How to Choose an Affiliate Program

[Rudi Vanhaecke]

We all hear that you have to be in 'affiliate programs' to get ahead on the Internet. We hear about people making huge incomes being a 'super affiliate' and how these programs are the greatest thing since sliced bread.

 

 

 

While it IS true that you can make very good money with affiliate programs, it's equally true that you can waste tons of time on them. Let's look together at the basics of affiliate programs as well as some things to watch out for if you decide to affiliate.

 

 

 

First, what does the word 'affiliate' mean? Webster's Dictionary defines the word this way...

 

 

 

Affiliate: [verb] To associate as a member <affiliates herself with the local club>

 

 

 

That's exactly correct. When you become an affiliate you are associating with the product or service you will be selling.

 

 

 

So being an 'affiliate' is simply a fancy Internet way of saying that you are going to be a commissioned salesperson.

 

 

 

Just like your car insurance agent collects a percentage of your premium (a commission) when you pay your bill, so you too will be paid a commission when you sell someone's product or service.

 

 

 

Now that you know what being an affiliate is, here are five quick things to look for BEFORE you associate yourself with someone's product or service.

 

 

 

1) Be yourself. If your site is all about embroidery, you probably won't get too many clicks for car parts sites. Stick with what you know at first and, once you learn how to promote on the Internet, move on to different products.

 

 

 

2) Check it out. Don't just jump in because it's easy. Ask yourself this question; Is the product or service you are affiliating with something you would bring to your best friend? If not, you may want to keep looking.

 

 

 

3) Talk to affiliates. Ask for a list of happy affiliates. Ask them some key questions such as did they get the help and support promised? Are they being paid on time? You get the idea.

 

 

 

4) Look long term. If your first arrangement doesn't pan out, don't give up. Many people on the net are making excellent incomes with affiliate programs. You can too.

 

 

 

5) Go for quality. Make a checklist of everything you want, find two who meet the criteria, and go all out with those two.

 

 

 

Regardless of the enticing book titles, you probably won't get rich in the next 3 days with affiliate programs. But you CAN begin today to find the right two to start with and, in time, be making buckets full of money. Now that's a great place to be.

 

 

[Kenny Kolijn]

Some good points raised here Rudi. It's definitely worth it

to take enough time to find the "right" opportunity/product

to promote, something that will last and has real value.

 

There are many opportunities for internet marketers,

and we're all looking for something that matches with

our interests and goals.

 

An important question that I ask myself before becoming

an affiliate and promoting something is this:

 

"Does this have real value, regardless of the affiliate compensation plan?"

 

"Does it help people to get closer to their goals?"

 

Of course that's a personal choice. I don't want to promote something

just because I can earn with it. Of course, as an internet marketer it's

super easy to just promote stuff that you haven't even tried yourself,

but that's maybe a whole different topic Millions of dollars are

generated by people recommending products that they don't even own

or have not tried yet.

 

 

 

 

[AllThingsconsidered]

Be your own client. Sell what you love and it stops being a job. 

Fits within your niche.

Desired by your target audience. 

Commission levels and earnings per click.

Consider high price products. 

Upsells. 

Quality product.