subject: Three Rules to Effectively Evaluating Affiliate Programs [print this page] There are so many affiliate marketing programs online today, how do you choose the right one for you? To effectively evaluate all of the programs and better make the right choice that fits your needs, follow these simple rules.
Rule One: Listen to Others
You absolutely must find out what is, and is not, working for other affilate marketers. Sure they may be your competition at times. But they also will have excellent ideas, unique approaches to marketing, and helpful tips about which products are the best and why. So, be sure you hang out in forums, read blogs, and subscribe to ezines all geared toward the affiliate marketer.
Rule Two: Quality & Value
When choosing an affiliate program that will be the right fit for you, be sure you consider the products' quality and value. Of course you will be adding your own value to any product you are marketing as an affiliate, but the original product itself must be delivering high value for a fair price. You will need to do your homework to be sure you are choosing products that deliver on the promises the merchant is making, as well as provides customer support to those who purchase. A good test is to ask yourself whether or not you would buy and use the product. If yes, then it is more likely to be a good choice for you to market as an affiliate.
Rule Three: Merchants' Track Record
As an affiliate you will need to go beyond the fluff and hype of the merchants' sales page. You need to dig deep and determine whether or not they have a proven product that delivers. You need to know about their past success in marketing similar products to similar niches. It is important for you to also learn about the merchants' reputation in the field. Are they honest? Do they do what they say they will do? Have they been around for a while? Do they have business associates that can give them a fair recommendation? Is the compensation paid to the affiliates fair, paid on time, and worth the effort you will put into marketing the product? It will take some work to find this information, but your success in the long run is depending on your efforts now.
I know most of us would rather not follow all the rules. As an affiliate marekter you have the entreprenuer spirit and want to be out on your own, doing your own thing. In this case, however, the success of your business...and the size of your bottom line...will depend on you listening to others, knowing the quality and value of the products you will be marketing, and learning about the merchants' track record. As you gather this information on the many different affiliate products you are interested in, you will be able to compare and contrast more effectively. Your checklist will lead you to an informed decision, not a knee-jerk reaction.
Three Rules to Effectively Evaluating Affiliate Programs
