Launch Jacking: Step-by-Step Strategy For Affiliate Marketing Success
Launch jacking is an exciting, old-school affiliate marketing strategy that can still deliver results today, as long as you adapt it to the modern digital landscape.
In this guide I share my experience with launch jacking, offer some key considerations and strategies, and introduce you to my favorite marketing software that can make the entire process easier.
As you’ll learn, creating product reviews is one of the core tactics used in this affiliate marketing strategy.
I’ve written and ranked dozens of reviews since starting my blog 5 years ago, and earned thousands of dollars from them.
Tap the button below to download my product review template + AI writing guide.
This article contains affiliate links. If you follow them and then make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional expense to you. Thanks for reading!
Table of Contents
What is the Meaning of Launch Jacking in Affiliate Marketing?
Launch jacking involves taking advantage of the buzz around a new product launch. The “launch” refers to a product’s debut, a strategy as old as marketing itself.
Companies build hype before a product becomes available, aiming for high sales from day one. This excitement creates the perfect opportunity for affiliate marketers to get involved.
The “jacking” part means capitalizing on this hype. As an affiliate, your goal is to ride the wave of traffic and attention the launch generates.
While the term might sound like “hijacking,” it’s far from that. By creating content and reviews, you’re helping the vendor drive sales and increase awareness, which can lead to commissions for you.
How Product Launches Work on Affiliate Platforms
Every platform and vendor has their own style, but there are many common features. Announcements often happen months in advance, privately to existing customers and partners, or through public ads to generate interest.
Vendors may also hold launch contests, offering cash prizes to whoever refers the most sales.
These launches can last as long as the vendor chooses, but usually they’re restricted to 1-3 months. Participating in launch contests requires understanding the rules, so make sure you read them thoroughly.
Being prepared to promote the product during its launch is critical to success, as this is when the most attention and traffic will be flowing.
Necessary Steps for Launch Jacking Success
Successfully launch jacking a product is a careful process: You must select the right product, get approved as an affiliate, assess and review the product, and publish content in a timely fashion.
Here’s an example from my own experience below. I joined the Secret Email System affiliate program during it’s launch. I only made a few sales at first, but the product remained popular and I’ve earned $300+ from that review.
Choose a Product and Join its Program
The most critical decision is identifying a product with potential that has an affiliate program you can access.
Make sure the product aligns with your audience and has enough buzz or relevance to generate interest. Always check the vendor’s reputation and look into the product quality before committing.
Buy and Consume Product
To create effective content, purchase and consume the product. Familiarize yourself with its features, strengths, and weaknesses.
Some vendors will offer review access, which allows you to assess the product before buying it during the official launch.
Publish Content (Product Reviews)
Next, publish your review on platforms like your blog, YouTube, social media, and anywhere else it’ll attract the right audience.
Ideally your content should be ready to go before the official launch so you can publish it immediately when the product becomes available. This maximizes your chances of ranking on search engines and capitalizing on launch-day traffic.
Make Sales and Get Commissions
Once the product is launched, your content is live, and traffic is flowing, your goal is to drive sales and earn commissions.
Organic content such as blog posts and YouTube reviews can continue to generate sales over time, potentially leading to even more commissions long after the launch period has ended.
Best Platforms and Programs For Launch Jacking
Now that you understand how it works, let’s talk about the best affiliate platforms and programs for launch jacking.
My go-to website is Muncheye.com. It’s the largest and most up-to-date centralized database of product launches that I know of. If you’re aware of a better one, please let me know.
On Muncheye you’ll see two columns: On the left, “big launches” that are likely to generate a lot of hype. On the right, “all launches,” where you’ll find less-known vendors.
If you’re launch jacking, it’s usually better to focus on big launches to benefit from the hype.
Muncheye features products from tons of platforms including:
- WarriorPlus
- JVzoo
- ClickBank
- Digistore24
- PayKickstart
- Clickfunnels
WarriorPlus, JVzoo, and ClickBank are among of the best platforms for launch jacking. These platforms have frequent product launches, with Warrior Plus and JVzoo offering new products almost daily.
JVzoo even promotes launches to their email list, which can help you identify high-potential launches worth pursuing.
That said, you don’t need to limit yourself to these platforms. We’ll cover alternative options for finding launches soon.
How to Make Launch Jacking Profitable On the Modern Internet
The old-school launch jacking method relied on publishing reviews as blogs or YouTube videos to try to rank, and using Google Ads to promote them. This allowed marketers to capture traffic when people researched products.
Sadly, Google Ads and other big ad platforms like Facebook have become more expensive, and ranking content is less predictable today.
SEO is still important, but it’s no longer reliable to base your entire strategy on it. Running ads to your content can be risky because high ad costs make it difficult to stay profitable when you’re only earning affiliate commissions.
To succeed today, you need a more modern approach.
Instead of focusing on a single blog post or video, create multiple pieces of content, such as video tutorials, product comparisons, or listicles.
For example, when promoting a product like Secret Email System, I could have also published articles such as “Best Email Marketing eBooks” or “Top Email Marketing Courses” to broaden my reach.
Traffic Sources: Communities, Solo Ads, and More
One effective way to generate traffic is by promoting within communities, such as a Facebook group that you own. Engaging with niche communities that align with your product can bring in highly targeted traffic.
Native ads are another option. They may require a higher initial budget, but they can send traffic from many different websites simultaneously, casting a wider net.
Solo ads are a more direct method, though they have garnered a poor reputation in recent years. A solo ad is essentially when you pay someone to promote your offer to their email list.
Solo ad platforms have faded due to poor management, but the strategy still works if you target the right list.
Instead of relying on outdated platforms, find a trusted brand or individual with an email list whose audience is likely to buy your offer. You can pay them or propose a trade where you promote the other to your respective lists.
Preparing Marketing Materials Ahead of Time
The most crucial aspect of launch jacking is to be prepared before the launch goes live. You don’t want to wait until the product launches to start creating your review or promotional content.
Ideally, you should aim to buy the product during the pre-launch phase or obtain review access from the vendor beforehand. This allows you to have all your content, whether it be blog posts, videos, or ads, ready to publish the moment the launch starts.
Vendors may run contests with prizes for top affiliates. If the contest allows it, teaming up with another marketer can improve your chances of winning. Just ensure that the partner pulls their weight so it’s worthwhile for both of you.
Creating Launch Jacking Reviews: Website, Blog Post, YouTube Video
You can create launch jacking reviews as blog posts, YouTube videos, or anywhere else they’re likely to be effective. Reviews are one of the easier ways to write search-optimized articles.
That said, it still requires an understanding of how search engine optimization (SEO) works and a decent website.
We won’t dive into SEO here, but if you search my blog and YouTube channel you’ll find plenty of tutorials. Also, you can tap the button below to download my template and AI writing guide for product reviews.
Search Engine Optimization and Advertising (SEO and PPC)
Targeting keywords for a product launch review can be tricky. Normal keyword research tools often don’t work for new products because there’s no historical search volume. Fortunately, people tend to search for similar terms when researching offers, such as:
- “Product name + review”
- “Product name + is it worth buying”
- “Product name + upsells” (upsells are also called OTOs or One Time Offers)
- “Product name + legit”
If you need help determining subtopics for your content, research other similar products or past products from the same vendor. You’ll notice patterns in their headings (H2s and H3s) which you can reproduce.
As your blog gains authority it’ll become easier to rank for most relevant search terms. That said, a lot of bloggers who focus on product reviews don’t do much link building, and they still manage to attract traffic via organic search.
Writing For Conversion and Engagement (Not Just SEO)
Your review articles don’t just need to rank for a target keyword; they need to be compelling enough that people read more than the title and click your affiliate links.
The most important element for generating those clicks is having strong calls to action (CTAs). CTAs can be text links or buttons, and you can use formatting and color to make them stand out.
You’ve already seen one of my call to action buttons, and here it is again: Tap below to download my free review template (including AI writing instructions).
Best Software For Launch Jacking and Internet Marketing
For writing search-optimized articles, my favorite tools are:
- Frase: The SEO and AI writing software that I use to create most of my articles.
- WriterZen: The tool I use for keyword research. Also has excellent research and content creation features.
- Systeme.io: A free all-in-one marketing tool for building funnels and blog posts.
- Exemplary AI: Great for video transcription and creating vertical video clips for YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Facebook/Instagram Reels.
- VistaCreate: Cloud-based graphic design software with excellent templates for thumbnails, headers, and ads.
- DepositPhotos: A reliable source for high-quality images for YouTube thumbnails and ads, essential for grabbing attention.
Alternatives to Product Review Videos and Articles
Product reviews are the traditional focus of launch jacking, but other content types can also be effective, especially when running ads. Examples include:
- List articles: Create content like “The Absolute Best eBook for Teaching Beginners How to Make Money with Email Marketing” and run ads to it.
- Process-focused articles: Write content that frames the product as a key part of a special process you teach in the article.
- Bonus offers: Offering high-value bonuses can boost conversions. Bonuses need to be exceptional, almost more attractive than the product itself, to be effective. If your bonus isn’t awesome, just focus on selling the product based on its inherent value.
This approach can create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, encouraging people to buy through your affiliate link.
How to Jack a Product Launch Without an Affiliate Network
If you look on these big affiliate platforms and you’re not finding a lot of stuff you want to promote, that’s totally understandable. Here are few simple methods for finding off-platform offers to promote.
Finding Digital Products on Muncheye
One thing you can do is check Muncheye regularly, as they include some product launches that aren’t on those major platforms. This can be a good way to find hidden gems.
Following Successful Affiliate Marketers
You can also follow successful affiliate marketers on social media. Join their Facebook groups or other communities, and subscribe to newsletters associated with online marketing.
Another great way to find offers to promote is when they come to you. This won’t happen until you build a reputation and some authority in your niche, but as you grow vendors will ask you to promote their products.
Exploring Niche Launches With Groups and Newsletters
If you’re a fan of a brand that does regular product launches, get on their affiliate email list. This is where they’ll send their team of partners notifications about upcoming launches, allowing you to prepare in advance.
Engaging with affiliate marketing communities can reveal valuable opportunities and keep you in the loop.
If you haven’t already, use the button below to grab my free product review template with AI writing instructions. I’ll also email you regular content updates and resources you may find useful.
