#28 Frank Kern: From Surfing to Super-Affiliate

Frank Kern is a name that resonates deeply within the digital marketing community.

Often hailed as one of the founding fathers of modern internet marketing, Kern's journey from his early days to becoming an affiliate marketing mogul is both inspiring and enlightening.

Let's dive deep into his origin story and understand how he utilizes the power of affiliate marketing in his business.

Frank Kern: The Early Days

Frank Kern wasn’t always the marketing guru that we know today. In the mid-90s, he was a door-to-door salesman, hawking credit card processing systems.

He even tried his hand at being a rock band manager. But Kern's entrepreneurial spirit had him constantly searching for the next big thing.

It was during this period of exploration that he stumbled upon the vast potential of the internet.

With a dream and determination but limited knowledge about the digital world, Kern dabbled into various online ventures.

From selling information on how to get a private investigator's license to launching an online parrot-selling business, his initial endeavors were experimental but set the stage for what was to come.

The Rise to Digital Fame

Kern's real breakthrough came when he mastered the art of selling digital products online. Recognizing the potency of email marketing, he built lists and started crafting sales letters that struck a chord with his audience.

But it wasn’t just his ability to sell that made him stand out; it was his unique, often humorous, and personal approach to marketing.

The combination of authenticity and solid marketing strategies turned Kern into a trusted name in the internet marketing community.

He soon began teaching others the tactics that brought him success, which culminated in the release of his iconic courses and products, such as the “Mass Control” and “Underachiever Method.”

Affiliate Marketing: Kern’s Golden Goose

Among the many digital marketing strategies that Kern mastered, affiliate marketing holds a special place.

Here’s how he used it to skyrocket his business:

1. Building Relationships: Frank understood that the heart of affiliate marketing lies in relationships. He invested time and effort in building strong ties with other product creators, affiliates, and influencers in the digital marketing realm.

2. High-Quality Content: Kern believes in delivering value upfront. Whether it's webinars, video content, or email campaigns, he always ensures that his audience receives actionable insights even before they make a purchase.

3. Backend Selling: One of Kern’s strengths is his understanding of the customer lifecycle. While many marketers focus solely on the initial sale, Frank harnesses the power of backend selling. He offers additional, complementary products to his customers, often through affiliate links, thereby maximizing the customer’s lifetime value.

4. Authentic Promotion: Kern doesn't just promote any product. He chooses products that he believes in and often tests them out himself. This authentic approach builds trust with his audience, making his recommendations more impactful.

5. Training Affiliates: Recognizing the power of a strong affiliate team, Kern has often trained his affiliates, equipping them with the tools, strategies, and knowledge to effectively promote his products.

The Legacy of Frank Kern

Frank Kern's journey from an unsure entrepreneur to a digital marketing powerhouse is a testament to the fact that with the right strategies, dedication, and a pinch of humor, one can achieve unparalleled success in the online world.

His utilization of affiliate marketing has not only added to his success but has also paved the way for countless others to thrive in this domain.

Today, Kern continues to inspire, educate, and lead.

His strategies, courses, and mentorship programs are gold standards in the industry.

For those looking to make their mark in digital marketing, Kern’s story serves as both motivation and a roadmap to success.