A resource page (aka. resource hub) offers a quick & easy way to refer people to things you recommend.
Often, you’ll find these to include books, training materials, or software/apps. But, they can be so much more if you decide to expand on the concept!
A resource page is a simple site/business project you can complete this afternoon.
Keep reading to learn how it’s done.
P.S. Shout out to Patricia over in the TeachToScale Discord for recommending this topic.
The Anatomy of a Resource Page/Hub
The structure of a resource page typically includes:
- A simple header (ie. My Recommendations)
- An introduction explaining what the page is
- Photos and titles of the thing you recommend
- Regular or affiliate links pointing to the page
If you do choose to use affiliate links for the product/service recommendations then you’ll need to disclose it. But that’s as simple as stating, “If you purchase a product through my links I may receive a commission.” Or, you can mention it and point people to a disclosure policy page. You’ll want to have this disclosure at the top of the page to meet best practices and guidelines.
Now…
The resource page can be as simple or complex as you want/need it to be.
You could have it as a basic roundup of books you recommend. Or, it could cover several categories broken up into different sections. It all depends on what you want to do with it.
Our recommendation?
Start simple by having maybe 3 – 5 things you’d recommend (or get asked about often). This could be a book you reference a lot, or maybe a program that goes in tandem with what you do.
How to Create a Resource Hub Page
So, now you have an idea of what a resource page/hub is…
…now let’s put one together.
The page’s creation is almost as simple as its concept. Again, all you’re doing is piecing a few basic page elements and then either linking to or embedding a product/service.
You have two ways to approach this:
- Hire a developer to create a page for you
- Do it yourself using your site’s tools
If you have a developer on call then that’s great. All you need to do is show them an example of the page, and provide links to the things you want to recommend/promote, and they’ll get to work. It shouldn’t take them more than an afternoon to put this page together.
For those that want to develop the page on their own…
We would recommend you start by cloning a page that’s already close to the design and then stripping out the middle section to swap in the elements. Otherwise, create a new page with your usual header/footer and start adding the items.
If your site’s theme includes a builder then you can add text/photo elements by dragging and dropping them onto the page, and then modifying them as needed.
Want an even simpler method?
An MVP (minimum viable product) version of this page could just be a blog post titled “My Recommendations” that then list everything you wanted to include.
Adding Affiliate Products (and Earning a Commission)
If you decide to monetize this resource page through affiliate links then you’ll have one more step in the process. This step includes signing up for the affiliate program where this product/service is offered and then using that link on your resource page.
Those wanting to recommend a bunch of products could sign up for:
- Amazon Associates
- eBay Partner Network
- Commission Junction
Amazon Associates is probably the easiest to sign up with. Once you’re approved and set up, all you need to do is navigate to the product you want to promote and then snag the affiliate link from the site stripe.
Other programs have their own systems but the concept is the same.
You’ll either go to a page that includes affiliate links, banners, and promos you can copy and use on your site (or embed). Or, they may have an affiliate manager reach out to you to help get things set up (typically for larger campaigns such as with joint ventures).
Why affiliate?
You’ll earn a commission!
That commission depends on the platform, product price, and cut.
But… if you’re getting questions about what you recommend all the time and could point people to that link then it can add up. Also, sometimes you’ll earn extra commissions on stuff they buy within a short window (ie. they go to Amazon and buy other things).
Start Recommending Today
A resource page (ie. affiliate recommendations, ie. resource hub, ie. whatever) offers a great opportunity to inform others, make referrals, and maybe earn a little in the process.
Hell… you’re probably mentioning these products & services already. You may be getting a lot of questions from prospects and clients asking for your recommendations, too.
Why not put something together?
That’s all for now. Let us know what think about doing something like this over in the biz-chat channel in our Discord community.
