A website is somewhat like a newspaper on the internet. Many of the same principles hold true in its development. Just as with newspapers, your website should have photos, stories, design elements, advertising, etc. Affiliate programs are akin to ads in a newspaper. The main difference is that you are generally providing space free for and advertier up front and making money if one of your visitors buys something, signs-up or clicks on a link. Joining affiliate programs generally costs you nothing put time and effort, however, just placing a banner on your site doesn't usually generate much income.
To be successful with affiliate programs, one must carefully consider a number of factors:
1. Great fit - a link to a candle site from WebEasier is unlikely to generate many sales. Why? Most who come here are interested in website design, marketing and website resources - not candles! So our adverstisers need to be web related.
2. Quality products and services - Only select merchants or services that you yourself have or would use.
3. Recommend - Are they a program that you can strongly endorse? If I send you to (xyzHosting) and they have terrible service, I'll loose you as a customer. If on the other hand we, (as we do) recommend as a web host becuase of their outstanding services and pricing based on personal use you are more apt to be thrilled and will remain a visitor to our site.
4. Worthwhile - Selecting worthwhile affiliate programs is an
important consideration. How do you receive commissions? Is it a % of the sale, for a lead, a click through? Most programs are a percent of the sale. If one earns $.05 for a click, not much will be generated unless one has 1,000's of visitors a day.
One must balance the types and quantities of visitors their website gets, with the payment options of affiliates.
5. Compare - This can be rather time consuming but is critical. Take the time to look at 100's of programs and then select what is best for you. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
6. Promote - In order to maximize your sales one must find ways to promote the affiliate's products and services through newsletters, articles, email campaigns, etc.
