Is Affiliate Internet Marketing for You?

Affiliate marketing is a system set up for a person (affiliate) with a website (or blog) that creates links, banners or product images to another website (merchant) to help sell the merchants products, which is the affiliate marketing programs.

The link, banner or pictures that you use has a special code (affiliate links) to let the merchant know that the customer buying the product came from your link. Once a customer from your website clicks-through to the merchants site, the merchant will place a cookie on their computer.

Each merchant has a different time frame for how long their cookies are active. If you merchant has a 30-day active cookie, that means that even if the customer does not buy anything on that first visit, if they return within 30-days you will get credit for that sale. Once the person buys a product, the merchant will then pay you a commission (percentage or a set fee of the sale from that customer). The percentage could be anywhere from 4% - 50% or the set fee could be from $5.00 - 100.00.

How do you find an internet affiliate programs?

Many merchants are joining an affiliate marketing network. The merchant pays this company to do all of the "paperwork" involved with obtaining affiliates to market their product. There are hundreds of these networks and I have listed only a small few of the major ones. These companies are free to join and you can join one or all of them.

Niche Affiliate Marketing

Don't forget another big niche affiliate marketing program. Ebay. Many people overlook this huge opportunity that can be very profitable and the best part is YOU don't sell any products but promote ebay's marketplace by building a niche store (or multiple sites if you want).

Build your own affiliate marketing business by using eBay or you can create an affiliate web site by using XsitePro or Site Build It!

Do I have to use one of the affiliate networks?

No, you do not have to use any of the networks to find programs. If you are creating a website on fishing, then on the Google search bar type in "fishing affiliate". This search will find many of the fishing affiliate merchants you could use on your website. You can do this type of search for any type of affiliate program you would like to find.

I tried the search above for affiliate programs and still can't find one for my niche. What now? 

Do a search for an affiliate programs directory. They have hundreds of categories in which to look. Here a few to help you get started:

• Associateprograms 
• Affiliatescout 

Seeking answers in affiliate marketing forums 

There are many forums on the internet and if you can't find information by any of the ways above, check out these two forums that are filled with extremely friendly and helpful people. You can search their database to see if you can find information you are seeking but if you can not find it then sign-up (it's free) and ask your questions. They do not look at any question as being "stupid".

Additional Articles

Take a look at some of the best affiliate marketing programs online.

Even though you are able to sign up with many networks, how to avoid the wrong affiliate marketing program

Best Affiliate Marketing Program?

Everyone (it seems) has a top 10 list of the best affiliate programs. My answer to this; No matter what you are creating your website for, the best affiliate marketing programs to join are the ones that fits your web site theme.

If you are into some internet affiliate programs already by using Clickbank or one of the other networks, do you receive a small commission for promoting their products? These programs have high commissions, which make them stand out in the crowd.

Sitesell

Never heard of Sitesell? Have you heard of Site Build It! This is only one product that Sitesell has.

Even if you are not interested in becoming an affiliate for their company, they have a free affiliate masters course to help you learn about affiliate marketing.

Where most affiliate programs just give you some links or banners to help you make money online, they have a whole arsenal of resources to teach you how to make money with their affiliate program.

a. Top paying ($75 per sale)

b. Two-tier program

c. Affiliate Newsletter

d. Don't need to purchase a product to promote

e. Lifetime Customer - annual commissions for each SBI renewal

NOTE:  Once you join the 5 pillar program, you can save 50% on your purchase of Site Build It!

Yes, I want to join the 5 Pillar Program

World Wide Brands

I became a member about 5 years ago and have never regretted that decision. This is "the place" to find real wholesalers, drop shippers , liquidators and much more. Since I have been a member, they have kept up with the fast changing Internet.

A huge selling point for promotion on this product is that they have "One Time Fee, Lifetime Membership". Even if they upgrade their program, you don't have to pay an "upgrade fee"

Your target audience could be people who want to find great dropshippers, wholesalers or liquidators to use to sell in eBay (or any of the auction houses), building their own online store or even offline selling at flea markets, fairs or start up their own business.

a. High Payout per sale (over $74 per sale)

b. Affiliate Newsletter

c. Affiliate Training Center

d. Two-tier program

Join Worldwidebrands affiliate program

ThinkHost

Thinkhost is not new to the Internet. They have been around for many years. This affiliate marketing program has great income potential.

a. Very High Payout ($100)

b. Two-tier program

c. 10 year cookie and IP tracking

d. Affiliate tools and support

Join ThinkHost affiliate program

These are just a few of the best affiliate marketing programs to make money online. So no matter what affiliate network you are using, Clickbank, RocketProfit, or Commission Junction to name a few, add these to your affiliate marketing business to help you generate more income.

Remember, you should never have to pay to get into any online affiliate marketing program.