the product. No matter the motivation, any private offer requires experience and a deep understanding of the consequences of your actions. Obviously, not everyone is granted access, but those who are can enjoy the conditions, which are, as a rule, much better than usual.
Standard conditions. These are ordinary public offers available to any webmaster. However, don't be deceived by the word standard: there's no common standard. To avoid complications, carefully read the offer description, examine the conditions, and check with your manager for anything that sounds too ambiguous and vague. Some people abstain from asking too many questions, afraid to look like toxic nitpickers, but it's better that way: be the toxic nitpicker who constantly gets profit, otherwise you can stifle a seemingly stupid query and potentially ruin your reputation and the advertiser's public image. We might scare you off a little, so let us calm you down: usually, you don't have to be overly cautious working with standard offers.
Low-price conditions (for the client). This group includes offers with reduced prices. Yes, advertisers deliberately do that. In this case, the rate may be slightly lower, but the conversion rate you will receive is significantly higher. Of course, advertisers do not give out money just like that: after all, it's not a charity organization. Such low-price offers usually have additional conditions you, as an affiliate, are obliged to fulfill. For example, you may be willing to pay $100 for a product with the price of $30 mentioned on the landing page. But this promotional price will only be available if the buyer gets three such items. Actually, the conditions differ from offer to offer, so read the details before you decide whether you're taking it. In this case, you should correctly assess your fortes to find out if you're able to meet the requirements and pre-calculate the results of the campaign. In general, though, such offers tend to bring profit as lower prices stimulate an increase in demand.
Get to Work
Essentially, you can either work with a direct advertiser or with a resale in an affiliate program. If you choose the first option, you will work directly with the offer owner. However, some affiliate programs can be big enough to have their own products (in-house offers.) Such in-house offers are the best option you can find on the market, as they combine the advantages of both direct advertising and resale. At the same time, the disadvantages of both formats in the case of in-house offers cease to be relevant.
The latter option, on the contrary, implies that both the affiliate and the advertiser connect through an intermediary (affiliate program.) This program is a guarantor for both parties in case of disputes. In addition, future partners do not need to look for each other; the only thing they have to do to find each other is to contact the affiliate program managers.
Before you make your final choice between direct advertisers and resale, compare both the conditions described in the offer and the risks. Despite the apparent allure of direct work with the advertiser, affiliate programs often result in better readouts as they may give better rates. It happens because any program can provide bigger volumes than a solo webmaster.
Anyway, time to weigh the pros and cons.
Direct Advertiser
Here are the advantages of working with a direct advertiser.
No intermediary. The fewer intermediaries, the lower the costs. This means you can negotiate higher rates. Then, if the advertiser does not submit the offers for resale and only works directly, there will be less competition. However, many direct advertisers still submit their offers for resale, so you should always check if their offer is available in other affiliate programs.
Accuracy and speed. Again, the fewer links in communication you have, the higher the chance that everyone understands each other correctly at the first attempt. It is easier for an advertiser to convey what they want to achieve as they do not dwell too much on the wording or if the requirements and conditions are familiar to affiliates. This is, however, not a fundamental truth. Sometimes affiliate program managers can comprehend the advertiser better than the representatives.
Here you can find the disadvantages of working with a direct advertiser.
Fewer technical capabilities. Affiliate programs, as a rule, work with dozens of advertisers simultaneously. This requires appropriate infrastructure. Even the largest advertisers do not need so many technical tools. In most cases, the technical capabilities of an affiliate program will be significantly better.
More risks. Should a controversial situation ambush you in the middle of a campaign, you will be left to your own devices. You may be misunderstood, or you may misunderstand the ad, certain details may not be specified, and whatever else it is, it will lead to a refusal of payment.
Affiliate Program
Let's start with the list of advantages:
More technical capabilities. Any decent affiliate program has everything you need to upload and analyze traffic. As a rule, they also provide tools for building landing pages, creative templates, and verified combinations, and in some cases, they are willing to localize specific GEOs.
Impartiality in disputes. Affiliate programs put a stake on their public image and reputation, and the relationship between advertisers and webmaster are of no interest to them. Should anything happen between you and the advertiser, you can count on the fair verdict. Many programs are inclined to reimburse affiliates who provide high-quality traffic in case of shaving.
Quick transition. If the offer you choose stops or does not convert as much as you'd like, you can easily switch to another product. It won't happen if you work with the direct advertiser, as your selection will be limited to their assortment.
Bonuses and perks. Big Nutra affiliate programs constantly host sweepstakes and giveaways. Participation in such campaigns can simplify your routine: for example, a unique Nutra affiliate program, Leadbit, has a developed service for VIP affiliates. This service, DatsPlus, often offers these webmasters special conditions on an ongoing basis.
Disadvantages:
No negotiation. There are fewer opportunities to negotiate. Direct advertisers respond to your networking skills. Affiliate programs demand you prove your reputation by doing something practical before you are given access to some exclusive conditions. The manager must know that your traffic will bring profit to the advertiser.
Choose Your Payment
High competition in the market leaves its mark on what advertisers offer to the end consumer. Nutra is no exception. The bigger the choice a customer observes, the higher the chance that they will make a purchase.
There are three main payment models: COD, SS, and TRIAL.
COD offers
COD (Cash-On-Delivery) is a payment model where the end consumer pays for the order upon delivery. This delivery may be carried out by mail, delivery services, or courier, but it's not essential in this case. What matters is that the affiliate receives their payment only after order confirmation (by phone.) Besides, the cost per lead in COD offers is lower.
The advantage of this model is that call center specialists work with objections, which narrows down your responsibilities to one task only: you bring the user, and then trained people take over and work with the client. You still can't avoid warming up procedures, but the promotional campaign will be greatly simplified.
There's one flaw, though. The deal may still fall apart for reasons that are far beyond your control: for example, you cannot foretell if the call center works well with this particular request.
Now, who chooses COD offers? As they are less demanding and do not require much warming up, even a fresher can work with them. Still, if you aim at Tier 3 countries, you will probably make less profit than those who play in Tier 2 or Tier 1 since Tier 3 has a lower approval rate. Therefore, if you feel confident in Tier 2 and even more so in Tier 1, choose COD.
SS offers
SS (Straight Sales) is a model where products are purchased directly on the landing page with minimal hold.
The advantage of this model is that you immediately know how much money you will receive at the time of payment. Besides, SS rates are usually significantly higher than on COD offers, so you can earn many times more.
The disadvantage is that the audience needs to be fully warmed up, and the sale of an SS offer depends 90% on the webmaster. Moreover, the cost per lead will be higher due to lower conversion, and you'll need a bigger budget. Result? More risks.
SS offers also heavily rely on mentality. Direct sales are common for Tier 1, but only chosen ones can join these countries. It's still possible to derive profit in Tier 2 but keep in mind a lower conversion rate. As for Tier 3, SS won't work there at all.
Who's after SS offers? Considering the need to warm up the audience, it's not the option greenhorns should choose. If you previously worked with Tier 3 countries only, you'd better refrain from the idea before you gain some experience: it will result in some profit, but it won't be as exceptional as you might expect. In other respects, SS offers are an excellent opportunity to multiply your revenue.
TRIAL offers
TRIAL, as the name implies, is a trial subscription. Trial offers are not products but subscriptions for the further purchase. Webmasters relish these offers a lot as not only do they receive a one-time payment, but they also get a commission on all subsequent sales.
The advantage of TRIAL offers is the relative ease of promotion. Come to think of it, when you realize you can test the product you've been so eager to buy for quite a while, your doubts and hesitations vanish into thin air.
Let's not forget about the fly in the ointment, though: TRIAL offers do not suit everyone. Affiliate programs as well as advertisers scrutinize and peruse the provided traffic very attentively before offering a webmaster a TRIAL. Even beginners can get such an offer, but before you say yes, weigh the pros and cons and make sure you understand what you're doing. If Nutra is your first step in the affiliate field, or you barely comprehend how you obtained this high-quality traffic, stay away from TRIAL until you get the knack of it. Or at least try not to invest all your funds into such campaigns.
Wrapping Up
To sum things up, let's draw a short conclusion. If you are a beginner, start with COD, choose standard conditions, and focus on Tier 3, trying to eventually enter Tier 2.
The more experienced affiliates can concentrate on Tier 1, SS, and TRIALS, but do not splurge all your resources like this. Go for low-price and private offers after you consult the manager.
The most successful and confident professionals who clearly understand what they're doing... it's not our place to give you advice: you know better what suits you!
Those who do not know whether to choose an affiliate program or a direct advertiser, think it all over and decide what you really need. To us, the choice is obvious: advertisers lack the tools and the infrastructure an affiliate program can provide, and should a conflict pop up, the advertiser will defend their interest, while affiliate programs opt for impartiality. It's always up for you to decide, but if you're just taking your first steps in the niche, choose the risk-free variant.
