subject: Where To Find Good Affiliate Programs [print this page] There are many methods and tools to work with affiliate programs and make money on the Internet. Affiliate programs with all kind of products from jewelry and gifts to bicycles can be found, and a site of any topic that already drives traffic can subtly insert affiliate links in relation to their content.
The best method to look for an affiliate program is initially to write a list of products that are in relation to the website. Then, searching in Google will display merchants selling these related items. Generally, at the bottom of the merchants' home page is a link that says "affiliate program" or "partner program". Clicking this link is how the info on a particular program can be found.
Another method consists in browsing merchants with an account in affiliate networks. There are many networks with thousand of merchants, and just signing-up with one will bring many possibilities for one vertical. The benefit of working with a network is that merchants can be evaluated by comparison and when using several programs, only one payment will be made.
Lots of merchants have their own affiliate program system and when registering with them it is essential to make sure that their tracking is dependable, and note what their method and minimum payment amounts are. It is also recommended to search in Google to see if there are unsatisfied affiliates commenting their experience with them. There is more risk when working directly with the merchant so a thorough check is advised.
A lot of merchants use networks as they do not want to buy and maintain software, but just pay a base fee or commission for the service. Networks have top software with reliable tracking, detailed statistics, a lot of creative options, data-feeds, and the financial status of the merchant is shown. Some merchants are on auto-deposit and it is a guarantee that money is in the network to pay affiliates for their work.
An crucial element of the affiliate program is the affiliate manager. This person's job is to grow the affiliate program and assist affiliates in giving advices, make links and creative, answer to questions and help affiliates to make more money. Supposing that the affiliate program doesn't have one or that he is not communicative, it is advised to look for another merchant. Many merchants have accounts in several networks in auto-pilot, which make it difficult for the affiliates to have someone to talk to when needed.
When the program has been chosen, it is time to place text or product links, banners, or widgets on the website. It is important to know that text and product links deep in the site convert better than banners on the home page for the average site. Many programs also provide discount coupon codes for limited time promotions that are very popular with affiliates and online shoppers alike.
Success in affiliate marketing depends mostly on the selection of the affiliate products, placement on the site, type of creative, and of course decent targeted traffic with proper SEO work.
