Choosing and Using Affiliate Programs

by Gail Hornback and Michael Smith

Incorporating affiliate programs into your website has become a popular, easy means to adding extra income to your ebusiness. And because of their popularity, there are literally thousands and thousands to choose from. Everyone seems to be getting on the affiliate program bandwagon, and wanting YOU to sell their product.

So, how do you decide which affiliate programs to put your time into?(**Hold that thought till later**)

Not all affiliate programs are created equal. Before you go rushing out to sign up for all those affiliate links to load your site with, here are a few things you need to consider:

1) How Does it Complement Your Site?

Make sure the product you are going to promote fits in with the theme of your site. If your site is about Pet Supplies, you won't have much luck promoting Sports Equipment. Why are your visitors at your site? Give them access to products that complement yours.

2) What Does it Pay?

Be aware of the commission structure. Most affiliate programs will pay anywhere from 20 - 50%. Some even offer a second tier commission (you get paid for the affiliate sales UNDER you).

3) Is the product actually Worth Promoting?

Never promote anything that you wouldn't use yourself. In fact, we recommend doing just that. Purchase the product and USE it. What better way to know what you're promoting. Quality and price are important. You may be getting 50% of sales, but if the price is too high, or the quality too low, there won't be any sales. You must KNOW the product.

4) Is the Referral System Worth your Time?

Some affiliate programs offer one-time, one-click commissions. Others "remember" that you referred that person, and give you recurrent commissions on subsequent purchases by the same referral. Of course, these types of affiliate programs are more "valuable" than the one-click type.

5) Are there stats available?

Some of the best affiliate programs allow you to check your sales at any time, with real-time stats. Others will send you a monthly report. And still others, give you NO REPORTS whatsoever.

6) When is Payment made?

This one is the real kicker! Make sure you know HOW often you will be paid, and if there is a minimum commission amount that you must reach before a check is sent. Some only pay every few months.

One affiliate program we know of looks great, but when you read the fine print, they only cut you a check when you've reached $100 in commissions. If you want a check before then, it costs you a $5 service charge. The best ones will cut you a monthly check, no matter what you've earned.

These are the VERY BEST affiliate programs we've found.
http://www.cmymtc.com/otheraffprogs.htm

**Now, for that thought we told you to hold.. Notice that we said, "how do you decide which affiliate programs to PUT YOUR TIME INTO?"

Don't let yourself get away with the idea that all you have to do is copy a little link onto the page of your site, and sit back and start watching the money roll in. Yes, becoming an affiliate of a product is usually a very easy process. You sign up, they give you a link, and you're on your way.

But, that is just the beginning. We recommend you also read this article about becoming an affiliate sales person. It will tell you everything you need to know!
http://coyote1marketing.com/Ebiz%20Tutor/ebtezine9.htm

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Gail Hornback and Mike Smith, are experienced internet marketers, offering help to everyone with the desire to learn and succeed. Get their most recent Email Mini Course on How to Create your Own Hosting and IP Business.... http://www.tcsnet.com/arpages/iphost1.htm

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